Ex-Sporting man who clashed with Amorim joins national squad | OneFootball

The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) announced this Monday the call-up of Nuno Tavares, a defender who represents Lazio and has previously played for Sporting, for the two World Cup 2026 qualification matches against Ireland (October 11) and Hungary (October 14), both scheduled for the José Alvalade Stadium, at 19:45.

The left-back joins Roberto Martínez's list after the dismissal of João Neves, who was deemed unfit to join the squad due to physical problems. In a statement, the FPF clarified that the decision was made in conjunction with the medical department of PSG.

“The Health and Performance Directorate of the Portuguese Football Federation, in conjunction with the medical department of Paris Saint-Germain, considered that the Portuguese international midfielder is not in physical condition to participate in the national team's matches,” the official note states.

The player has played six official matches for Lazio this season and is thus once again wearing the national team's jersey, reinforcing the defensive options of the national team. Portugal is preparing for the two October commitments, in which it can take another step towards qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

Nuno Tavares has had a series of unusual incidents throughout his sports career, having entered into successive disputes with Ruben Amorim in the Champions League group stage - when Marseille and Sporting clashed in 2022/23. The left-back left Sporting in 2013 to join Casa Pia, and in the following season, signed for Benfica.

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