Sports

Flamengo, Botafogo, Palmeiras and Fluminense are not as rich as European clubs but they have heart and heritage. By Tom Sanderson "The graveyard of football is full of ‘favourites’,” warned Botafogo manager Renato Paiva in what has proven to be this summer’s coldest line in sweltering United States heat. Gritty draws achieved by Palmeiras against Porto and Fluminense against Borussia Dortmund at the Club World Cup were enough to start a conversation. But the underdog heroics of Brazil’s other two clubs have shaken up how we see club football across the world. For the first time since Corinthians shocked Chelsea…

It would be easier for Chelsea to rationalise the humiliation of being swatted aside by Flamengo on Friday night, Nigeria time, if another statement win for South America could be attributed solely to Nicolas Jackson’s latest rush of blood to the head. Unfortunately, this was also a dreadful afternoon for Enzo Maresca, who got his tactics wrong and somehow found a way to produce the self-sabotage of treating the Lincoln Financial Field stadium to a masterclass on how to neutralise Cole Palmer. So much for all the hype about Palmer taking the No 10 shirt. Why leave him isolated on…

By Sylvia Kodilichukwu, Enugu The Rangers Management Corporation, Enugu, led by Barrister Amobi Ezeaku, has expressed deep sadness over the passing of Malam Abba Abdullahi Yola (the Ciroma Yola), a renowned sports administrator. In a statement, the club's management wrote:"Malam Yola was a good friend and a highly respected figure in Nigerian sports, known for his exemplary service as the former Chairman of Kano Pillars FC and ex-Chief of Staff in the then Ministry of Youths and Sports. He was truly a seasoned sports administrator par excellence, a hardworking individual, and an amiable gentleman. "His contributions to the sports community…

By Sylvia Kodilichukwu, Enugu Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has inaugurated the Coal City 2026 Games Local Organising Committee (LOC) charging its members to organise a successful, world-class festival. Inaugurating the committee at Government House, Enugu, he expressed confidence in the membership of the committee, noting the readiness of the State to showcase Enugu to the world. "Enugu State is a home of sports excellence and sporting legends. We want to set the standard. We want to showcase a world-class and memorable sports festival. "I am sure that the members are reputable and have a pool of resources to…

Kylian Mbappé has been admitted to hospital with acute gastroenteritis, Real Madrid said. The forward missed the team’s opening game of the Club World Cup against Al-Hilal, which ended in a 1-1 draw on Wednesday. “Our player Kylian Mbappé is suffering from an acute case of gastroenteritis and has been admitted to hospital in order to undergo a series of tests and follow the appropriate course of treatment,” Madrid said in a statement. A club source said Mbappé, who was taken to hospital on Wednesday, had been isolated from his teammates since Tuesday and was considered out of the group…

The 2025/26 Premier League fixtures have been released and the dates of all 380 matches are below. All fixtures are subject to change. Matchweek (MW) 1: Friday 15 August: Liverpool v AFC Bournemouth Saturday 16 August: Aston Villa v Newcastle UnitedBrighton & Hove Albion v FulhamNottingham Forest v BrentfordSunderland v West Ham UnitedTottenham Hotspur v BurnleyWolverhampton Wanderers v Manchester City Sunday 17 August: Chelsea v Crystal PalaceManchester United v Arsenal Monday 18 August: Leeds United v Everton MW2 Saturday 23 August: AFC Bournemouth v Wolverhampton WanderersArsenal v Leeds UnitedBrentford v Aston VillaBurnley v SunderlandCrystal Palace v Nottingham ForestEverton v Brighton…

It is less than a month since Liverpool lifted the trophy on the last day of the 2024-25 campaign, and the release of the fixtures today marks the beginning of the countdown to a new season. Arne Slot's side will discover who they begin their title defence against as the Reds bid for a third league title in six years. Sunderland are back in the top flight for the first time since 2016-17 after earning promotion through the play-offs, while Championship winners Leeds return after a two-year absence. Burnley were promoted at the first time of asking and are back…

Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe is a doubt for the club’s opening Club World Cup match against Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal after missing training on Tuesday due to illness. The club said Mbappe had been suffering from a fever, with newly-appointed manager Xabi Alonso, who will make his debut in the dugout in Wednesday’s match, adding that a decision on his participation would be made in the morning. ''Kylian was a bit better this morning, but he was not fully fit, so we thought it would be best for him to skip training. Let’s see how it evolves, and we’ll make…

According to Fichajes , Barcelona have reportedly received an offer of €150 million from Manchester United for Ballon d’Or contender Raphinha. The Brazilian superstar is coming at the back of a sensational season, with the Red Devils looking to bring a massive player on the right wing ahead of the summer. Manchester United are in the market for a marquee attacker to shore up their front line, which is in addition to a new striker. They have already signed Matheus Cunha while failing in a move for Liam Delap for the centre-forward role. There are links to Viktor Gyokeres as…