Spanish star Dani Olmo said he does not accept the apology of Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala after their physical confrontation at the end of the World Cup final last week.

Ayala was caught forcefully placing his hands near Olmo’s neck in the aftermath of Spain’s 1-0 victory over Argentina during the scrap that followed after full time.

Ayala told Valencia Capital Radio on Wednesday that “of course” he was sorry, while qualifying the incident and defending himself on two fronts.

“It was more of a shove than anything else, it wasn’t a punch as they’re making it out to be,” Ayala said before adding, “It was a reaction to something he said, but that’s it. If I see him, I’ll obviously apologize to him in person.”

Olmo told the Catalan newspaper Diari de Terrassa this weekend why Ayala’s apology is not accepted, as he challenged Ayala’s version of events.

“Someone who says they’re sorry but justifies a punch by saying it was a response to a comment is surely not sorry because he is lying,” Olmo said. “I didn’t say anything to him, so he doesn’t need to apologize.

“What truly defines us is not the mistake, but the courage to acknowledge it with humility, honesty and dignity.”

FIFA is actively investigating the post-match altercation that involved both sides, particularly Argentine midfielder Leandro Paredes confronting multiple members of the Spanish team.

“When my children, my family and all those fans watch the game,” Olmo said, “I want them to be proud of how we competed, how we won and, above all, of our behavior, because the importance of football means that us players are an example for children and the new generations, and that brings with it a huge responsibility.”

Olmo, a 28-year-old midfielder for FC Barcelona, started six of Spain’s eight World Cup matches and recorded two assists.

–Field Level Media

Max Scherzer will celebrate his 42nd birthday by returning to the Toronto Blue Jays’ rotation against one of his former teams.

Manager John Schneider announced Sunday that Scherzer will come off the injured list to start Monday’s series opener against the Nationals in Washington. Rookie right-hander Spencer Miles will be moved back to the bullpen.

Scherzer has not pitched in the majors since June 10. He landed on the 15-day IL the following week because of back spasms, then encountered another delay after receiving three cortisone injections in his right thumb during the All-Star break.

The three-time Cy Young Award winner cleared his final test Wednesday with Triple-A Buffalo, throwing five hitless innings while striking out seven. The only batter to reach did so on an error, and Scherzer threw 56 pitches with 40 for strikes.

Schneider said Toronto might limit Scherzer’s workload on Monday, but the veteran recovered well from the rehab start and met the club’s requirements for a return.

“Maybe a little bit limited in pitch count, but I think he kind of checked all the boxes,” Schneider said.

Toronto hopes the layoff allowed Scherzer to reset after a difficult opening half. He is 1-4 with a 10.23 ERA through six starts, allowing 25 earned runs over 22 innings.

His return is particularly timely for a rotation that has been tested by injuries. The Blue Jays have lost seven of their first 10 games since the All-Star break and are trying to remain in the American League playoff race.

Monday’s matchup also sends Scherzer to face the team where he achieved some of his greatest success. He played for Washington from 2015-21, winning two Cy Young Awards and helping the Nationals capture the 2019 World Series.

Scherzer owns a 222-121 record and 3.27 ERA over 19 major league seasons. He won another World Series with the Texas Rangers in 2023 and reached the 3,500-strikeout milestone with Toronto earlier this season.

–Field Level Media

Championship Series MVP Jadelyn Allchin homered, doubled and drove in three runs to lead the Utah Talons to a 6-1 victory over the Chicago Bandits on Sunday at College Station, Texas, to win the Athletes Unlimited Softball League Championship for the second straight year.

Allchin hit a two-run homer in the first inning and an RBI double in the fourth to lead the Talons to the victory in the clinching Game 2 of the best-of-three championship series. Utah recorded a 2-1 victory over the Bandits in Game 1 on Saturday.

Bri Ellis and Sahvanna Jaquish also homered for the Talons. Right-hander Montana Fouts pitched a complete game and gave up eight hits. She struck out four and walked one.

Skylar Wallace drove in the lone Chicago run with a single in the seventh inning. It was her second hit of the game.

Bandits right-hander Kat Sandercock gave up four runs (two earned) and seven hits in 3 2/3 innings. Allchin’s double knocked her out of the contest.

The Talons also beat the Bandits in last year’s championship series in the first campaign of the AUSL.

–Field Level Media