‘Unjust and ridiculous’: Senegalese football fans bewildered by loss of Afcon title

Supporters of national side struggle to come to terms with decision to declare Morocco the winner of Africa Cup of Nations Two days after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) stripped Senegal of its 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title and instead declared the host nation, Morocco, champions, Alhassan Hann remains in shock. “We didn’t expect this at all,” the 23-year-old Dakar university student said. “This decision is unjust. Personally, I find it ridiculous. I think it doesn’t give a very good image of African football.” Continue reading...

Champions League review: more trauma for the Premier League as Europe’s big beasts stir

Only two of the Premier League’s last-16 teams made it to the quarter-finals while European giants are coming into form when it matters Another traumatic week for the self-worth of the Premier League, one in which Europe’s big beasts got into their stride. The defending champions, Paris Saint-Germain , put on a devastating display at Chelsea. Bradley Barcola’s goal, their second, was the highlight of a 3-0 win. Barcelona ran out 7-2 winners over Newcastle, having been level at half-time at 2-2, 3-3 on aggregate. Real Madrid continue to be Pep Guardiola’s great tormentors, with Vinícius Jú

Striking gambit: Erling Haaland invests in new world chess championship

‘There are clear similarities to football’ World No 1 Magnus Carlsen likely to play Erling Haaland has become a significant investor in a new world chess championship tour that is expected to star his fellow Norwegian Magnus Carlsen, the Guardian can reveal. The deal was agreed shortly before Manchester City played at West Ham last Saturday, with Haaland shown on Sky Sports wearing a Norway Chess cap as he entered the London Stadium – without anyone noticing. Continue reading...

When is Jorgensen back for Chelsea?

Chelsea goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen has minor surgery on his groin issue and will return after the international break.

McInnes: Devlin, Shankland return can set up 'special' end to season for Hearts

Derek McInnes believes the return of Cammy Devlin and Lawrence Shankland can set Hearts on course for "a special end to the season".

Premier League extend £30 cap on away tickets

The Premier League extends the £30 price cap on away tickets for a further two seasons.

Littler faces potential Van Barneveld clash at Belgian Darts Open

Luke Little will face either Raymond van Barneveld or Boris Krcmar when he begins the defence of his Belgian Darts Open title this weekend.

Former England U19 captain Vale in Republic of Ireland squad

Former England Under-19 captain Harvey Vale is called up to the Republic of Ireland squad for next week's World Cup play-off semi-final against the Czech Republic.

Van Dijk says bond between Liverpool and fans intact after Galatasaray rout

Captain denies relationship had broken down ‘There is frustration because last year was amazing’ Virgil van Dijk has said the connection between Arne Slot’s Liverpool and the Kop remains intact and cited the rout of Galatasaray as evidence of what they can achieve by sticking together. The Liverpool captain took issue with claims that the team’s relationship with supporters had broken down this season and insisted the focus should be on reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League for the first time since 2022. Scrutiny intensified after Sunday’s draw against Tottenham , when boos greeted

Uefa plans to offer Champions League streaming service direct to fans

Trial planned from 2027, potentially in big Asian market Uefa rejects call to end league phase ‘country protection’ Uefa hopes to follow in the Premier League’s footsteps and trial a new direct-to-consumer streaming service for Champions League matches in the next television rights cycle. If implemented successfully the trial could pave the way for games to be streamed more widely via a dedicated platform. Discussions are in their early stages and it is unclear whether the service would be offered free of charge. A major Asian market such as Indonesia or India could be an attractive starting p

McInnes rejects talk of regret and backs Hearts to end season in style

Manager Derek McInnes is refusing to talk about the fear of regret because he is convinced Heart of Midlothian will "have a special end to the season".

Is this Rice's season? Arsenal midfielder hitting new levels