FURY-JOSHUA HEADS TO NEW YORK AS WHITE AND HEARN CLASH PUBLICLY

 

Key points:

• Dana White gave his strongest signal yet that Fury vs Joshua lands at Madison Square Garden on November 20

• White launched a heated public attack on Eddie Hearn after being told Hearn still wants the fight in the UK

• Hearn has argued Joshua’s contract requires a UK venue and has discussed possible legal action

• Joshua’s approval is still technically required before the venue becomes official

The months-long tug-of-war over where Anthony Joshua finally fights Tyson Fury boiled into open conflict this week, with Dana White all but confirming a New York venue before turning his frustration directly on Eddie Hearn.

Told the fight had been agreed for Friday, November 20, White responded with a knowing “Interesting.” Pressed on Madison Square Garden specifically, he added, “If that’s what the word is, then that must be it.” White seemed less uncertain about the location than simply unwilling to make the formal announcement himself, growing irritated when a reporter questioned his role in the promotion. “You might want to ask the promoters of the fight,” he said. “I’m not going to play these games with these [expletive] guys.”

The real anger surfaced when White was told Hearn still wants the fight in Britain and had discussed legal action over TKO’s dealings with Madison Square Garden. “I have not. I stopped listening to Eddie Hearn about three months ago,” White said. “Is there anybody more full of [expletive] than this guy?” Hearn responded in kind, accusing White of exaggerating his own role in the venue negotiations.

What White’s outburst didn’t address is the contractual question underneath all of it: Joshua reportedly signed for a fight in Britain, and his approval is still required before Madison Square Garden becomes official. Madison Square Garden clearly suits Netflix, allowing a Friday night broadcast in American primetime away from college football and NFL competition, but it would leave British fans watching an overnight fight rather than the Wembley occasion many expected for years.

- BBN Editor

SPRINGBOKS V ALL BLACKS: LAST FIVE TESTS

WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND - SEPTEMBER 13: Damian Willemse of South Africa celebrates after scoring a try during The Rugby Championship match between New Zealand All Blacks and South Africa Springboks at Sky Stadium on September 13, 2025 in Wellington, New Zealand. (Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)

The Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series shifts into top gear this weekend, with the Springboks hosting the All Blacks at Ellis Park, Johannesburg, in the first of four Tests.

New Zealand have concluded their run-outs against three of the four South African franchises, beating the Stormers, Sharks, and the Bulls over the last two weeks, while the Lions will get their chance against the men in black at the same iconic venue on August 25.

While this marks New Zealand’s first tour of South Africa in 30 years, this fiercest of sporting rivalries is anything but new.

South African toured New Zealand for the first time in 1921, and in the 110 Tests played between them, the All Blacks have won 63, while the Springboks have beaten them 43 times. Four Tests have ended in a draw.

The two iconic sides have won seven of the 10 world cups since the tournament began in 1987, with South Africa lifting the Web Ellis a record four times, while New Zealand have claimed the global top-podium spot on three occasions. Two of those finals have been played between the two teams, with South Africa winning both.

While the All Blacks hold an overall 57 percent success rate over the Springboks, there has been a major shift in the Rassie Erasmus era, with the Boks winning seven of their 11 Tests since the 2019 world cup in Japan.

With so much history between these age-old rivals and more history possibly to be made during this tour, we look at the five most recent results between South Africa and New Zealand.

September 13, 2025: All Blacks 10 Springboks 43, Wellington

South Africa ran in six tries – five of them in the second half – to dismantle the hosts in a shocking one-sided affair at Sky Stadium.

While the Boks dominated territory in the opening 40, they only had a Cheslin Kolbe intercept try to show for it and went into the break trailing 10-7, but they were ruthless after switching sides and kept the All Blacks scoreless in the second half, while they ran in five more tries.

The All Blacks assault in Wellington marked their biggest-ever victory against their rivals and the biggest defeat for the All Blacks on home soil. The result also saw the Boks retain the Freedom Cup while moving back to the top of the World Rugby rankings.

What made the performance even more impressive was how the Boks regrouped after their Eden Park defeat the previous week and the wholesale changes that were made to the squad. Youngsters were given the license to thrill. Add in there the injuries the visitors sustained in the first half in Wellington and how they emptied the bench even before the end of the third quarter, and the result becomes even more remarkable.

It was also the game that should have convinced the rugby world about the Boks’ attacking venom.

September 6, 2025: All Blacks 24- 17 Springboks, Auckland

Going into the clash, the Boks had been winless at Eden Park since 1937, and it remained that way, while New Zealand extended their long-standing record at the venue.

The All Blacks had been unbeaten in 50 Tests (including two draws) at their Eden Park bastion prior to this contest and added one more win to that streak, while the result snapped the Boks’ four-match winning run against them.

Ardie Savea produced a moment worthy of the occasion in his 100th Test for the All Blacks when he won a turnover with one minute to time to negate the spirited Springbok second-half fightback which saw the traveling team come back from 17-3 down at half time.

The result piled the pressure on the Springboks’ Rugby Championship title defence after three rounds.

September 7, 2024: Springboks 18 – 12 All Blacks, Cape Town

The result was a massive one for South Africa for a number of reasons – it marked the first time since 1949 that they beat New Zealand four times on the bounce and their first time winning the Freedom Cup since 2009, while it also all but secured them the Rugby Championship title for the first time since 2019, when the Boks became the first country to win the Sanzaar-governed competition and the world cup in the same year.

The Springboks trailed 3-9 at half-time at Cape Town Stadium and scored the only two tries of the match to claim an 18-12 victory in an absolute thriller of a clash to remain unbeaten in the Rugby Championship after four rounds.

South Africa led by a single point in the 70th minute, but Damian McKenzie flopped a straightforward penalty kick, allowing the Boks to exit after the All Black hooked his kick.

August 31, 2024: Springboks 31 – 27 All Blacks, Johannesburg

Drama lacked not in this blockbuster.

From the airplane flyover during the haka to the fantastic smash-and-grab by the Boks, this match had it all.

South Africa simply had no business winning this game.

The All Blacks had the upper hand in the most of the stats charts and dominated territory and possession, but they conceded more breakdown penalties against a Springbok team that just refused to go down.

And that was the difference, the home side’s relentless determination to keep up the fight.

New Zealand led by 27 points to 17 with just 11 minutes remaining before South Africa orchestrated a fantastic late surge in Round Three of the Rugby Championship.

It was a battle for the books, and while the All Blacks fell victim to some of their errors, the Boks rose above theirs in the Ellis Park epic and showed exactly why, with them, it’s never over till it’s over.

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu contributed 16 points in the form of penalties and conversions, while the Bomb Squad injected some potency with Kwagga Smith scoring after a lineout maul was stopped metres from the line before Grant Williams burst over after another maul was stopped in its tracks.

With the win, the Boks tightened their grip on the Rugby Championship.

October 28, 2023: Springboks 12 – 11 All Blacks, Saint-Denis (France World Cup)

Not much needs to be said about why this match was a historic one.

While the Springboks gilded the pages of their stacked history books with a record fourth world cup title, All Blacks skipper Sam Cane became the first player to be red-carded in a world cup final.

But that was perhaps not as decisive as one would expect as the Boks also lost two players to yellow cards.

The All Blacks scored the only try of the match in the 58th minute courtesy of Beauden Barrett, which was the first time in their four finals that the Boks had conceded a try. That alone might have suggested that the night wouldn’t end favourably for the South Africans, but this is a team that knows nothing of a white flag and in no other contest did they make it clearer than on that icy night in Saint-Denis.

Handré Pollard scored all his team’s points with four first-half penalties while Pieter-Steph du Toit single-handedly put together the study guide on colossal defence in a performance that epitomised “big match temperament”.

No words can do the kind of determination and character that the Boks embodied on that night justice.

- Wynona Louw

ISACK HADJAR COULD MISS DUTCH GP WITH LIAM LAWSON IN LINE FOR SHOCK RED BULL F1 RETURN

Isack Hadjar will reportedly miss this weekend's Dutch Grand Prix due to injury.

Hadjar picked up a wrist injury over F1's summer break

Isack Hadjar has reportedly been ruled out of the Dutch Grand Prix because of injury, opening the door for a surprise Red Bull Formula 1 return for Liam Lawson. 

Dutch publication De Telegraaf claims Hadjar suffered a wrist injury during a gym session over F1’s summer break that is likely to result in him missing this weekend’s race at Zandvoort. The report notes that a final decision has not yet been made by Red Bull. 

Should Hadjar indeed be sidelined, Lawson has been tipped to replace him and complete a shock return to the Red Bull senior team alongside Max Verstappen for the weekend.

Lawson is set to return to Red Bull for one weekend

Lawson was brutally demoted from Red Bull back to sister team Racing Bulls just two races into the 2025 season, having been brought in to take Sergio Perez’s place over the winter. 

If Hadjar cannot participate, it would also provide Yuki Tsunoda with an unexpected F1 reprieve. The Japanese driver, who acts as Red Bull’s reserve driver, would fill in for Lawson at Racing Bulls at Zandvoort. 

Tsunoda, who stepped up to replace Lawson early in 2025, has been out of F1 since making way for Hadjar at the end of last season, having become the latest victim of Red Bull’s ruthless driver shuffles. 

Ironically, Zandvoort was where Lawson made his F1 debut when he was drafted as a last-minute substitute after Daniel Ricciardo broke his hand in a practice crash ahead of the 2023 Dutch Grand Prix. 

It was also the scene of Hajdar’s maiden F1 podium finish during an impressive rookie campaign that led to the Frenchman ultimately earning the top drive at Red Bull this year. 

Missing this weekend would give Hadjar two weeks to recover before the Italian Grand Prix at Monza on 6 September. 

- Lewis Larkam

JAMAL MUSIALA HEALTH ISSUES, EXPLAINED: WHY BAYERN MUNICH STAR'S 'ABSENCE SEIZURE' CAUSE HIM TO FAINT

Bayern Munich and Germany star Jamal Musiala has struggled with injuries over the past few years, and the 2026/27 club season presented a fresh start from which to springboard back to his best after over a year of struggling with fitness.

Unfortunately, his preparations for the coming campaign have been halted in concerning fashion, as Musiala has suffered bouts of unconsciousness in consecutive preseason friendlies that have put both his immediate and long-term playing future at risk.

Musiala has collapsed during play in two different matches as Bayern Munich prepare for the upcoming season, which starts for the Bavarian giants on Saturday as they meet Der Klassiker rivals Borussia Dortmund in the DFL-Supercup.

The Sporting News explains what has been the issue for Musiala and what his prognosis is moving forward as he looks to continue his football career safely and responsibly.

Jamal Musiala on-field collapses

Bayern Munich playmaker Jamal Musiala has fainted in two consecutive preseason friendlies, sparking concern amongst the global football fanbase.

First, he fell to the ground during a 3-1 friendly victory over RB Leipzig on Saturday, August 15. He looked woozy on his feet, and new Bayern signing Ismael Saibari ran over to assist him, helping the dazed Musiala to the turf safely.

After that incident, Musiala recovered quickly and returned to training, with the medical staff clearing him of any larger concerns. "The most important thing is that he is well," said Bayern Munich executive Max Eberl to The Mirror after the match. "There's nothing more to say about anything else."

Bayern head coach Vincent Kompany, meanwhile, blamed the combination of significant heat and Musiala's recent medical struggles for the initial collapse. According to reports, medical tests revealed no significant issues, and he was cleared to continue playing.

However, Musiala suffered another episode four days later, as he again fell to the turf just four minutes after coming on as a substitute in an August 18 friendly against Heidenheim. There was serious concern amongst players from both teams, who surrounded Musiala while the medical staff rushed on. He was able to walk off under his own power, flanked by Bayern Munich trainers.

What has Jamal Musiala said about his condition?

After the second incident in the friendly against Heidenheim, Jamal Musiala took to social media to reveal that his collapses have been due to a diagnosis of "absence seizures." The full statement on Instagram read:

I'm doing well! I am incredibly grateful for your messages and your support! I understand that many of you are worried. I want to put those worries to rest today and explain the situation.

I have been diagnosed with brief, temporary — but treatable —absence seizures caused by a neurological dysfunction. These can lead to the kind of moments that occurred recently, such as during the match against Leipzig or now in Heidenheim. I know they might look scary at first glance, but for me, they are currently just part of my everyday life. I am receiving excellent medical care for this and remain very optimistic. FC Bayern and my personal support network are right by my side, helping me through this. Importantly, there is no further health risk involved. In close consultation and regular contact with the experts, it was my personal wish to face this challenge head-on. With the medical clearance of the neurologists, I want to continue doing what helps my recovery the most: simply living my daily life and pursuing my passion for playing football. I have taken full responsibility for this decision.

Overall, I feel very positive and am on the right track. What helps me most on this journey is continuing to chase victories and titles with my team and with your amazing support. I hope this helps you understand my situation better. At the same time, I ask for your understanding regarding my wish to keep the details of this matter private—sharing them only with my closest circle, the club, and the medical experts.

Despite claims that the issue is relatively minor, it's hard to imagine that after two straight incidents, Bayern Munich would put him back on the pitch without reconsidering his condition and treatment plan moving forward to prevent more recurrences.

What are absence seizures?

Jamal Musiala revealed after his second on-pitch collapse that he had been diagnosed with "absence seizures" that were causing his recent issues.

According to Massachusetts General Hospital, absence seizures "cause a brief, temporary loss of awareness, usually for 5 to 30 seconds." An individual experiencing an absence seizure "may stare into space or look like they’re daydreaming." Usually, the individual returns to consciousness relatively quickly after an absence seizure.

These kind of symptoms can be managed by antiseizure medications. There are sometimes referred to as "petit mal seizures," which translates as “little illness” in French.

According to the Mayo Clinic, absence seizures are far more common in children, and it is rare that the symptoms persist into adulthood. However, they can sometimes be a precursor to a more serious kind of epilepsy that presents with what are known as "grand mal seizures."

It's unclear if Musiala has experienced these symptoms through his childhood, or if they have just recently begun.

Is Jamal Musiala's condition life threatening?

While this typically does not result in physical injury on most occasions, the situation in which the seizure presents could be extremely dangerous.

If the individual suffers a loss of consciousness during an activity that requires consistent attention, such as driving, riding a bike, or other athletic activity, it can create a situation that becomes dangerous by association.

Jamal Musiala age

Jamal Musiala is 23 years old.

The Massachusetts General Hospital writeup claims that absence seizures can begin in children ages 3 to 8 and are most common in those aged 8 to 15. "Although uncommon, some children continue to have absence seizures into adulthood," the article states.

He has been considered one of the best young players in the world for some time, but as he begins to reach the prime of his career, he has been beset with significant injury concerns.

Jamal Musiala injury history

As he transitions from his developmental years into the peak years of his career, Jamal Musiala has struggled mightily with injuries over the past few years.

At first, it began with muscle injuries, as he picked up a series of short-term issues with his hamstring in late 2023. He missed significant time with a hamstring injury in the latter half of the 2024/25 season, missing the final 71 days of the campaign as well as that summer's UEFA Nations League finals with Germany.

Then, the big injury struck as Musiala suffered a gruesome broken leg in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup during a challenge from then-PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, which saw him sidelined from July through the middle of January 2026.

Musiala returned from his fracture but suffered subsequent ankle issues that disrupted his time through the spring of 2026 and saw him fail to return to his best form by the World Cup later that summer.

- Kyle Bonn

PATRICK VIEIRA TAKES OVER AS HEAD COACH OF SENEGAL'S TERANGA LIONS

 

Former Arsenal and France Captain, Patrick Vieira, has been appointed as the new head coach of the Senegal men’s national team.

The 50‑year‑old replaces Pape Thiaw, who was sacked in the wake of the country’s last‑32 exit at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Born in Senegal’s capital Dakar, Vieira will now manage the country of his birth, having moved to France aged eight before later winning over 100 caps for Les Bleus and lifting the World Cup in 1998 and the European Championship in 2000.

Senegal’s football federation (FSF) said the appointment of Vieira reflects its “desire to strengthen its high-level technical staff” and is “perfectly aligned” with the nation’s sporting ambitions.

Details of Vieria’s contract and his starting date in the role are still being discussed.

His first matches in charge of the Teranga Lions are expected to come next month in qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Vieira joins the West Africans after he left his role as Genoa head coach by mutual consent last November, with the team bottom of Serie A.

He won eight and drew nine of his 26 games during the 2024-25 season to guide the Italian club to safety and a 13th-place finish.

However, he left the club after managing just two wins in 25-26, with both of those victories coming in the Coppa Italia.

During his playing career, midfielder Vieira won three Premier League titles and four FA Cups at Arsenal, as well as silverware with AC Milan, Inter Milan and Manchester City.

He retired in 2011 and became the manager of New York City in 2016 before returning to Europe with Nice and leading them to seventh in Ligue 1 in his first season.

Vieira was sacked in December 2020 and became Crystal Palace manager the following year, guiding the Eagles to 12th in the Premier League and the FA Cup semi-finals in 2021-22.

He was dismissed in March 2023 after a 12-game winless run, before joining RC Strasbourg as their first appointment following a takeover by BlueCo, the company which owns Chelsea. He left Strasbourg by mutual consent in July 2024.

His predecessor Thiaw was at the centre of controversy in January when he ushered his Senegal team off the field when Morocco were awarded a stoppage-time penalty in the 2025 AFCON final.

- ThisDayLive

BRANDON NAKASHIMA VS. DANIIL MEDVEDEV | ROUND 3 | CINCINNATI 2026

 

WOMEN'S HOCKEY WORLD CUP: DOMINANT INDIA CRUSH SOUTH AFRICA 6-1 TO GO TOP OF GROUP D

Hockey India

NEW DELHI: The Indian women's hockey team produced a dominant attacking display to crush South Africa 6-1 in their second Pool D match of the FIH Hockey World Cup on Tuesday, moving to the top of the group and taking a major step towards the second round.

Sunelita Toppo, Navneet Kaur, Sushila Chanu, Deepika, Lalremsiami and Sakshi Rani were all on target as India registered their biggest-ever win in a World Cup. Kayla de Waal scored South Africa's lone goal in the final quarter.

As it happened: India vs South Africa, Hockey World Cup

India now have four points from two matches and sit above China on goal difference. India have a +5 goal difference, while China are on +2, with both teams level on four points. England are third with three points and a +2 goal difference, while South Africa are out of contention after suffering their second defeat.

The result was a commanding response from India after their 2-2 draw against Olympic silver medallists China in their opening match.

India turn pressure into goals

India began with intent and quickly established control of the contest. Their sustained pressure finally paid off in the 11th minute when Sunelita Toppo tapped home from close range after a scramble inside the South African circle.

Sakshi Rani's attempted shot had dribbled towards the far post, where Sunelita was perfectly positioned to make it 1-0.

India continued to dictate play and went into the first quarter break with the advantage, despite briefly being reduced to 10 players after Ishika Chaudhary received a green card.

The second quarter saw India turn their dominance into a commanding advantage. Navneet Kaur doubled the lead in the 17th minute by converting India's second penalty corner with a superb strike. She shifted the angle with a touch before sending a low, powerful effort into the board.

India then earned three successive penalty corners before making the third count. Deepika's drag-flick deflected off the first rusher and fell for Sushila Chanu, whose effort found the net after deflecting off goalkeeper van Tonder.

India went into half-time 3-0 ahead and firmly in control.

Six-goal India put South Africa away

India showed no signs of taking their foot off the pedal after the break. Deepika added a fourth in the 38th minute following a flowing move involving Navneet and Baljeet.

Navneet exchanged quick passes with Baljeet before the latter cut the ball back to Deepika. The forward controlled it on her backhand and unleashed a fierce tomahawk into the bottom far corner.

Lalremsiami then made it 5-0 in the 44th minute with a stunning reverse hit. After receiving an aerial from Neha inside the circle, she cut onto her reverse side and smashed the ball towards the far post, with the effort slipping under the goalkeeper's foot.

India completed their demolition job soon after. Salima found Ishika, whose shot across the goalkeeper struck the post. Sakshi Rani reacted quickest to the rebound and sent a reverse hit into the top corner to make it 6-0.

South Africa finally found a response in the 55th minute when Kayla de Waal tapped in from close range after Pearce's drag-flick took a deflection off the first rusher.

.India, however, comfortably saw out the remaining minutes to complete a 6-1 victory.

India need one point against England

The win puts India in an excellent position in Pool D, but their qualification is not yet mathematically secured. They will face England in their final pool match, knowing that at least a point will guarantee their place in the next round.

England currently sit third with three points, while China are level with India on four points. South Africa's campaign is over after two defeats.

After holding China to a draw in their opener, India have now produced an emphatic statement against South Africa. Their six-goal haul not only gives them a crucial three points but also a significant advantage on goal difference heading into the decisive final pool match.

With confidence high and their attacking unit firing, India will now look to carry this momentum into their England clash and seal their place in the next stage.

- TOI Sports Desk

INTERNATIONAL COURT OF APPEAL - HEARING AUGUST 25, 2026

The following hearing of the International Court of Appeal will take place in Paris:

Hearing

Case ICA-2026-06-07-08-09: Appeals lodged by McLaren Racing Limited and Red Bull Racing Limited against Decisions No. 1 and No. 2 of the Stewards contained in Document 99 of 12 June 2026 in respect of the 2026 Monaco Grand Prix, counting towards the 2026 FIA Formula One World Championship.

On 7 June 2026, having received reports from the Race Director of the 2026 Monaco Grand Prix, counting towards the 2026 FIA Formula One Word Championship, the Stewards decided to impose two 5-second time penalties to Car No. 10, driver Pierre Gasly (Documents 73 and 75) for pit-lane speeding during the Race, for recorded speeds of 60.1 km/h and 60.4 km/h respectively, in breach of Article B1.6.3a of the 2026 FIA Formula One Regulations - Section B.

On the same day, the Stewards received two petitions for Review under Article 14 of the FIA International Sporting Code from BWT Alpine F1 Team in respect of the aforementioned decisions of the Stewards of the 2026 Monaco Grand Prix.

On 12 June 2026, the Stewards determined that there was a significant and relevant new element that was unavailable to them at the time of their decisions contained in Documents 73 and 75. They decided to rescind both 5-second time penalties imposed on Car No. 10 (Document 99), amend the Race Classification (Document 100) and recalculate the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championship points (Document 101).

On 16 June 2026, McLaren Racing Limited and Red Bull Racing Limited lodged an appeal against the above Stewards’ Decisions before the ICA.

When

09:00 hrs

Tuesday, 25 August 2026

Where

FIA – 8 place de la Concorde – 75008 Paris - France.

Decision

The decision will be published as soon as possible after the hearing.

Attendance

Upon decision of the Judging Panel and as requested by the parties involved in this case, for confidentiality reasons the above hearing will be closed to public, media and any person who is not authorised to attend it.

- FIA

FORMULA 1 STANDINGS HEADING TO ZANDVOORT 🔥

 

PREMIER LEAGUE 2025-26 SEASON | MATCHWEEK 1 FIXTURES

 

2026 F1 DUTCH GRAND PRIX - ZANDVOORT WEATHER FORECAST

Check out the weather forecast for this weekend's 2026 F1 Dutch Grand Prix from Zandvoort.

© XPBimages

The Dutch Grand Prix is back on the calendar this weekend, and for the time being, it marks the last occasion Formula 1 will visit Zandvoort. 

If the weather forecast holds, the drivers may have rather more to contend with than the circuit's famously demanding banked corners.

Friday's free practice session is not entirely in the clear. Showers blowing in from the sea could drift over the circuit during the afternoon, and some of those may carry local thunderstorms with them, making conditions worth monitoring closely for spectators making their way to the venue.

The wind is arriving from the west and remains relatively gentle, not expected to exceed force 2-3.

Saturday is where the forecast becomes considerably more interesting. A much greater number of showers is likely to develop across the west of the Netherlands, which places Zandvoort firmly in the firing line. 

The sprint race in particular could see some heavy rainfall, and in the worst-case scenario that will have meaningful consequences for the drivers out on track. 

Temperatures are expected to sit around 19 degrees, with the wind shifting to a northerly direction and running mostly at a moderate level, though gusts are possible during the heavier showers.

Sunday looks set to be the pick of the three days by some distance. A final shower may linger during the morning, but drier conditions are expected to take hold ahead of the grand prix itself, with the sun making regular appearances throughout. 

Temperatures should climb to around 22 degrees, and light winds from the northwest to north round off what promises to be a considerably more settled afternoon for drivers and fans alike.

- Nick Golding

PEP GUARDIOLA REDUCED TO TEARS IN HEATED ROW WITH KYLE WALKER AT MAN CITY

Kyle Walker may have captained Manchester City under Pep Guardiola for a period, but that didn't prevent the full-back and the legendary manager from clashing on occasion

Pep Guardiola clashed with Kyle Walker(Image: Visionhaus, Visionhaus/Getty Images)

Pep Guardiola was left fighting tears following an explosive spat with Kyle Walker at Manchester City.

The highly-successful manager and at the time club captain were embroiled in a major clash in the Anfield dressing room, which led to Walker's departure from the club. Following a 2-0 loss to Liverpool in December 2024, Walker launched a scathing war of words on his gaffer, accusing him of constant criticism. It came just days after the Spaniard had penned fresh terms at the Etihad Stadium.

A new documentary shows Walker venting: "You keep saying my name, every meeting. Every f***ing meeting it's my name." When Guardiola suggested Walker's name came up a lot because he's a captain, the England international replied: "You didn't want me to be a captain," adding: "I've reacted to someone else, I've lost the ball, you somehow bring my name into it."

Manchester City couldn't live with Liverpool in December 2024 and it led to a huge row(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

The clash between the pair is featured in a new four-part Prime Video documentary 'A Beautiful Obsession', which offers behind-the-scenes material from Guardiola's final two seasons as City boss.

In response to Walker's tirade, the Catalan manager battled to maintain his composure while delivering a heartfelt address to his squad.

He said: "If I am a problem, you have to tell me. I won't stay here for the money or just for the fact of staying.

"I extended the contract because I want to be with you, I want to fight in that position. I don't want you to feel like I'm leaving and running away from you.

"I don't want to have the feeling that the pieces fall down. And I feel, 'No, I want to help you.' But if you feel, captains first and then the other ones, that there is a problem? Tell me.

"It's not going to change the love I have for all of you. Not one second. But I want to fight. That's all. I'm sorry."

Walker featured in just seven further matches for the club, three as skipper, before moving to AC Milan on loan for the latter half of 2024/25.

Guardiola said in January 2025: "Two days ago Kyle asked to explore the options to play abroad at the end of his career. And for that reason I prefer to play other players whose mind is here."

The Treble champion departed permanently in summer 2025 following more than 300 City outings, signing for Burnley. Guardiola eventually remained at City until the conclusion of the 2025/26 season, departing one year prior to his contract's expiration.

The manager's exit was formally confirmed ahead of the campaign's final fixture, days after a stalemate with Bournemouth sealed the Manchester outfit's surrender in the title battle.

He departed having secured six Premier League crowns, three FA Cups, five League Cups and one Champions League trophy. Guardiola suggested he would find it difficult to return to management after stepping away.

- Tom Victor and Aaron Morris

COO WHO CRITISIZED GIANNI INFANTINO PLAN OUT AT FIFA

 

July 19, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, U.S.; U.S. President Donald Trump (left) and FIFA President Gianni Infantino during the trophy presentation following the FIFA World Cup Final at New York New Jersey Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Kevin Lamour has departed his role as chief operating officer of FIFA weeks after he sharply criticized president Gianni Infantino's plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors.

FIFA confirmed Lamour's exit in a statement to multiple media outlets, saying, "FIFA can confirm that the working relationship between FIFA and Kevin Lamour as FIFA's Chief Operating Officer has ended on 17 August 2026.

"FIFA thanks Kevin for his two years of service and wishes him the best of luck for the future. No further comment will be made on the matter."

Further details were scarce; the Guardian described Lamour's departure as a sacking, and the United Kingdom's Press Association called it a dismissal. Multiple reports said FIFA staff were notified of Lamour's departure from the organization via an email from secretary general Mattias Grafstrom.

Lamour was among the highest-ranking figures in world football to speak out against Infantino's widely unpopular plan to involve private equity in the World Cup. He called it "the project of one person" in a July interview with the Associated Press, saying he and other staff felt deceived.

"Not only must this project not go ahead ... but the time has now come for football political leaders to ask themselves the right questions and make the right decisions," Lamour said at the time, before going on to imply that he knew his job may be at risk.

"If that means I lose my job, then so be it," Lamour said. "I will understand and respect that decision. At least I'll sleep well tonight."

A French and Swiss citizen, Lamour came to FIFA in November 2024 after serving as the deputy general secretary of UEFA, European football's continental governing body.

Shortly after the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup, Infantino announced his intention to consolidate the World Cup's commercial rights -- encompassing broadcast, sponsorship, ticketing and licensing -- under a new commercial venture and to sell stakes in that venture to private equity. He pitched the potential to raise billions of dollars that could be reinvested in the game.

That didn't soften what many saw as an attempt to hand minority ownership in the world's biggest tournament to private investors with their own aims.

UEFA, CONCACAF and the AFC (Asian Football Confederation) unanimously opposed the plan, with UEFA going as far as to promise a boycott of World Cups and other FIFA tournaments should it go through.

Carlos Cordeiro, a former president of U.S. Soccer (2018-20), resigned as Infantino's senior adviser the day FIFA ultimately backed down from the FFE idea.

"If Member Associations believe additional investment is needed to develop the game, FIFA already has the financial capacity to provide that support from its existing resources," Cordeiro said then. "Against that backdrop, selling a permanent stake in football's most valuable asset to raise $4.2 billion makes little sense. It is mortgaging football's future without any compelling justification."

Infantino now faces an uncertain future in FIFA's top office. Scotland's football association was the latest to declare it would not support Infantino in the next presidential election.

--Field Level Media

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CHELSEA OWNERS WANT TO SELL IN LATEST TURBULENT TWIST AT STAMFORD BRIDGE

 

Cole Palmer is embraced by Chelsea chairman Too Boehly with Donald Trump watching on. Photo: Getty Images

The Telegraph in the UK is reporting that Chelsea co-owners Todd Boehly and Mark Walter are looking at selling their stakes in the Premier League club.

Their proposed sale to majority owner Clearlake Capital would value the London club at $9.5 billion and give the private equity company complete control at the club.

Currently, the pair, along with Hansjorg Wyss, own 12.8% each of the club.

Boehly is the chairman, but Clearlake, with Behdad Eghbali and Jose Feliciano in charge, call the shots at Stamford Bridge.

Boehly is arguably the most visible of Chelsea owners, and was the face of the bid that bought the club off Roman Abramovich four years ago in a $5 million deal, but his chairmanship is due to end at the end of the season.

According to the BBC, a rift within the ownership group, first rumoured in 2024, has led to the parties working out how to buy each other out. The future of Stamford Bridge and agreement on whether to move, or what that would look like, has been suggested as one of the sources of tension.

Should they successfully sell their stakes, the pair would each stand to pocket some $1.2 billion each.

It would be a dizzying period for Walter, co-owner and chief executive of global finance firm Guggenheim Partners, who sold the Los Angeles Lakers last week for a record $17.6 billion.

Xabi Alonso has been appointed to lead Chelsea on the park this term as they look to rebuild after a 10th placed finish last term, the latest twist in a turbulent four years under the American ownership. While Chelsea won the Club World Cup in 2025, they have chopped and changed managers without mounting a serious Premier League title chase.

The Athletic reports there is an ongoing United States Department of Justice investigation into Walters’ business dealings, while this Chelsea sale is not something that will be triggered imminently.

Meanwhile, off field discussions haven’t stopped Chelsea being active in the transfer market but the latest report suggests speedster Pedro Neto could be off to Al Hilal.

Sky Sports reports that Chelsea have put a $191 million price tag on the Portuguese winger if the Saudi Arabia club are serious in securing him.

- Football360.com.au

WHAT HAPPENED THE LAST TIME F1 SAID GOODBYE TO ZANDVOORT IN 1985?

Photo: Race Pictures

Formula 1 is preparing to bid farewell to Zandvoort, with the final Dutch Grand Prix set to take place this weekend. But what happened the last time the Dutch circuit hosted what was supposed to be its final F1 race? Back in 1985, Zandvoort staged a memorable Grand Prix before disappearing from the calendar for 36 years.

Few may remember that more than 40 years ago in the Netherlands, Niki Lauda claimed what would prove to be the 25th and final victory of his Formula 1 career, before retiring from the sport for good at the age of 36 at the end of the season.

The 1985 Dutch Grand Prix took place on 25 August as the 11th round of the season, just one week after reigning world champion Niki Lauda had announced that he would retire from Formula 1 for good at the end of the year.

Nelson Piquet started from pole position for Brabham-BMW after setting a 1:11.074, while Lauda faced a much tougher task from 10th on the grid in his McLaren. The Austrian gradually worked his way through the field, with his race strategy eventually helping him move ahead of teammate Alain Prost and into the lead.

Photo: Race Pictures

What followed was a tense battle between the two McLaren drivers in the closing stages. Prost had the stronger pace and underlined it by setting the fastest lap of the race on Lap 57, but could not find a way past his teammate. Lauda held on all the way to the chequered flag, beating Prost by just two tenths of a second in one of the closest finishes in Formula 1 history.

Five races later, Lauda brought his Formula 1 career to an end at the Australian Grand Prix in Adelaide. Zandvoort, meanwhile, was also saying goodbye to the championship, although for very different reasons. Financial difficulties and ageing facilities ultimately made it impossible for the Dutch Grand Prix to retain its place on the calendar, despite Bernie Ecclestone reportedly attempting to help keep the event alive.

F1 summer break almost over: Full schedule for Dutch GP's final farewell

With the summer break now drawing to a close, Formula 1 is preparing to return to action at Zandvoort for the final Dutch Grand Prix. The weekend will feature the Sprint format, meaning drivers and teams will have limited time to prepare before the first competitive session. Friday's action will begin with the only free practice session at 12:30 local time (11:30 UK time), before Sprint Qualifying gets underway later in the afternoon at 16:30 (15:30 UK).

The Sprint will then kick off Saturday's programme at 12:00 local time (11:00 UK time), with qualifying for the Grand Prix following at 16:00 (15:00 UK). Attention will then turn to Sunday's main event, as Zandvoort hosts its final Formula 1 race. The Dutch Grand Prix is scheduled to begin at 15:00 local time, corresponding to 14:00 in the UK.

- Tobia Elia

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HAYDEN PANETTIERE 'S HEARTBREAKING WLADIMIR KLITSCHKO ADMISSION IN LAST INTERVIEW

The American actress, who has died at the age of 36, shared a daughter with the former heavyweight boxing champion

Klitschko and Panettiere got engaged and welcomed a daughter before later splitting up

Hayden Panettiere made a heartbreaking admission about the daughter she shared with former fiance Wladimir Klitschko in her final interview, which was published just weeks before her death.

The American actress, who began her career as a child star before landing roles in shows like Heroes and Nashville, has died at the age of 36. In a statement, her heartbroken father Skip paid tribute to her as an "incredible light and a force of nature" and said her death was an "unimaginable loss".

Panettiere was previously engaged to former world heavyweight boxing champion Klitschko, having met him at a book launch in 2009. After they began dating, they split up in 2011, before rekindling their relationship two years later.

In October 2013, they got engaged, with the actress giving birth to their daughter, Kaya, the following December. However, it was confirmed in 2018 that the couple had split again, but remained on amicable terms.

That same year, Panettiere made the "heartbreaking" decision to relinquish full custody of Kaya to Ukrainian boxing great Klitschko, due to her struggles with long-term post-partum depression and addiction.

In what proved to be her final interview with parenting outlet Momé, published just last month, the late actress addressed the situation again, saying she knew she needed to hand full custody to Klitschko in order to put her daughter first.

"It wasn’t a decision I made lightly, nor was it a decision I even wanted to make," said Panettiere. " I was going through a really challenging time in my life.

"I knew I needed to be able to put her first so that I could get the help I needed and be the mum she needed me to be.

"I love my daughter, and I’m so proud of the young woman she is becoming," she added. "I talk to her all the time, and I feel so connected to her. She’s like a mini-me."

It comes after she detailed being separated from Kaya in her memoir, titled This Is Me: A Reckoning and released earlier this year.

"Not being under the same roof with her every day has been the most gut-wrenching experience of my life, and it’s hard to describe the layers of emotion – including sadness, resentment, and anger – I’ve felt because of it," Panettiere wrote.

"I grieve that I’m not the mother I thought I’d be and definitely not the mother I want to be (trust me, no one should ever have to raise a child on FaceTime), and although I miss Kaya so much my heart aches, I know how blessed I am to be her mom.

"She is the greatest gift of my life, with all the best parts of her father and me."

Tragically, Panettiere's death comes three years after her younger brother Jansen also passed away at the age of just 28.

Jansen, who was also an actor, died in February 2023 due to aortic valve complications, related to enlarged heart syndrome.

- John Jones

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STAR DJ HEADLINES FINAL SOLD OUT DUTCH GP PARTY TO GIVE ZANDVOORTTHE FAREWELL IT DESERVES

Photo: Race Pictures

The final Dutch Grand Prix will also be celebrated with a big party at Zandvoort. The event will be headlined by the famous DJ Martin Garrix.

After the upcoming season, Formula 1 will say goodbye to Zandvoort and the Netherlands for the foreseeable future. To cap off the final event, Martin Garrix will headline the closing concert. The goal is to give the race the special farewell it deserves.

For Zandvoort's farewell, Saturday and Sunday had already sold out by April, with only the final tickets for Super Friday remaining, the organisers previously revealed.

Home favourite Max Verstappen previously addressed Zandvoort no longer being on the F1 calendar starting 2027. "Okay, we won’t have a Formula 1 Grand Prix there, but there are a lot of other series that still race there, and if you want to have a track day, the track is not going to disappear. So, for me, I’ll still have my fun driving around there, just not in Formula 1, but that’s okay.

"I mean, I just want to enjoy it with the fans. It’s incredibly impressive what they have done to bring it back, and I think, at the time when they hosted the first one, it was a great example for a lot of other Grands Prix as well of how to host and entertain. So, yeah, it’s a shame, but on the other hand, the track’s still there and I’m sure I will do more laps around there. So, it is what it is."

Photo: Race Pictures

Sprint weekend in Zandvoort with potential rain

The first Grand Prix after the summer break will also be a Sprint weekend. After just a single free practice session, Sprint Qualifying will take place on Friday afternoon. On Saturday, the Sprint and Qualifying will be held before the Grand Prix on Sunday.

In addition, there is a chance of rain at Zandvoort this weekend, with temperatures expected to be lower than usual for the summer. On Friday and Saturday, there is a 40-45% chance of rain. On Sunday, fans might see the sun come out in the Netherlands. However, temperatures are expected to reach only 20 degrees Celsius, with a 21% chance of rain on the final day of the weekend.

- Kada Sarkozi

SCOTTISH FA WITHDRAWS SUPPORT FOR FIFA PRESIDENT GIANNI INFANTINO

Getty Images 

The Scottish Football Association has lost confidence in Gianni Infantino and will not be voting for his re-election as president of Fifa, chief executive Ian Maxwell has told BBC Sport.

Infantino is under increasing pressure over his attempt, later abandoned, to create a new company to manage the commercial and ticketing rights of all Fifa competitions, including the World Cups, with 21% to be sold off to a private investment company.

Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE) was aborted after widespread criticism from several confederations, led by Uefa, which has threatened a boycott of all Fifa competitions.

"The position of the SFA has been clear since the 55 Uefa associations met," said Maxwell, speaking as he announced Belgian Sebastian Pocognoli as the new Scotland head coach.

"We have aligned ourselves with the Uefa position and 55 nations are stronger than one voice.

"Their statement since then has talked about a lack of confidence in the Fifa leadership and the Scottish FA agree completely with that decision.

"The SFA will not be voting for Gianni Infantino come the re-election in early 2027."

Maxwell rejected the suggestion that the SFA had previously failed to publicly state it no longer supported Infantino because its president, Mike Mulraney, heads up the Fifa finance committee.

The Football Associations of England, Wales and the Republic of Ireland have already declared they have withdrawn support for Infantino, who is scheduled to stand for a fourth term as president in March.

'A profound lack of judgement'

Last week, Fifa and Infantino were accused of breaking trust "through deception", in an open letter issued by Uefa, Concacaf and the Asian Football Confederation.

The letter, signed by the presidents and general secretaries of the three regional governing bodies, said recent controversy over the FFE proposal was fundamentally about "the integrity of the game, and the integrity of those elected to lead it".

While the statement did not name Infantino, sources have told BBC Sport that it should be seen as an opportunity for him to resign and leave his position with dignity.

Fifa has committed to presenting a report on FFE to the next meeting of the Fifa council, which is expected to take place in October.

The three confederations said this failed to "recognise that proper governance in the face of such a profound lack of judgement would require that such a review be conducted by a fully independent third party".

It also underlined a legal warning made by Uefa that Fifa should not delete or destroy any documents related to the abandoned plans.

BBC Sport understands that there have been preliminary discussions between the three confederations over breakaway competitions, should Infantino remain in situ. However, substantive talks are yet to begin, according to others.

At present there is no candidate who has put their name forward to stand against Infantino, before a 18 November deadline.

Very difficult to predict who has the upper hand

The football world appears to have been split down the middle by the issue, with the confederations of Africa, South American and Oceania having backed Infantino.

But even within confederations, there is disagreement and it makes it very difficult to predict whether Infantino or his opponents have the upper hand in this battle.

In Oceania, which has 11 member associations, New Zealand has said it will not follow the confederation and vote for him.

Mexico, Grenada and St Kitts and Nevis have broken away from the other 32 Concacaf nations to support the Fifa president.

Of the 46 Asian confederations members, so far eight countries have split to champion Infantino's cause - the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Lebanon, Kuwait, Mongolia, the Philippines and Bhutan.

The Fifa Council, on which there are 36 confederation and national association heads plus Infantino, seems similarly split.

It raises questions about whether Infantino has the political power to govern Fifa, even if he wins an election of the 211 member associations.

The first test of Uefa's threat is just over three weeks away, when the Fifa Under-20 Women's World Cup is set to kick off. It is being hosted by Poland and features five other European nations, including England.

- Dale Johnson and Chris McLaughlin