MAX SPORTS

Wednesday, 1 April 2026

MAX VERSTAPPEN SCOLEDED OVER F1 CRITICISM: 'IT'S GETTING BORING'

Max Verstappen has not shied away from issuing criticism over the new-for-2026 F1 cars.

Former F1 driver Martin Brundle has brushed off Max Verstappen's criticism of the new F1 cars, insisting his complaints are getting “boring”.

Verstappen has been vocal in his disappointment with the new cars, which heavily rely on energy management and deployment to overtake a rival.

The four-time champion has warned that the cars could lead him to walk away from the sport at the end of the current season.

But Brundle has admitted to being tired of hearing about Verstappen's grumblings and threats to retire, insisting he should make a decision without calling attention to his predicament.

“Max is very unfiltered, he always has been,” Brundle told Sky F1.

“He’s talked a lot for a long time about ‘I'm not in this for the long haul, I’m not going to be hanging around here in my 40s’.

“Max would say ‘it's getting a bit boring now’ - I think it's getting a bit boring with what he's saying.

“Either go or stop talking about it, because it is what it is. You’ve got to make the most of it.”

However, Brundle acknowledged that Verstappen's talents would be a major loss to the sport.

“I would hugely miss his talent, his generational speed and car control,” he said.

“It’s something that very few people in the history of motorsport have had, it’s quite extraordinary.”

It has also been theorised that Verstappen could seek a drive elsewhere at a more competitive squad amid Red Bull's disappointing start to the campaign.

Weighing in on the possibility of Verstappen moving to a new team, Brundle added: “I have absolutely no doubt whatsoever that, given they were building their own power train for the first time, that his management would have put in an exit clause at the end of this year to see how it goes.

“Mercedes is saying ‘there's no place at this particular inn at the moment’. So quite what he would do, I don't know.

- Fergal Walsh

MARCUS RASHFORD SET FOR MAN UTD RETURN AS PERMANENT

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Marcus Rashford's long-term future has been plunged into fresh doubt following reports that Barcelona have allowed a crucial transfer deadline to pass. The England forward, who has spent the campaign on loan at Camp Nou, now faces the prospect of an unexpected return to Manchester United this summer.

Barcelona miss crucial transfer deadline

Barcelona have failed to activate the purchase option in Rashford’s loan agreement, meaning they no longer have the unilateral right to sign the forward for a fixed fee. The Catalan giants had until March 31 to inform Manchester United of their intent to trigger the €30 million (£26m/$35m) clause, but that date has passed without any official move from the La Liga leaders, according to Cadena SER.

The situation leaves the 28-year-old in a state of limbo after what appeared to be a successful rehabilitation of his career in Spain. While sporting director Deco had previously confirmed the existence of the buy option, his failure to act before the deadline suggests that economic pressures at the club are once again dictating their transfer strategy. The report suggests Barcelona are interested in a second loan deal, but United have little interest in such an arrangement, preferring a clean break and a permanent sale this summer.

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Financial fair play hurdles

Despite Rashford establishing himself as a regular under Flick, the deal has been complicated by La Liga's strict financial regulations. While the €30m transfer fee was considered manageable, the player's substantial wage demands proved to be the sticking point for a club still navigating significant debt. Deco recently addressed the uncertainty surrounding the move, admitting that the decision involves several complex factors. Speaking on the forward's continuity, he said: "[Rashford staying?] The matter is tied to financial fair play, priorities, performance, and the coach's decision, and it's something we haven't done yet because it's not the right time."

Premier League rivals on high alert

Manchester United are reportedly relaxed about the situation and have no intention of lowering their valuation. If Barca cannot or will not pay the agreed fee, the Red Devils are prepared to entertain offers from Premier League rivals for the academy graduate. There is a growing belief at Old Trafford that the English market could yield a higher price than the €30m figure that was previously on the table in Spain.

Getty Images Sports

Uncertainty as the season concludes

The final weeks of the season will now be pivotal for Rashford as he looks to prove his worth either to a hesitant Barcelona board or potential new employers. His form has dipped recently, failing to record a goal or assist since January.

As it stands, a permanent stay at Camp Nou looks very complicated. Whether that leads to a second chance at United under Michael Carrick or a blockbuster move to a Premier League rival remains to be seen, but the buy option safety net that both the player and club relied on has officially vanished.

- Muhammad Zaki

SPAIN STAR LAMINE YAMAL CONDEMNS 'INTOLERABLE' ANTI-MUSLIM CHANTS IN EGYPT DRAW AS POLICE LAINCH INVESTIGATION

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Barcelona star Lamine Yamal has condemned the "intolerable" anti-Muslim chants that marred Spain’s goalless draw with Egypt at the RCDE Stadium. The 18-year-old, who is a practising Muslim, labelled the perpetrators "ignorant" and "racist" after local police launched a formal investigation.

Police investigation launched

Per ESPN, the Mossos, a local strand of police in Barcelona, have confirmed a probe into "Islamophobic and xenophobic" chanting that occurred during Tuesday’s international friendly. Spectators aimed derogatory songs at the visiting side while also whistling during the Egyptian national anthem and halftime prayers. Although the chants were not specifically directed at Yamal, the teenage winger was deeply affected by the hostile atmosphere, and has taken to social media to vent his disgust.

Yamal issues statement

Taking to Instagram to address the situation, Yamal reaffirmed his faith and expressed his disappointment at the lack of respect shown toward his religion. The Spain star posted: "I am Muslim, Alhamdulillah. Yesterday at the stadium the chant of 'the one who doesn't jump is a Muslim' was heard. I know I was going for the rival team and it wasn't something personal against me, but as a Muslim person it doesn't stop being disrespectful and something intolerable. I understand that not all fanatics are like this, but to those who sing these things: using a religion as a mockery in a field leaves you ignorant and racist people. Football is to be enjoyed and encouraged, not to disrespect people for who they are or what they believe in. With that being said, thank you to the people who came to cheer us on, see you at the World Cup."

Catalonia sports minister speaks out

Catalonia’s sports minister, Berni Alvarez, has echoed Yamal's sentiments, describing the events as a "massive step backwards" for Spanish football while pledging to support the Barcelona forward.

He told reporters: "It's normal that he's affected by what happened. We will try and support him if we can make contact with him. What happened was deplorable. It's an extremely serious issue which we absolutely condemn. It's a massive step backwards. The sensation is everything had been planned. Those chanting came to the game to spout hate speech. I doubt many of those involved had any connection to the world of sport. The reaction arrived late and was not sufficient."

Espanyol unhappy with 'smear campaign'

Meanwhile, Barca's La Liga rivals Espanyol, who play their home games at the RCDE Stadium, have issued their own statement condemning the scenes in Tuesday's game, but have also insisted that no blame should be attributed to their fanbase.

"RCD Espanyol also wish to express our deep displeasure at the gratuitous and widespread smear campaign that has been targeted against our fans in the past few hours," the statement read. "It is worth remembering that the match, organised by the RFEF, brought together supporters of the Spain national team from very diverse geographical and footballing backgrounds. Therefore, it is profoundly unfair, excessive, and disproportionate to attribute these behaviours to the RCDE Espanyol fanbase, which, throughout its more than 125-year history, has been characterised by its diversity, respect, and commitment to the values of sport.

"The club do not and will not accept having their reputation called into question by the isolated actions of a small group of people who represent neither the club nor our fanbase. RCD Espanyol emphasise our firm commitment to the fight against all forms of discrimination, and will continue working to ensure that the RCDE Stadium remains a safe, inclusive, and respectful place for everyone."

Potential FIFA sanctions

A source has told ESPN that Spain could face potential FIFA sanctions, which could overshadow their 2026 World Cup campaign as they prepare to compete in Group H alongside Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, and Uruguay. The RFEF must now address these issues while prioritising Yamal’s welfare before the squad travels to North America for their opening fixtures.

- Adhe Makayasa

TOP 10 SHOTS | MIAMI 2026

MARRAKESH 2026 | DAY 2

HOUSTON 2026 | DAY 2

FULL PENALTIES: BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA VS. ITALY | WORLD CUP 2026 QUALIFIER

WORLD CUP 2026 | GROUP STAGE

MILWAUKEE BUCKS VS. DALLAS MAVERICKS | NBA HIGHLIGHTS

ITALY'S WORLD CUP NIGHTMARE DEEPENS WITH SHOOT-OUT DEFEAT WITH BOSNIA

Italy will miss a third straight World Cup after losing to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a qualification play-off final on Tuesday, falling 4-1 in a penalty shoot-out. Esmir Bajraktarevic scored the decisive spot-kick in Zenica, sending Bosnia into Group B and extending Italy’s qualifying misery.

Bosnia reached their second World Cup finals, and first since 2014, in front of a passionate crowd which invaded the pitch after a historic victory © Elvis BARUKCIC, AFP

Italy will miss out on a third straight World Cup after falling to Bosnia and Hercegovina in Tuesday's breathless qualification play-off final, the Azzurri blowing their chance to reach this summer's tournament in North America with a 4-1 penalty shoot-out defeat.

Esmir Bajraktarevic shot the winning spot-kick in Zenica where the Bosnians booked a place in Group B and matches against co-hosts Canada, Switzerland and Qatar, and plunged Italy into a new nightmare.

Four-time world champions, Italy took the lead through Moise Kean in the 15th minute but then folded under the weight of expectation at the Bilino Polje Stadium after having to play most of the match with 10 men.

Italy were already firmly on the back foot when Alessandro Bastoni was sent off for chopping down Amar Memic four minutes before half-time, and Haris Tabakovic poked home Bosnia's deserved leveller in the 79th minute to take the match to extra time.

And the horror show continued in the subsequent shoot-out, with Pio Esposito smashing Italy's first penalty over the goal, and when Bryan Cristante hit the bar and Bajraktarevic squeezed his effort under Gianluigi Donnarumma, the game was up.

"I don't think the boys deserved to suffer such a blow, for the performance, the effort and the heart that they showed tonight... I'm proud of the boys," said a visibly shaken Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso.

"It's difficult to digest."

Gattuso added that talking about his future "wasn't important" but Gabriele Gravina, the head of the Italian Football Federation, later told reporters he had asked Gattuso to stay on as coach and he would not being resigning from his position.

Italy are the first World Cup winners to miss three consecutive editions of the tournament, and it was also a third straight elimination in the play-offs after Sweden in 2018 and North Macedonia four years ago.

Bosnia meanwhile reached their second World Cup finals, and first since 2014, in front of a passionate crowd which invaded the pitch after a historic victory.

"They're guys with character. We have guys we're proud of," said Bosnia coach Sergej Barbarez.

"I've told them that we have to go to a tournament every two years."

Some Italy players were filmed celebrating when Bosnia won their semi-final -- again on penalties -- against Wales, behaviour which looked even more foolish after the way Bosnia tore into their opponents.

Sorry Italy

Italy looked nervy in the opening exchanges but were given a helping hand in opening the scoring by Bosnia goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj, who under pressure from Mateo Retegui passed the ball straight to Nicolo Barella.

The Inter Milan midfielder offloaded to Kean who confidently curled home his eighth goal in six international appearances from the edge of the penalty area.

Bosnia reacted well to going behind, continuing to harry Italy and force mistakes on a bobbly pitch, and Ermedin Demirovic glanced a header inches wide in the 38th minute.

And the already rowdy home fans smelled blood when Bastoni was given his marching orders for his horrendous challenge, the Inter defender arriving late on Memic and giving referee Clement Turpin no choice but to show him a straight red card.

A man down and with a slender lead to protect, Gattuso brought on Juventus centre-back Federico Gatti for Retegui and set his team up to soak up the waves of Bosnia pressure which came after the break.

Donnarumma had to be alert to punch away Kerim Alajbegovic's powerful drive in the 52nd minute, but Kean wasted a golden chance to double Italy's lead on the hour mark when he pounced on Memic's sloppy pass and charged towards goal only to smash his shot over the bar.

And after Esposito and Dimarco failed to make the most of presentable shooting opportunities, substitute Tabakovic sparked wild celebrations after Edin Dzeko's header was clawed off the line by Donnarumma.

Another superb Donnarumma save from Demirovic's header kept Italy level and extra time was equally tense, with the Italians furious that Tarik Muharemovic was not sent off for taking out Marco Palestra as the Cagliari defender burst towards goal.

But that won't be much of an excuse after another sorry effort to reach the World Cup ended in dismal fashion in the shoot-out.']

- FRANCE 24 with AFP

HIGHLIGHTS | ROUND 3 | FIDE CANDIDATES TOURNAMENT 2026

Tuesday, 31 March 2026

TOTTENHAM GETS A NEW HEAD COACH

WEMBY'S DOMINANT 41 VS. BULLS 🔥

JAKE PAUL EXPANDS BOXING REACH WITH SKY SPORTS PARTNERSHIP

Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Jake Paul has taken another step in boxing promotion, as Most Valuable Promotions secured a multi-year broadcast deal with Sky Sports and NOW. The agreement makes Sky Sports the exclusive home for MVP’s women’s boxing platform, MVPW, in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

The deal focuses on expanding coverage of women’s boxing through regular events on traditional television. It also guarantees at least two all-female fight cards each year in the region. The move strengthens MVP’s presence outside the United States and adds another major broadcast partner as the promotion continues to grow its global reach.

MVPW Launch Set for London With Title Unification Fight

The partnership begins with MVPW-01 on April 5 at London’s Olympia. The event will feature a world title unification bout between Caroline Dubois and Terri Harper. Dubois holds the WBC lightweight title, while Harper enters as the WBO champion.

The fight brings together two top British fighters in a high-level matchup. Dubois, who is also Daniel Dubois’s sister, will aim to add another title. Harper brings experience across multiple weight classes and enters the bout with a record of competing in major fights.

Jake Paul and MVP Outline Vision for Women’s Boxing

Paul and Nakisa Bidarian, who co-founded MVP in 2021, explained the platform’s goal in a joint statement.

“Through MVPW, we are committed to delivering meaningful opportunities for fighters while producing premium events that expand the global reach and commercial potential of women’s boxing.”

“Bringing two premium all-female MVPW events to the UK and Ireland each year, starting with the historic MVPW-01 on Sunday April 5 at London’s Olympia, is exactly what we envisioned when we launched this platform.”

The pair also pointed to the strength of British talent. “We have the best female British boxers in the world and Sky Sports is the perfect home to showcase the elite talent and championship-level action that defines MVPW.”

“Together, we’re committed to continuing to elevate women’s boxing to the main stage it deserves, delivering unforgettable nights for fans across the UK and beyond.”

Broadcast Deal Expands Most Valuable Promotions’ Global Footprint

The agreement comes as Sky Sports continues to build its boxing coverage following changes in its previous partnerships. For MVP, the deal strengthens its presence in the United States and supports its focus on women’s boxing.

Paul has combined his role as a fighter and promoter to grow the brand. He has competed against the likes of Anderson Silva and Mike Tyson while promoting events that highlight female fighters.

The new partnership sets a clear structure for future events and increases visibility for women’s boxing in the UK and Ireland. With MVPW-01 set for April 5, the first event will serve as the starting point for the expanded platform under the new broadcast deal.

- Dogli Wilberforce

GHANA SACK ADDO BEFORE 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP

In news that made headlines in the last 24 hours, the Ghana Football Association sacked head coach Otto Addo 72 days ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The news follows Ghana’s 2-1 defeat against Germany in an International friendly on Monday night, a result that came after a mammoth 5-1 loss against Austria on 27 March.

Addo was appointed as Ghana head coach on 15 March 2024, while he previously took on an interim role with the Black Stars.

While Addo guided Ghana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the GFA will now enter the upcoming showpiece with a different coach and technical team.

“The Ghana Football Association has parted ways with the head coach of the senior men’s national team, Otto Addo, effective immediately,” the GFA said in a statement.

“The Association wishes to thank Otto Addo sincerely for his contribution to the team and wishes him the best of luck in his future endeavours.

“The Ghana Football Association will communicate the new technical direction of the Black Stars in due course”.

- African Football