List of All Articles with Tag 'ball'

Call it a belated birthday present, perhaps. Sir Jim Ratcliffe turned 71 on Wednesday. For those who have amassed such riches, it is less a question of what others buy them and more what they buy for themselves. And in Ratcliffe’s case, at a cost of £1.3bn, the answer may be a quarter of the club he has supported since he was a child in Failsworth. There are details to iron out and no deal will be finalised just yet but the Manchester United board will vote – though probably not on Thursday – whether to accept Ratcliffe’s offer. The petrochemicals billionaire has already seen off his main competitor: if there was a widespread assumption – one that may have been shared by the Glazer family – that Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al Thani would dramatically raise a bid that many believed was financed by the Qatari state, it never happened. Ratcliffe has been a triumph of persistence and flexibility, amending his own offer from a majority to a minority stake, negotiating with the Glazers. It comes to something when a man of his wealth feels like the underdog but the outsider has prevailed. While Sheikh Jassim also presented himself as a United supporter and while Ratcliffe had attempted to buy Chelsea, the Ineos co-founder has the feel of the local boy made good. And, at points in the past, a place on a football club board would have felt a reward for many who matched that description. Now the sums are so massive that the motivations become most instructive. Thus far, the questions outnumber the definitive answers. Will United be a trophy asset for Ratcliffe? Perhaps not immediately, given that the Glazers will remain the biggest shareholders, at least in the short term. Is it simply an astute business deal? Not on the face of it, given that Ratcliffe has valued United at around double its market price and Sheikh Jassim felt the Glazers’ demands were outlandish. Yet Ratcliffe has proved he can make money: that 25 per cent could yet yield a profit and the Glazers’ reluctance to walk away seemed to stem in part from a belief the club will be worth more again in the future. The most pertinent issue for many supporters, who have long called for the Glazers to go, is whether it leads to a full takeover; and if so, whether the terms of Ratcliffe’s buy-in ensure it, or merely make it optional. Moreover, the new structure, assuming it is improved, does not necessarily promise the investment United require: with other parties holding 75 per cent of the club, Ratcliffe would have less incentive to put his own money in. The presumption at the moment is that the £1.3bn will largely go to the Glazers, not United. The general sense is the club need the money more than their owners. Sheikh Jassim’s promises will now never be tested but he had pledged to invest more than £1bn; with the need to either revamp or rebuild Old Trafford, any plans to improve the infrastructure the Glazers have neglected will not be cheap. So if Ratcliffe pursues such plans, will the debt – currently at £725m – rise over £1bn? United’s current scope for signings is limited more by Financial Fair Play than anything else, but could he bring an improvement in recruitment? The feeling is that Ratcliffe wants control of the football side of the club, where United’s underachievement has been particularly grievous in the last decade. Would that be beneficial? Given United’s record, it may be welcomed. Ratcliffe’s own record in sport is mixed: Nice are currently second in Ligue Un but their fortunes have fluctuated during his ownership and have been pockmarked by transfer-market missteps. Lausanne have been both relegated and promoted under Ratcliffe’s regime. He bought the most successful outfit in world cycling, then known as Team Sky; since rebranded as Ineos, but they have lost their pre-eminence and appear in an identity crisis. But if his initial emphasis is on the pitch – rather than the commercial side of the business the chief executive, Richard Arnold, oversees – there is an obvious focus on the director of football, John Murtough. Inside Old Trafford, there is already a recognition the team has achieved too little and their record in recruitment has been underwhelming since Sir Alex Ferguson retired. Some nevertheless feel that there is more structure and strategy since Ed Woodward handed over the reins: they can point to a new training centre for the women’s and academy teams, the appointment of Erik ten Hag, and a fine season last year. Yet a stumbling, stuttering start to this season, the struggles of several recent signings and the reality that around £400m has been spent in the last two summers feels ill-timed. Accusations United have overpaid are scarcely new but will it prompt Ratcliffe to seek change behind the scenes? The initial noises are that, despite the team’s slump, Ten Hag is seen as far more of a solution than a problem, though it would be instructive to know if that stance were maintained should the next 10 games bring another six defeats. Shifts in ownership do not always bode well for incumbent managers, whereas the Dutchman has enjoyed the backing of Murtough and the Glazers. Ten Hag always projects an air of confidence and decisiveness but many at Old Trafford could be forgiven for wondering what Ratcliffe’s investment means and what comes next. If it has scarcely helped United that they have lingered in limbo for 11 months, since the Glazers put the club up for sale, a boardroom vote could instead bring about a time of uncertainty. Read More The best in the world? Jude Bellingham sparks debate after latest England masterclass Man Utd set timeline to decide on Sir Jim Ratcliffe offer Manchester United Supporters’ Trust calls for ‘clarity’ in takeover process Man Utd manager fumes at Women’s Champions League format after exit Who will make Gareth Southgate’s England squad for Euro 2024? Michael O’Neill wants Shea Charles to learn from dismissal on frustrating night

Manchester United boss Marc Skinner called for changes to the qualification rules and criticised the referee after his side failed to reach the Champions League group stage. The Women’s Super League side were beaten 3-1 in the second leg of their second-round qualifier against Paris St Germain at the Parc des Princes to go out 4-2 on aggregate. Skinner felt it was a tough draw for United while other clubs may have been given an easier passage. “It’s crazy that we have to play PSG in this qualifying round, crazy,” he told reporters at a press conference. “It needs to be something that is addressed. Having said that, we will learn from it. We’ll come back stronger. We got a taste of it. I’m going to make sure we’re driven to make sure we are a constant fixture in the Champions League.” United gave themselves hope when Lisa Naalsund cancelled out Lieke Martens’ opener to level at 1-1 early in the second half. Yet Martens responded quickly with her second of the game and a third from Sandy Baltimore secured PSG’s win. United fought on and Skinner was enraged when Leah Galton controversially had a header ruled out for a foul on goalkeeper Katarzyna Kiedrzynek. Skinner said on MUTV: “We’ve scored a goal that should stand. It’s ridiculous. If that’s the level of officiating at this standard, it’s not good enough. It's crazy that we have to play PSG in this qualifying round, crazy Marc Skinner “That’s a goal and we’re in the ascendancy then to get more. We’ve come into an intimidating situation and we’ve been the better team. “That’s all credit to our players and shows everybody else in Europe what they’re going to get used to over the next few years, because we as a team are absolutely growing and going to where we want to be. We’re not going to let anybody stand in our way.” Skinner is confident his team will bounce back. He said: “We’ve got to learn from tonight and we’ve got to be accountable for our mistakes. “If we do that, we’ll grow again and again and then there’ll be no team that can touch us. We can go into Europe and dominate.” Read More Declan Rice taking lessons from Rugby World Cup as England eye Euro 2024 glory Ollie Chessum says England ‘improving week-by-week’ ahead of South Africa clash Mohamed Salah calls for Gaza to be given humanitarian aid immediately 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

Will the Colorado Buffaloes football team play in Week 8 to redeem their brutal loss to the Stanford Cardinal the week prior?

College football used to be defined by the BCS formula. Thankfully, that is no longer the case. But if it were, there would be a bunch of people battery-throwing made down in Atlanta. Here is what the top 25 would look like to day, based off the formula.

Here is the full schedule for the College Football Playoff rankings for the 2023 season.

Exploring the importance of Kyle McCord's performance in the Ohio State vs Penn State game after showing improvements recently this season.

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?

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’

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!