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The Cubs-Yankees game today was threatened by rain in the Bronx. Check here for updates on the Yankees rain delay and restart time.The final game of the series between the Cubs and Yankees, and the final game before the All-Star break, didn't make it all the way before the weather got in th...

The majority of Spain’s World Cup-winning squad have agreed to end their boycott after “profound changes” to the Spanish football federation (RFEF) were promised, according to National Sports Council (CSD) president Victor Francos. A decision was reached in the early hours of Wednesday morning following a lengthy meeting between the players, RFEF officials and the CSD in a hotel in Oliva. Fifteen players of the group from this summer’s tournament were on Monday named in new head coach Montse Tome’s squad for the Nations League encounters with Sweden and Switzerland. But 21 of the 23-player contingent had already stated they would not play for their country again until major changes had occurred within the RFEF, in the wake of former president Luis Rubiales kissing Spain forward Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the medal ceremony in Australia. Later on Wednesday, the Spanish football federation appeared to clarify the “profound changes” alluded to by Francos. A lengthy statement read: “The RFEF is aware of the absolute need to start a new stage and close the institutional crisis that opened after the national team’s victory in the World Cup. “The Federation wants to show its support to all the internationals who are going through these unwanted circumstances; and reiterates its apologies for what happened after the World Cup victory to each of them and, in particular, to Jenni Hermoso, immersed in a situation that she did not create. We will always support them. “It is important to point out, given the events of the last few hours, that at no time has it been the intention of the RFEF to provide more noise and pressure on the players.” The statement added: “During the last few days we have reiterated our public commitment to make structural changes to begin this new, absolutely necessary stage that respects criteria of good governance, transparency and equality. “We understand that the players need to feel that the Federation is their home, a safe environment where they can show their professionalism and sporting quality while displaying the privilege of representing Spain. “The steps taken so far by the current leadership of the RFEF have always sought this objective. However, we recognise that until yesterday we have not managed to create a climate of trust with the internationals. “We have accelerated the changes planned by the Federation and we have communicated this decision to both the CSD and the international players. “Spanish football deserves absolute recognition, and all of us who are part of it must unite to achieve it.” The statement comes following the possible threat of sanctions to the squad for refusing to play for their country. “We’ve had several meetings that were conducted in an extremely cordial atmosphere in which people were able to speak freely,” Francos said, according to Spanish sports newspaper AS, earlier on Wednesday. “We covered all issues. In terms of conclusions: firstly, we’ve reached a series of agreements that will be signed tomorrow by the RFEF and the CSD. “Furthermore, a mixed commission will be created involving three parties – the federation, the CSD and the players – to monitor the (implementation) of those agreements, which are related to the development of Spain’s sports law in terms of gender policies, pay equality and furthering the infrastructure of women’s sport. “The players also conveyed to us the need to make profound changes (in personnel at the RFEF). These changes are to happen immediately, and will be announced by the RFEF.” The players had reluctantly turned up for duty on Tuesday amid talk of fines or suspension under Spanish sports law for “unjustified lack of attendance”, with Hermoso accusing the RFEF of intimidation in her own statement on Tuesday. Goalkeeper Misa Rodriguez also answered “no” when asked by reporters if she was happy to be part of Tome’s squad when a group of Madrid-based players met at a hotel in the Spanish capital before they travelled to their nation’s training base near Valencia. However, lengthy talks between the players, RFEF and CSD officials resulted in the boycott ending, although two players will leave the camp ahead of Friday’s match in Sweden. The RFEF also confirmed the men’s and women’s Spanish national teams would now share a single logo and branding – Seleccion Espanola de Futbol – translating to ‘Spanish national team’. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Van Dijk dunks and Zlatan shows off – Wednesday’s sporting social England frustrated at damp Headingley as first Ireland ODI is abandoned England’s ODI with Ireland at Headingley abandoned due to rain

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Kyle Walker has revealed he was “close” to joining Bayern Munich in the summer but is now set to sign a new contract at Manchester City. The City right-back was the subject of strong interest from the German giants during the close season and, coupled with uncertainty over his future at the Etihad Stadium, he admits he was seriously tempted. The 33-year-old had a spell out of favour last spring and, although he regained his place towards the end of the treble-winning campaign, was left out of the starting line-up for the Champions League final in June. As he entered the final year of his contract, Bayern turned his head with an attractive package but, with City later offering what is understood to be a two-year extension, Walker opted to stay put. “It was close but in football things can happen,” Walker said. “Decisions can be made, things can turn. It wasn’t meant to be. “Would I have enjoyed the experience? Of course I would, but this is a great club and you can’t underestimate what this club has done in the last six or seven years. “Why should I walk away if I am going to get enough game time that’s right for me? That is all I want. “It was about who gave me the most years. It wasn’t like I was going to a worse club because Bayern Munich is a massive club and seeing what Harry (Kane) is doing there and will do, it wasn’t a step down. I have a contract with the club and I will play for the club until the contract (ends) or they sell me Kyle Walker “In the back of my head I always wanted to play for Manchester City but I had to do what was right for me and my future. It was just about which club gave me the years in my contract to play football at the highest level.” The speculation linking Walker with Bayern was at its most intense in July, just as City played the Bundesliga club during a pre-season friendly in July. To some surprise at the time, Walker not only started for City but took the captain’s armband. He said: “I am a Manchester city player. I am contracted to them so what do you want me to do? Turn round and say ‘I am not playing because I want to force a move to Bayern Munich’? “That is not me as a person. I have a contract with the club and I will play for the club until the contract (ends) or they sell me – and I wasn’t sold.” Walker, who joined City from Tottenham in 2017, says confirmation of the new deal which would commit him to the reigning Premier League champions was imminent. “The extension is coming,” said Walker, who has five title-winner’s medals. “It’s my seventh season here and I feel like one of the old ones. “I love the place. I’ve experienced things I only dreamt of here – especially the last season – so why would you want to leave a club like this?” Walker is also keen to take on the City captaincy full-time with manager Pep Guardiola planning to hold a squad vote to identify Ilkay Gundogan’s replacement in the coming weeks. He said: “The vote hasn’t been yet. They like to do it after the transfer window is closed. “It is an honour of privilege, of course I want it. If you can’t pass on your knowledge and life experiences on or off the field, I shouldn’t be playing at a great club like this.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Big-serving Ben Shelton storms into US Open quarter-finals Erik ten Hag frustrated by decisions in Manchester United’s defeat at Arsenal They really outplayed us – Jos Buttler credits New Zealand after England mauling

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