List of All Articles with Tag 'sport'

Major League Baseball has big plans for Europe with a reintroduction coming this weekend when the St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Cubs square off for a two-game series in London

Players have been shown a range of armbands highlighting social issues which could be worn at this summer’s Women’s World Cup. FIFA is consulting with players and national associations over the bands in a bid to avoid a repeat of the row over the rainbow-coloured ‘OneLove’ armbands which dominated the early stages of the men’s World Cup in Qatar last year. The PA news agency understands there are different bands highlighting a range of issues and causes, including support for the rights of indigenous peoples, inclusion, gender equality, education for all and ending violence against women. Other bands carry the slogan ‘Unite For Peace’ and ‘Football Is Joy, Peace, Hope, Love, Passion’. The only bands set to feature something resembling a rainbow design are those supporting inclusion. FIFA president Gianni Infantino said in March that everyone had learned lessons from the ‘OneLove’ armband row, and that a “solution” would be in place for the start of the Women’s World Cup. FIFA has asked players to provide feedback on its proposal. One option could be that different bands are worn as the tournament progresses, similar to an initial plan FIFA unveiled on the eve of the Qatar World Cup. England and Wales’ men’s teams were threatened with unlimited sporting sanctions on the day of their opening matches in Qatar last year if their respective captains Harry Kane and Gareth Bale wore the ‘OneLove’ armbands, starting at a yellow card for the skippers. The bands were part of a wider season-long campaign which began last September, but would have sent out a particularly strong message in Qatar where same-sex relationships are criminalised. Leah Williamson, who had been due to captain England at the finals prior to her suffering a season-ending injury in April, had been hoping to wear the ‘OneLove’ armband this summer. The Football Association, for its part, is understood to be in regular contact with FIFA over the issue in a bid to avoid any repeat of what happened in Qatar. FIFA has been approached for comment. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Leicester and Sale to face holders La Rochelle in Heineken Champions Cup pool Manchester United make improved bid of up to £50m for Chelsea’s Mason Mount Arsenal agree fee with Chelsea to sign Germany forward Kai Havertz

Manchester United have made an improved bid of up to £50million for Mason Mount as talks continue with Chelsea, the PA news agency understands. Transfer movement has been slow at Old Trafford this summer, thanks in no small part to the Glazer family dragging their heels over a potential sale. Despite that uncertainty, United have made a move for Chelsea attacking midfielder Mount, whose Stamford Bridge contract is due to expire next summer. An initial bid was rebuffed last week by the west London club, who are understood to have turned their nose up at the Red Devils’ latest offer of £45million plus £5million in add-ons. Chelsea reportedly want an extra £15m but there is a limit as to how far United are willing to go, given the player is soon out of contract and they need to strengthen in other areas this summer. Mount would certainly help bolster a midfield that the club recognises would benefit from more options and legs, as Erik ten Hag continues to shape the side in his image. The attacking midfielder came through the ranks at Chelsea, scoring 27 goals and providing 22 assists in 129 Premier League appearances. The 24-year-old – a Champions League winner with the Blues – has won 36 England caps and started the Euro 2020 final defeat to Italy. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

Arsenal have agreed a fee with Chelsea for the signature of Germany forward Kai Havertz. The 24-year-old has emerged as a top target for the Gunners in recent weeks as they look to improve a squad that finished second in the Premier League last season. The PA news agency understands a deal has now been struck between the London rivals, allowing Havertz to discuss terms and undergo a medical. The deal is believed to top £65million including add-ons, with Havertz now likely to become Arsenal’s first signing of the season. Having joined Chelsea from Bayer Leverkusen in 2020, Havertz has scored 19 goals in 91 Premier League appearances for the Blues and also hit the only goal of the game as they beat Manchester City to win the Champions League in 2021. He could swiftly be followed to the Emirates Stadium by West Ham skipper Declan Rice, with Arsenal already seeing two bids turned down. Rice has been admired in north London for some time but a club-record fee was rejected by the Hammers on Tuesday with a £90million offer not enough to strike an agreement. Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia and Jurrien Timber of Ajax have also been linked with Arsenal this summer. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

Arsenal have been forced to pull their new home shirt from shelves while a “design error” is corrected by kit manufacturer Adidas. The authentic home shirt, with a retail price of £110, has been made temporarily unavailable and Adidas has said supporters who had already purchased the 2023/24 jersey will be refunded. The shirt honours Arsenal’s ‘Invincible’ season 20 years on from when Arsene Wenger’s side went unbeaten throughout an entire Premier League campaign. Within the design, the outcome of the 38 results is detailed with a row of W’s and D’s to highlight the wins and draws from across the season. However, the authentic shirt – that which is worn by the players on a matchday – only carried 32 of those results and has since been removed from sale. “The 2023-24 Arsenal home authentic jerseys are temporarily unavailable while a design error is being corrected,” Adidas said in a statement to the PA news agency. This design error falls short of the standards we set ourselves as a brand, and we apologise to the club and its fans Adidas statement “We are working closely with the club and our partners to ensure restocked jerseys are available as soon as possible, and are offering full refunds to fans who have already bought one. “This design error falls short of the standards we set ourselves as a brand, and we apologise to the club and its fans. “The replica ‘fan’ version of the home jersey is unaffected and widely available now.” The ‘fan’ shirt is the same design but is a cheaper option for supporters, retailing at £80 through Arsenal’s official club shop. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

Harry Maguire’s retrial at a Greek court will be held in February, the PA news agency understands. The Manchester United and England defender was handed a suspended 21-month sentence in August 2020 following an incident in Mykonos. Maguire’s legal team immediately lodged an appeal against the conviction for assaulting a police offer and attempted bribery, which United said extinguished the initial court verdict and nullified the conviction. The retrial was reportedly set to take place earlier this month until the defender’s legal team asked for it to be put back. PA has been told it will now take place on February 7, 2024, three-and-a-half years after the event. Maguire does not have to attend the retrial and it is understood the United captain is unlikely to appear given the time of year.

Victor Wembanyama’s towering shadow has hung over this NBA draft for months, blocking much of what is usually part of the process

Ukrainian league runner-up Dnipro-1 has been drawn to face Greek club Panathinaikos in the second qualifying round for the Champions League

Arsenal are progressing well in talks to sign Chelsea forward Kai Havertz as they prepare to launch a third bid for West Ham captain Declan Rice. The Gunners are aiming to add to the squad that manager Mikel Arteta led to second place in the Premier League last season. Rice emerged as a top target earlier this year, but the PA news agency understands a move for Havertz could also now be close to fruition. The 24-year-old has hit 19 Premier League goals in 91 appearances for the Blues, but could be set to move across London and link up with the Gunners. It is believed a new bid has yet to be lodged for Havertz, but the difference in valuation between the clubs is close. West Ham on Tuesday knocked back a second offer for Rice, which would have made the England midfielder Arsenal’s all-time record signing. The structure of add-ons to Arsenal’s bid is believed to be the issue for West Ham, who are keen to stick to their guns and receive £100million for their skipper. Arsenal have also been linked with moves for Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia and Jurrien Timber of Ajax. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

German prosecutors say a truck driver wanted by Italy in connection with a crash last year that killed professional cyclist Davide Rebellin has been released from jail pending a decision on his extradition

Losing the opening match of the series in a final-day nail-biter isn’t England’s only concern at the start of the Ashes

Goaltender Henrik Lundqvist is expected to be elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility