Author: Timi-Zacchaeus Oluwaferanmi

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has defended his player rotation policy following sharp criticism from former England captain Wayne Rooney. The Italian coach stood firm after Rooney suggested senior Chelsea players should “question” the manager’s frequent changes to his starting lineup. Rooney’s remarks came after Chelsea’s 2-2 draw with Qarabag in the Champions League on Wednesday — a match in which Maresca made seven changes from his previous lineup. It marked the fifth consecutive game that the Chelsea boss has altered at least seven positions, a trend that has divided opinion among pundits and supporters alike. Maresca, however, insists his rotation…

“Out of 571 referees working in professional leagues, 371 have betting accounts, and 152 are actively placing bets,” Hacıosmanoğlu alleged.

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has been named the Premier League’s Manager of the Month for October, marking the first time the Portuguese tactician has received the honour since his appointment at Old Trafford nearly a year ago. Amorim, who took charge of United in November 2024, guided his team to a perfect run of three league victories in October, easing mounting pressure after a shaky start to the season. The month began with a much-needed home win against Sunderland before United stunned Liverpool with a memorable 2-1 triumph at Anfield – their first victory on Merseyside since January 2016.…

West Midlands Police have defended their decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from attending Thursday’s Europa League clash with Aston Villa, citing “significant hooliganism” as the primary reason. The force revealed the justification after facing intense criticism from politicians and campaigners who initially claimed the move was motivated by antisemitism. More than 700 police officers from 20 forces were deployed around Villa Park as hundreds protested against the decision. Despite fears of unrest, the evening passed largely without major incidents. Ten people were arrested for offences including racially aggravated abuse and attempts to ignite fireworks near the stadium. The…

The Dallas Cowboys and the wider NFL community are mourning the death of defensive lineman Marshawn Kneeland, who has died at the age of 24. Authorities in Frisco, Texas, confirmed that Kneeland appeared to have taken his own life following a vehicle pursuit and search operation late on Wednesday night. According to a statement from the Frisco Police Department, the incident began when Kneeland’s car crashed, prompting him to flee on foot. Officers were later informed that he had “expressed suicidal intentions” prior to being found dead at approximately 1:31 a.m. local time on Thursday. The Collin County Medical Examiner’s…

Former England captain David Beckham has been formally knighted by King Charles III for his outstanding services to football and British society. The 50-year-old global icon, who featured on the King’s Birthday Honours list earlier this year, received the honour during an emotional ceremony at Windsor Castle on Tuesday. Beckham, dressed in a bespoke suit designed by his wife Victoria, was joined by his family — wife Victoria and parents Sandra and David — for what he described as one of the proudest moments of his life. “I couldn’t be prouder,” said Beckham after receiving the accolade. “People know how…

Tottenham Hotspur produced their most complete performance of the season to sweep aside Copenhagen 4-0 in the Champions League, even after being reduced to ten men following Brennan Johnson’s red card. The night belonged to centre-back Micky van de Ven, whose extraordinary solo goal — a lung-bursting run from his own penalty area, beating five opponents before scoring — will live long in the memory. It was the highlight of an emphatic response from Thomas Frank’s side, who were booed off after their 1-0 defeat to Chelsea just four days earlier but left the pitch to rapturous applause on Tuesday…

Arsenal extended their perfect Champions League record to four wins from four with a convincing 3-0 victory over Slavia Prague at the Fortuna Arena. Mikel Merino scored twice and Bukayo Saka added a first-half penalty as the Gunners cruised to a 10th consecutive win in all competitions. It was another commanding display from Mikel Arteta’s men, who also equalled a club record by keeping their eighth successive clean sheet — a feat first achieved in 1903. Despite missing injured striker Viktor Gyökeres, Arsenal showed no signs of slowing down, with Merino stepping up as an unlikely hero in attack. The…

Liverpool produced a resurgent display to defeat Real Madrid 1-0 at Anfield in the Champions League, with Alexis Mac Allister’s header proving decisive in a gripping contest that showcased Arne Slot’s side returning to their relentless best. After a run of six defeats in seven games, including a poor domestic spell, the reigning Premier League champions built on their weekend victory over Aston Villa with a performance full of energy, control, and conviction against their illustrious Spanish opponents. The atmosphere inside Anfield was electric from the start, and Liverpool responded with a performance that had echoes of their most dominant…

England will renew their rivalry with Spain after being drawn alongside the world champions in the qualifying group for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil. The Lionesses, managed by Sarina Wiegman, will compete in Group A3 with Spain, Iceland and Ukraine. The draw, announced on Monday, has immediately set up one of the standout fixtures of the campaign as England and Spain prepare for another chapter in their growing rivalry. The two sides last met in the Euro 2025 final in Switzerland, when England triumphed 2-1 to retain their European title — a result that avenged their heartbreaking defeat…