LIVERPOOL OWNERS CLOSE TO €1.58BN SALE OF 30% STAKE TO CONSORTIUM INCLUDING JEFF BEZOS

Group including Amazon founder has held talks with Fenway Sports Group

It is understood the deal is effectively agreed but may take up to a month to complete. Photograph: Jan Kruger/Getty Images

A consortium including Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is close to completing a deal for a 30 per cent stake in Liverpool after months of talks with Fenway Sports Group.

The investors are led by Amit Bhatia, the son-in-law of Indian billionaire Lakshmi Mittal, who previously was a shareholder at Queens Park Rangers. Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin is another member of the group who are set to pay in the region of £1.35 billion (€1.58 billion) for almost a third of the Premier League club. It is understood the deal is effectively agreed but may take up to a month to complete.

Bezos has a personal fortune of around $257 billion (€223 billion), according to Forbes, making him the fourth-richest person in the world, while Saverin is reportedly worth $32 billion (€28 billion). This will be Bezos’ first investment in football but he has previously looked into bidding for NFL franchises. The 62-year-old will receive equity as part of the deal, which it is understood Deloitte has advised on.

Bezos is the executive chair of Amazon having relinquished day-to-day control when he stepped down as chief executive five years ago. Under his leadership the online retailer has looked to diversify as an entertainment provider in recent years and has bought numerous sports rights for its streaming service.

Amazon had live UK rights for 20 Premier League games each season for six seasons until the end of last year, and broadcasts the Champions League in several European countries, as well as NFL in the US.

FSG bought the Merseyside club in 2010 and have overseen an era which has included two Premier League titles. FSG previously sold 3 per cent of the club to the US private equity firm Dynasty Equity in 2023.

It has been a summer of change at Anfield, with Andoni Iraola replacing Arne Slot as head coach, while Mohamed Salah left on a free transfer and has since joined Trabzonspor. Meanwhile, Michael Edwards departed his role as chief executive officer at FSG.

FSG has been approached for comment. 

– Guardian

- Will Unwin

TYSON FURY CLAIMS ANTHONY JOSHUA WAS 'PULLED OUT' OF THEIR INFAMOUS SPARRING SESSION AFTER 'TURNING AWAY'

Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua are on a collision course.

Providing Fury beats Polish veteran Mariusz Wach on Friday in Thailand and Joshua overcomes little-known Albanian Kristian Prenga a day later in Saudi Arabia, plans have been hatched for the pair to meet in late 2026.

Joshua and Fury are one fight away from finally meeting under the bright lightsCredit: Getty

While fans have been waiting a decade to see the Brits finally lock horns, it won't mark the first time they have traded leather.

Back in 2010, long before either man had carved out their glittering résumés, Fury and Joshua sparred at Finchley Boxing Club.

Fury admitted at the time that Joshua put a "beating" on him for three rounds before he rallied with an onslaught to the body.

When asked to recollect the spar by BoxingScene out in Pattaya, Thailand on Wednesday, his memory was a little more hazy.

However, he insists that Joshua was pulled out in round four after "turning away".

Tyson Fury recalls Anthony Joshua sparring session

"He was an amateur boxer, and I was a pro, maybe 10-0 or something, so there wasn't much to think about," said Fury.

"There was [sic] a lot of people there, so there was [sic] a lot of witnesses there.

"I remember him putting his legs up in the ropes after about three rounds, turning away in the corner...

"I've sparred maybe 400 or 500 heavyweights; I don't remember much of any of them really.

"The vivid memory I do have of it, though, is in about round three, he started putting legs up, and in round four he started putting his knees up in the corner, and I was like 'What the f*** is this?'

Joshua was an amateur when he sparred Fury and was still two years off winning Olympic goldCredit: GETTY

"Then they pulled him out and put somebody else in."

Fury didn't mention Joshua being pulled out when he spoke to BBC Radio London a few weeks after the spar.

Tyson Fury's recollection at the time

“He's red hot, him, he’s very good. To be honest with you, I thought to myself, ‘I’m only going to take it easy as he’s an amateur and we probably won’t spar again if I go mad'," said Fury in 2010.

“He’s rushed out at me, he threw a one-two and a left hook, and I slipped. I thought, 'He’s not that good, I’m going to take my time.'

“Then, bash, he gives me a big uppercut right on the point of the chin.

"If I'd have had a bit of a weak chin like David Price, I'd have been knocked out for a month.

Fury was 10 fights deep into his professional careerCredit: Getty

“He’s very, very good and he's only young, 20, watch out for that name Anthony Joshua, he is one prospect for the future.

“He came out at me for three rounds, and he gave me a beating - I’m not going to deny it, he gave me hell for leather for three rounds.

"I thought ‘Oh my god, an amateur is killing me.’ Being a professional, and I’ve been an amateur myself and fought all over the world, I slowed him down a bit with a few good body shots.

“The kid's only 20, and I’m a handful myself, so for him to put up a good performance like that against a top prospect in me, I think he’s one for the future.”

What did Anthony Joshua say about sparring Tyson Fury?

In 2016, AJ gave his own version of events.

"I used to read the Boxing News religiously, like I still do. In the magazine I remember reading, 'Tyson Fury's going around different gyms sparring, and if anyone can knock him out, they get to keep his Rolex,'" Joshua told Sky Sports.

"I'm hungry. I'm still hungry now; if you know me, I'm hungry.

- George Glinski

CANELO ALVAREZ VS. LUCIANO CUELLO: THE 2010 WIN THAT MOVED CANELO TOWARD A WORLD TITLE

Long before he became boxing’s biggest attraction and a four-weight world champion, Saul “Canelo” Alvarez took another significant step toward the top on July 10, 2010.

Fighting before his home fans at Arena VFG in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, the unbeaten 19-year-old stopped Argentina’s Luciano Leonel Cuello in six rounds to capture the vacant WBC Silver junior middleweight title. While not a full world championship, the belt carried importance at the time, helping position Alvarez for bigger opportunities in one of boxing’s deepest divisions.

Canelo (32-0-1, 26 KOs) entered the fight unbeaten and had quickly become one of boxing’s most closely watched teenage prospects.

Cuello (26-1, 10 KOs) arrived as a respected Argentine contender who had never been stopped and viewed the fight as the biggest opportunity of his career.

The contest represented another step up in opposition for Canelo. It offered another opportunity to prove he belonged among the division’s top young contenders. Cuello, meanwhile, had the chance to score the biggest victory of his career.

From the opening bell, the difference in power was obvious. Late in the first round, Alvarez uncorked a perfectly timed left hook that dropped Cuello heavily to the canvas. The Argentine beat the count and fought back with determination, but he immediately found himself dealing with Alvarez’s heavier hands, accurate counterpunching, and growing confidence.

The punishment continued to build as Canelo found openings with both hands, landing hard to the ribs before bringing his attack back upstairs.

His trademark body punching was already becoming a major weapon, and whenever Cuello tried to stand his ground, Alvarez answered with crisp combinations that repeatedly forced him backward.

Cuello refused to look for a way out. Whenever Cuello tried to apply pressure, Canelo answered with crisp combinations that quickly halted his advances. By the fifth round, the punishment was beginning to accumulate.

Cuello’s face showed the effects of the sustained attack, and Alvarez continued finding openings with right hands upstairs before digging hooks into the body whenever his opponent reached the ropes.

The end came in the sixth round. Alvarez trapped Cuello against the ropes and unleashed another sustained barrage of punches. With Cuello no longer returning meaningful offense and taking repeated clean shots, referee Jose Cobian stepped in at 1:22 of Round 6 to wave off the contest.

The victory improved Alvarez’s record to 33-0-1 and earned him the vacant WBC Silver title, another milestone in a rapid climb through the junior middleweight ranks.

The performance also reinforced what many observers had begun to believe: Alvarez possessed the combination of patience, power and composure needed to compete with the division’s elite despite still being a teenager.

Just over four months later, Alvarez defeated Lovemore N’dou to win the WBC junior middleweight world title, beginning the first championship reign of a career that would eventually see him capture world titles at junior middleweight, middleweight, super middleweight and light heavyweight while becoming one of boxing’s biggest global stars.

The loss for Cuello dropped him to 26-2. He continued boxing professionally and later won regional titles, but the defeat served as a reminder of the gulf between a solid contender and a future pound-for-pound great.

Looking back, Alvarez’s demolition of Cuello was more than another prospect victory. It was one of the performances that signaled Mexican boxing had found its next superstar.

- Michael Collins

CABO VERDE CONTINUES DREAM RUN, BECOMES SMALLEST COUNTRY TO REACH WORLD CUP KNOCKOUT PHASE

 

Cabo Verde's players celebrate after earning a draw against Saudi Arabia to advance to the round of 32 following their Group H match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Houston, Texas, June 26, 2026. /VCG

Cabo Verde completed an improbable run through Group H with a third consecutive draw at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming the smallest-ever country to earn a spot in the tournament's knockout phase, following a 0-0 draw against Saudi Arabia in Houston on Friday.

The tiny island nation off Africa's western coast has enjoyed a stellar debut on football's grandest stage, having held 2010 champion Spain to a 0-0 stalemate before battling from behind to snatch a 2-2 result against Uruguay.

Cabo Verde's three points left the team in second place behind the Spaniards, who beat the Uruguayans later in the evening to top the group with seven points. The Blue Sharks will face reigning World Cup champion Argentina in the round of 32 on July 3 in Miami.

Drawing all three group matches does not guarantee advancement at major tournaments. But several teams have turned the trick in the past including Wales in 1958, Ireland and the Netherlands in 1990, and Chile in 1998. New Zealand, on the other hand, was eliminated despite picking up a trio of draws in 2010.

Spain's 1-0 victory against Uruguay largely came down to another goalkeeping mistake by Fernando Muslera, as La Roja advance to the knockout phase while also eliminating the South American powerhouse and two-time title winner.

Uruguay will go home without any victories from its three Group H games. European champion Spain will face the second-place team from Group J, either Austria or Algeria, in the Los Angeles suburb of Inglewood on Thursday.

Álex Baena scored in the 42nd minute after Muslera couldn't fully swat away his shot from inside the box. The miscue marked the third blunder of the tournament by the 40-year-old goalkeeper, who reportedly asked coach Marcelo Bielsa to substitute him out at halftime.

Earlier in the day, Ousmane Dembele produced his best-ever World Cup performance with a stunning first-half hat-trick in France's 4-1 win over Norway.

The 29-year-old Paris Saint-Germain forward showcased the lethal finishing which helped him win last year's Ballon d'Or, finding the net three times in the space of 26 first-half minutes in the Boston suburb of Foxborough.

Dembele's trio of goals, along with Desire Doue's late header, allowed France to complete the first round with three wins from three matches following earlier victories against Senegal and Iraq.

Les Bleus progress to the round of 32 as Group I winners, bolstered by clear evidence that the French squad can once again be serious title contenders, even if captain Kylian Mbappe isn't the player scoring the goals.

Elsewhere, Senegal lit up the scoreboard against 10-man Iraq in a 5-0 victory that boosted its chances of reaching the knockout phase.

Substitute Pape Gueye scored twice in a second-half flurry as the Lions of Teranga, looking to advance from third place in Group I, took advantage of a first-half red card on Iraqi defender Rebin Sulaka, who prevented Sadio Mane from charging in on goal alone by yanking his shirt.

Habib Diarra opened the scoring in the fourth minute, but even though Sulaka was sent off in the 13th, the Senegalese side didn't find the net again until Ismaila Sarr struck in the 56th minute.

Gueye then added his two goals, both hard blasts from around the edge of the penalty area, with Iliman Ndiaye rounding out the rout after firing in the fifth. Senegal now has three points and a goal difference of plus-two.

Late evening games saw Belgium thrash bottom side New Zealand 5-1 to top Group G, while Egypt held on to second place after a 1-1 draw with Iran, which had a would-be winner in stoppage time ruled offside by the slightest of margins following a VAR review.

That cruel twist of fate left Iran hoping to be one of the eight best third-place teams poised to join the 12 group winners and 12 runners-up in progressing to the round of 32.

Source(s): AP

- CGTN 

IT THIS THE NEXT 'WAKA WAKA'? SHAKIRA WITH BURNA BOY TEASES NEW FIFA WORLD CUP SONG | VIDEO

Colombian singer Shakira performs during a free concert at Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on May 2, 2026. — AFP pic

LOS ANGELES, May 8 — Colombian pop idol Shakira on Thursday teased the new official song for the 2026 World Cup, releasing a brief video of the track filmed at Brazil’s iconic Maracana Stadium.

The singer – who also created the 2010 World Cup anthem “Waka Waka” – announced the song, titled “Dai Dai” in a post on her Instagram account.

In the 67-second video, Shakira appears on the pitch at the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro, where she performed in a free concert at the city’s Copacabana Beach last Saturday before two million people.

Holding the “Trionda”, the official match ball of the 2026 World Cup, Shakira performed excerpts of the song in English, joined by dancers dressed in the colors of teams including the United States and Colombia.

The song was produced with Nigerian artist Burna Boy and is set for official release on May 14. The clip, also shared by the Fifa World Cup account, ends with the message: “We’re ready!”

Shakira has a long association with the World Cup, performing at the 2006 and 2014 World Cup finals in addition to producing “Waka Waka” for the 2010 tournament. — AFP

SPECULATION MOUNTS OVER ADRIAN NEWEY'S ASTON MARTIN ROLE

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

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

MICHAEL JORDAN'S FERRARI 512 TR FOUND

In 1992, during the height of his NBA career, Michael Jordan purchased a sleek black Ferrari 512 TR. This iconic vehicle was famously captured in photographs as Jordan arrived at Game 5 of the 1992 NBA Playoffs, further cementing its place in sports history.​

Jordan sold the Ferrari in 1995 to Chris Gardner, the entrepreneur whose life story inspired the film The Pursuit of Happyness. Gardner personalized the car with the license plate "Not MJ" and drove it around Chicago.​

After being sold at auction in 2010, the Ferrari vanished from public view, becoming a mystery among car enthusiasts and Jordan fans alike.​

Now, after 15 years, the legendary Ferrari has been found. Vintage supercar specialists at CURATED tracked it down to a California owner who had kept it safely stored away. Despite facing personal health challenges and nearby wildfires, both the owner and the car remained unscathed.​

The Ferrari is now set for a comprehensive restoration in Italy, aiming to return it to its former glory.​

This incredible story highlights how iconic moments and memorabilia can resurface, reigniting memories and admiration for legends like Michael Jordan.

- Did you know?

EDEIN VALERI WAS 27-0 WITH 27 KNOCKOUTS HE MURDERED HIS WIFE AND AND COMMITTED SUICIDE IN JAIL

Edwin Valero was one of the most destructive punchers in modern boxing history. Born in Venezuela in 1981, he turned professional in 2002 and immediately became known for his frightening power and relentless pace. Valero began his career with a streak rarely seen in the sport, winning all 27 of his fights by knockout. His southpaw stance, violent combinations, and refusal to back down made him a fan favorite and a rising superstar. He captured world titles in two weight divisions and seemed destined for legendary status.

However, outside the ring, his life began to unravel. Reports of erratic behavior, substance abuse, and domestic violence painted a darker picture of the undefeated champion. In April 2010, Valero was arrested after confessing to killing his wife, Jennifer Viera, in a hotel room in Valencia, Venezuela. Less than twenty-four hours later, he was found dead in his jail cell, having taken his own life.

The tragedy of Edwin Valero remains one of boxing’s most haunting stories. His unmatched knockout streak and explosive talent were eclipsed by personal demons, mental instability, and violence that ultimately destroyed everything he had achieved. What was once a tale of dominance and potential became a chilling reminder of how greatness can collapse when power and pain intertwine.

#knockout #boxing #suicide #death #boxing 

MERCEDES SPONSOR CEO APOLOGISES AFTER F1 SINGAPORE GP CELEBRATION SPARK BACKLASH

Petronas CEO Taufik and George Russell celebrated the team's win at the Singapore GP

Petronas CEO Tengku Muhammad Taufik has apologised after participating in champagne spraying during the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix podium ceremony.

The incident occurred last weekend after George Russell clinched the victory at the Marina Bay Street Circuit, marking Mercedes’ first win in Singapore since 2018.

Having been chosen to represent Mercedes on the podium, Taufik joined the top three – which included Max Verstappen and Lando Norris – in celebrating the result.

In the excitement of the moment, he joined in the customary champagne spraying that occurs on the rostrum, a move that drew controversy back home in Malaysia.

Taufik, who has been CEO of Petronas since 2020, stated that he had not intended to offend anyone.

Meanwhile, he recognised that his actions may have been insensitive, particularly in light of cultural and religious considerations.

“I acknowledge that my spur-of-the-moment exuberance in celebrating that moment of victory may have been misplaced,” he said in a statement reported by The Straits Times.

“While I can categorically state I did not consume any alcohol, as a Muslim, I should have been more aware of the sensitivities associated with taking part in such celebrations.

“I want to apologise for any unintended offence caused and take full responsibility for my actions.”

The apology followed online criticism from netizens. Comments from members of Malaysia’s Islamic political party PAS and Bersatu’s youth wing, Armada, who said the act was inappropriate for a prominent Muslim leader representing a national company, followed.

Backlash and broader context

Petronas – Malaysia’s state-owned oil and gas corporation – has been Mercedes’ title sponsor since the German marque returned to F1 as a constructor in 2010.

The partnership has been one of the most successful in modern F1 history, with 122 race wins and multiple championship titles since their collaboration began.

In F1, alcohol-free sparkling beverages are used at podium ceremonies in countries where alcohol consumption or promotion is restricted. This includes Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Singapore, however, does not impose such restrictions, and the use of traditional champagne is standard practice there.

The annual hosting of the Singapore GP also holds special significance for Petronas, as it is the closest race to Malaysia in geographical terms.

In his statement, Taufik reiterated his regret. He said the experience served as a reminder of the importance of cultural awareness in international settings.

He added that he remains committed to upholding the values of Petronas and representing Malaysia “with integrity and respect” in all future engagements.

- Lena Ferle

CHELSEA CHARGED WITH 74 BREACHES OF FA AGENT RULES FROM 2009 TO 2022 FROM 'SELF-REPORTED' TRANSFER PAYMENTS

The charges against Chelsea relate to payments to player agents between 2009 and 2022 [Isabel Infantes/Reuters]
 https://aje.io/ebr7sf

Chelsea have been charged with 74 breaches of the English Football Association's (FA) regulations on agents, intermediaries and third party ownership.

The FA said the charges relate to incidents between 2009 and 2022, when the club was owned by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, with the bulk of the alleged breaches taking place between the 2010-11 and 2015-16 seasons. In response Chelsea said they had been aware of "potentially incomplete financial reporting concerning historical transactions and other potential breaches of FA rules" during due diligence for the Clearlake Capital-led consortium in the spring of 2022. This was then reported to the FA upon completion of the sale.

The Blues have until September 19 to formally respond to charges which include breaches of regulations around the disclosure of the identity of agents involved in transactions. The FA's statement said: "The Football Association has today charged Chelsea FC with breaches of Regulations J1 and C2 of The FA Football Agents Regulations, Regulations A2 and A3 of The FA Regulations on Working with Intermediaries, and Regulations A1 and B3 of The FA Third Party Investment in Players Regulations.

"In total, 74 charges have been brought against Chelsea FC. The conduct that is the subject of the charges ranges from 2009 to 2022 and primarily relates to events which occurred between the 2010-11 to 2015-16 playing seasons. Chelsea FC has until 19 September 2025 to respond."

Chelsea will hope that their self reporting and cooperation with the FA investigation eases any potential sanction they could face. That all the offenses took place prior to the involvement of the US owners could also come into consideration. The Blues described themselves as having "shown unprecedented transparency" and that they were "pleased to confirm that [their] engagement with The FA... is now reaching a conclusion."

Their statement said: "Chelsea FC is pleased to confirm that its engagement with The FA concerning matters that were self-reported by the club is now reaching a conclusion.

"The club's ownership group completed its purchase of the club on 30 May 2022. During a thorough due diligence process prior to completion of the purchase, the ownership group became aware of potentially incomplete financial reporting concerning historical transactions and other potential breaches of FA rules. Immediately upon the completion of the purchase, the club self-reported these matters to all relevant regulators, including The FA.

"The club has demonstrated unprecedented transparency during this process, including by giving comprehensive access to the club's files and historical data. We will continue working collaboratively with The FA to conclude this matter as swiftly as possible. We wish to place on record our gratitude to The FA for their engagement with the club on this complex case, the focus of which has been on matters that took place over a decade ago."

- James Benge

MAYA MORE | BASKETBALL 🏀 GOAT 🐐

Maya Moore is a retired American professional basketball player who is widely regarded as one of the greatest women’s basketball players of all time.

 • WNBA Career: She played her entire professional career for the Minnesota Lynx (2011–2018, 2020–2021) in the WNBA. During that time, she won four WNBA championships (2011, 2013, 2015, 2017) and was named WNBA Finals MVP in 2013.

 • College Success: Before that, she was a superstar at the University of Connecticut (UConn), where she led the Huskies to two NCAA championships (2009, 2010) and finished as a two-time Naismith Player of the Year.

 • Accolades: She was a six-time WNBA All-Star, the 2014 WNBA MVP, and also won Olympic gold medals with Team USA in 2012 (London) and 2016 (Rio).

 • Beyond Basketball: In 2019, Moore stepped away from the game at the peak of her career to focus on criminal justice reform. She was instrumental in helping secure the release of Jonathan Irons, a wrongfully convicted man, whom she later married.

Her legacy goes beyond basketball — she is celebrated both as a Hall of Fame-level athlete and as a social justice advocate who used her platform for impact.

SEBASTIAN VETTEL CONFIRMS RED BULL TALKS OVER F1 RETURN

Sebastian Vettel has been tipped as a potential successor for Helmut Marko at Red Bull.

Sebastian Vettel has confirmed that he has been in talks with Red Bull over a potential non-driving return to F1. 

The four-time world champion retired at the end of the 2022 season having won all of his titles with the team between 2010-2013.

In his latter years, Vettel became a fierce advocate for mental health, the environment, and human rights, and has been tipped as a potential successor to Dr Helmut Marko as the head of the Red Bull young driver programme - of which he was the first truly successful graduate.

Marko is 82, with Vettel still only 37, having retired at 35, and has been a presence in the paddock occasionally since. 

Talk of a driving comeback is now fully over, with Vettel addressing links to succeeding Marko.

"There have been a few headlines now, I still get along very well with Helmut, and we are also in exchange on the subject," Vettel told ORF.

"These are not yet so intense, and in-depth, but it may be something where I can play a role, but in what form, it will show. 

"But I have to admit that I haven't been close to F1 in the last few years, but I think Marko knows what he is doing - and no matter what happens, you can still learn a lot from him."

"Marko is not replaceable, let's leave it at that, such as his character, and he has done a very large amount for the team since 2005, and it might not be the goal for someone to replace him. 

"He's said a few times that he is going to stop, but he is still there, and I wish he would stay for a long time, but he will go at some point, and he knows it. 

"He is a brutal realist and can judge things quite well, and he will know when the time is right."

- Jake Nichol

SON HEUNG- MIN LIFTS 1ST TROPHY AS TOTTENHAM BEAT MAN UNITED FOR EUROPA LEAGUE TITLE

SEOUL, May 22 (Yonhap) -- For the first time in his 15-year European career, Tottenham Hotspur's South Korean captain Son Heung-min can finally call himself a champion.

Tottenham defeated fellow Premier League side Manchester United 1-0 in the final of the UEFA Europa League at San Mames Stadium in Bilbao, Spain, on Wednesday (local time). Brennan Johnson scored the match's only goal in the 42nd minute and Spurs held on tenaciously for their first trophy in 17 years.

Son Heung-min of Tottenham Hotspur (L) battles Leny Yoro of Manchester United for the ball during the UEFA Europa League final at San Mames Stadium in Bilbao, Spain, on May 21, 2025, in this Associated Press photo. (Yonhap)

Son, who replaced Richarlison in the 67th minute, lifted the first trophy of his club career, which began in 2010 with Hamburger SV in Germany.

Son joined Spurs in 2015. He had played and lost in two major finals with the North London club -- at the 2019 UEFA Champions League and the 2021 English Football League (EFL) Cup. The team's most recent trophy before this week had come at the 2008 EFL Cup.

Johnson put Spurs on the board late in the first half when his shot, set up by a Pape Sarr cross, deflected off defender Luke Shaw on its way into the net.

Man United kept pushing for the equalizer that never came, as Spurs successfully locked things down in their own end in the second half.

Spurs dodged a couple of bullets. Defender Micky van de Ven cleared the ball heading into the gaping net with a dramatic volley above the goal line in the 68th minute. In the dying seconds, goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario made a match-saving stop on a header by Shaw.

Son Heung-min of Tottenham Hotspur (R) is challenged by Patrick Dorgu of Manchester United during the UEFA Europa League final at San Mames Stadium in Bilbao, Spain, on May 21, 2025, in this Associated Press photo. (Yonhap)

- Yoo Jee-ho

AFTER POPE FRANCIS 'DEATH, WHO WILL HEAD THE CATHOLIC CHURCH? | LIKELY LIST OF SUCCESSORS

The Pope was in a critical state as he battled respiratory complications at Rome's Gemelli Hospital. His ill health cast uncertainty over the Holy Year and the Catholic Church

Pope Francis has died at the age of 88. The news was confirmed by the Vatican. As per this, the Pope died on Monday at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta.

The Pope was in a critical state as he battled respiratory complications at Rome's Gemelli Hospital. His ill health cast uncertainty over the Holy Year and the Catholic Church.

With the Pope now no more, one question comes to everyone's mind - who will replace the Pope?

But first, here's a look at what the Vatican says about choosing a new pope.

How Is A New Pope Elected?

When a Pope dies or resigns, the governance of the Catholic Church is passed on to the College of Cardinals. These cardinals serve as the Pope's closest advisors during their term.

Following this, a papal conclave is held in which the cardinals come together to elect a new bishop of Rome and the new pope is selected on the basis of a two-thirds supermajority vote.

The most recent papal conclave occurred in 2013 when Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected as Pope Francis, succeeding the retiring Pope Benedict XVI.

Who Will Succeed Pope Francis?

While no official successors have been named, here is a look at the likely successors of Pope Francis.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin

70-year-old Parolin has been the Vatican's secretary of state since 2013. Hailing from Veneto, Parolin is the highest-ranking cardinal in the conclave.

For years, Parolin has also been considered as a sensible moderate figure who does not lean towards the "left" or "right."

Cardinal Peter Erdo

Erdo is a devout Marian (one who devotes his practices to Marh, mother of Jesus Christ), and the former president of the Council of Bishops Conferences of Europe.

The 72-year-old Hungarian is also known as one of the conservative voices within the church and has openly opposed the practice of divorced or remarried Catholics.

Becoming a cardinal in 2003, Erdo also believes that taking in refugees amounts to human trafficking.

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle

Tagle is the seventh Filipino to become a cardinal and if elected, would become the world's first Asian pope.

The 67-year-old cardinal serves as the pro-prefect for the section of the

first evangelisation of the dicastery for evangelisation. He was made a cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI.

Similar to Pope Francis, Tagle has shown more left-leaning ideologies and has criticised the church's language and approach towards the LGBTQ community, unwed mothers and divorced/remarried Catholics.

Cardinal Matteo Zuppi

Zuppi has been the president of the Episcopal Conference of Italy since May 2022. The 69-year-old was made a cardinal by Pope Francis in 2019 and is considered to the favourite of the Pope.

Since 2019, Zuppi has been sent to several global missions such as a peace mission to Ukraine and then to the US.

Zuppi has also shared positive views towards the LGBTQ community.

Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke

Cardinal Burke, hailing from Wisconsin, has been regarded as a traditionalist. He was made a cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010.

Burke has openly and publicly clashed with Pope Francis' liberal philosophies, especially regarding the willingness to allow divorced and remarried couples to receive the Eucharist. (also know as the Holy Communion - it is a central act of Christian worship).

As per Burke, Catholic politicians who support legalised abortion, such as former President Joe Biden, should not receive the Eucharist.

- Outlook Web Desk

BARCELONA WILL PLAY TWO FRIENDLIES IN SOUTH KOREA IN AUGUST AS PART OF PRE-SEASON

Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Image

According to a recent update provided by AS, it has come to light that Barcelona are set to play two friendly matches in South Korea during the upcoming pre-season tour of Asia. 

The first match will be against FC Seoul, and the second will be against either Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors or Suwon Samsung Bluewings. 

These games are scheduled for early August and are part of a broader Asian tour that will also take the team to Japan. This information comes from the event promoter D-Drive.

The arrangement for these exhibition matches was finalized in November, following an agreement between D-Drive and Barcelona president, Joan Laporta. 

This tour marks Barcelona’s return to South Korea, where they have previously played friendly matches in 2004 and 2010. In the 2010 match, Lionel Messi was part of the squad that faced a team of K League All-Stars, representing South Korea’s top football division.

Broader picture

This upcoming tour reflects FC Barcelona’s ongoing commitment to engaging with their fan base in Asia and strengthening their presence in the region. 

The inclusion of matches in both South Korea and Japan indicates the club’s strategy to connect with supporters across multiple countries.

In recent years, Barcelona have recognized the importance of the Asian market and has made efforts to establish a strong foothold. The club’s decision to return to Asia aligns with their broader objectives of global outreach and fan engagement.

Great engagement 

The matches in South Korea are expected to draw significant attention from local fans, providing an opportunity to witness Barcelona’s renowned style of play firsthand. 

As the tour approaches, more details regarding match dates, venues, and ticket availability are anticipated. 

This initiative underscores Barcelona’s dedication to expanding their global presence and connecting with fans worldwide. By bringing their matches to South Korea and Japan, the club continues to build on its rich history and international appeal.

- Swapnil Bhopatkar

CHIEFS, BILLS SET AFC TITLE GAME RECORD WITH 57.4M VIEWERS

Mahomes vs. Allen is the gift that keeps giving for CBS and the NFL, as their latest scrap notched an all-time ratings high.
PHOTO BY JAMIE SQUIRE/GETTY IMAGES

After conspiring to deliver the biggest regular-season ratings for a Sunday NFL game this season, the Buffalo Bills and the Kansas City Chiefs reconvened last weekend for what would prove to be the most-watched AFC championship game on the books.

According to Nielsen live-plus-same-day data, Kansas City’s 32-29 win over the Bills in the conference title tilt averaged 57.4 million viewers on CBS, edging last year’s short-lived record (55.5 million, Chiefs-Ravens). The nail-biter in Arrowhead Stadium now stands as the third-biggest NFL semifinal of the modern Nielsen era, trailing only the 2010 NFC championship game (Vikings-Saints, 57.9 million viewers) and the 2012 Giants-49ers broadcast (57.6 million), both of which aired on Fox in a time before out-of-home impressions sweetened the TV ratings pot.

The rivalry between two of the league’s most electrifying quarterbacks has been a godsend for CBS ever since Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes first met up in the 2021 AFC championship game. While that Chiefs’ 38-24 victory averaged a respectable 41.8 million viewers, that broadcast was only the beginning, as the following year saw the two foes scare up 42.7 million viewers in the divisional round, an overtime-enhanced figure that would be topped two years later in another divisional-round showstopper (50.4 million).

In a tune-up for Sunday’s playoff clash, the Bills and Chiefs teamed up in Week 11 to deliver the strongest non-Thanksgiving numbers of the regular season, as Buffalo handed KC its first loss of the 2024-25 campaign in front of a national TV audience of 31.1 million viewers.

While the class of the AFC had America on the edge of its collective seat during the primetime window, the early Commanders-Eagles game on Fox suffered from a comparable lack of suspense. Philly’s 55-23 deconstruction of Washington averaged 44.2 million viewers, marking the NFC’s lowest turnout since the Rams-Saints 2019 title game drew 44.1 million. Oddly enough, that earlier game was a relative barnburner, as Los Angeles fought back from a 13-0 deficit before matters were settled by a 57-yard field goal in overtime.

Per Nielsen, 58% of all U.S. TVs that were in use while the Commanders-Eagles game was underway were tuned to Fox.

Fox faced particularly rough comps with last season’s analogous broadcast, which featured the Detroit Lions’ first trip to the NFC championship game in 32 years. The Lions’ quixotic quest for a Super Bowl date scared up 56.7 million viewers, and now stands as the fourth most-watched Championship Sunday on record.

All told, deliveries for the 12 NFL playoff games were down 8% versus last season’s lineup, as the league’s media partners averaged 35 million viewers per window, which works out to a net loss of 3.1 million impressions per game. The league’s regular-season ratings held up better, with slippage confined to a 2% dip.

Of the top 20 most-watched AFC/NFC championship games on the books, seven were played after Nielsen began blending the out-of-home ratings impressions with its vanilla TV data in the fall of 2020. That more inclusive method of counting the house should give Fox a leg up on Super Sunday; not only have OOH deliveries over the last five years accounted for about 20% of all Super Bowl impressions, but the upcoming Chiefs-Eagles clash is expected to get a further boost care of Nielsen’s expanded OOH panel.

While Nielsen has yet to confirm that it has beefed up its legacy OOH reporting system beyond the 44 media markets it currently monitors, bringing its coverage from approximately 65% of all users to an even 100%, an official announcement is expected to land shortly before Super Bowl LIX kicks off in New Orleans on Feb.

- ANTHONY CRUPI

FRENCH OPEN AND WIMBLEDON WINNER IN SAME YEAR

 Carlos Alcaraz: The Newest Phenom on Grass and Clay! 🌟🎾

#CarlosAlcaraz #NovakDjokovic #RogerFederer #RafaelNadal #Wimbledon #Tennis #ATP