SportsCatch

Manchester City financial charges verdict expected within weeks, sources claim

An independent commission is expected to publish its ruling on Manchester City's alleged Premier League financial rule breaches within weeks, according to reports. The club have denied all charges since being formally charged in February 2023.

Football May 27

Charlie Cale returns to Brumbies starting XV for Super Rugby Pacific regular-season finale

Flanker Charlie Cale is back in the Brumbies' starting lineup for their round 16 clash with Moana Pasifika after missing seven weeks with a shoulder injury. The return gives the Brumbies their first fully fit Wallabies contingent of the season at a critical moment, with a home qualifying final still within reach.

Rugby May 27

Scott Barrett to undergo back surgery with 3-5 month recovery ahead

All Blacks captain Scott Barrett will have back surgery by the end of this week after non-invasive treatment failed, the Crusaders confirmed. The lock faces a 3-5 month recovery, ruling him out of Super Rugby Pacific's playoffs and threatening his availability for the Bledisloe Cup Tests.

Rugby May 27

Sevu Reece reaches 100 Crusaders appearances as side targets home playoff against Blues

Sevu Reece will earn his 100th Crusaders cap when the side host the Hurricanes at One New Zealand Stadium, with a top-three finish and a home playoff berth against the Blues on the line.

Rugby May 27

Oudenryn set for Super Rugby debut as Blues lose Barrett, Tuipulotu and Slater to injury

Vern Cotter has named his Blues squad for their Round 16 trip to Hamilton with three regular starters ruled out through injury, but Development Player of the Year Eli Oudenryn is in line for his Super Rugby debut off the bench.

Rugby May 27

Donaldson and Bridge return as Western Force close Super Rugby Pacific season against Waratahs

Western Force welcome back fly-half Ben Donaldson and centre George Bridge for their final Super Rugby Pacific round-robin match against the NSW Waratahs. The only other selection news is flanker Carlo Tizzano's chance to set a new club try-scoring record.

Rugby May 27

Nasser targets HSBC SVNS title and 2028 gold to honour women's rugby pioneers

Australia Sevens co-captain Isabella Nasser says the 2016 Olympic gold medal triumph inspired her to take up rugby, and she is now chasing a Championship win in Valladolid and Bordeaux before setting her sights on Los Angeles 2028 and a potential 15s debut ahead of the 2029 home World Cup.

Rugby May 27

Pochettino defends emailed World Cup squad notifications as Donovan calls for phone calls

US Men's National Team head coach Mauricio Pochettino defended his decision to notify players of their World Cup squad status via an emailed video, arguing direct calls would only serve his own conscience. USMNT legend Landon Donovan said he understood the logic but would still have preferred a personal phone call.

Football May 27

Guehi urges England to take collective responsibility ahead of USA World Cup

Marc Guehi has called on England's players to lead their own belief ahead of the World Cup in the United States, drawing on lessons from his breakout tournament at Euro 2024 in Germany, where he overcame a knee injury to become one of the squad's standout performers.

Football May 27

Crystal Palace's Conference League final referee draws criticism from Spanish football figures

Italian official Maurizio Mariani will take charge of Crystal Palace's Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano in Leipzig on May 27. The 44-year-old has previously drawn sharp criticism from Spanish media over his handling of Real Madrid's Champions League matches.

Football May 27

United closing in on Tonali and Ederson in £129m double midfield move

Manchester United are reportedly confident of signing Newcastle's Sandro Tonali for £86m and Atalanta's Ederson for £43m, with a verbal agreement said to be in place with the Brazilian midfielder on a five-year deal.

Football May 27

Murphy names Luis Enrique as ideal Slot replacement as Alisson nears Liverpool extension

Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy has warned Arne Slot that a poor start to next season could cost him his job, while naming PSG boss Luis Enrique as his preferred successor. Separately, transfer insider Fabrizio Romano reports that Alisson Becker is in talks to extend his contract beyond its current expiry.

Football May 27

Fernandes spotted in lengthy chat with Brighton's Baleba as Ugarte eyes United exit

Bruno Fernandes held an extended conversation with Carlos Baleba after United's match at Brighton, fuelling transfer speculation. Meanwhile, Manuel Ugarte has admitted he is open to leaving Old Trafford after a difficult debut season.

Football May 27

Nine Manchester United academy players set to feature in pre-season friendlies

With senior internationals away at the North American World Cup, Manchester United manager Michael Carrick is expected to hand several academy prospects extended minutes during pre-season this summer, following encouraging cameos from Shea Lacey and Tyler Fletcher on the final day of the season.

Football May 27

Atalanta midfielder Ederson verbally agrees terms with Manchester United as Casemiro replacement

Manchester United have made signing Atalanta's Ederson their top transfer priority this summer, with the 26-year-old reportedly reaching a verbal agreement with the club and pausing talks with other suitors. Atalanta value the combative midfielder at around £38.3 million.

Football May 27

Guehi says Guardiola left his head 'spinning' and completely changed his game at City

Marc Guehi has opened up on the profound impact Pep Guardiola had on him during their brief time together at Manchester City, saying the Spaniard's methods transformed his game and left him processing new information every day.

Football May 27

Manchester City back Maresca's fresh start by clearing out Guardiola's backroom staff

Five members of Pep Guardiola's backroom staff have left Manchester City, with the club allowing incoming manager Enzo Maresca to build his own team — a move that aligns with Guardiola's own advice to his successor.

Football May 27

Lijnders leaves Man City after one year to prioritise family over new role

Pep Lijnders has explained his decision to depart Manchester City following Pep Guardiola's exit, turning down an offer to stay on under the new manager or take a head coaching role within the City Football Group in order to settle his family.

Football May 27

Liverpool goalkeeper Mamardashvili fined and handed six points for using phone while driving on M6

Giorgi Mamardashvili was convicted of using a handheld mobile phone while driving after a Cheshire Police officer spotted the Liverpool goalkeeper watching a video on his phone at motorway speed on 27 January. He was fined £440 and received six penalty points at Warrington Combined Court.

Football May 27

Madueke embraces Saka rivalry ahead of Arsenal's Champions League final against PSG

Noni Madueke has spoken candidly about his relationship with Bukayo Saka, acknowledging the two compete for the same spot at both Arsenal and England. The Chelsea-turned-Arsenal winger is likely to feature from the bench when the Gunners face PSG in Saturday's Champions League final.

Football May 27