Iraq make Fifa demand as Iran conflict jeopardises World Cup play-off March 9, 2026 Iraq head coach Graham Arnold has confirmed that they have asked Fifa to postpone their World Cup play-off this month amid the escalating conflict in the Middle East. Arnold could be deprived of all domestic-based players as Iraqi airspace has been closed since the US and Israel’s attacks on Iran commenced at the end of [...]
Will the Bank of England raise interest rates amid Iran war energy crisis? March 9, 2026 Traders are betting on interest rate hikes this year as Rachel Reeves and Sir Keir Starmer have consulted analysts at the Bank of England to monitor the impact of spiralling oil prices on the UK economy. Investors believe interest rates are more likely to rise than fall by the end of the year, with a [...]
Chinese-owned UK chipmaker still awaiting sale after government order March 9, 2026 More than a year after ministers ordered the sale of a Chinese-owned British semiconductor company on national security grounds, the deal has yet to materialise. Glasgow-based Future Technology Devices International (FTDI) remains majority owned by a Chinese state-backed consortium, despite the cabinet office directing investors to divest their stake in November 2024. The company was [...]
Rolls-Royce shares slide as FTSE 100 plunges amid Iran war March 9, 2026 A dramatic stock plummet from blue-chip giant Rolls-Royce helped drag the FTSE 100 deeper into the red on Monday morning as fears surrounding the economic impact of the Iran war ramped up. Shares in the aerospace giant were down as much as five per cent at open, before clawing back some gains to a three [...]
Manuel Neuer: Bayern goalkeeper to teach European sport’s next leaders March 9, 2026 Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is swapping the penalty box for the lecture theatre in a bid to halt the Americanisation of European sport. The man credited with inventing the sweeper-keeper role has co-founded the Center for Sports Business Tegernsee, whose stated aim is to strengthen governance and finances in Europe. Neuer’s role will involve [...]
Government borrowing costs mount on fears of inflation spike March 9, 2026 Government borrowing costs have climbed on escalating fears that the war in the Middle East will push up inflation and leave interest rates higher. The 10-year gilt yield jumped by some 14 basis points on Monday morning as traders continue selling off their gilt holdings over mounting fears that interest rates could rise. Longer-term gilt [...]
Nscale lands $2bn funding amid UK push to grow AI infrastructure March 9, 2026 London-based AI infrastructure firm Nscale has raised $2bn (£1.6bn) in funding, raising its valuation to $14.6bn as Britain seeks to get ahead of the global AI computing race. The series C round, led by Aker ASA and 8090 Industries, has been backed by heavyweight investors including Nvidia, Dell Technologies, Lenovo, Citadel and Point72. The funding [...]
Formula 1 plans peace talks with raging drivers after Verstappen Mario Kart jibe March 9, 2026 Formula 1 chiefs plan talks with drivers aimed at quelling a rebellion over its new engine rules after four-time world champion Max Verstappen likened the racing to video game Mario Kart. Verstappen was among the most vociferous after finishing sixth in the season-opening Australian Grand Prix on Sunday, but current title-holder Lando Norris also issued [...]
Nigel Farage invests in Kwasi Kwarteng-backed Bitcoin treasury business March 9, 2026 Nigel Farage has invested in an Aquis-listed Bitcoin treasury business as the Reform leader doubles down on his commitment to cryptocurrencies. Farage has spent £215,000 to acquire a 6.3 per cent stake in Stack BTC, a small-cap company which says it is “focused on building a portfolio of high-quality, cash-generative businesses alongside a Bitcoin treasury,” [...]
Global markets warned of ‘biggest energy crisis’ in modern history after oil surge March 9, 2026 Global economies are facing warnings over what could the “biggest energy crisis” in modern history after the price of oil breached the $100 mark for the first time since the energy crisis in 2022. Brent crude, the international benchmark for oil, surged over 25 per cent to highs of $118 per barrel as the week’s [...]