List of All Articles with Tag 'eppersons'

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has called for the Saudi Pro League transfer window to close in line with Europe’s – but refused to rule out selling players beyond September 1. Some of football’s top names have made the move to Saudi Arabia this summer as PIF investment in four of the country’s top clubs has allowed for a vast increase in transfer fees. Arsenal host Fulham in the Premier League on Saturday and, while the Gunners have not lost any of their squad to Saudi, their visitors will be without talismanic forward Aleksandar Mitrovic, who moved to Al-Hilal last week. Head coach Marco Silva rejected overtures from the Gulf before the start of the new season while winger Willian was also unsettled by transfer speculation. The Premier League window closes next Friday but Saudi clubs will be able to sign and register new players until September 20, something Arteta believes needs to be addressed. Asked if the extra two and a half weeks to conclude business was fair, the Spaniard replied: “No, because it is a competitor now. No, I think we have to change that.” Pushed on whether the Pro League deadline should fall in line with Europe, Arteta continued: “That is my opinion, yes. “It is another competitor and it brings other opportunities for players, for managers and for people that work in the industry to decide. “In the end, we are free to decide when clubs, players or whoever has to agree to something, you have to have the intention to go and find agreements, that is why there are contracts. It is another competitor and it brings other opportunities for players, for managers and for people that work in the industry to decide Mikel Arteta on the Saudi Pro League transfer window “If people agree to go it is because someone agrees to go there but that someone agreed to sell him, so it goes two or three different ways.” No Arsenal players have headed to the Middle East this summer but there has been reported interest from Saudi clubs in both Gabriel Magalhaes and Thomas Partey. While he wants to see a uniform transfer deadline, Arteta stopped short of saying Arsenal will refuse to sell players beyond the Premier League’s window closing on September 1. “Well, the principle would be that (we would not consider offers),” he said. “But I cannot make the decision for the club. It is a lot of people involved in that process and they would have for sure a say, the ownership, would do the same. “It would be on the table like with any offer and you have to look at it. The only thing I’m saying is it’s not ideal because they are a competitor.” Asked if losing a player after the window closed would be destabilising, he added: “Yes, very much. Yes.” Arsenal welcome their London rivals having won their first two league games and could welcome Gabriel Jesus back from knee surgery to play a part on Saturday. The Brazil forward went under the knife for a minor procedure before the start of the campaign but Arteta is hopeful he could feature against Fulham. “It was a big blow for him after the pre-season he had to have another surgery. He’s looking really sharp. He trained the full week good. He’s ready to go, that is great,” he added. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live ‘This is unacceptable’ – Alexia Putellas after Luis Rubiales refuses to resign Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag avoids questions about Mason Greenwood Kevin Sinfield says England’s pre-World Cup setbacks are bringing squad together

World Cup winner Alexia Putellas says the current situation in Spanish football is “unacceptable” after Luis Rubiales refused to resign as FA president amid strong criticism of his behaviour at last weekend’s final in Sydney. The Spanish media had widely reported on Thursday evening that Rubiales was about to stand down at an extraordinary general assembly of the Spanish federation (RFEF) on Friday. FIFA had opened disciplinary proceedings against him on Thursday, after he grabbed his crotch in celebration of Spain’s victory over England despite being just metres away from Spain’s Queen Letizia and her teenage daughter in the stadium VIP area. He then kissed Spain midfielder Jenni Hermoso on the lips at the medal and trophy presentation, something she later admitted on social media she “didn’t like”. Rubiales apologised for his behaviour in the VIP area, but insisted in his speech on Friday that the Hermoso kiss was “spontaneous, mutual, euphoric and consensual”. He said he had been the target of a “social assassination” and repeatedly and emphatically stated “I will not resign”, words which drew applause from the gathered delegates. Rubiales’ defiant stance prompted fresh calls for the Spanish government to take action, while world players’ union FIFPRO said UEFA – for whom Rubiales is an executive committee member and vice-president – must open disciplinary proceedings. But perhaps the most damning response of all came from Barcelona star Putellas, who posted on X: “This is unacceptable. It’s over. With you my team-mate @Jennihermoso.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

VIDEO: Joe Scarborough and 'Morning Joe' co-hosts react to Donald Trump's height and weight.

World Cup winners Olga Carmona and Aitana Bonmatí have been nominated for the UEFA best player award in a wild week for Spanish women’s soccer

Jurgen Klopp has given Liverpool fans a very clear message on the Mohamed Salah transfer saga – and it’s safe to say they’re pretty pleased about it. The Egyptian forward has been the focus of much speculation recently following interest in Saudi Arabia. However, despite rumours that Saudi Arabia were preparing to put forward a huge bid to land his services, Klopp has declared that Liverpool would reject any offer for Salah. The manager insisted the 31-year-old is “100 per cent” committed to the club. It comes after Al-Ittihad renewed their interest in Salah. However, he has two years left on the contract that made him the best-paid player in Liverpool’s history. Klopp said: “We don’t have an offer. Mo Salah is a Liverpool player and essential for everything we do. If there would be something the answer would be no. My life philosophy is I think about a problem when I have it and there is absolutely nothing at the moment.” Klopp also called on Fifa to ensure the Saudi transfer window, which remains open after the Premier League equivalent is closed, shuts at the same time as those in Europe. He added: “What makes it not possible to deal with is our transfer window closes and theirs stays open so how can we react? We had it in the past with Russia – they had a different transfer window – but that was not completely crazy money. “It is new, challenging for everybody and we have to learn to deal with it but the authorities should make clear that if you want to be part of the system then you do your business at the same time. I am pretty sure Fifa could do it like this if they want to.” Klopp’s comments have gone down a storm with Liverpool fans, with many sharing memes and reactions celebrating the statement. There was panic among supporters on social media after the transfer of “Mohamed Salah” to Al-Adalah was announced this week. However, luckily for them, it was a different Mohamed Salah and not the one that’s been so key to their success over recent years. Sign up for 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.

Donald Trump has surrendered to the authorities on 13 charges of attempting to overturn the 2020 presidential election in Georgia. His mugshot has got people talking after being released online – and so has his weight. The former president has listed his height and weight after being booked and released from the Fulton County Jail in Atlanta, and no-one is buying it for a second. While his height is listed at a believable 6 foot 3, his weight is listed at a trim 215 pounds. It’s a big drop from the last time the ex-president’s weight was divulged during his first criminal indictment in April. At the time, Trump reportedly told New York officers he weighed 240 pounds. It’s safe to say people are a little skeptical, and when compared to some of the biggest sporting stars in the US, it’s no surprise. These are the athletes who have almost exactly the same weight and height as Trump is claiming to be. CJ Stroud Houston Texans quarterback Stroud is one of the young stars to look out for in the NFL, having been the number two pick in the draft. He was officially recorded at the same height as Trump and weighing 218 pounds, just three pounds heavier. Kenny Pickett Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Pickett is officially listed as 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds. Lamar Jackson Baltimore Ravens star Jackson measures 6 foot 2 and 215 pounds. Evander Craft “This is 6'3" and 215lbs (left), not this (blech/right)”, said a social media user, posting a picture of University of Toledo linebacker Evander Craft. Derek Carr Others also pointed out that New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr had the same measurements, with one writing: “Wow Trump is 6’3 and 215lbs so is Derek Carr they could be twins.” Others pointed to New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr and Minnesota Vikings signal caller Kirk Cousins being in the same range. “Lol. So Trump around the height and weight of the average NFL quarterback,” a user wrote as another added: “Got Trump out here suggesting his height & weight, and finding out he’s built like an NFL QB.” Chris Hemsworth He’s not a sportsman, of course, but Hemsworth previously revealed that he weighed 215lbs during the filming of Thor. The actor spoke about his weight while discussing Formula 1 film Rush, saying he had to trim down for the movie. "The first thing Ron Howard said to me when I got the Rush job was, 'I don’t know if Thor is going to fit into a race car'. I was filming The Avengers when I got the call for Rush, so I went from 215lbs, which is how much I weigh when I'm playing Thor, down to about 185lbs," he said. Sign up for 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.

IShowSpeed has once again garnered attention when he openly expressed his emotions following the defeat of his hometown team, FC Cincinnati

Max Verstappen picked up where he left off by posting the fastest time in opening practice for the Dutch Grand Prix. Verstappen, who has won 10 of the 12 rounds so far and will match Sebastian Vettel’s record of nine consecutive victories if he triumphs again on Sunday, finished 0.278 seconds clear of Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso. Lewis Hamilton took third spot for Mercedes, three tenths adrift of Verstappen, with Sergio Perez fourth in the other Red Bull. Verstappen dominated the opening half of the Formula One season to establish a 125-point championship lead in his pursuit of a third straight world title. On Thursday, Hamilton raised the prospect of the Dutchman winning all of the remaining 10 rounds, and on the evidence of the first running, he will head into the weekend in front of an expectant Zandvoort crowd as the clear favourite to continue his commanding streak. For Hamilton, the seven-time world champion said his goal for the second half of the season is to finish runner-up in the drivers’ standings. The 38-year-old is currently fourth, 41 points behind Perez, who occupies second spot, and he will be relatively pleased with his opening salvo. Mercedes team-mate George Russell finished 11th, the best part of a second down. Haas announced ahead of this weekend’s race that Nico Hulkenberg will be retained for a second term with the American team. But the veteran German crashed out of practice after losing control of his machine through the penultimate corner. With his Haas beached in the gravel, the running was suspended. Over at Ferrari, Charles Leclerc was only 16th, three spots ahead of Robert Shwartzman, a junior driver for the Italian team who stood in for Carlos Sainz for first practice. McLaren driver Lando Norris finished sixth, one place behind Williams’ Alex Albon. Second practice gets under way at 4pm local time (3pm BST). Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Haas announce Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg staying for 2024 F1 Dutch Grand Prix LIVE: Practice updates and times as Formula 1 returns Max Verstappen posts fastest time in first practice for Dutch Grand Prix

Kevin Mayer's defence of his world decathlon title lasted just two events on Friday in Budapest as the left Achilles problem that had been...

British underdog Daniel Dubois will draw inspiration from Tyson Fury when he faces world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk on Saturday night. Dubois (19-1, 18 knockouts) will walk out at Tarczynski Arena in front of around 43,000 spectators this weekend, with the majority inside the Polish venue supporting Ukrainian hero Usyk (20-0, 13 KOs) given many Ukraine natives have resided in Poland since Russia’s invasion of their country last year. While Dubois, 25, can expect a hostile ring walk for his first world title fight, his promoter Frank Warren has been here before. It was Warren and his Queensberry Promotions company that made the match-up between Fury and Wladimir Klitschko in 2015, which ended with the British heavyweight producing an enormous upset in Germany to claim the WBA, IBF and WBO belts in remarkable fashion. That was Fury’s maiden world title bout and few gave him a chance, but he pulled off a shock victory on points in Dusseldorf and stablemate Dubois is now dreaming of doing the same in Wroclaw. “All the great fighters had to do it. Before they were champions, people doubted them and had a lot of things to say,” Dubois told the PA news agency. “Boxing is made up of opinions so I never take it to heart or let it break me. I am ready to go. Ready to go out there and prove what I need to do. “Tyson is a good example. Look at what he has done and gone on to achieve now. I just need to get the prayers going and hopefully the big man upstairs hears me.” Saturday’s show is the start of a busy period for Warren and Queensberry Promotions, with a rematch between Joe Joyce and China’s Zhilei Zhang scheduled on 23 September at Wembley Arena. Meanwhile, Fury is due to step in the ring to take on mixed martial arts fighter Francis Ngannou in a boxing contest on 28 October in Saudi Arabia, but the Briton’s WBC heavyweight title will not be at stake. A successful couple of months for Warren’s fighters could result in an in-house unification bout at the start of 2024. Warren told PA: “Every big heavyweight fight, our fighters are involved in. Regarding Tyson’s future, it all depends on what happens on 26 August, so it is an interesting time for the heavyweight decision. “We’ve seen the odds upset and I just feel it is Daniel’s time. I know he has all the equipment to do it, he can punch from both hands, he has a great jab, good speed and footwork. It will all be about his temperament and I believe his temperament will see him through. “No one gave Tyson a chance and over the years we’ve done a few of those fights, so I hope it is the case again. At the end of the day, Daniel has got a massive opportunity and if it comes out right for him, it would be brilliant.” Plenty has been thrown at Dubois since the fight was confirmed with his age and lack of experience cited as big weaknesses, while the bookmakers have him as a huge outsider. The Londoner has fought 20 times since he turned professional in 2017 but notably took a knee which allowed himself to be counted out in the 10th round of a clash with Joyce three years ago due to a grotesquely swollen left eye. Dubois received a barrage of criticism for ‘quitting’ from current and former boxers. It was later revealed he suffered a broken orbital bone and nerve damage around his eye in addition to retinal bleeding. After rebuilding his career in America, Dubois now enters his first world title fight at the age of 25 but with more heavyweight bouts than Usyk and a secret weapon in new trainer Don Charles, who was in Derek Chisora’s corner when the Briton pushed Usyk all the way at Wembley Arena in 2020. Dubois added: “I have been boxing for most of my life so that [age] argument is out of the window. I have the experience and I need to be a veteran in this fight. “I have to bully him. I have to go in there and be the bully. Be the bully and shake him up. Yeah, Don will be putting in things that I am not even aware of style-wise and coach-wise. He has a lot of passion and that is what you need. “You need the bully-the-bull type mentality to go in there and f*** s*** up, as they say. That is what we need to do.”

David Haye believes the smoothest and possibly only route to an undisputed world heavyweight title fight is by Daniel Dubois pulling off a major upset against Oleksandr Usyk this weekend. Usyk, the WBA, IBF and WBO champion, will take on mandatory challenger Dubois in Wroclaw, Poland, on Saturday after negotiations for a showdown against WBC belt holder Tyson Fury broke down earlier this year. Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder were also at an impasse when they held the major world titles, with Lennox Lewis the last recognised undisputed champion in the division nearly a quarter of a century ago. Competing interests have often got in the way, but Haye pointed out Dubois and Fury are both represented by Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions and argued a fight between the duo should be simpler to make. Haye told the PA news agency: “It feels like we’ve had three or four opportunities where the fighters with the belts could have come together and done a deal. For whatever reason, it hasn’t materialised. “We’re in a position where if Dubois wins on Saturday night, one promotional entity holds the champions of all of the belts – there would never be an easier time, politically, to make the undisputed fight. “If Usyk wins, is Tyson Fury ever going to fight Usyk? I don’t know. For one reason or another, it doesn’t seem like it’s gelling. If it hasn’t happened by now, is it going to happen? Probably not. “We want to know who’s number one. If Dubois wins then that makes it possible and the fight fans finally, after all of these years, will have one champion with all of the belts.” Haye recognises Dubois has a mountainous challenge ahead of him, with Usyk a prohibitive favourite to retain his world titles and extend his unblemished professional record to 21 wins from as many bouts. Usyk’s dazzling footwork and blurring hand speed from a southpaw stance has led to many suggesting the heavy-handed Dubois has just a puncher’s chance despite having height and weight advantages. However, Haye feels Dubois (19-1, 18 knockouts) has nothing to lose and that his learning curves in a loss to Joe Joyce in 2020 and having to get up off the canvas three times before stopping the lightly-regarded Kevin Lerena last December are hugely beneficial for the Londoner’s chances heading into this weekend. Haye, who alongside Usyk and Evander Holyfield are the only fighters to have won world cruiserweight and heavyweight titles, added: “I like the fact there’s no pressure on Dubois whatsoever. “He’s got everything to gain. Nobody is expecting him to be able to cause an upset here. He has the firepower, all he needs is one punch, one clean shot. “He had a very interesting fight against Kevin Lerena where he was put down early from a southpaw who was a former cruiserweight. “He understands that he’s bigger and stronger but he can be hurt, that was the best thing for him because it gives him the reality of what he’s putting himself in [when he takes on Usyk]. “It looks from the outside like a mission impossible but I’m liking what I’m hearing from him – he’s talking about making it rough and uncomfortable for Usyk and that’s exactly what he needs to do. “He may get dropped or hurt or some facial damage but he’s going to need to work through that to get to the promised land if he wants an opportunity to seriously gatecrash the heavyweight division.” Watch Usyk v Dubois exclusively live on TNT Sports Box Office on Saturday 26 August. Learn more at www.tntsports.co.uk/boxoffice Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Underdog Daniel Dubois looks back in bid to take big step forward Iain Henderson wants Ireland team-mates to prove they deserve World Cup spot Eddie Howe urges Bruno Guimaraes to learn from social media criticism

Andrey Santos will leave Chelsea to join Nottingham Forest on loan.