NAIROBI TO HOST THE 2029 WORLD ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS IN HISTORIC FIRST FOR AFRICA

This will be the first time the World Athletics Championships are staged in Africa with Kenya, the second-most successful nation in championship history, hosting the sport’s flagship event.

Picture by Stephen Pond/Getty Images

The World Athletics Championships will be staged in Africa for the first time in 2029.

Nairobi, Kenya, has been selected to host the 2029 edition following a decision by the World Athletics Council. 

Two years later, the event will head to Germany after Munich beat bids from London and Rome to secure hosting rights for the 2031 Championships.

"The quality, ambition and commitment demonstrated by all four candidates underlines the strength and global appeal of the World Athletics Championships," World Athletics president Sebastian Coe said Tuesday (15 September) after announcing the council's decision.

"Nairobi presented a compelling and emotional bid, and taking the World Athletics Championships to Africa for the first time will be historic." 

The decision was taken after a two-day meeting in Budapest, Hungary.

Kenya is the second-most successful nation in World Athletics Championships history, and previously staged the 2007 World Cross Country Championships in the port city of Mombasa, while Nairobi hosted the 2017 World Youth Championships and the 2021 World Athletics U20 Championships.

Nairobi plans to stage the 2029 edition at its iconic Kasarani stadium which also hosted the World Youth Championships and has a renovated capacity of 48,000.

"We accept this honour and want to promise the global community that Kenya will continue to be a home of champions in matters of athletics," said Salim Mvurya, Kenya’s cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports.

"The world will come to a country where running is more than a competition, it’s our national story and where every generation believes that the next world champion can emerge from."

It is another step for Africa in welcoming major events. Next month, the continent hosts the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Senegal, and is in line to stage the FIFA World Cup for the second time in 2030 when Morocco co-hosts the event with Spain and Portugal.

Picture by Stephen Pond/Getty Images
A general view of the Kasarani Stadium.

Beijing, People's Republic of China, hosts next year's World Athletics Championships before the event heads to Nairobi. The event will then return to Europe in 2031.

Munich 2031 will mark the third time Germany hosts the World Championships after Stuttgart in 1993 and Berlin in 2009.

"For us, hosting such a major sporting event is far more than top level sport. We want to create an impact that reaches beyond the stadium. This World Championships are intended to encourage the young people to believe in their own potential," said Ronald Rauhe, the Minister of State for Sport in Germany.

- Evelyn Watta

AL AIN 4-0 AL NASSR: RONALDO AND CO SUFFER HEAVY DEFEAT IN UAE RETURN

Rahimi brothers torment Ronaldo as Al Ain batter Al Nassr in AFC opener

Nassr's Portuguese forward #07 Cristiano Ronaldo attempts a scissors kick during the AFC Champions League Elite (ACL) football match between Al-Ain and Al-Nassr at the Azza Bin Zayed stadium in Al-Ain on September 15, 2026.
AFP-FADEL SENNA

Cristiano Ronaldo and Al Nassr came to Al Ain with a team packed with some of the biggest names in football.

They left having been completely outplayed.

Al Ain produced a superb performance to defeat Al Nassr 4-0 at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium in their AFC Champions League Elite opener, on a night when very little went right for Ronaldo and his teammates.

And once again, the name Rahimi was at the heart of Al Nassr’s problems.

Rahimi brothers run the show

Houssine Rahimi, the younger brother of Al Ain star Soufiane Rahimi, scored twice before his older brother added the third.

Houssine’s opening goal came after a poor back pass from Saad Al Nasser presented him with the opportunity. The 24 year old kept his composure and finished calmly.

He struck again in the second half before his older brother joined the party.

Soufiane scored Al Ain’s third before Giorgos Giakoumakis completed the rout with the fourth.

Houssine with two. Soufiane with one.

It was the Rahimi brothers show in Al Ain.

And there is some history here too.

Soufiane was one of the main reasons Al Ain knocked Ronaldo and Al Nassr out of the AFC Champions League in 2024. He scored the winner in the first leg and then struck twice in Riyadh as Al Ain eventually progressed on penalties.

More than two years later, his younger brother joined him in causing the Saudi side more misery.

Ronaldo left frustrated

For Al Nassr, it was an abysmal night.

A side featuring Ronaldo, Sadio Mane and João Félix simply could not find an answer to Al Ain.

Ronaldo became increasingly frustrated as the match progressed as he wasn't getting enough service from his teammates.

Even when the Portuguese star finally got a late opportunity from a free kick, UAE goalkeeper Khalid Eisa was there to deny him. Eisa also made another brilliant save earlier in the second half.

What a night for Al Ain in the AFC Champions League Elite.

And what a terrible evening for Ronaldo and Co.

Al Nassr returned to Asia’s biggest club competition dreaming of finally conquering it with Ronaldo.

Their first night back could hardly have gone worse.

- Shamseer Mohammed

BRUNO FERNANDES 'FIRST KICK' VAR AUDIO RELEASED AS MAN UNITED PUNISHMENT RECOMMEND

Bruno Fernandes was not cautioned despite appearing to kick Phil Foden while the Manchester City forward was on the floor, whereas Foden was sent off for his reaction towards the Portuguese midfielder.

Bruno Fernandes got away with a booking in the Manchester derby

Howard Webb has said Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes should have been shown a yellow card for appearing to swipe at Phil Foden, who was sat on the floor during the Manchester derby. Foden then reacted, kicking back and catching Fernandes with both feet in the lower abdomen, sending the Portuguese midfielder to the ground.

Referee Michael Oliver had no hesitation in producing a red card for Foden, who was left stunned, while Fernandes went unpunished despite kicking the City player first. Video Assistant Referee (VAR) could not recommend a yellow card because Oliver had already seen and acted on the incident.

Speaking on Match Officials Mic'd Up, chief refereeing officer Webb said: "So, taking those in order, Michael, I agree with the red card for Phil Foden for violent conduct. He kicks out with force into the upper body of Bruno Fernandes. We saw a player sent off for Aston Villa earlier in the season. Joao Gomes was sent off for a very similar thing, kicking with the studs into the body.

"And that's seen by the referee on the field, and that's the on-field call, a red card for Foden. Now, when you look at the footage, there is that petulant kick by Bruno Fernandes into the backside of Foden. It is more petulant than violent. To be violent conduct, it has to have excessive force or brutality, and when you look at that, particularly in full speed, it doesn't have those elements.

"So therefore, this would be a yellow card offence. And the VAR can't step in to recommend the referee looks at the screen to give a yellow card. Of course, if all of this is missed and nothing is given against Foden, then the VAR could step in so the referee could see Foden's actions for a possible red card, and they would capture Fernandes' yellow card action. But because the referee gave the red card on the field, that option is not open to the VAR."

Pro Ref, formerly PGMOL, have also released the VAR audio, with both the VAR and assistant VAR concluding that Fernandes kicked the ball rather than Foden himself.

Assistant VAR: "It was for a kick-out. It looks like he's given a foul and then the legs came up."

VAR: "Michael [referee], the penalty is checked and cleared. Just confirm your on-field decision in terms of discipline here, please."

Referee: "Red card, Phil Foden. Kick out into the body of Bruno [Fernandes]. The foul is by Bruno on Phil. I think he's in a tangle and when they are separating, I think Phil kicks him. But they will check."

VAR: "That looks like a clear red card to me. Secondary movement, watch broadcast. Okay, happy to confirm? Red card. Happy to confirm? Confirming the red card for Manchester City 47. A kick to the midriff with two feet."

"Just roll through to check that Bruno does nothing. I'm absolutely certain he doesn't. No, he kicks the ball; it's fine."

Assistant VAR: "No, the other one [Bruno's first kick]. That's not what they're talking about. That is the one they're talking about."

VAR: "Minimal, minimal. That's not for us; that's fine."

Assistant VAR: "Yeah, I agree."

At the time, a Premier League explanation read: "#MUNMCI – 23’ The referee's call of red card to Foden for violent conduct was checked and confirmed by VAR."

Meanwhile, Roy Keane went as far as suggesting that Fernandes 'was the one who was violent' during the challenge. He told Sky Sports: "Bruno tackles him, fouls him, gives him a little boot on the floor, reacts and he's now sent off. Bruno catches him, Foden sent off, I guess it's classed as violent and to me, Bruno is the one who violent.

"I have to call it out, called it with Kyle Walker a few years ago when he went down after a head butt, we see violent differently. I don't think that's a red card for Foden, I don't. 'Did the referee get given a chance?'

"Foden is daft here but so is Bruno. If Bruno got sent off, we'd be saying, 'it was a daft, a bit silly.' Everyone's in a union, you've got to look out for each other. We saw Walker a few years ago do it with a head butt, Bruno has got to do better there. It's a big game, you've got to look after the opposition players as well. Foden, I don't think it's a red card."

Foden, who was sent off in the 23rd minute of the Manchester derby, now faces a three‑game ban, meaning the England international will miss Thursday night's Carabao Cup tie against Norwich City.

Premier League rules state that red cards issued in league matches carry over into other domestic competitions, including the Carabao Cup and FA Cup. Yellow cards, however, remain competition‑specific.

As a result, City’s clash with Norwich will be the first match Foden sits out under the suspension. He will also be unavailable for City's Premier League return against Sunderland at the Etihad Stadium this weekend, as well as the trip to Liverpool on October 11 following the international break.

- Bruna Reis

FIDE VICE PRESIDENT GEORGIOS MAKROPOULOS HAS PASSED AWAY

 

FIDE is deeply saddened by the passing of Georgios Makropoulos, FIDE Vice President, Honorary President of the Greek Chess Federation, International Master, seven-time Greek Champion, and one of the most influential figures in international chess administration over the past four decades.

Born on September 29, 1953, Makropoulos was among Greece’s leading players in the 1970s and 1980s. He won the Greek Championship seven times between 1971 and 1985, represented his country at three Chess Olympiads and the European Team Championship, and earned the International Master title in 1979.

His contribution to chess, however, extended far beyond the board. Few people have been as closely involved in the development and governance of international chess across such a long and transformative period. Georgios Makropoulos devoted much of his life to chess. His knowledge, experience, energy and commitment left a lasting mark on FIDE and on generations of people across the global chess community.

FIDE extends its deepest condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and the Greek chess community.

His contribution to our game will be remembered with gratitude and respect.

Rest in peace, Georgios.

- FIDE

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VAR OFFICIAL STOOD DOWN THIS WEEKEND AFTER MANCHESTER DERBY ERROR

 

The goal was initially ruled before the decision was reversed

The VAR who made an "error of judgement" in awarding a goal to Manchester City in Sunday's derby at Old Trafford has not been appointed to a Premier League game this weekend.

Matt Donohue, along with assistant Blake Antrobus, awarded a goal to City after a VAR check, despite Enzo Fernandez appearing to interfere with play in an offside position in the build-up to Erling Haaland’s goal.

Referees' body Pro Ref conceded it had been an error for Donohue not to send referee Michael Oliver to the screen to determine whether Fernandez’s involvement was sufficient to make him offside. The goal had been disallowed on field for an offside against Haaland, who was found on review to be being played onside by Patrick Dorgu.

Fernandez certainly appeared to have an impact on the actions of United defender Lisandro Martinez and goalkeeper Senne Lammens in his attempt to head the ball in, which would meet the definition for offside to be given.

Donohue made his Premier League officiating debut in May 2024, having gained promotion to the EFL’s assistant referees list in 2014. He has been used extensively as a VAR over the last two years.

Antrobus has also not been appointed to a game this weekend. Oliver will officiate Sunday’s match between Bournemouth and Liverpool.

Former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney said the decision to give the goal was "baffling".

Rooney told the BBC’s Match of the Day 2: "I’m just so sick of this VAR, I think it’s horrendous. It takes all the emotion off the game, the energy the game’s played with, and to not see that and recognise Fernandez is in an offside position…

"Anyone who’s played the game at any level understands that and knows that he’s in an offside position…to get it so wrong, it’s just baffling."

- RTÉ Sport

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NICO ROSEBERG BLAMES CARLOS SAINZ ON NEW MADRING CIRCUIT

Nico Rosberg has jokingly put the blame on Carlos Sainz for the lack of overtaking at the new Madring circuit.

“Carlos Sainz was the ambassador, so we need to criticise Carlos Sainz,” Rosberg said.

He called for changes ahead of next year: “They need to revisit the track layout for next year and create one good overtaking opportunity. We need that on this track because it’s just too hard to overtake.”

Rosberg also pointed to Oscar Piastri’s struggle to pass Franco Colapinto despite having fresh tyres:

“It was pretty shocking. Piastri had fresh tyres, he could not get past. And he was so much quicker. It’s just super hard to overtake.”

Should Madring be redesigned for next season?

TOM ASPINALL OFFICIALLY VACATES UFC HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE DUE TO ONGOING EYE INJURIES

TOMASPINALLOFFICIAL ON INSTAGRAM

UFC star Tom Aspinall has officially vacated the UFC heavyweight championship due to ongoing issues with his eyes.

Ever since UFC 321 almost a year ago, Tom Aspinall has been dealing with severe injuries to his eyes as a result of pokes from Ciryl Gane. While he has been on the road to recovery and seemed to be showing progress, we now know that he will be unable to defend the belt at any point in the near future.

Tom Aspinall is one of the most exceptionally talented heavyweights we have seen in recent memory, but off the back of what happened against Gane, we may never get to see what he could really accomplish inside the Octagon.

In a recent Instagram post, after recent suggestions from Dana White that he could be stripped, Tom Aspinall announced that he will be relinquishing the gold.

TOM ASPINALL VACATES UFC HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE

“Anything you read in the media is simply noise. People are creating their own narratives. This is the truth:

Ongoing complications with my eyes mean I cannot get medically cleared to fight right now.

I’ve had multiple surgeries, accidents and infections, and done everything possible to get back to competing.

I had previously agreed to a fight date and was back sparring, feeling great and ready to compete when an accident caused further damage to my right eye. This means more time away from the sport, and right now, the timing of my return is unclear.

I know there have been questions about why I’ve been quiet. I’ve always followed the advice of the UFC and focused on my recovery while we’ve tried to make this happen.

I’ve now made the decision to vacate the heavyweight title. I’ve asked the UFC to allow me to make this statement because I don’t want to hold the heavyweight division up. I know what it’s like to have your career put on hold and I want the other fighters to have the opportunity to compete for the title.

The UFC and Hunter have been informed every step of the way and have seen the tests, procedures and medical information relating to my eyes. We have worked closely with different doctors and specialists to try and make my return happen, but unfortunately, it’s simply not possible right now.

I’m absolutely gutted. I’ve chased this dream since I was 10 years old.

I’m not done.

Stepping away from the title is not stepping away from the sport or the dream. I’ll continue doing everything I can to get healthy, get cleared and get back to competing as soon as possible.

What makes this particularly difficult is that many of the complications I’m dealing with are a result of fouls that changed the course of my career. Fighters rely on officials to enforce the rules and protect us in those moments, and it’s hard to still be dealing with the consequences today.

Thank you to everyone who has supported me throughout this absolute nightmare.

I’ll be back as soon as I’m medically able to be.

Tom”

What title fight do you want to see next? Let us know in the comments below, BJPENN Nation!

This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM

- Harry Kettle

LAMINE YAMAL'S THREE-WORD MESSAGE IGNITES BALLON D’OR FEUD WITH KYLIAN MBAPPÉ

The two Clásico rivals are in pursuit of soccer’s greatest individual prize.

Lamine Yamal (left) has not hidden his desire to win the Ballon d’Or. | Alex Caparros/Getty Images (Yamal), Diego Souto/Getty Images (Mbappé

While Lamine Yamal named Kylian Mbappé as one of the top two players in the world over the past 12 months, the Barcelona star left no doubt over his pick for the 2026 Ballon d’Or: “I deserve it.”

The release of the 30-man shortlist for this year’s award has sparked pushes from some of the world’s top players. Mbappé recently insisted there had been nobody better than him over the past season, insisting he feels good about his chances of winning the award.

Mbappé is undoubtedly among the favorites to win, but the Real Madrid forward is joined towards the top of the rankings by Yamal. The 19-year-old contributed 24 goals and 18 assists for La Liga winners Barcelona and then helped Spain to World Cup glory this summer.

“Who would I give it to? The best in the world,” Yamal told Movistar+. “Who are they going to give it to? That’s a very long discussion.

“I honestly think that maybe there are two of us who are the best in the world. And I think I deserve it this year because of what I’ve won. Because for me, Mbappé and I are the two best in the world. For me, it’s very clear, and everyone who watches the games knows it.”

Barcelona Vice-President Calls for ‘Justice’ in Ballon d’Or Race

Yamal has plenty of support in Barcelona. | Pedro Salado/Getty Images

Yamal’s belief that he deserves to win the Ballon d’Or was, predictably, backed up by Barcelona vice-president Rafa Yuste.

“Lamine Yamal is a young boy who is giving a lot of hope to young people around the world,” Yuste insisted. “He has a genius that at his age is incredible, it has been many years since I have seen a player like him. Therefore, I believe and wish that justice will be done with this well-deserved Ballon d’Or.

“Simply, for giving so much happiness to so many boys and girls around the world and to us who like football, justice has to be done, and he deserves everything and more for being the way he is and for making so many people happy.”

The Third Contender Yamal and Mbappé Are Forgetting

Harry Kane enjoyed a stunning 2025–26 season. | Uwe Anspach/picture alliance/Getty Images

Yamal and Mbappé have, while staking their own claims for Ballon d’Or glory, been very complimentary to each other, proudly boasting their confidence in their abilities.

The problem is, however, neither player is actually viewed as the favorite.

Leading the polls currently is Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane, who netted 73 goals for club and country across the 2025–26 season to fly right to the top of the rankings ahead of next month’s award ceremony.

Yamal and Mbappé may sit clear as the two best players in the world, but the Ballon d’Or is designed to celebrate the best player over the previous season, and Kane’s numbers make him incredibly hard to ignore.

Working in Kane’s favor is Bayern’s success. Europe’s Golden Boot winner helped Bayern to a domestic treble and the semifinals of the Champions League, where he scored in both legs in one of the greatest ties in competition history against eventual champions Paris Saint-Germain.

Yamal’s Barcelona won La Liga and the Spanish Supercopa, before he played a subdued role in Spain’s World Cup triumph. That puts the youngster clear of Mbappé, who ended the year without silverware but did win the World Cup’s Golden Boot and became the leading scorer in tournament history.

Team success often plays into the final Ballon d’Or verdict, which could give Kane or Yamal the edge over Mbappé.

- TOM GOTT

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DANIEL MALDINI COULD BE BANNED FROM ITALY NATIONAL TEAM AFTER FRESH CAR CRASH DETAILS

Daniel Maldini now faces serious punishments from not only Italian authorities, but also the national team, as a damning new report into his car crash this week has emerged.

The 24-year-old, son of the legendary Paolo, one of the best players in football history, was involved in a car accident on Sunday morning in Milan, after he had scored the winner in Cagliari’s 2-1 away win at Atalanta in the Serie A.

Six people were reportedly involved in the two-car crash, with all said to have suffered minor injuries. Three ambulances and a medical car were sent to the scene following the incident, with Maldini taken to hospital.

New Report Offers Worrying Insight into Maldini's Car Accident

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Maldini's road traffic incident wasn't merely caused by accident. The attacking midfielder was driving his Porsche Carrera with three other people in the car and, according to reports, he failed to give way to a Volkswagen Golf carrying a man and a woman, causing the crash.

Police and ambulances arrived at the scene, where Maldini failed a breathalyser test. The first test was 0.91mg/l and the second was 0.89mg/l, above Italy’s legal limit of 0.5mg/l. Therefore, police confiscated his driving license.

To make things worse, according to the same report, Maldini also tested positive in a preliminary test to check for drug use. The hospital’s full toxicology test results are now being assessed.

Maldini Now Faces Hefty Fine & Ban From the Italian National Team

As per Sport Mediaset, the consequences that Madlini now faces could see him denied a call-up to the national team. In their report, they claim Cagliari could impose an internal fine, but this would be the least of his concerns.

Indeed, because of the Azzurri's code of ethics and conduct, the door could be closed on any plans Roberto Mancini had in calling him up to the squad ahead of October's international break - the first opportunity he would have to prove he's worthy of future involvement as Italy try to put their World Cup failures behind them and focus on the European Championship. 

Unlike his famous father and grandfather, Daniel operates further up the pitch as an attacking midfielder. He came through Milan’s academy and made 24 senior appearances for the Italian giants before spells with Spezia, Empoli and Monza.

Maldini later joined Atalanta and spent the second half of last season on loan at Lazio before making another temporary switch to Cagliari. The six-cap Italy international has since made a bright start in Sardinia, with Cagliari currently sitting fourth in Serie A and due to face Udinese next Saturday.

- Robin Mumford

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