RAUL FERNANDEZ WINS BRITISH MOTOGP AS MARTIN EXTENDS TITLE LEAD

Trackhouse rider claims his first Grand Prix victory of season while Jorge Martin increases his championship advantage to 31 points

Raul Fernandez won the British MotoGP on Sunday after recovering from a crash in Saturday's Sprint, while Jorge Martin finished second to extend his lead in the championship standings.

This was Fernandez's first Grand Prix win of the season and the second of his MotoGP career after his triumph at the 2025 Australian Grand Prix.

The Trackhouse rider started second but took the lead at the opening corner before controlling the 20-lap race to finish about 2.5 seconds ahead of Martin.

Pole-sitter Martin dropped to fourth at the start because of a technical problem but recovered by overtaking Marc Marquez and Aprilia teammate Marco Bezzecchi to finish second.

Bezzecchi completed the podium in third after holding off Alex Marquez in the closing stages.

The Italian, who returned to competition after recovering from injuries sustained at the German Grand Prix, climbed to second in the championship standings.

Martin collected 20 points to increase his total to 240, while Bezzecchi earned 16 points to move to 209, leaving the Spaniard with a 31-point championship lead.

Ai Ogura, who started third on the grid and entered the race second in the standings with 203 points, crashed out around the halfway stage and dropped to third in the championship.

Despite climbing from sixth to third at the start, reigning champion Marc Marquez slipped to seventh, collecting nine points to remain fourth in the standings with 200.

Fabio Di Giannantonio finished sixth to earn 10 points and remained fifth in the championship with 199.

British MotoGP race results

Raul Fernandez

Jorge Martin

Marco Bezzecchi

Alex Marquez

Pedro Acosta

Fabio Di Giannantonio

Marc Marquez

Brad Binder

Luca Marini

Diogo Moreira

Franco Morbidelli

Fabio Quartararo

Jack Miller

Pol Espargaro

Toprak Razgatlioglu

Augusto Fernandez

Did not finish: Ai Ogura, Francesco Bagnaia, Cal Crutchlow, Iker Lecuona, Enea Bastianini, Alex Rins and Joan Mir

- Halis Sunnetci

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MESSI RETURNS ROSARIO AFTER HIS FATHER'S DEATH TO PARTICIPATE IN THE FAREWELL CEREMONY

Lionel Messi (Photo/Archive)

Rosario, Argentina – Argentine star Lionel Messi, captain of Inter Miami, arrived in his hometown of Rosario on Saturday evening, following the death of his father Jorge Messi, to participate in the farewell ceremony with family members.

Jorge Messi died at the age of 68, after a long battle with illness, leaving behind one of the most prominent figures who had a significant impact on the life and football career of the Argentine national team captain.

Jorge played a pivotal role in the beginning of his son’s career, managing his business affairs and overseeing many of his off-field matters from his early years. He was also strongly present in Messi’s journey from Argentina to Europe and the beginning of his career with Barcelona.

During Messi’s time at Newell’s Old Boys, Jorge took care of providing his son with the necessary treatment and monitoring his condition, before accompanying him during his move to Spain and joining the Barcelona academy, while his mother remained in Rosario to take care of the rest of the family.

Despite his name being linked to his son’s famous career, Jorge Messi maintained a limited media presence, preferring to stay out of the spotlight and focus on supporting his son and family away from media attention.

Jorge Messi leaves behind his wife Celia Cuccittini, his sons Lionel, Rodrigo, Matias and Maria Sol, along with his grandchildren and the rest of the family.

- Ahmed Khairy

ARSENAL ESTABLISH CONTACT FOR BRADLEY BARCOLA MOVE

Arsenal will attempt to sign 23-year-old French international Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain this summer after being snubbed by Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior.

According to a report by TEAMtalk, Bradley Barcola is also the subject of interest from Liverpool. The Reds are eager to bolster their offensive unit by signing a wide attacker in the ongoing transfer window, and they have their sights set on the 23-year-old Paris Saint-Germain winger.

Per TEAMtalk, the Merseyside giants remain the front-runners in the battle for Barcola’s signature, even though Arsenal have contacted his camp to discuss a deal. Meanwhile, the report has added that PSG continue to hold out for €150 million to sell the Frenchman in the coming weeks.

Bradley Barcola and his time at PSG so far

Bradley Barcola has established himself as one of the world’s best young wingers since joining PSG from Lyon in August 2023. The 23-year-old hit the ground running at Parc des Princes, and he has made exponential progress in the last three seasons. Even though he has not been an undisputed first-choice starter, his pace, work rate, and technical ability have won him widespread recognition while making him a valued asset.

Barcola scored 13 goals and provided 7 assists in only 2,971 minutes of game time across 49 appearances in all competitions during the 2025/26 season. The French winger carried that form into the 2026 FIFA World Cup, making his mark in France’s campaign. Meanwhile, his exploits have provoked interest from several high-profile clubs, with Arsenal and Liverpool among the prospective suitors vying for his signature.

Premier League move on the horizon?

Bradley Barcola has been on Arsenal’s wishlist for several months. The continued interest makes logical sense, as the Gunners need a productive attacker on the left flank after Gabriel Martinelli’s struggles in the 2025/26 season. With Leandro Trossard joining Besiktas, Barcola is now a primary target, particularly in the wake of Vinicius Junior’s decision to sign a new deal with Real Madrid.

As for Liverpool, the Reds are preparing for life after Mohamed Salah, who has departed from Anfield this summer. While Victor Munoz has been signed to fill Luis Diaz’s void on the left flank, they need another wide attacker to fill the quality gap in the final third. With Cody Gakpo struggling to perform consistently, Barcola represents a potentially transformative addition to their offensive arsenal.

Meanwhile, reports have revealed PSG’s hard stance on Barcola’s price is making a summer deal difficult. However, with PSG holding firm on their €150 million asking price and Barcola reportedly eager to leave Parc des Princes, a summer move to the Premier League remains on the agenda.

- Keshav Awasty

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DREW BREES SURROUNDED BY NEW ORLEANS SAINTS ROYALTY BEEFORE HIS PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME INDUCTION CEREMONY

"He deserves to be in, he deserves to be first ballot. He's the greatest Saint ever"

Saints legend Drew Brees arrived in Canton on Thursday, August 6 and attended several fan and media events, ending with an appearance at the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. AP Photo/New Orleans Saints

Canton, Ohio – If it takes a Pro Football Hall of Famer to know a Pro Football Hall of Famer, then Drew Brees was in perfect company Friday morning.

Brees, who will be inducted into the Hall of Fame on Saturday, was joined Friday morning by Rickey Jackson (Class of 2010, Saints player from 1981-93), Willie Roaf (Class of 2012, Saint from 1993-2001) and Morten Andersen (Class of 2017, Saint from 1982-94), while Brees made a promotional visit and worked a shift at Raising Cane's in Canton, Ohio.

"It was just a matter of time," Jackson said. "You know that he was going in. (Defensive end) Cam Jordan probably is the next one and hopefully, (Jahri Evans) makes it. I like to see Saints guys get in."

"The end of a great career," Roaf said. "The way he conducted himself on and off the field and the person he is – you know it was coming, it was just a matter of when he was going to lace the cleats up and finish his career."

"Drew's awesome," Andersen said. "Twenty years, 15 years with the Saints, Super Bowl, (Hurricane) Katrina – you can go on and on and on. What he was able to do with (Coach) Sean Payton and all the rest of the guys was a catalyst for excellence in New Orleans. He deserves to be in, he deserves to be first ballot. He's the greatest Saint ever."

Brees, the first Saint to be a first-ballot Hall of Famer, has been in the midst of a whirlwind week in Canton, with little time to stop and savor the moment.

"(The Hall of Famers) warned me, they said it's going to be a blur," Brees said. "They said come back next year, you and your wife, and just sit and watch and go, 'Oh, these are all the things we missed.' You're in the fray. Just trying to take it all in. And honestly, every moment, I think it becomes a little bit more real.

"One of the things (Thursday) night was we did a toast with all the Hall of Famers in the bust gallery. So here you are, looking at all of the busts and then all of a sudden you're clinking glasses with Lawrence Taylor (Class of 1999) and it's like, 'Whoa. That just happened.' Willie Lanier (Class of 1986) is toasting you. It's pretty special."

It was one of many that has been special for Brees, when he has had time to exhale. The exclamation mark comes Saturday, during an induction speech that is supposed to last 10 to 12 minutes, but that Brees said likely will run past that mark. The ESPN/NFL Network broadcast starts at 11 a.m. central with Brees scheduled to be the last of the five players being inducted to deliver his speech.

"I've cried no less than 50 times writing the speech," Brees said. "Driving in my car – tears. Working out in the weight room – tears. On the plane the other day – tears. I've tried to put myself in the moment and just visualize their faces as I'm writing the things that I want to say about them and, yeah, I get super emotional about it.

"I'm trying to get it all out of the way so that it can be a nice, smooth speech, and not making anybody too uncomfortable. But that just comes with it."

SHOULDER NEWS: Brees said he likely will need shoulder replacement in the future. His right (throwing) shoulder required extensive repairs in 2006, following an injury in his final game with the San Diego Chargers. He joined the Saints as a free agent that year and played 15 more seasons while building his Hall of Fame resume, but said that Dr. James Andrews, the orthopedic surgeon who performed the surgery, advised him to "wear out the tires as much as you can, but know that you're on a fast track to a degenerative shoulder after this," Brees said.

"I'll probably have to get a shoulder replacement at some point. But I'm hanging on as long as I can."

- John DeShazier

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FIFA PRESIDENT GIANNI INFANTINO DENIES CLAIMS OF UEFA PAYING OFF HIS ALLEGED LOVER: 'CATEGORICALLY UNTRUE'

An investigation alleged that UEFA made a severance payment to a woman who was reportedly involved in a relationship with Gianni Infantino

FIFA president Gianni Infantino is facing renewed scrutiny after an investigation alleged that UEFA made a severance payment to a woman who was reportedly involved in a relationship with him while he was the organisation's general secretary. The claims, reported by The Daily Telegraph, have emerged at a particularly difficult time for Infantino, who is already facing criticism over his recently abandoned proposal to bring private investment into FIFA's commercial operations.

Troubles continue to mount for FIFA President Gianni Infantino. (AP Photo/Santiago Saldarriaga)

However, Infantino has strongly rejected the allegations. A spokesperson for the FIFA president told The Telegraph that the claims were "categorically untrue" and denied any suggestion of inappropriate conduct or a breach of regulations.

"FIFA president Gianni Infantino strongly denies these allegations, and they are categorically untrue. Any insinuation of inappropriate conduct or violation of statutes or regulations is defamatory," a FIFA spokesman told the Telegraph.

“No employee at UEFA and FIFA has ever raised a complaint regarding Mr Infantino's behaviour because there never was an incident where he was involved,” the spokesperson added.

UEFA, however, confirmed that a payment had been made to the woman referred to in the report. The European governing body said the payment was connected to her departure from the organisation and included costs associated with completing an MBA programme at a local business school.

According to UEFA, the payment complied with the regulations that were in place at the time. The organisation added that its rules have since been strengthened and now reflect the standards expected of a modern, high-profile institution.

Infantino worked at UEFA from 2000 and rose to the position of general secretary in 2009. He held the role until 2016, when he was elected FIFA president following the departure of Sepp Blatter.

More allegations

The latest allegations come as Infantino attempts to navigate an increasingly turbulent period at the top of world football. His proposal to establish a major commercial entity involving private investment in FIFA's competitions triggered opposition from several football bodies and raised questions about the organisation's future direction.

The plan, which reportedly involved opening a substantial stake in FIFA's commercial arm to private investors, was eventually shelved amid significant criticism. Infantino subsequently acknowledged that mistakes had been made in the handling of the proposal, but he has remained in office.

Senior FIFA figures backed the president at a meeting in Morocco earlier this week, despite mounting calls for him to consider his position.

The controversy surrounding the investment proposal has also caused tension with European football authorities. Some European associations have threatened to boycott FIFA events, arguing that concerns surrounding the wider issue have not been fully addressed, even after the investment plan was withdrawn.

Infantino, meanwhile, continues to retain support in other parts of the football world. South America's CONMEBOL and the Confederation of African Football have backed him, while the football associations of Mexico, one of the 2026 World Cup's co-hosts, and Argentina have also expressed support.

- Vishesh Roy

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ALEX MARQUEZ LEADS MARCO BEZZECCHI IN SILVERSTONE MOTOGP FP1

Alex Marquez kicked off the British Grand Prix fastest of all in FP1

Alex Marquez led the way in FP1 at Silverstone
© Gold and Goose

Gresini Ducati MotoGP rider Alex Marquez was fastest of all by 0.173s in opening practice for the MotoGP British Grand Prix ahead of the returning Marco Bezzecchi.

The first round after the summer break takes place at Silverstone, which has seen 11 different winners in the last 11 editions of the British Grand Prix.

Alex Marquez will be looking to add his name to that list this weekend, having taken a sprint victory previously at the former RAF airbase.

Alex Marquez, 2026 Silverstone MotoGP.
© Gold and Goose

He got his weekend off to the best start on the Gresini Ducati, posting a 1m58.692s to lead the field by 0.173s.

The younger Marquez brother headed the leading Aprilia of Marco Bezzecchi, who is making his comeback following a collarbone injury in Germany ahead of the summer break.

Last year’s British Grand Prix winner completed 13 laps on his RS-GP and was faster than KTM’s Pedro Acosta, who was the only crasher in FP1.

Bezzecchi set the early pace at the start of the 45-minute FP1 at 2m01.807s, before Aprilia counterpart Raul Fernandez - fresh from signing a new two-year deal with Trackhouse - took over with a 1m59.807s.

Alex Marquez hit the front for the first time with just under 10 minutes of the session gone with a 1m59.436s, before Jorge Martin edged ahead on the sister factory team Aprilia with a 1m59.372s.

Gresini’s Marquez would post his session-topping 1m58.692s lap with around 30 minutes to go, and would not be challenged through to the chequered flag.

Bezzecchi moved up to second, while Acosta fitted some fresh rubber to move up to third with a 1m58.974s after a crash at Stowe with 20 minutes remaining.

Fernandez was fourth on the Trackhouse Aprilia, while Fabio Di Giannantonio was fifth on the VR46 Ducati.

Marc Marquez was sixth on the factory team Ducati, while Ai Ogura was only seventh on the Trackhouse Aprilia despite a switch to fresh medium rubber late on.

A FAST crash for @37_pedroacosta at Stowe 🫢#BritishGP 🇬🇧 pic.twitter.com/ylxm1Ui2hp

— MotoGP™🏁 (@MotoGP) August 7, 2026

Championship leader Martin was eighth on a 1m59.372s, while Franco Morbidelli was ninth on the second of the VR46 Ducatis.

Pecco Bagnaia completed the top 10 on the second of the factory team Ducatis.

Joan Mir was Honda’s leading campaigner in 11th, while Fabio Quartararo led the Yamaha charge in 15th.

Gresini stand-in Iker Lecuona was 16th, while Pol Espargaro was 21st for Tech3 as he stands in for Pol Espargaro.

Home hero Cal Crutchlow was 22nd on the LCR Honda.

- Lewis Duncan

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ENGLAND FOOTBALLER IVAN TONEY CHARGED OVER ASSAULT AT SOHO NIGHTCLUB

Ivan Toney has been charged with assault. Rene Nijhuis/MB Media/Getty Images

The England footballer will appear in Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 24 September

England footballer Ivan Toney has been charged with assault following an incident at a Soho nightclub in December, police have confirmed.

Toney, 30, of Northampton, was charged last Thursday with assault causing actual bodily harm in relation to an alleged incident which reportedly took place on 6 December last year at a nightclub on Wardour Street in London.

He will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 24 September, Metropolitan Police have said.

A spokesperson for the footballer said: “Ivan acknowledges the charge and although he is naturally shocked, he looks forward to being given the opportunity to clear his name in court.”

The Sun newspaper reported on 8 December that Toney had been arrested after an alleged headbutt.

Toney, who used to play for Brentford, is currently a striker for the Saudi Pro League team Al-Ahli. The footballer returned from the United States last month where he was part of Thomas Tuchel’s 26-man Three Lions squad in the World Cup.

He replaced Harry Kane as striker in England's 6-4 win over France in the “bronze final” of the tournament. He was also brought on as a late substitute in the semi final match against Argentina.

The police force said in a statement: “A man has been charged with assault following a Met investigation.

“Ivan Toney, 30 (16.03.1996), of Northampton, was charged on Thursday, 31 July with assault causing actual bodily harm.

“He will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Thursday, 24 September.

“The charge relates to an assault, which reportedly took place on 6 December 2025 at a nightclub on Wardour Street, W1.”

- Bryony Gooch

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ABDULLAH SHAFIQUE BECOMES FIRST PAKISTANI BATTER IN 49 YEARS TO SCORE 150 IN WEST INDIES

Pakistan batter Abdullah Shafique has ended a 49-year wait by becoming the first Pakistani batter since 1977 to score more than 150 runs in a Test match in the West Indies.

Shafique struck a commanding 160 in the Port of Spain Test, playing a key role in Pakistan’s eight-wicket victory over the West Indies in the second Test.

The milestone placed Shafique in distinguished company in Pakistan’s Test history. Before him, Majid Khan was the last Pakistani batter to score 150 or more runs in a Test in the West Indies. He made 167 in Guyana in 1977.

Shafique’s innings also highlighted his growing impact in overseas Test cricket. Three of Pakistan’s last four individual scores of 150 or more in Test matches played outside the country have been recorded by the right-handed batter.

His 160 proved particularly valuable as Pakistan chased down the target comfortably to complete an eight-wicket win in Port of Spain.

The victory also marked another significant overseas Test success for Pakistan. The national side had last won a Test series away from home in 2023, when it defeated Sri Lanka in a two-match series.

Shafique’s latest century-plus performance will therefore be remembered as both a personal milestone and an important contribution to Pakistan’s success in the Caribbean.

- Pakistani Observer