Thursday, 25 June 2026
APRILIA LAND FRANCESCO BAGNAIA IN MAJOR MOTOGP RIDER MARKET COUP
Two-time MotoGP World Champion Francesco Bagnaia is officially joining Aprilia next year after much speculation about the Italian's future.
After yesterday's triple-announcement from Ducati, in which Marc Marquez's contract was renewed and Pedro Acosta was confirmed to join the team next year while Bagnaia departs, many believed that it wouldn't be long until the Aprilia deal was confirmed.
As reported by GP Blog several months ago, the rumours linking Bagnaia to Aprilia have been around for some time now. It is no secret that 'Pecco' Bagnaia has struggled to adapt since the arrival of Marc Marquez in the team, winning just two races in as many years since the Spaniard joined.
Like many of the suspected deals in the MotoGP rider market, Bagnaia's inevitable exit from Ducati was delayed due to the finalization of a 'concorde agreement' between MotoGP Group and the respective manufacturers. Fortunately, the deal was signed at last weekend's Czech Grand Prix, leading to a cascade of announcements this week and likely even more in the immediate future.
An all-Italian line-up
Aprilia CEO Massimo Rivola has made it clear that he views Aprilia as a 'national team' for Italy, in contrast to Ducati's recent decision to favour Spanish riders. Having already secured current championship leader Marco Bezzecchi on a multi-year deal, Aprilia is now signing an even more experienced and proven Italian star.
With a massive regulation overhaul set to be introduced next year, there is no telling whether Aprilia will still be one of the frontrunners. However, with Bagnaia and Bezzecchi at the helm, it is clear that Aprilia have already secured one of the most promising rider lineups for 2027.
This means that Jorge Martin is going to make way, with rumours linking him heavily to Yamaha next year. It is no secret that the Spaniard and 2024 World Champion has not has the best of times with the Italian manufacturer, and even almost came to blows with his own boss in Catalonia.
Elswhere, there are several other major announcements expected later in the week. Fabio Quartararo is likely to leave Yamaha for Honda next year, with Ogura joining Martin in blue. VR46 have yet to confirm the arrival of Nicolo Bulega, but that is also expected soon. Meanwhile the fates of Joan Mir, Luca Marini, Brad Binder, Jack Miller, Franco Morbidelli, Alex Rins, Maverick Vinales and Raul Fernandez remain uncertain.
- Andrew McLarney
FIA DECLARES HEAT HAZZARD FOR AUSTRIAN GRAND PRIX AS EUROPE BATTLES EXTREM TEMPERATURES
Europe’s first major heatwave of the summer has forced the FIA to declare an official Heat Hazard for this weekend’s Formula 1 Austrian Grand Prix, as temperatures at Spielberg’s Red Bull Ring are forecast to exceed the regulatory threshold for driver safety.
With Austria among several countries breaking June temperature records, the governing body confirmed that the combination of heat and humidity will push the heat index beyond 31°C, activating additional cooling requirements under Article B1.5.10 of the FIA F1 Regulations.
According to the FIA’s official weather service, temperatures are expected to reach 32°C during Saturday’s FP3 and qualifying sessions, with Sunday’s race start at 15:00 local time predicted to take place in 33°C conditions.
While these figures may appear moderate compared to some of the sport’s historically hottest events, the heat index calculation—combined with cockpit heat soak, altitude, and the Red Bull Ring’s short‑lap intensity—creates a significantly harsher environment for drivers.
The FIA therefore issued a formal statement confirming the Heat Hazard declaration once forecasts showed the heat index surpassing the 31.0°C limit at some point during the competition.
Under the activated protocol, drivers must now choose between wearing an FIA‑approved cooling vest or adding 0.5 kg of ballast to their cars to compensate for not using the device.
The federation had originally intended to make cooling vests mandatory across the grid, but driver feedback over comfort, mobility, and inconsistent effectiveness led to the system remaining optional. Even so, the FIA insists that some form of mitigation is essential, as cockpit temperatures can exceed 50°C during long stints, especially at high‑altitude circuits where reduced air density limits cooling efficiency.
The Red Bull Ring is deceptively demanding in hot conditions. Its short lap—typically around 65 to 70 seconds—offers drivers almost no recovery time, while long full‑throttle sections increase engine and brake temperatures.
The circuit’s elevation of roughly 700 metres further reduces cooling capacity, and the aggressive kerbs add to the physical strain. Combined with the heatwave gripping central Europe, the Austrian Grand Prix is shaping up to be one of the most physically taxing events of the season.
Teams are expected to adjust hydration strategies, cooling system settings, and cockpit airflow management, while drivers will rely heavily on pre‑session cooling routines and grid‑formation ice vests. The Heat Hazard protocol, introduced after several high‑profile cases of driver exhaustion in recent years, will now face a significant real‑world test as the sport continues to adapt to increasingly frequent extreme‑temperature events.
- Balazs Szabo
JÜRGEN KLOPP' STORMS OUT OF INTERVIEW AS LIVERPOOL LEGEND REFUSES TO ANSWER QUESTIONS
Jurgen Klopp stormed out of an interview after the Liverpool legend refused to answer a question following controversy regarding one of his fellow World Cup pundits
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| Jurgen Klopp stormed out of an interview(Image: DW Sports) |
Ex-Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp abruptly ended an interview when questioned about the racism row involving Bastian Schweinsteiger.
The World Cup champion has been accused of making racist comments while analysing Germany's victory over the Ivory Coast. The former Manchester United and Bayern Munich star works for German broadcaster ARD.
Schweinsteiger, 41, has faced criticism for his depiction of the Ivory Coast's playing style. While evaluating the west African team, he referred to their football as "African football" before characterising it as being "a bit unorthodox sometimes, a bit wild, not quite as tactical."
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| Bastian Schweinsteiger has been accused of making racially insensitive comments(Image: Getty Images) |
He also suggested that Julian Nagelsmann's squad must be "prepared for it to be unpredictable at times" prior to their 2-1 win. The ex-midfielder's comments have sparked backlash and become a significant talking point in Germany.
So much so that Klopp, who is currently working as a pundit for Magenta TV in the US, was pressed by another journalist to comment on the controversy. When confronted, he promptly cut off the interview and walked away.
In conversation with DW Sports, the former Liverpool boss said: "And now you want to carry on this subject. No, no, I have no chance, I have no chance to answer this question.
"Everybody likes it, so you bring me into this situation. It's not my job that everybody likes it, but this is a serious subject. I don't even know what is appropriate to say.
"For African people it's one thing, for other people it's another thing, and I'm not here. Thank god I thought nobody asked me about that. You found a moment and surprisingly you are German. That surprised me so much. Thank you very much."
Klopp then walked away from the gathered journalists, many of whom were heard calling out "no, no" as he departed.
Phillip Awounou, a sports journalist and author from Germany, slammed Schweinsteiger's comments in a recent article. Penning his column for Spiegel news magazine, he wrote: "Behind attributions like 'wild' and 'unpredictable' are stereotypes which are older than football and which have racist, colonial roots.
"In the past, Black people of African heritage were stigmatised as uncivilised ('wild'), different ('unorthodox') and potentially dangerous ('unpredictable').
"These are racist stereotypes," sports content creator Patrick Schnitzler told his 50,000 Instagram followers, referencing recent academic research which has demonstrated that commentators and supporters are more likely to emphasise Black footballers' physical attributes than those of non-Black players.
"We learn such stereotypes because we have grown up in a society with stereotypes. Schweinsteiger, too. You and me, too."
Awounou did make clear that he does not consider Schweinsteiger to be a racist, explaining: "That's simply wrong. Regardless of his problematic remarks, Schweinsteiger is absolutely not a racist and shouldn't be labelled as such."
After the match, Schweinsteiger took to social media, stating: "Ivory Coast were the difficult opponent we expected and showed their technical quality and physicality," shortly after Germany clinched a thrilling 2-1 victory.
- Cameron Winstanley and Cameron Winstanley
LIONS CB TERRION ARNOLD EXPECTED TO FACE SERIOUS NFL PUNISHMENT AFTER ARREST
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| AI Lions/Maakaron |
Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold is facing the prospect of life in prison after being arrested on a series of felony charges, and the former first-round pick could also face harsh discipline from the NFL in the meantime.
Arnold surrendered to authorities in Florida after facing an arrest warrant connected to an alleged robbery and kidnapping in Tampa. The Florida state attorney’s office said in a statement that Arnold faces “multiple felony charges which carry a potential sentence of up to life in prison” for allegedly orchestrating a kidnapping in retaliation for an alleged theft at a property he owned.
While Arnold has maintained his innocence and the team issued a statement avoiding comment on the specifics, recent cases indicate that he could face a long suspension from the league.
Terrion Arnold Could Be Away From Lions Indefinitely
Several other NFL players who faced felony charges have been handed long suspensions by the NFL, including six games for Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice after he pleaded guilty to charges related to a street-racing incident. Running back Kareem Hunt was suspended for eight games for an assault that was recorded on video.
While the NFL often waits until the conclusion of criminal proceedings to issue punishment, Arnold could face more immediate action. The Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office said in a statement that it had filed a pretrial motion to keep him in jail without bond until trial, with no court date in sight.
“Our office will file a pretrial detention motion to argue that Arnold remain behind bars until trial,” the statement read. “The date for that hearing has not yet been scheduled. Arnold’s codefendants are all currently behind bars in connection with the crime.”
That could prompt the NFL to put him on the commissioner’s exempt list, essentially putting him on paid leave until the trial takes place.
The Lions did not indicate if he faced any action from the team, releasing a statement with few details.
“We are aware of the legal situation regarding Terrion Arnold,” a spokesperson for the team said, via USA Today. “We will not comment at this time out of respect for the ongoing legal process.”
Arnold’s name had first surfaced in court documents earlier this year, when the alleged co-conspirators were arrested, but Lions head coach Dan Campbell said at the annual league meeting that the cornerback was not involved.
“We got all the information that says he wasn’t involved. That’s what we know, that’s all we know, and that’s really all I can say,” Campbell said, via NBC Sports. “As far as I know it’s not a big deal. It seems like he still wasn’t involved with this.”
Terrion Arnold Faces Serious Allegations
As USA Today reported, the charges against Arnold stem from an alleged theft from an Airbnb that he owned.
“Arnold allegedly began orchestrating his retaliation with others within hours of giving his theft report to the police, according to an investigation cited in the press release from the state attorney’s office,” the report noted.
Police claim that Arnold orchestrated the kidnapping and robbery in retaliation for the alleged theft.
“Arnold is accused of coordinating and directing … codefendants to lure three men to an apartment where the victims were robbed, beaten, and held at gunpoint,” the release from the state attorney’s office said.
- Nathan Dougherty
CODY RHODES EXPLAINS WHY HE REFUSES TO TAKE EXTENDED BREAKS FROM WWE
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| Photo Credit: WWE |
Cody Rhodes has opened up about why he continues to remain a constant presence on WWE television, even as several top stars opt for extended breaks to recover, reset, or pursue projects outside the ring.
Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, the WWE Champion addressed the growing conversation around whether he should step away for a while.
While acknowledging that many people have advised him to take time off, the Undisputed WWE Champion made it clear that he sees his role differently.
Cody Rhodes says WWE needs someone who is always there
Rhodes explained that he has no issue with wrestlers taking breaks and understands the benefits that come with stepping away.
“I think it’s safe to say from the outside, Cody should take a break. It’s been advised across the board, but also… there are guys who do take breaks, and I’m not mad at anyone who takes breaks,” Rhodes said.
He continued by outlining why those absences can be valuable.
“They get to go and get in incredible shape, or do a project, get healthy, whatever the heck it is that they’re doing. They get to do that, and they come back and they’re fresh, and they get that big reaction on the first night. But then it settles back into what it was.”
Rhodes then revealed that advice from Bobby Roode helped shape his mindset toward consistency.
“If others are doing that… well then it’s my job to be the guy who’s always here. Then it’s my job to be the one who doesn’t leave you.”
The comments arrive at a time when CM Punk has undertaken a planned hiatus from WWE programming following his World Heavyweight Championship loss to Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 42. During his absence, Punk’s viral body transformation has drawn significant attention ahead of a reported SummerSlam-season return.
Cody Rhodes also acknowledged the downside of always being present.
“And if that means that things can get a bit expected, then that’s still a safe place to be. I need to be the one who’s here all the time until someone else steps into those boots.”
For now, while others recharge on the sidelines, Rhodes appears determined to keep carrying the ball — and the banner — as one of WWE’s most visible stars.
- VISHALBHAWANI
Wednesday, 24 June 2026
DUCATI STATEMENT REVEALS HINT INTO PEDRO ACOSTA MOTOGP SIGNING
Ducati calls Pedro Acosta “one of the most talented riders in MotoGP” after confirming the KTM rider’s signature
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| Pedro Acosta, 2026 Czech MotoGP. © Gold and Goose |
Ducati admits that signing Pedro Acosta was a target “for some time” after finally confirming the KTM rider for the 2027 MotoGP season.
Acosta has put pen to paper on a two-year deal with the Italian manufacturer, where he will replace the outgoing Francesco Bagnaia, who is expected to join Aprilia Racing.
Ducati announced Bagnaia’s departure on Wednesday morning, before confirming the news that had been expected since the opening few races of 2026.
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| Pedro Acosta, Francesco Bagnaia, 2025 Japanese MotoGP. © Gold and Goose |
Acosta will line-up alongside Marc Marquez, who himself committed his future to Ducati with a new two-year deal of his own on Monday.
Acosta and Marquez will form one of the most talented rider pairings the sport has ever seen, and it will be the most high-profile since Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo at Yamaha.
Ducati was known to be a big admirer of Acosta in previous years, so it’s therefore no surprise that the Bologna-based company pushed hard to sign the Spaniard when it did.
Signing Acosta comes at a particularly interesting time, with MotoGP set to transition into the new 850cc era in 2027.
Alongside Marquez, Acosta will no doubt be expected to lead Ducati over the next two years by challenging for race wins and the title.
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| Pedro Acosta, 2026 Czech MotoGP. © Gold and Goose |
However, it’s also clear that Ducati sees Acosta as the long-term future of their MotoGP project given he is only 22 years of age.
Speaking about the signing of Acosta, Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali said: “Pedro is undoubtedly one of the most talented young riders in the MotoGP paddock.
“At just 22 years old, he is the kind of rider with whom a new and exciting chapter can be written.
“We have always liked him and have been following him for some time, both for what he has achieved on track and for his direct and easy-going personality, which we are sure will make Ducatisti fall in love with him once he is dressed in red.
“We believe that, alongside Marc, he represents the ideal complement for a team that - building on its history and on the results achieved in recent years - wants to continue playing a leading role in the future and remain a source of admiration, respect and support for Ducati fans all around the world”.
- Robert Jones
VIRAL PHOTOS: CRISTIANO RONALDO MET UZBEKISTAN TEENAGERS IN 2009 | 17 YEARS LATER, THE CLASHED IN FIFA WORLD CUP
A heartwarming story came from the Portugal vs Uzbekistan match at FIFA World Cup 2026, as Uzbekistan stars Rustamjon Ashurmatov and Dostonbek Khamdamov faced off against their idol, Cristiano Ronaldo.
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| Cristiano Ronaldo had met Uzbekistan's Rustamjon Ashurmatov and Dostonbek Khamdamov in 2009.© X (formerly twitter) |
Cristiano Ronaldo was back at his very best as he slammed in two history-making goals for Portugal in their FIFA World Cup 2026 match against Uzbekistan. Ronaldo became the first player in history to score in six different World Cups, leading Portugal to a 5-0 victory. But away from the records, there was also a heartwarming storyline attached to the game. Uzbekistan stars Rustamjon Ashurmatov and Dostonbek Khamdamov had met Ronaldo when they were barely teenagers when the Portuguese star had visited Tashkent in 2009. 17 years later, they were squaring off against him on the global stage.
Photos and videos of Ronaldo attending a camp of footballers in Tashkent, which also featured Ashurmatov and Khamdamov, went viral on social media ahead of the game.
At the time, Ashurmatov and Khamdamov were 12 or 13 years old, while Ronaldo was just a one-time Ballon d'Or winner who had just left Manchester United for Real Madrid in a world record deal.
Cristiano Ronaldo with Uzbekistan's Ashurmatov and Khamdamov in 2009.
16 years later, Cristiano Ronaldo scored a brace against them. pic.twitter.com/1iys2lrTdG
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) June 23, 2026
Ashurmatov:
Bu harika bir fotoraf, Ronaldo'nun ziyareti beklenmedik bir eydi.
Gelip bizimle futbol oynad, o srada biz 13 yndaydk.
Khamdamov:
Unutulmaz bir and; o dnemde Ronaldo hretinin zirvesindeydi. pic.twitter.com/FftqFgTvq3
— Golista (@golistaspor) June 23, 2026
Lost media: when Cristiano RONALDO visited uzbekistan in 2009 and this little boy started imitating all his 5 star skills, ronaldo was amazed
17 years later, he faced two of the boys he met in 2009: Ashmadov and Khumadov as Portugal face Uzbekistan pic.twitter.com/Hz74nFvHlN
— MatchReport (@MatchReportH) June 23, 2026
In their FIFA World Cup encounter, Ashurmatov started in defence for Uzbekistan, playing the full 90 minutes. Unfortunately, Khamdamov did not get to come off the bench during the game.
Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo declared "I'm back" and said those "attacking" him should never write him off after making World Cup history in the 5-0 hammering of Uzbekistan on Tuesday in Houston.
The 41-year-old, under pressure to deliver after a barren recent run at major tournaments, pounced after six minutes. He added a second with a smart finish before half-time as Roberto Martinez's side ran riot against limited opposition.
The five-star display was in stark contrast to a stale 1-1 draw with the Democratic Republic of Congo in which Ronaldo was laboured and largely anonymous.
Ronaldo shouted into a television camera "I'm back, I'm back", and said after his two-goal display: "I can say it was a very tough week, a difficult week, a week in which public opinion was very harsh on us, on all the players, especially on the coach.
"But it's always like that, it's fine because when you think about it, it's already 23 years I've been a professional and whenever things don't go well it's, 'Cristiano, he's finished, he's old'.
"But well, it was a good response from me and my teammates, which is what we wanted."
With AFP inputs
- Roddur Mookherjee
TARTAN ARMY TAKES OVER MIAMI AHEAD OF SCOTLAND VS. BRAZIL
Scotland fans have descended on Miami, Florida, for what could be a historic World Cup match against Brazil on Wednesday.
Steve Clarke's side currently sit third in Group C after a 1-0 win and defeat against Haiti and Morocco.
If all goes well, Scotland has a chance at qualifying for the knockout stage at the World Cup for the first time ever, following eight previous group-stage exits.
They could even qualify with a loss, but would need to wait until all the group games finish on June 27 to know their fate.
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| Tartan Army cheers on Scotland at a boat party in Miami Credit: ITV News |
Defender and captain Andy Robertson admitted that Brazil will be a tough game, but remained positive, telling reporters: "We are in control of our own destiny."
He's certainly got backing from fans, as thousands of Tartan Army members travelled to Miami for the game.
Fans from both teams were seen drinking, dancing on Ocean Drive, and wishing each other luck. Some even played five-a-sides and other street football games.
“Everywhere they go, people fall in love with them,” Robertson said.
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| Andy Robertson and his team have been training in preparation for their match against Brazil Credit: AP |
"Come tomorrow night. If we manage to beat Brazil ... I'm sure maybe a couple of beers will be drunk by the Tartan Army. That's for sure," he added.
The Tartan Army certainly won over the hearts of people in Boston, where their previous games were held, as they marched through the city playing bagpipes and chanting the new unofficial 'No Scotland, No Party' anthem.
Back on home turf, faithfuls will be watching at fan zones across Scotland including the Ovo Hydro in Glasgow and The Pitt in Edinburgh. The game will kick off at 11pm UK time.
First Minister John Swinney said he has faith that the team can make history and that they "have the chance to make themselves legends tonight".
Both teams kick off at 11pm UK time and the game will be available to watch on BBC 1.
- itvX
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