Friday, 4 September 2026
NICK KYRGIOS ACCEPTS ONE-MONTH TENNIS SUSPENSION FOR 'SOCIAL' COCAINE USE
Kyrgios has agreed to attend a treatment programme after the ITIA found he had use cocaine ‘during a night out’, which was therefore considered to be outside of competition
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| Nick Kyrgios has served a one-month ban, but is now free to return to tennis (Reuters) |
Nick Kyrgios has accepted a one-month suspension after testing positive for cocaine, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) said.
The Australian, 31, failed a drugs test during an ATP Tour event in Mallorca in June 2026. The former Wimbledon finalist was provisionally suspended last month.
The ITIA said Kyrgios had agreed to attend a treatment programme approved by the ITIA, which has lowered Kyrgios’ suspension from three months to one month.
As a result, Kyrgios’ suspension is already over, as the ITIA said his provisional ban began on 4 August 2026 and ended on 3 September 2026.
The ITIA said Kyrgios’ explanatation that he had used cocaine “socially during a night out” was “consistent with the level of cocaine found in his sample”.
As a result, the ITIA accepted his use of cocaine was outside of competition and subject to a lighter penalty.
After his provisional suspension was announced last month, Kyrgios said he had made “a huge mistake”.
He wrote on Instagram: “I wanted you to hear this from me first. I recently failed a drug test in Mallorca after testing positive for cocaine.
“I made a huge mistake and I take full responsibility for it. I’m sorry to my fans, my family, my sponsors and everyone close to me. Above all, I’m sorry to the kids who follow me.
“I know the example this sets and I’m deeply disappointed in myself.”
His first-round loss to fellow Australian Adam Walton in Majorca was his last competitive singles outing and one of only four singles matches he has played this season.
Kyrgios’ career has been blighted by knee and wrist problems since his run to the Wimbledon showpiece in 2022 and his ranking has slipped to 919 in the world.
He said he would not make “excuses” for the positive test but cited the toll of his physical issues.
“My body hasn’t been able to do what my mind expects it do, and coming to terms with being near the end of my career has been harder than I ever imagined,” he said.
“At times I’ve felt hopeless and alone. However, the good news is that this has given me a wake-up call.”
Kyrgios added he would be taking a 28-day break from social media to focus on “getting myself right”, concluding: “I’m sorry, I’ll come back better.”
Britain’s Dan Evans was banned for a year for taking cocaine out of competition in 2017 but the rules changed in 2021, with the penalties reduced.
Includes reporting from PA
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'A BIT ABNORMAL': AFTER SHOCK SECOND-ROUND EXIT AT US OPEN, AUGER-ALIASSIME REVEALS HE 'WAS SEEING SPOTS'
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| Felix Auger-Aliassime, of Canada, serves the ball to Karen Khachanov, of Russia, during the second round of the U.S. Open tennis championships Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo) |
Karen Khachanov knocked out third seed Felix Auger-Aliassime from the US Open on Thursday, winning 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 to reach the third round.
The Russian, ranked No. 50 in the world, came into the tournament after losing the opening match in all three of his US Open warm-up events.
But he took advantage of an off-colour Auger-Aliassime, whose level dropped as the match went on at Louis Armstrong Stadium.
After the match, Auger-Aliassime said he started feeling unwell during the contest and struggled to recover.
"After a set and a half, I just couldn't feel well and was dizzy and seeing spots and couldn't recover," he said, as quoted by BBC. "I thought maybe it would pass, but it didn't.
"I've never felt quite like that. I've had cramps before. I've felt tired towards the end of matches, but in a normal way.
"This was abnormal a little bit, and there were no signs in the last couple of days and no signs this morning, as well."
The defeat made Auger-Aliassime the highest-ranked player to exit the men's singles draw so far in New York.
Khachanov, who reached the US Open semi-finals in 2022, broke the Canadian's serve seven times during the match. He also saved seven of the nine break points he faced.
The win is only Khachanov's second victory over a top-10 player at a Grand Slam and sends him into the third round in New York.
The result meant Khachanov has now reached the third round of all four Grand Slam tournaments in a single calendar year for the first time.
- Shubhanshu Dwivedi
MANCHESTER UNITED CONFIRM 25-MAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SQUAD
Man United will return to the Champions League this season and they have named their European squad ahead of the competition starting next week.
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| The 2026/27 Champions League league phase starts next week |
Manchester United have named their 25-man Champions League squad as they prepare for their return to the competition.
United kick off their European campaign next week with a home game against Sabah FK. The other seven sides the Reds will face in the league phase of the Champions League are Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, Roma, Sporting, RB Leipzig, Villarreal and Como.
Teams competing in this season's Champions League had until Wednesday evening to submit their squads. There are a number of high-profile names not included on United's 25-man list, including Kobbie Mainoo and Leny Yoro. However, both will still be eligible to play in the Champions League.
Teams are required to submit an 'A list' of players who can play in the Champions League, which is the list that has now been confirmed.
There is no requirement to include any player on the 'A list' who was born on or after 1 January 2005 and has been eligible to play for the club for two consecutive years since turning 15 (or three years including a loan spell). Any player who falls into this category is added to a 'B list', and this is submitted to UEFA either on or before the day prior to a Champions League match.
The 'A list' that has been submitted to UEFA is now locked in for the league phase of the competition. However, should United reach the knockout rounds, they will have until 4 February 2027 to register a maximum of three new players.
United's 25-man Champions League squad:
Goalkeepers: Karl Darlow, Tom Heaton, Senne Lammens, Dermot Mee
Defenders: Patrick Dorgu, Diogo Dalot, Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Noussair Mazraoui, Luke Shaw, Ayden Heaven
Midfielders: Carlos Baleba, Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount, Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans, Manuel Ugarte
Forwards: Amad, Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Marcus Rashford, Benjamin Sesko, Joshua Zirkzee, Tynan Thompson
- Ross Jackson
FIFA HITS BACK AT UEFA OVER 'SMEAR CAMPAIGN' AGAINST INFANTINO
Gianni Infantino remains under pressure as FIFA boss
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| Gianni Infantino became Fifa president in 2016 AFP |
Dubai: FIFA has accused UEFA of a “smear campaign” against the organisation and Gianni Infantino, intensifying their dispute over a scrapped plan to sell a stake in FIFA’s commercial rights.
UEFA last week filed an emergency application in a New York federal court seeking access to testimony and documents from US-based organisations that could be used in potential criminal proceedings in Switzerland.
"While these applications are styled as legal pleadings with captions and docket numbers, they are little more than press releases in further support of UEFA's smear campaign against FIFA and its leadership," FIFA said in the filing.
UEFA said it was weighing criminal action against Infantino and other FIFA officials over FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), a proposed company that would have controlled commercial rights associated with the men’s and women’s World Cups.
The governing body of football in Europe alleged the proposal was developed without adequate consultation with FIFA's governing bodies and 211 member associations.
In a motion to intervene FIFA asked the court to defer ruling on UEFA's application or allow it to oppose the request.
FIFA claimed UEFA was seeking access to information for “purportedly contemplated” Swiss criminal proceedings that, it argued, did not actually exist. It also accused UEFA of opposing the FFE proposal from the very beginning.
The proposal was ultimately withdrawn on July 31 following resistance from UEFA and several other regional football governing bodies.
"Rather than participate in that democratic process, UEFA issued a press release, the beginning of a weeks-long smear campaign against FIFA and its leadership," FIFA said in the filing.
FIFA also claimed UEFA was seeking to protect Europe’s dominance of football.
Infantino, who continues to enjoy backing from the African and South American confederations, has increasingly looked to bypass the confederations and build support directly among individual member associations.
In a statement last week, UEFA said it would work alongside other confederations to provide member associations with a “credible alternative” focused on reform should Infantino decide to seek another term as FIFA president.
UEFA has also temporarily put its proposed boycott of FIFA competitions on hold, allowing all qualified teams to take part in next month’s Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland. The tournament was the first major event that could have been impacted by the dispute.
However, UEFA said its members had unanimously instructed the confederation to explore “every available institutional, political and legal avenue” to push through reforms and re-establish limits on the powers of the FIFA president.
The governing body also demanded “a genuinely independent external review” into the failed FIFA proposal, arguing that FIFA should not be responsible for investigating itself and then expect the wider football community to accept its findings.
- Robert Ilsley
Thursday, 3 September 2026
FABRIZIO ROMANO PROMOTES NEW YOUNG AFRICANS' NEW JERSEY | TANZANIA PREMIER LEAGUE CHAMPIONS
Young Africans Sports Club has paid the world's sports news guru, Fabrizio Romano, who is an Italian citizen, more than $10,000 USD, which is equivalent to 25 million Tanzanian shillings, to promote their new jerseys.
According to Google, Fabrizio Romano charges $10,000 for each Instagram post that is published on his special #HereWeGo page dedicated to hot sports news.
Although there is still no public rate card from Fabrizio, it is estimated that he charges that amount for each post made on that page, according to investigative reports.
#AnothPaul #FabrizioYangaSC #NewJersey #CostsIncurredByYangaSC
ARYNA SABALENKA DRAMA AT US OPEN PRESS CONFERENCE
Aryna Sabalenka was not happy with a question she received during her U.S. Open press conference, ‘Think before you say stuff’
“How are you finding your mood now that the tournament has started? Obviously last week it’s lots of parties and fun and stuff like that..”
Aryna: “You guys are like a joke. Parties. Fun. Why would you even say that? Why would you even think about that? Like, what kind of question is that? Just because I posted some activities with brands and you think that I’ve been partying?”
“I’m not suggesting you were partying… I’m saying there are a lot of events and things like that. I’m not saying you go to the parties.”
Aryna: “You literally said that.”
“Excuse me? For everyone who’s unclear, I’m not suggesting that Aryna is having fun at these parties. I’m saying she makes a lot of appearances and there’s a lot to do.”
Aryna: “Mhmm. Okay.”
“Now that the tournaments started, do you find you’re getting quite serious and combative?”
Aryna: “Oh yeah, I wasn’t serious before that. Next question. Think before you say stuff.”
(via US Open Press)
LANDO NORRIS UNVEILS BRAND NEW F1 FEEDER SERIES TEAM CALLED 'LN4 FUSION'
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| Norris announces new Motorsport Venture |
Reigning Formula 1 World Champion Lando Norris is looking toward the future of Motorsport, co-founding a junior single-seater team and development programme called LN4 Fusion.
It’s been a big week for Norris, with the Briton announcing a contract extension to remain with McLaren until at least 2030, as well as launching a new pathway to help young racing talent on their way to the coveted F1 series.
LN4 Fusion is currently participating in a unique British Formula 4 testing programme, hoping to secure a grid spot in the coming seasons. Additionally, the team has entered the F2 team selection process ahead of the 2027 season.
But the British team has already secured entries into some of Motorsport’s most coveted Feeder Series. In the coming season, LN4 Fusion will feature in Italian F4, the Formula Regional European Championship and even Formula 3. Crucially, the team have acquired select assets of the current AIX Racing team, ultimately securing its place on the grid until the end of 2027.
Ahead of its inaugural season, LN4 Fusion has secured some of motorsport’s most exciting names. Leading the charge is Rene Rosin. The Italian has had 40 years of Motorsport experience, most well-known for his involvement with the iconic PREMA Racing team.
Meanwhile, Dan Hazlewood will lead LN4 Fusion’s UK operations. Hazlewood has successfully led the Fusion Motorsport Karting team in recent years, serving as a crucial figure for the upcoming team.
Alongside the new team, Norris is launching the LN4 Legacy Programme, an independent and fully funded driver development programme operated by ADD Management. Julian Rouse will lead the programme. It aims to identify and support outstanding young Motorsport talent, giving them access to elite coaching, mentoring and career support, all of which Norris deemed crucial on his journey to becoming an F1 World Champion.
Reactions from the LN4 Fusion team
When reflecting on the team, Norris highlighted the importance of this project to him. Emphasising that whilst Motorsport is a difficult path to follow for many, he hopes this new venture can create ‘new opportunities’ for the next generation.
“I’ve been really lucky to have some amazing people around me throughout my career, and I know that getting to Formula 1 takes so much more than just talent,” Norris explained.
“You need the right people around you, the right support and the right opportunities at the right time. That’s what these two projects are all about. LN4 Fusion is about building a race team that can compete with the best in junior motorsport, with great people and a great environment for drivers to develop.
“The LN4 Legacy Programme is about helping talented young drivers get opportunities they might not otherwise have.
“For me, they naturally fit together. I want to help create opportunities for the next generation, both on and off the track, and hopefully make a real difference to young drivers coming through the sport.”
Team Principal Rosin explained the importance of Norris’ involvement in the new venture. Claiming he is excited to build the team in the right direction.
“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to contribute my experience to an independent, vision-driven sporting programme with strong backing, a clear long-term vision and the resources required to build it properly.
“Having Lando on board adds a further dimension to this project. He has come through the junior single-seater ranks and understands its demands. His involvement will make a real difference to the team.”
- Tiana Soans
LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS, STEVE BALLMER AND KAWHI LEONARD HANDED BRUTAL PUNISHMENT AS NBA INVESTIGATION ENDS
The Los Angeles Clippers have been stripped of five first-round draft picks and fined $30million for breaching salary cap circumvention rules.
Additionally, Clippers owner Steve Ballmer has been banned from all NBA and team activities for a year and player Kawhi Leonard has been ordered to pay the league $700,000.
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| The Clippers have had the book thrown at them by the NBACredit: Getty |
The punishments come following the conclusion of an investigation that found the Clippers got around salary cap rules to sign Leonard as a free agent back in 2019.
NBA statement
An official release from the NBA read: "The NBA announced today that the LA Clippers and Kawhi Leonard have been penalized for violating the salary cap circumvention rules contained in the league’s Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA).
"This determination was based upon information developed through an independent investigation conducted by the law firm of Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen and Katz.
"The investigation found a pattern of misconduct and multiple significant rules violations by the Clippers organization, a prior offender of the salary cap circumvention rules. As described in a summary report prepared by Wachtell Lipton, available here, the Clippers broke the rules by:
"Affirmatively initiating off-court income opportunities between Mr. Leonard and four companies doing business with the team: Aspiration Partners, Boingo Wireless, Daktronics, and Lockton Insurance;
"Facilitating endorsement agreements between these companies and Mr. Leonard;
"Inducing the companies to enter into these agreements by offering them business from the team;
"Paying personal expenses on behalf of Mr. Leonard and his representatives; and
"Failing to report improper solicitations for off-court income opportunities made on Mr. Leonard’s behalf through his then-business manager, Dennis Robertson.
"Mr. Leonard, through the conduct of Mr. Robertson on his behalf, violated the circumvention rules by pressuring the Clippers to assist him in obtaining off-court income opportunities, successfully obtaining those opportunities, and failing to reimburse payments by the Clippers for personal expenses.
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| Ballmer must cough up an eye-watering $30mCredit: Getty |
"Based on this misconduct, the NBA has imposed the following penalties:
"The Clippers shall forfeit five first-round draft picks, one in each of the 2029, 2030, 2031, 2032, and 2033 NBA Drafts.
"The Clippers are fined $30 million.
"Clippers owner Steve Ballmer is suspended from all league and team activities for one year for knowingly seeking to help Mr. Leonard obtain off-court income opportunities, for approving a business deal that he knew was a precondition for Aspiration to enter into an endorsement agreement with Mr. Leonard, and for his failure to create conditions under which his organization abided by the NBA’s circumvention rules.
"Clippers President of Business Operations Gillian Zucker is suspended without pay for one year for being primarily and directly culpable for the impermissible endorsement arrangements and for providing false and misleading statements to investigators.
"Clippers President of Basketball Operations Lawrence Frank is suspended without pay for six months for his involvement with the impermissible endorsement arrangements and for approving impermissible expenses incurred by Mr. Leonard and his family.
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| Leonard, meanwhile, has been hit with a six-figure fineCredit: Getty |
"The Clippers organization and personnel are subject to a compliance and monitoring program overseen by the league office for a period of five years.
"In connection with his violations, Mr. Leonard is required to pay the league $700,000.
"Mr. Robertson is banned from conducting business or otherwise engaging with NBA teams and their affiliates on behalf of or with respect to any player, employee, or other league or team personnel for a period of five years."
It was also revealed that the NBA and National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) made an agreement confirming the penalties.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said: “The NBA’s collectively bargained system for determining player compensation is a fundamental component of the basketball competition that the league oversees for the benefit of the teams and players and ultimately the fans.
"I am deeply disappointed by the flagrant violations of our rules and by the Clippers’ institutional and leadership failures that led to this misconduct. The severity of the penalties reflects the seriousness of the violations."
- Tom Hancock
UNIFIED SUPER FEATHERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 🥊 | NAVARETTE VS. FOSTER
🇲🇽 Emmanuel Navarrete vs O'Shaquie Foster⚡️
#NavarreteFoster | Oct 24 | Live on DAZN.com/Homeofboxing
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