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 

FORMER NHL STAR CLAUDE LEMIEUX DIED BY SUICIDE, POLICE SAY

Claude Lemieux, who won the Stanley Cup four times during a memorable NHL career, has died, the NHL Alumni Association announced Thursday. He was 60.

Lemieux died by suicide, according to authorities.

The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office said that deputies responded just after 3 a.m. to the scene of an apparent suicide at a furniture store showroom in Lake Park, Florida. The sheriff's office said the victim was believed to be Lemieux and said he was found in a rear warehouse by one of his sons.

Just three days before, Lemieux was the Montreal Canadiens' torch bearer before Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Final at Bell Centre.

"Today is a dark day for the Canadiens family and the entire hockey community," Canadiens owner Geoff Molson said. "A fierce competitor who rose to the occasion in big moments, Claude was a relentless, courageous and tenacious player who led the team to the highest honors. He embodied the very essence of being a Montreal Canadiens player. Today we mourn the untimely passing of one of our champions. Our thoughts are with his family on this difficult day."

Born in Buckingham, Quebec, Lemieux was selected by the Canadiens in the second round of the 1983 NHL draft. He played 1,215 games in the NHL, scoring 786 points (379 goals, 407 assists). Lemieux played primarily with the Canadiens (seven years), New Jersey Devils (six years, in two different stints) and Colorado Avalanche (five years) before making stops with Phoenix, Dallas and San Jose near the end of his career.

President Donald Trump, in a post on social media, called Lemieux a "true Legend of the Game and one of the fiercest competitors Hockey has ever seen."

Lemieux was known for elevating his game in the playoffs, with 0.68 career points per game in 234 postseason games. He won the Stanley Cup four times in his career with the Canadiens (1986), Devils (1995 and 2000) and Avalanche (1996). He won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP in 1995 with a playoff-best 13 goals in 20 games.

He played one game for the Sharks in the 2008-09 season, having last played in the 2002-03 season with Dallas. In between, Lemieux was featured on the Spike TV show "Pros Vs. Joes" and the CBC reality competition figure skating show "Battle of the Blades."

Lemieux was one of the NHL's most antagonistic players, known for getting under the skin of other teams' star players. His play would frequently cross the line of legality, as Lemieux earned 1,777 penalty minutes in his career as well as the ire of opposing fans.

There was never more heat on Lemieux than in 1996 with the Avalanche, when he checked Detroit Red Wings forward Kris Draper from behind in Game 6 of the Western Conference finals. Draper suffered a concussion and needed reconstructive surgery on his face. Lemieux was suspended for two playoff games. This led to an epic line brawl between the teams on March 26, 1997. This would eventually be covered in ESPN's series "Unrivaled" in 2022.

After his retirement, Lemieux became an NHLPA-certified agent, representing players such as Red Wings defenseman Moritz Seider and Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Frederik Andersen.

Lemieux appeared before Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals at Bell Centre, carrying the Canadiens' pregame torch to "light up" the arena before their game against Carolina.

"He was loved by his wife and four children, and on behalf of the Lemieux family, we kindly ask that everyone respect their privacy during this difficult time. Memorial service details to follow," wrote the NHL Alumni Association.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

- Greg Wyshynski

RUGBY 🏉 LEGEND JOHN KEAR DIES "SUDDENLY"

Rugby league legend John Kear has died "suddenly", a day after commentating on the Challenge Cup final.

Kear, who was 71, was a former England, Wales, and two-time Challenge Cup-winning coach.

- Sky Sports 

ISLE OF MAN TT RIDER DANIEL INGHAM DIES AFTER CRASH

 

We are saddened to hear the passing of Daniel Ingham at the Isle of Man TT - The accident occurred at Doran’s Bend, on the first lap of the third qualifying session.

Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.

- SuperBike News

PRE-TT RIDER ALAN OVERSBY DIES DURING 400CC RACE

The road racing community has lost Alan Oversby.

Alan, 68, from Bolton-le-Sands in Lancashire, passed away following an incident during the 400cc race at the Pre-TT Classic Road Races on Sunday. He first competed at the Pre-TT Classic in 2005, took his first win in 2006 and had 16 victories to his name, including two on the day he was taken from us.

Our thoughts are with his wife Julie, his family, his team and everyone who knew him.

Rest easy, Alan. 🙏

#thebikersblog #racing60 #motogp

#iomtt

📸IOMTTPICS/

KYLE BUSCH DEATH: FRESH DETAILS EMERGE AFTER TRAGIC PASSING OF NASCAR ICON

Photo: Race Pictures

The world of NASCAR and the American motorsport racing scene has been rocked by the tragic passing of Kyle Busch. More details have now emerged surrounding the circumstances of the 41-year-old’s death.

News of the two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion’s passing came suddenly, just hours after he was reportedly admitted to the hospital following a short illness on Wednesday, May 20.

Busch was widely renowned for his success on track across both the NASCAR Cup Series and Truck Series and had been expected to take part in this weekend’s Coca-Cola 600 race prior to his death. However, following the announcement and the initially unclear details surrounding the cause, fresh information has now surfaced regarding the Las Vegas-born driver’s final hours.

Fresh details emerge surrounding Busch’s death

According to a report from CNN, Busch required medical attention on Wednesday after coughing up blood and experiencing shortness of breath while preparing for this weekend’s Coca-Cola 600 event.

The report further states that a 911 call obtained revealed that a caller, whose identity was redacted, requested an ambulance to a training facility in Concord, North Carolina. “I’ve got an individual that’s experiencing shortness of breath, very hot, thinks he’s going to pass out and producing a little bit of blood, coughing up some blood,” the caller said.

Kyle Busch racing at Daytona - Photo: Race Pictures

The report adds that Busch was lying on the bathroom floor but was conscious at the time of the call. The caller also requested that emergency services approach with sirens off and provided directions to the facility. The emergency call, made at approximately 5:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, came almost exactly 24 hours before NASCAR, Busch’s family, and Richard Childress Racing officially announced his passing.

Further reports indicate that Busch had been testing on a racing simulator earlier that day when he became unresponsive and was subsequently transported to a hospital in Charlotte, according to several unnamed sources familiar with the situation.

Richard Childress Racing pays tribute

Richard Childress Racing, the team Busch drove for up until his passing, has paid tribute to the 41-year-old. The racing outfit announced it will suspend the use of Busch’s No. 8 car and instead field the No. 33 car.

The team has also confirmed that the No. 8 will be reserved for Brexton Busch, his 11-year-old son, who has already begun following in his father’s footsteps and has recorded multiple wins in junior racing categories across the United States.

- Samson Ero

HBCU FOOTBALL STAR WILLIAM DAVIS DEAD AT 22

Instagram/@choswndavis_

Sam Houston State University is mourning the loss of defensive back William Davis, who has died at the age of 22, TMZ has confirmed.

A spokesperson for Sam Houston State University tells TMZ … "We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of SHSU student-athlete Will Davis."

The school's Head Football Coach Phil Longo released a statement saying ... "It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the loss of Will Davis. Will was a beloved member of our Bearkat football family here at Sam Houston who touched the lives of everyone he knew."

Coach Longo continues ... "Will was an upbeat, positive, passionate young man who will be sincerely missed. Tanya, the kids and I are praying for Will's family during this difficult time."

Davis had most recently transferred to Sam Houston State earlier this year after a standout collegiate journey that began at Virginia Union University, where he played three seasons from 2022 through 2024. The cause of death was not immediately released.

Davis joined the Bearkats for spring workouts in Huntsville this past April and was preparing for a fresh start with the program.

After committing to SHSU, Davis expressed excitement about his next chapter, saying the school felt like home right away and emphasizing his desire to find a strong cultural fit far from his home state of Virginia.

Sam Houston State officials say the program plans to honor Davis during the 2026 season, though details have not yet been announced.

Will was 22.

RIP

- TMZ

INSIDE THE NBA CREW SEND HEARTFELT TRIBUTES TO JASON WILLIAMS & BRANDON CLARKE

 

GRIZZLIES' BRANDON CLARKE BODY READY FOR RELEASE ... Cause of Death Deferred

Brandon Clarke's Body Ready to Be Released to Family, Cause of Death Deferred

Brandon Clarke's body has officially been cleared to be released to his family ... but the mystery surrounding his sudden death remains unclear.

According to the Los Angeles Medical Examiner's website, the ME has declared the NBA star's body ready for release, however his cause and manner of death is currently deferred ... pending additional testing as authorities investigate.

As we previously reported, Clarke’s death came just days before he was due in court to face multiple criminal charges, including trafficking a controlled substance and felony fleeing.

The Los Angeles Fire Department PIO confirmed to TMZ Sports they responded to a medical emergency call around 5 PM on Monday ... and when paramedics got to the scene, the 29-year-old male was declared deceased.

TMZ Sports confirmed his death is being investigated as a possible overdose ... with officials finding drug paraphernalia inside the home the Memphis Grizzlies player was staying at.

The Grizzlies released a statement Tuesday saying, "We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke" ... adding, "Brandon was an outstanding teammate and an even better person whose impact on the organization and the greater Memphis community will not be forgotten."

- TMZ

ETHIOPIAN RUNNER BIRGUL MELESE HAS PASSED AWAY

 

Ethiopian runner Birgul Melese 🇪🇹 is Dead. She died while in training. Our condolences to the family and friends during this difficult period.

BARCELONA AND REAL MADRID ISSUE STATEMENTS AS HANSI FLICK'S DAD DIES HOURS BEFORE EL CLASICO

A statement shared by Barcelona confirmed that the father of manager Hansi Flick had died just hours before the coach was due to take charge of the team against Real Madrid on Sunday

Hansi Flick has lost his father just hours before El Clasico

Hansi Flick will remain in charge of Barcelona for El Clasico on Sunday evening despite news of his father's passing emerging just hours before kick-off.

A statement released by the Spanish champions confirmed that the 61-year-old's father had died. "FC Barcelona and the entire blaugrana family wish to send all our love to Hansi Flick after the passing of his father," the statement read. "We share in your sorrow and our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time."

Flick is anticipated to be in the technical area for the clash with Real Madrid. Barca's bitter rivals demonstrated their class by offering their own condolences to Flick through a statement, which read: "Real Madrid, its president and its directors deeply regret the death of the father of Hansi Flick.

Barcelona and Real Madrid released statements after the news was confirmed(Image: NurPhoto, NurPhoto via Getty Images)

"Real Madrid wants to express its condolences and affection to their families and all their loved ones. Rest in peace."

Barcelona could be crowned La Liga champions this evening if they secure a win against their rivals at the Camp Nou.

Flick's side sit top on 88 points, with Real Madrid trailing on 77 and only four games remaining.

A win or draw against Real would hand the 61‑year‑old German coach back‑to‑back league titles, continuing a hugely successful spell since replacing Xavi in May 2024.

Flick has already delivered four trophies during his time in charge, adding stability and silverware to a squad rebuilt around youth and discipline.

"We have to play our way," Flick said in his pre-match press conference.

"It's about our performance and showing once again why we’ve had a fantastic season as a team.

- Daniel Marsh and Bruna Reis

CNN FOUNER TED TURNER DIES