Dana White has a unique insight into the Floyd Mayweather vs Manny Pacquiao rematch announced for September this year. The two boxing icons face off 11 years on from their first encounter, which Mayweather won via unanimous decision, both now within touching distance of 50. Though many fans doubt the level of the action warrants […]

The post Dana White: Mayweather and Pacquiao event ‘in for a big surprise’ appeared first on Boxing News.

Conor Benn is set to make his Zuffa Boxing debut against Regis Prograis next month and now Josh Taylor, who famously defeated the latter, has weighed in on the contest. Taylor trumped Prograis by majority decision when the then-undefeated duo collided in a super-lightweight world title unification at the O2 Arena back in 2019, on […]

The post Josh Taylor predicts ex rival Regis Prograis vs Conor Benn: “He’ll have problems” appeared first on Boxing News.

Beşikaş'ın mevcut kadrosunda bulunan ve asıl yerleri kanat olan futbolcular, beklenen skor katkısını veremedi. Yaz döneminde hem sağa hem de sola transfer gerekiyor...

Beşiktaş'ta asıl yerleri kanat olan oyuncuların, sahaya çıktıkları son 10 Süper Lig karşılaşmasındaki skor katkıları şöyle sıralanıyor:

Cengiz Ünder: 1 gol, 1 asist

Jota Silva: 1 gol, 1 asist

Milot Rashica: 1 gol, 2 asist

Vaclav Cerny: 3 gol, 2 asist

Bu rakamlar kesinlikle yeterli değil...

OPERASYON ŞART

Cengiz Ünder ve Jota Silva, kiralık isimler... Rashica'ya iyi bir teklif gelmesi halinde sezon sonunda satılacak. Vaclav Cerny'nin ise özel hayatında bazı sorunları olduğu konuşuluyor. Beşiktaş, 2026 yazında hem sağ hem de sol kanada takviye yapmak zorunda...

KENARLAR ÇOK ÖNEMLİ

Sadece ligimizde değil, herhangi bir organizasyonda şampiyonluk isteyen takımların kanat rotasyonları güçlü olmalı... Günümüz futbolunda kanat oyuncularının önemi daha da arttı. Eğer kenarlardan rakibin üzerine etkili bir şekilde gidilemezse, uzun vadede başarı pek mümkün gözükmüyor.

Real Madrid'de sürekli oyundan çıkarıldığı için takımdan ayrılmak istediği konuşulan Arda Güler, sürpriz bir gelişmeyle karşılaşabilir. Şu anda Madrid Yönetimi, yeni hoca için en büyük adayını belirledi.

Salzburger Nachrichten’in haberine göre; Jürgen Klopp, Red Bull yöneticileriyle anlaşmazlık yaşıyor. Global Direktörlük yapan Alman çalıştırıcı, bu yaz teknik direktörlük kariyerine geri dönebilir. Ancak tekrar Liverpool'un başına geçmesi beklenmiyor...

EN CİDDİ DURAK

Real Madrid şu andaki en ciddi durak olarak görünüyor. İspanyol ekibinin yönetimi, Jürgen Klopp'u görev için en uygun isim olarak değerlendiriyor. Taraflar arasındaki resmi görüşmelerin kısa süre içinde başlayacağı belirtildi. Yani Madrid'de işler değişecek gibi duruyor.

YENİ BİR DÖNEM

Dünya devinde forma giyen milli oyuncumuz Arda Güler ise takımda bazı sorunlar yaşıyordu. Arda sürekli oyundan çıkarıldığı için tepkiliydi. Hatta yaz döneminde ayrılmak istediği de konuşuluyordu. Eğer Jürgen Klopp'la anlaşma sağlanırsa, Arda için de yeni bir dönem başlayabilir.

Galatasaray, Borussia Dortmund'la mukavelesi sezon sonunda bitecek olan Julian Brandt'la ilgileniyordu. Ancak devreye Premier Lig ekibi Aston Villa girdi.

Galatasaray, Mertens sonrasında 10 numara bölgesinde sorun yaşıyor... Esas yerleri olmamasına rağmen farklı isimler bu mevkide forma giydi. Sarı-Kırmızılılar bu sebeple yaz döneminde kadrosuna kaliteli bir 10 numara katmak istiyor. Listedeki isimlerden biri de Borussia Dortmundlu Julian Brandt olarak gözüküyordu.

İLK TEMAS KURULDU

29 yaşındaki Alman futbolcuyla çeşitli görüşmeler yapılmıştı. Fakat devreye son olarak Premier Lig temsilcisi Aston Villa girdi. Onlar da tıpkı Galatasaray gibi oyuncu cephesiyle anlaşıp, bedelsiz olarak imza attırmayı hedefliyor. İlk temaslar da kuruldu...

İPLER TAMAMEN KOPTU

Julian Brandt ve Borussia Dortmund arasındaki ipler tamamen koptu. 1.85 boyundaki futbolcu kesin olarak ayrılacak. Galatasaray'ın şartları zorlayacağı belirtildi. Ancak Premier Lig artısıyla birlikte Aston Villa'nın, Aslan'a ciddi şekilde sorun çıkarması bekleniyor.

Süper Lig'de son haftalarda hakem hataları nedeniyle takımlardan üst üste şikayetler gelmişti. Türkiye Futbol Federasyonu konu hakkındaki sessizliğini bozdu.

Süper Lig'de son haftalarda yaşanan hakem hatalarıyla ilgili olarak Türkiye Futbol Federasyonu'ndan (TFF) bir açıklama geldi. Türkiye Futbol Federasyonu Başkan Vekili Mecnun Otyakmaz, HT Spor'a açıklama yaparak hakem hatalarının yaşandığının farkında olduklarını söyledi.

Mecnun Otyakmaz'ın açıklamaları şöyle:

-Hakemlerin iki haftadır hata yaptığını biz de görüyoruz. Bunu kabul ediyoruz. Ama sağ olsun futbolcular, yöneticiler, taraftarlar ve basın, kendilerine o kadar yardımcı oluyor ki… Darbe almayan oyuncu, darbe almış gibi kendini yere atıyor. Herkesten ricam, onlara destek olalım, yardım edelim. Hakemlerle hafta içi eğitim için toplanacak. Bu olağanüstü bir durum değil; olağan bir toplantı.

Ara transfer döneminde Fenerbahçe'den Rennes Kulübü'ne giden Sebastian Szymanski, Ligue 1'de kısa süre içinde Süper Lig istatistiğinin üzerine çıktı.

Sebastian Szymanski, Fenerbahçe'de çok uzun süre tartışılan isimlerden biriydi... Polonyalı futbolcu, ara transfer döneminde 9.5 milyon euro karşılığında Ligue 1 ekibi Rennes'e satıldı. 26 yaşındaki orta sahayla, 30 Haziran 2029 tarihine kadar mukavele yapıldı.

RAKAMLAR ORTADA

Sebastian Szymanski bu sezon Fenerbahçe formasıyla 14 Süper Lig maçına çıkmıştı. Sahada 440 dakika kalan Polonyalı oyuncu, 1 gol ve 1 asist üretti. 1.74 boyundaki futbolcu, Rennes ile 7 Ligue 1 sınavında boy gösterdi. Toplam 381 dakika oynadı. 1 gol ve 2 asistle, Fenerbahçe dönemini geçti.

GALATASARAY KONUSU

Szymanski, 2023 yazında Dinamo Moskova'dan Fenerbahçe'ye transfer olmuştu. Rus ekibine bonuslarla birlikte 10.7 milyon euro ödendi. Polonyalı oyuncu, Sarı-Lacivertli ekibe imza attığı dönemde Galatasaray'ın da listesindeydi. Hatta o dönemlerde Fenerbahçe'nin, Sebastian Szymanski'yi Galatasaray'ın elinden aldığı söylenmişti.

Fenerbahçe savunmasının en önemli ismi hiç şüphesiz Milan Skriniar... Kanarya, 31 yaşındaki futbolcunun yokluğunda kalesini kapatamadı.

Sakatlığı devam eden Milan Skriniar'ın yokluğu Fenerbahçe'yi çok ciddi şekilde etkiliyor. Normal şartlarda tecrübeli stoperin nisan başına kadar sahaya çıkması beklenmiyor. Ancak tedaviye iyi yanıt verirse daha erken bir tarihte dönebilir. Skriniar mumla aranıyor...

BİRİNDE CEZALIYDI

1.88 boyundaki futbolcu, son dönemlerde takım arkadaşlarını mecburen yalnız bıraktı. Skriniar'sız her maçta gol yendi:

Gençlerbirliği: 3-1 (cezalı)

Kasımpaşa: 1-1 (sakat)

Antalyaspor: 2-2 (sakat)

Samsunspor: 3-2 (sakat)

Ayrıca Teknik Direktör Tedesco'nun tek sıkıntısı da Skriniar değil.

BÖLGELER KARIŞTI

Defans hattında fazlasıyla sakatlık görüldü. Bu sebeple bölgeler arasında kaydırmalar yapıldı. Yaşanan süreçten sadece Fenerbahçe'nin savunması etkilenmedi. Orta saha kurgusu da mecburen değişti. Rakiplerin ortalarla birçok gol bulması da sorunu iyice açığa çıkardı.

Burak Yılmaz yönetimindeki Gaziantep FK, ligde 4 maçtır kazanamıyor.

Trendyol Süper Lig'in 25. haftasında sahasında Mısırlı.com.tr Fatih Karagümrük ile 1-1 berabere kalan Gaziantep FK'nin ligdeki galibiyet hasreti 4 maça çıktı.

Ligin 21. haftasında sahasında Kasımpaşa'yı 2-1 mağlup eden Güneydoğu temsilcisi, ardından oynadığı Kocaelispor maçını 3-0, Trabzonspor karşılaşmasını ise 2-1 kaybetti.

Samsunspor ile geçen hafta deplasmanda golsüz tamamlanan karşılaşmanın ardından kırmızı-siyahlılar, dün de sahasında Fatih Karagümrük ile 1-1 berabere kaldı.

Gaziantep ekibi, bu sonuçla ligdeki son 4 maçında galibiyet elde edemedi.

Kırmızı-siyahlılar, sezondaki 25 maçta 7 galibiyet, 9 beraberlik, 9 mağlubiyetle topladığı 30 puanla 10. sırada yer alıyor.

Fikayo Tomori says that Milan’s improved defensive solidity is the key behind their upturn in league form this season, and notes that ‘to play two games against Inter and not concede a goal isn’t easy’.

Tomori was among the starters for Milan’s 1-0 victory over their city rivals Inter in the Derby della Madonnina in Serie A on Sunday evening. 

The Rossoneri have now won five of their last seven encounters against the Nerazzurri and are also unbeaten against them over that period. Sunday’s victory was also the second consecutive time that Massimiliano Allegri’s side have kept a clean sheet against Cristian Chivu’s side. 

• Read more: Milan 1-0 Inter: Player ratings

Tomori reacts to Milan 1-0 Inter: ‘To play two games against Inter and not concede a goal, it’s not easy’

The Rossoneri now find themselves seven points behind the table-topping Nerazzurri, and seem to be the only side capable of applying any real pressure on Cristian Chivu’s side heading into the final 10 games of the Serie A season. 

Many of Milan’s players were asked after full-time against Inter whether they feel they are capable of closing down the seven-point gap between themselves and the Nerazzurri. 

“Who knows,” said Tomori in a post-match interview with CBS Sports. 

“I think at this point in time we just have to focus on ourselves. Obviously tonight was an important game, happy to have won. A good performance against a very, very good team. 

“The derby is always a special game and always a difficult game. We’re just focussed on winning, happy to have done that. Now we just have to go onto the next game, rest and recover, enjoy tonight. Just focus on ourselves like I said, keep going and try to finish the season as strongly as possible.” 

Tomori was asked where the Milan players would be celebrating following their victory, to which he jokingly replied: “I’m not sure. I don’t want the Mister to hear me, so I just have to stay quiet!” 

Tomori insists that Milan needed no additional motivation heading into the Inter match, and feels that his side could have easily had another couple of goals to their name before the interval. 

“I think in these kinds of games the Mister doesn’t really have to say too much because it’s a derby, you know how important it is for the club, for ourselves, for the fans, everyone. 

“The way that we approached the game in the first half, we put them under pressure, we had chances to score. Obviously we did score in the first half, but we had a lot of really dangerous opportunities and probably could have scored more. 

“At the end of the day and especially at this stage of the season, three points is all that really matters, so yeah, we’re really happy.” 

Tomori agrees that playing on the right-hand side of Massimiliano Allegri’s back three is helping to get the best out of him this season. 

“Yeah, I think so. I think I can show the different qualities that I have,” he said. “Obviously my first job is to defend, so try to do that, try to do my job first, but I think in games like today where there’s a bit of space, I can affect the game going forwards.” 

Milan are in second place in Serie A with 10 games left to go. They look set to secure Allegri’s goal of Champions League qualification, and despite being seven points shy of the league leaders, this is a vast improvement on the form that saw them finish ninth last season. 

Tomori believes that Milan’s defensive security has been the secret behind their improvement this season. 

“One of the main objectives for us was to concede less goals and I think this season we’ve been a lot more solid defensively, not just the defenders, but the whole team as a unit. 

“We’ve worked a lot and worked a lot on trying to stay compact as a team. To play two games against Inter and not concede a goal, it’s not easy. I think that’s testament to how well we’ve been working and the work that the coaching staff has been doing with us this season.” 

“To play two games against Inter and not concede a goal… It’s not easy”@fikayotomori_ caught up with @Bonetti after Milan’s derby win pic.twitter.com/uGYN6lMWkd

— CBS Sports Golazo (@CBSSportsGolazo) March 8, 2026

Manuel Akanji expressed his disappointment at Inter’s performance during their 1-0 loss against city rivals Milan on Sunday evening, and explained why last night’s defeat differed to their loss against the Rossoneri earlier this season: ‘Today was different. It wasn’t good enough from our side’.

Akanji reacts to Milan 1-0 Inter: ‘Wasn’t good enough from our side’

The Nerazzurri slipped to their second Serie A defeat against Milan of the 2025-26 season as Pervis Estupinan struck with the only goal of the game in San Siro on Sunday night.

Cristian Chivu’s side still have a commanding seven-point lead at the top of the Serie A table with 10 league matches of the season left to play, but there is disappointment around the camp in the aftermath of Sunday’s defeat against their city rivals. 

“I think they played the way we expected them to play. They try to press a bit up front, if it doesn’t work, they drop deep and that’s what they did, especially in the first half,” explained Akanji in his post-match interview with CBS Sports.  

“We had a lot of missed passes or duels that we lost, or we gave them opportunities by losing the ball easily. And also we didn’t defend well in a couple of situations and that’s why we lost the game in the end.” 

Inter will make it two Serie A titles in three years if they hold out for the Scudetto in 2025-26. They have also reached the Champions League final in two of the last four seasons and have won the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italia twice within the last five campaigns. 

If there is a recurring complaint about Cristian Chivu’s side, though, it is that they have struggled to overcome ‘bigger’ sides in the league and Champions League this term. The Nerazzurri have also failed to beat Milan in any of their last seven encounters. 

“I mean, I’ve only played in the last two, today and the one in the first part of the season and for me, they were totally different games,” said Akanji. 

“The first one we dominated them, we had so many chances to score goals, we even missed a penalty. So, we clearly had enough chances to win the game. They had one opportunity and they scored the goal, that’s why they won the game. 

“Today was different. It wasn’t good enough from our side. A lot of lost duels, a lot of balls that we should have kept that we lost. Just way too many mistakes and also sometimes in the duels, we weren’t aggressive enough and that’s why we lost today.

“I think as a team we didn’t create enough opportunities up front. We tried to cross the ball, but nothing really happened, not off the crosses. But still we had good opportunities to score a goal. 

“I think right before they scored the goal for 1-0, Mkhi (Henrikh Mkhitaryan) runs alone at the keeper and couldn’t score. And even in the second half when Mkhi laid it off to Dima (Federico Dimarco) to score a goal and I think there were also a couple of opportunities with the corner that we had that the referee apparently blew the whistle before. Then a couple of situations where it maybe could have been a penalty. 

“So we tried to create something but I think it just wasn’t enough from our side today.” 

Naturally disappointed by Sunday’s defeat against Milan, Akanji insists that he is still trying to look at the positives. 

“The next few days are not going to be good. You’re never happy when you lose a derby. The good thing is that we’re still seven points ahead and we have enough time to recover. The next game is not until next Saturday at home against Atalanta, which is a big game, but we will be ready again. 

“We need to make better what we didn’t do good today and I’m confident we can get the win there.” 

Luka Modric claims that Milan would be ‘right there with Inter’ had they performed better in ‘small games’ following Sunday evening’s 1-0 victory in the Derby della Madonnina in Serie A. 

Modric reacts to Milan 1-0 Inter victory

The former Ballon d’Or winner was one of the crucial figures in Milan’s 1-0 victory over their city rivals, Inter, whose lead at the top of the Serie A table has now been reduced to seven points with 10 league games of the season left to play. 

The main topic surrounding Milan following last night’s victory over Inter is whether there is a genuine possibility that they can catch Inter at the top of the standings with 10 points to go. 

“It’s difficult to say. People always say you win titles in small games, especially in the league,” said Modric in an interview with CBS Sports after full-time.

“We haven’t done well in these sorts of games, we lost too many points, if we’d won only half of these points, we’d be there with Inter. But it’s part of football. 

“We need to find a way to improve and get better in these games where teams drop too deep, there’s not much space. We need to find a way to do better and maybe play quicker, find a better solution to win these kinds of games.” 

“We are very proud people. We like to fight.”

Luka Modrić shares what being from Zadar means to him pic.twitter.com/6azHQPAgRM

— CBS Sports Golazo (@CBSSportsGolazo) March 8, 2026

Milan claimed the bragging rights in Sunday evening’s Derby della Madonnina against Inter in Serie A, but there were some complaints from the Nerazzurri camp over a potential handball and a few other decisions from the officials after full-time. Here is what happened at the end of last night’s showdown in San Siro. 

Pervis Estupinan’s first-half strike was enough for Milan to claim a 1-0 victory over Inter on Sunday evening, which was their second win over the Nerazzurri in Serie A this season and has extended their unbeaten run against their city rivals to seven matches. 

Cristian Chivu’s side retain a seven-point advantage over the Rossoneri at the top of the league table with 10 games to go, though. 

• Read more: Milan 1-0 Inter: Player ratings

Which refereeing calls upset Inter during derby defeat? 

There were protests from many of the Inter camp towards referee Daniele Doveri and his team after full-time in San Siro on Sunday night. 

The main incident in question was a supposed handball from Samuele Ricci during the 95th minute of play right at the end of last night’s derby. 

The ball had come off Denzel Dumfries and did touch Ricci on the arm, but the player’s arm was adjudged to have been in a natural position and he did appear to make an instinctive movement in an attempt to avoid handling the ball. 

Referee Doveri decided that Ricci did not make himself ‘unnaturally larger’ with the movement of his arm, and that the incident was not worthy of a penalty kick. 

Speaking on the incident after full-time, Nerazzurri head coach Chivu said: “I was told the VAR checked it, so I have nothing to add. I am focused on the performance, on my decisions, my mistakes. 

“There are 10 games to go, 30 points up for grabs, so we’ve got to build on what we’ve done so far.”

Aside from the penalty appeal, members of Inter’s coaching staff, including assistant Aleksandar Kolarov, were also frustrated by the addition of six minutes of stoppage time at the end of the second-half, which they felt was not enough. 

There was also a moment just before the handball appeal where Carlos Augusto had the ball in the back of the net from a corner, however, Doveri had already blown his whistle while the ball was still in mid-air in order to stop some scuffling in the area. 

Corriere dello Sport suggests that Doveri could have been dished out a couple more yellow cards on the night: Specifically to Estupinan for a foul on Nicolo Barella, to Adrien Rabiot for a foul on Federico Dimarco, to Fikayo Tomori for a foul on Piotr Zielinski and to Ange-Yoan Bonny for a foul on Estupinan.

Aston Villa are reportedly exploring the possibility of signing West Ham United forward Jarrod Bowen during the upcoming summer transfer window.

Sources circulating on social media platform X claim the Midlands club have made initial enquiries regarding the England international’s availability.

While no formal bid has yet been submitted, the situation has drawn attention because Bowen is believed to be open to considering a new challenge at the end of the current season.

If Villa decide to pursue the move seriously, they could face competition from Premier League giants Manchester United.

Bowen has been a consistent performer for West Ham

Bowen has been a pivotal figure for West Ham, captaining the side in recent seasons.

The versatile forward quickly established himself as one of the Hammers’ most reliable attacking players, combining pace, creativity, and a consistent eye for goal.

Over the past few seasons, Bowen has frequently been among West Ham’s top contributors in terms of goals and assists.

His ability to operate across the front line, primarily from the right wing but also centrally when required, has made him a key tactical asset.

Despite his importance to West Ham, speculation about his long-term future has surfaced periodically, particularly as several Premier League clubs continue to monitor his progress.

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Why Aston Villa are interested in a move for Bowen

Since Emery’s arrival, Villa have steadily strengthened their squad with players capable of competing both domestically and in European competitions.

Bowen’s profile fits well within that strategy. His high pressing intensity, ability to create chances, and experience in the Premier League could provide Villa with another dynamic attacking option.

The club has already demonstrated a willingness to invest in proven top-flight talent, and Bowen’s consistency makes him an attractive target.

Bowen has scored eight goals and provided six assists in a struggling West Ham team this season.

The post Aston Villa considering summer move for Premier League captain wanted by Man United appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson has confirmed that Tottenham Hotspur expressed interest in signing him during the January transfer window, but the Scotland international ultimately chose to remain at Anfield.

he experienced defender addressed the speculation in recent comments reported by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, clarifying that he decided to stay with the club that has defined his career over the past decade.

Robertson remains an important figure in Liverpool’s squad despite ongoing discussions about the club’s long-term plans in defense.

While the January approach from Tottenham raised questions about his future, the 31-year-old has made it clear that loyalty and commitment played a key role in his decision.

Tottenham were interested in January move for Robertson

Tottenham were reportedly exploring options to strengthen the left side of their defence during the winter window, and Robertson’s experience and leadership made him an attractive candidate.

The Scottish international has long been regarded as one of the Premier League’s most consistent full-backs, known for his relentless work rate, attacking delivery, and defensive resilience.

However, Robertson confirmed that while interest existed, a move never materialised because he preferred to continue his journey with Liverpool.

“There was obviously interest from Spurs in January… but the decision was that I wanted to stay”.

“This club has given me everything and I’ve given this club everything. I’ve always been committed”.

“Now as soon as I decide my future, it will be announced”.

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Robertson has a distinguished legacy at Liverpool

Since joining Liverpool from Hull City in 2017, Robertson has become one of the club’s most influential players.

Under former manager Jürgen Klopp, he formed a legendary full-back partnership with Trent Alexander-Arnold that helped redefine Liverpool’s attacking system.

During his time at the club, Robertson has played a key role in numerous successes, including the Premier League title, Champions League triumph, FA Cup, and League Cup victories.

His leadership qualities have also made him a senior figure in the dressing room.

While Tottenham’s interest highlighted the continued demand for Robertson’s experience, the defender’s decision to stay shows his deep connection with Liverpool.

Any decision regarding his next chapter is likely to come later this year as Liverpool continue planning their future squad.

Liverpool prepared to sell first-team star but Mohamed Salah could block the transfer

The post ‘I wanted to stay’ – Liverpool star confirms interest from rivals in January window appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Real Madrid are reportedly renewing their efforts to sign Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konaté ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window.

According to Spanish outlet Defensa Central, the La Liga giants have resumed discussions with the French centre-back’s representatives as they explore the possibility of bringing him to the Santiago Bernabéu.

Konaté’s contract situation at Liverpool remains unresolved, with his current deal set to expire at the end of the season.

With no agreement yet reached over a renewal, speculation surrounding the defender’s future has intensified, drawing attention from some of Europe’s biggest clubs.

Contract situation raises concern for Konate at Liverpool

Konaté has been an important part of Liverpool’s defensive setup. However, Liverpool now face a potentially complicated situation.

Reports indicate that negotiations over a contract extension have yet to progress, leaving the club at risk of losing one of their key defenders on a free transfer.

The uncertainty surrounding contracts has become a topic of discussion at Anfield recently.

As per the report, the Spanish giants have ‘resumed talks’ with the representatives of French defender.

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Mar 9 2026, 9:25

Real Madrid are looking to strengthen their defense

Real Madrid’s interest in Konaté matches with their ongoing strategy of refreshing the squad with elite talent capable of contributing immediately.

The Spanish giants have frequently taken advantage of expiring contracts in recent years, signing high-profile players without paying large transfer fees.

The Premier League club lost Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid last summer and this summer, Konate could join his former teammate at the Bernabeu.

Madrid president Florentino Pérez would be willing to offer Konaté a significant signing-on bonus, believed to be around €15 million, to persuade the defender to make the move to Spain as a free agent.

Liverpool remain hopeful of resolving the issue, but the lack of progress in negotiations has opened the door to external interest.

Bargain asking price: Liverpool & Arsenal transfer target to be allowed surprise move for just £54m

The post Real Madrid have ‘resumed talks’ with Liverpool star involved in contract issues at Anfield appeared first on CaughtOffside.

MSI has a brand new entry-level motherboard, the MAG B850M Gaming PRO MAX, which comes with an OC Engine for Ryzen overclocking. MSI Adds An OC Engine On Its Entry-Level MAG B850M Gaming PRO Motherboard MSI's new MAX series refreshed motherboards come with an external BCLK generator or an OC Engine, as MSI likes to call it. This OC Engine provides independent BCLK control for better overclocking potential & it's always great to see entry-level options with such capabilities, as they allow AMD Ryzen owners to get better performance out of their systems. So, looking at the specs sheet, the […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/msi-mag-b850m-gaming-pro-max-entry-level-am5-motherboard-with-oc-engine/

A torrent of rumors and speculation that had been churning out for years eventually led to the materialization of the MacBook Neo, making it Apple’s most affordable product from this lineup. The launch allows the company to target an entirely new category, which should make Windows notebook manufacturers quite nervous right about now. With a decent assortment of specifications and a stellar build quality for the price, we expect this machine to be quite a popular pick amongst consumers, and if you want to learn more about it, check out our detailed roundup. Display and Design No expense was spared […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/roundup/apple-macbook-neo-roundup-here-is-everything-you-need-to-know/

WeRide and Geely aim to deliver 2,000 GXR robotaxis based on the Farizon SV minivan in 2026. It is a 5-meter car with over 20 sensors.

The post WeRide and Geely to deliver 2,000 robotaxis in 2026 appeared first on CarNewsChina.com.

The post Is Dogecoin Dead? Why is the DOGE Price Stuck Below $0.1? appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Dogecoin continues to remain under pressure as the price struggles to reclaim the crucial $0.10 level. Over the past few weeks, DOGE has been trading within a narrow range, showing clear signs of consolidation. Although buyers are attempting to defend the lower support levels, the bullish momentum appears limited.

At present, DOGE price is trading close to $0.09, just above a key support zone between $0.088 and $0.090. This region has acted as a strong demand zone in recent weeks, where buyers have repeatedly stepped in to prevent further downside.

However, despite multiple recovery attempts, the price has failed to reclaim the $0.10 level, which has now turned into a psychological resistance for the token. Will this threshold be broken, or will the DOGE price remain consolidated below this range?

Dogecoin Price Analysis: Key Levels to Watch

Looking at the daily chart, Dogecoin has been forming lower highs since January, indicating that the broader market structure still leans bearish. A descending resistance trendline has been consistently rejecting the price, preventing any strong recovery move.

From a technical perspective, a few levels are currently crucial for Dogecoin’s next move.

On the upside, the immediate resistance lies near $0.102. If the price manages to break and sustain above this level, it could open the doors for a move towards the next resistance around $0.115.

The technical indicators also suggest that the market currently lacks strong momentum. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is hovering around the 42–43 level, which indicates neutral momentum. The indicator is neither in the oversold zone nor showing signs of strong bullish strength. Instead, it is moving sideways, which aligns with the consolidation visible on the chart.

At the same time, the Directional Movement Index (DMI) shows that bearish pressure is slowly declining, but bullish strength has not yet picked up significantly. The ADX indicator also remains relatively low, suggesting that the market currently lacks a strong trend.

On the downside, the $0.088 support zone remains extremely important. This level has been tested several times already, and repeated tests generally weaken a support zone. If the price breaks below this level, DOGE may see further downside towards $0.082 and possibly $0.075.

What Could Happen Next?

If bulls manage to push the price above the descending resistance trendline and reclaim the $0.10 level, Dogecoin could attempt a recovery towards $0.115, followed by a potential move towards $0.14. However, if the $0.088 support fails, the bearish pressure could increase, potentially pushing the price towards $0.082 or even $0.075 in the short term.

For now, Dogecoin appears to be stuck between strong support and persistent resistance. While buyers continue to defend the lower levels, the lack of strong momentum is preventing a bullish breakout. Until DOGE reclaims $0.10, the price may remain within this consolidation range.

On the other hand, as DOGE continues to move sideways near the support zone, the volume has gradually reduced. Lower volume generally indicates reduced market participation. It also suggests that traders may be waiting for a clearer direction before entering the market. Interestingly, such phases of low volatility often precede a stronger price move once the market has decided on its direction.

The post Bitcoin Exchange Reserves Drop to 2019 Levels: Is a BTC Supply Shock Coming? appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Bitcoin exchange reserves drop to their lowest levels in nearly six years, and the shift could quietly reshape the market’s supply dynamics. Recent on-chain data indicates that the amount of BTC held on centralized exchanges has fallen back to levels last seen in 2019, highlighting a significant structural change in how investors are choosing to hold the asset.

While price volatility often dominates market headlines, deeper indicators such as exchange reserves can reveal important changes in supply and liquidity. With institutional demand rising and more investors opting for self-custody, the pool of Bitcoin available for active trading may be shrinking. This development has now sparked a key question across the crypto market: could declining exchange reserves become the next bullish catalyst for Bitcoin price?

Bitcoin Exchange Reserves Drop to Multi-Year Lows

According to on-chain data, Bitcoin exchange reserves have declined to roughly 2.7 million BTC, marking the lowest level since 2019. The trend has been unfolding gradually over several years but accelerated significantly following the collapse of centralized platforms during the 2022 market crisis. After the FTX collapse, investors rushed to withdraw funds from exchanges and move their Bitcoin into private wallets. In November 2022 alone, more than 325,000 BTC left exchange reserves, marking one of the largest single-month outflows in Bitcoin’s history.

Even years after that event, the downward trend has continued, suggesting a long-term shift toward self-custody and long-term holding strategies.

Among centralized exchanges, Binance currently holds around 20% of all exchange-based BTC reserves, making it the largest retail liquidity hub. Meanwhile, Coinbase Advanced reportedly holds nearly 800,000 BTC, although this is roughly 200,000 BTC lower than levels seen in mid-2025.

Spot Bitcoin ETFs Are Absorbing Supply

Another key factor behind why Bitcoin exchange reserves drop is the rapid rise of spot Bitcoin ETFs. Since their launch in early 2024, institutional investors have been steadily accumulating Bitcoin through regulated investment products. At the time ETFs entered the market, exchange reserves were still above 3.2 million BTC. Today, these funds collectively hold roughly 1.3 million BTC, representing about 6–7% of Bitcoin’s circulating supply.

Because ETF holdings are typically stored with custodians rather than exchanges, this Bitcoin is effectively removed from the liquid trading supply.

As ETF inflows continue, the amount of Bitcoin available on exchanges may keep declining.

Corporate Bitcoin Treasuries Continue to Grow

Corporate treasury strategies are also contributing to the trend where Bitcoin exchange reserves drop. Over the past few years, several companies have adopted Bitcoin as a strategic reserve asset, allocating BTC to their balance sheets as a hedge against currency debasement and macroeconomic uncertainty. Collectively, corporate treasury entities now hold around 1.1 million BTC, which accounts for roughly 5% of the total circulating supply.

Unlike short-term traders, these organizations typically follow long-term accumulation strategies, meaning their Bitcoin is unlikely to return to exchanges anytime soon. This further reduces the liquid supply available for active market trading.

What This Means for Bitcoin Price

When Bitcoin exchange reserves drop, it often signals tightening supply conditions across the market. With more BTC moving into long-term storage, ETFs, and corporate treasuries, fewer coins remain available for immediate trading on exchanges.

Historically, declining exchange reserves have sometimes preceded supply-driven price expansions, particularly when demand simultaneously increases. While the impact may not appear immediately, analysts believe the ongoing reduction in exchange balances could play an important role in shaping Bitcoin’s next market cycle.

The post Has Gold Price Topped? Whale Wallets Cash Out $40M in Tether Gold and PAXG appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Gold has been one of the strongest trades of the year. But on-chain data suggests some of the biggest players may be walking out the door.

On-chain analytics platform Lookonchain flagged that two whale wallets offloaded roughly $40 million worth of tokenized gold in just 48 hours, and both walked away with significant profit.

Key Whale Trades in Focus

Two wallets – 0x8C08 and 0xdfcA, flagged by Lookonchain as belonging to the same entity – sold 5,250 XAUT at $5,125 and 560 PAXG at $5,173 over the past two days, taking a combined profit of $5.32 million. A third wallet, 0x8844, followed up six hours ago with a sale of 1,934 XAUT at $5,037, adding another $1.74 million to the tally.

That’s roughly $7 million in realized profit pulled from tokenized gold in under 48 hours, from wallets that knew exactly when to get in and aren’t waiting around to find out if the top is in.

Gold’s recent run was fueled in part by safe-haven demand following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran – a conflict that has since escalated, sending oil past $100 a barrel and the dollar higher, which is now actually working against gold.

Why the Timing Matters

Gold spot is currently trading at $5,118, down over 1% on the day and sitting well below its 52-week high of $5,595.

What makes this week particularly loaded is Wednesday’s U.S. inflation data.

Headline CPI is expected to rise 0.3% month-on-month, with year-on-year inflation projected at 2.4%. A hotter-than-expected print would likely push yields higher and strengthen the dollar, historically a headwind for both gold and risk assets like crypto.

And there’s reason to watch closely: recent ISM Prices Paid data came in significantly hotter than expected, suggesting input cost pressure may already be building.

Also Read: “War Is Profitable”: Will Silver Price Rally Because of the US-Israel-Iran War?

What This Means for Crypto

For the crypto market, on-chain whale behavior around tokenized gold is worth tracking as a macro signal.

When large wallets rotate out of tether gold and PAXG, capital has to go somewhere. Whether that’s back into Bitcoin, stablecoins, stocks, or simply sitting on the sidelines ahead of macro data, the next few days will likely tell that story.

Gold’s reflexive rally was built on real structural drivers. But markets don’t move in straight lines, and $40 million in profit-taking from the same asset class, in the same 48-hour window, is rarely a coincidence.

Read This Next: Did the Clarity Act Pass? Not Yet, But Banks Are Already Buying These 8 Altcoins

The post Coinbase Launches Regulated Futures Trading for Europe appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Coinbase has launched regulated futures trading for its Advanced users in 26 European countries, including Germany, France, and the Netherlands, giving European traders access to compliant derivatives on a major global exchange. The products include Bitcoin, Solana, and equity index futures such as the Mag7 + Crypto index, with a mix of perpetual‑style contracts that expire in five years and traditional term futures. Select contracts offer up to 10x leverage and competitive fees, aiming to provide more regulated options in a market where many previously relied on unregulated platforms.

The post HIP-3 Hits Record $720M Weekend Surge appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Hyperliquid’s HIP-3 protocol delivered its biggest weekend yet on Sunday, reaching a record $720 million in single day trading volume. Most of the activity came from strong participation on trade xyz. The spike followed growing geopolitical tensions and a sharp rise in crude oil prices, which increased market volatility. As price swings intensified, traders turned to the platform to seize short term opportunities, pushing weekend volumes to an all time high and signaling stronger engagement during uncertain global conditions.

Researchers found that some workers using AI in their roles reported a “mental hangover” with a “fog” that caused difficulty focusing.

Braziliyada “Kruzeyro” – “Atletiko” arasında keçirilən matç qalmaqalla yekunlaşıb.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, Mineyro derbisinin sonlarında futbolçular arasında dava düşüb. Getdikcə böyüyən mübahisə daha sonra rəsmi şəxslərin müdaxiləsindən sonra dayandırılıb.

Hakim oyundan sonra protokolda 23 nəfərə qırmızı vərəqə göstərdiyini qeyd edib.

“Kruzeyro” rəqibini minimal hesabla məğlub edib – 1:0.

Azərbaycanın qadınlardan ibarət 3×3 basketbol millisi FIBA Çempionlar Kubokunda mübarizə aparacaq.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, yığmanın turnir üçün heyətində Arika Karter,Aleksandra Mollenhauer,Tatyana Deniskina, Brianna Freyzer olacaq.

Milli B qrupunda İspaniya, Kanada və Taylandla mübarizə aparacaq. Görüşlər 13-15 martda olacaq.

“Port Veyl” klubu İngiltərə Federasiya Kubokunda 1/8 finala yüksəlib.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, komanda 1/16-da Premyer Liqa təmsilçisi “Sanderlend”i mübarizədən kənarlaşdırıb – 1:0.

İngiltərə Liqa 1-də (səviyyəcə 3-cü liqa) autsayder olan “Port Veyl” 72 ildən sonra kubokda 1/8 finala yüksəlib.

Türkiyəli mütəxəssis Engin Fırat 55 yaşında vəfat edib.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, bu barədə “Hürriyet” nəşri məlumat yayıb. O, İstanbul hava limanında ürək tutmasından həyatını itirib.

Fırat karyerası ərzində Moldova, Keniya millisini, İranda “Sepahan”, “Sayfa” kimi klublarda çalışıb. Onun adı bir neçə dəfə də Azərbaycan yığmasıyla hallanıb.

Google's John Mueller shared the Disavow File Domain Directive which disavows entire Top Level Domains (TLDs) but cautioned about using it.

The post Google: You Can Disavow Entire TLDs Like .XYZ With Domain Directive appeared first on Search Engine Journal.

The Eagles' roster is about to look very different, and there could be a shakeup on defense.

Eighteen players are set to hit the restricted or unrestricted free-agent market this offseason — a wave of turnover that could reshape Philadelphia's roster top to bottom. The front office has already moved to lock in one cornerstone, inking Jordan Davis to a three-year, $78 million extension. But plenty of work remains.

Reed Blankenship's future in midnight green is uncertain, and the secondary isn't the only unit bracing for change. Nakobe Dean is entering the final year of his rookie deal, which means the linebacking corps could look dramatically different when the Eagles take the field in September.

The new league year is less than 48 hours away. Before the frenzy hits, here are 10 street free agents — players released as salary-cap casualties — who make sense for Philadelphia to target.

New York Jets: OL Alijah Vera-Tucker

Before his 2025 injury, Vera-Tucker earned three straight seasons of 70.0-plus PFF overall grades and allowed the fourth-lowest pressure rate (2.8 percent) among guards in 2024.

CB Trevon Diggs

Diggs was released by the Packers in January after playing two games in Green Bay. Diggs, who was waived by the Cowboys on December 30, started in the Packers' season finale against the Vikings and played one snap in their Wild Card matchup against the Bears. With no guaranteed money remaining on the five-year, $97 million extension he signed with Dallas in 2023, Green Bay freed up the roughly $15 million Diggs would've counted for against the cap in 2026. Entering the seventh year of his NFL career in 2026, Diggs hasn't played a full 17-game season since 2022, and just 22 games since signing the extension in 2023.

CB Marshon Lattimore

A player who performs best in press coverage, Washington released Lattimore, saving $18.5 million on the salary cap for 2026. A former Pro Bowl cornerback, Lattimore joined the Commanders in a 2024 midseason trade, but was limited to two appearances due to a hamstring injury, and nine games in 2025 before tearing his ACL in early November.

LB Tremaine Edmunds

A veteran linebacker with over 900 career tackles, Edmunds was released by the Bears in a move that creates $15 million in cap space for the Bears days ahead of free agency. Edmunds led the Bears with 112 tackles last season to go along with nine passes defensed, four interceptions, one sack, and a fumble recovery despite missing four games with a groin injury.

OL Lloyd Cushenberry

On Wednesday, the Titans released center Lloyd Cushenberry due to a failed physical examination. Over the past two seasons, Cushenberry played in 23 games for the Titans, including 15 games in 2025. He joined the team after spending four seasons with the Denver Broncos. Cushenberry's 2024 season was cut short because of an Achilles injury.

TE Jonnu Smith

Smith was acquired by the Steelers last year in a trade with the Miami Dolphins. In 2025, Smith had 38 receptions for 222 yards, a 5.8-yard average, and two touchdowns.

CB Taron Johnson

Moving on from Johnson marks one of the first significant changes as the Bills transition to a new defensive philosophy—switching from a 4-3 base to a 3-4 scheme under new coordinator Jim Leonhard. In 2025, Johnson completed his eighth year with the Bills, participating in 13 games and making eight starts. He recorded 57 tackles, four passes defended, and one tackle for loss. Throughout his eight-season career in Buffalo, Johnson accumulated 572 tackles, 48 passes defended, 23 tackles for loss, 11 quarterback hits, eight forced fumbles, six interceptions, and three fumble recoveries. He developed into one of the best nickel cornerbacks in the NFL, earning second-team All-Pro honors in 2023.

OL Mekhi Becton

Becton faced challenges last season after signing a two-year, $20 million contract with the Chargers last March. The six-year veteran struggled with injuries throughout the season and expressed frustration with the Chargers at one point last November.

OL James Daniels

Last season, Daniels signed a three-year, $24 million deal with the Dolphins, who hoped he would solidify their right guard position. In Week 1, Daniels suffered a pec injury that sidelined him for the remainder of the year. 

OL Alex Cappa

Cappa signed with the Raiders in 2025 after spending three seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals. He was originally selected in the third round as the 94th overall pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2018 and spent his first four seasons with the team. In his sole season with the Raiders, Cappa appeared in 17 games, starting eight of them as a right guard and center.

TE Will Dissly

Dissly's departure signals a potential overhaul of the tight end room under new Offensive Coordinator Mike McDaniel, as Oronde Gadsden is now the only player under contract in that room. Dissly's best season came in 2024, when he set career highs with 50 catches for 481 yards, making him one of Justin Herbert's favorite targets. He battled injuries in both seasons, including in 2025, when he had only 11 receptions for 97 yards while playing in just nine games.

DB Taylor Rapp

Rapp joined in 2023 and played well enough in his first two seasons, when he started 18 of 30 games.

Jawaan Taylor, RT, Chiefs

Taylor appeared in 12 regular-season games but again battled injuries in 2025, missing multiple weeks with a severe elbow/triceps injury. Taylor is already a possible candidate to be cut this offseason for financial reasons, and 2026 will be year three of a four-year, $80 million contract he signed in 2023.

This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: NFL Free Agency: 10 Recently Released Players the Eagles Could Target

MUENSTER, Germany (AP) — A masked fan has unplugged the referee's video review monitor at a German soccer game while the referee was deciding on a penalty, in an apparent protest against VAR technology.

The unidentified fan came out of the stands and unplugged the monitor which referee Felix Bickel was trying to use to decide on a penalty in Sunday's second-division game between Preussen Muenster and Hertha Berlin, Muenster said in a statement.

TV footage showed a person in white overalls and a ski mask in Muenster green climbing back into the home fans' stand.

It didn't stop the decision going against the home team as video assistant referee Katrin Rafalski was able to decide remotely and communicated that decision to Bickel. Hertha's Fabian Reese scored the penalty, the opening goal of a 2-1 win.

Muenster said it “regrets the incident and will do everything it can to identify the perpetrator or perpetrators and bring them to justice,” and added it would take steps to stop the incident happening again.

“Initial findings indicate that this was a planned action,” Muenster added. A photo in German media showed home fans displaying a large banner with a message reading “Pull the plug on VAR.”

Muenster captain Jorrit Hendrix said he was happy about the incident, though.

“It shows how the fans experience things and that they want to do everything to win the game,” he said in comments broadcast by TV show Sportschau. “If they can do something to influence it, they do that. I completely understand it and think it's a good thing.”

Ever since VAR was introduced in German soccer in 2017, it's been controversial among fans. Many see video review delays as an unwelcome interruption to the flow of the game.

___

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

Baltimore ended its head coaching search by bringing Jesse Minter back to Charm City on a five-year deal, making him the fourth head coach in franchise history. Minter isn't a name that moves the needle for casual fans, but inside the building — and around the league — his defensive credentials are the real deal. For a fanbase still stinging over losing Mike MacDonald two years ago, this hire should go a long way toward easing those wounds.

Now the real work begins.

With Minter in place, the Ravens can turn their full attention to locking up Lamar Jackson on a new deal — and they're doing it with fresh ammunition. Baltimore pulled off a blockbuster Friday night, landing pass rusher Maxx Crosby in a trade. Pair an MVP quarterback with one of the most disruptive edge rushers in the game, and suddenly the Ravens' ceiling looks very, very high.

The new league year is less than 48 hours away. Before the market opens, here are 10 street free agents — players released as salary-cap casualties — who make sense for Baltimore to target.

New York Jets: OL Alijah Vera-Tucker

Before his 2025 injury, Vera-Tucker earned three straight seasons of 70.0-plus PFF overall grades and allowed the fourth-lowest pressure rate (2.8 percent) among guards in 2024.

CB Trevon Diggs

Diggs was released by the Packers in January after playing two games in Green Bay. Diggs, who was waived by the Cowboys on December 30, started in the Packers' season finale against the Vikings and played one snap in their Wild Card matchup against the Bears. With no guaranteed money remaining on the five-year, $97 million extension he signed with Dallas in 2023, Green Bay freed up the roughly $15 million Diggs would've counted for against the cap in 2026. Entering the seventh year of his NFL career in 2026, Diggs hasn't played a full 17-game season since 2022, and just 22 games since signing the extension in 2023.

CB Marshon Lattimore

A player who performs best in press coverage, Washington released Lattimore, saving $18.5 million on the salary cap for 2026. A former Pro Bowl cornerback, Lattimore joined the Commanders in a 2024 midseason trade, but was limited to two appearances due to a hamstring injury, and nine games in 2025 before tearing his ACL in early November.

LB Tremaine Edmunds

A veteran linebacker with over 900 career tackles, Edmunds was released by the Bears in a move that creates $15 million in cap space for the Bears days ahead of free agency. Edmunds led the Bears with 112 tackles last season to go along with nine passes defensed, four interceptions, one sack, and a fumble recovery despite missing four games with a groin injury.

OL Lloyd Cushenberry

On Wednesday, the Titans released center Lloyd Cushenberry due to a failed physical examination. Over the past two seasons, Cushenberry played in 23 games for the Titans, including 15 games in 2025. He joined the team after spending four seasons with the Denver Broncos. Cushenberry's 2024 season was cut short because of an Achilles injury.

TE Jonnu Smith

Smith was acquired by the Steelers last year in a trade with the Miami Dolphins. In 2025, Smith had 38 receptions for 222 yards, a 5.8-yard average, and two touchdowns.

CB Taron Johnson

Moving on from Johnson marks one of the first significant changes as the Bills transition to a new defensive philosophy—switching from a 4-3 base to a 3-4 scheme under new coordinator Jim Leonhard. In 2025, Johnson completed his eighth year with the Bills, participating in 13 games and making eight starts. He recorded 57 tackles, four passes defended, and one tackle for loss. Throughout his eight-season career in Buffalo, Johnson accumulated 572 tackles, 48 passes defended, 23 tackles for loss, 11 quarterback hits, eight forced fumbles, six interceptions, and three fumble recoveries. He developed into one of the best nickel cornerbacks in the NFL, earning second-team All-Pro honors in 2023.

OL Mekhi Becton

Becton faced challenges last season after signing a two-year, $20 million contract with the Chargers last March. The six-year veteran struggled with injuries throughout the season and expressed frustration with the Chargers at one point last November.

OL James Daniels

Last season, Daniels signed a three-year, $24 million deal with the Dolphins, who hoped he would solidify their right guard position. In Week 1, Daniels suffered a pec injury that sidelined him for the remainder of the year. 

OL Alex Cappa

Cappa signed with the Raiders in 2025 after spending three seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals. He was originally selected in the third round as the 94th overall pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2018 and spent his first four seasons with the team. In his sole season with the Raiders, Cappa appeared in 17 games, starting eight of them as a right guard and center.

TE Will Dissly

Dissly's departure signals a potential overhaul of the tight end room under new Offensive Coordinator Mike McDaniel, as Oronde Gadsden is now the only player under contract in that room. Dissly's best season came in 2024, when he set career highs with 50 catches for 481 yards, making him one of Justin Herbert's favorite targets. He battled injuries in both seasons, including in 2025, when he had only 11 receptions for 97 yards across just nine games.

DB Taylor Rapp

Rapp joined in 2023 and played well enough in his first two seasons, when he started 18 of 30 games.

Jawaan Taylor, RT, Chiefs

Taylor appeared in 12 regular-season games but again battled injuries in 2025, missing multiple weeks with a severe elbow/triceps injury. Taylor is already a possible candidate to be cut this offseason for financial reasons, and 2026 will be year three of a four-year, $80 million contract he signed in 2023.

This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: 10 available veterans Ravens could sign ahead of free agency

Para-alpine skier Varvara Voronchikhina won the first Paralympic gold medal for Russia since 2014 with victory in the standing super G.

It comes two days after the 23-year-old won standing downhill bronze on Saturday to claim her nation's first medal of the Games.

These Games mark the first appearance of the Russian flag at a Paralympics since staging the event in Sochi 12 years ago. Russia and its athletes had been banned following the state-sponsored doping scandal before further sanctions followed after its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Voronchikhina and her team-mates only returned to international competition in January after Russia won an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) against FIS, the international governing body for skiing and snowboarding.

FIS had initially refused to lift its ban on athletes from Russia and Belarus, despite the International Paralympic Committee ending its own suspension of the two nations in September.

That ban had been in place since the invasion of Ukraine on the eve of the Winter Paralympics four years ago, although it was softened the following year to allow athletes to compete as neutrals.

Voronchikhina crossed the finish line in a time of one minute 15.6 seconds on the iconic Olimpia delle Tofane piste, almost two seconds quicker than French silver medallist Aurelie Richard. Sweden's Ebba Aarsjoe took bronze.

Her victory ceremony will take place later on Monday, after all of the day's Para-alpine skiing events have finished, when the Russian national anthem will be played.

While she is competing at her first Paralympic Games, Voronchikhina is a two-time world champion - including in the super G - from 2021, and has four further chances of medals at these Games.

• What happens when at the Winter Paralympics?
• Winter Paralympics medal table
• What do I need to know about the 2026 Winter Paralympics?

INDIAN WELLS, Calif. — In the middle of a chastening 6-1, 6-1 defeat to Amanda Anisimova in the California desert, Emma Raducanu walked over to her coaching box in search of guidance. Raducanu has declared a desire to play a more front-foot, aggressive style, the one that she used to win the 2021 U.S. Open as qualifier, but Anisimova overwhelmed her in a 52-minute demolition.

“I have to, you know, look at what I achieved in the last nine days of practice when I arrived here,” Raducanu said of the match, which she said showed how much of a transition becoming more aggressive against the top players will require, on the practice court as much as the match one.

On the eve of the BNP Paribas Open, Raducanu, who is working Mark Petchey as an ad-hoc coach during the tournament in Indian Wells, Calif., said during an interview that she thinks she will go through periods of her career with no coach at all, because finding the right fit at the right time is not straightforward.

Top players using traveling coaches only became commonplace in the 1970s, and the commitment is such that the people in demand among top players — often so-called super coaches who had successful careers of their own — are not always willing to dedicate the time along with their other commitments.

The relationship between tennis players and their coaches is also one of the most complex in sports. The player is the employer, not the employee; players and coaches who travel full time will spend 10 months or more together, but the player is left to their own devices on the court when it matters most — even though tennis has embraced on-court coaching in recent years.

Some coaching partnerships last decades, and others weeks. Most coaches are hired like any employee, but some are mothers or fathers, or brothers or sisters. Others are romantic partners; some relationships become inappropriate or abusive. And for a tennis player, the decision on who they choose is part of just one shot at a dream, while coaches may help steward the dreams of myriad players.

Juan Carlos Ferrero, who split with seven-time Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz at the end of last season, has described the emotional impact of parting with a player he coached to the pinnacle of the sport as one of hurt and emotion, akin to a breakup; when a partnership does not work, the jettisoning can be brutal and swift, on either side.

Working without one can be appealing to players for many reasons, and Raducanu’s belief in going her own way has precedent across tennis history.

Twenty-time major champion Roger Federer is often cited as someone who thrived solo. At the end of 2003, Federer was 22. He had won his first Grand Slam title that year, at Wimbledon. Then he split with Peter Lundgren, his coach of three years, and the following year won three majors without a coach, claiming the world No. 1 ranking for the first time.

Federer had to defend his decision ahead of the 2004 Australian Open, and when he won it, he said in a news conference: “For me at that moment, it was very difficult to take that decision. But looking back … I wouldn’t say it was the right one, but it was an important one, because I want to improve.”

He then hired Tony Roche to work with him on a limited basis the following year, before working with Severin Luthi on a similar basis a couple of years later. Federer did not employ another full-time coach until he hired Paul Annacone, formerly coach of Pete Sampras, in 2010.

Federer broke Sampras’ record of 14 major titles during his time without a formal coach, and Annacone said that Federer’s trust in other parts of his entourage was key to that success.

“He had had a very stable relationship with Pierre Paganini,” (Federer’s fitness trainer) Annacone said.

“He was pretty clear on what he wanted to do and needed to do. And I think people are different — not better or worse, just different.”

Federer’s great rival, Novak Djokovic, has shifted his approach to coaching throughout his career.

Djokovic worked with Marián Vajda from 2005 to 2022, with a short break between 2017 and 2018, and had lengthy spells with people in the super coach mould: Boris Becker and Goran Ivanišević.

After splitting with Ivanišević two years ago, Djokovic considered going solo, and said in a news conference in April 2024 that: “I am considering whether I should or shouldn’t have the coach.

“It’s not like I think I don’t need a coach at all. I think there’s always value in having that quality team. … But I think I’m in the stage of my career where I can afford to maybe think having no coach is also an option.”

Djokovic chose to retain Boris Bošnjaković, a longtime assistant coach and analyst, rather than making a formal appointment. Bošnjaković supported Andy Murray during his brief spell in the 24-time Grand Slam champion’s box last year and, Djokovic said Saturday during a news conference at Indian Wells, is currently “filling in the role of the tennis coach.”

“But I don’t have anyone who I can call my primary tennis coach at the moment, and I’m OK with that,” he said.

“I feel I have what I need. I don’t think that right now I’m ready to, again, at this stage of my career, bring somebody completely new and go through the same process of getting to know each other.

“That doesn’t mean that I’m not trying to improve my game or innovate and look for ways to get better on and off the court.

“In the offseason I brought different people in, and spent some weeks analyzing, deconstructing and reconstructing my game in a sense.”

Djokovic cited his run to the final of this year’s Australian Open, in which he beat Jannik Sinner for the first time in six meetings, as evidence of his approach working.

For Raducanu, key to the decision on when to have a coach is her understanding and intuition for her own tennis. The 23-year-old split with former coach Francisco Roig after expressing a desire to reclaim her tennis identity and recenter what she thinks her on-court style should be. This is common among players who have spent time going it alone, who believe that doing so has allowed them to understand themselves better.

“I felt it helped me to reconnect a little bit with myself,” Gaël Monfils, the mercurial Frenchman who will retire at the end of the season, said during a news conference Friday.

“A lot of people wanted me to do stuff that I don’t really see in my game. I (wanted to) reinforce my belief, my own strategy for my identity on the court, because most of the time coaches want to impose a little bit of identity.”

Eugenie Bouchard, a former Wimbledon finalist and world No. 5, said she got that security in her own game from a hybrid setup early in her career. Her main coach at the time, Nick Saviano, could not travel with her full-time, because he ran an academy in Florida.

“I was OK with that, because it gives you a chance to learn on your own and be a little more independent,” Bouchard said during an interview Friday at Indian Wells, where she is working as a Tennis Channel analyst.

“I would obviously talk to him on the phone and he’d watch my matches, but it also allowed me to direct my career and make decisions the way I want to,” she said.

“Seeing the same person week in, week out is tough.” Bouchard added, with a smile: “Humans get annoying.”

The push-pull dynamic in coaching extends to what players fundamentally think about it, and those thoughts can shift as their careers ebb and flow.

Frances Tiafoe, who has had spells without a coach, now feels like he benefits from having someone to push him, rather than traveling with friends.

“You go through different stages,” he said during a news conference Friday.

“There was a time when I was (younger) where I didn’t want it. But sometimes you have to look in the mirror and be like: ‘What do you actually really need, how much (do) you actually want (it)’?

“I was a really selective competitor for a long time. It’s easier with someone, whatever, a homey, (to say) ‘I don’t feel it.’ They’re not going to push you because they’re your homey.

“If you have a coach that’s stern and on you, man, you’re like, ‘I’ve got to wake up, and I gotta do it. You got your dos and don’ts a little bit.’”

One criticism of the shift toward formal on-court coaching in tennis has been the alleged elimination of a player’s need to solve their way out of difficult situations on their own. Annacone said that this perception is a misconstruing of the coach’s role.

“Our job isn’t to give players solutions while they’re playing. Our job is to give them all the tools so that they can figure out the solutions when they’re playing,” Annacone, who is part of Taylor Fritz’s team alongside lead coach Michael Russell, said.

“My job is give Taylor everything he needs so that in the heat of the moment he can soar through it. Not so that I can sit here and tell him what to do.”

Rennae Stubbs, the six-time doubles and mixed doubles Grand Slam champion who has coached Serena Williams, Sam Stosur, Bouchard and Karolína Plíšková, said in a recent phone interview that “high-level coaching is about how you communicate to your player, and understanding their human issues.”

Stubbs, who is now a commentator and analyst, finds herself frustrated by some player-coach relationships. “It drives me crazy when I see coaches out on the court and their players are doing the shot incorrectly and they do it 10 times but don’t get told, ‘That’s not right,'” she said.

She cited two-time Grand Slam champion Coco Gauff’s serve and forehand as shots requiring reworking, something of which Gauff is deeply aware.

“I feel like with all the changes I’m making in my game, I think I would get pretty lost without a coach,” Gauff, who has gone through some coaching turbulence in matches, said during a news conference Friday.

“There are tournaments where I maybe don’t listen to my coach that much at all, so maybe it is self-coach.

“I feel like it’s always good to have some direction. The team I have now, they don’t over-coach. They let me think it through. Today I didn’t look at my box for advice once. That’s how I usually prefer it.”

During a defeat to Emma Navarro at Wimbledon two years ago, Gauff told her team to tell her something, and said afterward that she did not think “we were all in sync.” She parted with then-coach Brad Gilbert a couple of months later.

Gauff’s main coaches are now longtime team member Jean-Christophe Faurel and biomechanics expert Gavin MacMillan, who she brought on to remodel her serve. Last month, after hitting a double fault during a semifinal defeat to Elina Svitolina at the Dubai Tennis Championships, she appeared to say to MacMillan: “I’ve been doing everything you’ve wanted for the last six months, and it’s not getting any better.”

Given their intertwining, the most striking thing about the way players and coaches think about each other is how much those thoughts can change over time.

“I do think having someone is important — whether they’re the head coach or the hitting partner or even fitness trainer — just for that moral support,” Bouchard said.

“It’s such a tough life and so to really do it alone is brutal. I would not want to do it if I had to it completely alone. But having the autonomy and the space to do your own thing and decide where your game’s going, which feels like Emma (Raducanu) is kind of alluding to … I do understand that, because at the end of the day it’s you on the court, right?

“And it’s your one chance for your career. My mom would always say this: ‘A coach has 10 chances at having a career. They can coach 10 different players over 30 years.’

“We have one short window, 10 years or 15 years, and that’s it. So you have to realize the weight of your decisions.”

This article originally appeared in The Athletic.

Sports Business, Tennis, Women's Tennis

2026 The Athletic Media Company

Welcome back to the Monday Tennis Briefing, where The Athletic will explain the stories behind the stories from the past week on court.

This week, the men’s and women’s tours descended on California’s Palm Desert for the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells.

If you’d like to follow our fantastic tennis coverage, click here.

How to solve a problem like ticketing?

Scheduling a tennis tournament is much more complex than it first appears. Fans want to buy tickets to see stars and their favorite players. The stars and favorite players have preferences about courts and court times. Courts and court times are subject to television companies’ preferences about what the court times are in other countries. And while the tickets for the biggest stadiums are often bought in advance, the actual completion of this scheduling Tetris — apart from the first round — doesn’t happen until the day before the matches.

So it is everywhere, and so it is at the 2026 BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells. The days are yet to be so hot that player preferences around that become a factor, but the usual day or night, early or late carousel is in full swing. Fans of rising prodigies whose adulation outstrips their standing in the sport (more on them later) have packed into outside courts in their droves whenever they can. Matches that open each day’s play, especially in the biggest stadiums, start with mostly empty seats. That’s not on any given tournament — that’s mostly on the existence of lunch, sponsors, and sponsors’ lunches.

But Indian Wells has made one change that has not gone over all that well with tennis fans. In previous years, Stadium 2, the second-biggest court, was good for a grounds pass, which costs around $60 during the tournament, is cheaper before it, and used to get fans into Courts 2 to 9.

Now, a Stadium 2 ticket has the same parameters as a Stadium 1 ticket: A reserved seat, and access to unreserved seating in Courts 3 to 9 (some seats close to the action on Court 3 can be reserved with an individual ticket).

At the time of writing, a Stadium 2 ticket for the fourth-round day sessions starts at $75, and Stadium 3 tickets are much more expensive, around $170, because of their court proximity. But the pricing is not the point.

The knock-on effect of the new Stadium 2 policy, which the tournament declined to comment on, is that night-session matches on that court, which used to fill up with grounds-pass holders, have at times been close to empty. Elina Svitolina’s second-round win over Laura Siegemund was one such example. Even Stadium 1 ticketholders cannot access Stadium 2.

This crowd shot basically shows how bad a decision it was to no longer let groundpass holders onto Stadium 2.

This comes on a day where they’re expecting to break attendence records, outer courts have been packed and meanwhile S2 is empty, not fair on Svitolina/Siegemund either pic.twitter.com/4mPW7DjGmY

— Tennis Updates (@TennisUpdates26) March 8, 2026

This is not a question of sales — Stadium 2 has been sold out, or has just a handful of tickets remaining every day so far — but one of fans’ endurance. A seat-holder is unlikely to spend 12 hours in one stadium, but a grounds-pass holder, who has been milling between courts all day, might stick around for one last match.

The change has ultimately not deterred fans, with the tournament setting a single-day attendance record (almost 59,000 people) on its first Friday. The grounds are teeming and general admission courts are mostly full or even oversubscribed, as they have become at the Grand Slams and other biggest events in the sport the past couple of years, with tournaments embracing their own popularity and capitalizing on it as much as they can.

But it has led to discontent over how tournaments make these decisions, as complex as scheduling them can be.

— James Hansen

What next for the men’s tour’s bid to attract younger fans?

The ATP Tour will announce a renewed partnership with Gen-Alpha, Gen-Z and Millennial fan sports media company Overtime today (Monday), as it continues its push to attract a younger audience.

The original agreement, signed in February 2025, was followed by partnerships with Spotify and TikTok — the latter in particular is part of the same drive — and has led to 80 million views on videos across Instagram and TikTok.

More than half of the 80 million views have come from new fans, with 67 percent of viewers under 35. The offbeat questions have resonated on the platforms, but have also been criticized for their distance from tennis and its wider culture.

The most-viewed include Novak Djokovic being asked about the greatest athletes of all time, and Carlos Alcaraz naming his five favorite soccer players, both on Instagram.

 

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A post shared by Overtime Tennis (@overtimetennis)

Whether tour-sanctioned content can ever truly take off in a social media landscape that prizes irreverence and disruption also remains in question.

Further initiatives are designed to showcase more of players’ personalities, which was part of the rationale for the ‘Athlete Arrivals’ launched at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, Calif., last week. Various ATP stars arrived at the tournament kitted out with clothes that reflect their “personal brand style,” according to the tour, as reported by Hard Court.

“By showcasing the human side of our athletes in authentic, innovative formats, we’re building stronger emotional connections and ensuring tennis continues to evolve for a new generation,” ATP Tour chief executive Eno Polo said.

— Charlie Eccleshare

The tennis fandom takeover comes to the desert

The biggest stage at Indian Wells hosted two of the biggest fandoms Sunday night, as Alex Eala and then João Fonseca took to Stadium 1.

Eala, of the Philippines, and Fonseca, from Brazil, have quickly become sporting avatars for their nations. Eala has been making tennis history for an archipelago of 7,641 islands and more than 110 million people since 11 months ago, when she stormed to the Miami Open semifinals. Since then, Eala, now 20, has broken record after record, while bringing legions of passionate and engaged fans to tournaments across the globe.

Fonseca, 19, has done the same with Brazilian fans, building on the presence of Beatriz Haddad Maia on the WTA Tour and the legendary Gustavo Kuerten, who won three French Open titles and reached world No. 1.

Eala and Fonseca each faced an American — Coco Gauff and Tommy Paul — and their presence on the main stadium at the tournament added further tension to the discussion around tickets, courts and popularity that has roiled tennis since their rise.

The basic quandary goes something like this. Eala and Fonseca’s popularity has outpaced their ranking and status in the game, even though both are rising stars and Fonseca, in particular, has the upside of a potential future major champion. Fans buy tickets for entire Grand Slam days just to watch their matches, which are usually on general admission courts at this stage of their careers.

Those courts get far too full, so some fans miss out on seeing the player they came to see. But when Eala and Fonseca do play on the biggest courts, which carry session-specific tickets and higher prices, and require booking further in advance, their fans sometimes find it harder to follow them.

Accordingly, Eala and Fonseca’s matches Sunday night did not have the raucousness of their early-round encounters at Grand Slams, or their second-round matches against Dayana Yastremska and Karen Khachanov, which were played on courts with general admission.

Still, a large Filipino contingent packed the upper bowl at one end of the stadium, and roared for Eala’s acknowledgement at the end of a 6-2, 2-0 win in which Gauff retired injured. Eala also had the edge on crowd support for most of the match.

When it was Fonseca’s turn, the vibes were similar. Brazilian flags fluttered all around the top of the stadium, chanting Fonseca’s name as he produced one of the most mature performances of his career. After he recovered a 2-0 deficit in the second set to lead 3-2, a Mexican wave rippled around the stadium like the desert wind does on breezier nights.

When it was over, Fonseca had a 6-2, 6-3 win, to the delight of his fans peering down from the upper reaches of the stadium, and his first appearance in an ATP Masters 1000 fourth round, when he faces Jannik Sinner.

“We play tennis to play against the biggest ones,” Fonseca said during his on-court interview. As he and Eala rise further, they will become some of the biggest ones on court, matching their presence off it.

— James Hansen

Another expansion for Italian men’s tennis?

Italy’s preeminence in men’s tennis is set to grow further with the acquisition of a new ATP Tour tournament.

According to a report in Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, the Italian Tennis and Padel Federation (FITP) has acquired the licence of the ATP 250 tournament currently held in Brussels. That event is played on indoor hard courts at the end of the year, but the FITP, according to the report, would move it to a slot in June during the three weeks of grass-court tournaments between the French Open and Wimbledon.

A source briefed on the terms of the transaction, speaking anonymously because they weren’t permitted to speak publicly, said the deal was close to being finalised. They added that Milan had not been confirmed as the Italian host city.

The ATP, whose chairman is Italian and whose end-of-year finals are hosted in Turin, and the FITP declined to comment on the story. Corriere della Sera reported that the license cost the Italian Federation $24 million, plus a 10 percent stake to the ATP.

The switch would make sense for the ATP, which is in the process of rejigging its 2028 calendar to accommodate a new Masters 1000 event, the rung below the Grand Slams, in Saudi Arabia.

The new tournament is expected to take place in February. When it was confirmed in October, ATP Tour chairman Andrea Gaudenzi suggested that one solution to the calendar reshuffle would be having two tournament swings in the month: one in west Asia and one in South America.

That would leave precious room for the European indoor events in Rotterdam and Montpellier in February. But they could be moved to October when the other European indoor events take place — Brussels being removed from the calendar would free up some space then.

— Charlie Eccleshare

📅 Coming up

🎾 ATP 

📍Indian Wells, Calif.: BNP Paribas Open (1,000) featuring Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner, Jack Draper.

📺 UK: Sky Sports; U.S.: Tennis Channel 💻 Tennis TV

🎾 WTA

📍Indian Wells, Calif.: BNP Paribas Open (1,000) featuring Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Świątek, Elena Rybakina, Amanda Anisimova.

📺 UK: Sky Sports; U.S.: Tennis Channel

Tell us what you noticed this week in the comments below as the men’s and women’s tours continue.

This article originally appeared in The Athletic.

Sports Business, Culture, Tennis, Women's Tennis

2026 The Athletic Media Company

The 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, once a shimmering mirage, is now taking shape into something almost tangible.

We made our first U.S. women’s national team roster prediction in October, two international windows away from an end-of-year period defined by dynamic squad experimentation and culinary analogies courtesy of coach Emma Hayes. It is now six international windows away from the tournament roster announcement.

With the countdown to World Cup kickoff down to 473 days, and on the heels of the USWNT’s eighth SheBelieves Cup title, it feels like an important time to draft another roster.

Two words have dominated the conversation around this team since the gold medal run at the Olympics: core group. Hayes announced in June that the process of identifying those players for the 2027 World Cup was underway, and every national team camp since has provided hints about who those players are.

“The depth might have been there,” Hayes said of the U.S. before the Olympics, “but it hadn’t been developed.”

Nine months and 25 games later, the contours of that core group, just like the World Cup itself, are sharpening into focus. Hayes did not invite any new players to national team camp ahead of the SheBelieves Cup for the first time in more than a year, a clear sign the core identification work will likely come from within. (She had previously given 32 players their international debuts.)

As of publication, several key players have not been available for at least the past two windows (but for some, far more than that) for various reasons. Catarina Macario, the USWNT’s top goal scorer last year, whose professional future remains uncertain, has missed out on the last two national team camps because of a leg injury. Fellow forward Sophia Wilson stepped back onto the field for the Portland Thorns at Providence Park on Saturday night for the first time since her maternity leave in an NWSL preseason tune-up. Defender Tierna Davidson is also available for competition with Gotham FC after a year away because of an ACL injury.

Though we didn’t settle on any strict criteria for the above, the question of whether (or how) to factor those players into a roster prediction nonetheless made for some tricky picks this time around.

Melanie’s World Cup squad predictions

Goalkeepers (3): Phallon Tullis-Joyce (Manchester United), Claudia Dickey (Seattle Reign), Mandy McGlynn (Utah Royals)

Defender (7): Naomi Girma (Chelsea), Emily Sonnett (Gotham FC), Tara Rudd (Washington Spirit), Emily Fox (Arsenal), Lilly Reale (Gotham), Avery Patterson (Houston Dash), Tierna Davidson (Gotham FC)

Midfielders (7): Sam Coffey (Manchester City), Lindsey Heaps (OL Lyonnes), Claire Hutton (Bay FC), Rose Lavelle (Gotham FC), Jaedyn Shaw (Gotham FC), Lily Yohannes (OL Lyonnes), Olivia Moultrie (Portland Thorns)

Forwards (6): Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit), Alyssa Thompson (Chelsea), Ally Sentnor (KC Current), Sophia Wilson (Portland Thorns), Emma Sears (Racing Louisville), Jameese Joseph (Chicago Stars)

There might be a splash of recency bias in my line-up from the SheBelieves Cup. What made this so hard was deciphering each player’s availability. I limited my selection to players who are cleared to be on the pitch and whose status was not currently in question.

Hayes casually mentioned this week how she has no way of knowing which player could have a breakout season with their clubs over the next 15 months, making it difficult to know who would be in her starting 11 just yet. Remember Jaedyn Shaw before her record transfer to Gotham? Well, now I cannot picture a U.S. senior roster without her.

When I think of players with the potential to ball out in 2026, my mind immediately turns to Croix Bethune and her unexpected move to the Kansas City Current. Will she and Michelle Cooper become an offensive coupling that is too good to ignore come World Cup qualifiers? That would be fun.

Macario, Wilson and Mallory Swanson are likely call-ups for 2027. Even Cooper feels like a lock in Hayes’ system when she’s back to full health. But the beauty of what Hayes has built with this team is a player pool that actively rejuvenates itself and rotates as needed. When there is a pre-window injury days before camp, she is easily able to call on a replacement with experience in her system.

The goalie pool feels set; Phallon Tullis-Joyce seems like Hayes’ top choice. The backline also seems to have its core, with Naomi Girma and Emily Sonnett currently the go-to center back pairing. Davidson’s return to the senior team feels imminent now that she’s back with Gotham. The midfield also feels, right now, like a strong core that has learned to play extremely well together. During SheBelieves, this group came out strong against Canada, and Lindsey Heaps, Olivia Moultrie, Shaw and Lily Yohannes were jolts of energy injected into the match against Colombia in the second half.

Deciding the forward pool had me pacing, though. Of course, a healthy Triple Espresso would be in there. Of course, a healthy Macario and Cooper are regulars in the U.S. attack, but, as per my self-imposed parameter, I am sticking with players who are available without question. Let’s just call my inclusion of Wilson wishful thinking after her emotional return to the pitch this weekend in Portland.

I also included Jameese Joseph, who Hayes said impressed during January camp. It might have been brief, but there was a subtle moment when she held up the attack in Colombia’s box just long enough for there to be an opening for a midfielder to slip into in front of net. It was a calm moment in an otherwise chaotic match. Moultrie was unable to land a foot on the ball; there appeared to be some confusion with Shaw. But Joseph’s ability to create that chance while staying composed will keep her in the back of Hayes’ mind.

Tamerra’s World Cup squad predictions

Goalkeepers (3): Phallon Tullis-Joyce (Manchester United), Claudia Dickey (Seattle Reign), Mandy McGlynn (Utah Royals)

Defenders (7): Naomi Girma (Chelsea), Emily Sonnett (Gotham FC), Emily Fox (Arsenal), Avery Patterson (Houston Dash), Tara Rudd (Washington Spirit), Gisele Thompson (Angel City) Lilly Reale (Gotham FC)

Midfielders (7): Claire Hutton (Bay FC), Sam Coffey (Manchester City), Lily Yohannes (OL Lyonnes), Lindsey Heaps (OL Lyonnes), Jaedyn Shaw (Gotham FC), Rose Lavelle (Gotham FC), Olivia Moultrie (Portland Thorns)

Forwards (6): Alyssa Thompson (Chelsea), Catarina Macario (Chelsea), Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit), Ally Sentnor (Kansas City Current), Jameese Joseph (Chicago Stars), Michelle Cooper (Kansas City Current)

I made four changes from the first version of this roster prediction in October: Gisele Thompson for Emily Sams, Jaedyn Shaw for Croix Bethune, Jameese Joseph for Yazmeen Ryan, and Emma Sears for Michelle Cooper.

Do I have SheBelieves Cup recency bias? Absolutely, and for good reason.

Several players, as well as Hayes herself, stressed the importance of gaining tournament-level experience with the team: train, play, travel, repeat, all while performing at a high level against quality teams with world-class players.

Not to minimize her older sister’s accomplishments, but Gisele Thompson was also an MVP for me at the SheBelieves Cup, showcasing her skills on both sides of the ball against Argentina and Canada for a full 90 minutes each. Hayes said her focus with Gisele during this window was durability; her smaller size might be a concern if the U.S. faces a team such as Germany or Sweden at the World Cup, but she clearly knows how to account for physical differences with her speed and football IQ.

The latter half of 2025 for Jaedyn Shaw was phenomenal. As Melanie has said, her recent trajectory for club and country is a testament to how making the right move can change everything. She, like Gisele, was another SheBelieves MVP candidate with a goal and an assist across all competitions, perhaps most crucially in the last match against Colombia in which she provided the assist to Thompson’s go-ahead goal.

Shaw has improved tremendously in less than a year, and her versatility as a No. 10 only adds to her case for the World Cup. She has also already built promising partnerships with other USWNT players who are essentially locks for me, such as Macario, Yohannes and Moultrie. Whether she’s starting or coming off the bench, Shaw has convincingly worked her way into the World Cup conversation.

Predicting the forward group is particularly difficult. Wilson’s availability is still a hovering question for me — not whether she will be fit to play by 2027, but where she will fall in the USWNT depth chart when she is. The competition is stiffening in that No. 9 role (See: Ally Sentnor’s recent goal against Canada), so I’m going to wait until she features for the USWNT before deciding anything on her.

That said, Joseph’s versatility as a No. 9 who can hold up play and drive at defenders one-v-one is compelling. And if I’m being frank, a healthy Cooper still edges out Sears. As the KC Current winger is still on the SEI list, I am going with Sears for 2.0. Hayes has already said during the SheBelieves Cup that if the World Cup were starting tomorrow, she would be looking to bring Sears in off the bench. In the USWNT’s final game against Colombia, she did just that, and Sears’ pace and strength contributed to the collective pressure on their opponents that eventually made them concede — an invaluable factor in, say, the knockout stage of a tournament.

This article originally appeared in The Athletic.

US Women's national team, NWSL, Women's Soccer, FIFA Women's World Cup

2026 The Athletic Media Company

Between the defeat in the league against AS Monaco and the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 against Chelsea on Wednesday, Paris Saint-Germain unveiled its fifth kit of the season today.

Under the motto: “A new chapter that pays tribute to the energy of our city at night,” the club—which is currently experiencing quite a bit of internal turmoil—posted photos and videos on social media on Monday, allowing fans to inspect the look of the new apparel.

The kit is dark and features irregular color elements that correspond to the “Night Edition” headline. According to the club, the striking design is inspired by the “unique energy of Paris at night.” The pattern is intended to capture the lights of the French capital.

What do you think, how do you like PSG’s new look? Feel free to let us know in the comments.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.

The Malian international nets his debut goal for Lens on Sunday.

French league: Amadou Haidara scores his first goal for Lens

Since joining from Leipzig in January, Amadou Haidara has opened his scoring account for Lens during matchday 25 of the French top flight (Ligue 1).

Lens dominated proceedings throughout the full ninety minutes, claiming a well-deserved 3-0 victory over Metz in this round 25 clash of the French Ligue 1.

Amadou Haidara netted Lens's third goal. Coming off the bench at the start of the second half in the 46th minute, he needed only six minutes to find the net for the first time since his arrival at Lens. This goal shattered the visitors' last hopes.

The former Leipzig player, now making his fifth appearance for his new club, takes a decisive step forward in his Lens adventure.

Eintracht Frankfurt defender Nnamdi Collins has been linked with a move to the Premier League, with Liverpool and Arsenal reportedly among the clubs interested.

The 22-year-old has now addressed the speculation about his future in an interview with Absolut Fussball:

"It actually bounces off me pretty well. I’m reading these rumours for the first time myself, which is why I’m partly surprised."

A recent report from Sky Germany has suggested Collins is eyeing a summer move, but the defender insists he's feeling comfortable at his club.

"I’m very happy to be here at Eintracht," Collins underlined.

The Bundesliga club have reportedly valued the German international at €40 million.

In the 31-year history of the franchise, Baltimore had never parted ways with a first-round pick in order to complete a trade, but after only registering 30 sacks last season and hiring Jesse Minter, the Ravens went all out to land an absolute terror off the edge for opposing quarterbacks.

The Ravens rarely move away from their organizational philosophy, but on Friday night, Baltimore parted ways with two first-round picks to acquire All-Pro pass rusher Maxx Crosby. In a blockbuster move that'll alter the NFL landscape, the Ravens trade the No. 14 overall pick in April's NFL draft, and a first-round pick in 2027, in order to land the high-motor defensive end.

Baltimore won't have a first-round pick, but they are still stocked with assets, and we're unveiling an updated seven-round projection for Eric DeCosta ahead of NFL free agency.

Round 2 Pick 45:Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama

The Crimson Tide receiver stands 6-foot-1, 206 pounds and logged an impressive 4.48-second 40-yard dash and a 6.71-second three-cone drill, the best among the few receivers who participated. The Washington transfer finished tied for fifth in the SEC with seven receiving touchdowns and also tied for 11th in the conference for total touchdowns, recording nine. He led the University of Arkansas (UA) in receptions with 64 and receiving yards with 862, while ranking second in touchdown catches. Additionally, he had 18 rushing attempts for a combined total of 101 yards and scored two touchdowns on the ground. He also completed two passes for a total of 15 yards. Furthermore, he was named a semifinalist for the Biletnikoff Award, which is presented annually to the nation's top pass-catcher.

Round 3 Pick 80: Darrell Jackson Jr., DI, Florida State

Jackson Jr. logged 45 tackles and one sack during his final season, earning All-ACC honorable mention recognition. Jackson Jr. transferred twice, earning back-to-back All-ACC honorable mentions in 2024 and 2025.

Round 4 Pick 115: Mikail Kamara, ED, Indiana

After posting double-digit sacks last season, Kamara only had one in 2025. However, he led Indiana in pressures and has improved as a run defender.

Round 5 Pick 152: Nate Boerkircher, TE, Texas A&M

Before his one year at Texas A&M, Boerkircher played four seasons at Nebraska, appearing in 39 games and making 17 starts, registering 19 catches for 219 yards and one score. In 2024, he recorded a career-high six catches for 102 yards receiving, averaging 17.0 yards per reception. During his final season in College Station, he recorded just 19 catches for 198 yards and three touchdowns with the Aggies, and translates as a blocking tight end.

Round 5 Pick 160: Jeremiah Wright, G, Auburn

Wright started at right guard for the Tigers for the last two seasons. In 2024 and 2025, he played all 12 games each year, totaling 24 consecutive starts and 53 games overall. He received a performance grade of 68.3 from Pro Football Focus and led the team with 33 knockdown blocks.

Round 5 Pick 172: Thaddeus Dixon, CB, North Carolina

Dixon has the potential to be a rotational player in the secondary. He started seven games for the Tar Heels in 2025 but missed five games due to injury. Throughout the season, he recorded 19 tackles, including 13 solo stops. Additionally, he made two tackles for loss and achieved six pass breakups.

Round 5 Pick 173: Aiden Fisher, LB, Indiana

Fisher appeared in a total of 50 career games, starting in 38 of them. Over two seasons at James Madison (2022-23), he played in 23 games with 11 starts. In 2024, he made history by becoming Indiana's first-ever first-team All-America linebacker, earning recognition from the FWAA and Phil Steele. He is also the first Hoosier defender to receive multiple first-team All-America honors and the first to achieve back-to-back selections since offensive lineman Dan Feeney in 2015-16. Fisher started 14 games during his time and missed one game due to injury (against Maryland).

Round 7 Pick 249:Taylen Green, QB, Arkansas

Height: 6-foot-6 | Weight: 224 pounds

Green immediately became the Razorbacks' starter after transferring from Boise State following the 2023 season. He had 2,714 passing yards, 19 touchdown throws, and 11 interceptions this season, along with 771 rushing yards (12th most among FBS QBs) and two touchdowns on the ground. A true dual threat, Green had eight games with 50 or more rushing yards.

Round 7 Pick 252: Joshua Braun, G, Kentucky

Braun, an Arkansas transfer, started all 12 games for Kentucky. He allowed just five sacks and incurred only five penalties over 831 snaps. He ranked second on the team with 31 knockdown blocks and achieved a grade of 82 percent. He was recognized as a Preseason Third Team All-SEC selection by the Coaches, Phil Steele, and Athlon, and he made the 2026 Senior Bowl Top 300 List.

This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Full 7-round NFL mock draft ahead of free agency frenzy

The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine is behind us, and the legal tampering period for free agency is upon all 32 teams around the league. Still, all eyes will turn toward the 2026 NFL draft. The first day will feature only the first round, the second day will feature the second and third rounds, and the draft will conclude with the final four rounds on the third day.

Philadelphia has needs, but a top-flight defensive tackle won't be needed after the Eagles agreed to a new three-year, $78 million contract extension with Jordan Davis.

With the new league year fast approaching, we're releasing our pre-free agency seven-round mock draft for the Eagles Wire via the PFF draft simulator and sending reinforcements to Philadelphia at several key positions on both sides of the football.

Pick 23: Akheem Mesidor, ED, Miami (FL)

A grown man pass rusher and force off the edge, the 6-foot-3, 265-pound edge rusher just enjoyed his most productive season in his final year at Miami, totaling 63 tackles, 12.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles.

Pick 54: Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt

If Kenyon Sadiq isn't the answer in Round 1, Philadelphia could turn towards Stowers, who set the record for vertical leap at his position with a 45½-inch mark while also logging a 4.51-second 40-yard dash and an 11-3 broad jump. Stowers began his college career at Texas A&M, signing with the Aggies out of the class of 2021 as a four-star recruit. Stowers played just five games across two seasons in College Station before transferring to New Mexico State, logging 35 catches for 366 yards and two touchdowns and rushing for two more scores. After his teammate at New Mexico State, Diego Pavia, transferred to Vanderbilt ahead of the 2024 season, Stowers also made the move. In his first season at Vanderbilt, he recorded 638 yards and five touchdowns, earning first-team All-SEC honors. In 2025, Stowers had a standout season with 62 receptions for 769 yards and four touchdowns, once again receiving first-team All-SEC honors for the second consecutive year. Additionally, he was named a unanimous All-American, won the Mackey Award, and received the Campbell Trophy.

Pick 68: from NYJ -- Kamari Ramsey, S. USC

Ramsey started his college football career at UCLA, where he quickly earned playing time as a defensive back and contributed on special teams. After two seasons with the Bruins, he transferred to USC to follow defensive coordinator D'Anton Lynn, who had also moved from UCLA. Known for his strong run support, tackling ability, and versatility in slot coverage, Ramsey fits the hybrid safety role that is increasingly common in modern defenses.

Pick 98: Compensatory Markel Bell, T, Miami (FL)

At 6'9", ~346 pounds, Markel Bell is a massive offensive tackle for the Miami Hurricanes and a developing NFL Draft prospect known for his rare size and power. He earned Third-Team All-ACC honors in 2025.

Pick 122: Jalon Kilgore, CB, South Carolina

A safety who can play in the slot, Kilgore is tough and versatile, and his 4.4 40-yard dash time tied for fifth in the safety group, along with putting up 16 reps on the bench press. Kilgore has logged 53+ tackles in each of his three seasons, while intercepting eight passes and breaking up 23 over his career.

Pick 136: Compensatory Jager Burton, G/C, Kentucky

Burton, a 6-foot-4, 323-pound road grader from Lexington, Kentucky, moved to center in his final season and can play multiple interior positions. He started all 12 games, led the team with 158 blocks at the point of attack. He was named third-team All-Southeastern Conference.

Pick 151: From ATL Beau Stephens, G, Iowa

An AP, USA Today, and PFF first-team All-America, Stephens started at left guard in all 13 games and made 34 starts in his career.

Pick 179: Compensatory Eric Rivers, WR, Georgia Tech

Rivers recorded 1,162 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns at FIU in 2024 before transferring to Georgia Tech. Over his final two years, Rivers tied for second-most receiving TD on throws of 20+ air yards in FBS (9).

This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Full 7-round NFL mock draft ahead of free agency frenzy

Sunderland became the latest side to be dumped out of the FA Cup by lower league opposition on Sunday, and it wasn’t fun. Still, there’s plenty to pore over, so joining us today for a chat and to offer his perspective on things is our old marra Tom White – Sky Sports presenter, and massive Lads fan. Coming up on today’s show…

• Now that we’ve had a night to sleep on it… are we any less annoyed about the way things unfolded yesterday at Vale Park?
• What went wrong?
• Sunderland’s attitude and approach wasn’t right – why was that?
• It’s hard to keep perspective after a demoralising defeat, but the Lads talk about why it’s important we do if we want to have a strong end to the season…

All this and more! Get subscribed to Haway The Podcast so you never miss another episode of our free daily show.

Want to get in touch with us? You can drop us an email at HawayThePodcastSAFC@Gmail.com, or you can contact us via social media – we’re @RokerReport on almost every platform. For your daily SAFC fan-written content, head over to⁠⁠RokerReport.SBNation.com ⁠⁠

Colchester United boss Danny Cowley has criticised match officials after forward Micah Mbick suffered a potentially serious injury in their game at Newport County.

The 19-year-old, who is on loan from Charlton Athletic, was stretchered off in the 35th minute in south Wales following a tackle by Cameron Evans, having only returned to the side four days earlier following a previous injury.

The club are waiting to learn the extent of the latest setback for a player who has impressed with nine goals in 26 appearances this season.

"It looks a really bad one, unfortunately. It was a horrendous tackle and I'm sick and tired of officials - he [the referee] didn't even give a foul," Cowley told BBC Essex.

"The fourth official was right there, he saw it all, and it was so clear it was excessive force, it was completely out of control.

"The first foot, ok a block tackle, but the second foot has taken him knee high. It was a horrible tackle and I don't understand the officials, their first job is player safety."

Colchester went on to win the game 2-1, a major boost following back-to-back defeats which had dented their hopes of a League Two play-off place.

"First half we were in total control, really stamped our authority on the game and I'm proud of the way we kept going because when we lose Micah, he comes off, Jack Payne comes on and the game plan changes," said Cowley.

"We're lucky because we lost a brilliant player but were able to bring a brilliant player onto the pitch in Jack."

Cowley was also unhappy with supporters who subjected some of his players to racist abuse during the match at Rodney Parade.

"I don't blame Newport County, there's idiots at every football club. It's not a good reflection on society, is it?" he commented.

It was a second instance of racist comments shouted at players on Saturday, with a similar incident occurring at the top-of-the-table League One match between Cardiff and Lincoln.

Get ready for another boring run to the men's Final Four.

What makes March Madness such a spectacle is the unpredictability. Each game can throw away everything we know about the season, allowing Cinderellas to shine and Goliaths to falter. That didn't happen much last year en route to all four No. 1 seeds making the Final Four for just the second time in history.

This season, there is no doubt of who has separated themselves from the rest of the field. Duke, Arizona and Michigan are in a class of their own. They awaited who would join them as the fourth member, and it was answered in the regular-season finale with Florida.

March Madness favorites: Ranking top 20 teams based on odds

March Madness bracketology: Latest NCAA tournament bubble predictions

All No. 1 seed dominance? Guess what? It's going to happen again in 2026.

It sounds crazy to declare who will be in the Final Four before the bracket and matchups are revealed, but it's not hard to understand why it will be Duke, Michigan, Arizona and Florida.

Duke, Michigan and Arizona have been the most consistent. It felt like they could have gone undefeated, and they each finished the regular season 29-2. Florida didn't have an amazing start, but finished on a 16-1 stretch as it obliterated the SEC to end 25-6 overall.

It's one thing to win a lot, but it's another to do it against quality teams. Look at each of their Quad 1 records, as they are conveniently the top four teams in the NET rankings:

• Duke: 15-2
• Michigan: 14-2
• Arizona: 15-2
• Florida: 11-5

These are the only teams win double-digit Quad 1 wins.

Still need more proof? Look at how they're winning these games. These four make up the top eight teams in the country in average scoring margin; Duke wins by 20 points (1st), Michigan by 19 (5th), Arizona by 18 (6th) and Florida by 16 (T-7th). The Blue Devils and Gators made a joke of the ACC and SEC, the Wolverines handled the loaded Big Ten and the Wildcats made the Big 12 gauntlet look like a stroll in the park. It's a type of consistency we saw exactly a year ago with Florida, Houston, Duke and Auburn.

That's why the 2026 tournament is theirs to lose. All it takes is an off night to end a season in 40 minutes. However, these teams haven't had many of those, any everyone else can't say the same.

There are plenty of other teams that have Final Four capabilities, like Connecticut, Iowa State, Houston and Michigan State. The issue though is these teams have shown they can't be trusted. They've each had their own problems, whether it's losing to teams it shouldn't, or going on extended cold streaks.

Oh, and they've all had a chance to play against the Final Four shoe-ins. Only the Huskies were able to beat Florida, all the way back in December when it was much different Gators team.

This isn't saying the tournament won't be eventful. There is bound to be the double-digit seed first round upset or surprise run to the second weekend. Just don't expect it to be at the expense of the No. 1 seeds. Their games may be snoozers.

While it may take out the thrill of it, save the popcorn for when those four teams meet in Indianapolis, because it will be captivating, must-see TV. We already got a preview when Michigan and Duke met in late February, a thriller in the nation's capital. Imagine that happening again with the national championship on the line?

After happening only once in 45 tournaments, does having an all-No. 1 seed Final Four in back-to-back years show parity is dying in a tournament built on it? Not really, it's just the teams that are really good, are in fact, really good.

It's almost become comical how superior each of the projected No. 1 seeds have been. So much so the conference tournaments won't have an effect on their March Madness outlook.

The 2026 NCAA Tournament is for the taking of the Blue Devils, Wildcats, Wolverines and Gators. The other 64 teams are going to need the night of their lives — and then some — to alter the path.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2026 March Madness can expect four No. 1 seeds in Final Four again

One week from now, it all will be moot.

All of the number-crunching analytics. All of the talking-head prognostication. All replaced by seedings and brackets and destinations to decide the NCAA Tournament field of 68 en route to Indianapolis in early April.

And for Tom Izzo, a path to get Michigan State basketball back to another Final Four.

The eighth-ranked Spartans (25-6, 15-5 Big Ten) pushed closer to a potential 2-seed in what will be Izzo’s 28th straight NCAA berth. The pairings will be released Sunday, March 15, after the championship game of the Big Ten Tournament.

That kicks off Tuesday at United Center in Chicago. MSU, which finished in a three-way tie for second (with Nebraska and Illinois), earned the No. 3 seed and a triple-bye. The Spartans open play Friday around 9:30 p.m. ET against Thursday’s night winner between No. 6 seed UCLA and the Wednesday’s 11-seed Minnesota/14-seed Rutgers winner.

MSU would need three wins in three days to win Izzo’s seventh Big Ten Tournament title. But the Spartans’ strong finish, with five wins in their last six, and the struggles of others battling for NCAA seeding likely has them locked into a 2-seed for when the brackets are revealed.

Michigan State basketball schedule this week

• Friday: vs. TBD, approximately 9 p.m, Big Ten Tournament quarterfinal
• Saturday: vs TBD, 3:30 p.m., Big Ten Tournament semifinal.
• Sunday: vs TBD, 3:30 p.m., Big Ten Tournament final.

Michigan State basketball bracketology for 2026 NCAA Tournament

NET rankings: No. 11 (Last week: No. 11)

All rankings entering Sunday’s games.

• Quad 1: 9-5.
• Quad 2: 5-0.
• Quad 3: 7-0.
• Quad 4: 4-0.

KenPom rankings: No. 9 (began last week No. 9)

All rankings entering Monday’s games.

• Offensive efficiency: No. 27
• Defensive efficiency: No. 8

Michigan State basketball bracketology projections

• USA TODAY: 2-seed in East vs. Wright State (updated March 7).
• ESPN: 2-seed in East vs. Tennessee State (updated March 8).
• CBS: 2-seed in West vs. Portland State (updated March 8).
• Fox Sports: 2-seed in West vs. Wright State (updated March 6).
• On3: 2-seed in West vs. Merrimack (updated March 8).
• BracketMatrix.com: 2-seed (updated March 8).

Michigan State basketball results last week

March 5: 91-87 home win over Rutgers – The Spartans led by 15 with 1:15 left when Izzo inserted an all-seniors lineup for, well, senior night. It nearly came unraveled as the Scarlet Knights hit their final nine shots to get within two points, while Izzo reinserted his starters. But Jeremy Fears Jr. iced the victory with two free throws and a steal in the final seconds to preserve MSU’s 14th consecutive senior-game victory.

March 8: 90-80 road loss at No. 3 Michigan – In an epic rivalry renewal to wrap up the regular season, MSU and U-M traded runs and technical fouls for a feisty first 30 minutes. The Spartans led by four with just under 13 minutes to play when the Wolverines went on an 11-0 run and never ceded the lead the rest of the way. Fears had 22 points and nine assists, passing Mateen Cleaves for second on MSU’s single-season assist list and is now 10 shy of Cassius Winston’s record of 291 set in 2018-19.

How NCAA tournament committee selects at-large teams

Record: The team's overall record, conference record, and non-conference record.

Strength of schedule: The strength of the teams the team played against.

Head-to-head results: The results of games between the teams being compared.

Conference championships: The number of conference championships won.

Common opponents: The results of games against common opponents.

Adjusted Net Efficiency (NET): A measure of a team's overall performance during the regular season.

Team Value Index: A results-oriented component of the NET that ranks teams based on who they beat and where they played.

Rating Percentage Index (RPI): A computer program that calculates a team's winning percentage, opponents' success, and opponents' strength of schedule.

Contact Chris Solari: csolari@freepress.com. Follow him @chrissolari.

 Subscribe to the "Spartan Speak" podcast for new episodes weekly on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or anywhere you listen to podcasts. And catch all of our podcasts and daily voice briefing at freep.com/podcasts.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan State basketball bracketology for NCAA Tournament 2026, seed

Change of plans at Cádiz in line with what has been trending in the Second Division of Spanish football.

Almost half of the teams in the Spanish silver division had changed their coach, with a total of 14 changes in 27 rounds, and now there is one more change: Sergio González will coach Cádiz.

The Catalan coach thus begins his second stint on the Cádiz bench. González is the coach who has managed Cádiz the most in the First Division and with them achieved two stays in the top category.

Alongside Sergio González, Carlos Sánchez and Sergio Dorado join as assistant coach and physical trainer.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.

The day is finally here, and the NFL’s legal tampering period ahead of free agency opens at noon.

The Tennessee Titans will enter free agency with more questions than answers at the moment and have holes across the roster that must be filled. Currently, the team has 52 of the 90 spots on the offseason roster filled, and could use help at every level.

Here is a breakdown of the current players on the Titans roster heading into free agency.

Quarterbacks (2): Cam Ward, Will Levis

Ward is the unquestioned starter heading into his second season, but behind him, it gets a bit cloudy. Levis is slated to return to the team in a backup capacity after missing all of 2025 due to shoulder surgery.

Running back (4): Tony Pollard, Tyjae Spears, Kalel Mullings, Blake Watson

There has been a lot of smoke centered on the running back position all offseason, with the Titans mentioned in connection with backs in both free agency and the draft. Pollard is scheduled to return as the feature back, but it appears that the team could go in a different direction.

Wide receiver (6): Calvin Ridley, Elic Ayomanor, Hal Pressley, Chimere Dike, Mason Kinsey, Xavier Restrepo

The biggest question entering free agency is the status of Calvin Ridley and whether he will be on the team in 2026. Tennessee is widely expected to make a run at a top wideout in free agency and could add to this unit pretty quickly.

Tight end (3): Gunnar Helm, David Martin-Robinson, Joel Wilson

Tennessee has a decision to make on Chig Okonkwo, who is an unrestricted free agent. Helm flashed in 2025 and could take on a larger role in 2026, but the Titans could add some experienced depth to the roster.

Offensive (10): Dan Moore Jr., Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson, JC Latham, Ryan Hayes, Peter Skoronski, Drew Moss, Jackson Slater, Ryan Hayes, Garrett Dellinger, Trey Hill

The Titans tackle situation is better than the rest of the offensive line, with starters Moore and Latham returning. They are likely to add a veteran swing tackle during free agency, but it won’t break the bank.

Tennessee will likely have to address the interior of its offensive line, with Skoronski the only returning starter. 2025 starter Kevin Zeitler is an unrestricted free agent and may not return, leaving Slater as the next in line. l

They must also find a veteran center in free agency after the team parted ways with Lloyd Cushenberry. What complicates matters is that their top reserve, Corey Levin, is also an unrestricted free agent, leaving Hill as the only real option. Hill does have some NFL experience, but not enough to anchor the line for Cam Ward moving forward.

Edge (8): Jermaine Johnson, Femi Oladejo, Truman Jones, David Ebuka Agoha, Jaylen Harrell, Ernest Brown, Ali Gaye, Cam Riley

Look for both some additions and some subtractions in this unit throughout the offseason, with the Titans changing defensive systems, and some may not fit as well as they did in 2025. Johnson was recently acquired in a trade and will likely solidify one of the edge positions, but after that, there is no clarity.

Defensive tackle (5): Jeffery Simmons, Timmy Horne, Cam Horsley, Isaiah Raikes, C.J. Ravenell

As the Titans enter free agency, Simmons is the only true known commodity along the defensive front after trading T’Vondre Sweat to acquire Jermaine Johnson. Just like the edge position, expect to see a lot of movement along the defensive front as the team evaluates the position fit for some of the depth players.

Linebacker (5): James Williams, Cedric Gray, Dorian Mausi, Cody Barton, Nate Lynn

The Titans will likely add multiple linebackers in free agency or the draft, as the coaching staff sorts out the unit's positioning.

Cornerback (4): L’Jarius Sneed, Micah Robinson, Marcus Harris, Keydrain Calligan

Beyond depth, the biggest question that must be answered during the free-agent period is Sneed's status. A complete bust since arriving in Nashville, Sneed could be a salary cap casualty, which would leave the Titans extremely thin. Tennessee must add some talent to a unit that struggled to stay healthy in 2025 and was, at best, underwhelming.

Safety: Kevin Winston Jr, Sanoussi Kane, Amani Hooker, Kendall Brooks, Erick Hallett

Much like a good portion of the roster, the Titans' safety position lacks depth and could use an infusion of talent. Hooker and Winston should start, but after Xavier Woods's release, the unit lacks experience.

This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: Tennessee Titans: Roster breakdown ahead of NFL free agency

(This post will be updated.)

For the first time in a decade, the Carolina Panthers are entering the new league year as NFC South champions. And to keep that title where it is, they'll have to grow stronger this offseason.

That defense starts now, with the unofficial start of free agency. As the legal tampering period opens at 12 p.m. ET on Monday, teams are permitted to negotiate and agree upon deals with free agents.

So with the frenzy set to kick off, keep it here as we track all the Panthers' moves (and non-moves) in the coming days . . .

Who's staying?

• LS JJ Jansen (signed one-year deal)

Who's coming?

Who's going?

Who's left?

*ERFA = Exclusive rights free agent, RFA = Restricted free agent

• RB Rico Dowdle
• WR Jalen Coker (ERFA - Tendered contract)
• WR David Moore
• WR Brycen Tremayne (ERFA - Tendered contract)
• TE James Mitchell (RFA)
• OT Yosh Nijman
• OL Brady Christensen
• OL Austin Corbett
• OL Jake Curhan
• C Cade Mays
• DL LaBryan Ray (RFA)
• OLB Trevis Gipson
• OLB Thomas Incoom (RFA)
• OLB D.J. Wonnum
• ILB Krys Barnes
• ILB Claudin Cherelus (RFA)
• ILB Christian Rozeboom
• CB Akayleb Evans
• CB Damarri Mathis
• CB Robert Rochell
• S D'Anthony Bell
• S Nick Scott
• S Isaiah Simmons
• P Sam Martin

Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content.

This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: NFL offseason: 2026 Carolina Panthers free agency tracker

With the SEC Tournament having come to an end, the Alabama Crimson Tide's path through March Madness is now solely in the hands of the NCAA Tournament selection committee.

Essentially a lock to go dancing ahead of their time in Greenville, Alabama added two last minute wins to their NCAA Tournament resume by defeating both Missouri and Tennessee prior to their quarterfinal loss against Texas. The win over Tennessee was likely Alabama's biggest result, a 76-64 second round victory over a Lady Volunteers team that will also make the NCAA Tournament.

As a result, Alabama now enters the NCAA Tournament sitting at 23-10 overall (7-9 SEC), and are set to shift their focus toward March Madness. Where does ESPN's Charlie Creme now currently project Alabama to be seeded as well?

According to Creme's latest bracketology update Saturday night, Alabama is projected as a No. 6 seed in Region 1 - Fort Worth. The Crimson Tide would face the winner of a No. 11 seeded play-in game between Virginia and Arizona State in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Should the Crimson Tide win that first round matchup, Creme would project Alabama to face either No. 3 Michigan or No. 14 Idaho in Ann Arbor during the second round.

Alabama will learn their official NCAA Tournament fate March 15 when the bracket is officially revealed on Selection Sunday. The bracket will be revealed live at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN.

Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion.

This article originally appeared on Roll Tide Wire: Alabama women's basketball bracketology update after SEC Tournament

DUBLIN (AP) — France flanker Oscar Jégou has been cited for alleged eye gouging during his team's Six Nations rugby loss to Scotland.

TV footage appeared to show Jégou making contact with the eye of Scotland hooker Ewan Ashman during a maul in the second half of France's 50-40 defeat at Murrayfield on Saturday.

Tournament organizers said in a statement late Sunday that Jégou has been cited for “an act of foul play,” which can be physical abuse including “contact with the eye or eye area.”

Jégou will attend an independent disciplinary hearing via video conference early Tuesday.

France leads the Six Nations on points difference from Scotland heading into the final round of matches on Saturday.

France hosts England and Scotland visits Ireland, which is two points back in third place and the only other team in with a chance of winning the title.

___

AP rugby: https://apnews.com/hub/rugby

Manchester United are targeting talented young footballers after revamping their transfer strategy to shift focus towards emerging stars. The Red Devils have added several gifted teenagers to their roster since INEOS’ arrival and that process is expected to continue this summer as well.

United have reaped the rewards of a calculated approach in the transfer market last year, with their new recruits significantly improving the attack and goalkeeping departments. While the focus remains on midfield, there is also a need for defensive reinforcements, especially with Harry Maguire’s contract expiring this summer.

Recent reports suggest that the Englishman could sign a new deal, but he is already 34 and the Red Devils have to lay down succession plans soon. The English giants do have Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven in the squad for that purpose, but that has not stopped them from scouting the market for further additions.

A previous report relayed by The Peoples Person states that United have set their sights on Tromsø defender Sedi Kinteh to address the situation.

A defensive stalwart

Sedi Kinteh rose through the ranks at the Mawade Wade Academy in Senegal, where his efforts earned the attention of Tromsø. The teenager travelled to the Norwegian club for a trial in February last year and was subsequently offered a five-year contract.

The Gambian’s progression was rapid, with the player quickly establishing himself as a key figure in the starting XI thanks to his blistering pace, strength in duels, and an impressive left foot. Tromsø reportedly received a club-record €5 million offer for the player three games into his stay, but they turned it down.

Kinteh has since made 26 appearances for the senior side, even finding the back of the net once, prompting interest from several big clubs, including United and Chelsea.

Sedi Kinteh Stats for Tromso

Source: Transfermarkt.

A recent report relayed by The Peoples Person states that the Red Devils are leading the race for his signature and have already submitted an offer for the youngster. Malick Diop, president of the Mawade Wade Academy, has now provided his views on the player’s future.

Right time for the next step

Speaking to Africa Foot, as cited by Sport Witness, Diop was full of praise for Kinteh. He said: “He’s a very athletic lad who anticipates challenges. Being athletic is one thing but knowing how to anticipate challenges puts you at ease. These qualities inevitably make him a difficult defender to handle.”

Kinteh also generated interest in the January transfer window, but a transfer never materialised. Diop went on to insist that the Gambian was correct in not leaving in mid-season, but insisted that the summer is the right time for him to take the next step in his career. He said: “It’s time for him to leave.”

“There was already interest from clubs during the winter transfer window, but it wasn’t the ideal time for a young player, as there’s already an established squad and it’s not easy to break into the first team… However, the best time is the summer. He’ll have time to adapt and establish himself.”

Final Thoughts

Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt have struggled with injuries this season so United have to take proactive steps to bolster their backline.

A move for Kinteh represents a low-risk, high-reward approach that could turn out to be a masterstroke in the coming years.

Featured image Christopher Furlong via Getty Images

online polls

The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

Nebraska men's basketball (26-4, 14-4) wrapped up the regular season on Sunday afternoon against Iowa. The Huskers took the win in overtime, surging past the Hawkeyes, 84-75.

Nebraska dropped an 11-point lead in the second half and surrendered 44 second-half points to Iowa. But Cale Jacobsen and Sam Hoiberg lifted the Huskers to victory, combining for 12 of the team's 14 points in overtime. The duo also scored 15 points each in the win, co-leading the team on the day.

Jacobsen shot a perfect 6-of-6 from the floor and 2-of-2 from beyond the arc. Hoiberg hit 5-of-7 in total and a perfect 4-of-4 from the foul line. The Huskers shot 27-of-54 from the floor and 10-of-27 from three on the day. Iowa hit 27-of-56 and 11-of-30, respectively. Nebraska, however, shot 20-of-27 in free throws while the Hawkeyes finished 10-of-15.

Rienk Mast and Pryce Sandfort also reached double digits in scoring. Sandfort scored 15 points, hitting 5-of-13, 2-of-7 and 3-of-4. Mast shot 4-of-9, 2-of-6 and 4-of-4 to finish with 14 points.

With the win, Nebraska clinches the No. 2 seed in the Big Ten Tournament and receives a triple-bye. The Huskers begin the tournament on Friday night in the quarterfinals. Tipoff is set for 5:30 p.m. CT on the Big Ten Network.

Contact/Follow us @CornhuskersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Nebraska news, notes and opinions.

This article originally appeared on Cornhuskers Wire: Nebraska basketball defeats the Iowa Hawkeyes in overtime

The 2026 NCAA Tournament bracket will be revealed in less than a week, and there is still plenty of shifting happening before teams find out where they will be seeded in the Big Dance — or in it at all.

The conclusion of the regular season highlighted how drastic fortunes can change heading into March Madness. Get hot, and you can soar up the seed line and away from the bubble, while others are dropping toward unfavorable spots and at risk of missing out on the tournament.

March Madness automatic bids: Who is in NCAA tournament field of 68?

Now, the chance to improve stock is limited in championship week, heightening the importance of having a big showing to get in the good graces of the selection committee. Here are the teams rising and falling based on the final games of the regular season and the latest USA TODAY Sports Bracketology as conference tournaments begin.

March Madness teams rising

Florida

Current projected seed: No. 1 seed (South)

There may be no team more dangerous than the defending national champions, which has ascended to becoming a top seed for the second straight year. The Gators finished the regular season with 11 straight wins. What's impressive is all but two of them were double-digit wins and seven of them were Quad 1 games. Florida had been neck-and-neck with Connecticut for the last No. 1 seed, and the Huskies losing to Marquette opened the door for the Gators to claim the inside track to Selection Sunday, on a warpath to keep its crown.

Michigan State

Current projected seed: No. 2 (East)

While the No. 1 seeds seem virtually locked up, it's a fight for the No. 2 spot. However, Michigan State is separating itself and assuring it gets the seed for the second straight season. The Spartans won five consecutive games, including a major victory at Purdue and picking up another road victory at Indiana. A win over Michigan would have been the perfect ending, but they put up a worthy fight in the loss to keep the good times going.

Wisconsin

Current projected seed: No. 6 (South)

Hot shooting has pushed Wisconsin onward. The Badgers have responded correctly from the head-scratching performance against Oregon with three wins to close the regular season; it started with a Quad 1 win at Washington and ended with another huge result at Purdue. Wisconsin is in a better position than what it was in a month ago, going all the way from a No. 9 seed to now in position for a sixth. If it can keep the momentum rolling, it can find itself moving up another seed line.

TCU

Current projected seed: No. 8 (Midwest)

There isn't a need to worry about making the tournament as TCU has assured itself a spot in the bracket. It's come a long way from the season-opening loss to New Orleans, finishing the season with five straight wins. The last week couldn't have been better, getting wins against hot teams in ranked Texas Tech and Cincinnati. For nearly the entire season, the Horned Frogs were around the bubble, but the recent success has propelled them to a single-digit seed and on track to return to the tournament.

UCLA

Current projected seed: No. 10 (South)

After teetering on the bubble for much of conference play, UCLA has put itself in comfortable position. The Bruins pretty much wiped away the win against Illinois with a loss at Minnesota, but recovered immediately with an emphatic victory against Nebraska to get themselves back on track. They then beat rival Southern California to punctuate a sixth place finish in the Big Ten. UCLA has distance itself enough away from the cutline and can plan to be playing in the tournament once again.

March Madness teams falling

Connecticut

Current projected seed: No. 2 (South)

A No. 1 seed was UConn's for the taking but Huskies have given it right up after an ugly loss at Marquette. It capped off what has been a strange past couple of weeks. It dominated St. John's, but suffered a Quad 3 loss to Creighton and then finished the regular season with a Quad 2 loss to the Golden Eagles. That gave Florida a chance to take UConn's spot, and the Gators didn't mess up their opportunity. The Huskies do remain a national title contender, but losing the No. 1 seed shows how this team can't be fully trusted as much as the other favorites.

BYU

Current projected seed: No. 7 (West)

After starting the season 17-2, the Cougars have gone 4-8 since then and have struggled to adjust without Richie Saunders, who suffered a season-ending injury on Feb. 15. That stretch has included blowout losses to UCF and Cincinnati, resulting in a stunning 10th place finish in the Big 12. At least it was salvaged by getting a win over Texas Tech in the home finale. BYU has gone from being a top 16 overall seed to now trying to stay in the top half of the bracket, with a great chance of not making it out of the first round.

UCF

Current projected seed: No. 10 (East)

A statement victory at BYU that effectively cemented UCF as a a tournament team has lost some spark with a three-game losing skid to end the regular season. It had a Quad 2 loss against Baylor and ugly Quad 3 defeat to Oklahoma State. Then a real struggle at West Virginia meant a missed chance to get a Quad 1 win, finishing with a 5-6 record in the category. The Knights aren't in danger of missing the field, but are now putting themselves in the double-digit seed area, which wasn't the trajectory a few weeks ago.

Missouri

Current projected seed: No. 11 (East)

It's gotten really uncomfortable for Missouri with the Tigers losing the last two games of the regular season. A blowout loss at Oklahoma was disastrous but it could have been redeemed with a Quad 1 game against Arkansas. Instead, the Tigers couldn't hold on and fell to the Razorbacks in overtime. Missouri entered the weekend as a No. 11 seed and likely stays one, but its now in the conversation for the First Four. Even with five Quad 1 wins, being No. 59 in the NET rankings really hurts the chances and it now needs at least one win the SEC tournament to feel confident.

SMU

Current projected seed: No. 11 (Midwest, last four in)

The Mustangs have spent all of 2026 as tournament team. Now, it doesn't look like one. SMU lost its fourth straight game — all Quad 1 chances — which include two defeats to teams that aren't in the March Madness conversation. What's worse is the Mustangs have been blown out in nearly every defeat, finished with a 13-point loss at Florida State. They had slid to the First Four picture, but another confusing loss pushes them toward missing the tournament. Now having to play in the first round of the ACC tournament, SMU needs at least two wins in Charlotte. re

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: March Madness bracket: Teams rising, falling in NCAA seed predictions

If Texas men's basketball doesn't beat Ole Miss in its SEC Tournament opener, Sean Miller’s first season could hit the hardwood skids. The Horns may find themselves back in Dayton for a First Four matchup, or worse: on the outside looking in during March Madness.

It’s all because they blew an excellent opportunity Saturday.

Again.

The 88-85 overtime loss to surging Oklahoma in the Longhorns' home finale was quintessential Texas.

MORE CEDDY: Why the Muschamp hire makes sense for Texas football

And as usual, the Longhorns made it more difficult than needed. Saturday's loss at Moody Center could have been characterized as a choke. Or a second-half collapse. Or even a meltdown. Call it what you want, but it was a loss the Horns could not afford.

Texas isn’t a Cinderella type of team. The Horns rely too much on offense and often they need a Herculean effort to get a win. This time, guard Jordan Pope delivered 30 points in what was hopefully his last game at Moody — we're all too familiar with past NIT nightmares — but woeful defense and ill-timed turnovers conspired against the Horns, who went from being a favorite to finishing with a winning conference record in their sophomore SEC season to crashing face-first in front of a stunned home crowd.

“We really had everything that we wanted here in our final home game,” Miller said. “Amazing crowd, evening start on a Saturday, and obviously we didn't take advantage of that. You have to play well in March. You have to be good at what you do.”

UP NEXT

TEXAS VS. OLE MISS

When/where: 6 p.m. Wednesday in Nashville, Tenn.

TV/radio: SEC Network; 1300 AM, 98.1 FM.

Well, Texas is good on offense and little else, and to his credit Miller isn't hiding behind platitudes about where this thing can go one day or what must happen over these next few weeks. Give the Longhorns gut points for forcing an overtime with a furious second-half flurry, but attaboys do not matter at this time of year. Wins do and the Horns came up short when it mattered most.

Oklahoma's super backcourt tandem of Nijel Pack and Xzavier Brown delivered the goods with 27 points in the second half and overtime. Texas had no answers and as a result, its 2026 roller-coaster just took another dip.

What it means for Texas entering SEC Tournament

The loss sends Texas stumbling into the Ole Miss game as a No. 10 seed with uncertainty tailgating the team jet on its way to Nashville, Tenn., for the SEC Tournament. Texas finished the regular season 18-13 overall and 9-9 in league play, and it could have been so much more. The Longhorns effectively gave away some credibility with two straight losses after their Feb. 28 statement win at Texas A&M and are 2-4 in their last six games. They need to beat the Rebels to hopefully avoid another First Four trip to Dayton, or worse.

“I do believe we’ve done enough,” Pope said of the team's tournament résumé. “We have a lot of big wins. We’ve shown a lot of great things that would get us into the tournament, but that’s out of our control, so we really don’t want to worry about that. We’re just focused on the present, the SEC Tournament.”

MORE CEDDY:Late MLB great Don Baylor earns hometown honor

Texas sits at No. 33 in the latest KenPom.com rankings and for my money will get into the NCAAs and avoid D-Town with a win over the Rebels, whose 64-61 loss to South Carolina dropped them to 12-19 and 4-14 in league play, easily their worst finish under former Texas coach Chris Beard. The unranked Horns have seven Quad 1 wins, which will play well with the NCAA selection committee, but have picked a horrible time to play some of their worst ball.

Texas didn’t deliver Saturday with everything in its favor and a loss to one of the worst teams in the league on a neutral court could prove fatal. It’s why taking care of business at the house against the Sooners whom they routed by 10 in Norman should have been non-negotiable.

“I have no big picture,” Miller said. “I'm not giving any big picture here, because there is none. We lost a big game here tonight and we're going to go to Nashville. We play Ole Miss, and that's it. That picture is no bigger than that for us.”

How it all fell apart for Texas

They were fortunate to even be in overtime after they bumbled their way from a 55-55 tie to a 69-57 deficit with seven minutes left in regulation amid a flurry of turnovers and their usual welcoming defense on the other end.

It’s not that Texas lost, but how the Horns lost. Moody was cooking, especially after Tramon Mark and Pope — who scored 30 points on senior night — resurrected their team with six consecutive free throws to force overtime after each both were fouled while shooting a 3-pointer.

WOMEN’S HOOPS: Madison Booker soars in SEC win

Texas gave it away in the extra frame and it was a total team effort in that department. Mark missed a wide-open layup and short-armed two free throws and the Horns failed to block out on a defensive possession after taking an 82-81 lead on a Pope triple. Mohamed Wague’s tip-in evaporated Texas' last lead.

Worse yet, Texas’ best player, Dailyn Swain, outside of a key offensive rebound and assist on a Pope 3-pointer that gave Texas its only lead of overtime, was a nonfactor at money time. Texas' best bet for a first-team all-conference selection filled up the stat sheet with 18 points, eight assists and six rebounds, but spent too much time in overtime standing over in the corner while others attempted to keep the Horns in it on offense.

After Swain's jumper with 8:49 left in regulation, he took exactly one shot attempt for the rest of the second half and overtime. He was gassed and with resident football closer Arch Manning seated courtside, the Longhorns' basketball version couldn't summon the energy to do the same against the Sooners.

SOFTBALL:Horns nab series win over South Carolina

“Dailyn wore down,” Miller before crediting the Sooners with doing a decent job of defending him. Of course he was not going to slam Swain at the end of a long regular season because the Horns wouldn't even be in NCAA contention without him. No team in this league depends more on one player than the Horns. Swain runs the offense, guards every position and is the one player who cannot afford to have a bad night at the office, lest the Horns will get blown out in most instances.

BASEBALL: Horns remain unbeaten with USC Upstate win

That said, Texas will go nowhere if Swain becomes a wallflower when the game is on the line. He must be the central character in this play, or it will not work. He had zero juice when it mattered most Saturday. It will be up to this coaching staff to steal some rest minutes moving forward to make sure his battery is at least 70% at winning time.

It should not have come to this, but the Horns are backed into a corner again. They should beat the Rebels and are good enough to beat Georgia in a potential second-round match.

Good enough doesn't always cut it for this crew.

Better would be the preference.

Joan Laporta has responded to an explosive interview by Xavi in which the former Barcelona manager has been critical of the ex-president and also claimed he prevented Lionel Messi from returning to the club.

“It hurt,” he said in a live debate on Sport. “When I see these statements, I think of Flick. It’s tough being president because you have to make difficult decisions. With Xavi, I saw that we would continue losing, so it’s reassuring to see how things have turned out.”

He went on to add: “The same players who were losing with Xavi are now winning with Flick.”

“He became complacent and couldn’t balance his professional and family life. And he said that in two years (Barça) wouldn’t be competitive against Real Madrid and in Europe. I called him to ask him about it, and he told me he’d been misunderstood, but he was constantly dissatisfied with the squad and the referees, obviously, but he said the squad wasn’t competitive.”

Xavi has already pledged his support to Laporta’s opponent Victor Font and the presidential candidate feels the former midfield star is being used.

“What hurts me is that he allowed himself to be used,” he added. “To hurt me, he’s used someone from my inner circle (Alejandro Echevarría). They defended him (Xavi) even when it was indefensible for him to continue, as did Yuste.  He’s eager to smear me. Behind Xavi, I understand Víctor Font is trying to manipulate this electoral process.”

The FA Cup quarter-final draw will take place on Monday, 9 March before the fifth-round tie between West Ham and Brentford.

The draw is expected to commence at around 19:05 GMT on TNT Sports.

Eight teams will feature in the quarter-finals of the competition.

The winner of tonight's London derby will be joined by fellow top-flight sides Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool and Leeds United.

Championship side Southampton and League One outfit Port Vale are also in the hat following upsets at the weekend.

Matches will take place around the weekend of 4-5 April.

What are the ball numbers?

1. Southampton
2. Port Vale
3. Manchester City
4. Leeds United
5. Arsenal
6. Liverpool
7. Chelsea
8. West Ham or Brentford

What is the FA Cup prize money?

• First round winners - £47,750
• First round losers - £15,800
• Second round winners - £79,500
• Second round losers - £21,200
• Third round winners - £121,500
• Third round losers - £26,500
• Fourth round winners - £127,000
• Fifth round winners - £238,500
• Quarter-final winners - £477,000
• Semi-final winners - £1,060,000
• Semi-final losers - £530,000
• Final runners-up - £1,060,000
• Final winners - £2,120,000

This article is the latest from BBC Sport's Ask Me Anything team.

More questions answered...

• Why is Dele Alli training at Tottenham?
• How to follow the FA Cup fifth round on the BBC
• Stopwatch v stoppage time: why do rugby and football use different timing systems?
• Which club has the most red cards in a Premier League season?

Coaches can email schedules to FLORIDA TODAY at Prepscores@floridatoday.com.

Monday (3/9)

Baseball

Astronaut at Merritt Island, 6 p.m.; Bayside at Palm Bay, 6 p.m.; Titusville at Cocoa, 6 p.m.; Space Coast at Cocoa Beach, 6 p.m.; Eau Gallie at Melbourne Central Catholic, 4 p.m.; Viera at Heritage, 6 p.m.; Holy Trinity at John Carroll Catholic, 6 p.m.; Melbourne at Satellite, 6 p.m.

Softball

Martin County at Bayside, 6 p.m.; Eau Gallie at Rockledge, 6 p.m.; Heritage at Merritt Island Christian, 6:30 p.m.; St. Cloud at Melbourne, 7:15 p.m.; Cornerstone Charter Academy at Titusville, 6 p.m.

Girls tennis

Edgewood at Melbourne Central Catholic, 4 p.m.; Hoosac at Holy Trinity, 3:30 p.m.

Boys tennis

Titusville at Satellite, 4 p.m.

Girls lacrosse

Edgewood at Oviedo, 7 p.m.; Holy Trinity at Jensen Beach, 7 p.m.; Melbourne at Okeechobee, 5:30 p.m.; Merritt Island at Satellite, 6 p.m.

Boys lacrosse

Holy Trinity at Cocoa Beach, 7 p.m.

Tuesday (3/10)

Baseball

Brevard HEAT at Calvary Chapel, 6 p.m.; Sebastian River at Melbourne Central Catholic, 4 p.m.; Satellite at Merritt Island, 6 p.m.; Merritt Island Christian at Warner Christian Academy, 4 p.m.

Softball

Astronaut at Merritt Island, 7:15 p.m.; Bayside at Palm Bay, 6 p.m.; Titusville at Cocoa, 6 p.m.; Space Coast at Cocoa Beach, 7:15 p.m.; Viera at Heritage, 6 p.m.; Melbourne at Satellite, 7:15 p.m.

Girls tennis

Bayside at Sebastian River, 3:30 p.m.; Cocoa at Space Coast, 4 p.m.; Holy Trinity at Cocoa Beach, 3:30 p.m.; Merritt Island at Eau Gallie, 4 p.m.; Edgewood at Melbourne, 4 p.m.; Palm Bay at Heritage, 4 p.m.; Satellite vs. Florida Prep, 4 p.m.; Viera at St. Cloud, 3:30 p.m.

Boys tennis

Cocoa at Space Coast, 4 p.m.; Holy Trinity at Cocoa Beach, 3:30 p.m.; Eau Gallie at Merritt Island, 4 p.m.; Edgewood at Melbourne, 3:30 p.m.; Viera at St. Cloud, 3:30 p.m.

Girls lacrosse

John Carroll Catholic at Cocoa Beach, 7 p.m.

Boys lacrosse

Edgewood at Sebastian River, 6 p.m.; Melbourne at Merritt Island, 7 p.m.; Viera at Oviedo, 7 p.m.

Wednesday (3/11)

Baseball

Astronaut at Cocoa, 6 p.m.; Bayside at Eau Gallie, 6 p.m.; Cocoa Beach at Titusville, 6 p.m.; Vero Beach at Heritage, 6 p.m.; Viera at Melbourne, 6 p.m.; Satellite at Palm Bay, 6 p.m.

Softball

Bayside at Heritage, 6 p.m..; Centennial at Melbourne, 7 p.m.; Space Coast at Rockledge, 7 p.m.

Girls tennis

Florida Prep at Holy Trinity, 4 p.m.; Vero Beach at Viera, 4 p.m.

Boys tennis

Florida Prep at Holy Trinity, 3:30 p.m.

Girls lacrosse

Cocoa Beach at Satellite, 6 p.m.; Hagerty at Edgewood, 6 p.m.; Timber Creek at Viera, 7 p.m.

Boys lacrosse

Flagler Palm Coast at Cocoa Beach, 7 p.m.

Thursday (3/12)

Girls basketball

Class 6A state semifinals: No. 3 Bartram Trail vs. No. 2 Bayside, 3 p.m. at University of North Florida.

Baseball

Brevard HEAT at Bayside, 6 p.m.; Palm Bay at Calvary Chapel, 6 p.m.; Heritage at Cocoa Beach, 6 p.m.; Eau Gallie at Harmony, 6 p.m.; Melbourne Central Catholic at Westwood, 4 p.m.; Rockledge at Merritt Island, 6 p.m.; Merritt Island Christian at Titusville, 6 p.m.; Viera at Olympia, 4 p.m.

Softball

Astronaut at Cocoa, 7 p.m.; Bayside at Eau Gallie, 6 p.m.; Cocoa Beach at Titusville, 6 p.m.; Viera at Melbourne, 6 p.m.; Rockledge at Merritt Island, 7:15 p.m.; Satellite at Palm Bay, 6 p.m.

Girls tennis

Merritt Island at Cocoa; Eau Gallie at Rockledge, 4 p.m.; Jensen Beach at Melbourne, 3:30 p.m.; Melbourne Central Catholic at Sebastian River, 4 p.m.

Boys tennis

Cocoa at Palm Bay, 4 p.m.; Rockledge at Eau Gallie, 4 p.m.; Satellite at Heritage, 4 p.m.; Jensen Beach at Melbourne, 3 p.m.; Melbourne Central Catholic at Sebastian River, 4 p.m.; Space Coast at Merritt Island Christian, 4 p.m.; Vero Beach at Viera, 4 p.m.

Girls lacrosse

Cocoa Beach at John Carroll Catholic, 5:30 p.m.; Forest at Edgewood, 7 p.m.; Merritt Island at Holy Trinity, 6 p.m.

Boys lacrosse

Edgewood at Melbourne Central Catholic, 7 p.m.; West Shore at Merritt Island, 7 p.m.; Viera at Seminole, 7 p.m.

Friday (3/13)

Baseball

Calvary Chapel at Space Coast. 6 p.m.; Melbourne at Vero Beach, 6 p.m.; Sebastian River at Rockledge, 6 p.m.

Softball

Wellington at Eau Gallie, 7 p.m.; Melbourne Central Catholic at Sebastian River, 6 p.m.; Master's Academy (Vero Beach) at Merritt Island Christian, 5 p.m.; Satellite at Pembroke Pines Charter, 6:30 p.m.; St. Cloud at Space Coast, 7:15 p.m.

Girls lacrosse

Timber Creek at Melbourne, 6:30 p.m.

Boys lacrosse

Melbourne at Vero Beach, 7:30 p.m.; Menendez at Satellite, 7 p.m.

Saturday (3/14)

Boys lacrosse

Menendez at Melbourne Central Catholic, 11 a.m.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Brevard County high school sports weekly schedule, Week of March 9-14

Amadeus reports strong revenue growth in 2025, with significant investments in technology, driving innovation and enhancing global travel solutions.

France joins Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Italy, Denmark, and other Schengen countries in enhancing travel and border control procedures with the introduction of the Entry Exit System (EES) starting from next month.

Discover the award-winning 2026 LA Travel Show exhibit of Taiwan, featuring AI tech, cultural DIY, and exclusive flight deals for US travellers.

Hundreds of passengers were left stranded in the Netherlands today as KLM Airlines experienced significant disruptions, delaying 24 flights and cancelling 21, affecting major routes to and from Amsterdam, Berlin, Dubai, Luxembourg, Dublin, and more.

GTVC Speedboat introduces a high-speed service between Koh Rong and Kampot, enhancing tourism in Cambodia and supporting the growth of sports tourism in the region.

Oman expands maritime tourism and commercial berths to boost coastal travel, logistics and marine tourism across Muscat, Salalah and the Arabian Sea.

Qatar Airways has resumed limited flights from Doha, offering a vital lifeline to passengers who were affected by the recent airspace shutdown. As a result, Russia, alongside countries such as Turkey, the United Kingdom, India, Spain, China, Australia, Kenya, Egypt, the Philippines, and others, are now back on the airline’s flight routes.

Transavia increases summer capacity between Innsbruck and Amsterdam, adding up to 4X-weekly flights, boosting tourism and travel options during peak summer season.

Philippines House Committee approves travel tax abolition bill, reducing travel costs for Filipinos and promoting tourism growth, while securing budget funding.

Middle East conflict disrupts global travel, causing a 25% drop in traveller arrivals. Learn how key transit hubs are affected.

Samsung Galaxy M17e 5G is going to launch soon in India, and the company has already begun teasing this upcoming device. The company has now confirmed the launch date of the Galaxy M17e 5G through a new teaser video.

According to the teaser, the smartphone will officially launch in India on March 17. The company is gradually revealing information about the phone before the launch to create excitement among smartphone buyers.

The device is being promoted as an “All-in-One Monster,” suggesting that it will offer a strong performance, long battery life, and useful features at an affordable price.

The teaser video also reveals some key features of the device. The Galaxy M17e smartphone will feature a 120Hz refresh rate display. The phone will also be powered by a MediaTek processor, although Samsung has not revealed the exact chipset yet.

Some phones keep up. This one powers through.

Galaxy M17e 5G brings
A 120Hz Display that keeps everything incredibly smooth.
A 6000mAh Monster Battery built for longer days and longer nights.
Dust and splash resistance for Monster Durability.
And 6 years of Upgrades, so your… pic.twitter.com/9hKQ8LTm08

— Samsung India (@SamsungIndia) March 9, 2026

The Galaxy M17e 5G has its 6000mAh battery, and Samsung calls it a “Monster Battery,” which means the phone is designed to last for long hours without needing frequent charging. The teaser also mentions dust and splash resistance.

Aside from this, the teaser video also shows the design of the smartphone, including its camera module. Samsung has confirmed that the Galaxy M17e 5G will come in two colour options – Sky Blue and Green. The company is also promising six years of upgrades.

The smartphone’s arrival was earlier confirmed through a teaser page on Amazon. Samsung is expected to reveal more details, including the price and full specifications, at the official launch on March 17. Stay tuned.

The post Samsung Galaxy M17e 5G launch date announced; Teaser reveals key details appeared first on Sammy Fans.

Samsung recently introduced its newest smartphone lineup, the Galaxy S26 series, at Galaxy Unpacked 2026. The launch created a lot of excitement among tech fans. Earlier this month, many people gathered outside Samsung’s Gangnam store in Seoul to be among the first to receive the new phone.

The Galaxy S26 series has already made a strong start. During the seven-day pre-order period from February 27 to March 5, Samsung received about 1.35 million pre-orders, the highest number ever for the Galaxy S series.

At the Gangnam store, a long line of customers waited patiently before the opening time. A large LED screen on the building showed videos of the phone’s AI “Photo Assist” feature, which made the crowd even more excited while waiting.

Image via Samsung

The first customer to receive the phone was Jang Won-seok. He happily received the Galaxy S26 Ultra along with Galaxy Buds 4 Pro, while staff members congratulated him. Jang said he loves technology and buys the newest Galaxy smartphone every year. This was his fourth time pre-ordering a Galaxy phone, but the first time he received the first unit at the event.

He shared that he was especially interested in the new privacy display feature and the improved AI tools. He had used AI features on his previous Galaxy S25 Ultra to translate academic papers, and he is excited to see how the new AI will help him even more.

The Galaxy S26 Ultra is the most popular model, making up about 70% of total pre-orders. Many customers also liked the special offer that allowed them to buy the 512GB model at the price of the 256GB version.

Visitors could also try the phone at the “Galaxy Studio,” where they tested features like Super Steady Shooting, Privacy Display, and the AI-powered Creative Studio. The event showed how excited people are about Samsung’s latest AI smartphone technology.

The post Galaxy S26 series creates buzz at Samsung’s pre-launch event appeared first on Sammy Fans.

Fabio Wardley had hoped to face Oleksandr Usyk in 2026, but Ukraine’s unified heavyweight ruler has instead proceeded with a left-field fight with Dutch kickboxer, Rico Verhoeven. After knocking out Joseph Parker to get his hands on the WBO Interim heavyweight title, Wardley called for a showdown with Usyk, hoping to secure a shot at […]

The post Fabio Wardley sums up Oleksandr Usyk choosing Verhoeven over undisputed fight appeared first on Boxing News.

Citroen sales surge year-on-year in February.

The Moroccan new light vehicle market significantly slows down its growth in February at “only” +8.8% year-on-year to 17,143 whereas it had got us used to double-digit gains. This is split between 14,825 passenger cars (+9.8%) and 2,318 light commercials (+2.9%). The year-to-date volume is up 22.1% to 37,564. Dacia (+1.6%) continues to underperform but still leads the way with 22% of the market. As it has been the case in recent months, Renault (+14.3%) is catching up but remains at a fair distance at 17.1% share. Peugeot (-3.7%) disappoints at #3 while Hyundai (-28.8%) freefalls at #4. Excellent scores by Citroen (+48.4%), Audi (+30.6%) and Volkswagen (+23.9%) in the remainder of the Top 10. Soueast (#19) is the best-selling newcomer above Deepal (#22), Dongfeng (#27) and Lynk & Co (#30).

Previous month: Morocco January 2026: Sales up 36.2%, newcomer Soueast impresses

One year ago: Morocco February 2025: Sales up 46.4%, Peugeot, BYD stand out

Full February 2026 Top 49 All brands ranking below.

Morocco February 2026 – brands: