Category: Sport

WHILE Barcelona thrilled fans with 102 La Liga goals last season, coach Hansi Flick admits defensive improvements are needed. The Catalan giants secured a domestic treble with teenage sensation Lamine Yamal and Raphinha leading their attack. However, Flick’s high-pressing tactics often left Barcelona exposed at the back, leading to dramatic but risky matches. Their 7-6… Continue reading Barcelona aim to strengthen defence while keeping attacking flair in Champions League

PAUL Pogba’s return to Monaco has sparked excitement as the 2018 World Cup winner seeks redemption after years of setbacks. The former Manchester United star faces a race against time to regain form before the 2025-26 Ligue 1 season begins. Pogba dreams of reclaiming his place in the France national team, calling his Monaco move… Continue reading Paul Pogba’s Monaco comeback race against Ligue 1 season start

JOSE Mourinho’s Fenerbahce staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Feyenoord 5-2 in the Champions League third qualifying round. The Turkish side had lost the first leg 2-1 in the Netherlands and fell behind again when Tsuyoshi Watanabe scored for Feyenoord. Archie Brown and Jhon Duran struck before halftime to level the tie for Fenerbahce. Fred,… Continue reading Fenerbahce stuns Feyenoord 5-2 as Rangers set up Club Brugge clash

MALAYSIA could face a 20% jump in MotoGP hosting rights fees if it wishes to keep the popular event at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) after 2026, as the current deal with MotoGP rights holder Dorna Sports approaches its end. SIC chief executive officer Azhan Shafriman Hanif said the track’s three-plus-two-year contract with Dorna expires… Continue reading Sepang circuit faces steep 20% fee hike to keep MotoGP beyond 2026

KUALA LUMPUR: The Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) plans to request additional funding from the Finance Ministry to support young motorsport talents such as Hakim Danish Ramli. Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh emphasised the need for corporate backing to sustain the growth of Malaysian riders on both local and international stages. “Motorsport is not… Continue reading KBS seeks funds for young motorsport talent, supports Malaysian MotoGP

KELANTAN THE REAL WARRIORS (TRW) head coach E. Elavarasan expects a difficult FA Cup clash against Kuala Lumpur City (KL City) FC. He pointed to their recent 1-1 Super League draw with Immigration FC as proof of their attacking struggles. “They (KL City) are among the strongest and most experienced teams in the FA Cup,… Continue reading TRW coach Elavarasan warns KL City will be tough FA Cup opponents

JOHOR DARUL TA’ZIM (JDT) head coach Xisco Muñoz stressed the need for defensive improvement despite his side’s 5-3 win over Negeri Sembilan FC. The match, held at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium, saw JDT triumph in a high-scoring Malaysia Super League encounter. Muñoz admitted his team started slowly, allowing early transitions that led to defensive lapses. “Today… Continue reading JDT coach Muñoz demands defensive improvement after 5-3 win

NEGERI SEMBILAN FC head coach Mohd Nidzam Jamil found encouragement in his team’s performance despite a 3-5 defeat to Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) in the Super League. He praised his players for their strong commitment during the match at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium. However, he acknowledged JDT’s superior strength and tactical discipline as key factors in… Continue reading Negeri Sembilan coach reflects on JDT defeat with optimism

JOHOR DARUL TA’ZIM (JDT) striker Bergson da Silva made history by matching Indra Putra Mahayuddin’s record as the all-time top scorer in the Malaysian Super League with 106 goals. His decisive extra-time strike sealed a thrilling 5-3 comeback victory over Negeri Sembilan FC at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium. Negeri Sembilan stunned the defending champions early… Continue reading Bergson matches Indra Putra’s record in JDT’s thrilling 5-3 win

KUALA LUMPUR: The Sepang International Circuit (SIC) is maintaining its target of attracting 200,000 spectators to watch the World Motorcycle Championship (MotoGP) over three days at the 2025 Malaysian Grand Prix (GP) on Oct 24-26. SIC Chief Executive Officer Azhan Shafriman Hanif said the company was aware of the high target compared to the previous… Continue reading 2025 Malaysia MotoGP: SIC targeting 200,000 spectators

EUROPEAN champions Paris Saint-Germain said on Tuesday they have signed Ukrainian centre-back Illia Zabarnyi from Premier League club Bournemouth. British media reports said the deal was worth around £57 million ($76.7 million, 66 million euros). “Paris Saint-Germain are excited to welcome Illia Zabarnyi,“ PSG said in a statement, adding he would be the first Ukrainian… Continue reading PSG sign Ukrainian defender Illia Zabarnyi from Bournemouth

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR manager Thomas Frank expressed confidence his team will be competitive in their UEFA Super Cup clash against Paris Saint-Germain. The match marks Frank’s first official game in charge after replacing Ange Postecoglou, who was sacked despite winning the Europa League last season. Frank acknowledged PSG’s strong form after their dominant Champions League triumph… Continue reading Frank confident Spurs will challenge PSG in Super Cup clash

DIOGO JOTA revealed the emotional meaning behind his last Liverpool goal in a touching interview before his death in a car crash. Jota and his brother Andre Silva died when their Lamborghini went off the road in the accident in northern Spain on July 3. The Portugal forward was on his way back to England… Continue reading Last Liverpool goal had special meaning for Jota

LONDON: Red Bull further extended their interests in sport on Tuesday by investing in rugby union for the first time by taking over English top-flight strugglers Newcastle. The Austria-based energy drinks company already has significant interests in football, motor racing and winter sports. The club will now be known as Newcastle Red Bulls. Oliver Mintzlaff,… Continue reading Red Bull buy English rugby strugglers Newcastle

PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN coach Luis Enrique on Tuesday defended his decision to freeze out Gianluigi Donnarumma ahead of the new season, insisting he needed a goalkeeper with a “different” profile. Donnarumma appears set to move after PSG signed Lucas Chevalier from Lille, before Luis Enrique left the Italian out of his squad for Wednesday’s UEFA Super… Continue reading PSG coach Luis Enrique wants ‘different profile’ to Donnarumma

GERMANY international defender Malick Thiaw on Tuesday completed a permanent move to Premier League club Newcastle from AC Milan. The 24-year-old centre-back agreed a long-term deal for an undisclosed fee reported to be worth an initial 35 million euros ($40 million). “I’m really excited to join this massive club. I can’t wait to start training… Continue reading Newcastle sign Germany defender Thiaw from AC Milan

PARIS ST GERMAIN have omitted goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma from their squad for the UEFA Super Cup clash against Tottenham Hotspur. Reports suggest the Italy international could be leaving the French champions amid ongoing transfer speculation. Donnarumma played a crucial role in PSG’s Ligue 1 and Champions League triumphs last season. The 26-year-old has won three… Continue reading PSG exclude Donnarumma from UEFA Super Cup squad amid transfer rumours

CRYSTAL PALACE are exploring legal options after losing their appeal against UEFA’s decision to demote them from the Europa League to the Conference League. The Court of Arbitration for Sport upheld UEFA’s ruling, which stemmed from a multi-club ownership breach involving Eagle Football Group. At the time of assessment, Eagle Football Group held majority ownership… Continue reading Crystal Palace consider legal action after Europa League demotion upheld

UDINE: Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank confirmed midfielder Yves Bissouma has been excluded from the squad for Wednesday’s Super Cup match against Paris St Germain. The decision follows repeated instances of lateness by the Ivory Coast international. Frank stated, “Bissouma has been late several times and now this time, it was one too many.” He… Continue reading Bissouma dropped from Spurs’ Super Cup squad for lateness

GIANLUIGI DONNARUMMA has confirmed his imminent exit from Paris St Germain after being excluded from the squad by manager Luis Enrique. The Italian goalkeeper was left out of PSG’s Super Cup line-up, signalling the end of his time at the club. Donnarumma played a key role in PSG’s historic treble-winning campaign last season, including their… Continue reading Donnarumma confirms PSG exit after Super Cup snub by Luis Enrique

ENGLAND midfielder Jack Grealish joined Everton on a season-long loan from Manchester City on Tuesday as he seeks to restart his stalled international career. The deal was announced by both clubs, without financial details. City paid Aston Villa 100 million pounds ($135.08 million) for the player, now 29, in 2021 but he fell out of… Continue reading Everton sign Grealish on season-long loan

THE funding dispute involving Malaysia Pro Cycling and Terengganu Cycling Team for the national highway squad at the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand is set to be resolved this week. National Sports Council director-general Jefri Ngadirin confirmed ongoing negotiations with the Malaysian National Cycling Federation regarding financial support. “We agreed to include them under Category… Continue reading Funding for national highway cycling squad to be finalised this week

NATIONAL sprinter Muhammad Azeem Fahmi remains a crucial asset for Malaysia’s athletics squad ahead of the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand. National head coach Manshahar Abd Jalil confirmed the Perak-born athlete is listed for the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m events. A final decision on his participation will be made after discussions between Muhammad Azeem and… Continue reading Muhammad Azeem key for Malaysia athletics in 2025 SEA Games

THE Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) will finalise its squad for the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand within the next week. The announcement will come before the national team departs for the 2025 World Championships in Paris, scheduled from August 25 to 31. BAM doubles coaching director Rexy Mainaky stated that discussions with all doubles… Continue reading BAM to finalise SEA Games badminton squad by next week

ITALIAN orienteering athlete Mattia Debertolis died on Tuesday at the World Games in Chengdu, China after collapsing during competition, organisers said. Debertolis, 29, was found unconscious during an orienteering event on August 8 and died four days later, said a joint statement from World Games organisers and the International Orienteering Federation (IOF). The World Games… Continue reading Italian athlete dies at World Games in China

LIVERPOOL begin their bid for a record 21st English title on Friday, with Arne Slot’s revamped side installed as favourites to retain the Premier League crown. Arsenal and Manchester City are the main contenders to end Liverpool’s reign, while Chelsea and Manchester United have questions to answer. AFP Sport looks at five talking points ahead… Continue reading Five Premier League talking points

THE Spanish football federation (RFEF) announced the relocation of the La Liga match between Villarreal and Barcelona to Miami. The game, originally scheduled for December in Spain, will now take place at Hard Rock Stadium on Saturday, December 20. This marks the first time a regular-season match from one of Europe’s top domestic leagues could… Continue reading Barcelona vs Villarreal La Liga match moved to Miami by RFEF

KUALA LUMPUR: Defending champions Malaysia will send the country’s second-largest contingent to the Southeast Asian (SEA) Deaf Games 2025 in Jakarta, from Aug 20 to 26, with the mission of winning 16 gold medals and retaining the title clinched at the inaugural edition in Kuala Lumpur in 2022. Malaysian Deaf Sports Association (MSDeaf) president Ong… Continue reading Sea Deaf Games 2025: Malaysia target 16 gold medals in Jakarta

KUALA LUMPUR: A man died after suffering breathing difficulties while participating in a 50-kilometre cycling event along the East Klang Valley Expressway (EKVE) yesterday. Kajang district police chief ACP Naazron Abdul Yusof said the man, 27, fell on the road at Kilometre 13 and lost consciousness due to breathing difficulties. “First aid was provided at… Continue reading Man dies during cycling event along EKVE

MUMBAI: India captain Harmanpreet Kaur on Monday said the team was determined to break the “final barrier” and lift their first Women’s World Cup cricket title this year after missing out twice previously. The 13th edition of the women’s showpiece 50-over tournament will begin on September 30, with co-hosts India set to face Sri Lanka… Continue reading India look to break ‘final barrier’ in Women’s World Cup

TOKYO: Japanese football has paid tribute to Kunishige Kamamoto after the country’s most prolific striker died aged 81. Kamamoto, who scored 75 goals in 76 appearances for Japan, died on Sunday of pneumonia. “Mr. Kamamoto was truly an unparalleled striker,“ Japan Football Association president Tsuneyasu Miyamoto said in a statement. The Kyoto native is best… Continue reading Tributes to legendary Japan striker hailed by Pele

LONDON: Donald Trump congratulated Grant Forrest on his “brilliant golf” after a four-shot win Sunday in a Scottish Championship tournament played on a course owned by the President of the United States. It was the second time Forrest, a 32-year-old Scot, had enjoyed a professional title success on home soil, with his victory on the… Continue reading Course owner Trump hails Forrest’s ‘brilliant’ Scottish Championship win

NATIONAL wushu athlete Tan Cheong Min has described her World Games gold medal as an early National Day gift for Malaysia. She secured the victory last Saturday, marking a historic moment as wushu debuted as an official event at the World Games. “This gold medal is not just for me. It is for Malaysia and… Continue reading Tan Cheong Min dedicates World Games gold as National Day gift

GERMAN third seed Alexander Zverev delivered a commanding performance to defeat American Nishesh Basavareddy 6-3 6-3 in the Cincinnati Open second round. Zverev, the 2021 champion, did not face a single break point and sealed the match with one of his 12 aces. The German will next meet American Brandon Nakashima in the third round.… Continue reading Zverev dominates in Cincinnati Open, Shelton advances after injury

RISING NASCAR star Connor Zilisch broke his collarbone in a dramatic fall during post-race celebrations. The 19-year-old had just won his sixth race of the season in NASCAR’s second-tier Xfinity Series. Zilisch climbed onto the roof of his Chevrolet to celebrate but slipped from the window netting. He fell onto the pavement at Victory Lane… Continue reading NASCAR star Connor Zilisch breaks collarbone in victory celebration fall

MALAYSIA’s Under-20 women’s team claimed their first victory in the 2026 AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers with a 2-0 win over Guam. The match took place at the Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium in Cheras. This win helped ease the disappointment of earlier losses to Iran and Japan. Kaseh Carmilla broke the deadlock in the… Continue reading Malaysia U-20 women’s team beats Guam 2-0 in Asian Cup qualifiers