Thursday, 20 August 2026
'EVERYONE WANTS CLARITY' OVER MAN CITY CHARGES, SAYS ARSENAL CHIEF
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| Richard Garlick became Arsenal's chief executive in September 2025. Getty Images |
Everyone in the Premier League wants clarity and a speedy resolution in the case against Manchester City which features more than 100 alleged breaches of its financial rules, says Arsenal chief executive Richard Garlick.
An independent commission is yet to publish a ruling, more than a year and a half after a disciplinary hearing concluded, and three and a half years since City were first charged.
City have always denied wrongdoing.
When asked if the length of time the process was taking was frustrating Arsenal, Garlick told BBC Sport: "It has gone on for a while.
"Everybody - the league and the teams - would want the clarity around what's going to happen next.
"But it's not something that I can control. It's not something that I can speculate on.
"And I just hope that there is a solution very quickly."
Garlick's comments come on the eve of the new season and after Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said: "I do accept it's taking longer than expected, and I understand that people want to find out as soon as possible what's going on, but I simply can't provide that."
Describing the case as "hugely complex", Masters added: "Our rules are very clear - we have to follow the process, and there's only one real clear route through, which is to allow that process to reach its natural conclusion."
Privately, officials at a host of other Premier League clubs BBC Sport has spoken to in the past 24 hours have also expressed their frustrations, while acknowledging that this is an independent process which is running on its own timetable.
One said the Premier League should be "actively seeking to put in place a better system" to ensure speedier resolutions.
Another made the point that given that the league spent £45m on legal bills during the 2023–24 season on disputes over its financial regulations, there are mounting concerns at the spiralling costs of such a long legal fight.
The charges City are contesting relate to the:
- alleged failure to provide accurate financial information, including details for player and manager payments, from 2009-10 to 2017-18 seasons
- alleged failure to comply with Uefa's financial fair play (FFP) rules from 2013-14 to 2017-18
- alleged breaches of Premier League's profitability and sustainability rules (PSR) from 2015-16 to 2017-18.
City also face multiple charges that they failed to co-operate with the Premier League's investigation between December 2018 and February 2023.
Champions Arsenal were Premier League runners-up to City in both 2023 and in 2024 when they were beaten by just two points.
Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham reportedly served legal notices on City in 2024 reserving the right to seek compensation if the club are found guilty, with some said to have estimated potential losses of more than £100m.
They may also have been encouraged by Everton being told in June that they must pay Burnley £35m in compensation over the impact of a breach of the Premier League's financial rules.
Analysis
While most would argue that Garlick is simply articulating how almost everyone in English football feels about the length of time this saga has hung over the Premier League, it is still rare for a senior figure at a top club to break ranks and say anything publicly about the case.
Last year, the former Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy said it had gone on for "far too long", but until now that was an isolated intervention.
It is no surprise that City's rivals are frustrated.
The club has spent £151m so far this summer transfer window, including a club record £116m for England midfielder Elliot Anderson.
They have also spent almost £700m on new players since being charged in February 2023, and have won six major trophies in that time.
Meanwhile, they - and other clubs - remain in limbo.
Are Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri for sale?
Meanwhile, Garlick insists Arsenal are not actively seeking to sell homegrown talents like Myles Lewis-Skelly or Ethan Nwaneri, but that the Premier League champions would "consider" the "right opportunity" for both the players and the club.
Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri - both 19 years old - have been linked with summer moves away, including to rival clubs in the Premier League.
Their 'homegrown' status, having progressed through the ranks at Arsenal, means any sale would allow the club to book pure profit in its accounts, helping balance the financials in a year when the Premier League moves to a new Squad Cost Ratio (SCR) rule of spending controls.
The new rules mean clubs can spend 85% of their revenues on fees, wages and contracts but the number drops to 70% for clubs competing in Europe.
When asked if the club needed to sell players to help comply, Garlick said: "Every club now has adopted a player-trading model. The way in which football is and the fees involved, it makes sense for you to trade players and to generate revenues through those sales.
"I won't say it's a necessity, but it's only a matter of good housekeeping that you do look at those opportunities when they arise, and as long as they're right for the club, then that's something that we will explore."
When asked if he wanted Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri to stay at Arsenal, he said: "I can't stop other clubs being interested. Myles had a fantastic end to last season and has started this one really well. We're very, very happy with him.
"Ethan has had a great pre-season as well and it's just a case of looking at what opportunities there are that will help both of those in terms of their career moving forward.
"We are not actively looking at selling those homegrown players but if the right opportunity came up - right for them and the club - we'd obviously consider that."
Despite signing Bruno Guimaraes, Arsenal have tried and failed to bring in Vinicius Jr and missed out on Morgan Rogers this summer in what has been a muddled transfer window, but Garlick remains hopeful of further additions "that are going to improve the club".
"As you are competing for Premier League titles or Champions League trophies, you need to bring in a certain calibre of player. And I think that that pool of players is smaller now than maybe it was a few years ago," he said.
"We've got a really competitive squad and if the opportunity came again in the next couple of weeks for us to add a player that's going to improve Arsenal, then we will look at that."
Garlick also expressed confidence around the contract status of manager Mikel Arteta, with the title-winning manager into the final 12 months of his current deal.
"Mikel wants to be at Arsenal, we want Mikel at Arsenal," he said.
"It's only a matter of time before we put that into a new contract. Everyone is confident and calm. We're just navigating a transfer window and I'm sure Mikel's contract will be resolved shortly."
- Dan Roan
Wednesday, 19 August 2026
MIKEL ARTETA SHARES FIRST ARTETAISM OF THE SEASON WITH 'ATTACKING THE TITLE' QUOTE
Mikel Arteta has hit us with the first Artetaism of the year as he said Arsenal are not defending the Premier League, rather attacking it.
Whether the Spanish manager likes it or not, Arsenal are the defending Premier League champions but he has seemingly taken issue with that word and that mindset.
In an interview with Men in Blazers, it was put to him that Arsenal were “defending” the title, to which he replied with a big smile “attacking” it.
“Attacking! That’s where we’re going,” he said. “Now I’ve got inside an experience that I will remember the rest of my life which is sharing that with all the players, all the staff on that bus. Now we go for more and I want to create something much bigger than that.
“We created the foundation we wanted and now it’s something much bigger that we want to achieve as a club.”
Arteta is not the first non-native manager to trip over this particular English turn of phrase. Jurgen Klopp in 2020 questioned the use of the word defensive in regard to a new season.
“Somebody told me we have to defend the title, and I don’t understand that,” he said in a press conference. “Maybe I’m not smart enough, but I didn’t understand that.
“So if there’s a title out there, we obviously showed that we were able to go for it last year. We did it the year before as well.
“That doesn’t mean we will be this year because we don’t take these things for granted. But the titles out there, we attack them.”
Klopp did though fail to defend the title and now Arteta is tasked with being the first Arsenal manager to do so. Complacency is often raised as the key issue for a team retaining the Premier League title but the Arsenal boss suggested his players were the opposite.
“I think obviously the energy that everybody has is like ‘I want to do it again. I want to go through that emotion again,’ he said.
“So it’s almost like something that gets instilled in your base and I said I really want to live that again.
“We need to start from day one, and we need to realise that it’s going to be something that’s going to demand a lot from everybody. But we have the ability to do it, and we can go through that again.
“This is what we want to create right now, and it has to be the ambition, and it is the ambition from the owners of this football club, from everybody on the board, to every staff member, and ultimately from the players.
“And then you have to show that with facts and with actions. And when the staff wants to come early, the staff is putting more hours in the summer to see, ‘okay where can we go?’
- Sam Cooper
SUTHAR STARS AS INDIA CELEBRATE 600TH TEST WITH SRI LANKA WIN
India beat Sri Lanka by 165 runs in Galle on Wednesday to win their 600th Test and take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series, with Manav Suthar taking 10 wickets in his second Test to bowl out the hosts for 206.
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| Playing only his second Test, the 24-year-old Suthar took four wickets in the first innings before returning figures of 6-55 in the second. Getty Images |
INDIA beat Sri Lanka by 165 runs in Galle on Wednesday to win their 600th Test and take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series, with Manav Suthar taking 10 wickets in his second Test to bowl out the hosts for 206.
India marked their 600th Test with a 165-run win over Sri Lanka in Galle on Wednesday, with left-arm spinner Manav Suthar taking 10 wickets to help secure a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.
Playing only his second Test, the 24-year-old Suthar took four wickets in the first innings before returning figures of 6-55 in the second. He helped India bowl out Sri Lanka for 206 shortly after lunch on the final day.
Chasing 372 for victory, Sri Lanka could not build enough partnerships, with Sonal Dinusha the exception. He was the hosts' top scorer in both innings.
India captain Shubman Gill called the win "very satisfying".
"We were in a comfortable position but were not sure if the match would go on (because of weather), but the team responded well," he said.
Gill praised Suthar and India's batsmen for their efforts on a wicket that was not easy to score runs on.
"He has been bowling magnificently. Looks like a very promising guy and someone who can play for India for a long time," he said.
Sri Lanka resumed the final day on 84-4. India took two wickets in the morning session before quickly moving through the lower order.
Captain Dhananjaya de Silva and Dinusha had earlier added 95 runs for the fifth wicket after batting together for more than two hours.
'It was not easy'
De Silva, who had been dismissed off a no-ball early in his innings, went on to score his 20th half-century. He was eventually caught at short fine leg by Suthar while attempting a sweep against Ravindra Jadeja.
"It was not easy (batting fourth," said De Silva.
"They won the toss, got the runs on the board, and with our batting, we lost wickets and it went downhill from there."
Niroshan Dickwella, who had scored a half-century in the first innings, made 10 in the second before edging Prasidh Krishna to the wicketkeeper while trying to hit over the slips.
Suthar then took three wickets in a maiden over after lunch before claiming the final wicket of Keshara Nuwantha in his next over.
Sri Lanka lost their final four wickets for seven runs, with Suthar taking all four.
Dinusha, 25, finished with 84 after facing 128 deliveries. He hit eight fours and one six before Dhruv Jurel took a bat-pad catch at leg slip.
"We believed that we could draw the game even at lunch," said Sri Lanka head coach Gary Kirsten.
"Our instruction to the lower order batters was to bat as long as they could. We just needed one big partnership but once Dinusha was dismissed, it all fell off quickly."
Devdutt Padikkal was India's other standout performer after scoring 167 and 44 in the match following his inclusion as a late injury replacement.
"The wicket had its natural wear and tear but it was a good Test wicket," Padikkal said.
"Turned a lot more from the third day onwards. In the end it was all about who came out on top with their skill-set."
The teams will now travel to Colombo for the second Test, starting on Sunday.
- Eastern Eye
MAN UNITED CAN COMPLETE FIVE TRANSFERS INCLUDING BALEBA THIS WEEK BEFORE HULL CITY CLASH
The Red Devils have plenty of work left on their transfer to-do list.
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| Michael Carrick is looking to complete his business for the summer (Image: Getty) |
Manchester United’s summer transfer window was expected to be a little busier than it has so far turned out to be. It started out strong, with Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans having both penned deals before the conclusion of the World Cup.
Karl Darlow aside, United haven’t made any other additions to their squad, with time running out before deadline day. United are still said to be pushing for new signings, while players are also being linked with moves away from the club. As such, Express Sport have picked out seven transfers United could complete before this weekend’s Premier League season opener...
Academy trio allowed to leave
It’s being reported that three players who have first-team experience with United could be allowed to leave. Chief among them being Toby Collyer, who spent the previous season out on loan at West Brom.
It’s reported that the Baggies are in talks with United about making the move permanent, while Harry Amass could also be on the chopping block. BBC Sport suggest a loan is more likely than a permanent sale at this stage, unlike the fate that awaits Ethan Wheatley.
The talented striker is attracting interest from Everton, as per Fabrizio Romano, who claims a proposal is being prepared. The 20-year-old is admired by the Merseyside outfit, who are keen to add reinforcements in attack.
Push for a left-back steps up
United have been tracking a left-back all summer, with Lewis Hall their first-choice pick. However, the chance of pulling this one off is slim, given Newcastle have made it clear they don’t intend on selling the English international.
As a result, United have been eyeing up potential alternatives, including Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly, who is said to have been offered to the Red Devils by intermediaries. Elsewhere, Jorge Salinas has emerged as a potential option, with the teenager having caught the eye at Racing Santander.
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| Man Utd want to recruit Carlos Baleba from Brighton (Image: Getty) |
Carlos Baleba joins as final midfield addition
Midfield was the priority position before the start of the summer, and with Santos and Tielemans, United have made inroads. But there is still work to be done.
United still want to sign a third midfielder and Carlos Baleba is the man they want. Brighton are expected to reject their initial bid - £60m with £5m in add-ons - but an agreement is expected soon.
Joshua Zirkzee leaves and replacement joins
And finally, it hasn’t been the move to United that Joshua Zirkzee would’ve hoped for. The Dutchman hasn’t been able to establish himself in the starting XI under United’s last three managers and is now being linked with a return to Italy.
It has been suggested that if United were to lose Zirkzee, Carrick is keen to see him replaced. While there are only two weeks of the window left, it’s clear there is still plenty left on United’s to-do list.
- Amos Murphy
HUGE MISTAKE, SAYS NICK KYRGIOS AFTER TESTING POSITIVE FOR COCAINE
The ITIA confirmed on Wednesday that Kyrgios was suspended on August 4
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| Nick Kyrgios AFP |
Veteran Australian tennis star and former Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios has been provisionally suspended after testing positive for cocaine.
The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) confirmed on Wednesday that Kyrgios was suspended on August 4 after a sample he provided at an ATP 250 tournament in Mallorca in June tested positive for benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine.
Cocaine is classified as a prohibited substance in competition. Under the provisional suspension, Kyrgios is barred from participating in or attending ATP, WTA, Grand Slam and other sanctioned events until the case is resolved by an independent tribunal.
Kyrgios, 31, has admitted to the offence, describing it as a “huge mistake” and taking full responsibility for his actions.
Take full responsibility
In a lengthy statement shared social media, the Australian apologised to his fans, family, sponsors and young followers.
“I recently failed a drug test in Mallorca after testing positive for cocaine. I made a huge mistake and I take full responsibility for it,” Kyrgios said.
He also opened up about the physical and mental toll of persistent injuries and the difficulty of coming to terms with the possibility that his tennis career could be nearing its end.
“The last couple of years of injuries have taken a huge toll on me, both physically and mentally,” he said. “My body hasn’t been able to do what my mind expects it to do, and coming to terms with being near the end of my career has been harder than I ever imagined.”
Kyrgios stressed that his struggles did not excuse his actions but said the positive test had served as a wake-up call.
“I’m not going to make excuses,” he added. “None of that excuses what I did.”
The Australian said he will now step away from social media and public life for 28 days to focus on his wellbeing and asked for privacy for himself and his family.
“I’m sorry. I’ll do the work and come back better,” Kyrgios concluded.
- Jai Rai
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
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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
Tuesday, 18 August 2026
WOMEN'S HOCKEY WORLD CUP: DOMINANT INDIA CRUSH SOUTH AFRICA 6-1 TO GO TOP OF GROUP D
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| 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
2026 F1 DUTCH GRAND PRIX - ZANDVOORT WEATHER FORECAST
Check out the weather forecast for this weekend's 2026 F1 Dutch Grand Prix from Zandvoort.
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| © 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
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| 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."
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| 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
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| 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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