PSG AGREE DEAL TO SIGN FERRAN TORRES FROM BARCELONA IN €50M TRANSFER

Getty Images 

Paris Saint-Germain have reached a definitive agreement with Barcelona to secure the services of Ferran Torres in a deal worth nearly €50 million. The Spanish international forward is now poised to move to the Parc des Princes, ending his tenure at the Camp Nou after four and a half years in Catalonia.

Luis Enrique reunites with Spanish forward

According to Mundo Deportivo, Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona have reached a total agreement for the transfer of Torres to the French champions. The 26-year-old forward is set to swap La Liga for Ligue 1 in a deal worth slightly less than €50 million, with the transfer fee consisting of a fixed amount and no additional performance-related variables included in the final package. The move will see Torres reunite with PSG head coach Luis Enrique, under whom he previously played during his time with the Spanish national team

.The move marks a significant shift for Torres, who has reportedly already agreed to the personal terms of a five-year contract with the Parisian giants. To facilitate the final stages of the move, the Valencian-born attacker requested permission from Barcelona via his representative to skip his scheduled return to training under Hansi Flick on Wednesday.

AFP

Financial relief for the Catalan giants

For Barcelona, the sale represents a vital injection of capital and a strategic piece of financial management. The €50 million fee is considered a highly acceptable figure for a player who was entering the final year of his contract. Torres originally joined the Blaugrana from Manchester City in January 2022 for a fee of €55 million plus an additional €10 million in potential add-ons.

Beyond the immediate transfer fee, the deal provides further economic benefits regarding the club's long-term obligations. Had Barcelona chosen to renew Torres' contract, they would have been triggered to pay an additional €8 million to Manchester City due to a specific clause inserted in his original purchase agreement.

Medical tests and final formalities

The final step in the process involves Torres undergoing a comprehensive medical assessment with the PSG staff. While the agreement is verbally binding between the presidents and sporting directors, the official confirmation remains subject to the successful completion of these physical tests.

Torres leaves Barcelona having recently played a key role on the international stage, most notably scoring in the World Cup final. His arrival in Paris will provide Enrique with a versatile attacking option capable of playing across the front three, reinforcing a squad that comes off a 2-1 victory over Aston Villa on Wednesday to lift the UEFA Super Cup.

Getty

A trophy-laden legacy at Camp Nou

Torres leaves Barcelona following a memorable and trophy-laden spell, during which he helped the Catalan giants secure three La Liga titles, three Spanish Super Cups, and one Copa del Rey. Across his time with the club, the Spanish forward made 207 appearances in all competitions, registering 65 goals and 23 assists.

- Khaled Mahmoud

DON NELSON. SECOND-WINNINGEST COACH IN NBA HISTORY, DIES AT 86

Don Nelson, the second-winningest coach in NBA history, a five-time NBA champion as a player and a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, has died, it was announced Sunday. He was 86.

"On Sunday morning our beloved husband, dad, grandfather and great-grandfather Don Nelson peacefully went to be with the Lord, surrounded by his loving family," Nelson's family said in a statement. "Throughout his last week, friends and family encircled him with love, sharing the blessing of his friendship and revisiting treasured memories."

In 31 seasons as an NBA head coach with the Milwaukee Bucks, Golden State Warriors (twice), New York Knicks and Dallas Mavericks, Nelson finished with a regular-season record of 1,335-1,063. He retired with the most coaching wins ever, a mark that was broken by the San Antonio Spurs' Gregg Popovich in March 2022.

Nelson made 18 playoff appearances as a coach, finishing with a 75-91 postseason record.

As a player, Nelson won five NBA titles in 11 seasons with the Boston Celtics, who retired his No. 19 jersey in 1978. He played 14 seasons in the NBA.

"The Celtics extend our deep condolences to Nelson's family, loved ones, and everyone he touched through his rich and impactful life in basketball and beyond," the Celtics said in a statement.

Immediately following his playing career, Nelson joined the Milwaukee Bucks as an assistant coach for the 1976-77 season. Only 15 games into that season, he was promoted to head coach after Larry Costello was fired.

From there, Nelson, who added general manager to his title the following season with Milwaukee, used an unorthodox coaching style that became known as "Nellie Ball" to put together a Hall of Fame résumé during his 31 seasons. Nellie Ball proved to be ahead of its time, utilizing smaller, more athletic players to fuel a fast-paced offense that prioritized creating mismatches through speed. It was a philosophy that was adopted across the league long after he retired.

"Don Nelson was a true innovator whose influence on the game of basketball is still felt today," Warriors coach Steve Kerr said in a statement Sunday. "He consistently challenged conventional thinking, experimented with different lineups and styles of play and saw possibilities in the game that others often did not. So much of what is now commonplace in the modern NBA can be traced back to the way Nellie approached the game."

Nelson's fast-paced offenses were probably best on display during his first stint in Golden State in the early 1990s -- the "Run TMC" era featuring future Hall of Famers Tim Hardaway, Mitch Richmond and Chris Mullin. Nelson said he wanted the trio of guards on the court at the same time, a daring idea at the time.

"Nellie was ahead of his time and there was nobody else like him," Hardaway said. "He had an incredible impact on my career and on the game of basketball. I'm going to miss him, and my thoughts and prayers are with Joy, Donnie and the entire Nelson family."

Richmond and Mullin also shared heartfelt gratitude toward Nelson in statements released Sunday, a sentiment shared by several of the longtime coach's former players.

Nelson was a three-time winner of the NBA Coach of the Year award (1983, '85, '92) but never won an NBA championship as a coach.

Boston Celtics' Don Nelson (19) goes to the basket against Milwaukee's Cornell Warner (35) during an NBA championship game in 1974. AP Photo, File

With Milwaukee, Nelson missed the playoffs only twice in his 11 seasons, winning seven straight Central Division titles. But he never reached the NBA Finals as he couldn't overcome Eastern Conference powerhouses Boston or Philadelphia, and he resigned after the 1986-87 season.

After one season of TV analyst work, he returned to the bench with Golden State, where he spent seven seasons before he resigned midway through the 1994-95 season. He returned for a second stint with the Warriors before the 2006-07 season and stayed four more seasons in his final NBA stop.

Nelson accepted the coaching job with the Knicks before the 1995-96 season but was fired with a 34-25 record and replaced by assistant Jeff Van Gundy.

The following year, Nelson joined the Mavericks, where he helped turn around the franchise's fortunes by working draft-day deals to acquire future Hall of Famers Dirk Nowitzki and Steve Nash. He coached eight seasons with the Mavericks, and his son Donnie, who served as his assistant, also was the team's general manager before an acrimonious split in June 2021.

"We hid Dirk for several weeks before the draft," Nelson told Sports Illustrated about Nowitzki flying under the radar while practicing with Athletes in Action in Dallas before the 1998 draft. "We made a commitment that we were going to draft him. We just wanted to keep him from going anywhere else to work out. He was going to be ours. He was happy with that. So, he hid for a week in Donnie's basement."

In a social media post Sunday, Nowitzki thanked Nelson for all his former coach did for him.

Nelson is also credited for helping land another franchise-altering superstar in his final years as Warriors head coach. During the 2009 NBA draft, he went against consensus and pushed Golden State to draft Stephen Curry with the No. 7 pick.

"One of the big reasons I was drafted by the Warriors was because of Don Nelson," Curry said in a statement. "The story is he never liked rookies, but from Day 1 he challenged me and gave me an opportunity to be my best self on the court. He taught me a lot during our one season together and I'll never forget the night he became the winningest coach in NBA history in Minnesota. We were so happy for him.

"He had an immeasurable impact on the sport and will go down as one of the greatest minds in the history of the game. He's a true icon and will be missed by the countless number of people he touched, including myself, during a legendary career."

Nelson twice coached in the NBA All-Star Game, and he led "Dream Team II" to a gold medal at the 1994 FIBA World Championships.

Nelson was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012. In 2025, he received the Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by the National Basketball Coaches Association. Miffed that the Mavericks sent Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in a blockbuster trade, Nelson wore a pair of Doncic's signature Jordan Brand sneakers to the awards ceremony. He called the trade a "tremendous mistake."

Doncic, who shared a close relationship with Donnie Nelson during their time together in Dallas, called Sunday a sad day for basketball in a social media post.

After a standout college career at Iowa, Nelson broke into the NBA as a player with the Chicago Zephyrs, who selected him with the 17th pick in the 1962 draft. The Los Angeles Lakers claimed him off waivers before the 1963-64 season, but Nelson did not play much. Celtics general manager Red Auerbach then came calling before the 1964-65 season, signing him as a free agent. Nelson went on to average 11.4 points and 5.2 rebounds while winning five titles during his 11 seasons in Boston.

His most celebrated moment as a Celtic came in the final minutes of Game 7 of the NBA Finals in 1969 against the Lakers, when Nelson's foul-line jumper that initially bounced high off the back rim gave Boston a three-point lead.

Overall, he played 1,053 regular-season games as a small forward and power forward, averaging 10.3 points and 4.9 rebounds. In 150 career playoff games, he averaged 10.5 points and 4.8 rebounds.

"Don Nelson revolutionized NBA basketball through his fearlessness, ingenuity and deep conviction," NBA commissioner Adam Silver said. "He spent nearly 50 years in the NBA -- winning five championships as a player with the Boston Celtics before building one of the most successful and pioneering coaching careers in league history. He brought an unmistakable personality to everything he did, and his impact on our sport will continue to be felt for generations."

After his coaching career, Nelson retired to a 22-acre farm in Maui, Hawai'i, and became an entrepreneur. He told HBO's "Real Sports" in 2019 that he grew flowers, coffee and cannabis on the farm.

After the deadly Maui wildfires of 2023, Nelson opened his rental properties to families who had lost their homes.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

- ESPN

SERENA AND VENUS WILLIAMS TO PLAY AT WIMBLEDON AFTER GETTING DOUBLES WILD CARD

 

Serena Williams, left, and Venus Williams with their trophies after winning the women's doubles final at Wimbledon in 2016.
Credit: AP

Serena and Venus Williams will return to Wimbledon after being given a wild card into the women’s doubles.

The tennis sisters are six-time doubles champions at Wimbledon, winning their last title on their most recent appearance together a decade ago.

Serena, 44, played her first match since 2022 last week at Queen’s Club, winning one round alongside Victoria Mboko before the Canadian was forced to pull out through injury.

The seven-time Wimbledon singles champion joked on court after the victory that she “had nothing better to do” and “got tired of sitting at home”, so she decided to return to the sport she once dominated.

She later added that the comeback was partially inspired by the prospect of her two daughters, Olympia and Adira, being able to watch her play.

Neither Serena nor Venus has yet been given a wild card into the women’s singles, although one spot remains open ahead of the Championships, which start on June 29.

Serena appeared to play down rumours she would be making a singles comeback when the 23-time grand slam champion said, when quizzed at Queen’s, that it was “not my journey right now”.

The younger Williams sister last appeared at Wimbledon four years ago, when she lost in the first round to France’s Harmony Tan, before “evolving away” from tennis later that summer at the US Open.

Speaking last week, All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) chief Sally Bolton said: “I can’t answer that question, but I guess what I can say is we can all see how much excitement Serena being back on a tennis court and particularly on a grass court has created and so one can only imagine what that would be like at the Championships.

- itvX

LIV GOLF FOCUSED ON LONG TERM DUNDING SOLITION AMID OF POTENTIAL BANKRUPTCY PLAN

Anthony Kim, Dustin Johnson, Thomas Pieters and Thomas Detry of 4Aces GC during day four of LIV Golf Virginia at Trump National Golf Club on May 10, 2026.

Getty Images via AFP

TORONTO – LIV Golf said on May 19 that it remains focused on securing a transaction that positions the organisation for the long-term, in response to a report that said the rebel circuit has begun laying the groundwork for a potential US bankruptcy filing as a last resort if it fails to raise new funds.

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), which has spent more than US$5 billion on LIV Golf since it launched in 2022, said in April that investing in the league no longer fit with its investment strategy.

The PIF’s decision to cut LIV Golf’s funding at the close of the 2026 season has now left the breakaway circuit scrambling for new backers and raises questions about the future of its big-name players on lucrative contracts.

A Bloomberg News report earlier on May 19 said that LIV Golf is weighing options, including seeking new investors, but it is also bracing for the league’s possible collapse after the season ends in August.

When asked about the report, a LIV Golf spokesperson declined to confirm it, saying only that the league remains focused on building a sustainable future and is exploring multiple paths.

“Leadership is focused on identifying the right long-term strategic partners who believe in our mission to grow the game of golf worldwide,” the spokesperson told Reuters.

“These conversations are just getting under way, and as they progress, the company expects to gain further clarity around the structure and timing of a potential transaction.”

LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil, speaking to reporters two weeks ago in his first press conference since the PIF announced that it was pulling its funding, said he had heard from plenty of potential investors.

“It was a split between private equity, family office and then your traditional like high net worth – you probably know who they are, the guys who invest in sports and sports teams. So that’s been really positive,” he said.

“It’s still early. We haven’t gotten to market yet. We haven’t finalized our business plan. We’re still picking and prodding. We have a good sense at this point... we know where we’re going, and we’re just going to tighten the screws.”

He also said earlier this week he is seeking as much as US$250 million in investment capital beyond this year, according to an Axios report.

According to the report, LIV Golf is letting it be known to prospective investors that an infusion of US$250 million will make the league profitable within two years.

LIV has previously said it posted a 100 per cent increase in revenue year-on-year this season and was convinced that the team golf model would be highly attractive to investors.

Through big-money contracts and lucrative purses, LIV managed to lure a number of golf’s biggest names from the PGA Tour, including Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka and Patrick Reed.

LIV Golf launched in 2022 with the backing of the PIF and critics have decried it as a vehicle for the country to attempt to improve its reputation in the face of criticism of its human rights record, which the Saudi government denies. 

- REUTERS

BRAZIL SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: NEYMAR ACHIEVES WORLD CUP DREAM AS CARLO ANCELOTTI OMITS CHELSEA STAR FEOM 26-MAN SELECTION

Brazil icon Neymar has been included in Carlo Ancelotti's final 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup.

The Santos forward made the most recent of his 128 international appearances in a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay in October 2023.

Neymar's struggles with injuries over the last few years cast doubt over his involvement in the upcoming World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the USA.

However, the 34-year-old has ultimately done enough with Santos to prove to Ancelotti that he is in good physical condition and can perform to the level required in the upcoming tournament. 

The Brazil boss confirmed Neymar's inclusion to a great reception in a ceremony in Rio de Janeiro on Monday. 

Neymar, who is Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 79 goals, is set to feature in a fourth World Cup after representing his country at the 2014, 2018 and 2022 tournaments.

Ancelotti leaves Chelsea star out of Brazil squad

While Neymar has achieved his World Cup dream, there was heartbreak for Chelsea forward Joao Pedro. 

The 24-year-old was a notable omission from the final 26-man squad, despite playing in Brazil's last two friendlies against France and Croatia. 

Pedro has staked a strong case with 23 goals and six assists in 52 competitive appearances this season. 

Rather than his club form, it seems that his failure to score in any of his eight international matches is a key factor in his omission.

Premier League well represented in Brazil World Cup selection

Brazil World Cup squad

Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Fenerbahce), Weverton (Gremio)

Defenders: Gabriel (Arsenal), Danilo (Flamengo), Leo Pereira (Flamengo), Bremer (Juventus), Roger Ibanez (Al-Ahli), Wesley (Roma), Marquinhos (Paris St-Germain), Gabriel (Arsenal), Douglas Santos (Zenit St. Petersburg), Alex Sandro (Flamengo)

Midfielders: Casemiro (Manchester United), Fabinho (Al-Ittihad), Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle United), Lucas Paqueta (Flamengo), Danilo (Botafogo)

Forwards: Neymar (Santos), Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid), Raphinha (Barcelona), Luiz Henrique (Zenit St. Petersburg), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Rayan (Bournemouth), Endrick (Lyon),  Igor Thiago (Brentford)

Brentford striker Igor Thiago is one of those who got the nod over Pedro, rewarded for his 22-goal return in 37 Premier League games this season.

There are spots for the Arsenal duo of Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Martinelli, as well as the Manchester United pair of Casemiro and Matheus Cunha.

Liverpool's Alisson Becker, Newcastle United's Bruno Guimaraes and Bournemouth's Rayan are the other three Premier League players who have made the cut. 

Real Madrid are represented in the selection by Vinicius Junior and Endrick, the latter of whom has registered 16 goal contributions during a successful loan spell with Lyon.

Barcelona's Raphinha is also heading to the World Cup after returning from injury earlier this month. 

- Ben Sully 

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

NBA: KON KNUEPPEL SETS ROOKIE 3-POINT RECORD AS HORNETS ROLL PACERS

Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Knueppel (7) celebrates a made basket in the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Photo: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Kon Knueppel set the NBA single-season rookie record for 3-pointers and Brandon Miller matched a season high with 33 points, fueling the Charlotte Hornets to a 133-109 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Thursday in Indianapolis.

Knueppel highlighted his 28-point performance by matching his own franchise rookie record with eight 3-pointers, boosting his season total to 209 -- three more than Keegan Murray's mark in 2022-23.

Knueppel was the fourth overall pick of the 2025 NBA Draft by the Hornets, who have 22 games remaining on their regular-season schedule.

Miller, who scored 19 points in the third quarter, made 11 of 19 shots from the floor for the game and 6 of 11 from 3-point range. His point total on Thursday matched his output on New Year's Eve, set in Charlotte's 132-125 setback to the Golden State Warriors.

LaMelo Ball collected 20 points and eight assists and Moussa Diabate contributed 14 points and 11 rebounds for the Hornets, who extended their franchise-best road winning streak to nine games.

Charlotte, which has won three in a row overall and 13 of its last 16 games, shot a robust 55.8% from the floor (48 of 86) and 47.8% from 3-point range (22 of 46). The Hornets also held a decisive 46-37 advantage in rebounds.

Indiana's Andrew Nembhard contributed 20 points and seven assists and Micah Potter added 19 points off the bench.

Jarace Walker added 16 points for the free-falling Pacers, who have dropped five in a row and nine of their last 11 games.

Indiana played without Pascal Siakam (left wrist sprain) and Aaron Nesmith (sprained right ankle).

The Pacers claimed a 34-31 lead after the first quarter before the Hornets responded with a dominant display in the second. Grant Williams sank a 3-pointer on consecutive possessions at one point before Knueppel drained his fifth 3-pointer to cap the scoring and give the Hornets a 67-46 advantage at halftime.

Knueppel etched his name into the record book by using a brilliant pump fake before calmly sinking a 3-pointer late in the third quarter to push Charlotte's lead to 103-77. He capped the Hornets' 40-point quarter with a turnaround jumper with 1.7 seconds to play.

Knueppel added his seventh and eighth 3-pointers early in the fourth as Charlotte coasted to victory.

—Field Level Media/Reuters

USMAN KHAWAJA ANNOUNCES INTERNATIONAL CRICKET RETIREMENT AFTER FIFTH ASHES TEST - AUSTRALIA'S BATTING SUPERSTAR TO BOW OUT

Australian batter Usman Khawaja will retire from international cricket following the fifth Ashes Test against England in Sydney, which will be his 88th. Australia are 3-1 up in the series having already retained the Ashes, and Khawaja addressed the speculation around his future on Friday. Live coverage of the Sydney Test - starting on Saturday January 3 - will be on TNT Sports and discovery+.

Usman Khawaja has announced he will retire from international cricket after the fifth Ashes Test against England in Sydney.

The batter turned 39 last month, and will play his 88th and final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground - which will be live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

"I’m here to announce today that I will be retiring from all international cricket after the SCG Test match," Khawaja told reporters at the ground.

"God through cricket has given me far more than I could have imagined. He’s given me memories I’ll carry forever, friendship that goes well beyond the game, and lessons that shaped me, who I am, off the field.

"But no career belongs to one person. I obviously had a lot of help. To my parents, thank you for your sacrifices that never made the highlights reel."

Khawaja has scored 6,206 runs at an average of 43.39 for Australia over the last 15 years, with 16 centuries.

It is fitting that Khawaja will bow out at the SCG, where he debuted for Australia in 2011 in the Ashes. His inclusion saw him become the first Muslim to play for Australia.

Australia have already retained the Ashes - they lead the series 3-1 - giving Khawaja the chance to bow out from his career in style.

"Funnily enough, I live just up the road from the SCG, on Cook Road, to be exact," he said.

"And I’ll never forget when I was younger, I saw Michael Slater drive in his red Ferrari. I couldn’t believe my luck. I just saw a Test cricketer.

"And as a boy, whose parents were barely scraping through in trying to provide for their kids in a little two-bedroom apartment, I thought, ‘One day, I’m going to be a Test cricketer and one day I can drive whatever I want.’"

He scored his first Ashes century in Sydney with 171 against England in 2018. The SCG was also the site of his career resurgence when, as a 35-year-old, he scored a pair of centuries against England in January 2022.

"This game humbles you," Khawaja added as he announced his retirement on Friday.

"It tests your patience, your resilience and your character. And if you’re lucky, it teaches you gratitude.

"Even on days that it doesn’t go your way, I hope I’ve inspired many children along the way, particularly those who feel that they are different, those who feel they don’t belong, or those [who] others tell that they will never make it.

"I felt all these things growing up, and trying to be an Australian cricketer, but seeing is believing.

"I’m a proud Muslim, coloured boy from Pakistan who was told that he would never play for the Australian cricket team. Look at me now. And you can do the same.

"As I walk off for the last time, I do so with gratitude and peace. Or as we say, ‘salam’. Grateful for the journey, the people, the lessons.

"Thank you for letting me live my dream and for sharing it with me."

The 2025/26 Ashes series concludes with the fifth Test in Sydney, starting on Saturday January 3, with every ball live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

- RHYS JONES

FORMER ARSENAL STRICKER BILLY VIGAR DIES AGED 21 AFTER SUFFERING BRAIN INJURY DURING MATCH

Former Arsenal star Billy Vigar was involved in a terrible accident over the weekend when playing for Chichester City and it has now been confirmed that he has sadly passed away due to his injuries

Billy Vigar has sadly passed away after his horror brain injury (Image: Getty Images)

Ex-Arsenal starlet Billy Vigar has sadly died after sustaining a horror brain injury mid-game. The 21-year-old crashed into a hard pitchside surface as his current side Chichester City took on Wingate & Finchley over the weekend.

The striker was treated on the pitch by an ambulance crew before being rushed to the hospital via helicopter. The game was eventually abandoned.

A statement from Chichester City shortly after the accident read: "Billy received a significant brain injury and is currently in an induced coma in intensive care receiving the best possible treatment. It is too early to say what the outcome will be and even if things go well, there will be a long road to recovery."

They followed up their statement with a post reading: "It is with great sadness that Chichester City Football Club has to confirm the passing of Billy Vigar. Below is a statement from his family. We request that his family's privacy is respected at this most difficult time."

A further statement from Vigar's family read: "After sustaining a significant brain injury last Saturday, Billy Vigar was put in an induced coma. On Tuesday he needed an operation to aid any chances of recovery. Although this helped, the injury proved too much for him and he passed away on Thursday (25th) morning.

"The responses to the original update show how much Billy was thought of and loved within the sport. His family are devastated that this has happened whilst he was playing the sport that he loved."

Chichester were scheduled to take on Isthmian Premier Division rivals Lewes this weekend, albeit that game had already been postponed.

Vigar was a graduate of Arsenal's Hale End academy and went on to feature regularly for the Gunners' under-18 and under-21 sides. He departed in the summer of 2024, having not made a senior appearance.

The North London side was among those to offer their thoughts with a touching message. A statement read: "Wishing you a speedy recovery, Billy. Everyone at Arsenal sends love and support to Billy and his loved ones at this difficult time."

Vigar went on to play for Hastings and Eastbourne Borough following his exit from North London and joined Chichester this past summer. Vigar's accident comes just a year after former Bath City star Alex Fletcher was forced into early retirement having been involved in a similar incident in 2022.

He has been among those to have offered his support to Vigar. Fletcher wrote:“My heart breaks reading this terrible news. Sending all the love, strength and best wishes to the Vigar family for healing in time. You’ve got this Billy.”

Chichester's next match following the Lewes postponement is currently scheduled to take place on Tuesday, 30 September at home against Cheshunt.

A statement from the FA read: "We are devastated to hear that Billy Vigar has passed away. We send our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, loved ones, and everyone at Chichester City FC at this incredibly difficult time."

Brighton & Hove Albion were among those to pay tribute, posting: "The thoughts of everyone at Brighton & Hove Albion are with Billy’s family and friends, and everyone at Chichester City, at this heartbreaking time. Rest in peace, Billy."

Fulham also shared a tribute, saying: "This is such devastating news. Sending love and strength to Billy's friends and family, as well as everyone at Chichester City. Rest in peace."

- Daniel Orme

EDDIE HOWE: MY RELATIONSHIP WITH ALEXANDER ISAK CHANGED ONCE HE WENT ON STRIKE

The 25-year-old missed the club’s pre-season tour to Singapore and South Korea and was left training by himself on the squad’s return before eventually getting his wish with a deadline day move to Anfield.

HOWE TIMES HAVE CHANGED: Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe has revealed his relationship with striker Alexander Isak broke down after the player went on strike (John Walton/PA)

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has admitted his relationship with Alexander Isak became “difficult” after he went on strike in an attempt to force through his move to Liverpool.

The 25-year-old Sweden international missed the club’s pre-season tour to Singapore and South Korea and was left training by himself on the squad’s return before eventually getting his wish with a deadline day move to Anfield which netted the Magpies £130million.

Asked about his relationship with the man he signed from Real Sociedad for £63million during the summer of 2022, head coach Howe said: “Alex and I always enjoyed a great relationship. I loved working with him and I hope he loved working with us.

“It was mutually beneficial. We helped him become the player that he in part is today, and he helped us as a team achieve some unbelievable milestones. He was part of a very successful team.

“But to give you a bit more on that, the moment he went on strike, our relationship did change. I think that was probably a turning point in our relationship. Communication became difficult from that point onwards. I won’t go into any more detail than that.”

Isak’s departure prompted Newcastle to invest £69m in VfL Stuttgart’s Nick Woltemade and Brentford’s Yoane Wissa, who cost them £55m, and the former could make his debut against Wolves on Saturday.

However, Wissa will not be involved after returning from international duty with DR Congo with a knee injury which could also rule him out of Thursday night’s Champions League opener against Barcelona.

"The moment he went on strike, our relationship did change"

Asked if the 29-year-old would be available for the Premier League fixture, Howe said: “Unfortunately not, no, so he won’t make this game.

“I saw him for the first time yesterday, he’s feeling the effects of the injury he sustained just before he came off, so we’re going to have to see how he is.”

Asked further about the severity of Wissa’s problem, Howe added: “I don’t know currently as I sit here. I think he’ll go away for tests and maybe see a specialist to see.”

Woltemade could get his first taste of St James’ Park on Saturday, and Howe has called for patience as the 23-year-old Germany international attempts to plug a sizeable gap.

Newcastle new boy Jacob Ramsey is facing a month on the sidelines (Nigel French/PA)

Howe said: “I think it would have been impossible to have replaced Alex like-for-like. There’s no other player like Alex, he was totally unique. He had his qualities and I think it’s important we don’t compare whoever we bring in to Alex, because I think that’s very difficult to do.

“I think each player that comes in is an individual in their own right and has their own strengths and weaknesses. There will be a process where we have to mould ourselves to them, and vice-versa.”

Wissa’s absence, coupled with that of fellow summer arrival Jacob Ramsey, who will be sidelined until after the October international break with an ankle injury, represents a significant blow to Howe, who is already without the suspended Anthony Gordon.

- DAMIAN SPELLMAN, PA

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

ICONIC GERMAN NATIONAL TEAM JERSEYS FROM 1934 TO 2022

 

ESPN WILL NOT AIR SPIKE LEE'S DOCUMENTARY ON COLIN KAEPERNICK

Photo: Getty Images North America

A Spike Lee-directed docuseries on Colin Kaepernick, which was originally set to air on ESPN, has been scrapped.

On Sunday (August 17), ESPN confirmed that it would no longer be airing Lee's Kaepernick documentary due to "creative differences."

“ESPN, Colin Kaepernick, and Spike Lee have collectively decided to no longer proceed with this project as a result of certain creative differences,” the network said in a statement, per Reuters. “Despite not reaching finality, we appreciate all the hard work and collaboration that went into this film.”

On Friday (August 15), Lee told Reuters that the project “was not coming out,” adding that he was limited in what he could share due to a nondisclosure agreement. Kaepernick hasn't spoken publicly about the decision.

Lee's docuseries was initially announced in 2022 as an in-depth look into Kaepernick’s life, activism, and the fallout from him kneeling during the national anthem while playing for the San Francisco 49ers.

Kaepernick began protesting racial injustice in 2016, sparking nationwide debate and backlash, including from then-President Donald Trump. The former quarterback left the 49ers in 2017 and has not played in the NFL since. In 2019, Kaepernick reached a settlement with the NFL in a collusion lawsuit alleging the league blackballed him due to his activism.

Though details about the cancellation remain limited, production of the docuseries reportedly faced delays and disagreements over its creative direction.

- Jovonne Ledet

ACES A'JA WILSON ERUPTS FOR UNREAL FEAT VS. SUN NOT SEEN BEFORE IN WNBA HISTORY

Las Vegas Aces star A'ja Wilson added another impressive record to her prolific career during their win over the Connecticut Sun.

If there were still debates on who's the best player in the WNBA today, Las Vegas Aces star A'ja Wilson squashed them on Sunday.

Wilson led the Aces over the Connecticut Sun, 94-86, at Michelob Ultra Arena for their fourth straight win. Not even the best problem solver in the world could have helped the Sun in trying to stop Wilson. She finished with a monster line of 32 points on 13-of-25 shooting from the field, 20 rebounds, five assists, and two steals.

The Aces veteran also added another milestone to her stellar career after becoming the first player in WNBA history to record a game with at least 30 points, 20 rebounds, and five assists. She almost single-handedly outrebounded the entire Sun, who had 23 boards.

Las Vegas improved to 18-14, while Connecticut fell to 5-25.

It hasn't been the easiest campaign for Wilson and the Aces. She had missed four games due to a wrist injury and a concussion protocol. The Aces, meanwhile, are still in the middle of the pack, although they have been on fire as of late.

The three-time MVP already addressed their struggles earlier this year, stressing the need to get back on track. After winning back-to-back titles in 2022 and 2023, the Aces relinquished the throne to the New York Liberty last season.

“We spoiled a lot of people without our greatness, with our legendary basketball style. We spoiled our fan base. We spoiled a lot of people with that, and now they expect that out of us in every single game,” said Wilson in June.

“I think we're in unfamiliar territory, but we're about to get real familiar with being uncomfortable and leaning on one another.”

There have been claims that Wilson has been supplanted by Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier as the best player in the WNBA. With her latest history-making performance, Wilson may have changed a lot of minds.

- Paolo Mariano

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

GREAT SCOTTIE: SCHEFFLER SURGES TO PGA CHAMPIONSHIP WIN

World No.1 Scottie Scheffler has joined Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus in golf's history books with a five-shot victory at the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow.

Scottie Scheffler worked harder than he imagined and got the result everyone expected at the PGA Championship: A most pleasant walk to the 18th green with another major title secure in the hands of golf's undisputed No.1 player.

Scheffler was flawless when he had to be on the back nine of Quail Hollow, leaving the blunders to Jon Rahm and everyone else trying to catch him on a final day that turned tense until he pulled away.

Scheffler overcame an early stumble to card a closing 71 and finish 11 under par, five shots ahead of fellow Americans Bryson DeChambeau (70), Harris English (65) and Davis Riley (72).

The 28-year-old is the 10th straight American winner of the PGA and joins the late Seve Ballesteros as the only players since 1906 to win each of their first three majors by three or more shots.

"This back nine will be one that I remember for a long time. It was a grind out there," Scheffler said.

The margin doesn't match up with the grind. That much was clear when Scheffler raised his arms on the 18th green and then ferociously slammed his cap to the turf, a brand of emotion rarely seen by the 28-year-old Texas star.

Scheffler was five shots ahead coming to the last hole when he won his first Masters green jacket in 2022. He was four shots clear of the field when he won at Augusta National last year. And he had a six-shot lead at Quail Hollow.

But this sure didn't feel like a walk in the park.

He had a five-shot lead standing on the sixth tee. But with a shaky swing that led to two bogeys, and with Rahm making three birdies in a four-hole stretch around the turn, they were tied when Scheffler got to the 10th tee.

Incredibly, two hours later Scheffler closed with a bogey that no one predicted he could afford.

Rahm wound up seven shots behind, but the two-time major champion was the only serious threat. His chances began to fade when he failed to birdie the 14th and 15th holes, the two easiest holes on the back nine and the last good scoring chances.

A bogey on the 16th hole went he went from rough to bunker. Having to take on a dangerous pin at the par-3 17th, it bounded over the sunbaked green into the water for double bogey. And his last tee shot went left off the grassy bank and into the stream for another double bogey.

"I knew it was going to be a challenging day. Finishing off a major championship is always challenging," Scheffler said after being presented with the Wanamaker Trophy.

"I didn't have my best stuff ... but stepped it up on the back nine."

All that work to make up a five-shot deficit at the start of the day and Rahm closed with a 73 to tie for eighth.

"Yeah, the last three holes, it's a tough pill to swallow right now," said Rahm, his first time seriously contending in a major since he left for the Saudi riches of LIV Golf two years ago.

"I'll get over it. I'll move on. There's a lot more positive than negative to think about this week. I'm really happy I put myself in position and hopefully learn from this and give it another go in the US Open."

Scheffler finished at 11-under 273 and picked up his 15th victory in just his sixth year on the PGA Tour. Dating to 1950, he is the third-fastest player to go from one to 15 tour wins, behind only Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus, and even then by a matter of months.

Scheffler came into the PGA Championship off an eight-shot victory in the CJ Cup Byron Nelson. And then he won a major by five. It was the first time since Woods in 2000 that a player won consecutive PGA Tour starts by five shots or more in the same season.

With PA

- Doug Ferguson and Phil Casey 

TRUMP IS CONVINCED THAT THE FIFA WORLD CUP COULD BE AN INCENTIVE FOR RUSSIA TO END THE WAR

Donald Trump stated that Russia's participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup could contribute to peace in Ukraine. Russia has been suspended from FIFA and UEFA competitions following the invasion.

US President Donald Trump has said that the possibility for Russia to play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup could be an "incentive" to end the war in Ukraine. The Russian national football team was suspended from international competitions by FIFA and UEFA after the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, reports the BBC, writes UNN.

Details

According to current rules, Russia will not play at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. Qualification began in September 2023, and in addition to the three host countries, 45 places were available.

But speaking at the first meeting of his administration's working group to prepare for the 2026 World Cup, Trump said that Russia's return to the tournament could end the war in Ukraine.

Sitting next to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Trump said he did not know that Russia had been suspended from the tournament.

That's true. They are currently banned from playing, but we hope that something will happen and peace will come, and Russia will be allowed to compete again, Infantino said.

Trump said: "It's possible. It could be a good incentive, couldn't it? We want them to stop. We want them to stop. Five thousand young people are killed every week - you can't even believe it."

2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA

The US will host 78 of the 104 matches, including the final. The World Tourism Forum Institute has warned that strict immigration policies in the US and global political tensions could "significantly" affect international arrivals.

The Club World Cup, which starts next month, is being held in 12 US stadiums. The tournament is expected to be attended by around two million foreign guests.

We are already processing these travel documents and visa applications. Obviously, this will be a prerequisite for what we can do next year to host the FIFA World Cup

- said Secretary of Homeland Security Christie Noem.

Addition

Earlier this year, the administration of US President Donald Trump called on the Ukrainian government to accept an unspecified number of migrants deported from the country.

A Ukrainian diplomat informed the US Embassy that the government would offer a response when it formulates its position

- The Washington Post reports.

- Pavlo Zinchenko 

PHIL MICKELSON'S PGA TOUR APOLOGY DEMAND, £750K ACCUSATION, MESSAGE TO DONALD TRUMP'S DOJ

Phil Mickelson has fired numerous shots at the PGA Tour ever since he was first linked with the Saudi-backed LIV Golf.

Phil Mickelson has taken regular shots at the PGA Tour over the past three years (Image: Getty)

Phil Mickelson's feud with the PGA Tour has continued after Wesley Bryan was suspended for participating in a LIV Golf event. Earlier this month, LIV introduced The Duels, a new format that saw six professionals from the Saudi-sponsored circuit team up with social media influencers.

Stars such as Sergio Garcia, Bubba Watson, Dustin Johnson, plus Mickelson and Bryan, were all part of the mix. Bryan, who has barely figured on the PGA Tour recently, seized the opportunity presented by LIV after gaining prominence as a content creator with a successful YouTube channel. Although he doesn't have an active PGA Tour card, his involvement led to him being suspended by the tour, with an infuriated Mickelson taking to social media to demand an intervention by Donald Trump's Department of Justice. "Here's a question," he began. "Normally when an entity violates independent contract law, they deny that it happened and forces the contractor/individual to prove that it did.

"In this case, the PGA Tour blatantly admits they are illegally banning an independent contractor, so why doesn't they DOJ step in and enforce the law? Why does the individual have to sue to enforcer the law? DOJ do your f****** job!" It was the latest in a long list of grievances Mickelson has aimed at the PGA Tour since his involvement with LIV Golf was first mooted three years ago...

'Greedy' accusation

Mickelson stirred controversy even before the LIV was launched. 'Leftie' openly criticised the PGA Tour with accusations of greed, particularly over the issue of media rights. "There are many issues, but that is one of the biggest," he said in an interview with Golf Digest.

"For me, personally, it's not enough that they are sitting on hundreds of millions of digital moments. They also have access to my shots, access I do not have. They also charge companies to use shots I have hit. And when I did 'The Match' - there have been five of them - the tour forced me to pay them $1million each time.

The three-time Masters champ has never been one to mince his words (Image: Getty)

"For my own media rights. That type of greed is, to me, beyond obnoxious." Adding to his grievances, Mickelson asserted that the Tour controls an estimated "roughly $20billion" (£15bn) in media assets and countless digital memories that, in his opinion, rightfully belong to the players.

The Tour defended itself against Mickelson's remarks, maintaining that the majority of players are satisfied with how the organisation operates. One executive countered Mickelson's assertions to GOLF.com, saying: "I've never seen anybody be really interested in how we generate the money.

"There's some conversation about it now because, you know, Phil's making stuff up that's just not true. But in general, they're happy that there's a lot of money that comes from it."

Mickelson was left furious by Wesley Bryan's suspension (Image: Getty)

Moreover, the Tour emphasises that over half of its approximately $1.5m [£1.13m] yearly revenue is apportioned to the players, aligning with the norms of other professional sports organisations.

Monahan criticism

Mickelson hasn't held back in his criticism of PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan. In November 2023, Mickelson weighed in on rumours that Monahan might be ousted from his position if a deal between the Tour and PIF was struck.

He took to social media to assert that "golf is in this situation entirely because of [Monahan]". He accused him of "losing trust with his players" and stated that "there's no unity or path forward with [Monahan] involved in my opinion as well".

Jay Monahan has been slammed by Mickelson (Image: Getty)

'$1billion peace offer'

Mickelson also disclosed a $1bn [£750m] peace proposal he had offered to the Tour before jumping ship to LIV. He said: "Before I left I brought a $1bn commitment from a current PGA Tour partner to have 8 elevated events and give equity and ownership in these events to the players. JM's quote was: 'I don't believe the league is going to happen so we won't be doing that'. No vote, no discussion."

Apology demand

A year into the existence of LIV, Mickelson called for an apology from the PGA Tour. That followed suggestions in a leaked memo that those who had publicly criticised the PGA Tour would face harsher treatment than other defectors if they performed a U-turn.

Mickelson said: "What a colossal waste of time. Not a single player on LIV wants to play PGA Tour. It would require a public apology and restitution to LIV players for paying millions to Clout media to disparage all of us. A better topic is future sanctions for the many players who now come to LIV."

Mickelson was complaining about the PGA Tour even before leaving for LIV (Image: Getty)

Woods dinner snub

PGA Tour loyalist Tiger Woods reportedly orchestrated a pointed snub to Mickelson by blocking him from attending a private dinner celebrating past champions before the 150th Open Championship at St Andrews in 2022.

According to revelations in Alan Shipnuck's book 'LIV and Let Die', it was claimed by an anonymous source: "He (Woods) talked to a handful of other [past champions] to get their blessing and then went to the R&A and told them, basically, no one wanted Phil there and it would make the night weird and awkward. Whose side were they going to take, Tiger's or Phil's? That's an easy choice."

Talking up LIV

Mickelson continues to be a vocal supporter of LIV Golf. Explaining his standpoint on The Joe Pomp Show earlier this year, Mickelson shared his perspective on why their events are more family-friendly.

Tiger Woods blocked Mickelson from attending a private dinner at The Open, it was claimed (Image: PGA TOUR via Getty)

"You go to a LIV event, you feel different," he said. "Here's why: You have music going when you're out on the course. We don't hear little people saying stuff.

"So you're not as anxious about having your kids be quiet. There's a fan zone like on the course where you can sit down, take a break, grab some drinks. It's like a little hang. You can take a nap.

"They have a kid zone by the clubhouse where, again, you can take a nap, play putt-putt, play games for them and entertain them with a big screen so you can still see what's going on with the golf.

"So when you go there, you feel calm. You feel comfortable. It's like, 'OK, our kids had a great time. I was relaxed. I wasn't worried'. I think that's the number one reason why LIV is going to be successful."

- MARK WHILEY

WILLIAM SALIBA INSISTS HE IS HAPPY AT ARSENAL AND DETERMINED TO DO 'BIG THINGS' AT THE EMIRATES AMID INTEREST FROM REAL MADRID

William Saliba insisted he is happy at Arsenal amid reports linking him to Real Madrid and aims to become the world’s best defender by winning major trophies.

The Frenchman has been a mainstay of Mikel Arteta’s side since being recalled from consecutive Ligue 1 loan spells at Nice and Marseille in 2022.

It has resulted in the Gunners boasting one of the best defences in the Premier League — and put the 23-year-old on the radar of clubs such as Real Madrid.

Saliba will have two years left on his contract come this summer but is happy in north London.

Ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League last-16 second leg against PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday, with a 7-1 advantage from the first leg, he said: ‘I’m really happy here because we have some years (to go on contract).

‘There is no rush at the minute. I want to win big things with Arsenal. If you leave this club without winning anything the fans will forget about you. I want to win big things here.’

William Saliba has insisted that he is happy at Arsenal amid interest from LaLiga giants Real Madrid

He was also honest about his own performances — even going as far to say team-mate Gabriel has been better than him of late. But he still eyes trophies at a club whose last scalp dates back to their FA Cup triumph in 2020.

‘For me, this season I have not been so good. I have to review my season, I have to work on my game,’ he said.

The 23-year-old admitted that his central defensive partner Gabriel has been in better form than him this season

‘I have to watch especially my partner, Gabriel, who has been so, so good this season.

‘There are a few (defenders better than me), but of course I have to focus on myself and work more.

I want to be one day the best defender in the world. I know I have to work a lot and to win trophies as well – but that’s my dream.’

- ISAAN KHAN

REAL MADRID LEGEND CONFIRMS RETIREMENT FROM PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL

• Marcelo announces retirement from playing career

• Legendary left-back enjoyed incredible success with Real Madrid

• 36-year-old left Fluminense in November 2024

Marcelo has called time on his career / Laurence Griffiths/GettyImages

Former Real Madrid left-back Marcelo has announced his retirement from professional football.

The 36-year-old earned a reputation as one of the greatest left-backs of all time during his 15-year spell with Madrid, which began all the way back in 2007 when the La Liga giants recruited him from Fluminense.

During his time in Spain, Marcelo racked up an enormous 546 appearances for the club in all competitions, becoming the club's first foreign captain in over 100 years as he won enough trophies to become Madrid's most successful player of all time.

Marcelo departed Madrid in 2022 with no fewer than 25 trophies in his cabinet - six LaLiga titles, five Champions Leagues, two Copas del Rey, five Spanish Supercopas, three UEFA Super Cups and four Club World Cups.

"At 18, Real Madrid knocked on my door and I arrived here," Marcelo said in a video on social media. "Now, I can proudly say that I am a true madrileno. Here, alongside my wife, I have built a family.

"16 seasons, 25 titles, five Champions Leagues, one of the captains and so many magical nights at the Bernabeu. What a journey!

"My journey as a player ends here, but I still have so much to give to football. Thank you for everything."

After leaving Madrid in 2022, Marcelo took his talents to Greek side Olympiacos, but he would last less than a year before making his emotional return to boyhood side Fluminense, where he helped the club win the Copa Libertadores before departing in November 2024.

- Tom Gott