UEFA will decide on Friday whether to replace Champions League final referee Szymon Marciniak due to his alleged links with a far-right movement in Poland. Marciniak is being investigated by UEFA after it was claimed he spoke at a recent event organised by a Polish far-right leader Slawomir Mentzen. UEFA appointed Marciniak last month to referee the Champions League final between Manchester City and Inter Milan in Istanbul on June 10. European football’s governing body said: “UEFA is aware of the allegations surrounding Szymon Marciniak and is seeking urgent clarification. “UEFA and the whole football community abhor the ‘values’ that are promoted by the group in question and takes these allegations very seriously. “A further announcement will be made (on Friday) after reviewing all the evidence.” Mentzen, co-chairman of the Confederation party, launched the political slogan ‘We stand against Jews, gays, abortion, taxation and the European Union’. Anti-racism group Never Again has urged UEFA to drop Marciniak after claiming he had promoted and was one of the keynote speakers at an event held by Mentzen at the International Congress Centre in Katowice. Marciniak, 42, became the first Polish referee to take charge of a World Cup final in Qatar last December when Argentina beat France on penalties. He refereed the second leg of City’s semi-final win against Real Madrid and has taken charge of seven other Champions League fixtures. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

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Talk about taking one for...

The seemingly endless boxing road for Saul Canelo Alvarez continues in Las Vegas on Saturday night. Alvarez is the boxing wunderkind, turning professional at just fifteen, winning a world title for the first time in 2011 and now, at 33, set to have his 24th world title fight. Alvarez has fought 63 times, the type of number that a champion will simply not repeat in the future. At the T-Mobile Arena, the big house of fights just off the strip but now firmly established as the city’s number one venue, Alvarez defends his four super-middleweight world titles against Jermell Charlo. It is a tricky fight, the latest risk in the long career of the Mexican idol. Charlo holds the four belts at light-middleweight and is naturally the smaller man; he has lost just once in 37 fights, but is smart, slick and fresh. Jermell has an unbeaten twin called Jermall, who holds a middleweight world title and was Alvarez’s first choice. However, Jermall had not fought since 2021, is dealing with a lot of personal issues and had to refuse the offer; Jermell jumped straight in. A fight with Jermall next year will make perfect business sense if Alvarez wins. If he loses, there will be a rematch with Jermell. Every move that Alvarez makes is smart – he is a fighting industry, a man with the ability to demand and receive whatever he wants. Alvarez last fought when he put on a masterclass over the championship distance to beat Islington’s John Ryder in Guadalajara in May. It was a delayed homecoming for Alvarez, a night to enjoy with over 200 members of a mariachi band serenading their fighting icon as he walked to the ring in front of 50,000 devoted fans, all howling under a night sky of stars. Ryder, incidentally, was the eighth British boxer that Alvarez has beaten in world title fights. Charlo is clever enough to create problems for Alvarez, but the weight will be a factor; Alvarez is naturally a stone heavier and on the night in the ring he will be a lot more. Charlo will rely on speed and Alvarez has struggled on occasion with slick movement. Charlo has beaten some quality fighters, but Alvarez poses his own unique problems and simply imagining that some extra lateral movement and fast feet will be enough is a fantasy. “He (Alvarez) makes good fighters do exactly what he wants,” said Joe Gallagher, who took Liam and Callum Smith to fight Alvarez. “He makes really good fighters doubt their own ability.” Alvarez has lost twice in his career; in 2013, Floyd Mayweather was simply too wise, too good and won on points. It was not close. In the first half of 2022, Alvarez jumped back to light-heavyweight, where he had previously won a world title, and was given a surprise boxing lesson by the brilliant Dmitri Bivol. It was an odd fight, and it was obvious that Alvarez had not done his homework. The rematch was expected, but Alvarez has fought twice since and there appears to be no rush to get revenge. Bivol is still waiting and happy to fight Alvarez again; everybody wants to fight Alvarez – he is boxing’s cash cow. There is no doubting that Alvarez is a throwback fighter, a man from a distant time when boxers like Sugar Ray Robinson had 201 fights, Roberto Duran 119 and even Muhammad Ali had 61 fights. There will not be men of that quality with that quantity of fights ever again. Alvarez might just be the last man standing. “He’s a great fighter, but I can beat him,” insisted Charlo. “I know how to beat him. I have the motivation and the skills. He will want a rematch; I know he will. This is my time.” Alvarez is calm, he is always calm before a big fight, and he seems just a bit more focused for this fight. “People have been saying negative things about me for a long time, expecting me to lose in every fight,” he said. “I ignore what they say – this feels different, I’m chasing history.” Alvarez has his place in boxing history secure, he is now chasing greatness and a win against Charlo will add to his legacy. It will not be easy, Charlo is being underestimated, but it will happen and probably against a chorus of screams. Read More Canelo vs Charlo live stream: How to watch fight online and on TV this weekend Canelo Alvarez trainer hits back at ‘sack of potatoes’ sparring partner ahead of Jermell Charlo fight Joe Joyce now faces a harsh truth – he needs protecting from himself Who is fighting on the Canelo vs Charlo undercard? How to watch Canelo vs Charlo online and on TV What time does Canelo vs Charlo start in UK and US?

Tributes poured in on Friday (22 September) for Maddy Cusack, a Sheffield United footballer, who has died aged 27. Cusack played more than 100 games for the club, where she has been based since 2019. She also worked for Sheffield United as a marketing executive. The cause of death was not disclosed. Sheffield United said discussions over how to pay tribute officially will take place behind closed doors, and asked for a period of privacy for Cusack’s family. Stephen Bettis, Sheffield United’s chief executive, described the news of her death as “heartbreaking”. “Maddy had a unique position of being part of a number of teams at Sheffield United and was popular with everyone that she came into contact with. “Her personality and professionalism made her a credit to her family – she will be sadly missed. “While taking in the news and moving forward, the club will offer as much support as possible to Maddy’s family, friends and colleagues.” Cusack had just entered her sixth season and was the first player to reach 100 appearances for Sheffield United. Sue Campbell, the FA’s director of women’s football, said: “We are all devastated to learn about the passing of Maddy Cusack. “On behalf of the FA, the Lionesses, the Women’s Super League and the Women’s Championship, our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Maddy’s family, friends, teammates and everyone at Sheffield United. “Maddy also represented England at age-group level and we will pay tribute to her at an appropriate point. “We are in contact with the club and will continue to offer them our full support during this incredibly sad time.” Cusack’s previous club, Birmingham City, also released a statement. It said: “The club are saddened to learn of the passing of former player Maddy Cusack. All of our thoughts are with Maddy’s family and friends at this extremely difficult time.” Leah Williamson, the Arsenal and England player, wrote on X/Twitter: “Sending all my love and condolences to Maddy’s family at this awful time!” The Professional Footballers’ Association also offered condolences to Maddy’s family, friends and her teammates. Sign up to our free Indy100 weekly newsletter Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.

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