List of All Articles with Tag 'ball'

The expectation is that the College Football Playoff Selection Committee will amend its autobid proposal model from 6-6 to more of a 5-7. One more at-large bid will probably come about after the demise of the Pac-12 after this college football season.

Caleb Williams remains the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy and repeat for only the second time in college football history. But a challenger has joined him atop the odds board.

Across the entire landscape of human experience, few things compare with catching a foul ball at a Major League Baseball game. Anyone who has ever been lucky en

Antony has returned to the UK from Brazil and will meet Greater Manchester Police for questioning over allegations of abuse made against him, the PA news agency understands. The 23-year-old, who joined Manchester United from Ajax last summer, has been on a leave of absence from the Premier League club since September 10. Antony is facing several accusations of physical aggression towards his former girlfriend Gabriela Cavallin, who spoke to Brazilian outlet UOL earlier this month. The winger has denied those allegations, as well as further assault claims made by Rayssa de Freitas and Ingrid Lana. Antony said in a statement on September 10: “I want to reiterate my innocence of the things I have been accused of, and I will fully cooperate with the police to help them reach the truth.” The winger has been in Brazil since the start of September, when he joined up with the national team only to be withdrawn from the squad when the allegations emerged. Antony returned to England on Tuesday, having cooperated with police inquiries in Brazil, and is now set to meet GMP. He remains on leave and it is understood he will hand over his phone to the police for inspection. The player was voluntarily interviewed by Brazilian police in June but has not been arrested or charged. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

Manchester United winger Antony has flown back to the UK to face the police over allegations of abuse and violence against women made against him. Antony has agreed to hand over his phone to Greater Manchester Police (GMP) to aid their investigation into the complaints made by the footballer’s ex-partner Gabriela Cavallin. Cavallin was in a relationship with Antony for two years and submitted allegations of “physical and psychological violence” by the Brazilian star to both GMP and São Paulo police earlier this month. Further assault allegations followed from Rayssa de Freitas and Ingrid Lana, with Lana’s complaints relating to a meeting between the pair in Manchester. Antony has denied all the allegations in an interview on Brazilian TV. The 23-year-old flew back to England on Tuesday from Brazil, where he was voluntarily interviewed by police in June and they have confirmed they don’t need any more information from him. He has now agreed to voluntarily meet with GMP. Earlier this month, Antony agreed to take a “period of absence” from Manchester United on full pay to address the allegations, meaning he would not play or train with the club until further notice. Despite returning to the UK, he will still not be considered for selection At the time, a club statement read: “Manchester United acknowledges the allegations made against Antony. It has been agreed with Antony that he will delay his return until further notice in order to address the allegations. As a club we condemn acts of violence and abuse. We recognise the importance of safeguarding all those involved in this situation, and acknowledge the impact these allegations have on survivors of abuse.” This was accompanied by a statement from Antony himself, stating: “I have agreed with Manchester United to take a period of absence while I address the allegations made against me. “This was a mutual decision to avoid distraction to my teammates and unnecessary controversy for the club. I want to reiterate my innocence of the things I have been accused of, and I will fully cooperate with the police to help them reach the truth. I look forward to returning to play as soon as possible.” Read More Erik ten Hag consulted as Antony put on ‘period of absence’ from Man Utd amid abuse allegations Man Utd winger Antony appears on Brazilian TV to deny assault allegations Clubs send out wrong message playing footballers accused of abuse – Women’s Aid

Deadline-day signing Sofyan Amrabat says he only ever wanted to join Manchester United and believes Erik ten Hag’s side can “do something big” this season. The 27-year-old’s qualities came to the fore during the 2022 World Cup, where his outstanding midfield displays helped Morocco on their historic run to the semi-finals. Amrabat was linked with moves aplenty after Qatar and numerous clubs expressed their interest in a player that only wanted to leave Fiorentina this summer for one destination. The midfielder played under Ten Hag at Utrecht at the start of his career and was determined to link back up with him at United as he wrapped up a long-discussed deal at the start of September. Asked if it was a difficult process waiting to get the move, Amrabat said: “Yes, of course. “After the last game with the club, it was the Conference League final with West Ham and from that moment, the window started for me. “A lot of clubs, a lot of speaking, talking, but for me it was clear I wanted Manchester United. “It was long, long months for me, difficult months for me, but at the end it’s nice on the last day that I signed here and that I’m here is now the most important (thing).” United paid 10million euros (£8.6m) to sign Amrabat on loan for the season, with the deal including the option to trigger a permanent move. The Serie A will receive a 20m euros (£17.1m) fee and up to 5m euros (£4.3m) in potential add-ons if that option is taken by Ten Hag’s men. “I don’t think about that,” Amrabat said of his future beyond this season. “For me, today, I am a Manchester United player. “The only thing I can do is every day to give everything that I have, to do my best, to try to help the team. “I hope we have a fantastic season, I hope we can win something and then later we will see what will happen. “Of course, I would love to stay here, but that’s not important for me. I don’t look too far into the future.” Amrabat spoke as he basked in the afterglow of an impressive first appearance at Old Trafford, where he helped United beat Crystal Palace 3-0 in the Carabao Cup third round. “It was fantastic,” he said with a smile. “It was a dream of mine. Since I was a child I worked for this every day and to be here is a dream, it’s fantastic.” After a small injury delayed his debut, Amrabat finally made his bow off the bench in Saturday’s much-needed win at Burnley before making his first start against Palace three days later. Those back-to-back victories have lifted the mood around Old Trafford after what had been a challenging start to the season on and off the field for absentee-hit United. Pressure and scrutiny had grown having lost four of their opening six matches of a season for the first time since 1986, but Amrabat is confident they can kick on and enjoy a successful season. “I have a lot of confidence because I see that we have so much quality,” he said. “I think it was a bit unlucky with the injuries we had. Of course for every team it’s difficult if you have a lot of injuries. “But I see a lot of quality, we have a fantastic coach, we have fantastic fans, so I believe that we can do something big. “But at the end you have to show it on the pitch, not with talking, not with speaking, you have to work for it and hopefully we can reach something very nice.” United won the Carabao Cup in their first season under Ten Hag, who described Amrabat as a “warrior” on Tuesday as he started as makeshift left-back due to a string of absentees. “First of all, when I make a step on the pitch, for me it’s normal that you give everything, that you fight for every metre and give your all for the team,” the Morocco international added. “Of course you can make technical mistakes, everyone can have a bad game, but I think – at the end – most importantly, you fight for the badge, for the club and that’s the minimum you can do. “I think, for me, that’s normal and that’s what I try always. “The manager knows me very well, a long time – maybe seven years ago that we worked together, so it’s a long time. “But he knows me, I know him, I know what he wants and I try to do that at the best (level).” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Jonny May says Marcus Smith ‘probably the fastest off the mark’ in England squad Attack coach Alex King says Wales ‘worked so hard’ to reach World Cup last eight I’ve waited my whole life for this – Rosie Eccles ready to seize Olympic chance

Shakira charged with tax fraud in Spain, the Phillies clinched the top NL wild card spot, Lou Holtz fired back at Ryan Day and more in the Roundup.

After a summer in which the England team took another historic step forward, the Women’s Super League returns this week with the next major phase in its development on the horizon. New ground was broken by the Lionesses once again as, a year on from claiming their first major trophy with Euros glory on home soil, they reached a maiden World Cup final. While they ended up being edged 1-0 by Spain on August 20, the exploits of Sarina Wiegman’s side at the tournament in Australia and New Zealand only further strengthened the sense of momentum surrounding the English women’s game. The WSL has been a key contributor to that as well and, as the start of the 2023-24 season draws near, there has been much talk about the division – which has been fully professional since 2018 – entering a new era. An independent company currently being referred to as ‘NewCo’ is set to take over the running of the league and the second-tier Championship from the Football Association from the start of 2024-25 onwards, and WSL chair Dawn Airey has spoken about the ambition to create the first billion-pound league structure in women’s football. Indicators of the growth the WSL has enjoyed to this point include its broadcast deal with Sky and the BBC that started in 2021 and runs to the end of this coming season, and attendance figures, with the FA reporting the average rose by 170 per cent in 2022-23 compared to 2021-22, and a record 47,367 watching Arsenal v Tottenham at the Emirates Stadium last September. That high mark may well be surpassed on the first day of the 2023-24 campaign this Sunday, when Arsenal are back at the stadium to kick-off with a clash against Liverpool – ticket sales hit 48,000 with a few days still to go in the build-up to the match. The season will see a number of matches taking place at Premier League grounds, with three of those coming in the opening round. Arsenal have committed to Jonas Eidevall’s Gunners, who came third last term as well as winning the League Cup, playing five WSL games at the Emirates across the season. And the number is four for champions Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, starting with Sunday’s meeting with Tottenham as Emma Hayes’ side – also FA Cup winners last term – open their bid for a fifth league title on the bounce. The runners-up to the Blues in both the league and FA Cup last season, their best finish in either competition, were Manchester United, who begin on Sunday by facing Aston Villa at Villa Park – minus Alessia Russo, after the England striker left in the summer and joined Arsenal. It has also been confirmed that Marc Skinner’s United will play their WSL derbies against Manchester City this term at Old Trafford (November) and the Etihad Stadium (March). Elsewhere on the opening day, Gareth Taylor’s City, seeking to bounce back after finishing outside the Champions League berths in fourth last season, are away against West Ham, who have a new boss in Rehanne Skinner. Skinner, successor to Paul Konchesky, was previously at Tottenham, where Robert Vilahamn has replaced interim Vicky Jepson in the division’s other summer managerial change. Everton host Brighton at Walton Hall Park, while newly-promoted Bristol City start their top-flight return by taking on Leicester at Ashton Gate, the ground set to be the venue for all the Robins’ WSL home games this term. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Vincent Kompany excited about Wilson Odobert’s potential after impressive debut Demi Stokes insists Manchester City well placed to challenge for WSL title Pain of missing Ryder Cup will hit home now with LIV rebels – Rory McIlroy

Demi Stokes believes Manchester City can rise to the challenge as the competition in the Women’s Super League gets ever tougher. City were forced to settle for a disappointing fourth place last season, finishing outside the Champions League berths for the first time since 2014. After winning the title in 2016 and then finishing runners-up in four successive seasons, City have been muscled out of the top positions in recent years. Chelsea have been the dominant force, having won the past four WSL crowns, but first Arsenal and now Manchester United have got their noses in front of City. Yet far from being frustrated, City defender Stokes has welcomed the increased competition as a sign of the growing strength of the women’s game and is convinced her side can match them. “I think if you look at last year, we had some very good performances,” the 31-year-old left-back told the PA news agency. “We were obviously disappointed with how we finished but I think if you look at the team and the depth that we’ve got, we’ve got everything that we need to win and it’s just about being consistent. “Obviously the league is getting harder and harder but that’s what we want. Other teams are improving, but we’re improving. It is going to be tight. “You know that you have to be consistent every week and every game is hard. It’s not just a handful that are going to be hard – each game is hard. “Everyone can take points off everyone. If you don’t turn up on the day, you’ll get punished for it. “But we know what we need to do. We’ve had our conversations and we’re just looking forward to the season starting.” Stokes, a member of England’s successful Euro 2022 squad, was overlooked for this summer’s World Cup campaign. She enjoyed watching the Lionesses run to the final as a fan but has not given up hope of forcing her way back into the international picture. “I had a good summer and I enjoyed watching it,” said Stokes, who signed a new one-year contract at City in June. “The girls did really well and they should be proud. “For me, I got my holidays in and it’s almost been like having a reset button and going again. “I’ve just got to concentrate on City now and then see where that goes. Play minutes – injury free – and we’ll go from there.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Vincent Kompany excited about Wilson Odobert’s potential after impressive debut Changes on and off the pitch as a new era approaches for Women’s Super League Pain of missing Ryder Cup will hit home now with LIV rebels – Rory McIlroy

Vincent Kompany is excited about Wilson Odobert’s potential after watching the teenager score on his full debut for Burnley in a 4-0 Carabao Cup win over League Two Salford. The 18-year-old had already tested home goalkeeper Alex Cairns on a couple of occasions before crowning a comfortable win for Burnley with his 81st-minute strike, collecting a cross from the impressive Anass Zaroury and cutting back inside before firing home. It was only Odobert’s second appearance in a Burnley shirt following his summer move from Troyes and while Kompany will not rush the young Frenchman, the manager wants him to be making a regular contribution soon as the Clarets look to turn around their Premier League form. “We talk about the team settling and stuff and as I’ve told you, some of the guys who will be the heroes for us this season, you don’t see them but I see them in training and we have to be prepared for them to come into the team,” Kompany said. “Guys like Wilson are these type of guys. You can see the talent. It’s a matter of time. Is it tomorrow? Is it in a week or a month’s time? We don’t know. We’ll go with them. “Just like Luca Koleosho, we’ve some exciting players and hopefully they’ll be able to show it very soon for us. We’ll need it.” Kompany made 11 changes from the side that lost 1-0 to Manchester United on Saturday as he continues to marshal a 34-strong squad and figure out his best combinations. But even with so many changes, it still felt like a strong selection. Vitinho returned from injury, Odobert made his first start and Jack Cork got only his second run out of the campaign, starting in defence, but most of those involved have already featured regularly this term. After bringing in 13 new faces this summer, Burnley still need time to gel, as has been reflected by their winless start to the Premier League season. A cup win over a side struggling near the bottom of League Two is only a small step forward, but progress all the same. “We’ve got a lot of players still gelling together and I don’t think players would have played together as a team,” Kompany said. “Seeing a collective performance is more important than just seeing the individuals for me.” He added of that gelling process: “It’s not something that’s abnormal. We knew it was part of something that was going to happen and we had it last year. In that sense, it’s not different. “The level of opposition of course is different but you work hard on the training ground and after every game to make sure the team gets to the level it needs to be at as quickly as possible. You also enjoy that side of it. That’s why we’re coaches… “It’s still early days for a lot of these guys but in the end, if the collective is robust then you can make adaptations. We prioritised game time – Corky played at centre back as if he had played there for the last 10 years. “But when you look after the ball and when you have strikers and wingers who can be dangerous, it always gives you a chance to spread the load across the team.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Demi Stokes insists Manchester City well placed to challenge for WSL title Changes on and off the pitch as a new era approaches for Women’s Super League Pain of missing Ryder Cup will hit home now with LIV rebels – Rory McIlroy

Millie Bright said it was “mind-blowing” that VAR was not used in England’s 2-1 Nations League defeat against the Netherlands. Lieke Martens’ opener for the hosts would have been disallowed for offside if VAR had been in operation, as Danielle van de Donk took part in the build-up after returning from an offside position. But VAR is not mandatory in the Nations League group stages - it is at the discretion of the host nation - and the Lionesses also had two goals struck off for offside, neither of which could be confirmed by VAR. Speaking after the defeat England captain Bright, 30, was quoted on the BBC website as saying: “This is international football and we do not have VAR in a competitive international game, which is mind-blowing. “There is no consistency. It is always frustrating (to not have VAR). We push the level of the game to be so high and professional, yet we sometimes have VAR, and sometimes we don’t and sometimes we have goalline technology. “It is really unfortunate that these are still huge decisions that are incorrect. That’s where we as players have to keep speaking about it, we have to step up, and we have to demand better, and demand more.” After Alessia Russo’s 64th-minute equaliser, England were then punished after losing possession in the 90th minute as Alex Greenwood gave the ball away and Martens fed substitute Renate Jansen, who rifled past Mary Earps. England manager Sarina Wiegman also expressed her frustration at Netherlands’ first goal with Van de Donk seemingly in an offside position before assisting Martens. “When they scored their first goal, we didn’t do well, we didn’t play well, but it’s so obviously offside,” Weigman told ITV, following only the third defeat of her 41-game England tenure. “That needs to be seen. I think the standards of the game are getting higher and higher, so (having VAR) would absolutely help. It’s just a little bit disappointing. “(It is) absolutely a tough one to take and a very, very unnecessary one. The first half they were the better team. “I think second half we totally dominated the game, and of course we scored one goal - but before that we got lots of huge opportunities, too. It’s just one moment that we don’t manage the game and in the counter-attack they score for 2-1. That’s very, very disappointing.” The result leaves both England and Andries Jonker’s Netherlands on three points in Group A1. Belgium, who England face twice in October in their next group games, lead the pool with four points after drawing 1-1 with Scotland, who have one. Wiegman’s side, 2-1 victors over Scotland in their opener last Friday, are attempting to secure a Paris 2024 Olympics qualification spot via this competition, and need to finish top of their group to have a chance to do so. PA Read More This England team aren’t used to losing – the Lionesses must learn to kick the habit quickly ‘We gifted them two goals’ says Millie Bright after England lose to Netherlands What is the Women’s Nations League and how does Olympics qualification work? ‘We gifted them two goals’ says Millie Bright after England lose to Netherlands Millie Bright says England players and the FA have settled dispute over bonuses Olympic champions Canada qualify to defend women’s football title at Paris 2024

A busy summer transfer window saw one of the biggest names in the Women’s Super League switch sides, while a Japanese World Cup standout is set to play English top-flight football for the first time. Here, the PA news agency picks five players to look out for in the WSL as the new campaign gets under way. Alessia Russo (Arsenal) Arsenal tried and failed – with a rumoured world-record bid – to reach an agreement with Manchester United to sign England forward Russo during the January transfer window, but the Gunners finally landed their coveted target on a free transfer in July. Russo hit 10 goals in the WSL last season as United finished runners-up to champions Chelsea and was boss Sarina Wiegman’s first-choice centre forward for the World Cup, where she netted three times for the runners-up. With Beth Mead and Vivianne Miedema also set for imminent returns from their respective anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, head coach Jonas Eidevall will boast an intimidating wealth of options in attack. Hinata Miyazawa (Manchester United) While Brazil international Geyse, a Champions League winner last season with Barcelona, will likely be seen as the most direct replacement for Russo, boss Marc Skinner will also be buoyed by the arrival of Japan international Miyazawa from WE League side MyNavi Sendai. Versatile Miyazawa’s five goals in four games at the World Cup were good enough to secure her the tournament’s Golden Boot, and her breakthrough performance also landed the 23-year-old nominations for both the Ballon d’Or and FIFA Best Women’s Player of 2023. With United playing more matches this season after securing a Champions League berth for the first time, Miyazawa adds pivotal depth to Skinner’s squad. Mary Fowler (Manchester City) While Fowler is not a new face at Manchester City, where she signed a four-year deal last June, the forward may find herself under a much brighter spotlight this season after helping Australia reach a first-ever semi-final in a Women’s World Cup. Fowler was instrumental in ensuring the Matildas secured safe passage out of the group stage even without prolific striker and skipper Sam Kerr, who returned for the knockouts following a calf injury. The 20-year-old netted in Australia’s 4-0 group stage victory over Canada, teed up Caitlin Foord with a brilliant through ball in her side’s last-16 victory over Denmark and scored a perfect penalty against France in a nervy quarter-final shootout – the longest in Women’s World Cup history – to solidify her status as one to watch. Catarina Macario (Chelsea) Macario became one of the many victims of the ACL injury crisis plaguing women’s football whilst playing for Lyon in June 2022 and has yet to return to action – but that did not stop WSL title-holders Chelsea from signing the 23-year-old to a three-year deal in July. Though still in the early stages of her career, the American forward, who joins the Blues after two seasons with Lyon, has already accomplished something her decorated new boss Emma Hayes has not: winning a Champions League trophy. Macario, who can play as a central striker or an attacking midfielder, scored 23 goals in 33 games for Lyon in 2021/22 and could prove a key component of Hayes’ European plans once deemed fit to return. Daphne van Domselaar (Aston Villa) Aston Villa boss Carla Ward was in search of a new goalkeeper after former first choice Hannah Hampton, whose contract had expired, also joined Hayes’ ranks over the summer. Villa, who finished fifth last season, have signalled their intent to take on the league’s top sides with a busy transfer window and were delighted after beating big European challengers to secure the services of Netherlands goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar from FC Twente for the next three years. The three-time Eredivisie Vrouwen winner, who joins Villa from FC Twente, was also the Netherlands’ first-choice shot-stopper at the World Cup. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Hugo Keenan hopes Ireland’s Paris problems behind them after South Africa win Ludvig Aberg hopes Europe can channel the spirit of Medinah in Rome On this day in 2012: John Terry found guilty of racially abusing Anton Ferdinand