ASIAN FOOTBALL CONFEDERATION POSTPONES THE 2027 ASIAN CUP BECAUSE OF CONFLICT IN THE MIDDLE EAST

The Asian Football Confederation has postponed the 2027 Asian Cup by almost a year because of the conflict in the Middle East and recent deadly attacks on Saudi Arabia by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen

SEOUL, South Korea -- The 2027 Asian Cup soccer tournament has been delayed almost a year in the wake of recent deadly attacks on Saudi Arabia, becoming the biggest sports event to be postponed amid the conflict in the Middle East.

The Asian Football Confederation issued a statement Tuesday saying that after extensive consultations with Saudi organizers it had decided to push the start of its marquee continental championship back from Jan. 7 to Dec. 23.

Local organizers agreed to reschedule in “circumstances arising from developments in the region, including substantial logistical complexities and travel disruptions,” the AFC said. “Exceptional circumstances have been created for the organization and delivery of the competition as originally scheduled, making the postponement necessary in the interest of all participating teams, officials, spectators and other stakeholders.”

The new dates — Dec. 23, 2027 to Jan. 21, 2028 — will be submitted to FIFA for approval.

The monthlong tournament was scheduled to feature 24 teams playing matches in eight venues across Riyadh, Jeddah, and Khobar. Iran qualified and has been grouped with Syria, China and Kyrgyzstan for the league stage. The Saudis, Australia, South Korea and Japan were top seeds in other groups.

The AFC's announcement ended months of speculation about a postponement which, until recently, had been rejected by local organizers.

Muhammed Q. Alghamdi, a spokesman for the organizing committee, last month told members at an AFC meeting in Tokyo that “daily life is ongoing in Saudi Arabia.”

Before that meeting, AFC President Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa had indicated potential for the Asian Cup to be postponed by a year if necessary and said a final decision could be delayed until late November.

The Saudi Formula 1 Grand Prix was canceled this season, and the Bahrain race was relocated to Malaysia because of safety concerns related to the Iran war. Races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi are still on the calendar, and F1 has kept Saudi Arabia on the 2027 schedule with a grand prix planned there in March.

The WTA Finals, the season-ending event in women’s tennis, was moved from Saudi Arabia to Indian Wells, California.

Asia's marquee continental club soccer tournament — the AFC Champions League Elite — has already been disrupted.

A game between Cristiano Ronaldo ’s Al-Nassr and Uzbekistan’s Neftchi Fergana was delayed on Oct. 12 after Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defense issued a security alert. An Al-Nassr’s home game last week was postponed when against Al-Wasl of the United Arab Emirates didn't travel to Riyadh.

Tuesday’s postponement means national federations across Asia face decisions about coaching staff with the originally scheduled Asian Cup marking the end of a four-year cycle before attention turns toward qualification for the 2030 World Cup.

Australia coach Tony Popovic, who guided the Socceroos to the knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup, turned down a four-year contract extension in September in favor of a shorter deal through the Asian Cup.

“It was my choice to go until the Asian Cup,” Popovic said at the time, saying a decision on his longer-term future would then be made with the Australian federation.

“I know the legacy that I will leave behind,” he said. “And if it’s someone else that takes it forward, that’s fine. If it’s me, great, we agree to do this together.”

South Korea is also in a difficult position. After a disappointing World Cup, the Korea Football Association appointed Robert Moreno as interim coach in September.

The former Spain coach was given a contract through the end of November, with the possibility of a two or three-month extension to cover the Asian Cup. A strong tournament was expected to lead to a permanent appointment but now the KFA will have to make a decision without seeing how the team performs in the continental championship which it hasn't won since 1960.

After the World Cup, Japan gave coach Hajime Moriyasu an extension through the Asian Cup, with under-21 coach Go Oiwa then due to take over.

“Mr. Moriyasu has already shown that he can win in Asia, and we hope he can do so again by winning the Asian Cup,” Japan Football Association President Tsuneyasu Miyamoto said when the appointment was announced. “We worked backward from the goal of winning the Asian Cup. As for Mr. Oiwa, as the U-21 manager, we wanted him to focus on winning the Asian Games and to remain fully committed to the U-21 team until the end of the year.”

In Iraq, coach Graham Arnold signed an extension after the World Cup that was also designed to run through the Asian Cup.

- JOHN DUERDEN, Associated Press

DAKAR 2027 | OFFICIAL STATEMENT

 

𝗗𝗮𝗸𝗮𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟳 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗮𝘂𝗱𝗶 𝗔𝗿𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗮: 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗿𝗲𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗞𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗱𝗼𝗺 𝗶𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝟱𝟬𝘁𝗵 𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 🇸🇦

Amaury Sport Organisation (A.S.O.) and Saudi Motorsport Company (SMC) have jointly decided that Dakar Saudi Arabia 2027, scheduled from 1 to 15 January 2027, will not be held in the Kingdom, following recent developments in the region.

This decision is exceptional and one-off and was taken in close coordination with the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (SAMF), and with the support of the FIA and the FIM.

𝗗𝗮𝗸𝗮𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟳 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗴𝗼 𝗮𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗱. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟳 𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗮 𝗱𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝗲 𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝗔.𝗦.𝗢. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝘀𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀. 𝗔.𝗦.𝗢. 𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗱𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀, 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻. 𝗦𝗮𝘂𝗱𝗶 𝗔𝗿𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗮 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗵𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗗𝗮𝗸𝗮𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟴, 𝗮 𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝟱𝟬𝘁𝗵 𝗿𝘂𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆.

Both organisations are already working together to make this milestone an exceptional moment for the Dakar and for the Kingdom, with a shared commitment to once again deliver an iconic and world-class event to the highest of standards.

Since 2020, Saudi Arabia has hosted seven consecutive editions of Dakar, welcoming competitors from around the world on routes that showcased the Kingdom’s remarkable geographical diversity. These editions have made Saudi Arabia an integral part of the Dakar community and established a strong, long-term strategic partnership between A.S.O., SMC and SAMF. All three organisations reaffirm their commitment to continuing their cooperation, developing motorsport in the Kingdom and delivering outstanding experiences for competitors, teams and fans.

🔜 #Dakar2027

UCI CANCELS URBAN CYCLING CHAMPIONSHIPS AMID MISSILE STRIKES ON HOST SAUDI ARABIA

National federations were already pulling out of the event which was due to start on November 3

Getty 

The UCI has cancelled the 2026 Urban Cycling World Championships with just over two weeks' notice due to the security situation in the host city of Riyadh in Saudi Arabia.

Amid a much broader landscape of conflict in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia has come under fire from a series of attacks in recent days that have been linked to the Houthi militia movement in Yemen.

In the past 10 days, the King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, which is where the vast majority of the athletes and staff would have been flying into, has been struck in several separate missile attacks. Both the airport and aircraft have been targeted in the strikes, which have reportedly killed 18 people and injured hundreds more.

Several national federations had already taken the steps to withdraw from the Urban Cycling World Championships, which comprises BMX Freestyle and Trials and was set to run from November 3-7. Australia's federation stated on Friday that it "cannot justify exposing our athletes and staff to these risks", citing government-issued travel advice.

Several hours later, the UCI and the Saudi Cycling Federation announced that the event "will not proceed" anymore.

"The decision follows a joint assessment of recent developments in the region and their impact on the logistical organisation of the Championships," read a statement from the sport's governing body.

"The UCI regrets having to take this decision and expresses its appreciation to the Saudi Cycling Federation for their support and cooperation throughout preparations for the event. It also thanks the athletes, teams and National Federations for their understanding.

"The Saudi Cycling Federation reaffirms its commitment to developing cycling in the Kingdom and strengthening its partnership with the UCI. These efforts aim to support the growth of the sport, broaden participation and continue attracting major international cycling events to Saudi Arabia in the years ahead."

It is not clear whether the UCI will look to rearrange the 2026 Urban Cycling World Championships at some point down the line, or whether it will simply be scrapped for this year.

The event was set to have a direct impact on the qualification pathway for the Olympic Games in 2028 for BMX Freestyle.

The UCI stated it "will communicate shortly on the sporting consequences of this announcement".

The UCI Urban Cycling World Championships were first held in 2017 and took place in Riyadh in 2025 as part of a two-year hosting deal with the Saudi Cycling Federation.

- Patrick Fletcher

EUROPEAN TOUR WILL NOT ALLOW MEMBERSHIP TO LIV PLAYERS IN 2027

FILE PHOTO: Golf - LIV Golf Invitational - London - Centurion Golf Club, St Albans, Britain - July 5, 2023 General view of the 18th hole at the Centurion Golf Club Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs/File Photo REUTERS

LONDON, Oct 12 - Players who sign up for LIV Golf next season will not be allowed to become members of the European Tour, DP World Tour Chief Executive Officer Guy Kinnings told the BBC on Monday.

Kinnings said that players must now make a choice.

"We have rules and regulations which are there to protect our tour and which our members must all abide by. Players who are not willing to comply with our rules and regulations should not be seeking to join our tour," he added.

LIV Golf was not immediately available for comment.

Some top players were given conditional releases by the European Tour in the past which allowed them to  compete in both.

Membership of the European Tour is a requirement to play for Europe in the Ryder Cup.

Former world number one Jon Rahm has said he will not be participating in LIV Golf, which is fighting to emerge from Chapter 11 bankruptcy after Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund withdrew financial support and has secured funding from BC Partners Credit.

LIV has agreed to terminate Sergio Garcia’s contract and Bryson DeChambeau, Cameron Smith, An Byeong-hun, Marc Leishman, Cameron Tringale and Matthew Wolff are seeking release from old deals.

The BBC said it had been told DP World Tour will not accept membership from anyone intending to play in the latest version of LIV. It added that the tour would have grounds to terminate the membership of anyone who did not disclose their intention to play with LIV and then played. 

- REUTERS

TURKI MUST CANCEL CANELO FIGHT AFTER 12 KILLED IN RIYADH

Turki Alalshikh faces an imminent decision over Canelo Alvarez’s October 31 fight with Christian Mbilli after reports that 12 people were killed and hundreds injured in attacks on Riyadh’s international airport.

With only 20 days remaining, the event is still scheduled to take place in the Saudi capital despite the escalating security situation and warnings from several foreign governments.

The United Kingdom advises against all but essential travel to Riyadh province, while the United States has urged Americans to reconsider travel to Saudi Arabia.

The attacks on King Khalid International Airport have also disrupted flights, creating further uncertainty for the international fighters, trainers, officials and broadcasters expected to attend.

Yet Alalshikh announced the full ten-fight undercard after attacks had already taken place, with no indication that the event would be moved.

Turki Defends Saudi Security

Following the attacks, Alalshikh posted a statement on X, translated from Arabic, mourning those killed and expressing confidence in his country’s security.

“O Allah, protect my homeland with Your eye that never sleeps … O Allah, guide the aim of our heroes … O Allah, have mercy on our martyrs and heal our wounded … May every despicable soul who wishes harm upon the land of the Two Holy Mosques be thwarted … This country is safe and secure from above the seven heavens!”

In another post, he warned that the blood of those killed would not be wasted and that those responsible would pay a heavy price.

His confidence in Saudi Arabia is clear, but the situation facing those expected to travel to Riyadh is considerably less reassuring.

American boxing journalist Dan Rafael shared the US Embassy’s security alert on October 8, adding: “Good luck to those traveling for Canelo vs. Mbilli.”

Fellow boxing podcaster Dan Canobbio was even more direct, writing: “Don’t do it Saul.”

Both reactions reflect concerns about bringing one of boxing’s biggest stars into a city whose international airport has been targeted.

Canelo Fight Must Leave Riyadh

With less than three weeks remaining, Alalshikh’s decision to announce the undercard after attacks had already taken place raises serious concerns for the fighters involved, many of whom may have been assured that Riyadh is safe.

Moving the fight to an alternative venue must now be seriously considered, with the safety of everyone involved taking priority over keeping the event in Riyadh.

WBN reported earlier this month that Las Vegas had been considered as a potential alternative if Riyadh became unavailable.

The subsequent undercard announcement came as the first deaths were being reported, with the situation deteriorating further since then.

Turki’s determination to keep the fight in Riyadh is obvious, but the Saudi matchmaker must surely realize that staging a major international boxing event under these circumstances is not worth the risk.

Canelo and Mbilli have already endured one postponement, and neither should be expected to put their teams in unnecessary danger simply to preserve the location of the event.

Relocating the fight would be another setback, but there is a far greater price to pay if something goes wrong.

With government warnings in place and 12 people dead and hundreds injured, Alalshikh has little time left to make a decision that should now be straightforward.

The fight can go ahead somewhere else. There is no reason it has to be Riyadh. Canelo vs Mbilli in Saudi Arabia must be canceled.

- Phil Jay

GIANNI INFANTINO PLANS TO SELL WORLD CUP IN 'NUCLEAR BOMB' OF FOOTBALL

Fifa president would expect to bank millions as head of new company that would control tournament after his current term ends in 2031

Gianni Infantino is Fifa president until 2031 Credit: Eduardo Verdugo/AP

Gianni Infantino, the president of Fifa, is plotting a World Cup sell-off to private investors.

Uefa, the European governing body of football and an increasingly vocal critic of Fifa, reacted with fury to a proposed £15bn deal, accusing it of trading the game’s “soul”.

Telegraph Sport understands Uefa is now considering its legal options over the biggest threat to football as it currently exists since the failed 2021 Super League plot. One source said a “nuclear bomb” had gone off in the game. The Football Association was said to be completely blindsided by the proposals.

The plan, announced nine days after the World Cup, would result in a group of investors controlling the commercial interests of Fifa’s top men’s and women’s competitions.

Thrive Capital – run by Joshua Kushner, the younger brother of Donald Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner – will lead the proposed investor group. Sources played down suggested involvement from the Trump administration in the plans.

Infantino has been heavily criticised for cosying up to Trump in the lead up to and during the 2026 World Cup, which culminated in the US president personally intervening to successfully get Folarin Balogun’s suspension overturned for the co-host’s last-16 match.

Saudi Arabia, who will host the 2034 World Cup, are highly likely to express interest in the company via their PIF sovereign wealth fund, and Qatar have maintained close ties to Infantino since winning the hosting rights of the 2022 World Cup.

JP Morgan, which was previously involved in the abandoned Super League plot, is Fifa’s financial adviser on the project.

Although there is no binding agreement on the plans, they increase the likelihood of an expanded World Cup or the tournament being held more regularly than every four years.

The move would also include the women’s World Cup and Club World Cup, which could both be played more frequently than the current four-year cycles.

One senior football figure said of Infantino: “He has definitely lost his mind. We will fight it fiercely.”

Another senior figure in European football told Telegraph Sport: “This is one man trying to make himself incredibly rich. Fifa doesn’t need the money, nor do the member associations as they have plenty from the World Cup.”

Fifa’s commercial rights spanning broadcast, sponsorship, ticketing, and licensing would be privately owned under the plans.

‘None of us own football – it is not Fifa’s to sell’

Uefa said in a statement: “This crosses a line that football’s governing institutions should never cross. Uefa takes it extremely seriously. So should every National Football Association. So should every stakeholder: leagues, clubs, players, supporters, governments and everyone who cares about the future of the game. The soul and governance of football are not assets to trade – especially with zero transparency as to who gains financially. None of us are the owners of football. It is not Fifa’s to sell."

Fifa, on Tuesday afternoon, said in a press release: “[it] intends to expand football development funding to over $10bn (£7.5bn), subject to approval by Fifa member associations.

“If approved, football development in every corner of the world would benefit immediately from increased funding available to all 211 Fifa member associations.”

A so-called Fifa forward enterprise (FFE) project which would consolidate all commercial and event operations “would raise up to $4.2bn later this year”, projections said.

The numbers are based on an initial equity valuation of $20bn (£15bn) “by carefully selecting long-term investors who will purchase minority, non-controlling interests in FFE”.

“All net benefits of FFE will be reinvested back into football worldwide,” the plan claimed.

Sepp Blatter, the former Fifa president, joined the backlash on Tuesday night. “The close relationship between the Fifa president and the US president has reached a financial dimension that is deeply damaging football,” he wrote on X. “No one has the right to sell our game.”

Infantino defends plans

Greg Maffei, the chief executive of Bann Ventures and formerly president and chief executive of Liberty Media during its acquisition and ownership of Formula One, has been a key commercial adviser and will remain involved, Telegraph Sport understands. Other advisers such as OpenEconomics are engaging with prospective long-term investors.

“The process is focused on assembling a geographically diversified investor group that reflects the global nature of Fifa and the game; expressions of interest to date include investors from across every major region of the world: Europe, the Americas, Asia and Africa,” a Fifa press release said.

Infantino said: “Our next stage of growth needs a structure built for it, one where the commercial side of the game operates as a focused, dedicated business, with its value shared more and better all around the world. Every Fifa member association should have an opportunity to seek a fair share of the available funding to shape its own future, deciding for itself rather than relying on others. This is about the democratisation of football worldwide.”

Who would be chief beneficiaries?

If approved, Fifa would offer each of its 211 member associations “the opportunity” to access up to $20m “in one-off capital”.

“The process is focused on assembling a geographically diversified investor group that reflects the global nature of Fifa and the game; expressions of interest to date include investors from across every major region of the world: Europe, the Americas, Asia and Africa,” a Fifa press release said.

Infantino said: “Our next stage of growth needs a structure built for it, one where the commercial side of the game operates as a focused, dedicated business, with its value shared more and better all around the world. Every Fifa member association should have an opportunity to seek a fair share of the available funding to shape its own future, deciding for itself rather than relying on others. This is about the democratisation of football worldwide.”

Who would be chief beneficiaries?

If approved, Fifa would offer each of its 211 member associations “the opportunity” to access up to $20m “in one-off capital”.

“Participation would be entirely voluntary, and no member association would be required to participate,” the details stipulated. “The additional funding would be financed through FFE’s planned initial capital raise of up to $4.2bn (£3.1bn).”

The Times and Financial Times were first to report the outline plans. Fifa has denied claims Infantino was being lined up to become chief executive of the new entity. He would expect to bank millions of pounds if he took up such a role.

“However, the Fifa president and the Fifa administration will and must have leading roles in this entity – if approved – to always be in control of any Fifa subsidiary in accordance with Fifa’s statutes and regulations for the benefit of Fifa member associations,” a statement added.

The governing body said that “Jared Kushner is not an investor” and also denied suggestions staff had signed non-disclosure agreements over the plans.

The move comes amid growing pressure on Infantino following a rant in which he defended the World Cup and his position as the head of world football.

On Monday, a Democrat attorney requested Infantino appear before the House Judiciary Committee to discuss the extent of his relationship with Trump. Representative Jamie Raskin, the senior member on the committee, also requested Fifa provide all of its records on its contacts with Trump, his administration and the Trump Organisation family business.

- Tom Morgan and Ben Rumsby

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

Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua are on a collision course.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tyson Fury recalls Anthony Joshua sparring session

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tyson Fury's recollection at the time

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

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

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

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

Fury was 10 fights deep into his professional careerCredit: Getty

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

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

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

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

What did Anthony Joshua say about sparring Tyson Fury?

In 2016, AJ gave his own version of events.

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

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

- George Glinski

GROUP H STANDINGS | FIFA WORLD CUP 2026

 

TUNISIA HIRE FORMER SAUDI ARABIA COACH HERVÉ RENARD DURING WORLD CUP

 

MONTERREY, Mexico — Hervé Renard is back on the World Cup stage.

The former Saudi Arabia coach was appointed Tunisia manager on Tuesday following the dismissal of Sabri Lamouchi, becoming one of the most unexpected coaching stories of FIFA World Cup 2026.

Tunisia acted after suffering a heavy 5-1 defeat to Sweden in its opening Group F match, turning to the experienced Frenchman in a bid to revive its hopes of reaching the knockout rounds.

The appointment marks Renard's third consecutive men's World Cup with a different nation.

He previously coached Morocco at the 2018 tournament in Russia before guiding Saudi Arabia at Qatar 2022, where he led the Green Falcons to a historic 2-1 victory over eventual champions Argentina.

Renard's return to the World Cup comes just two months after his departure from Saudi Arabia following the team's qualification campaign for the expanded 48-team tournament.

Between men's World Cups, Renard also coached France at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup and led the host nation at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Despite building a reputation as one of international football's most respected tournament coaches, Renard has yet to guide a team beyond the World Cup group stage.

His greatest achievements remain in Africa, where he became the first coach to win the Africa Cup of Nations with two different countries, lifting the title with Zambia in 2012 and Ivory Coast in 2015.

Tunisia now hopes that pedigree can inspire a turnaround. Renard has only a few days to prepare his new team before a crucial clash against Japan on Saturday, followed by a meeting with group favorite Netherlands.

- Saudi Gazette, Agencie

SAUDI ARABIA 🇸🇦 | FIFA WORLD CUP 2026 SQUAD

 

SAUDI ARABIA PRO LEAGUE STANDINGS

 

CRISTIANO RONALDO FINALLY BREAKS SILENCE ON FUTURE IN SAUDI ARABIA AFTER £488K-PER-DAY STAR SCORES BRACE FOLLOWING SHOCKING STRIKE

Cristiano Ronaldo has finally broken his silence on his dramatic Saudi strike. 

The 41-year-old returned to action last week for Al-Nassr and scored a brace in their 4-0 victory over Al-Hazem on Saturday having previously made major waves with his high-profile strop. 

Ronaldo, who earns £488,000-a-day, had been furious with what he perceived to be a lack of transfer backing for Al-Nassr from PIF compared to their rivals.

The situation was exacerbated further when Karim Benzema was granted a transfer to Al-Hilal and Ronaldo went on strike for three games. 

His behaviour led to serious questions over his future in the league - despite his position as the biggest and most marketable name. 

But when asked about the situation on Saturday, Ronaldo said: 'I’m very happy. As I say so many times, I belong to Saudi Arabia.

'It’s a country that welcomed me, my family and my friends very well. I’m happy here. I want to continue here.

'And the most important thing, it’s we keep pushing. We are there at the top.

'Our job is to win, make pressure [on our title rivals], and let’s see. We are on track.

'We’re back, we are good, we are confident. Game by game. We are in good shape. Let’s see what’s going to happen.'

Ronaldo's actions had irritated the Saudi Pro League, with the top flight releasing a statement warning 'no individual determines decisions beyond their own club'. 

Title rivals Al-Hilal have a net spend £180million higher than that of his own team since the 2022-23 season, when he arrived. 

And that's despite both clubs, as well as Al-Ittihad and Al-Ahli, all being majority owned by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF).

But Ronaldo is in an eye-watering wage and many feel he is in no position to complain about the finances of his opponents. 

A recent statement shared with Daily Mail Sport from the league suggested that Ronaldo's grievances were unfounded.

'The Saudi Pro League is structured around a simple principle: every club operates independently under the same rules,' they said.

'Clubs have their own boards, their own executives and their own football leadership. Decisions on recruitment, spending and strategy sit with those clubs, within a financial framework designed to ensure sustainability and competitive balance. That framework applies equally across the league.

'Cristiano has been fully engaged with Al Nassr since his arrival and has played an important role in the club's growth and ambition. Like any elite competitor, he wants to win. But no individual - however significant - determines decisions beyond their own club.'

The spokesperson added that recent transfer activity had 'demonstrated that independence clearly'.

Ronaldo wore the captain's armband on his return to action last week and is still popular with the club's fanbase despite his three-game exile; they were waving flags in his honour in his absence. 

Al-Nassr are now top of the league by one point and Ronaldo will be desperate for his side to achieve glory this season, especially given that he is yet to win the title in Saudi Arabia. 

- WILL GRIFFEE

NAOYA INOUE VS. ALAN PICASSO PREDICTION: HOW WILL THE RING V MAIN EVENT GO?

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – Pound-for-pound star Naoya Inoue will make his fourth appearance of the calendar year when he defends his undisputed and Ring Magazine junior featherweight championships against Mexico’s Alan Picasso at the Mohammed Abdo Arena on Saturday.

The 12-round bout is the main event of the eagerly anticipated "Ring V: Night of the Samurai" card in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The 32-year-old Inoue (31-0, 27 KOs) stopped Ye Joon Kim (KO 4) and Ramon Cardenas (TKO 8) this year before outpointing former unified titleholder Murodjon Akhmadaliev in September. The Japanese warrior will be looking to shine in his Riyadh Season debut and appears to be taking this assignment very seriously as talks of a superfight against elite-level compatriot Junto Nakatani intensify.

“I’ve always had [Nakatani] in mind, but now that I’m here [in Riyadh], all my concentration and focus is on Picasso,” stated Inoue during the Grand Arrivals on Tuesday. “[With Terence Crawford’s retirement], I’d like to plan out a great match to be deserving of being pound-for-pound champion.”

Picasso (32-0-1, 17 KOs) is currently rated No. 4 by The Ring at 122 pounds. In his most recent outing, in July, he was pushed hard by Kyonosuke Kameda before claiming a 10 round majority decision victory. The 25-year-old pressure fighter has been the WBC’s mandatory challenger since August 2024 and will be contesting his first world title bout.

“I’ve been waiting a long time and prepared really well for this,” Picasso said. “I’m maybe not the strongest fighter, maybe not the quickest fighter, but I’m mentally very strong at the moment. I’ve been getting ready for this with the help of my family and we can do it.” The Ring provides some pre-fight analysis and makes a final pick on the outcome.

Naoya Inoue vs. Alan Picasso fight prediction

It’s no embarrassment that Picasso comes into this showdown as a +1400 underdog in a two-horse race. Almost any 122-pound fighter, with the obvious exception of Nakatani, would be given next to no chance of vanquishing “The Monster”.

Picasso is a quality operator and has a lot going for him. The challenger has a three-inch height advantage (5-foot-8 to 5-foot-5) and a two-and-a-half-inch reach advantage (70 inches to 67 ½ inches). He is also seven years younger than the champion and will be hoping to make that count.

As is often the case with Mexican fighters, Picasso is an aggressive volume puncher. That style is in his DNA. While he can operate efficiently on the outside, the challenger prefers to close the gap with the jab and go to work with hooks and uppercuts at mid-to-close range. In that posture, Picasso is a handful and has excellent punch variation.

Making all this work against Inoue, however, will be a tall order. Should the champ elect to stand off, it’s difficult to foresee Picasso outboxing him. Inoue is the faster and more skilled fighter of the two by far. On the flip side, if Picasso manages to get in close, he’s likely to encounter the kind of hellfire counterpunching that he’s never seen before.

The style looks made-to-order for Inoue, so the result will depend on how he wants to win. Against “MJ” Akhmadaliev, the future Hall of Famer produced a brilliant exhibition of boxing skill and movement to flummox the Uzbekistan native over the distance. If Inoue adopts that approach, then perhaps he goes the distance in back-to-back fights for the first time in his career.

That’s not what I envision. With Nakatani waiting in the wings, my guess is that Inoue will want to make a serious statement of intent. Invariably, Picasso will have to close the distance and is likely to come off second best in most of the exchanges. As the punishment increases, the damage will mount, bringing around a mercy stoppage late in the fight. There may also be a knockdown or two.

Prediction: Inoue TKO 10

- TOM GRAY

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BRUNO FERNANDES CAN LEAVE MAN UNITED ON ONE CONDITION AS TRANSFER RELEASE CLAUSE EMERGES

Bruno Fernandes recently confirmed he intends on staying at Manchester United, but other reports understand there is a transfer clause in his deal

Bruno Fernandes has been open about his future at Manchester United(Image: Getty Images)

Bruno Fernandes would be allowed to leave Manchester United if a club meets a release clause of £56.68million, according to reports. Fernandes, 31, was subject to interest from Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal in the summer.

The Portuguese midfielder went on to reject their approach, despite the lucrative salary which would have been waiting for him in the Middle East. He reaffirmed his commitment to United in a recent interview with reporters.

The Unitedskipper made it clear he will not think about his future at Old Trafford until the 2026 World Cup has been and gone. However, it's been reported a clause in his contract provides a route out of the club if another club meets it.

According to BBC Sport, Fernandes' current deal, which expires in the summer of 2027 but includes the option of an additional year, includes a clause which would allow him to depart England. Any club outside of the country would be allowed to snap him up if they tabled an offer of £56.68m.

At present, there is no suggestion he is looking for an exit, as he made clear to reporters. When asked if he is thinking about his future, he said: "As I've always said, I feel good here. I want to achieve my dreams still, but obviously I can't talk by the side of the club.

"I've seen a lot of news. I've seen a lot of people talking that I had an agreement to go already next season. If the club has done that agreement, it wasn't made with me.

"So I haven't spoken with anyone. I could tell you that there are still people talking to me and saying that they will be very eager to have me next year, of course.

"But from my side, that's not talked about. Because my agent also knows how I work, so if he wants to talk to me, it will be after the World Cup. Because until then, I won't speak to anyone."

Fernandes will make his 300th appearance for United when they face Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday evening(Image: Manchester United)

Fernandes did go on to admit other clubs in Europe also expressed an interest in his services as well as Saudi Arabia. When it came down to formal offers, none were tabled to United, who are keen on retaining the midfielder's services, while also willing to provide an avenue for him to depart, should he choose to.

The ex-Sporting Lisbon midfielder offered an insight into a discussion he had with United CEO Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox. He added: "I spoke with both, obviously. I think the first time I spoke was already in Malaysia, because that was when everything started.

"I had a conversation with Omar and I told him, 'Look, this is what is on the table. I know the club might be looking at this in a way. I will be looking at it in a different way.

"'So I just want to know from your perspective, from your side, what's the point of view, what you guys want to do. And then from there on, I will do my things.'

Fernandes has won the FA Cup and the League Cup with United(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

"And obviously, the first one, Jason said, like Omar said, 'We won't say no. But obviously, it's the thing that we want you to stay at the club. But if you want to go, we won't say that it's not the offer for us, because obviously it's massive money.' As I said this many times, the club's last biggest sale was £20million, probably from Daniel James.

"I'm not very sure. Scott [McTominay] went above that. But to go from that to the big amount that Al-Hilal was, like they could offer £80m, £100m. They were like more than eager to pay for the player to go."

Having arrived on the red side of Manchester from Sporting for £47m in the summer of 2020, Fernandes has contributed 100 goals and 87 assists in 299 appearances for the club.

- Patrick Austen-Hardy

THE SIMPLE TRUTH ABOUT MAN UTD, THE GLAZERS AND A SAUDI TAKEOVER BY TURKI AL-SHEIKH

Manchester United have been in the hands of the Glazer family for 20 years, during which time around £1.2bn has been spent on debt interest, repayments, dividends and fees, after a takeover that loaded the club with debt

Avram Glazer, Executive Co-Chairman of Manchester United, and his family have never been popular in Manchester(Image: Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

The Glazers have treated Manchester United like a cash-cow. For two decades, the Floridian billionaires, who own a 48.9 percent stake in the club, have been making hay while the sun shines.

They have done so having loaded the club up to its eyeballs with debt. Since their 2005 takeover, around £1.2billion has been spent on debt interest, repayments, dividends and fees to the Glazers. They have sat back and milked a club they view as a business, more than a footballing institution for as much as they possibly could.

Despite not winning the Champions League since 2008 or the Premier League title since 2013, United continue to boast record revenues. Never mind losses of £33m, the latest figures in June showed United generated revenues of almost £670m. And this is despite the team not even being in the Champions League.

They are largely reviled by United fans. But they don't care. And when you've got the cash coming in like they have, who would want to give up such a good thing?

Certainly, not the Glazers.

You'd have to be 'filthy rich' to even get them to the table to persuade them to sell a piece of their United pie. But on thing that Turki Al-Sheikh most definitely is, is 'filthy rich'.

Turki Al-Sheikh has been linked with a move for Manchester United(Image: TKO Worldwide LLC via Getty Images)

A billionaire worth in excess of £2billion, he's the head of the sporting division of the Saudi Arabian government. And the man masterminding a sportwashing campaign aimed at improving his nation's atrocious reputation when it comes to human rights, the treatment of women and political controversies.

The Saudis have the keys to the kingdom when it comes to LIV Golf, while Formula One has succumbed to the Middle East kingdom's vast wealth too. So has snooker, with darts poised to follow. In 2034, the World Cup heads there too.

Publicly, Al-Sheikh - better known as Turki - has his claws into boxing. You'll have seen him calling up Eddie Hearn and making the Matchroom Boxing supremo jump into action whenever he fancied in the Hearn's Netflix documentary. Turki's £1bn collaboration with DAZN, via Matchroom, has seen the biggest fights head to Saudi.

For starters, INEOS, who own a 27.7 per cent share of United, are not in the conversation. Sir Jim Ratcliffe remains committed to the English giants, and has no interest in selling what he spent a lifetime striving to get his hands on.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has no interest in parting with his stake in United(Image: PA

On the other hand however, the Glazers would be willing to sit round a table if the price was right.

Yet, it would stretch even Turki's cavernous pockets. United's current value is around £2billion, but the Glazers would want a 'premium' based on potential future values. They've seen what Chelsea went for a few years back, not to mention the valuation of US sports teams, most notably those in NFL.

United are refusing to comment, and claim to have no knowledge of any negotiations taking place with the Saudis. But the Glazers could be plotting a sale in secret back in the United States. Who knows?

But there is one thing that we do now. One thing that remains as true as it has always been: Money talks.

And nowhere is that more true, nowhere does money speak louder, than in football.

The rest of sport is succumbing to Saudi. If Turki wants United, why would it be any different?

- Jeremy Cross

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