Tuesday, 31 March 2026
JAKE PAUL EXPANDS BOXING REACH WITH SKY SPORTS PARTNERSHIP
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| Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images |
Jake Paul has taken another step in boxing promotion, as Most Valuable Promotions secured a multi-year broadcast deal with Sky Sports and NOW. The agreement makes Sky Sports the exclusive home for MVP’s women’s boxing platform, MVPW, in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
The deal focuses on expanding coverage of women’s boxing through regular events on traditional television. It also guarantees at least two all-female fight cards each year in the region. The move strengthens MVP’s presence outside the United States and adds another major broadcast partner as the promotion continues to grow its global reach.
MVPW Launch Set for London With Title Unification Fight
The partnership begins with MVPW-01 on April 5 at London’s Olympia. The event will feature a world title unification bout between Caroline Dubois and Terri Harper. Dubois holds the WBC lightweight title, while Harper enters as the WBO champion.
The fight brings together two top British fighters in a high-level matchup. Dubois, who is also Daniel Dubois’s sister, will aim to add another title. Harper brings experience across multiple weight classes and enters the bout with a record of competing in major fights.
Jake Paul and MVP Outline Vision for Women’s Boxing
Paul and Nakisa Bidarian, who co-founded MVP in 2021, explained the platform’s goal in a joint statement.
“Through MVPW, we are committed to delivering meaningful opportunities for fighters while producing premium events that expand the global reach and commercial potential of women’s boxing.”
“Bringing two premium all-female MVPW events to the UK and Ireland each year, starting with the historic MVPW-01 on Sunday April 5 at London’s Olympia, is exactly what we envisioned when we launched this platform.”
The pair also pointed to the strength of British talent. “We have the best female British boxers in the world and Sky Sports is the perfect home to showcase the elite talent and championship-level action that defines MVPW.”
“Together, we’re committed to continuing to elevate women’s boxing to the main stage it deserves, delivering unforgettable nights for fans across the UK and beyond.”
Broadcast Deal Expands Most Valuable Promotions’ Global Footprint
The agreement comes as Sky Sports continues to build its boxing coverage following changes in its previous partnerships. For MVP, the deal strengthens its presence in the United States and supports its focus on women’s boxing.
Paul has combined his role as a fighter and promoter to grow the brand. He has competed against the likes of Anderson Silva and Mike Tyson while promoting events that highlight female fighters.
The new partnership sets a clear structure for future events and increases visibility for women’s boxing in the UK and Ireland. With MVPW-01 set for April 5, the first event will serve as the starting point for the expanded platform under the new broadcast deal.
- Dogli Wilberforce
GHANA SACK ADDO BEFORE 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP
In news that made headlines in the last 24 hours, the Ghana Football Association sacked head coach Otto Addo 72 days ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The news follows Ghana’s 2-1 defeat against Germany in an International friendly on Monday night, a result that came after a mammoth 5-1 loss against Austria on 27 March.
Addo was appointed as Ghana head coach on 15 March 2024, while he previously took on an interim role with the Black Stars.
While Addo guided Ghana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the GFA will now enter the upcoming showpiece with a different coach and technical team.
“The Ghana Football Association has parted ways with the head coach of the senior men’s national team, Otto Addo, effective immediately,” the GFA said in a statement.
“The Association wishes to thank Otto Addo sincerely for his contribution to the team and wishes him the best of luck in his future endeavours.
“The Ghana Football Association will communicate the new technical direction of the Black Stars in due course”.
- African Football
Monday, 30 March 2026
TIMO GLOCK URGES FERRARI TO 'INTERVENE' INTO CHARLES LECLERC AND LEWIS HAMILTON'S BATTLES
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| Photo by Mark Sutton - Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images |
Timo Glock believes Ferrari need to take action to ensure Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton don’t cost each other in future races.
After Charles Leclerc managed to secure P3 at the Japanese Grand Prix, an irate Lewis Hamilton demanded an explanation as to why he experienced power issues that Leclerc didn’t.
Lewis Hamilton wasn’t the only one unhappy with Ferrari, as Leclerc wanted to see massive improvement in the SF-26 over the five-week hiatus this season.
However, within the team, there isn’t much concern about the two drivers battling, as Fred Vasseur welcomed some intra-team competition
But former F1 driver Timo Glock believes this approach to the internal issues is a dangerous one from Ferrari, as the two competitive drivers will eventually cause friction.
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| hoto by Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images |
Timo Glock says Ferrari must avoid Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton-based ‘disadvantage’
Speaking to Sky Sports Germany, Timo Glock addressed the battle between Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton during the Japanese Grand Prix.
He believes that the two drivers are bound to be in a position where they’re fighting each other for a potential podium, they will lose places and cost the team points.
“The limit must be clearly there if the team finds itself at a disadvantage. If the two are fighting at the front, getting in each other’s way, and losing places as a result, then the team has to intervene somewhere.”
“Charles Leclerc is still a bit more consistent, but Lewis Hamilton is definitely back where we all want to see him – with confidence and fun racing.”
While Ferrari didn’t admonish either driver for their battle after the race, Hamilton possibly getting a new race engineer ahead of the Miami Grand Prix is a sign that they’re addressing the matter internally.
Lewis Hamilton wants Ferrari power issues ‘addressed’ ahead of Miami Grand Prix
Speaking after the race at Suzuka, Lewis Hamilton questioned how, despite following Ferrari’s instructions, he suffered from power issues.
“Pretty bad in the end, because I was on P3 and in the end, I ended up on P6. I just have to understand where we lost power, especially in the second stint.”
“I don’t quite understand that. I’m all on the gas, managing where they tell me to manage it. Today, some performance was simply missing, so yes, there are still some points to be addressed.”
There will be a lot of work to do for the staff at Maranello over the next few weeks, as Ferrari look to close the gap between themselves and Mercedes.
These potential upgrades could make a world of difference for both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc in their quest to compete for the world championship.
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| Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images |
- Aaditya Krishnamurthy
PLAYER OF THE DAY | FABIANO CARUANA | FIDE CANDIDATES 2026
Player of the Day – Round 1
Commentators’ pick: 🇺🇸 Fabiano Caruana
♟️ World No. 3 Fabiano Caruana defeated World No. 2 Hikaru Nakamura after playing the longest game of the round!
📷 Yoav Nis / FIDE
#FIDECandidates #Chess #FIDE #Cyprus
- FIDE International
ARLNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER'S SON FOLLOWS DAD'S FOOTSTEPS
Arnold Schwarzenegger's son Joseph Baena is following in his famous dad's footsteps, winning his debut bodybuilding competition 🏆
MORRIE CHANDLER PASSED AWAY | FIA PAYS TRIBUTE
The FIA pays tribute to a true pioneer of our sport.
Rallying has lost a founding father, competitor, and icon. The sport in New Zealand and worldwide would not be what it is today without the extraordinary contribution of Morrie Chandler.
His impact extended far beyond rallying, serving on the FIA World Motor Sport Council from 1996, becoming a Formula 1 steward in 1998, and later FIA Vice President in 2006.
- FIA
CAF SECRETARY GENERAL RESIGNS AMID AFCON FINAL FALLOUT
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| AFP via Getty Images |
The general secretary of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has resigned amid a chaotic time for football on the continent.
Veron Mosengo-Omba said in a statement he was retiring, but his departure comes during the fallout over decisions to strip Senegal of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title and postpone the women's tournament at the last minute.
These incidents have left CAF, the governing body for African football, battling a crisis of confidence.
Mosengo-Omba alluded to controversies faced during his tenure in his statement on Sunday.
"Now that I have been able to dispel the suspicions that some people have gone to great lengths to cast on me, I can retire with peace of mind and without constraint, leaving the CAF more prosperous than ever," Mosengo-Omba, deputy to Caf president Patrice Motsepe, wrote.
The 66-year-old has been criticised for staying on as general secretary past the organisation's mandatory retirement age of 63.
He has also been accused by some employees of creating a toxic atmosphere in the workplace, although an investigation after staff complaints cleared him of any wrongdoing.
Mosengo-Omba, who hails from the Democratic Republic of Congo but also holds Swiss nationality, was appointed general secretary in March 2021.
According to news agency Reuters, Caf's competitions director, Samson Adamu, will take over as acting general secretary.
The governing body is awaiting a decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Senegal's appeal against being stripped of the Afcon title.
Senegal is challenging CAF's appeals body for overturning their 1-0 win over hosts Morocco in January's Afcon final.
During the game, Senegal's players left the field in protest when, with the score at 0-0, hosts Morocco were awarded a stoppage-time penalty.
When they returned after a delay of about 17 minutes, Morocco subsequently failed to score the spot-kick and Senegal netted an extra-time winner.
Following an appeal by the Moroccan FA (FRMF), Caf later ruled that Senegal had forfeited the match and Morocco were awarded a 3-0 victory.
- Wedaeli Chibelushi
Sunday, 29 March 2026
FOOTBALL FAN FALLS TO THEIR DEATH FROM VIP BOX AT WORLD CUP 2026 STADIUM
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| MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - MARCH 27: Construction workers give the final touches to Mexico City Stadium ahead of its reopening match on March 27, 2026 in Mexico City, Mexico. The Mexico City Stadium, officially named Estadio Banorte or better known by its former name, Estadio Azteca has undergone renovations to host its third World Cup. (Photo by Fernando de Dios/Getty Images) |
A football fan has died at the Estadio Banorte after falling from a VIP box seat before a World Cup warm-up friendly between Mexico and Portugal on Saturday
A football supporter tragically died at the Estadio Banorte on Saturday, after plummeting from a box seat ahead of a World Cup warm-up friendly. Mexico will co-host this summer's tournament alongside the United States and Canada.
Following extensive refurbishments, the Estadio Banorte reopened this weekend to stage a match between Mexico and Portugal. Nevertheless, the grand comeback at the legendary ground was marred by tragedy.
According to Reuters, a man plunged from the second tier of VIP box seating while attempting to reach the first level by scaling the exterior of the structure. Authorities state that the individual was under the influence of alcohol, and tragically fell to the ground floor during his descent.
A statement issued on social media read: "Mexico City Public Prosecutor's Office (Fiscalía CDMX) deeply regrets the death of a person on Saturday, 28 March inside the Banorte Stadium, prior to the start of the Mexican national team's friendly match.
"From the outset, officials from the Attorney General's Office, forensic experts and officers from the Investigative Police attended the scene to commence the necessary investigations.
"The area was cordoned off, the scene was secured, and evidence was collected by experts specialising in criminalistics, photography and forensic medicine.
"Furthermore, analysis of CCTV footage from the stadium and its entrances is underway, as is the collection of statements from people who were at the scene, with the aim of accurately reconstructing the sequence of events and determining potential liability.
"Similarly, the statutory post-mortem procedure is currently underway to establish with certainty the cause of death, as well as the physical condition of the individual at the time of the fall.
"The Mexico City Public Prosecutor's Office will continue its investigations thoroughly and will keep the public informed as relevant developments arise, in strict accordance with the principles of due process."
It comes as the Estadio Banorte is poised to host a World Cup opening ceremony come June 11, when Mexico welcome South Africa in the tournament's curtain-raiser. It will also become the first venue to stage matches across three separate World Cups.
Beyond the fixture on June 11, the ground will also stage group phase encounters between Uzbekistan and Colombia, Mexico and the Czech Republic or Denmark, a round of 32 clash and another in the last 16.
Saturday's match between Mexico and Portugal proceeded as scheduled despite the incident, with both sides battling out a goalless stalemate.
- Aaron Morris
'STILL EARLY DAYS TO THINK ABOUT THE CHAMPIONSHIP' – YOUNGEST F1 POINTS LEADER ANTONELLI REFLECTS ON JAPANESE GP VICTORY
Back-to-back wins have moved Kimi Antonelli into the lead of the Drivers' Championship for the first time.
Kimi Antonelli believes it is "still early days to think about the championship" despite taking victory in the Japanese Grand Prix and becoming the youngest driver to lead the championship in Formula 1 history.
The 19-year-old Italian made it back-to-back wins on Sunday at the Suzuka Circuit following his success in China at the previous round, where he became the youngest Grand Prix winner in the process.
Having claimed pole in Japan, Antonelli suffered a terrible start and dropped as low as sixth on the opening lap before cycling back towards the front as McLaren and Ferrari pitted their drivers.
The crucial moment came approaching the mid-point of the 53-lap race, Mercedes team mate George Russell pitting from the lead just as a Safety Car was deployed following a heavy crash for Ollie Bearman.
The caution allowed new race leader Antonelli to make a pit stop and rejoin at the front of the field before romping to victory by nearly 14 seconds.
With Russell struggling for performance and being forced to settle for fourth at the chequered flag, Antonelli now leads the standings for the first time by 9 points after the opening three Grands Prix of the season.
"It feels pretty good. Of course it's still early days to think about the Championship but we're in a good way," said Antonelli post-race.
"In the race, had a terrible start, just need to check what happened but then I was lucky with the Safety Car to be in the lead but then the pace was just incredible and was a really nice second stint. I felt very good with the car and very pleased with that.
"I think we were obviously very lucky with the Safety Car but on the medium we were really strong once I got some clean air and then on the hard the pace was just incredible.
"I don't know what would have happened, what the outcome would have been without the Safety Car but definitely made my life a lot easier."
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| Antonelli leads the Drivers' Championship for the first time in his career |
With the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia races not taking place in April, there's a gap until the next race in Miami with teams set to bring significant upgrades to the American race.
Antonelli stated his focus would be on improving his starts, which have been sub-optimal compared with Mercedes' rivals throughout 2026 so far.
He said: "Luckily I've got three weeks so now I can practice some clutch drops just to get a better feel with it because definitely it has been a weak point so far this year and we need to improve that because you can easily win or lose races with that."
- F1
TIGER WOODS RELEASED ON BSIL AFTER ARREST AT CRASH SCENE ON SUSPICION OF DUI
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| Reuters/AP |
- Tiger Woods arrested after Florida rollover crash
- Golfer charged with DUI after Jupiter Island incident
- Woods to be held eight hours under Florida DUI law
- Trump laments arrest of ‘close friend’ in remarks
Tiger Woods was released on bail on Friday, hours after the golf star’s Land Rover clipped a truck, rolled onto its side and he was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, according to officials.
Martin County sheriff John Budensiek said Woods was driving a Land Rover that overturned after attempting to overtake a truck on a narrow two-lane road shortly before 2pm near Woods’s residence on Jupiter Island. The vehicle clipped a trailer, veered off and came to rest on its driver’s side after sliding along the roadway.
The truck had been slowing to turn into a driveway when Woods approached at what the sheriff described as a “high rate of speed” on a road with a 30mph limit.
Woods, who was alone in the vehicle, was able to exit through the passenger side. Investigators said he showed signs of impairment and was subjected to roadside tests before being taken into custody.
Authorities said a breath test showed no alcohol in his system, and investigators believed impairment was due to medication or drugs. No substances were found in the vehicle. Woods refused to submit to a urinalysis test and was charged with DUI with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test.
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| Tiger Woods stands by his overturned car on Friday afternoon in Jupiter Island, Florida. Photograph: Jason Oteri/AP |
No injuries were reported, though Budensiek told reporters the outcome could have been far worse given the narrow roadway.
Donald Trump called Woods a “close friend” and said he felt “so badly” upon hearing the news during a gathering with media on Friday afternoon in Miami.
“I feel so badly,” Trump said. “He’s got some difficulty. There was an accident and that’s all I know. He’s a very close friend of mine ... an amazing person, an amazing man.”
Woods confirmed he was in a relationship with Trump’s former daughter-in-law, Vanessa Trump, last year.
It is the latest in a series of traffic-related incidents involving Woods. In February 2021, he was seriously injured when his SUV veered off a coastal road in Los Angeles at high speed. In that crash, Woods suffered multiple leg and ankle injuries so severe that, he later said, doctors considered amputation.
Woods was also arrested in 2017 on a DUI charge after police in south Florida found him asleep behind the wheel of a damaged vehicle. He later said he had taken a problematic mix of prescription medications and pleaded guilty to reckless driving.
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| Tiger Woods’ SUV after he rolled it from the road in 2021. Photograph: Étienne Laurent/EPA |
A third incident took place in 2009, when Woods crashed his SUV into a fire hydrant and a tree outside his home in Windermere, Florida, in the early hours of the morning. Police said he was found injured in the street, while his then-wife, Elin Nordegren, told officers she had smashed the rear window with a golf club to help him out of the vehicle.
The 50-year-old has played a limited schedule in recent years while working his way back from multiple injuries and surgeries, including a seventh back procedure and a ruptured achilles tendon. He has not competed in an official PGA Tour event since July 2024, though he appeared earlier this week in the TGL indoor league he co-founded with Rory McIlroy.
Woods has entered this year’s US Senior Open but has not committed to playing, and his availability for next month’s Masters at Augusta National Golf Club remains uncertain.
An 82-time winner on the PGA Tour, Woods is tied with Sam Snead for the most victories in history and last won a major at the 2019 Masters, his fifth title at Augusta.
- Bryan Armen Graham
HAAS ISSUES OLIVER BEARMAN STATENENT AFTER 50G SHUNT AT F1 JAPANESE GP
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| Oliver Bearman suffered a high speed crash at the F1 Japanese GP |
Oliver Bearman has been cleared by the FIA medical centre following a 50G crash at the 2026 Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix.
Bearman would have hoped to capitalise on his stellar start to the 2026 campaign at the Suzuka International Circuit, on Sunday.
However, mid-way through the 53-lap race, the Briton suffered a massive shunt in the run up to the Spoon Curve.
The Haas driver was on the gearbox of Franco Colapinto before he seemingly drifted onto the grass on the right-hand side and lost control of his VF-26.
Colapinto veered towards the outside of the tarmac, catching Bearman unwares, partly owing to the difference in closing speeds as the Argentinian driver was also harvesting the battery on his A526.
This sent him barrelling towards the barriers on the outside and resulted in a 50G impact for the 20-year-old Ferrari academy product.
While he got out of the car, Bearman was in visible discomfort particuarly with his right leg. The Banbury-based team has now issued a statement with respect to its driver’s well-being.
Haas has confirmed to media including Motorsport Week that Bearman had been taken to the FIA medical centre following the incident and underwent x-ray tests.
Bearman has suffered no fractures, thankfully, but has endured a right knee contusion.
Haas issued another update towards the end of the race, stating:
“Ollie has been cleared by Medical Centre.
“He has FIA dispensation to not attend Media Pen – we will make a quote available post-race etc.”
Lucklily for Bearman, the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian GPs, in April, means he will have enough time to recuperate before F1 goes back racing at the Miami International Autodrome in May.
- Anirban Aly Mandal
Saturday, 28 March 2026
Friday, 27 March 2026
STUNNING GYOKERES HAT-TRICK FIRES SWEDEN TO WIN
Viktor Gyokeres netted a fine hat-trick to help Sweden move one step closer to World Cup qualification with a 3-1 win over Ukraine.
Sweden headed to Valencia for the European playoff semi-final, with our summer signing opening the scoring after just six minutes.
Viktor doubled his tally on 51 minutes before firing home a penalty to ensure he would take home the match ball.
Sweden, managed by Graham Potter, will now face Poland, who defeated Albania in their semi-final, in Solna, with the winner advancing to the World Cup finals in Canada, Mexico and the USA.
NORGAARD NETS
There was more joy for our stars in the European playoffs as Christian Norgaard scored for Denmark as they took a step closer to qualifying for a third straight finals.
The Danes took on North Macedonia in Copenhagen and opened the scoring in the second half through Mikkel Damsgaard. The Brentford attacker then doubled his tally on the night before Rasmus Hojlund added a third.
There was still enough time for Christian to find the net, producing a bullet header from Christian Eriksen's cross to round off a fine night's work.
Denmark will now take on Czechia, who came from 2-0 down to beat Ireland on penalties and will host the playoff final in Prague.
CALAFIORI ONE AWAY FROM WORLD CUP
Elsewhere, Riccardo Calafiori ensured it was three wins from three in the European playoffs for our Gunners as Italy downed Northern Ireland 2-0 in Bergamo.
Richy started for Gennaro Gattuso's side as Italy looked to right the wrongs of two previous failed qualifications - and it took 56 minutes to make the breakthrough courtesy of Newcastle United's Sandro Tonali.
Former Everton attacker Moise Kean scored the second for Italy, who will now face Bosnia and Herzegovina for a place at the summer tournament in Zenica.
MARTINELLI MINUTES
Away from World Cup qualification, Gabriel Martinelli picked up his 21st cap for Brazil as the five-time World Cup champions took on France in Foxborough, USA.
Gabi started for Carlo Ancelotti's side and went close early on, bending his shot narrowly wide at the Gillette Stadium.
Our forward played 62 minutes as goals from Kylian Mbappe and Hugo Ekitike gave Les Bleus a 2-1 victory, with Gleison Bremer netting for The Seleção.
Finally, Max Dowman played 88 minutes in England under-19s 2-0 defeat against Serbia. Max was bright throughout, forcing Vuk Draškić into two good saves.
FULL LIST OF CONFIRMED INTERNATIONAL GAMES
*all times UK
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25
England U19 0-2 Serbia U19
Max Dowman started, played 88 minutes
THURSDAY, MARCH 26
Denmark 4-0 North Macedonia
Christian Norgaard netted late on in the victory
Italy 2-0 Northern Ireland
Riccardo Calafiori played the full 90 minutes, kept a clean sheet
Ukraine 1-3 Sweden
Viktor Gyokeres netted a hat-trick
Brazil 1-2 France
Gabriel Martinelli played 62 minutes
FRIDAY, MARCH 27
Andorra U21 v England U21 (Setford, Lewis-Skelly)
Euro U21 qualifier | Andorra | 6.30pm
England (Saka, Madueke, White, Rice) v Uruguay
Friendly | Wembley | 7.45pm
Switzerland v Germany (Havertz)
Friendly | Basel | 8pm
Spain (Raya, Zubimendi, Mosquera) v Serbia
Friendly | Villarreal | 8pm
Morocco v Ecuador (Hincapie)
Friendly | Madrid, Spain | 8.15pm
SATURDAY, MARCH 28
England U19s (Dowman) v Poland U19s
Euro U19 qualifier | Guimaraes, Portugal | 11am
MONDAY, MARCH 30
Germany (Havertz) v Ghana
Friendly | Stuttgart | 7.45pm
TUESDAY, MARCH 31
Portugal U19s v England U19s (Dowman)
Euro U19 qualifier | Guimaraes, Portugal | 4pm
England U21s (Lewis-Skelly, Setford) v Moldova U21s
Euro U21 qualifier | Norwich | 7pm
Bosnia and Herzegovina v Italy (Calafiori)
World Cup qualifier | Zenica | 7.45pm
Czech Republic v Denmark (Norgaard)
World Cup qualifier | Prague | 7.45pm
Sweden (Gyokeres) v Poland
World Cup qualifier | Solna | 7.45pm
England (Saka, Madueke, Rice, White) v Japan
Friendly | London | 7.45pm
Netherlands v Ecuador (Hincapie)
Friendly | Eindhoven | 7.45pm
Spain (Mosquera, Raya, Zubimendi) v Egypt
Friendly | Cornella | 8pm
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1
Brazil (Martinelli) v Croatia
Friendly | Orlando USA | 1am
- Arsenal
Thursday, 26 March 2026
KYLIAN MBAPPÉ SHUTS DOWN 'WRONG KNEE' INJURY CONTROVERSY AT REAL MADRID, SAY'S 'I'M RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SITUATION'
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| France's forward Kylian Mbappe signs autographs upon arriving at the hotel in Boston on March 24, 2026. (AFP) |
| Kylian Mbappe on Wednesday shut down claims that Real Madrid examined the wrong knee following the injury he sustained late last year. |
The controversy stemmed from a report on French broadcaster RMC Sport’s talk show After Foot, which claimed that the club had initially scanned Mbappe’s right knee instead of his left after the December injury. The report was widely picked up by global media outlets.
Mbappe, however, dismissed the claim outright.
“The report that said that they (examined) the wrong knee is false,” he said at a press conference ahead of France’s international friendly against Brazil.
While rejecting the claim, the French star admitted that a lack of communication may have contributed to the speculation.
“I am maybe responsible indirectly for this situation, because when you don’t communicate on what’s happening, it opens doors to others’ interpretations.”
Mbappe had earlier stated in December that he had sprained his left knee. He continued playing through January before being sidelined for three-and-a-half weeks, returning only recently and featuring as a substitute in his last two matches for Real Madrid.
The 27-year-old also emphasised that there has been no confusion internally.
“I have very clear communication” with Real Madrid, he said.
Currently in Boston, Mbappe is part of the France squad set to face Brazil in an international friendly in Foxborough on Thursday, before taking on Colombia in Landover on Sunday.
Speaking earlier this week in Paris, Mbappe admitted the injury phase had taken a mental toll.
“There was a lot of frustration, a lot of anger, and then also some anxiety at one point,” he said. “I had reached a stage where I didn’t know what was wrong with me. I didn’t go through that period in the best way. I wasn’t the happiest player in the world. But I’m happy now because it’s truly behind me. It’s all gone.”
France head coach Didier Deschamps has yet to confirm whether Mbappe will start in the upcoming fixtures.
- Aratrick Mondal
Wednesday, 25 March 2026
CRISTIANO RONALDO JR, 15, CLOSE TO REAL MADRID MOVE AFTER FOLLOWING IN DAD'S FOOTSTEPS
Cristiano Ronaldo's eldest son, Cristiano Jr, 15, has been training with Real Madrid's under-16 side with La Liga giants considering signing the teenager who currently plays for Al-Nassr youth team
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| Cristiano Ronaldo's son is training with Real Madrid(Image: Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images) |
Cristiano Ronaldo's eldest son is training with Real Madrid, potentially paving the way for a move to the Spanish heavyweights. 15-year-old Cristiano Jr is currently plying his trade at youth level for his father's club, Al-Nassr, in Saudi Arabia.
According to The Athletic, chiefs at the Bernabeu are mulling over the prospect of signing him up in the near future. Cristiano Jr has represented Portugal at youth level, most recently turning out for their under-17 side. He earned his first call-up for Portugal's U15s in May last year, making his debut against Japan in the Vlatko Markovic International Tournament.
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| Cristiano Ronaldo Jr is training with Real Madrid(Image: Soccrates Images, Getty Images) |
Ronaldo Sr has previously expressed his wish to share the pitch with his son in a professional game. In 2025, the 41-year-old revealed: "I would like it, I would like it. It's not something that keeps me up at night, but I would like it. We'll see. It's more in his hands than in mine.
"The years are starting to pass and, obviously, Cris will have to, one day, leave football, because the years I'm extending... There will come a time when it's no longer possible. Not only physically but psychologically.
"But I also don't see it as an obsession. He will follow his path, his trajectory. I will be a proud father, I will be proud of whatever he wants to do. If he plays, 'top'. If he doesn't play, we tried. At least his father tried hard. But it won't be a problem either, in my opinion."
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| Ronaldo has spoken about his dream of playing next to his son(Image: Mike Hewitt - FIFA, FIFA via Getty Images) |
But Ronaldo won't compete forever, acknowledging that he's in the closing years of his remarkable career as he approaches the 1,000 goal milestone. The Portugal skipper will feature at what's expected to be his final World Cup this summer while his deal with Al-Nassr is set to run out in 2027.
"It's difficult to keep playing, but I am motivated," Ronaldo said. "My passion is high and I want to continue. It doesn't matter where I play, whether in the Middle East or Europe. I always enjoy playing football and I want to keep going.
"You know what my goal is. I want to win trophies and I want to reach that number [1,000 goals] that you all know. I will reach the number for sure, if no injuries."
- Nathan Ridley and Cameron Winstanley
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