Press conference

Webb warns Balogun red card controversy will fuel Premier League conspiracy theories

Premier League referees chief Howard Webb says the Folarin Balogun red card saga — in which Donald Trump intervened with Fifa to delay a World Cup suspension — has made officials' jobs harder by giving conspiracy theorists fresh ammunition heading into the new season.

Genesio defends Balerdi after being booed before season even starts

Two days before the opening match against Strasbourg, Bruno Genesio defended Leonardo Balerdi, who was targeted by whistles during a friendly match, and called on Marseille supporters to back their players.

Mourinho blown away by Mbappé ahead of Liga kickoff

Back two days early and scoring within six minutes against Schalke 04, Kylian Mbappé impressed José Mourinho in training. The Portuguese manager describes him as "a player of stratospheric level".

Raphinha handed Barcelona's interim captaincy as Flick awaits settled squad

Hansi Flick has named Raphinha as Barcelona's provisional captain for the 2026-27 season, with Eric Garcia and Pedri completing a temporary leadership trio. A formal squad vote will follow once the transfer window closes.

Infantino at FIFA: Molina maintains that Diallo secretly supports the president

Journalist Romain Molina reiterates his accusations against Philippe Diallo, president of the French Football Federation, claiming he secretly supports Gianni Infantino's re-election despite publicly opposing it, contradicting Daniel Riolo's reporting.

Kirwan accuses Erasmus of orchestrating 'conspiracy' to lull All Blacks before Test series

Former All Blacks wing John Kirwan believes Rassie Erasmus instructed South Africa's provincial sides to avoid playing Springbok-style rugby against New Zealand, deliberately creating a false sense of security ahead of Saturday's first Test at Ellis Park.

Rennie names three Springbok metrics that make them the world's deadliest team

All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie has identified the three statistical areas where the Springboks lead the world, warning his squad that discipline and accuracy inside their own 22 will be critical in the upcoming four-Test series.

Marx warns Springboks not to rely on record All Blacks rout ahead of Ellis Park showdown

World Rugby player of the year Malcolm Marx has urged South Africa to set aside last year's 43-10 demolition of New Zealand, insisting the Springboks cannot lean on that result as they prepare to host a resurgent All Blacks side at Ellis Park on Saturday.

Dalot predicts Manchester United are building 'something special' under Carrick

Diogo Dalot has expressed confidence that Michael Carrick is constructing a trophy-contending squad at Old Trafford, with United set to open their Premier League campaign against Hull at the MKM Stadium on Saturday.

Zidane reveals his first France squad on September 17 for the Nations League

Appointed as France manager to replace Didier Deschamps, Zinédine Zidane will announce his first squad on September 17, 2026, before a training camp at Clairefontaine and two away matches against Turkey and Belgium.

BBC fear Match of the Day pundit exodus as clashes emerge ahead of new Premier League season

Prates denies ducking Morales and predicts first-round knockout if UFC makes the fight

UFC welterweight Carlos Prates has dismissed claims he is avoiding Michael Morales, insisting he would knock the Ecuadorian out in the first round — but only after he gets his shot at Islam Makhachev's title first.

Tsarukyan says UFC hasn't made him a star yet — but the title will change that

Arman Tsarukyan has claimed the UFC deserves little credit for his rising profile, arguing he built his own name through social media and outside ventures. The Armenian lightweight faces Mauricio Ruffy in the UFC 331 co-main event on Sept. 19.

Dana White confirms Chimaev is in UFC 333 conversation but no bout finalised

Dana White says Khamzat Chimaev is being considered for UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi on October 24, but no fight has been booked. Chimaev, who suffered the first loss of his career against Sean Strickland earlier this year, has been publicly calling for a rematch.

Barthez Without Diploma in Zidane's Staff: Situation Deemed 'Abnormal'

Appointed goalkeeper coach of the France national team under Zinédine Zidane, Fabien Barthez has not yet obtained his Football Coach Diploma. However, sports regulations allow his presence, as the 1998 World Cup champion is currently undergoing training.

Dana White dismisses Eddie Hearn as Fury-Joshua talks circle Madison Square Garden

UFC CEO Dana White has publicly distanced himself from Tyson Fury-Anthony Joshua negotiations, taking a pointed swipe at promoter Eddie Hearn after reports emerged that the heavyweight bout could take place on 20 November at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Rennie reveals Erasmus blocked pre-match referee meeting ahead of Springboks clash

All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie has confirmed there will be no pre-match meeting with officials before the Test against South Africa, after Rassie Erasmus declined the joint invitation under new World Rugby protocols.

Iraola's high-press system risks worsening Liverpool's stoppage-time collapse problem

Andoni Iraola's energy-intensive pressing style at Liverpool may compound the club's worst-ever Premier League record for late defeats, with five stoppage-time losses last season and pre-season results already showing familiar late collapses.

Springboks assistant Jones flags All Blacks' illegal breakdown and maul acts ahead of first Test

Springboks assistant coach Felix Jones has publicly called out two specific All Blacks infringements — tucked shoulders at the breakdown and leg-pulling at the maul — after gathering feedback from South African franchises who faced New Zealand in the Greatest Rivalry series.

Holloway fires back at 'cowards hiding behind' Makhachev's Instagram after belt jab

Max Holloway has hit back at whoever manages Islam Makhachev's social media after a post mocked his comment about Makhachev carrying two UFC belts at UFC 330 in Philadelphia. Holloway, holding his own UFC and BMF titles on a live stream, insisted he knows exactly how heavy championship belts feel.