Author: Timi-Zacchaeus Oluwaferanmi

Toto Wolff has sold 15% of his shareholding in the Mercedes Formula 1 team to American billionaire George Kurtz, in a landmark deal that values the eight-time constructors’ champions at a record $6bn (£4.6bn). The valuation sets a new high for an F1 team and reflects the sport’s soaring commercial growth. Kurtz, 55, is the founder of cybersecurity giant CrowdStrike, a long-time Mercedes sponsor. His investment comes from personal funds and not from the company. The 15% stake sold represents 5% of the team, as Wolff’s holding company owns a one-third share of Mercedes F1. The Austrian is expected to…

Referees’ chief Howard Webb has denied allegations that Women’s Super League official Lisa Benn lost her place on FIFA’s international referees list because she lodged complaints about being “manhandled” and intimidated by a coaching staff member. The dispute was outlined at an employment tribunal on Thursday, where Benn argued she was unfairly ranked below peers after reporting misconduct within Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL). Benn, 34, served as a referee at the 2022 Women’s European Championship and had been considered a rising figure within the officiating ranks. She claimed her FIFA prospects were damaged after filing grievances against Steve…

Anthony Joshua

Barcelona will finally return to the Nou Camp this weekend, ending a two-and-a-half-year exile from their historic home. The Catalan giants will host Athletic Club on Saturday, 22 November, in what marks their first official match at the stadium since 28 May 2023. The long-awaited comeback follows a partial reopening of the ground, which has been undergoing one of the most ambitious renovation projects in European football history. The Nou Camp, originally opened in 1957, has been a symbol of Barcelona’s identity for decades. But in May 2023, the club closed the stadium to begin a massive modernisation project worth…

Former Paris Saint-Germain and France midfielder Kheira Hamraoui has filed a €3.5m (£3.08m) claim against her former club, alleging she was pushed out and subjected to “moral harassment” in the aftermath of the shocking iron bar attack that made global headlines in 2021. Hamraoui, now 35 and playing for Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, was ambushed on 4 November 2021 after a team dinner. As she was being driven home by team-mate Aminata Diallo, two masked men dragged her from the car and beat her legs repeatedly with an iron bar. Diallo, who had been competing with her for a place…

Kylian Mbappé and Paris Saint-Germain have entered one of the most dramatic legal battles in modern football, as their long-running feud reached a Paris labour court on Monday. The France captain and current Real Madrid star is demanding €263m (£231.5m) from his former club, while PSG are counter-claiming €240m (£211m) from the player in a case that has sent shockwaves across European football. At the heart of the dispute is Mbappé’s belief that PSG withheld €55m in wages and bonuses during his final season in Paris and subjected him to unfair treatment after he refused to extend his contract in…

Nigeria’s hopes of returning to the global stage at the 2026 World Cup were shattered on Sunday night, ending a turbulent qualifying campaign marked by managerial upheaval, off-field disputes and disjointed performances. A nation accustomed to being one of Africa’s powerhouses must now confront the sobering reality of missing consecutive World Cups for the first time since 1986. The Super Eagles, ranked fifth in Africa, fell to DR Congo on penalties in the play-off final in Rabat. Frank Onyeka’s early strike had given Nigeria the perfect start, but Meschack Elia equalised before half-time. With Victor Osimhen forced off through injury…

Former Netherlands international Royston Drenthe is reportedly on course for a successful recovery following a stroke, according to his manager. The 38-year-old, who enjoyed a career spanning some of Europe’s top clubs, was admitted to hospital in October, prompting concern among fans and former teammates. Drenthe’s representative, Tjarda Zeggelink of FC de Rebellen, told BBC Sport that the ex-Real Madrid winger is “in an important phase of his rehabilitation process.” He added that Drenthe has been working with “great dedication and discipline,” demonstrating the same commitment and professionalism that defined his football career. “While it is still too early to…

Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn have both successfully made weight for their highly anticipated rematch, clearing the final hurdle before they meet again at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday night. The weigh-in, conducted behind closed doors in London, confirmed both fighters at 11st 5lb (72kg)—setting the stage for another fierce chapter in one of British boxing’s most heated modern rivalries. The moment was particularly significant for Eubank Jr, 36, after the controversy surrounding their first meeting in April. On that occasion, the Brighton fighter missed the middleweight limit by a razor-thin 0.05lb, resulting in a hefty £375,000 fine. This…

England’s preparations for their final 2026 World Cup qualifier have taken a setback as Marc Guehi has withdrawn from the squad due to a foot injury. The Crystal Palace defender, who has been a growing presence in England’s backline, will now return to his club to continue rehabilitation. Guehi, 25, sustained the injury during Crystal Palace’s Conference League match against AZ Alkmaar last week. The defender suffered what has been described as a heavy bone bruise, leaving him temporarily “unable to walk” in the days following the European fixture. His absence from Palace’s 0-0 Premier League draw against Brighton last…