-
Jaissle starts with win but not planning to ‘smash locker room’
Newcastle United’s new head coach Matthias Jaissle oversaw a 2-1 pre-season friendly win over Valencia at the Mestalla Stadium, his first match in charge, but was quick to temper expectations despite the trophy. He said the club would not “smash the locker room” in celebration, stressing there was still plenty to work on, particularly after…
-
Fifa rallies behind Infantino as severance payment questions grow
Fifa has issued a statement rallying behind president Gianni Infantino as scrutiny grew over a severance payment made by Uefa to a female employee during his tenure as the governing body’s general secretary. Rather than addressing the specifics of the payment, Fifa characterised the media coverage and criticism as part of a deliberate campaign to…
-
Simpson avenges only loss in Williamson rematch
Callum Simpson reclaims the British and Commonwealth super-middleweight titles as he earns a unanimous decision in his rematch with Troy Williamson.
-
Footballers’ wives tell all to scientists for first ‘Wag-ademic’ study into how they REALLY live – from drunk husbands and predatory women to deepfake porn and light-fingered nannies
A new academic study, dubbed “Wag-ademic” research, has for the first time surveyed footballers’ wives and girlfriends (WAGs) directly to examine the realities of their lives, moving beyond tabloid stereotypes. Researchers gathered first-hand accounts covering issues such as husbands’ drinking habits, women pursuing their partners, deepfake pornography being created of them, and nannies stealing from…
-
Fifa launches new attack on media over alleged ‘concerted effort’ to undermine Gianni Infantino
Fifa has issued a fresh statement defending president Gianni Infantino, alleging a “concerted and ongoing effort by some to undermine Fifa and its president” amid growing scrutiny of his leadership. The statement came after Uefa confirmed on Saturday that a “departure payment” was made to a female employee allegedly linked romantically to Infantino during his…
-
USA Volleyball suggests changes coming to sex testing, while junior families raise male athlete concerns
USA Volleyball has indicated it may revise its policy on genetic sex testing, a move aimed at safeguarding the integrity of the women’s competitive category amid ongoing debate over transgender participation in women’s sports. The suggestion comes as several female players in USA Volleyball-sanctioned junior leagues, along with their families, have publicly raised concerns about…
-
Fifa criticises campaign to oust president Infantino
Fifa has strongly criticised what it describes as a “concerted and ongoing effort” to undermine the organisation and its president, Gianni Infantino, following a Daily Telegraph report alleging that Infantino’s alleged lover received a severance payment from Uefa after an affair while he was its general secretary. The row comes as Infantino faces mounting pressure…
-
Ulster ‘need to execute more’ after Connacht loss – Tuite
Ulster suffered a narrow 15-10 defeat by Connacht in the opening round of the Women’s Interprovincial Championship, with second row Fiona Tuite saying her side “need to execute more” despite a spirited performance. The teams were level at half-time, but a strong second-half showing from Connacht proved decisive, denying Ulster a winning start to the…
-
Wissa & Toure star as Jaissle wins first Newcastle friendly – ratings
Newcastle United won 2-1 away at Valencia in Matthias Jaissle’s first pre-season friendly as head coach, with substitute Yoane Wissa scoring twice to turn the match around. Valencia’s Filip Ugrinic had given the hosts an early lead with a curling strike, and Valencia captain Jose Gaya was later sent off for a poor challenge on…
-
Barca make second bid for Rodri – Sunday’s gossip
Barcelona have increased their bid for Manchester City midfielder Rodri to £51.4m, while Tottenham defender Cristian Romero reportedly wants to join Arsenal despite Spurs’ reluctance to sell to a direct rival. The gossip also points to several significant prospective moves across the Premier League and Europe, including Nottingham Forest’s expected signing of Sporting defender Ousmane…