List of All Articles with Tag 'ball'

Manchester United failed to reach the Champions League group stage after a 3-1 defeat in the second leg of their qualifier at Paris St Germain. A 47th-minute equaliser from Lisa Naalsund gave the Women’s Super League side hope but Lieke Martens’ second of the game and another from Sandy Baltimore saw the French team prevail 4-2 on aggregate. Leah Galton had a goal disallowed controversially and Ella Toone hit the woodwork as United battled to the end but PSG held on. The hosts started strongly and looked like taking the lead after 10 minutes when Tabitha Chawinga, goalscorer in the first leg, rounded Mary Earps but shot tamely and Maya Le Tissier cleared. The opener came eight minutes later. This time Earps did well to deny Chawinga but could do little as Martens pounced on the rebound and curled past the United keeper. United tried to reply quickly with Geyse teeing up Naalsund in the box but the Norwegian could not take the chance and the visitors had a let-off when Martens headed over. Marc Skinner’s side went close before the break when Geyse combined with Toone but the England international failed to make clean contact and pulled her shot wide. United did get themselves back into the game soon after the restart when Geyse again found space and Naalsund was on hand to turn home from in front of goal. Yet it was to prove a shortlived response as PSG quickly went up the other end and regained the lead. Martens again did the damage, grabbing her second from close range following more good work by Chawinga. United searched for a second equaliser but Katarzyna Kiedrzynek saved from Hannah Blundell and Geyse. PSG took a firm grip on the tie just before the hour as winger Baltimore outran Blundell and chipped Earps from a tight angle. Still United fought on and Katie Zelem drew another save from Kiedrzynek from a free-kick. Galton then headed the ball into the net but the effort was ruled out for a soft foul on Kiedrzynek, who required treatment after colliding with the United player. Toone struck the post with a spectacular effort in stoppage time but it was not United’s night. Read More Mohamed Salah calls for Gaza to be given humanitarian aid immediately Ian Foster warns New Zealand not to be ‘softened’ by plaudits after Ireland win Sandro Tonali under investigation for alleged betting activity Jonny Bairstow: England-South Africa World Cup double will be ‘great spectacle’ Premier League increases matches available in live television broadcast deal Warren Gatland plans to lead Wales at the 2027 World Cup

Liverpool and Egypt forward Mohamed Salah has called for the massacres in the Israeli-Hamas conflict to stop and for immediate humanitarian aid to be allowed into Gaza. Hundreds of Palestinian civilians were killed in a massive blast at a Gaza City hospital on Tuesday, while concerns grow as supplies of water and food ran out. Both Israel and Hamas have issued rival claims about the atrocity feared to have killed at least 500. Israel has said it will allow Egypt to deliver limited quantities of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip amid its siege following surprise attacks by Hamas on October 7. In a video post on social media, Salah called the scenes at the hospital “horrifying” and for leaders to come together to “prevent the further slaughter of innocent souls”. Salah said: “It is not always easy to speak in times like this. There has been too much violence and too much heartbreak and brutality. I am calling on the world leaders to come together to prevent the further slaughter of innocent souls - humanity must prevail. Mohamed Salah “The escalations in the recent weeks is unbearable to witness. All lives are sacred and must be protected. The massacres need to stop. Families are being torn apart. “What is clear now is humanitarian aid to Gaza must be allowed immediately. The people there are in terrible conditions. “The scenes at the hospital last night were horrifying. The people of Gaza need food, water and medical supplies urgently. “I am calling on the world leaders to come together to prevent the further slaughter of innocent souls – humanity must prevail.” Last week, the Government encouraged sports bodies in the UK to pay respects to the victims of the recent violence in Israel and the Gaza strip. It is understood the Department for Culture, Media and Sport had written to various governing bodies suggesting they pay tribute in an appropriate manner at forthcoming events. While the Government has expressed its steadfast support of Israel, the Football Association opted not to light up the Wembley arch with the colours of the Israel flag for England’s friendly against Australia last Friday. England players wore black armbands during that match and a period of silence was held before kick-off to respect “the innocent victims of the devastating events in Israel and Palestine”. The PA news agency understands Israel and Palestine flags will not be allowed into stadiums for Premier League matches from this weekend. In a bid to ensure top-flight grounds are not used by supporters of either side of the escalating Middle East conflict to voice their protests, the Star of David flag and the flag of Palestine will be banned. Read More Man Utd miss chance to secure Champions League football after losing in Paris Ian Foster warns New Zealand not to be ‘softened’ by plaudits after Ireland win Sandro Tonali under investigation for alleged betting activity Jonny Bairstow: England-South Africa World Cup double will be ‘great spectacle’ Premier League increases matches available in live television broadcast deal Warren Gatland plans to lead Wales at the 2027 World Cup

Around 270 Premier League games a season will be broadcast live in the UK every year as part of the next broadcast deal as the division looks for an increase on its current £5bn domestic rights deal. It means an extra 70 games a season will be shown, the most live coverage yet, with more than two-thirds of the 380 matches each season being televised. The Premier League have started the process of selling rights for a four-year period, starting in the 2025-26 season, whereas previous deals have been for three years. The Premier League is inviting tenders for five broadcast packages, which will mean 3pm kick-offs on Saturdays are still not televised – a blackout devised to protect attendances in the lower leagues – but all 2pm kick-offs on Sunday, which tend to feature sides in European action on Thursdays, will be shown. The 270 live games will be arranged into five packages of between 42 and 65 matches in a change from the current system of seven packages. No broadcaster will be able to get a monopoly with a maximum of four packages permitted. Those five packages will be linked to current kick-off formats: 12.30 and 17.30 on Saturday, 14.00 and 16.30 on Sunday, plus a 20.00, split across Monday and Fridays. The Premier League has not confirmed where midweek matches will fit into the packages. In the current contract, Sky have four packages, amounting to 128 matches per season, TNT (formerly BT Sport) two, with 52 games, and Amazon Prime one package of 20 matches. The Premier League is also inviting tenders for highlights, including of the 110 games that will not be shown live, and free-to-air highlights of all 380 matches, currently owned by the BBC and used in Match Of The Day. Read More Tottenham Hotspur lose court challenge over regeneration scheme next to stadium Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali being investigated for alleged betting activity Sky Bet tweet featuring Gary Neville banned over appeal to under-18s

The Premier League will make around 270 matches available for live broadcast in the next domestic television cycle, in what is set to be football’s most lucrative rights sale in history. The current cycle includes 200 matches across seven packages, but the league is looking to offer more games across just five packages in its next sale. The Premier League is also breaking from tradition by looking to secure a four-year deal from 2025-26 and 2028-29, instead of the usual three-year deal. The league’s Invitation To Tender (ITT) on Wednesday evening confirmed the 3pm Saturday afternoon blackout will stay in place, but that every 2pm Sunday kick-off, including those displaced because of clubs being involved in European competition, will now be televised. Five midweek rounds will be available in the package instead of the current four (including the Boxing Day round), while the Saturday 12.30pm and 5.30pm and the Sunday 2pm and 4.30pm stay in place, along with the 8pm Monday or Friday slot. The ITT states that a minimum two broadcasters will be able to hold the live rights. Read More Warren Gatland plans to lead Wales at the 2027 World Cup Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali being investigated for alleged betting activity Who will make Gareth Southgate’s England squad for Euro 2024?

Through seven weeks of the college football season, we have some bowl projections to dissect regarding the College Football Playoff, as well as the New Year's Six. Dig in, y'all!

Sandro Tonali is being investigated by the Italian Prosecutor’s Office and the Italian Football Federation after being accused of illegal betting on football. The Newcastle midfielder, who is cooperating fully with the police and the Italian football authorities, faces the prospect of a lengthy ban if found guilty. The 23-year-old, who was withdrawn from the Italy squad to face Malta and England after it became known he was the subject of an inquiry, reportedly pleaded guilty to betting on AC Milan matches at a hearing with the Italian Football Federation in Turin on Tuesday. Tonali’s agent said the Italy international is battling a gambling addiction and revealed the player is shocked. Guiseppe Riso said: “Sandro is playing an important game against gambling addiction. He will win this one too. I’d like to thank Newcastle who have always stood by Sandro. He is in shock, shaken and sad. I hope that this experience saves his life and that of many others, that it helps those who fall into the same habit as him.” This week, Juventus midfielder Nicolo Fagiolo was banned for 12 months, with five of them suspended, after he admitted breaching betting regulations while Aston Villa winger Nicolo Zaniolo is also being investigated and was also removed from the Italy squad as a result. Illegal betting on matches in Italy carries a maximum penalty of a three-year ban. Newcastle are yet to confirm if Tonali remains available for selection. They face Crystal Palace on Saturday and then Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday. Tonali became the most expensive Italian footballer in history when Newcastle bought him from AC Milan for £55m in the summer. He scored on his debut against Aston Villa and has made 10 appearances for Eddie Howe’s team. Newcastle said in a club statement: “Newcastle United can confirm that Sandro Tonali is subject to investigation by the Italian Prosecutor’s Office and Italian Football Federation (FIGC) in relation to illegal betting activity. “Sandro is fully engaging with the investigation and will continue to cooperate with all relevant authorities. He and his family will continue to receive the club’s full support. “Due to this ongoing process, Sandro and Newcastle United are unable to offer further comment at this time.” Read More Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali being investigated for alleged betting activity Saudi Arabian state-linked group targets two European clubs ‘similar in size’ to Newcastle Gary Neville gambling ad banned because footballer ‘too popular with under 18s’

Newcastle have confirmed midfielder Sandro Tonali is being investigated by the Italian Prosecutor’s Office and Italian Football Federation for breaching betting rules. The 23-year-old Italy international was withdrawn from his country’s squad prior to the Euro 2024 qualifying defeat to England at Wembley on Tuesday night and his club have released a statement to say he is co-operating with the enquiry. The Premier League club said: “Newcastle United can confirm that Sandro Tonali is subject to investigation by the Italian Prosecutor’s Office and Italian Football Federation (FIGC) in relation to illegal betting activity. “Sandro is fully engaging with the investigation and will continue to cooperate with all relevant authorities. “He and his family will continue to receive the club’s full support. “Due to this ongoing process, Sandro and Newcastle United are unable to offer further comment at this time.” Tonali was one of several players named in an Italian football betting probe last week and it has been reported that he admitted at a hearing on Tuesday to betting on matches involving his former club AC Milan. Juventus midfielder Nicolo Fagioli has already been handed a seven-month suspension by the FIGC for breaching betting rules. Fagioli had five months of a one-year ban suspended and was fined 12,500 euros (£10,848), while he agreed to a therapy plan of at least six months to tackle his gambling problem, the FIGC announced. Tonali, who has 15 senior caps for Italy, was signed by Newcastle from Milan for £55million in July and has made seven Premier League appearances. Read More Who will make Gareth Southgate’s England squad for Euro 2024? No easing off now Euros qualification assured, Gareth Southgate warns England Revenge no motivation for England’s semi-final with South Africa – Ollie Chessum

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Neymar was in tears after being taken off the field on a stretcher with an apparent left knee injury during Brazil’s 2-0 defeat to Uruguay in World Cup qualifying. Brazil were trailing to a Darwin Nunez opener when Neymar landed awkwardly after colliding with Nicolas de la Cruz just before half-time. The 31-year-old former Barcelona forward, who joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal from Paris St Germain in the summer, was carried off in some distress as he cupped his hands to his face. After De la Cruz made sure of Uruguay’s win, Neymar was reportedly seen leaving the Estadio Centenario in Montevideo on crutches. “Let’s hope it’s nothing serious,” Brazil captain and Manchester United midfielder Casemiro said on Globo television. “He’s an important player for us, we’re very fond of him. He’s been suffering a lot from injuries and when he starts to pick up the pace he gets injured again.” Elsewhere, Lionel Messi became the all-time leading scorer in South American World Cup qualifying as he bagged a brace in Argentina’s 2-0 victory over Peru. Messi’s 31 goals take him clear of former Barcelona team-mate and Uruguay forward Luis Suarez, who has 29. Argentina top the qualifying table having won all four fixtures. Read More Big-spending Saudis contribute £700million to record £6billion transfer total Only Premier League clubs spent more on transfers than Saudi Pro League sides

Gareth Southgate has eight months to mull over his European Championship selection after England sealed their place at next summer’s finals with two games to spare. Tuesday’s 3-1 win against Italy underlined their place among the favourites in Germany and the PA news agency has analysed how Southgate likely sees his options for the squad right now. Goalkeepers On the plane: Jordan Pickford (Everton) and Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal) In the departure lounge: Sam Johnstone (Crystal Palace) Hoping for a late ticket: Nick Pope (Newcastle) Pickford established himself as England’s number one ahead of the 2018 World Cup and is all but certain to go into his fourth major tournament as the man between the sticks. Ramsdale is his closest contender but David Raya’s arrival at Arsenal is impacting his playing time and could well damage his international ambitions. Johnstone has supplanted Pope as third choice for the time being. Defenders On the plane: Ben Chilwell (Chelsea), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Harry Maguire (Manchester United), Luke Shaw (Manchester United), John Stones (Manchester City), Kieran Trippier (Newcastle) and Kyle Walker (Manchester City) In the departure lounge: Levi Colwill (Chelsea), Lewis Dunk (Brighton), Reece James (Chelsea) and Fikayo Tomori (AC Milan) Hoping for a late ticket: Conor Coady (Leicester), Eric Dier (Tottenham), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Tyrone Mings (Aston Villa) and Ben White (Arsenal) Trippier, Stones, Walker and Maguire have been to every previous major tournament under Southgate and will do so again if fit and playing – not something that is a given with the latter. James undoubtedly has the quality to be on the plane but needs to prove his fitness. The Chelsea skipper missed the World Cup through injury and has struggled for an issue-free run since – not ideal given the competition at right-back. Injured team-mate Chilwell is in a similar position but there is a dearth of options at left-back beyond him and Shaw. Colwill can fill in there as he did on his England debut against Australia, which will boost the central defender’s hopes. Guehi has established himself as third-choice centre-back. Dunk and Tomori furthered their case for inclusion in recent camps in the absence of injured Mings, whose Aston Villa team-mate Konsa cannot be far from a call-up. Coady and White have not been selected since Qatar, while fellow World Cup squad selection Dier’s lack of club action has seen him fall out of consideration. Midfielders On the plane: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Jordan Henderson (Al-Ettifaq), Kalvin Phillips (Manchester City) and Declan Rice (Arsenal) In the departure lounge: Conor Gallagher (Chelsea) and Mason Mount (Manchester United) Hoping for a late ticket: Morgan Gibbs-White (Nottingham Forest) and James Ward-Prowse (West Ham) Bellingham would be in any squad in the world, as would Rice. There are questions over Phillips and Henderson given their club situations, but Southgate has so far seen enough to stick with two players he trusts implicitly. The Football Association now lists Alexander-Arnold as a midfielder, with his versatility and qualities surely enough to see him involved in a midfield that Gallagher is now a regular part of. Mount’s difficult end to last season and injury-impacted start to life at Old Trafford has seen him miss out on recent squads, but Southgate is a long-term admirer of the Euro 2020 final starter. In-form Ward-Prowse has not been called up despite his fine start to life at West Ham. Forwards On the plane: Phil Foden (Manchester City), Jack Grealish (Manchester City), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United) and Bukayo Saka (Arsenal) In the departure lounge: Jarrod Bowen (West Ham), Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace), James Maddison (Tottenham), Raheem Sterling (Chelsea), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa) and Callum Wilson (Newcastle) Hoping for a late ticket: Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Everton), Eddie Nketiah (Arsenal) and Ivan Toney (Brentford) England are blessed with an abundance of attacking options. Skipper Kane is a certainty, as is fleet-footed Saka. Foden, Grealish and Rashford are established performers under Southgate, while Maddison is now a regular squad member. There are decisions to make beyond them. Sterling has won 82 caps for his country but has not featured since December’s World Cup quarter-final loss to France. Bowen is another fighting for a sport after his October recall, while Eze will hope to earning back the spot he got before injury. Under-21 Euros winner Gibbs-White is another knocking on the door. As for Kane’s back-up, Watkins scored on his return to the set-up and Nketiah made his debut this month. But Wilson will be hoping to head into another tournament in that role. Toney is the most interesting alternative but his betting ban does not end until January. Read More No easing off now Euros qualification assured, Gareth Southgate warns England Revenge no motivation for England’s semi-final with South Africa – Ollie Chessum Euro 2024 qualifying – who has reached Germany and who still has work to do? Paula Dunn named interim head coach of UK Athletics after Stephen Maguire exit Goalkeeper Liam Kelly says Scotland debut was “the best moment” of his life South Africa’s Handre Pollard expecting to face ‘ruthless’ England in semi-final