FIDE OPERATIONS MANAGER SERGEI INDEIKIN HAS PASSED AWAY

We are deeply saddened by the passing of our colleague Sergei Indeikin, FIDE Operational Manager, following a sudden illness.

Sergei started working at FIDE events in 2021 and quickly became an integral part of our operations at major international events. Over the past five years, he worked behind the scenes at World Championships, World Cups, World Rapid and Blitz, Candidates Tournaments, as well as many events organised by the FIDE Events Commission, including championships for seniors, juniors and amateurs.

He travelled across the world to make sure these events ran professionally, efficiently and in accordance with FIDE standards. Much of this work is rarely visible to the public, but everyone who worked with Sergei knew how much responsibility, energy and care he put into every event.

Beyond his work, Sergei was also a generous person. He supported an orphanage and, wherever his work took him, he would bring back chess memorabilia and small gifts for the children from different parts of the world.

We will remember Sergei as a true professional, a reliable colleague and a kind person who contributed enormously to the work of FIDE.

Our deepest condolences go to Sergei’s wife, his young daughter, his family, friends and everyone who had the privilege of working with him.

He will be greatly missed.

- FIDE

MAURO PONCINI DIES IN ACCIDENT | MGP MANX GRAND PRIX 2026

 

MOTORSPORTS COMMUNITY HAS LOST MAURO PONCINI AND SAM NAUGHTON AT MANX GRAND PRIX

 

The motorsport community is mourning the tragic loss of Mauro Poncini and Sam Naughton during the Manx Grand Prix on the Isle of Man.

Our deepest condolences go to their families, friends, teams, and everyone who knew them.

May Mauro and Sam rest in peace. 🕊️🏁

#ManxGrandPrix #IsleOfMan #RoadRacing #MauroPoncini #SamNaughton #Motorsport

HAYDEN PANETTIERE 'S HEARTBREAKING WLADIMIR KLITSCHKO ADMISSION IN LAST INTERVIEW

The American actress, who has died at the age of 36, shared a daughter with the former heavyweight boxing champion

Klitschko and Panettiere got engaged and welcomed a daughter before later splitting up

Hayden Panettiere made a heartbreaking admission about the daughter she shared with former fiance Wladimir Klitschko in her final interview, which was published just weeks before her death.

The American actress, who began her career as a child star before landing roles in shows like Heroes and Nashville, has died at the age of 36. In a statement, her heartbroken father Skip paid tribute to her as an "incredible light and a force of nature" and said her death was an "unimaginable loss".

Panettiere was previously engaged to former world heavyweight boxing champion Klitschko, having met him at a book launch in 2009. After they began dating, they split up in 2011, before rekindling their relationship two years later.

In October 2013, they got engaged, with the actress giving birth to their daughter, Kaya, the following December. However, it was confirmed in 2018 that the couple had split again, but remained on amicable terms.

That same year, Panettiere made the "heartbreaking" decision to relinquish full custody of Kaya to Ukrainian boxing great Klitschko, due to her struggles with long-term post-partum depression and addiction.

In what proved to be her final interview with parenting outlet Momé, published just last month, the late actress addressed the situation again, saying she knew she needed to hand full custody to Klitschko in order to put her daughter first.

"It wasn’t a decision I made lightly, nor was it a decision I even wanted to make," said Panettiere. " I was going through a really challenging time in my life.

"I knew I needed to be able to put her first so that I could get the help I needed and be the mum she needed me to be.

"I love my daughter, and I’m so proud of the young woman she is becoming," she added. "I talk to her all the time, and I feel so connected to her. She’s like a mini-me."

It comes after she detailed being separated from Kaya in her memoir, titled This Is Me: A Reckoning and released earlier this year.

"Not being under the same roof with her every day has been the most gut-wrenching experience of my life, and it’s hard to describe the layers of emotion – including sadness, resentment, and anger – I’ve felt because of it," Panettiere wrote.

"I grieve that I’m not the mother I thought I’d be and definitely not the mother I want to be (trust me, no one should ever have to raise a child on FaceTime), and although I miss Kaya so much my heart aches, I know how blessed I am to be her mom.

"She is the greatest gift of my life, with all the best parts of her father and me."

Tragically, Panettiere's death comes three years after her younger brother Jansen also passed away at the age of just 28.

Jansen, who was also an actor, died in February 2023 due to aortic valve complications, related to enlarged heart syndrome.

- John Jones

FINLAY TARLING'S TEAM WITHDRAWS FROM RACE FOLLOWING TEEN CYCLIST DEATH IN PORTUGAL

NSN Development confirmed it would withdraw from the remaining stages of the Volta a Portugal

Finlay Tarling (second from the left) has died at the age of 19 (Getty)

NSN Development has withdrawn from the remaining stages of the Volta a Portugal following the death of their rider, 19-year-old Finlay Tarling.

Tarling, the younger brother of Ineos Grenadiers cyclist Josh, was involved in a “serious accident” while taking part in the eighth stage of the 166.8km route from Melgaço to Fafe.

Tarling was riding for the NSN Development Team, having signed a two-year deal ahead of the 2025 season.

In a statement, NSN said: “Following Fin Tarling’s tragic passing on Friday, the NSN Development Team has withdrawn from the remaining Volta a Portugal stages.”

“With the full support of Fin’s parents, the WorldTour team will race on at Czech Tour and the Arctic Race of Norway. We will continue to hold Fin in our hearts as we race in his honour, doing what he loved most.

“We want to thank everyone in the cycling community and beyond for the incredible support at this difficult time.”

The team of Finlay Tarling have withdrawn from the Volta a Portugal (PA)

Organisers confirmed Saturday’s penultimate stage would continue “in an atmosphere of profound mourning”, with tributes paid to the 19-year-old before the start.

“We all remain deeply shaken. Cycling is a sport that carries risks, but we are never prepared for a tragedy of this magnitude,” a statement read.

“Finlay lost his life. A family lost a son. A team lost a teammate. Cycling lost one of its own. It is a tragedy that goes beyond the competition itself.

“As a sign of respect and mourning, the event’s main sponsors have agreed with the organisation to cancel all activities planned for the final two days.

“The race continues. There will be sporting competition, but there will be no celebration. This Saturday, the Volta rides for Finlay.”

Major Tiago Machado of the National Republican Guard (GNR) told local media the cyclist was in collision with a light goods vehicle.

The Volta statement added: “This is not the time for speculation about the circumstances of the accident.

The incident is being investigated by the GNR Command, which is responsible for rigorously establishing the facts.”

- Carl Markham

BRITISH CYCLIST FINLAY TARLING DEAD AT 19

 

British cyclist Finlay Tarling, 19, has died after a serious accident during the eighth stage of the Volta a Portugal road race.

- Sky Sports 

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

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

Lionel Messi (Photo/Archive)

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

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

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

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

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

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

- Ahmed Khairy

FUNERALI BARESI | FRANCI BARESI'S FUBERA

 

FOOTBALL MOURNS AC MULAN LEGEND FRANCO BATESI AS THOUSANDS GATHER TO PAY FAREWELL

 

THAI FOOTBALLER DIES ON THE PITCH IN SOUTHERN THAILAND AFTER BEING STRUCK BY LIGHTNING

 

Thai winger Sofwan Awae, who had just signed with Yala FC, died on Aug 4 after lightning struck the field of play. PHOTOS: FCYALAOFFICIAL/FACEBOOK, COURTESY OF ABDUL BASIR CHEPOR

A Thai footballer died on the pitch after a lightning strike that also left 12 others injured, according to Thai police.

The incident happened on Aug 4 during a Golok Cup match played at Santiphap Stadium in Sungai Golok, southern Thailand, between SAMCOLTS and Abu x Nong Sirin. The Golok Cup is a regional football tournament featuring local and mixed teams from Thailand and Malaysia.

Winger Sofwan Awae, a recent signing for Thai third-tier professional side Yala FC, was playing for SAMCOLTS. He was struck by lightning at around 5.30pm as the match was ongoing.

Images circulated online show a bright light streak appearing to hit an area of the pitch inside the penalty area.

The 24-year-old’s teammates, wearing a black-and-white team strip, can be seen flipping him onto his back and attempting to revive him in the middle of the field.

“Although the emergency medical team made every effort to save him, the victim succumbed to severe injuries sustained in the incident,” said Sungai Golok police chief Thun Sirikhunt, as cited by Bernama.

He said 12 others, including one Malaysian footballer, were injured and taken to hospital.

Sofwan’s club Yala FC and the Football Association of Thailand shared condolence messages with the player’s family.

In Singapore, Category 1 weather status alerts are triggered by the Met Service’s islandwide detection networks, mandating an immediate stop of play and clearance of open fields or public pools.

Singapore has one of the highest lightning strike rates in the world. Annually, there are on average 175 days when lightning is detected in Singapore, based on Meteorological Service Singapore’s records.

In March 2004, before the Cat 1 alerts were implemented, Jiang Tao, an 18-year-old player with the now-defunct Chinese S-League club Sinchi FC, was killed after he was struck by lightning during training at the Jurong Stadium, which has since been demolished.

In 1996, Mohd Amin Mohd Salleh, a Secondary 2 student of Pioneer Secondary School, died after being struck by lightning when playing football on the school field.

- Lok Jian Wen

ZDENĚK CHOVANEC HAS PASSED AWAY

 

The FIA is deeply saddened by the passing of Zdeněk Chovanec, who completed in the FIA Formula 3 Championship back in 2021-2022.

Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Zdeněk’s family and friends.

- FIA

MADELEINE MCCANN'S BROTHER SEAN, 21, COMPLETING FOR SCOTLAND IN COMMONWEALTH GAMES

The Games, which take place in Glasgow from this Thursday until 2 August 2026, will mark Sean McCann's Commonwealth debut for Scotland

(Image: Getty Images for Commonwealth Sport)

Madeleine McCann’s brother will take part in the Commonwealth Games after being selected to swim for Scotland. Sean McCann is getting ready to step out onto the global stage this week when the Games begin in Glasgow.

Madeleine was three when she went missing from her family’s holiday apartment in Praia da Luz in southern Portugal on May 3 2007, shortly before her birthday. Sean and his twin sister Amelie were just two when their older sister disappeared.

According to Scottish Swimming, Sean will compete in the freestyle disciplines as he looks to qualify for Team GB and swim at the LA Olympics in 2028. The 21-year-old began competing aged eight and previously raced for Scotland at the Commonwealth Youth Games in Trinidad and Tobago in 2023 in the 400m and 1500m freestyle.

Speaking about his competitive journey a few years ago on the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust website, he revealed: “I started competitive sport when I was eight, joining Charnwood triathlon club. It was here that I discovered my passion for swimming and I joined Loughborough Town swimming club to increase the number of swim sessions I did per week.

"At the age of 10, I was selected to swim at City of Leicester and I have since gone on to win multiple county titles as well as becoming regional and National champion in my age group. In order to have achieved this, I have had to remain extremely dedicated, getting up at 4am multiple mornings each week to train, since the age of 11.

"I train nine times a week in the pool, as well as three gym sessions, totalling over 20 hours of training per week. I’m aiming to compete at the 2026 Commonwealth Games and also the 2028 Olympics in LA.”

It is not known if his parents Kate and Gerry McCann will be in attendance at the Tollcross International Swimming Centre during the 11-day event, which begins on Thursday, July 23.

Mr and Mrs McCann criticised a true-crime drama about their daughter’s disappearance back in May, saying the programme was made without their consultation or consent.

Kate and Gerry said they 'had no involvement whatsoever' in the making of Channel 5’s 'Under Suspicion: Kate McCann', which depicts Madeleine’s mother being treated as a suspect during the investigation into her disappearance in May 2007.

In a statement released on the day the show aired, Kate and Gerry raised concerns over the 'negative impact' such programmes have on their family as they continue to grieve Madeleine’s disappearance 19 years on.

Kate McCann, the mother of the missing British girl Madeleine, carries her son Sean after piking him up from the local nursery at the Ocean Club holiday resort on May 22, 2007 in Praia da Luz, Portugal. (Image: Getty Images)

“Thank you to everyone who has offered support & kindness this month,” they wrote on the Find Madeleine Campaign website. “May is never the easiest. We usually start to feel a bit ‘lighter’ at this stage of the month.

“We are disappointed however, knowing that a Channel 5 ‘docu-drama’ will air tonight. We have not given, or been asked for, our consent and have had no involvement whatsoever in its making.

“We fail to see how it will help. Programmes like this, always have a negative impact on our family.”

The Metropolitan Police’s probe into the 2007 disappearance of three-year-old Madeleine has been active since 2011. German authorities identified Christian Brueckner as the prime suspect in Madeleine’s case back in 2022.

Gerry (L) and Kate McCann (R) leave their home in Rothley, Leicestershire in central England with daughter Amelie and son Sean, 12 September 2007. (Image: Getty Images)

However, Brueckner has never been charged over Madeleine’s disappearance and has previously denied any involvement. Speaking in December, dad Gerry, from Glasgow, said the hope of finding her after all this time is 'slim', but not 'extinguished'.

“Madeleine’s been missing for 18 years, and the bottom line is, we still don’t know what’s happened to her,” he told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme. Gerry added: “I don’t even mean ‘convincing’ evidence – there is no evidence to say she’s dead.

“Now we fully understand she may be dead, it may even be probable, but we don’t know that. I’d love to find her alive, but we need to find out what happened and bring whoever’s responsible to justice, and other children and people are at risk while that perpetrator is free.”

- Connor O'Neill

KEVIN KEEGAN DIES AS NEWCASTLE UNITED LEGEND'S FAMILY RELEASE TEARFUL STATEMENT

The former Newcastle United player and manager has passed away at the age of 75

Kevin Keegan has died at the age of 75(Image: PA)

Kevin Keegan has sadly passed away at 75 after battling with cancer throughout 2026. The former Newcastle manager's family have released an emotional statement sharing his final few moments.

The family said: "It is with immense sadness that we announce that Kevin Keegan has passed away at the age of 75.

"Kevin had been battling cancer and was surrounded by his wife and daughters in his final moments.

"A double Ballon D’or winner, Kevin was a much loved husband, father and grandfather.

"The family would like to thank Kevin’s incredible medical team for all their support. “This is a hugely difficult time and they are requesting space and privacy."

Keegan had said in May, during a talk-in at the Tyne Theatre: "I want to say goodbye. I didn’t get the chance when I left (Newcastle United) last time."

Kevin Keegan has sadly been diagnosed with cancer(Image: Getty Images)

Back then Keegan, in great spirits, also said: "They said we have a top doctor with this new way of fighting what you have got. Which is stage four cancer.

“He was a Liverpool supporter so I went to meet him. I knew I wouldn’t be walking alone, if you know what I mean."

A club statement read: "We are devastated to learn of the passing of Kevin Keegan, one of the most iconic, influential and deeply loved figures in our club’s history.

"Kevin was more than a legendary footballer and manager. He was the beating heart of Newcastle United for generations of supporters.

"As a player, he brought world-class talent, ambition and belief to St. James’ Park, helping to transform perceptions of what Newcastle United could be.

"As a manager, he ignited our city. Kevin gave supporters hope and pride, and led a team whose style, spirit and passion captured the imagination of football fans around the world.

Kevin Keegan saying farewell to Newcastle United in May, 1984(Image: NEwcastle Chronicle)

"He was so much more than an Entertainer.

"Above all that, Kevin forged an extraordinary bond with Newcastle, built on the roots of his father, Joe.

"He understood our people. He embraced the North East with a passion that was genuine and unwavering, and in return, he earned his rightful place in the hearts of millions.

"Kevin’s impact will not be measured by appearances or results. It will live on in the memories he created with club and country, the dreams he inspired wherever he went, and the generations of supporters around the world who fell in love with football because of him.

"At this profoundly sad time, we send our love and deepest sympathy to Kevin’s wife Jean, his family, friends and all who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him.

"Today, we mourn the loss of a true giant of our history, and at the appropriate moment, we will carefully consider how we shape a lasting tribute to Kevin’s remarkable life and legacy.

- Lee Ryder

DUTCH REFEREE, 38, DIES UNEXPECTEDLY WEEKS AFTER BEING REMOVED FROM FIFA WORLD CUP TEAM

Rob Dieperink was supposed to be a VAR official at the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026 but was dropped after being accused of sexually assaulting a minor.

Referee Rob Dieperink died at the age of 38 © Getty

Tragic news has emerged from the world of football, as Dutch referee Rob Dieperink has reportedly been found dead after being removed from the 2026 FIFA World Cup's officiating team. Dieperink was supposed to be a part of the VAR (Video Assistant Referee) team at the 2026 World Cup but was dropped one month before the start of the tournament over allegations of 'sexual assault' involving a minor. Though the case was later closed due to insufficient evidence, it has now been revealed that the referee has died.

Dieperink died at the age of 38, though the cause of his death has not yet been made public. The Dutch Football Association (KNVB) confirmed the news in a statement, paying tribute to Dieperink, who was one of the country's most respected officials.

"We are shocked and deeply saddened by the passing of Rob Dieperink. With Rob, we lose a highly valued referee, but above all, a kind and dedicated colleague," the KNVB said.

FIFA, the sport's global governing body, also released a statement, offering its condolences on the Dutchman's death.

"On behalf of the entire football community, we extend our sincerest condolences to his family and friends and the Dutch Football Association. May he rest in peace," the statement from FIFA read.

Dieperink had been officiating in the Netherlands' top-flight, Eredivisie, since 2017 and was also one of the VAR officials during the European Championships in 2024. He was named in the FIFA World Cup 2026 roster as a video assistant referee, according to the BBC, but was later removed.

He was arrested by London's Metropolitan Police over allegations of sexually assaulting an underage boy, a controversy that led to him missing out on the World Cup.

"It saddens me greatly that I have been wrongly accused," Dieperink had told the Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf after the allegations were made.

"From the beginning, I have fully cooperated with the police investigation and also immediately gave full openness to FIFA, UEFA and the KNVB," Dieperink had said.

He was reportedly quite disappointed to have been left out of FIFA's VAR team for the 2026 World Cup.

- Sahil Bakshi

RUCKER PARK STREETBALL FAMILY STATEMENT | 'THERE IS NO PLACE FOR VIOLENCE AROUND THE GAME'

 

Our deepest condolences to the family, friends, teammates, and loved ones of Kinu Rochford.

We are also keeping those injured in our thoughts as they recover.

This loss is being felt throughout the entire New York City basketball community.

Rest in peace, Kinu 🕊️

- Rucker Park Streetball

SOUTH AFRICA WORLD CUP MIDFIELDER JAYDEN ADAMS DIES AT 25

Jayden Adams of South Africa looks to pass during ...

Cape Town (Reuters) —  South Africa international midfielder Jayden Adams, who featured in all three of his side’s group stage games at the 2026 World Cup, has died, the country’s sports ministry said on Saturday.

No cause of death was given.

Adams, 25, started the Group A fixtures against Mexico and the Czech Republic, and came off the bench in the 1-0 win over South Korea that earned the side a first ever place in the knockout rounds, where they were beaten by Canada.

The player’s grandmother died a day before South Africa played the Czechs, and he was replaced at halftime during the fixture.

He played for the Pretoria-based Mamelodi Sundowns in South Africa, helping them to the African Champions League title in the 2025/26 season.

“South African football has lost a gifted player, a proud servant of the game and a young life that still had so much to offer,” the South African Football Players’ Union, an official body for players in the country, said in a statement.

South Africa’s minister of sport Gayton McKenzie also expressed his condolences.

“Our nation mourns alongside his family, his teammates and the millions of supporters who watched him grow from a promising academy prospect into a full Bafana Bafana international,” McKenzie said in a statement.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino offered his condolences via Instagram, saying his “thoughts and condolences, as well as those of everyone at FIFA and the global football community, are with his family, friends and teammates.”

Sundowns and SAFA did not immediately respond to Reuters’ requests for comment.

Adams came through the youth development structures at Stellenbosch FC and joined Sundowns in January 2025.

He made his international debut against Mozambique in 2022 and won 13 caps, scoring two goals, both in qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.

SOCCER STAR'S WIFE AND 2 KIDS FOUND DEAD AFTER 72 HOURS AMID EARTHQUAKES IN VENEZUELA

Lucas Trejo was in the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, when back-to-back earthquakes struck on Wednesday, June 24

Lucas Trejo, Yanina Maranella and their kids.
Credit : Lucas Trejo/Instagram

NEED TO KNOW

• Lucas Trejo's wife, Yanina Maranella, and their two children, Aarón and Ainhoa, died during Venezuela's back-to-back earthquakes on Wednesday, June 24

• “We inform all the people of Venezuela and Argentina that the bodies of Lucas Trejo's family members have been found,” fellow soccer player Edson Tortolero wrote on social media following a 72-hour search

• The earthquakes have reportedly left at least 1,430 dead and 2,300 injured

Lucas Trejo's wife, Yanina Maranella, and their two children, Aarón and Ainhoa, were killed in the devastating back-to-back earthquakes in Venezuela.

After two earthquakes, with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, hit overnight on Wednesday, June 24, Deportivo la Guaira shared that the Argentine soccer player's family was tragically killed during what the U.S. Geological Survey described as a “severe seismic doublet sequence.”

“From the #DLG we join the grief that overwhelms player Lucas Trejo, for the sensitive passing of his wife, Yanina Maranella, and of his children, Aarón and Ainhoa Trejo,” the team wrote on social media. “Peace to their souls and comfort for Lucas and all his loved ones.”

Lucas Trejo, Yanina Maranella and their kids.
Lucas Trejo/Instagram

Having helped in the 72-hour search for Trejo's family before they were found deceased on Saturday night, fellow soccer player Edson Tortolero shared a statement on social media.

“We inform all the people of Venezuela and Argentina that the bodies of Lucas Trejo's family members have been found,” he wrote on his Instagram Stories. “We thank everyone for their support and ask for the utmost respect for his family during this time.”

“We pray for eternal life for them,” he continued. “And we also thank the family members, pastors, players and fellow fans who came to offer support.”

Just hours before they were found, Trejo shared a photo of himself and his family cuddling up on a couch to his Instagram Stories.

According to Sport Bible, he was with his club, Deportivo la Guaira, in the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, for a league match when the quakes struck.

Since the earthquakes hit, Jorge Rodriguez, the leader of Venezuela's National Assembly, announced in a press conference that the death toll has risen to 1,430.

In addition to those who were found deceased, more than 2,300 people were injured and more than 3,000 were left homeless.

On Friday, June 26, Hector Bello, a soccer player for Maritimo de la Guaira, announced on Instagram that his wife, Andrea Bello, was one of the people who was killed as she shielded their 1-year-old daughter, Alana, from the earthquakes.

"You'll always be our favorite hero, Mommy. I'm going to make sure our baby remembers how wonderful you were, how much you loved her," he wrote alongside several photos of his late wife and their baby. "I'll tell her the story of how you saved her, how you gave your own life for our daughter, how you were a brave woman who, even with your last breaths, never abandoned her.”

- Desiree Anello

FIDE MASTER, ARBITER AND TRAINER BEATA ANDREJCZUK-DUDZINSKA HAS PASSED AWAY

 

It is with great sadness that FIDE learned of the sudden passing of Woman FIDE Master, FIDE Arbiter and FIDE Trainer Beata Andrejczuk-Dudzińska at the age of 38.

Beata showed her talent at an early age, winning the Polish Women's Blitz Championship in 2005 as a teenager. Many more achievements followed over the years. She remained deeply involved in chess throughout her life, helping nearly a thousand people improve their chess and develop a love for the game.

Outside chess, Beata was a passionate traveller who dreamed of seeing the whole world. She visited around 150 countries, always eager to discover new places and cultures.

FIDE extends its deepest condolences to her family and loved ones, as well as to the entire Polish chess community. Beata will be remembered with great warmth and respect.

📷 Martin Michał Gregorczyk

- FIDE

NASCAR HALL OF FAMER NED JARRETT HAS PASSED AWAY

 

The NASCAR family is saddened by the loss of Ned Jarrett, a NASCAR Hall of Famer, two-time Cup Series champion and one of our sport's greatest ambassadors.

We extend our deepest condolences.

- NASCAR