List of All Articles with Tag 'ball'

The balloon floated across the US early this year before being shot down off the South Carolina coast.

Kelsea Ballerini can now be added to the list of artists to fall victim to unruly concertgoers flinging objects on stage during a show, following a string of similar recent incidents.

Football must be held accountable for how it tackles discrimination by the new independent regulator, a key parliamentary committee has said. In the week where an independent report found evidence of “deep-rooted” discrimination in cricket, the Culture Media and Sport (CMS) committee insists football cannot be relied on to get its own house in order on equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI). It called for EDI measures to be included in a new code for football governance, and for the regulator to have powers to mandate and assess EDI action plans put together by clubs. The Government is committed to legislating for an independent regulator for English football (IREF), with Sports Minister Stuart Andrew telling supporters in Manchester last weekend that it would be one of the first bills to progress after the King’s Speech in the autumn. However, the Government said in its white paper on football governance published in February that it did not believe EDI matters should fall within the immediate scope of the regulator, something which frustrated anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out, particularly given the fan-led review had recommended EDI be in the regulator’s remit. The CMS committee says it is “sceptical” football will come up with suitable collective standards by itself, given the “limited progress” it has observed. A report from the committee, which recommended the Government set up the regulator in shadow form by the end of the year, stated: “We are concerned that the Government has ignored recommendations to include EDI Action Plans for clubs and oversight of these plans within IREF’s remit. “We believe that IREF would be well placed to receive and publish standardised data on compliance with EDI requirements in football, as well as monitoring and enforcing compliance with equality standards through EDI Action Plans. “We recommend that the Government should give IREF the authority to mandate EDI Action Plans as part of its threshold licence conditions for clubs. Clubs’ performances against these Action Plans should be assessed regularly by IREF as part of its routine licence reviews.” Kick It Out chief executive Tony Burnett welcomed the committee’s recommendation and added: “Football has dragged its heels for too long when making the change needed to make it a more welcoming sport. “There is still a lack of diversity in boardrooms, coaching and refereeing, while players and fans suffer from discrimination from the professional game down to grassroots. There has been progress, but a lack of collaboration and few solid outcomes over the past decade mean it’s time for the process to be accelerated. “That is why we endorse the recommendations, already made in the fan-led review, that EDI measures are included in the new Code for Football Governance, and that action plans are part of a club’s licensing conditions. “Placing equality, diversity and inclusion at the heart of football’s governance will help the game grow, therefore safeguarding it for future generations.” The Government will hold roundtable meetings over the coming months to drive forward EDI initiatives across the football pyramid as it continues to engage with the FA, leagues, fan representatives and civil society organisations. The regulator should also set “substantially higher” fan engagement standards rather than accepting existing Premier League standards as the baseline, the committee said. Football’s authorities were also warned to “get their act together” on a new financial agreement between the Premier League, the EFL and the FA, with the new regulator set to be given backstop powers to impose a solution via arbitration if one cannot be reached amongst themselves. However, the PA news agency understands talks over the ‘New Deal For Football’ are progressing well, with regular talks taking place between the three bodies. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Ben Duckett has no regrets taking on Australia after falling short of century I’d give my other ACL for England to win the World Cup – Leah Williamson Novak Djokovic warms up for Wimbledon with exhibition win over Frances Tiafoe

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Georgia football rumors: Jim Harbaugh already worried about the DawgsJim Harbaugh and the Michigan Wolverines didn't see the Georgia Bulldogs in the College Football Playoff this past season, notably because they didn't make it out of the semis and were taken down by TCU. Given what the ...

Sheffield Wednesday chairman Dejphon Chansiri has claimed manager Darren Moore left the club after asking for a new contract four times bigger than his existing one. Moore surprisingly departed the Owls earlier this month having guided the club to League One promotion via the play-offs. Speculation, which Chansiri has called “damaging”, suggested the pair had fallen out over the transfer budget for the forthcoming Championship campaign, but the Thai businessman has now broken his silence, having agreed to initially keep quiet on Moore’s behalf. Moore is understood not to want to engage in a back-and-forth public debate over his exit out of respect for the Hillsborough club and his position remains the same in the wake of Chansiri’s comments on Thursday. In a statement on the club’s official website, Chansiri said: “After the end of the season, we had achieved promotion and as far as I was concerned, there was no issue. We completed the retained list on Thursday, 1 June and began discussing the recruitment of new players, the targets identified for the Championship, and I asked Darren to summarise and present. “We arranged to talk the following week in order to prepare the final information and begin coordinating the process. “Darren went on holiday and we spoke again during his holiday. We talked more about the recruitment of players, then Darren mentioned the contracts of his coaching team, which expired at the end of June. I asked Darren to send me his proposals for them because I was happy to talk. “He then mentioned his own contract which I said was automatically active following our promotion. But I said I was happy to discuss a new contract and asked Darren to send me the details and his proposals so I can study them. “After a few days, he sent me his proposals for his contract and I asked Darren to rethink and said, ‘Are you sure?’. I asked him if this proposal was instigated by his agent and Darren told me it was a guideline. I asked Darren if he wanted an answer ‘yes or no’ or can we talk again? Darren said it was a guideline and he would think about the details again. “We arranged to meet face to face in my office on Wednesday, 14 June. We talked some more about players and Darren asked about the contracts of his coaching staff. I said we needed Darren to resolve his own situation first because whilever this was an issue, we could not talk further about his staff. “I said we need a conclusion before Thursday as we could not take too long when we needed to begin the recruitment process. Even if we could not agree, this is the football business, but we would still maintain friendly relations with each other, but we need to resolve this situation. “I told Darren I was happy for him to stay, he achieved promotion and deserved a chance in the Championship. I said I was happy to increase his salary and add more bonuses into the contract, with the highest bonus if we reached the Premier League. “But the proposal Darren presented was significantly in excess of his contract and I said I cannot offer a minimum of four times your current salary on a three-year contract, I have to be realistic and protect the club. “I advised Darren to rethink very carefully, do you really think this is a good idea? I offered my full support during all his time at our club and I wanted us to continue and succeed together. “We met again on Thursday 15 June and Darren told me that he could not accept. I said, ‘OK, that is your decision and I don’t think it will be difficult for you to get another job’. I said I would help Darren by announcing his departure via mutual consent because that will help for the future.” The Owls have yet to appoint Moore’s replacement, with Dean Smith among those linked with the vacancy. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Johnny Sexton faces potential ban which could hamper World Cup preparations Mark Cavendish will not allow emotions to get better of him in final Tour Man Utd agree deal to sign Mason Mount from Chelsea

After a disappointing 2022/23 Premier League campaign, which saw Tottenham finish eighth in the table, significant changes are taking place around the club. Having sacked manager Antonio Conte in late March, results only got worse after his departure. Former Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou has been entrusted with the task of revitalising Spurs and will be assessing a new squad to achieve this goal. Heading into the transfer window, the club appeared keen to address three major issues: an attacking midfielder, a centre-back and a goalkeeper. With the £40 million signing of James Maddison from recently relegated Leicester City, it seems they have resolved one one of those issues, while signing goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario from Empoli in Serie A, for a reported fee of £17.2m, solves another. Meanwhile the club remains in the news for departures too - and once again superstar Harry Kane finds himself surrounded by transfer rumors. Here’s all the latest regarding Spurs. Harry Kane After months of speculation about Tottenham’s all-time leading scorer, Harry Kane, potentially leaving the club, it would not be surprising if the superstar Englishman ultimately remained. The long-standing rumours of Kane possibly joining Manchester United were put to rest when club chairman Daniel Levy decided not to allow the transfer to a domestic rival. Subsequently, Real Madrid emerged as the next potential destination. However, the Spanish club swiftly realised that they could not afford the substantial price tag associated with Kane, particularly after already spending £88m on Jude Bellingham. This has resulted in Bayern Munich emerging as the sole remaining suitor in the market, but the two clubs seem to have a significant gap in their valuation of the transfer fee. According to German newspaper Bild, Kane and the German side have reached an agreement on personal terms. However, the £60 million offer made by Bayern, as reported by Sky Sports appears to fall well short. Despite the current disparity, Sky reports that Bayern is planning to return with a revised offer in the coming days. Tottenham maintains their stance of not wanting to sell Kane, and according to the Evening Standard, would require an offer in the range of £100m to even consider a deal. Hugo Lloris French national and Tottenham captain, Hugo Lloris, appears to be on the verge of departing the club after an eleven-year tenure. Lloris revealed to the French outlet Nice-Martin that: "We have reached an important moment, whether it be for the club or me. It’s the end of an era. I have a desire for something else. I will carefully study what is possible.” With the new signing of Guglielmo Vicario, Lloris’ departure seems all but set in stone. Although limited information has been disclosed about Lloris’ destination, it is safe to assume that his future lies away from White Hart Lane. Mickey van de Ven The Dutch centre-back Mickey van de Ven has appeared as one Tottenham’s three main centre-back targets. The 22-year-old van de Ven currently plays for Bundesliga side, Wolfsburg, who Fabrizio Romano has reported have been in touch with Tottenham. Van de Ven appeared in 36 matches across the Bundesliga and German Cup this past year and according to the Daily Mail is set to require a fee in the range of £26m. Van de Ven would be a great addition for the North London club that needs defensive reinforcements. Edmond Tapsoba Edmond Tapsoba has emerged as another key target for Tottenham in their pursuit of a centre-back. The 24-year-old Burkina Faso native currently plays in the Bundesliga for Xabi Alonso’s side Bayer Leverkusen. Tapsoba gained valuable experience this season, featuring prominently in both the Champions League and Europa League, accumulating a total of 47 appearances. His impressive performances have caught the attention of Tottenham as they seek to bolster their defensive options. Spurs may not be the sole Premier League side enticed by Tapsoba, as per the Daily Mail, Liverpool are also reportedly interested. Tosin Adarabioyo Tosin Adarabioyo, a player from fellow London club Fulham, seems to be another potential centre-back target for Spurs. According to the Evening Standard, a new contract agreement between Fulham and Adarabioyo has fallen through, and with only one year remaining on his current deal, it appears likely that he may leave Craven Cottage. However, Spurs face competition in their pursuit of Adarabioyo, as Ligue 1 clubs Monaco and Rennes are reportedly interested in the English international as well. While Adarabioyo is said to prioritise sporting opportunities over domestic location, Spurs remain actively involved in the race for the talented defender. Read More Harry Kane builds new family home near Chelsea training ground Arsenal winning race for Rice but Bayern face uphill struggle to capture Kane Rumours: New Harry Kane bid and Hammers target trio including Maguire Tottenham complete James Maddison signing in £40m deal Man City ‘to submit improved offer’ for Declan Rice after Arsenal bid Kane must take Bayern transfer chance - and so should Spurs

Manchester United have agreed a deal to sign England midfielder Mason Mount for an initial £55million from Chelsea, the PA news agency understands. The Red Devils will pay an additional £5m dependent on appearances and success. The 24-year-old is understood to have agreed a five-year contract, with an option for a further year.

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Charlton Heston played Saints' QB Cat Catlin in "Number One" (Photo by Mike Moore/Daily Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)Film study is an important part of the game of football. The following 10 players had a better shot of winning an Oscar as opposed to a championship.Ther...

A majority of leagues around the world want conversations between referees and VARs played out live to broadcasters, a survey has found. The Premier League was one of 41 leagues to take part in the survey by the World Leagues Forum, an umbrella body currently chaired by Premier League chief executive Richard Masters. The Premier League has declined to comment on whether it supported the move on VAR in the anonymised survey, but 25 of the 41 leagues were in favour of it. One respondent said: “(Having an) audio feed open for broadcasters between referee and VAR is a priority.” Using the two-way audio feed live is currently not allowed under the laws of the game, which are set by the International Football Association Board. Last month, Professional Game Match Officials Limited’s chief refereeing officer Howard Webb appeared on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football programme to talk through some incidents from the season where VAR had come into play, allowing audiences to hear for the first time the discussions between the referee and the VAR. The PA news agency understands PGMOL is considering more regular insights into the discussions between referees and VARs next season as part of a move towards greater transparency. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live