Kagiso Rabada’s well-being was top of mind for Cricket South Africa (CSA) when the organisation learnt of his positive drug test and subsequent month-long ban. Now, coach Shukri Conrad, Test and ODI captain Temba Bavuma and director of the national team and high performance Enoch Nkwe are all satisfied that Rabada is not a regular recreational drug user, has educated himself, and is ready to get back to his best at the World Test Championship (WTC) final next month.”I’ve been engaging with KG ever since I learnt about it,” Conrad said at a press conference in Johannesburg, where South Africa’s squad for the WTC final was announced. “The biggest thing for me was whether KG is all right and to close ranks around him and ensure that he’s in a good space. At the end of the day, we care for all our players. He served his sentence, and all that I’m interested in now is KG producing performances that we know he’s capable of.”Rabada tested positive on January 21 after a match between MI Cape Town and Durban’s Super Giants in the SA20 for what the South African Institute of Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS, which is a signatory to the World Anti-Doping Agency) calls a “substance of abuse”. SAIDS will reveal the exact substance on June 4, 30 days after Rabada’s appeal period lapses, but according to their doping code, it can only be one of four: cannabis, cocaine, heroin or ecstasy.Bavuma on Rabada: “If there is an issue there, then he gets the support that he needs. If there’s not an issue, if it was him being reckless, then he deals with it”•Gallo Images

Several sources around Rabada said they hoped it was a one-off while recognising that the chances of someone using a substance just once and being caught are minimal, which has raised questions over Rabada’s general well-being. Nkwe confirmed that the incident happened “out of competition” (which is not on a match day) but had no further details, while Bavuma, also a long-time friend of Rabada’s, said his “biggest concern is more from a personal point of view”. “If there is an issue there, then he gets the support that he needs. If there’s not an issue, if it was him being reckless, then he deals with it,” Bavuma said. “The sledging, the media from the UK, from Australia, he deals with that. Just make sure that he comes out better from the situation.”Related

• Rabada sorry about drug use but 'won't be Mr-I-Apologise too much'

• Rabada heads six-man pace attack in SA's WTC final squad

• Kagiso Rabada cleared to play again after serving doping suspension

• Rabada serves suspension for recreational drug use

The timing of Rabada’s indiscretion, with a WTC final against Australia in England as his next assignment, means that there would be more spotlight on his sanction than usual. Already, former Australian captain Tim Paine has criticised the communication around Rabada leaving the IPL for what was at the time said to be “personal reasons” even though, by then, Rabada knew he was banned.Nkwe explained that CSA was unable to communicate any more detail because they needed to “respect SAIDS in driving the process and ensuring that everything was completed correctly”. “SAIDS embarked on that process and unless an individual feels that they want to come out straight away, it is a private matter,” he said. “We needed to respect that when it was time for information to be shared, it was shared by SAIDS.”Conrad was blunt in his response to Rabada’s naysayers. “To Tim Paine and everybody else out there, I’d probably say something simple like, ‘Let he without sin cast the first stone’. I’d leave it at that.”Paine resigned as Australia’s captain in 2021, after it was revealed that he was involved in an explicit text-message scandal before he took over as captain. He had ascended to that post in the wake of Sandpapergate, when Cameron Bancroft was caught using sandpaper on the ball during the Newlands Test – in a series where tensions had been simmering all the way through.Rabada earned demerit points for a shoulder brush against Smith in the second Test and was initially banned from the following two games before a successful appeal; his history with Australia is fraught. Nkwe expected that to continue: “We know the Australians are probably going to use it against him. But he’s gone through that journey, in 2018 with Sandpapergate and we saw the outcome of that.”For now, Nkwe said, Rabada had paid his penance, which included two educational sessions.”As much as he’s a superstar, he can also make a mistake,” Nkwe said. “But for us now, it’s the educational side of things and putting that into practice. It’s one of the things that he wants to drive – educating the youth and turning this thing around and making it into a positive message. For a 19-year-old or a 16-year-old, to hear it from someone that has done great things for South Africa, I think it becomes even more impactful.”

With Manchester City set to host Manchester United in the 197th Manchester derby on Sunday, we’ve taken a look at who could come out on top, the likely line-ups and injury concerns for both sides heading into the all-important affair.

Man City vs Man Utd team news

Starting with Man City, to say that it’s been a frustrating international break would be an understatement. The Citizens have come back with further injury woes and now have as many as 10 players on the treatment table. Given that Pep Guardiola’s side have just suffered back-to-back defeats at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton, it’s the last thing that they needed.

Guardiola spoke about his side’s injury woes in his pre-match press conference, saying: “Omar is injured from Egypt [international duty]. John Stones as well is a doubt. [It’s] not a big issue, but he’s a doubt for Sunday. Rayan Cherki [is also injured] but the rest are fine.”

The Spaniard confirmed that Omar Mamoush will be out for a number of weeks alongside Rayan Ait-Nouri, whilst Stones and Cherki are also doubts to face Man United this weekend. There could, however, be a debut for Gianluigi Donnarumma.

In the red corner, meanwhile, things aren’t much better on the injury front. Ruben Amorim confirmed that Matheus Cunha, Mason Mount and Diogo Dalot are all unavailable after taking knocks before and during the international break, handing his side a frustrating blow.

The Man United boss told reporters: “I think they are out for this game. I don’t know how long it is going to take. We need those players to be a very, very competitive team, but we have very good players that are eager to play, so we will be competitive on Sunday, but they are out, they cannot help us in this game.”

The Portuguese manager also remained coy when asked about a potential debut for Senne Lammens, which means that Altay Bayindir could get one last chance to impress.

Man City predicted line-up (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Nunes; Dias; Ake; Gvardiol; Rodri; Reijnders; Silva; Bobb; Haaland; Doku

Man United predicted line-up (3-4-2-1): Bayindir; Yoro; De Ligt; Shaw; Amad; Mainoo; Casemiro; Dorgu; Mbeumo, Fernandes; Sesko

Man City vs Man Utd recent results

The Manchester derby is never an easy one to predict. For all of Man City’s Premier League dominance across the last six years, they’ve not been without games to forget against their local rivals. And that proved to be the case last season.

Even as Amorim’s side stumbled to a woeful bottom-half finish, they managed to take three points at The Etihad in dramatic fashion – scoring twice in the final two minutes to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

Man Utd 0-0 Man City

24/25

Premier League

Man City 1-2 Man Utd

24/25

Premier League

Man City 1-1 Man Utd (7-6 penalties)

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Community Shield

Man City 1-2 Man Utd

23/24

FA Cup

Man City 3-1 Man Utd

23/24

Premier League

What instantly stands out about recent meetings is Man United’s record. The Red Devils have lost just once in five games in normal time against their rivals and will be looking to go five games unbeaten this weekend.

Coming into the game, form would suggest that Man United should actually have the edge. Amorim’s side entered the international break off the back of a last-gasp 3-2 win against Burnley, whilst Man City entered off the back of two defeats in three games.

Man City vs Man Utd predictions and odds

Although recent form says different, the bookies have got Man City as favourites heading into the Manchester derby. At 8/11, the Citizens are being backed to secure their first victory for a month and their first win over their rivals in over a year. Man United, meanwhile, are priced at 10/3 to shock Guardiola and co. at The Etihad once again and a draw sits at 14/5.

Both sides could do with victory here, that is undeniable. A victory for Man United would be a much-needed statement after their nervy showing against Burnley and Carabao Cup upset at the hands of Grimsby.

It's not Mbeumo: Man Utd sensation is now their best signing since Bruno

Manchester United conducted excellent business by landing the signature of one talent.

1 ByEthan Lamb Sep 13, 2025

As for Man City, they could go without a win in three Premier League games in something that is almost unheard of for Guardiola. In an unpredictable affair, goals and drama can be expected as Manchester rivals clash for the 197th time.

Prediction: Man City 2-2 Man United

Dani Gregory scrambles a single off the last ball to seal result

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay14-May-2025

Alice Capsey scored a crucial century for Surrey•Getty Images for Surrey CCC

A stunning finish at Beckenham saw Surrey tie with The Blaze in the Metro Bank Cup, after Dani Gregory scrambled a single off the last ball.Georgia Elwiss, who top-scored with 82 and took 3 for 35, looked to have handed the visitors victory but a superb 125 by Alice Capsey dragged Surrey back from the brink.When Capsey was out, Surrey’s last-wicket duo of Alexa Stonehouse and Gregory needed 40 from 29 balls. They got the target down to nine off the last over and two off the last ball, but with the No. 11 Gregory on strike they could only manage one, leaving both sides unsure if they should laugh or weep.The visitors had dominated after being put in, with Amy Jones hitting 80 and Kathryn Bryce 56. Gregory had Surrey’s best figures with 3 for 66.Surrey got Tammy Beaumont for just 8, when she pulled Stonehouse straight to Ryana MacDonald Gay at backward square, they struggled to contain Jones and Bryce.They put on 113 for the second wicket and Jones looked poised for a century until Gregory had her caught behind.Bryce also looked well set until she missed a straight one from MacDonald-Gay and was bowled middle stump.Sarah Bryce had made 34 when she edged Stonehouse and Chathli took a sharp one-handed catch.Gregory slowed The Blaze’s progress by bowling both Maddy Green and Ella Claridge in successive overs for 21 and seven respectively, but Elwiss and Kirstie Gordon responded with a stand worth 63 that was only broken when the latter was run out by Paige Scholfield for 26.Davidson-Richards took two wickets in as many balls in the final over, with Scholfield snaring Elwiss on theboundary and MacDonald-Gay reeling in Cassidy McCarthy at mid-off, but Grace Ballinger just avoided getting caught and bowled off the hat-trick ball and Groves finished with a flourish, hitting an unbeaten 10 from five, including a six over mid-wicket.Sophia Dunkley and Danni Wyatt-Hodge put on 57 for Surrey’s opening wicket, but the former was caught behind for 20 off McCarthy.Capsey was on six when she was dropped by Elwiss on the midwicket boundary off Kathryn Bryce, but Bryce struck in the same over to get Wyatt-Hodge for 43, caught at backward square by Groves.Scholfield went on the attack, smashing Gordon back over her head for six, then sweeping her for another maximum over cow corner, but she went for 37 of 31 balls when she miscued Elwiss and Kathryn Bryce took a diving catch at deep midwicket.Davidson-Richards made a single, smashed a Groves delivery into her own foot, hobbled back to the crease and was caught and bowled off the next ball.Elwiss then got Chathli for five, caught on the boundary by Sarah Bryce and Phoebe Franklin for 17 after Groves took a steepling catch at backward square.Moore went for 10, caught by Gordon off McCarthy but Capsey made her maiden List A century by sweeping Gordon for four after hitting the previous delivery for six. She hit the next ball for another six. Elwiss at dropped Capsey again at extra cover off Ballinger, but she held on to catch MacDonald-Gay for 27 off the next ball and when Capsey skied Ballinger to Gordon the game seemed up. Yet Stonehouse still managed to hit sixes off Ballinger and Kathryn Bryce to leave Surrey needing nine from the last over.Stonehouse hit Ballinger’s first ball for four, then took a single. The third was a dot, the fourth and fifth singles, leaving Gregory on strike. She straight drove Ballinger who couldn’t break the wicket before the single was completed, leaving the scores tied.

Paul Merson has taken aim at the West Ham United board for appointing Nuno Espirito Santo as Graham Potter’s successor, and explained why he’s not a good fit for the role.

West Ham sack Potter after Crystal Palace defeat

West Ham took their time to relieve Potter of his duties, but they finally pulled the trigger on Saturday, and Joe Cole has since suggested it was the correct decision, despite the board’s failure to back the Englishman in the transfer market.

Cole said: “The timing is unusual two days before a game but the writing was on the wall for Graham. To lose three London derbies the way they did wasn’t good enough. I don’t think he was given enough backing, in this transfer window in particular.”

The 50-year-old averaged just 0.92 points per match during his time as manager, which would be relegation form across a standard Premier League season, and the 2-1 home defeat against Crystal Palace last time out was the final straw.

The Hammers wasted no time bringing in a replacement for Potter, confirming the appointment of recently-sacked Nottingham Forest boss Nuno on Saturday evening.

Given that the former Forest manager led the Tricky Trees to Europe last season, it seems like a smart appointment from the West Ham hierarchy, but Merson isn’t convinced he’s the right man for the job.

Nuno needs to be backed by the board

Merson is correct to point out that the Hammers are struggling defensively, having conceded 13 goals in the Premier League already this season, the joint-highest number of any side.

West Ham failed to consider hiring free agent boss with 12 trophies instead of Nuno

The east Londoners had another option, but never reached out.

ByEmilio Galantini Sep 28, 2025

As such, Nuno could need backing in the January transfer window and beyond, and as with any manager, it may take some time for Nuno to get his ideas across, but it is a little harsh to suggest he isn’t the right man for the job.

The Portuguese manager is vastly experienced, and did a fantastic job at Forest, averaging 1.48 points per game to transform them from a relegation-threatened side into Europa League participants.

Nuno’s first test comes against Everton on Monday evening, with West Ham set to travel to the Hill Dickinson Stadium for the first time.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has shared a Manchester United update from Old Trafford “sources” on a reported managerial target.

Amorim under Man Utd pressure after poor start

After being backed by INEOS in the transfer market, Ruben Amorim hasn’t had the start he would’ve wanted in his first full season in charge at Old Trafford.

As a result, the Red Devils boss is coming under increasing pressure, with speculation mounting over a potential departure. Following the 3-1 defeat to Brentford in the Premier League last time out, Romano has since claimed that Amorim’s future is “one to watch”, with his Man Utd future not guaranteed.

“The situation of Ruben Amorim is one to watch, for sure. I’m not saying that Ruben Amorim is safe. Amorim’s job is NOT absolutely safe because they have to perform in a different way, because Man United need to see results.

“The next games will be important for Ruben Amorim.”

A number of managers have been linked as targets to replace Amorim, including former England boss Sir Gareth Southgate.

Still out of work after leaving the Three Lions following the Euro 2024 final, there have been claims that Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been in direct contact with Southgate over a move to Man Utd.

Romano shares Man Utd update on INEOS and Southgate

Talking on his YouTube channel, relayed by The Peoples Person, Romano has shared what he knows regarding Man Utd and Southgate, admitting there is already a “very good” relationship between the 55-year-old and INEOS.

Southgate last managed in the Premier League back in 2009 with Middlesbrough. He was in charge at the Riverside for three years, where the club were actually relegated to the Championship.

Games

114

Wins

29

Draws

33

Losses

52

Points per match

1.05

Favouring an attacking 4-3-3 formation, as per Transfermarkt, Southgate did impress with England, leading them to two European Championship finals and a World Cup semi-final during his tenure, leading Joe Cole to say Southgate would be “perfect” for United.

Their own Pep: "Incredible" manager favourite to replace Amorim at Man Utd

Manchester United look set to turn to one other manager in their hunt to replace Ruben Amorim.

ByEthan Lamb Oct 1, 2025

Now, it looks as if the rumours of a move to Man Utd won’t be going away anytime soon.

Chelsea are making transfer plans behind-the-scenes despite a hectic summer window, and a rumour has now emerged involving Real Madrid.

Chelsea edge past Benfica after José Mourinho's return to Stamford Bridge

Enzo Maresca’s side grabbed a much-needed 1-0 win over José Mourinho’s Benfica earlier this week after a difficult last month.

An 18th-minute own goal from Richard Ríos proved decisive as the Blues bounced back from their opening Champions League game defeat to Bayern Munich, not to mention their dismal loss against Brighton last weekend, with all three points against the ‘special one’ and a clean sheet.

The evening carried significant sentiment as Mourinho made his first return to Stamford Bridge since November 2020.

The Portuguese tactician, who won three Premier League titles over his two spells with Chelsea, received warm chants from the home support before Maresca’s young side eventually saw out the contest.

Chelsea fielded their most youthful starting eleven in Champions League history with an average age of just 24, but they did just about enough to overcome the Primeira Liga side ahead of another vital game this weekend.

Their win provides crucial momentum ahead of this weekend’s challenging Premier League clash with Liverpool on Saturday evening, and it comes in the aftermath of reports suggesting tension between Maresca and Chelsea’s board.

Maresca isn’t entirely happy with the squad at his disposal right now (Simon Phillips), coming amid their serious centre-back shortage, with Tosin Adarabioyo, Wesley Fofana, Levi Colwill and Trevoh Chalobah all set to miss their face-off against Arne Slot’s side.

Chelsea’s boss publicly stated that he wanted a new centre-back in the summer window.

However, despite internally discussing options after Colwill’s ACL injury, and holding talks with Dean Huijsen’s camp, BlueCo couldn’t get one through the door (Simon Phillips).

It has left them desperately short, and reports suggest that Chelsea are now prioritising the signing of a new defender in January as they respond to Maresca’s central defensive crisis.

Amid Maresca and the hierarchy’s rumoured differences, one decision that threatens to escalate the Italian’s dissatisfaction would be star midfielder Enzo Fernández’s sale to Real Madrid.

Chelsea prepared to let Enzo Fernández leave in Real Madrid swap deal for Fede Valverde

Indeed, Chelsea are now reportedly willing to facilitate a swap deal that would see Fernández move to Real in exchange for Federico Valverde, according to Spanish outlet Defensa Central.

The Argentine, who’s become a figurehead of Chelsea’s midfield after an initially difficult start to life, has been called one of the club’s only two “world-class” players alongside Cole Palmer by former defender David Luiz.

Xabi Alonso’s side have been monitoring Fernández ever since his Benfica days, with the player himself apparently “delighted” by the prospect of a move to the Spanish capital.

However, while Chelsea would entertain a proposed swap which would see Valverde head in the opposite direction, Real have no plans to consider letting their star midfielder leave despite a bad start to 2025/2026.

Valverde was forced to release a statement after widespread criticism from the media, with the 27-year-old also having a nightmare during Real’s 5-2 derby defeat to Atlético Madrid last weekend.

Real’s vice-captain started in nearly every one of his 65 appearances in all competitions last season, and has been favoured by their new manager as well.

Alonso handed Valverde the armband in all of their Club World Cup games, with the 71-cap Uruguay international also playing in all but one match this season — their 5-0 win over Kairat Almaty in the Champions League.

Given Alonso’s faith in Valverde, not to mention his clear statement, it doesn’t look like the versatile ace has plans to leave any time soon.

Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso has offered up an update on striker Endrick with the Brazilian linked with a January move. The teenager is yet to make an appearance for the Spanish giants in any competition under Alonso having struggled for regular game time last season following his arrival from Brasileirao giants Palmeiras with a temporary January move rumoured.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Alonso yet to call upon Endrick

  Endrick has made a handful of matchday squads for Real Madrid but is yet to feature for Los Blancos in any competition this season, last pulling on a Real Madrid shirt under Carlo Ancelotti back in May as the Liga giants beat Sevilla on the penultimate weekend of the campaign. Xabi Alonso, though, is yet to use the Brazilian in any capacity with Gonzalo Garcia preferred as Kylian Mbappe's deputy.

  Even then, Garcia's game time has been limited. The 21-year-old has registered just 91 minutes of league action despite shining at the Club World Cup, scoring four goals across six appearances up until their 4-0 semi-final defeat at the hands of Champions League winners PSG.

  Garcia, like Endrick, has also been linked with a January exit as the two young strikers look to garner regular playing time in the second half of the season. However, Alonso has moved to quash talk that the duo will depart next year.

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• Real Madrid pair unlikely to leave

  Ahead of Real Madrid's game against Getafe on Sunday, Alonso was asked about the possibility of both Endrick and Garcia departing in January, stating: "I'm not thinking about it at the moment, it's not on my mind."

  Alonso was also adamant that neither Endrick or Garcia had "asked to leave this winter", adding: "Both are ready to play. It's a position where competition is fierce." Marseille have been linked with a move for Endrick, where he'd link up with Mason Greenwood and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang under Roberto De Zerbi.

  A move to PSG has also been mooted, with ESPN Brazil reporting a deal that would see Endrick move to Paris and Fabian Ruiz sign for Real Madrid was in the pipeline. Ruiz was admired by former boss Ancelotti, though a player exchange looks unlikely at this stage.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Endrick has Premier League suitors

  Ligue 1 pair Marseille and PSG aren't the only sides rumoured to be interested in Endrick, with Premier League teams also believed to be keen on the young striker. Manchester United and West Ham have emerged as potential destinations for the 19-year-old as the English pair seek to bolster their forward options.

  United are looking to bring in cover and competition for summer signing Benjamin Sesko with Joshua Zirkzee struggling for minutes in his second season at Old Trafford. Nicklas Fullkrug and Callum Wilson, meanwhile, have scored just one league goal between them for the Hammers this season as West Ham look to get their campaign really up and running when they face Brentford on Monday night.

  Endrick is looking to garner some minutes in the New Year as he eyes up a 2026 World Cup spot. The young forward has made 14 appearances for Brazil, but has featured just the once for the South American powerhouse in 2025.

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• Brazil's mixed form under Ancelotti

  Brazil have struggled for form since Ancelotti took over the reins earlier in the year. While the Selecao secured a World Cup 2026 spot, they flattered to deceive in qualifying, finishing 10 points behind rivals Argentina, who they lost 4-1 to in March.

  In addition, Ancelotti has overseen just three wins from his six matches so far as Brazil beat Paraguay, Chile and South Korea. However, they also lost to Bolivia and Japan and didn't look wholly convincing in victories over the latter.

  Competition is hardly rife for the striker spot for the Brazil national team either, with Ancelotti able to call upon Richarlison, Matheus Cunha and Igor Jesus on the frontline. Endrick, then, feels an increase in game time in the New Year will significantly boost his chances of making the Brazil World Cup squad in North America next summer.

  When called upon for Real Madrid last season, however, Endrick struggled for consistency as he scored just once in La Liga and once in the Champions League for the Spanish powerhouse. Los Blancos will look to go back to the top of the table when they face Getafe on Sunday having been leapfrogged into top spot by Barcelona on Saturday afternoon.

Barcelona say they "accept and respect" La Liga's decision to cancel their proposed fixture against Villarreal in Miami. The game was set to be the first-ever La Liga match played outside Spain, but growing backlash from players, clubs and officials has forced organisers to scrap the plan just weeks before tickets were due to go on sale.

Barcelona respond to cancelled Miami showdown

Barcelona acknowledged La Liga and Relevent Sports’ decision to cancel the league fixture planned for December 20 in Miami. The Catalan club expressed its disappointment but also made it clear that it respects the decision made by the competition organisers following weeks of uncertainty and controversy surrounding the plan.

"FC Barcelona respects and accepts the decision to cancel the game against Villarreal in Miami corresponding to the week 17 of La Liga, in the same way that the Club accepted and respected the decision taken in the past to play the game in the US," the club said in a statement.

"FC Barcelona regret the missed opportunity to expand the competition's image in a strategic market with a great capacity for growth and generation of resources for everyone.

"The Club is grateful for the unconditional support and affection of our fans in the USA and regrets deeply that they are denied the opportunity to see an official game in their country," Barca statement reads.

AdvertisementAFPLa Liga doubles down on global ambition despite backlash

La Liga released a detailed statement confirming the cancellation and emphasising its disappointment over the lost opportunity to expand Spanish football internationally. Organisers Relevent had advised against proceeding, citing growing unrest in Spain and insufficient planning time.

La Liga said the decision to scrap the event was down to "the uncertainty that has arisen in Spain over the past few weeks", and expressed its regret at missing an "unparalleled opportunity for the international expansion of Spanish soccer", that will now not be able to advance.

"Holding an official match outside our borders would have been a decisive step in the global growth of the competition, strengthening the international presence of clubs, the positioning of players, and the visibility of Spanish soccer in a strategic market such as the United States," a statement read. "The project fully complied with all federative regulations and did not affect the integrity of the competition, as confirmed by the competent institutions responsible for ensuring compliance, which opposed it for other reasons.

"In an increasingly competitive global landscape, where leagues such as the Premier League or competitions like the UEFA Champions League continue to expand their reach and ability to generate revenue, initiatives like this are essential to ensure the sustainability and growth of Spanish soccer. Renouncing such opportunities hinders the generation of new income, limits clubs’ capacity to invest and compete, and reduces the international projection of the entire Spanish soccer ecosystem."

Player protests, club complaints and global football debate intensify

The fallout reached new heights when players across every La Liga game staged a coordinated 15-second silent protest at kick-off last weekend. Organised by players’ union AFE, the gesture was aimed at criticising the lack of transparency and consultation over the Miami fixture. Broadcasters initially avoided showing the protests, which only fuelled the controversy further.

Real Madrid also stepped in formally, filing two complaints to Spain’s Sports Ministry. Their stance was clear: moving a domestic fixture abroad mid-season would compromise the league’s competitive integrity. Thibaut Courtois echoed this view, saying it would “totally affect the competition,” while Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong insisted the plan was “not good for the players” due to travel demands and fairness concerns. Hansi Flick added that his squad were “not happy” with how the announcement was handled.

As La Liga’s plan crumbled, attention turned to others in Europe. Italy’s Serie A confirmed that AC Milan will face Como in Perth, Australia, in February becoming the first major European league to officially take a competitive fixture abroad. The contrast has reopened the debate over whether leagues should prioritise global expansion or protect domestic traditions and player welfare.

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AFPVillarreal left frustrated by timing and communication

Villarreal, who were set to face Barcelona in Miami, criticised the league’s handling of the situation. Coach Marcelino Garcia Toral was left stunned after La Liga made the cancellation public after their 2-0 defeat against Manchester City in the Champions League.

"For me, it shows an absolute lack of respect to put out a statement at half-time of our game about something that was planned but will not happen," Marcelino told reporters. "It's a lack of respect to the directors of this club, the club itself, the professionals and the fans. Tomorrow the club will make a statement about what they think, but those are my thoughts right now."

Following the cancellation, Villarreal will now host Barcelona at the Estadio de la Ceramica on December 21 instead of travelling to the United States. The club is expected to release its own official statement shortly, while internally, frustration remains over commercial decisions being announced without proper coordination with sporting schedules.

MatériaMais Notícias

Mesmo com a derrota do São Paulo no jogo de ida pelas quartas de final da Copa Sul-Americana, contra a LDU, Luciano afirmou que confia que torcida será essencial para reverter o resultado no estádio do Morumbi.

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O confronto terminou em uma derrota por 2 a 1. Se não fosse Lucas Moura, o trabalho para resolver em casa seria muito maior. Inclusive, Luciano foi o responsável pelo passe que gerou o único gol tricolor na partida. Após o jogo, o camisa 10 disparou: tem certeza de que, diante do torcedor são-paulino, sairá classificado.

– Tenho certeza que com nosso torcedor podemos sair classificados. A pressão do time da casa era normal, tomamos o gol em detalhes, fizemos o gol, o que nos deixa vivos na competição – disse.

+ Assista aos jogos do seu clube do coração com aquela gelada! Copo Stanley a partir de R$120,00

+ ATUAÇÕES: Mesmo com derrota e jogo ruim, Lucas Moura é grande herói do São Paulo

Os dois primeiros gols da LDU saíram ainda no primeiro tempo. Luciano afirmou que a equipe reconheceu o que estava acontecendo e que a meta, na verdade, era um empate.

+ Renove o seu estoque de camisas do Tricolor com o cupom LANCEFUT 10% OFF

– Depois dos 2 a 0, a gente sabia que precisava do gol. Poderia ser empate, mas precisamos seguir e em casa vamos reverter – completou.

São Paulo e LDU decidem quem fica com a vaga nas semifinais da Sul-Americana na próxima quinta-feira (31), às 19 horas (de Brasília), no Morumbi. Antes disso, o Tricolor visita o América-MG pela 21ª rodada do Brasileirão. O duelo pelo campeonato nacional está marcado para o próximo dia 27 (domingo), às 16 horas, na Arena Independência.

Batter available for remainder of Metro Bank One Day Cup opening block and first four Vitality Blast games

ESPNcricinfo staff13-May-2025The Blaze have recruited New Zealand batter Maddy Green on a short-term deal for the Metro Bank One Day Cup and Vitality Blast.Green, part of New Zealand’s T20 World Cup-winning side in October, replaces allrounder Orla Prendergast, who has returned home to Ireland for family reasons.Green will be available or the remainder of the opening block of fixtures in the Metro Bank One Day Cup, which runs to May 20 before the competition breaks until late July, and the opening four matches in the Vitality Blast, which starts on May 30.While this will be Green’s first experience of women’s domestic cricket in England under the new county-based structure, she was part of the Nottinghamshire women’s squad in 2012, playing against the likes of Trent Bridge stablemate Tammy Beaumont as Notts reached the regional final of the T20 Cup. She also appeared for Welsh Fire in The Hundred in 2022.”I’m really excited to be here,” said Green. “The Blaze have been a strong side for a number of years, so it’s a great chance to join that and play a part. It’s brilliant to be back in Nottingham. It feels like a long time ago now, but it’s been great to see the evolution of women’s cricket in that time. I’m really pleased to be a part of it, and I’m looking forward to hitting the ground running.”The Blaze are second on the One Day Cup table, five points behind Hampshire, who have played one game more.Green has represented her country 193 times across white-ball formats. She has scored 1,708 ODI runs at an average of 28.00 with two centuries and seven half-centuries. In T20Is, she has 1,193 runs at 17.04 with a strike rate of 103.29.She has also won multiple titles for Auckland and Wellington in both T20 and 50-over cricket in New Zealand and was part of the victorious Brisbane Heat side which won the 2019-20 WBBL.Craig Cumming, The Blaze head coach, said: “We’re delighted to have been able to secure a player of Maddy’s calibre at such short notice. She’ll add extra power to our batting line-up and energy in the field, and her leadership skills and experience will complement the rest of the group as we look to maintain our positive momentum this summer.”