SPORTS

Hafnaoui’s Olympic Dream on Hold: 21-Month Ban for Missing Anti-Doping Tests

In a shocking development for the swimming world, Tunisian Olympic champion Ahmed Hafnaoui has been handed a 21-month suspension by the Aquatic Sports Integrity Unit (AQIU) for three whereabouts failures within 12 months. The ban, effective from April 11, 2024, and lasting until January 10, 2026, has disqualified all of Hafnaoui’s results since the start date and casts a shadow over the career of one of swimming’s brightest young stars. This disciplinary action stems from violations of anti-doping regulations, specifically

Anna Nordqvist Named Team Europe Captain for 2026 Solheim Cup

The 2026 Solheim Cup will take place at Bernardus Golf in Cromvoirt, Netherlands, from September 11-13, with three-time major champion Anna Nordqvist named as Team Europe’s captain. The 37-year-old, who claimed victory at the 2021 AIG Women’s Open at Carnoustie, will succeed Suzann Pettersen in leading Europe against the United States. Having served as a playing vice-captain in the last two editions of the biennial tournament, Nordqvist will become the seventh Swedish captain to helm Team Europe. The 2019 edition

Wales Lose Owen Watkin to Injury, Aaron Wainwright’s Status Pending

Owen Watkin will miss Saturday’s Six Nations match against Italy after injuring his knee in Friday’s 43-0 defeat to France. Meanwhile, his Ospreys teammate, Aaron Wainwright, could feature at the Stadio Olimpico if scans confirm he hasn’t suffered a broken cheekbone. Both players were injured during the tournament’s opening game in Paris, which saw Wales extend its losing streak to four matches. This marked the first time the Welsh Rugby Union team lost a European Championship match. But Watkin will

Adidas Takes Over as Mercedes F1 Partner Following Hamilton’s Departure

German sportswear brand Adidas will join Formula One as the official kit supplier for the Mercedes Formula One team in a multi-year partnership announced on Tuesday, marking the start of the post-Lewis Hamilton era. Previously, Puma had partnered with the once-dominant team, which finished fourth overall in Hamilton’s final season before his move to Ferrari. As part of the new collaboration, Adidas will also design a line of casual sportswear for the Silver Arrows’ drivers and staff, with limited edition

Cunha Receives Two-Match Ban for Wolves

Cunha will be absent for Wolves’ Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest and their FA Cup third-round fixture at Bristol City following an incident with Ipswich staff earlier this month. The 25-year-old Brazilian was charged with misconduct by the Football Association after allegedly striking a member of Ipswich’s security team with his arm and seizing their glasses during a confrontation following Wolves’ 2-1 home defeat on December 14. The altercation led to heated exchanges between Ipswich staff and players after

Djokovic Set to Play Brisbane International as Part of Australian Open Prep

Novak Djokovic is set to kick off his preparation for next month’s Australian Open by competing in the Brisbane International warm-up tournament. The record 24-time Grand Slam champion will join defending Brisbane champion Grigor Dimitrov and American Frances Tiafoe at the ATP 250 event, which begins on December 29. Australians Nick Kyrgios and Aryna Sabalenka are also among the participants. Djokovic is just one title shy of matching Margaret Court’s record of 24 Grand Slam singles titles. The Serbian star

Real Madrid Manager: Mbappe Needs Patience and Support to Thrive

Kylian Mbappe’s debut season at Real Madrid has fallen short of expectations. The French striker, who arrived on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer, was anticipated to spearhead the club’s quest for more silverware. However, early challenges have raised concerns about his form, positioning, and mindset. Mbappe has managed just one goal in five Champions League appearances for Los Blancos. His performance against Liverpool on Wednesday was met with boos from the home crowd at Anfield, compounded

Mbappe Opens Up About Developing Stronger Bond with Real Madrid Squad

Kylian Mbappe feels he is starting to form a strong connection with his Real Madrid teammates following his goal in a 3-0 La Liga victory over Leganes on Sunday. The French forward had struggled to find the back of the net since his summer move from Paris Saint-Germain, going four games without scoring in all competitions. However, he broke his drought with the opening goal at the Bernabeu. The 25-year-old was shifted back to his preferred position on the left

Lionel Messi’s MLS Playoff Dream Shattered in Early Exit

Lionel Messi’s debut in the MLS playoffs ended in unexpected disappointment, but his impact on both Inter Miami and Major League Soccer as a whole cannot be overstated. Despite finishing his first season without a league title, the World Cup winner revitalized the team and raised MLS’ global profile. Messi’s arrival brought a fresh wave of excitement to both local fans and international audiences. Unlike previous marquee players, whose arrivals were often met with indifference, Messi has forged a deep

Amnesty Calls on FIFA to Halt Saudi World Cup Bid Over Potential Human Rights Risks

A decision to grant Saudi Arabia the 2034 World Cup is expected to lead to serious human rights concerns, including discrimination against fans, forced evictions of residents, and the exploitation of migrant workers. This is the finding of a new report from Amnesty International and the Sport & Rights Alliance (SRA). The organizations are urging FIFA to halt the process of selecting Saudi Arabia as the host unless the 211 national football associations announce significant reforms before the vote next

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