Category: Sport

Bellingham ‘special boy’ despite ‘repulsive’ behaviour, says Tuchel

ENGLAND manager Thomas Tuchel said his own mother finds some of Jude Bellingham’s antics “repulsive” but he does not want to dim the Real Madrid star’s fire. Tuchel suffered his first defeat in four games as England boss on Tuesday when Senegal became the first African side to ever beat the Three Lions in a… Continue reading Bellingham ‘special boy’ despite ‘repulsive’ behaviour, says Tuchel

Not the US pastime, but ‘beautiful game’ grows for Americans ahead of World Cup

WITH one year left to go until the 2026 World Cup, U.S. host cities and football fanatics hope the record-breaking quadrennial spectacle will elevate the “beautiful game” for American fans traditionally more keen on a different type of football. FIFA President Gianni Infantino said three years ago he expected football to become the region’s top… Continue reading Not the US pastime, but ‘beautiful game’ grows for Americans ahead of World Cup
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European game generated 38 bln euros in 2023-24 season, study shows

EUROPE’S soccer market grew by 8% in terms of revenue in the 2023-24 season to 38 billion euros ($43.46 billion) with England’s Premier League generating the most, Deloitte said in a study published on Wednesday. In its Annual Review of Football Finance, Deloitte said the top five leagues — Premier League, Bundesliga, LaLiga, Serie A… Continue reading European game generated 38 bln euros in 2023-24 season, study shows

Mexico City mayor pledges warm welcome for all 2026 World Cup fans

MEXICO CITY will embrace fans from all nations and cultures during the 2026 World Cup, Mayor Clara Brugada said on Wednesday as she unveiled the countdown clock marking one year to the tournament’s return to the Mexican capital. As the city prepares to host the World Cup for the third time, Brugada stressed the importance… Continue reading Mexico City mayor pledges warm welcome for all 2026 World Cup fans

Mexico City mayor pledges warm welcome for all 2026 World Cup fans

MEXICO CITY will embrace fans from all nations and cultures during the 2026 World Cup, Mayor Clara Brugada said on Wednesday as she unveiled the countdown clock marking one year to the tournament’s return to the Mexican capital. As the city prepares to host the World Cup for the third time, Brugada stressed the importance… Continue reading Mexico City mayor pledges warm welcome for all 2026 World Cup fans
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Ferrari target ‘magnificent’ third straight Le Mans 24 Hour triumph

FERRARI’S FORMULA One fortunes may be flagging but the Italian constructor start this weekend’s Le Mans 24 Hour Race as favourites targeting a third consecutive triumph in motorsport’s fabled endurance classic. Roger Federer is acting as celebrity starter with the tennis icon getting the 93rd edition of the jewel in four-wheeled endurance racing’s crown underway… Continue reading Ferrari target ‘magnificent’ third straight Le Mans 24 Hour triumph

Ferrari target ‘magnificent’ third straight Le Mans 24 Hour triumph

FERRARI’S FORMULA One fortunes may be flagging but the Italian constructor start this weekend’s Le Mans 24 Hour Race as favourites targeting a third consecutive triumph in motorsport’s fabled endurance classic. Roger Federer is acting as celebrity starter with the tennis icon getting the 93rd edition of the jewel in four-wheeled endurance racing’s crown underway… Continue reading Ferrari target ‘magnificent’ third straight Le Mans 24 Hour triumph
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US immigration, border agents to be deployed at Club World Cup: report

UNITED STATES immigration and border agents will be deployed at venues hosting FIFA Club World Cup games when the tournament kicks off this weekend, a US media report said Wednesday. NBC television’s Miami affiliate reported that members of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) along with US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) would be on… Continue reading US immigration, border agents to be deployed at Club World Cup: report

US immigration, border agents to be deployed at Club World Cup: report

UNITED STATES immigration and border agents will be deployed at venues hosting FIFA Club World Cup games when the tournament kicks off this weekend, a US media report said Wednesday. NBC television’s Miami affiliate reported that members of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) along with US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) would be on… Continue reading US immigration, border agents to be deployed at Club World Cup: report
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Ex-Manchester United midfielder Angel Gomes to join Marseille

FORMER MANCHESTER United attacking midfielder Angel Gomes has agreed to join Marseille, the French club announced on Wednesday. The 24-year-old will be a free agent when his contract with fellow French outfit Lille finishes at the end of the month, having joined them from United in 2020. He made 10 appearances for boyhood club United… Continue reading Ex-Manchester United midfielder Angel Gomes to join Marseille

Verstappen seeks record fourth Canada win and trouble-free weekend

MAX VERSTAPPEN will be seeking a record fourth consecutive Canadian Grand Prix triumph this weekend and a trouble-free race that helps him banish the threat of a suspension following his “rash” moment in Spain. The four-time world champion goes into Sunday’s race knowing that, if he collects one more penalty point on his racing license,… Continue reading Verstappen seeks record fourth Canada win and trouble-free weekend

Verstappen seeks record fourth Canada win and trouble-free weekend

MAX VERSTAPPEN will be seeking a record fourth consecutive Canadian Grand Prix triumph this weekend and a trouble-free race that helps him banish the threat of a suspension following his “rash” moment in Spain. The four-time world champion goes into Sunday’s race knowing that, if he collects one more penalty point on his racing license,… Continue reading Verstappen seeks record fourth Canada win and trouble-free weekend
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Alonso’s new-look Real Madrid aiming for Club World Cup glory

AFTER Real Madrid’s hopes of major silverware this season faded the Club World Cup took on far greater importance for them and it will provide an insight into new coach Xabi Alonso’s strategy. The 43-year-old Spaniard, who replaced Carlo Ancelotti at the helm, along with new arrivals Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen add a fresh… Continue reading Alonso’s new-look Real Madrid aiming for Club World Cup glory

Alonso’s new-look Real Madrid aiming for Club World Cup glory

AFTER Real Madrid’s hopes of major silverware this season faded the Club World Cup took on far greater importance for them and it will provide an insight into new coach Xabi Alonso’s strategy. The 43-year-old Spaniard, who replaced Carlo Ancelotti at the helm, along with new arrivals Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen add a fresh… Continue reading Alonso’s new-look Real Madrid aiming for Club World Cup glory
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Australia topple South Africa’s top order in WTC final fight back

SOUTH AFRICA were reeling on 43-4 at stumps on the first day of the World Test Championship final at Lord’s on Wednesday after earlier dismissing defending champions Australia for 212. Seamer Kagiso Rabada took 5-51 as South Africa’s bowling unit made a strong start to the contest but their inexperienced batting line-up came under fire… Continue reading Australia topple South Africa’s top order in WTC final fight back
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Australia topple South Africa’s top order in WTC final fight back

SOUTH AFRICA were reeling on 43-4 at stumps on the first day of the World Test Championship final at Lord’s on Wednesday after earlier dismissing defending champions Australia for 212. Seamer Kagiso Rabada took 5-51 as South Africa’s bowling unit made a strong start to the contest but their inexperienced batting line-up came under fire… Continue reading Australia topple South Africa’s top order in WTC final fight back

England boss Tuchel interested in contract extension after 2026 World Cup

THOMAS TUCHEL suggested he is tempted to seek a contract extension as England manager beyond the 2026 World Cup up to the 2028 European Championship, despite his team drawing criticism for recent poor performances. Tuchel, whose contract runs through the end of the World Cup, suffered his first defeat in four games as manager in… Continue reading England boss Tuchel interested in contract extension after 2026 World Cup

US begins uneasy World Cup countdown as Trump moves Marines to Los Angeles

U.S. CITIES hosting next year’s FIFA World Cup faced questions on Wednesday about how to reassure international fans concerned by President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown and travel ban as the year-to-go countdown began. The United States, along with Canada and Mexico, is set to co-host the finals, which will feature 48 teams and a record… Continue reading US begins uneasy World Cup countdown as Trump moves Marines to Los Angeles

Motor racing-Le Mans and F1 in same year? Too much now, says Hulkenberg

NICO HULKENBERG raced in the 24 Hours of Le Mans a decade ago when the Formula One calendar allowed it, and came away a winner with Porsche. The German could not do that now, with the 93rd edition of the French endurance race clashing with this weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix where Hulkenberg, now 37, will… Continue reading Motor racing-Le Mans and F1 in same year? Too much now, says Hulkenberg

WADA calls on US to stop ‘dangerous’ Enhanced Games

WORLD ANTI-DOPING AGENCY (WADA) chief Witold Banka has called on US authorities to prevent the drug-fueled Enhanced Games from taking place next year. Speaking in Lausanne in an address to a meeting of summer Olympic officials, Banka said the inaugural edition of the Enhanced Games in Las Vegas — where athletes will be free to… Continue reading WADA calls on US to stop ‘dangerous’ Enhanced Games

‘Ref Cam’ footage won’t show controversial incidents – FIFA

REFEREES at this month’s FIFA Club World Cup will wear ‘body cams’ with the footage used in broadcasts of the game — but only if the images are of non-controversial incidents, FIFA refereeing officials said on Wednesday. The match referees in the tournament will wear a small camera protruding from their earpiece which will be… Continue reading ‘Ref Cam’ footage won’t show controversial incidents – FIFA

Premier League ‘under strain’ despite record £6.3 bn revenues

THE COMBINED revenue of Premier League clubs rose to a record £6.3 billion ($8.5 billion, 7.5 billion euros) in the 2023/24 season, but fan unrest and worsening competitive balance are cause for concern, according to financial experts Deloitte. The rise in income for England’s 20 top-flight clubs was fuelled by commercial income surpassing £2 billion… Continue reading Premier League ‘under strain’ despite record £6.3 bn revenues

Olympic champ O’Callaghan in tears after 200m freestyle win at Australian trials

OLYMPIC champion Mollie O’Callaghan choked back tears after clocking the year’s fastest 200m freestyle at the Australian trials Wednesday, with the young star admitting it had been hard coping since the Paris Games. The 21-year-old surged to the wall in Adelaide in 1min 54.43secs to easily qualify for next month’s Singapore world championships, where she… Continue reading Olympic champ O’Callaghan in tears after 200m freestyle win at Australian trials

Mexico readies for historic third World Cup as Azteca Stadium tensions grow

WITH a year until Mexico makes history as the first three-time World Cup host, the dream of a spectacular showcase is colliding with the practical challenges of modernising the iconic Azteca Stadium for global soccer’s premier event. Beneath the imposing silhouette of Mexico’s football cathedral – where Pele dazzled with Brazil in 1970 and Maradona’s… Continue reading Mexico readies for historic third World Cup as Azteca Stadium tensions grow

US begins uneasy World Cup countdown as Trump moves Marines to Los Angeles

U.S. cities hosting next year’s FIFA World Cup faced questions on Wednesday about how to reassure international fans concerned by President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown and travel ban as the year-to-go countdown began. The United States, along with Canada and Mexico, is set to co-host the finals, which will feature 48 teams and a record… Continue reading US begins uneasy World Cup countdown as Trump moves Marines to Los Angeles

Man City sign AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders

MANCHESTER City on Wednesday announced the signing of Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan on a five-year deal for a reported fee of £46.3 million ($62.4 million). The Dutch midfielder, City’s fourth signing of the week, said he was “ecstatic” to be signing for Pep Guardiola’s side. The club announced deals for midfielder Rayan Cherki from… Continue reading Man City sign AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders

Royal inspiration: Tunku Ismail’s pre-match pep talk powers Malaysia to stunning Vietnam victory

A rousing pre-match speech by the Regent of Johor, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, lit a fire in Harimau Malaya as they stormed to a stunning 4-0 victory over Vietnam in their Asian Cup qualifier at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil last night. Shared via the national team’s official Facebook page, a video captured the… Continue reading Royal inspiration: Tunku Ismail’s pre-match pep talk powers Malaysia to stunning Vietnam victory

Royal inspiration: Tunku Ismail’s pre-match pep talk powers Malaysia to stunning Vietnam victory

A rousing pre-match speech by the Regent of Johor, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, lit a fire in Harimau Malaya as they stormed to a stunning 4-0 victory over Vietnam in their Asian Cup qualifier at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil last night. Shared via the national team’s official Facebook page, a video captured the… Continue reading Royal inspiration: Tunku Ismail’s pre-match pep talk powers Malaysia to stunning Vietnam victory

Scheffler seeks back-to-back major wins at formidable Oakmont

TOP-RANKED Scottie Scheffler tries to become the first back-to-back major winner in a decade by taking this week’s 125th US Open, which tees off Thursday at intimidating Oakmont. Not since Jordan Spieth captured the 2015 Masters and US Open has anyone swept consecutive major crowns, but two-time Masters champion Scheffler is on a hot streak.… Continue reading Scheffler seeks back-to-back major wins at formidable Oakmont
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Scheffler sees golf majors like tennis Slams as US Open looms

SCOTTIE SCHEFFLER sees golf’s major tournaments like Grand Slam tennis championships, with finesse events like the Masters and strength tests like this week’s US Open at Oakmont. World number one Scheffler, the 2022 and 2024 Masters winner, comes off a victory at last month’s PGA Championship and sees new challenges at Oakmont the same way… Continue reading Scheffler sees golf majors like tennis Slams as US Open looms
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Australia reach World Cup as Palestinian dreams ended

AUSTRALIA qualified for next year’s World Cup in North America while Oman ended Palestine’s hopes of a first appearance at the finals with a last-gasp draw on Tuesday. Tony Popovic’s Socceroos, who went into the third round’s final matchday heavy favourites to progress, defeated direct rivals Saudi Arabia 2-1 in Jeddah to seal the second… Continue reading Australia reach World Cup as Palestinian dreams ended
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Popovic tells Australia to do ‘something special’ at World Cup

COACH TONY Popovic said Australia want to do “something special” and hailed the character of his side after they qualified for a sixth successive World Cup. The Socceroos booked their ticket to North America next year with a 2-1 win Tuesday over Saudi Arabia in Jeddah, joining Japan from Asian Group C and consigning the… Continue reading Popovic tells Australia to do ‘something special’ at World Cup
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Man City sign Chelsea goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli

MANCHESTER CITY have announced the signing of goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli from Chelsea, German news agency (dpa) reported. The 33-year-old, who has signed a one-year contract, will provide back-up to first-choice keeper Ederson and regular deputy Stefan Ortega. The former Fulham stopper’s arrival comes after it was confirmed on Monday that veteran Scott Carson would be… Continue reading Man City sign Chelsea goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli
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Uruguay on brink of World Cup berth, Chile out

URUGUAY edged closer to qualification for the 2026 World Cup with a 2-0 win over Venezuela on Tuesday as Chile’s elimination was confirmed with defeat to Bolivia. Goals from Rodrigo Aguirre and Giorgian de Arrascaeta secured all three points for Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay in Montevideo to leave the two-time world champions firmly on course for… Continue reading Uruguay on brink of World Cup berth, Chile out
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Two South Koreans charged for blackmailing Spurs star Son

TWO South Koreans have been charged with blackmail or attempted blackmail targeting Tottenham Hotspur captain Son Heung-min, the prosecution said Wednesday, with one of them reportedly his ex-girlfriend. The suspects — a woman in her 20s surnamed Yang and a man in his 40s surnamed Yong — have been in custody since last month. The… Continue reading Two South Koreans charged for blackmailing Spurs star Son
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Son to ‘wait and see’ on Tottenham future after Saudi links

SON HEUNG-MIN has cast doubt on his Tottenham future after saying he will “wait and see” what happens amid speculation the skipper could move to Saudi Arabia. The South Korean forward has a year left on his contract and has been linked with an exit after helping Spurs end their 17-year trophy drought. “Rather than… Continue reading Son to ‘wait and see’ on Tottenham future after Saudi links
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Cklamovski credits unique training camp for Malaysia’s 4-0 win over Vietnam

NATIONAL football team head coach Peter Cklamovski has described the recent training camp ahead of their 2027 AFC Asian Cup Qualifier against Vietnam as “a unique one”, highlighting its importance in fostering the squad’s ‘team mentality’ and cohesion. Speaking after Harimau Malaya’s commendable performance in their second Group F match, Cklamovski acknowledged the unconventional nature… Continue reading Cklamovski credits unique training camp for Malaysia’s 4-0 win over Vietnam
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Speedy Tigers to get final test in friendly match against Wales

NATIONAL men’s hockey squad head coach Sarjit Singh wants to make the friendly match against Wales this Friday as the players’ final test ground before the 2025 Nations Cup. He said the match will see all 20 players given the opportunity to play as a continuation of the two previous tours. “We will give all… Continue reading Speedy Tigers to get final test in friendly match against Wales
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Thank you, PM for the support – FAM

THE Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) expressed its gratitude to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the Malaysian government for their full assistance and support to Harimau Malaya which led to their roaring 4-0 victory over Vietnam at Bukit Jalil National Stadium, last night. FAM in a statement announced that apart from financial assistance… Continue reading Thank you, PM for the support – FAM
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Kluivert tells Indonesia to learn from Japan thrashing in World Cup hunt

PATRICK KLUIVERT told his wounded Indonesia side they must learn from their embarrassing 6-0 thrashing by Japan as they attempt to reach the World Cup for the first time as an independent country. Indonesia’s dreams of appearing at their first finals since gaining independence in 1945 are still alive after they finished fourth in Asian… Continue reading Kluivert tells Indonesia to learn from Japan thrashing in World Cup hunt
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Thank you, PM for the support – FAM

THE Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) expressed its gratitude to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the Malaysian government for their full assistance and support to Harimau Malaya which led to their roaring 4-0 victory over Vietnam at Bukit Jalil National Stadium, last night. FAM in a statement announced that apart from financial assistance… Continue reading Thank you, PM for the support – FAM

Cklamovski credits unique training camp for Malaysia’s 4-0 win over Vietnam

NATIONAL football team head coach Peter Cklamovski has described the recent training camp ahead of their 2027 AFC Asian Cup Qualifier against Vietnam as “a unique one”, highlighting its importance in fostering the squad’s ‘team mentality’ and cohesion. Speaking after Harimau Malaya’s commendable performance in their second Group F match, Cklamovski acknowledged the unconventional nature… Continue reading Cklamovski credits unique training camp for Malaysia’s 4-0 win over Vietnam

Speedy Tigers to get final test in friendly match against Wales

NATIONAL men’s hockey squad head coach Sarjit Singh wants to make the friendly match against Wales this Friday as the players’ final test ground before the 2025 Nations Cup. He said the match will see all 20 players given the opportunity to play as a continuation of the two previous tours. “We will give all… Continue reading Speedy Tigers to get final test in friendly match against Wales

Kluivert tells Indonesia to learn from Japan thrashing in World Cup hunt

Patrick Kluivert told his wounded Indonesia side they must learn from their embarrassing 6-0 thrashing by Japan as they attempt to reach the World Cup for the first time as an independent country. Indonesia’s dreams of appearing at their first finals since gaining independence in 1945 are still alive after they finished fourth in Asian… Continue reading Kluivert tells Indonesia to learn from Japan thrashing in World Cup hunt