SPECULATION MOUNTS OVER ADRIAN NEWEY'S ASTON MARTIN ROLE

F1 team has reportedly approached Audi's Jonathan Wheatley about taking over as team principal.

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• Newey likely to scale back role soon but replacement not confirmed

• Audi’s Wheatley is currently the most likely hire, according to ESPN

• Newey will switch focus to technical matters amid difficult start to season for Aston Martin

Aston Martin team principal Adrian Newey remains at the helm of the Formula One team but speculation is mounting around the future of his role.

Autosport reported on Thursday that the 67-year-old was set to scale back his role, with current Audi boss Jonathan Wheatley named as his replacement.

However, a team spokesperson described the reports to BlackBook Motorsport as “rumour and speculation”.

The spokesperson added: “Aston Martin Aramco F1 Team remains fully committed to Adrian Newey as managing technical partner and team principal.”

Since then, ESPN has reported that Newey will step down from his role to focus on technical matters within the team. The report added that no deal has been agreed yet, but Wheatley is currently the most likely hire.

BBC Sport has also reported that Aston Martin has approached Wheatley about the role.

An Aston Martin spokesperson told ESPN and BBC Sport that the organisation “would not be engaging in media speculation about its senior leadership” and that Newey “continues to lead the team as team principal and managing technical partner”.

Newey officially joined the team, which is owned by Canadian billionaire Lawrence Stroll, on 1st March 2025 as managing technical partner before the surprise announcement that he would become team principal for the start of the 2026 season.

Known for being quiet and reserved, many felt the demands of team leadership were not suited to Newey’s technical prowess. Various reports indicate that Newey is assisting the search for his successor.

Newey and Wheatley know each other well from their time together at Red Bull Racing. The duo formed part of a hugely successful outfit that won six constructors’ championships between 2010 and 2023.

Wheatley has been team principal of Audi since the start of the 2025 season – when they raced under the Sauber name – and oversaw a dramatic shift from clear backmarkers the year prior to his arrival to a more competitive midfield team.

Aston Martin have suffered a terrible start to the 2026 season due to severe deficiencies with their Honda engine and will hope to benefit from Wheatley’s powers of recovery should he be appointed. However, prising him out of his current deal will be far from easy and could include a period of gardening leave.

If a deal is ultimately agreed, Newey may have to continue as team principal for some time as Audi would not want to bolster a direct rival at the start of a new phase of regulations.

According to ESPN, the plan was always for Newey’s role as team boss to be temporary, while the publication has also reported that any new hire would report to him in the new structure.

Other candidates approached for the role reportedly include Max Verstappen’s race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase and former McLaren team principal Andreas Seidl.

If Newey is ultimately replaced this season, his successor will be Aston Martin’s fifth team principal in the past six seasons.

- CIAN BRITTLE

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RONNIE O'SULLIVAN MAKES SNOOKER HISTORY WITH 153 BREAK AT WORLD OPEN

O’Sullivan snookered Ryan Day at start of first frame to create record-breaking opportunity

Ronnie O’Sullivan has made the highest break in professional snooker by hitting a 153 at the World Open in China. Photograph: Tai Chengzhe/VCG via Getty Images

Ronnie O’Sullivan has made the highest break in professional snooker by hitting a 153 at the World Open in China.

The 50-year-old achieved the feat after leaving Ryan Day in a snooker to begin the opening frame of their quarter-final and the Welshman’s failed escape attempt gave O’Sullivan a free ball.

That allowed the seven-times world champion to start with a green followed by an opening black, scoring eight points before beginning on the reds.

O’Sullivan then potted 15 reds, accompanied by 13 further blacks and two pinks, before clearing up the colours for a record 153.

He has scored a record 17 maximum 147 breaks in his career, and the 153 left him two points short of the highest possible break of 155. The only previous break exceeding 147 in the professional game was a 148 scored by Jamie Burnett, in UK Championship qualifying in 2004.

“Big shout out to all the people who have messaged me and congratulated me on the 153,” O’Sullivan said in a video posted on X. “It was a pretty cool moment, really happy to do it. Thank you to everyone out there who has supported me.”

His rapid start paved the way for a dominant 5-0 victory as O’Sullivan stormed into the semi-finals in Yushan.

- Scott Hunt, Press Association

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FIFA FINES ISRAEL, DENIES KEY PALESTINIAN COMPLAINT AND URGES IRAN TO FULFILL WORLD CUP SCHEDULE

Iranian government and soccer officials say they do not want to boycott the World Cup but that it is not possible for the national team to come to the US because of military attacks on the country

A drone view of the Banorte Stadium, also known as Azteca Stadium, the venue that will host the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and become the first stadium to hold three World Cups (1970, 1986, 2026), in Mexico City, Mexico, March 17, 2026.
Reuters picture.

FIFA fined the Israeli soccer federation for breaching anti-discrimination regulations but took no action on a Palestinian request to suspend Israel from global soccer for allowing clubs based in West Bank settlements.

Also, FIFA President Gianni Infantino on Thursday further dampened Iran's attempts to move its World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico, saying global soccer's governing body wants the tournament "to go ahead as scheduled."

Two separate Palestinian soccer federation petitions were addressed in Thursday's announcement.

FIFA fined the Israel Football Association 150,000 Swiss francs (USD 190,000) on disciplinary charges relating to "discrimination and racist abuse," plus "offensive behaviour and violations of the principles of fair play."

The Israeli federation was held responsible by three FIFA judges for "tolerance of politicized and militaristic messaging within football contexts," notably by fans of Beitar Jerusalem, and the "systemic exclusion of Palestinians from football infrastructure in Israeli settlements."

The disciplinary verdict against Israeli soccer, judged last August, was finally announced after a meeting of FIFA's ruling council chaired by Infantino, who restated his organization had peaceful goals in a month of turmoil for World Cup planning amid war in the Middle East.

Palestinian soccer denied on settler clubs issue

The Palestinian soccer federation has urged FIFA to act against Israel for supporting clubs in its national league from settlement communities in the West Bank.

FIFA's council decided on Thursday on advice from the governing body's governance panel not to act on formal Palestinian complaints in 2024 against its Israeli counterpart, including a request to suspend membership.

Palestinian soccer officials have long argued - including at FIFA annual congresses across the past 15 years, before Infantino was president - that Israel violates statutes by letting teams from settlements in the West Bank play in the national league.

"FIFA should take no action given that, in the context of the interpretation of the relevant provisions of the FIFA Statutes, the final legal status of the West Bank remains an unresolved and highly complex matter under public international law," the soccer body said.

FIFA wants Iran in the US at World Cup

Infantino reiterated FIFA is not moving toward granting Iranian requests to move the team's three World Cup group games in June from the United States to Mexico.

Iranian government and soccer officials have said they do not want to boycott the World Cup but that it is not possible for the national team to come to the US because of military attacks on the country by Israel and US since February 28.

The team is due to play two games at the Los Angeles Rams' stadium in Inglewood and one in Seattle.

"We have a schedule," Infantino said in a statement on Thursday about the World Cup fixtures announced in December, adding "we want the FIFA World Cup to go ahead as scheduled."

No team has refused a World Cup entry since the 1950 edition, a 13-team event in Brazil held in lingering global chaos after World War II. It would be unprecedented in modern World Cup history for a team's schedule to be changed after the draw for political reasons.

FIFA's political limits

"FIFA can't solve geopolitical conflicts," said Infantino, who presented his close ally US President Donald Trump with a specially created peace prize at the World Cup draw in December.

"(B)ut we are committed to using the power of football and the FIFA World Cup to build bridges and promote peace as our thoughts are with those who are suffering as a consequence of the ongoing wars," he said.

The disciplinary investigation of Israeli soccer also was opened 18 months ago in response to the second objection by the Palestinian federation.

The verdict was a fine for the IFA that amounts to 50,000 Swiss francs (USD 63,000) less than financial penalties imposed on Bosnia-Herzegovina's soccer federation for misconduct by fans at World Cup qualifying games in November.

FIFA judges criticise Israel soccer federation

FIFA disciplinary judges did uphold charges against Israeli soccer for institutional discrimination and also cited offensive social media comments by senior officials.

"The conduct of the IFA, in failing to take meaningful action against Beitar Jerusalem FC - a club whose supporters have engaged in persistent and well-documented racist behaviour - constitutes a clear violation," the FIFA disciplinary panel said.

One third of the fine must be spent by Israeli officials, FIFA ruled, on "implementation of a comprehensive plan to ensure action against discrimination and to prevent repeated incidents."

"The plan shall be approved by FIFA and shall focus on the following areas: reforms, protocols, monitoring, and educational campaigns in stadiums and on official channels for an entire season," FIFA judges decided.

The judges said they "cannot remain indifferent to the broader human context in which football operates" and the sport "must remain a platform for peace, dialogue, and mutual respect."

- AP

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NBA WORLD REACTS TO PISTONS' CRUSHING CADE CUNNINGHAM NEWS

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The Detroit Pistons were crushed with bad news on the Cade Cunningham front.

Heading into their Wednesday, March 19, matchup against the Washington Wizards, the Pistons found out the true diagnosis for Cunningham after initially listing him out due to a back contusion.

It turns out that Cunningham will be missing much more than just the Pistons-Wizards matchup on Thursday.

Cade Cunningham Lands Unfortunate Injury Diagnosis

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 09: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons looks on during a game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Xfinity Mobile Arena on November 09, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

via Shams Charania, ESPN: Just in: Detroit Pistons star Cade Cunningham has been diagnosed with a collapsed lung and is expected to miss an extended period of time, sources tell ESPN.

So far, the Pistons don’t have any updates on an actual timeline.

But with the initial news hit, it surely worries NBA fans–specifically those who root for the Pistons–as Cunningham’s MVP-caliber seasons hit a massive obstacle.

NBA World Reacts to Pistons’ Crushing Cade Cunningham News

DALLAS, TEXAS – DECEMBER 18: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons looks on during the second half of a game against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on December 18, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Gunnar Word/Getty Images)

Shams Charania via NBA Courtside:

Shams on Cade Cunningham collapsed lung:

“He’s expected to miss an extended period of time. The Pistons are not quite sure how long it will be. Could be weeks. There is optimism he could be back for the playoffs”

Seanhalfcourt on X: ……. Oh no

Brandon Dent, Woodward Sports: Heartbreaking news #Pistons Cade Cunningham will miss an EXTENDED amount of time due to a collapsed lung

Bovada on X: 😱 wishing Cade a full speedy recovery 🙏

Big_business_ on X: Wow man, speedy recovery Cade

Jay Knicky on X: Omg…get well soon Cade. That’s mad scary!

Cunningham suffered his injury after seeing the court for just five minutes in Washington DC on March 17.

He left the game with six points, two rebounds, and one steal. Despite the early exit from the All-Star guard, the Pistons took care of business with a 130-117 victory.

After the game, the Pistons were happy to see their team was able to step up in the absence of Cunningham, but the follow-up update is surely going to sting.

Omari Sankofa, Detroit Free Press: Oh man. Rough news for Cade and the team

Big Sarge Sportz on X: Tough break…Prayers for Cade…

Sleeper Hoops on X: Brutal blow to the Pistons man. Rest up Cade ❤️

Brady_Fred on X: Beyond his long-term health, Cade will miss out on all the awards now. Four games short. Sucks.

Where Do The Pistons Go From Here?

The next-man-up mentality is strong in Detroit.

But there’s no sugarcoating the fact that this is a major blow for a team that’s been thriving all season long.

Cunningham led the Pistons to a 49-19 record this season. They hold a 3.5-game lead over the Boston Celtics as the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference.

The Pistons will more than likely get a top-six spot in the NBA Playoffs, but the aftereffects of the Cunningham setback could put the top seed in danger.

Detroit will return to the court on Thursday night for another round with the Wizards. They’ll close out the back-to-back at home against the Golden State Warriors on Friday.

SMU LIED TO THE SELECTION COMMITTEE IN ORDER TO GET INTO THE NCAA TOURNAMENT

MATT CASHORE/IMAGN

The SMU Mustangs, led by head coach Andy Enfield, were one of the last at-large teams to make it into the 2026 NCAA Tournament. And it turns out they only made the field of 68 due to a lie.

SMU went 20-13 over the course of the regular season and ACC Tournament play and snuck in to the play-in round as an 11-seed, where they squared off with the 31-1 Miami Redhawks on Wednesday night.

The Mustangs fell to the Redhawks, 89-79, ending their season. But they did so without one of their top players, senior guard B.J. Edwards, at their disposal. Edwards was the team’s third-leading scorer with 12.9 points per game and second-leading rebounder at 5.9 per game this season.

However, the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee believed he would be available for the game against Miami. In fact, that was one of the main reasons SMU made the tournament at all.

SMU Told The NCAA Tournament Selection Committee That B.J. Edwards Would Play

When discussing the final teams to make the bracket, NCAA Tournament Selection Committee Chair Keith Gill explained that Edwards’ availability was a key reason for the Mustangs sneaking into the field.

That’s despite the fact that he hasn’t played since Feb. 25 when he suffered an ankle injury in a loss to Cal.

“Six games ago, they lost one of their important players, Edwards, and they’ve lost five of six of those games (since),” Gill said. “He’s coming back. He’s the third-leading scorer, defensive player…”

He did not, in fact, come back.

Edwards did not play a single minute on Wednesday night against the Redhawks. Had he done so, perhaps the result would have been different.

“He just didn’t feel like he was quite game-ready.” SMU coach Andy Enfield said after the game, denying any intentional deception.

But it certainly appears that SMU misled the selection committee to some degree, and now teams like Oklahoma, Auburn, San Diego State, and Indiana are led to wonder “what if?” over their NCAA Tournament hopes.

- CLAY SAUERTIEG

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GALATASARAY READY TO TAKE LEGAL ACTION AFTER HORROR NOA LANG INJURY VS. LIVERPOOL

Galatasaray will reportedly take legal action against UEFA after Dutch forward Noa Lang suffered a freak thumb injury from a collision with an advertising hoarding at Anfield

Noa Lang was forced off against Liverpool after suffering a serious injury to his thumb(Image: Getty Images)

Galatasaray reportedly intends to seek compensation from UEFA after Noa Lang suffered a freak injury from a collision with an advertising hoarding at Anfield during their Champions League defeat to Liverpool.

The Reds booked their place in the Champions League quarterfinals on Wednesday after beating Galatasaray 4-0 (4-1 on aggregate) at Anfield, setting up a rematch with Paris Saint-Germain, who knocked Liverpool out of the competition in the Round of 16 last year.

During the clash at Anfield, Lang suffered a gruesome injury for which he underwent surgery after he collided with an advertising board. The Dutch forward was in agony, holding his bloody thumb before being taken off the pitch on a stretcher. He was also seen being given oxygen as he left the pitch.

"In the second half of the same match, our player Noa Lang, who suffered an injury, sustained a serious cut to his right thumb, and it is planned for him to undergo surgery in Liverpool in the coming hours with the participation of our medical team," read a statement from the Turkish club, who now reportedly look set to take legal action against UEFA for the injury.

According to Turkish outlet Fanatik, Galatasaray's general secretary, Eray Yazgan, told HTSpor: "We made a complaint to UEFA representatives after the match. They also made their investigations. UEFA will evaluate the issue.

Noa Lang receives medical attention during Galatasaray's Champions League defeat to Liverpool(Image: (Paul ELLIS / AFP via Getty Images))

"We are in talks with lawyers. We will file a lawsuit for compensation to UEFA. We will ask for our victimization in terms of salary to be eliminated."

Following the game, Liverpool and UEFA officials were spotted investigating the advertising hoarding where the incident occurred.

Liverpool officials inspect the fence against which Galatasaray's Dutch forward Noa Lang sustained an injury(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

While Lang was in serious discomfort following the injury, he later posted a picture on his Instagram account of himself on a hospital bed with two nurses while still in his Galatasaray kit, smiling.

He captioned the post, "s--- happens."

He also confirmed that he has had surgery on his injured hand, with the procedure going successfully. "Surgery went well! Thanks for all the messages," he added.

Speaking on TNT Sports, Ally McCoist, who was covering Liverpool and Galatasaray's game, admitted he could tell the 26-year-old had suffered a shocking injury simply by looking at the reaction of the photographer who was next to Lang when it happened.

"He said: "I could tell there was a significant problem because one of the girls behind there, I'm not sure if she's a photographer but you could see her face, the way she reacted."

- Oscar Maung-Haley

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FORMER AFCON-WINNING COACH TAKES AIM AT MOTSEPE OVER AFCON DECISION

 Veteran coach Claude Le Roy has criticised Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Patrice Motsepe following the decision to strip Senegal of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title.

Motsepe 'Attacked' Over 2025 AFCON Decision. Photo: Gallo Images

CAF confirmed that the 2025 AFCON title would be awarded to Morocco after Senegal were deemed to have forfeited the final by walking off the pitch in protest over a penalty awarded to the Atlas Lions.

The decision has sparked widespread backlash, and with the controversy ongoing, Le Roy has now voiced his strong opposition.⁸

According to WiW Sport, the Frenchman described the ruling as “incomprehensible” and was particularly critical of Motsepe.

"I couldn't imagine for a second that the CAF could go so far down this path of absurdity," Le Roy said.

"But when you see how the CAF is run today by Patrice Motsepe, who is essentially Gianni Infantino's lackey, you understand certain things better. From the start, some were determined to give the cup to Morocco. Yet, even though Morocco had a very good AFCON and deserved to go far in the competition, in the final, it was clearly Senegal who were the better team. No one could have imagined that we would hear such a decision two months later," he added.

The 78-year-old suggested the matter is far from resolved and believes further developments are likely, including the possibility of Senegal being reinstated as champions.

"We're in the middle of an election period, so we can imagine all sorts of things happening, only to ultimately decide that Morocco is the champion," Le Roy explained.

"I think this isn't over yet, and Senegal will eventually have its rights restored. But, once again, it's a disgrace to the image of the Confederation of African Football. I think that, initially, there will be an appeals committee, since this is a preliminary ruling," the former Ghana national football team coach continued.

"Then, depending on the outcome, the case could be taken to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. But I fear that this decision, unfortunately for a continent with so much potential, will be a laughingstock for the entire football world," he concluded.

- Matthew Petersen

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