Saturday, 21 March 2026
LIVERPOOL'S PREMIER LEAGUE CLASH WITH BRIGHTON DELAYED AS STATEMENT RELEASED
Liverpool and Brighton will kick off their Premier League clash 15 minutes later than scheduled due to a traffic accident near the Amex Stadium
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| Brighton host Liverpool in the Premier League's early kick-off (Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images) |
Liverpool's Premier League clash with Brighton has seen kick off delayed by 15 minutes due to a road traffic accident near the Amex Stadium.
The incident has occurred on the A27, with Brighton confirming the delay on their social media accounts. In a post, the Premier League said: "Kick-off for today’s Premier League match between Brighton and Liverpool has been delayed by 15 minutes to 12:45pm.
"This is due to heavy traffic in the local area delaying the arrival of supporters." While speaking on TNT Sports, Lynsey Hipgrave added: "We do have a lot of empty seats still at the moment.
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| Arne Slot made two changes to his Liverpool line-up (Image: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) |
"There is going to be a delay to kick-off here while they try and get as many fans as possible into the stadium. There has been an accident on the A27 heading toward the AMEX today, so long tailbacks outside.
"They are going to hold the match back a little bit just to try and get as many of the supporters in as they can."
Arne Slot was forced to sideline Mohamed Salah, with Cody Gakpo named in the starting side. Florian Wirtz was also named in the starting side, and he opened up about his season to TNT Sports ahead of kick-off.
Wirtz said: "Everyone in the world knows that the Premier League is the most intense and physically it was maybe a bit more than I was thinking but there’s always difficult things on the pitch where you have to adapt.
"Maybe you have also a bit more responsibility for more people who are supporting you and wanting you to do good.
“When I was at Leverkusen, I could have more time on the ball and maybe turn easier.
"Here you have to be so ready, with your first touch you have to be away already because otherwise there are three people on you and smashing into you. That’s maybe also a big difference. I have to be faster in my decisions.”
- Will Schofield
Friday, 20 March 2026
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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| Getty Images |
- 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
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
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| 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
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
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| 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
Thursday, 19 March 2026
NBA WORLD REACTS TO PISTONS' CRUSHING CADE CUNNINGHAM NEWS
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| Getty |
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
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| 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
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| 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 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
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| 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
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
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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
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.
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| 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
Wednesday, 18 March 2026
TOTTENHAM ON VERGE OF FRESH SUCKER-PUNCH WITH CLUB SET TO FALLINTO £90M BLACK HOME
Tottenham have a hefty dificit to overturn if they are to make it to the next round of the Champions League - and failure to do so will result in significant losses
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| Tottenham could lose millions on Wednesday night(Image: Diego Souto/Getty Images) |
Tottenham could miss out on in excess of £90million if they are dumped out of the Champions League on Wednesday night.
Spurs have a hill to climb against Atletico Madrid, with the Spaniards holding a 5-2 lead heading into the return leg of the knockout clash. Igor Tudor's side would need three goals to just push the game to extra-time, with many resigned to missing out on European glory.
However, this potential loss could signify more than a disappointing end to their Champions League campaign. Spurs have made millions from their participation in Europe this season, securing £16m just for qualifying for the league phase of the competition.
A single win secures around £1.8m but falling before the quarter-final stage will see Tudor's side miss out on a £10.8m bonus. There is also UEFA's new revenue model for the tournament, which rewards the marketing value and coefficient ranking of big clubs.
As one of the Premier League giants in Europe, Spurs usually bank up to £40m from this alone. This model tends to reward clubs based on continued participation, so Tottenham failing to qualify next season could spell trouble for profits.
Dropping out of the Champions League at the round of 16 will also see the club lose millions in revenue. Spurs collect between £4m and £6m per European matchday in tickets, hospitality and food and drink sales.
Losing that income before the quarter-finals removes up to £12m alone this season in a home leg in the rest of the knockout rounds, plus even more next season. The removal of between four to five guaranteed home games under the new Swiss model in the 2026/27 campaign removes over £30m in direct stadium income.
Brand endorsement deals are also at risk, as many of Tottenham's premium sponsorships contain performance clauses. A failure to qualify for the Champions League - which is almost guaranteed due to the club's low league standing - could trigger a drop in base payments from these sponsors.
An exit on Wednesday night, coupled with the failure to qualify for Europe next season, could spell a total of £92.8m in losses for the club. Tottenham recently reported a £129m pre-tax loss for 2025, the third-largest in Europe.
This double dose of losses - dropping out of the Champions League and missing Europe next year - will make it that much harder to stick to the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules (PSR).
Without European football to aim for in the summer, Spurs could be forced to sell some of their biggest assets in the team to cover any losses made.
- Abbie Meehan
SENEGAL STRIPPED OF AFCON TITLE, MOROCCO DECLARED CHAMPIONS
Senegal say they will appeal after they were sensationally stripped of the Africa Cup of Nations title on Tuesday and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) instead declared Morocco champions
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| Senegal stripped of AFCON title AFP |
Senegal say they will appeal after they were sensationally stripped of the Africa Cup of Nations title on Tuesday and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) instead declared Morocco champions, two months after their chaotic final. Several Senegalese players controversially walked off the pitch in Rabat during the final on January 18 in protest when the hosts were awarded a penalty late in second-half stoppage time. After Senegal's players eventually returned having been coaxed back onto the pitch by captain Sadio Mane, Morocco missed the penalty and Pape Gueye went on to score the goal in extra time that gave his team a 1-0 victory.
CAF said that having studied Morocco's appeal, "the Senegal national team is declared to have forfeited the match" and the result was "officially recorded as 3-0" in favour of Morocco.
The CAF Appeals Committee justified its decision by applying Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON Regulations, which state that if a team "refuses to play or leaves the ground before the regular end of the match without the authorisation of the referee, it shall be considered (loser) and shall be eliminated for good from the current competition".
The articles add that the team contravening the regulations "will lose its match by 3-0".
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) said in a statement its appeal "was never intended to contest the sporting performance of the teams participating in this competition, but solely to request the application of the competition regulations".
"The Federation reaffirms its commitment to respecting the rules, to the clarity of the competitive framework, and to the stability of African competitions," the statement added.
Senegal's football authorities said they will appeal "as soon as possible" to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
"The Senegalese Football Federation condemns this unjust, unprecedented and unacceptable decision, which brings African football into disrepute," it said in a statement.
Chaotic scenes
Minutes before the end of the match, some Senegalese supporters attempted a pitch invasion, while Senegal's players halted the game for nearly 20 minutes to protest the late penalty awarded to Morocco.
The controversial spot-kick was awarded by Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala right at the end of the allotted eight added minutes in normal time following a VAR check for a challenge on Brahim Diaz by El Hadji Malick Diouf.
The game was goalless at the time and Diaz could have won the trophy for Morocco with the spot-kick in the 24th minute of added time at the end of normal time.
But Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy easily saved the weak attempted 'Panenka' chip by the Real Madrid winger, who was clearly distracted by the long delay that followed the penalty award.
The game at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium then went to extra time, and Gueye's brilliant 94th-minute strike won it for Senegal.
Several of the team's players posted on social media after the announcement that they had been stripped of the title.
Defender Moussa Niakhate, who plays for French club Lyon, posted a picture of himself lifting the Africa Cup of Nations trophy with a message that said "they're mad", in an apparent reference to CAF.
In the immediate aftermath of the final, FIFA president Gianni Infantino had condemned "some Senegal players" for the "unacceptable scenes".
"It is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner, and equally, violence cannot be tolerated in our sport, it is simply not right," Infantino, who attended the match, said.
In late January, CAF imposed a series of disciplinary sanctions, including fines amounting to several hundred thousand euros, on the federations of both countries for unsportsmanlike conduct and violations of fair play principles.
The appeal trial of 18 Senegalese supporters, imprisoned since the final and sentenced to prison terms ranging from three months to one year for "hooliganism," which was scheduled to take place on Monday, has been postponed until March 30.
- Agence-France Presse
Tuesday, 17 March 2026
SHIMANO TO PAY $11.5M PENALTY FOR FAILING TO REPORT DEFECT FOLLOWING CRANKSET RECALL
Company 'failed to immediately report' the hazardous defect, with failures dating back 10 years prior to the recall being announced
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| Shimano Ultegra R8100 groupset detail of drive side crank arm (Image credit: Josh Ross) |
Shimano has agreed to pay an $11.5 million civil penalty for failing to immediately report that its Hollowtech II cranksets contained a potentially hazardous defect.
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has this week announced that Shimano will pay the penalty to settle a charge that it "knowingly failed to immediately report to CPSC, as required by law", that its cranksets "contained a defect which could create a substantial product hazard or created an unreasonable risk of serious injury or death to consumers."
The charge relates to the brand's bonded Hollowtech II cranksets, including Ultegra models with part numbers FC6800 and FC-R8000, and Dura-Ace models with part numbers FC-9000 and FC-R9100, as well as the power meter-equipped FC-R9100P model.
Those cranksets were all subject to a recall, first announced in 2023, which affected over 2.8 million units worldwide.
However, according to the CPSC, Shimano had received "thousands of warranty claims" dating back as far as 2013, with "dozens of reports" of injuries including bone fractures, joint displacement and lacerations as a result of the cranksets' failures.
The CPSC is an independent body responsible for setting industry standards, issuing recalls, and regulating all consumer-facing products in the United States.
It supported Shimano during the initial recall of 760,000 cranksets in the USA, announcing jointly on September 21, 2023. That initial release cited 4,519 incidents of cranksets separating, but that number relates only to North America, and is expected to be significantly higher worldwide.
In addition to the $11.5m penalty, the agreement also requires Shimano to maintain internal controls and procedures that ensure future compliance with the Consumer Product Safety Act. As part of this, Shimano will submit annual reports regarding its compliance program, internal controls and internal audits relating to policies, procedures, systems and training.
When contacted by Bicycling Retailer, a Shimano spokesperson said: “Shimano cannot comment beyond what has been included in the public settlement.”
Cyclingnews has also contacted Shimano for comment.
- Josh Croxton
2026 WORLD CUP: IRAN ASKS FIFA TO MOVE GAMES FROM US TO MEXICO
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| Iran are scheduled to play their 2026 World Cup group games in LA and Seattle |
Iran has asked Fifa to move its 2026 World Cup games from the US to Mexico as the wrangling over the war-torn country’s participation continues.
The Iranian embassy in Mexico posted a statement on social media saying that talks were ongoing over the possible solution after President Trump suggested that it may not be safe for Iran to travel to the US for this summer’s tournament.
Iranian Football Federation president Mehdi Taj was quoted as saying: “When Trump has explicitly stated that he cannot ensure the security of the Iranian national team, we will certainly not travel to America.
“We are currently negotiating with Fifa to hold Iran’s matches in the World Cup in Mexico.”
Iran are currently scheduled to play their first two group games against New Zealand and Belgium in LA, with their third against Egypt in Seattle.
Three Mexican cities – Guadalajara, Mexico City and Monterrey – are set to stage fixtures at the World Cup, which is also being co-hosted
But matches have already been allocated to those cities and the teams involved, who include Japan, South Korea, Tunisia and Japan, have already made their tournament plans accordingly.
Iran put World Cup ball back in Fifa’s court
Moving games would therefore represent a major logistical headache for Fifa and could anger local authorities in LA and Seattle who have already budgeted for their schedule.
On top of that, the bulk of knockout stage games will be in the US, meaning it would be impossible to avoid Iran playing in the States if they progressed.
The suggestion does, however, put the ball back in Fifa’s court with less than 100 days to go until the biggest ever World Cup kicks off on 11 June.
Iran has refused to formally withdraw despite officials saying they would be unable to travel to the US amid the ongoing military operations led by the Trump administration and Israel.
After Fifa chief Gianni Infantino relayed apparent assurances from Trump that Iran would be welcome at the World Cup, the US President undid that work by saying: “The Iranian national team is welcome at the World Cup, but I really don’t think their presence is appropriate, for their own lives and safety.”
The Iranian men’s national team hit back in a post on social media, saying: “No one can exclude the Iranian national team from the World Cup; the only country that could be excluded is the one that merely holds the title of ‘host country’ without being able to ensure the safety of the teams participating in this global event.”
- Frank Dalleres
Monday, 16 March 2026
CHELSEA GIVEN BAN AND RECORD- BREAKING FINE FOR BREACHING PREMIER LEAGUE RULES
Chelsea have been handed an immediate transfer ban and record £10.75m fine by the Premier League after breaching their rules.
The rule breaks are in relation to three different areas - Financial Reporting, Third Party Investment and Youth Development.
The Premier League have concluded two separate disciplinary processes after Chelsea owners BlueCo, a consortium led by Clearlake Capital and Todd Boehly, voluntarily self-reported potential historical breaches of rules in 2022 under previous owner, Roman Abramovich.
Chelsea Transfer Bans Explained
Chelsea have been found guilty of making undisclosed payments by third parties associated with the club, including unregistered agents, players and other third parties.
After assessing a series of recalculations of the club’s historical financial submissions, the Premier League have given Chelsea a £10m fine - the biggest in Premier League history - and a suspended one-year first team transfer ban, which is suspended for two years.
The Premier League Board decided that the club’s proactive self-reporting, admissions of breach and exceptional cooperation throughout the investigation were key to them handing out an appropriate sanction.
The Premier League also investigated potential breaches of the Premier League's youth development rules, with a separate transfer sanction being agreed with Chelsea. They have received an immediate nine-month ban from registering academy players purchased from Premier League and EFL clubs, as well as a £750,000 fine.
Premier League Release Statement
The Premier League released a statement on Monday afternoon:
'The Premier League has concluded two separate disciplinary processes involving Chelsea Football Club, following the Club voluntarily self-report to bying potential historical breaches of rules.
'Two sanction agreements have been ratified by an independent Commission under which Chelsea FC has accepted fines totalling £10.75 million for breaches of the Premier League’s rules relating to Financial Reporting, Third Party Investment and Youth Development.
'The Club has been sanctioned by the Premier League with an immediate nine-month Academy Transfer ban and a suspended one-year first-team player transfer ban (suspended for two years).
'The Premier League has completed a disciplinary process with Chelsea FC in respect of historical breaches relating to Financial Reporting and Third Party Investment. In 2022, Chelsea FC’s current owners voluntarily reported to the League that they had evidence of potential breaches of Premier League Rules.
'As a result of the Premier League’s investigation, it was established that between 2011 and 2018, undisclosed payments by third parties associated with the club were made to players, unregistered agents and other third parties. These payments were not disclosed to the football regulatory authorities at the time, including the Premier League. The payments were made for the benefit of Chelsea FC and should have been treated as having been made by the club. The club has also accepted, among other things, that the making of these payments, as well as the failure to disclose them to the League, constituted a breach of the requirement to act in good faith towards the League.
The Premier League assessed a series of recalculations of the club’s historical financial submissions which took into account the payments made for the benefit of Chelsea FC. Importantly, having undertaken that assessment, the Premier League Board was satisfied that in no scenario would the club have breached the League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules during the relevant periods, had the relevant payments been properly included in the club’s historical financial submissions.
'When considering the appropriate sanction, the Premier League Board noted that the club’s proactive self-reporting, admissions of breach and exceptional cooperation throughout the investigation acted as significant mitigating factors.
'The Premier League and Chelsea FC have now entered into a sanction agreement under which the club accepts a £10 million fine and a suspended one-year first team transfer ban (suspended for two years).
'In addition, the League also investigated potential breaches of the Premier League’s Youth Development Rules, committed by a former senior employee, relating to the club’s registration of Academy players between 2019 and 2022. This followed a further voluntary report by the club in 2025.
'As a result of this additional investigation, a separate sanction agreement has been entered into with Chelsea FC, under which the club has accepted an immediate nine-month ban from registering Academy players from Premier League and EFL clubs. The club will also pay a £750,000 fine.
'All sanctions will take effect immediately with the club also paying the full costs of the League’s investigation and disciplinary processes.
'In accordance with Premier League Rules, the sanction agreements with the club have been reviewed and approved by three members of the League’s independent Judicial Panel.
'A separate FA disciplinary process involving the club’s alleged breaches of FA Regulations arising out of similar conduct remains ongoing. In 2022, Chelsea FC also reported to UEFA the historic breaches which resulted in the CFCB First Chamber entering into a settlement agreement with the club. Chelsea FC paid a financial contribution of €10 million (£8.6 million).'
- James Beavis
Aryna Sabalenka saved a match point on the way to a 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (8/6) victory over Elena Rybakina on Sunday to claim a long-awaited first Indian Wells title.
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| Aryna Sabalenka ended a frustrating run of finals futility against Elena Rybakina. |
Aryna Sabalenka saved a match point on the way to a 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (8/6) victory over Elena Rybakina on Sunday to claim a long-awaited first Indian Wells title. Sabalenka ended a frustrating run of finals futility against Rybakina, who had won their last four title clashes starting with a triumph at Indian Wells in 2023 and including a nail-biter at the Australian Open in January. Sabalenka rallied from a break down in the second set and fought off a match point trailing 5-6 in the tiebreaker before finally gaining the longed-for title -- and a healthy measure of revenge.
"Thanks God I got this trophy," said Sabalenka, who lost to Russian teen Mirra Andreeva in last year's final.
She had appeared on her way with a break for 2-1 in the third set. But Rybakina piled on the return pressure to break back for 5-5 and fought off five break points in the next game.
Deflated but determined, Sabalenka held at love to force the tiebreaker, rallying from 3-5 down before saving match point with a stunning backhand winner. She won the next point on Rybakina's serve and delivered another massive serve herself to seal it.
"On that five-all game, I was really upset each time I would miss her second serve," Sabalenka said. "I felt like I had a lot of opportunities in that game, which I didn't use. I didn't feel my best, for sure, after that game.
"But what I'm happy with is that in the next one I was able to pull out great serves to get that game and get into the tiebreak."
Sabalenka said that the "boiling" temperature on court had her "dying" in the tiebreaker, but she could see that Rybakina was affected, too.
"So I was trying to push myself basically to the limit," Sabalenka said. "I'm super happy that in those last three points of the match, I was able to pull out really great tennis and get the win."
The latest clash between the big-serving, big-hitting rivals was again a match of razor-thin margins.
Rybakina converted the only break point of the opening set for a 4-2 lead and backed up the break with a love game.
It wasn't until she served for the set that Rybakina lost two points in a service game. But after falling behind 0-30 she powered back, giving herself a set point with an ace and pocketing the set when Sabalenka's backhand down the line slipped wide.
A double-fault on break point in the opening game of the second set left Sabalenka in a world of trouble.
- 'Big drop' -
But despite her obvious frustration Sabalenka dug in, winning the next four games to take a 4-1 lead.
She broke Rybakina at love to level the set at 1-1 and saved two more break points in a marathon third game.
Rybakina, her forehand errors rising along with the desert heat, double-faulted on break point to hand Sabalenka a 3-1 lead, Sabalenka holding with ease to make it 4-1 before Rybakina stopped the rot.
Sabalenka had to fend off a break point for 5-2 and saved another one with an ace as she served out the set.
"I think the first set I played really well, and I was much more with the energy. Second set, big drop," Rybakina said. "Then in the third, I think for both of us was quite difficult."
Sabalenka will now head into her Miami Open title defense aiming to complete the "Sunshine Double."
Rybakina will arrive in Miami ranked second in the world, climbing one spot to overtake Poland's Iga Swiatek.
- Agence-France Presse
LEWIS HAMILTON FOLLOWS UP FIRST FERRARI PODIUM WITH OSCARS WIN
The F1 Movie, nominated for four Academy Awards, won an Oscar on Sunday night.
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| Hamilton scored his first Grand Prix podium with Ferrari in China |
Lewis Hamilton is now an Oscar-winning film producer after the Formula 1 movie picked up the gong for Best Sound.
F1, which Hamilton co-produced and had a cameo in alongside Brad Pitt, secured the Oscar for Best Sound at Sunday night’s prestigious awards ceremony in Los Angeles.
Seven-time world champion Hamilton worked closely on the blockbuster alongside director Joseph Kosinski and lead producer Jerry Bruckheimer.
As well as giving advice on the script and his insight into the world of F1, Hamilton also took part in a driving day with Pitt.
Hamilton was unable to attend the Oscars because of his clashing commitments at the Chinese Grand Prix.
The 41-year-old Briton celebrated his first grand prix podium with Ferrari by beating team-mate Charles Leclerc to third place following a thrilling battle.
Hamilton finished behind the dominant Mercedes duo of Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who claimed his first F1 victory, and former Silver Arrows team-mate George Russell.
Speaking ahead of the weekend, Hamilton confirmed he would not be able to make the Academy Awards on time.
"I think it's impossible," Hamilton said. "I've looked at every way to get there in time, but unfortunately I can't get there.
"But I'll FaceTime with Joe and Jerry when they're there, which will be cool.
"I'm incredibly proud, and I never ever thought in a million years that that would be the outcome of the work that we're doing over the past years.
"It's amazing to see. I don't know if it's the sport, but to see how much promotion there is around the world, to see the buzz, to see new people getting excited for the sport, in the way that so many of us were growing up.
"It's really great to see that that is expanding. And on top of that, I'm still here, still to be a part of it and witness it.”
The F1 movie also won a BAFTA for Best Sound in London last month.
It was nominated for four Oscars in total, including Best Picture and Visual Effects.
It became the highest-grossing original film of 2025, making over $600m globally.
It was also Pitt’s most successful project, beating World War Z in 2013.
Bruckheimer has confirmed that a sequel to the F1 blockbuster is officially in the works, with Hamilton already working on the first script.
- Lewis Larkam
NIGERIA/CONGO-KINSASHA: WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS - FIFA SANCTIONS NIGERIA, DR CONGO
The Nigeria-DR Congo match has remained a focal point of discussion following the controversial end to Super Eagles' World Cup qualification hopes.
The world football governing body, FIFA, has sanctioned both the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Congolese Football Association following disciplinary incidents recorded during a 2026 World Cup qualifying fixture between the two countries.
According to FIFA's latest disciplinary overview for World Cup qualifying matches, the two football bodies were found guilty of separate infractions during the encounter played on 16 November 2025.
FIFA stated that Nigeria was penalised for a breach relating to order and security at matches, specifically involving the throwing of objects by spectators during the game.
The offence falls under Article 17 and Article 17.2.b of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, for which the NFF was fined 1,000 Swiss Francs.
The Congolese federation, however, received a heavier sanction after supporters were found to have used laser pointers or similar electronic devices during the match.
The act contravenes Article 17.2.d of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, leading FIFA to impose a fine of 5,000 Swiss Francs on the DR Congo Football Association.
FIFA emphasised that disciplinary decisions are taken based on the circumstances of each case and may still be subject to appeal.
The governing body also noted that the summary of sanctions released publicly is mainly intended to inform the media, while the official legal decisions are communicated directly to the concerned federations.
Wider context
The Nigeria-DR Congo match has remained a focal point of discussion following the controversial end to Nigeria's World Cup qualification hopes.
"As far as FIFA is concerned, once you have the passport of your country, you are eligible. But our concern is that FIFA may have been deceived into clearing them," he said.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, has urged caution against interpreting recent developments as a final verdict on Nigeria's complaint.
Mr Dikko believes the listing of DR Congo among the teams preparing for the intercontinental play-off tournament does not mean that FIFA has already made a final decision on Nigeria's petition.
"As far as we know, FIFA is yet to give its verdict," Mr Dikko said, according to ThisDay Newspaper. "We are monitoring the situation closely.
"The fact that DR Congo appears among the six nations to compete for the final two spots in the playoff is not enough to jump to the conclusion that FIFA has thrown out Nigeria's petition. Some nations are also preparing for friendly matches. Things will change as soon as the FIFA verdict comes out."
Nigeria's hopes of progressing further in the qualification series were dashed last November after the Super Eagles lost to DR Congo on penalties in the final round of the African qualifying play-offs.
Following that defeat, the NFF submitted a formal petition to FIFA questioning the eligibility of several DR Congo players.
Nigeria's protest centres on the argument that DR Congo's domestic law does not recognise dual citizenship for adults, raising questions about players who reportedly hold European passports while representing the Leopards.
NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi earlier explained the federation's concerns.
"As far as FIFA is concerned, once you have the passport of your country, you are eligible. But our concern is that FIFA may have been deceived into clearing them," he said.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, has urged caution against interpreting recent developments as a final verdict on Nigeria's complaint.
Mr Dikko believes the listing of DR Congo among the teams preparing for the intercontinental play-off tournament does not mean that FIFA has already made a final decision on Nigeria's petition.
"As far as we know, FIFA is yet to give its verdict," Mr Dikko said, according to ThisDay Newspaper. "We are monitoring the situation closely.
"The fact that DR Congo appears among the six nations to compete for the final two spots in the playoff is not enough to jump to the conclusion that FIFA has thrown out Nigeria's petition. Some nations are also preparing for friendly matches. Things will change as soon as the FIFA verdict comes out."
He added that FIFA typically informs all parties involved before delivering a final decision in sensitive matters.
"The FIFA we all know has a channel to pass such sensitive information across to the parties involved. The name of DR Congo appears on the fixtures for now because the matter brought before FIFA has not been decided.
"We are very hopeful that Nigeria will win the eligibility case, and the Super Eagles will proceed to play in the playoff, and possibly make the World Cup party. I want all Nigerians to remain calm and wait for the final verdict."
DR Congo is currently listed among the teams preparing for the intercontinental play-off tournament as the race for the final places at the 2026 FIFA World Cup intensifies.
- Tunde Eludini, Premium Times (Abuja)
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