Explainer: Welsh Rugby’s toxicity and can players strike? February 15, 2023 Toxicity in professional Welsh rugby started 20 years ago when clubs became regions, and since then there’s always been points of friction to keep the discourse over the Severn Bridge ticking over. But in the last couple of years the debate and disagreements over minor administrative issues have given way to a dire set of [...]
Barcelona deny wrongdoing after £1m referee payments allegations emerge on eve of Manchester United tie February 15, 2023 Barcelona have strenuously denied any wrongdoing on the eve of their Europa League meeting with Manchester United after it emerged they paid a referees’ chief more than £1m. Spanish media reported that the club’s payments to Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira were being investigated by local prosecutors over possible tax irregularities. Barca said the fees paid [...]
Worcester FAIL to meet conditions and miss out on place in Championship February 15, 2023 Worcester Warriors have failed to meet the conditions of entry for the Championship and will therefore not take their place in England’s second tier next season. The former Premiership rugby club’s new owners – the Atlas Consortium – failed the RFU fit and proper test over their refusal to pay rugby creditors in December but [...]
Everton investment blow as MSP Sports Capital switches focus to £3.1bn Tottenham Hotspur takeover February 15, 2023 Everton’s hopes of securing investment have suffered a blow after US private equity fund MSP Sports Capital reportedly turned its attention to a takeover of Tottenham Hotspur. MSP held talks about buying a minority stake from Everton majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri, who is seeking investment to help the cash-strapped club fund its new stadium build. [...]
Trevor Steven: Why Arsenal’s title race cannot sustain defeat to Manchester City tonight February 15, 2023 The Premier League’s top two finally meet in north London tonight and if Manchester City beat Arsenal I think it’s “here we go again” time. For the first time this season I feel that the trophy will be staying with champions City, who look like they’re ready to make a big push in the title [...]
Castore co-founder Tom Beahon on shelving IPO plans, bucking the Brexit trend by expanding in Europe, and the Andy Murray-backed sports brand’s first shoe launch February 15, 2023 At a time when Brexit has caused some British businesses to retreat from Europe, fast-growing premium sportswear brand Castore is eager to buck the trend. The company, founded by former City boys Tom and Phil Beahon and which counts Andy Murray among its investors, has opened a distribution centre in the Netherlands and is increasingly [...]
Lionesses set for record crowds in Arnold Clark Cup as England look to cash in on Euros February 15, 2023 This year’s edition of the Arnold Clark Cup will break attendance records as women’s football cashes in on last year’s Lionesses Euros win. The competition – an invitational hosted by England’s women and this year attended by the Lionesses, South Korea, Italy and Belgium – is expected to see over 20,000 attend the opening double [...]
A Lucky day for Eight ex-Specso with Teetan up February 14, 2023 KARIS Teetan-ridden LUCKY EIGHT finally gets a golden chance to shine, when the four-year-old lines up in the Tsing Yi Handicap (2.15pm) over six furlongs at Happy Valley on Wednesday. The ‘Mauritian Magician’, Teetan, has a full-book of rides on the nine-race programme, but will surely be relishing the opportunity to resume an unbeaten winning [...]
Ascension a winner written in the Stars for Hall and Bowman February 14, 2023 FIRST season claiming rider Angus Chung is getting plenty of media attention lately. The 26-year-old, has booted home 17 winners since the season started but seems to be getting plenty of adverse publicity, despite still learning his trade. With his 10lb claim worth its weight in gold, especially around a tight circuit like Happy Valley, [...]
Manchester United sale: Saudi Arabia and US consortium set to rival Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Qatar in £5bn takeover battle February 14, 2023 Suitors from Saudi Arabia and the US are set to go up against Sir Jim Ratcliffe and a Qatari bid in the battle to buy Manchester United, City A.M. understands. The bank handling the sale, the Raine Group, has set a deadline of Friday for offers to be made to United’s owners, the Glazer family. [...]