Qatar pulls out of hosting 2028 Nations Championship owing to Middle East crisis

Plus: managers sacked after signing new deals, war victims commemorated on kits and the first club website (part II) Mail us with all of your questions and answers It came as no surprise to the Knowledge that James Milner had spent the early months of his retirement training for – and then running in – the New York City Marathon. Yes, the bleep test-loving former Brighton, Liverpool and Manchester City player recorded an excellent time of 3hr 9min 4sec, an average of 7min 13sec per mile. Not bad

Forget speculation over how a Parker-led side would fare in the Premier League and let the man who has taken three clubs up do his work again It has taken West Ham six months to come to their senses and sack Nuno Espírito Santo, but at least the decision has arrived early enough to revive their hopes of automatic promotion. Dithering was no longer an option after the dismal performance against West Brom last Saturday. Continue reading...

Irishwoman Kearns lauded for pulling off illegal double Gaelic ‘solo’ AFLW boss says league to look at changing rules after 2026 finals The AFL will look at rule changes in its women’s competition to make it easier for Irish players to add their own flair, in a nod to the almost 50 former Gaelic footballers in the AFLW. One of the main differences between the sister sports, apart from the shape of the ball and field, is the bounce explicitly required for players in Australian rules running more

There were protests at Old Trafford and even though two academy products stood out, Michael Carrick’s future is far from safe Green and yellow balloons bobbed around the Stretford End. Tennis balls rained down on the pitch in protest at the chronic, enduringly cinematic decline presided over by Manchester United’s ownership. Then came a reminder of the humble football’s extraordinary power to bend history, minds and wills. United’s players departed victorious having somehow won the game within t