-
Nuclear talks with Saudi Arabia reportedly could permit domestic enrichment
Reports indicate that US–Saudi nuclear talks could include permission for Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium domestically, a sensitive capability because it can support civilian nuclear power but may also be used in producing weapons-grade material. Any such agreement would therefore carry major implications for regional security, non-proliferation policy and Washington’s relationship with Riyadh. The article…
-
New faces, gulfs in class and flawed drama: how 48 teams changed the World Cup
The first World Cup to feature 48 teams, won by Spain after 104 matches over five-and-a-half weeks in North America, delivered a mixed verdict on Fifa’s decision to expand the tournament from 32 nations. Gianni Infantino pushed the change to make the competition more global, and debutants such as Cape Verde and Curaçao provided memorable…
-
A tournament that crossed borders: crunching the numbers on the diaspora World Cup
Diaspora players have never had a bigger impact on the World Cup than at this year’s tournament, with nearly a quarter of all squad members representing a country different from the one they were born in. The trend, highlighted by France’s Michael Olise, who broke Pelé’s assist record while playing for one of four nations…
-
Putellas, Batlle and León are gone: what will be left of Barcelona after latest exodus?
Barcelona’s Champions League-winning women’s team is undergoing a second consecutive summer of major departures, with seven players leaving the squad and only one new signing arriving so far. The exodus is being driven by the financial fair play problems affecting Barcelona’s men’s team, which are having knock-on effects across the whole club, leaving the reigning…
-
Manchester City tie down Phil Foden with new deal to 2030
Phil Foden has signed a new four-year contract with Manchester City, extending his stay to 2030 with an additional 12-month option, a deal that reflects the club’s and new head coach Enzo Maresca’s confidence that the 26-year-old can rediscover his best form. Foden, who joined City’s academy at eight and has never played for another…
-
Tom Brady’s potential WWE storyline with Logan Paul receives support from fellow NFL legend
Tom Brady’s rumoured involvement in a WWE storyline with Logan Paul has been the subject of speculation and debate in recent days, following an on-stage incident in which Brady appeared to strike Paul. NFL Hall of Famer Drew Brees has now publicly backed the idea, giving the prospective feud added credibility among Brady’s peers and…
-
Trump administration says 15 agencies will get $5bn in ‘AI for science’ effort
The Trump administration has unveiled a $5bn “AI for science” initiative involving 15 federal agencies, aiming to use artificial intelligence to tackle long-standing scientific challenges such as identifying the root causes of chronic diseases, speeding up drug discovery and developing more durable building materials. The scheme, announced on Wednesday, matters because it signals a significant…
-
Footballer’s brother, two, dies after distraught parents find him unresponsive in Spanish holiday villa swimming pool
A two-year-old boy, the younger brother of a professional footballer, has died after being found unresponsive in a swimming pool at a holiday villa in Spain by his parents. The tragedy occurred during what was meant to be a family holiday, and the child was unable to be revived despite emergency efforts, according to reports.…
-
Liverpool issue bans as £1.2m seized from ticket touts
Liverpool Football Club has issued more than 400 lifetime bans and 115 indefinite suspensions after working with Merseyside Police to seize over £1.2m in assets linked to organised ticket touting. The joint operation targeted the laundering of criminal proceeds from illicit ticket sales, reflecting the club’s ongoing crackdown on touting both online and inside the…
-
‘Would Beckham do it?’ – Fury stands by Thailand fight
Tyson Fury has defended his decision to fight Mariusz Wach in front of just 1,500 fans in Pattaya, Thailand, this Friday, arguing that modern sports stars overestimate their own importance by chasing bigger, more lucrative events. The 37-year-old former heavyweight world champion turned down the chance to earn considerably more money elsewhere to stage the…