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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
Premier League +: Football following the Disney playbook with streaming platform March 8, 2026 When the Premier League last week quietly confirmed that it will be launching its own streaming platform, Premier League +, in Singapore, it might have slipped under the radar for many. At first glance, it’s a new app in a new territory; a controlled test of in-housing distribution and cutting out the broadcasters. But this [...]
If international rugby’s fatal flaw is not financial, what is it? March 7, 2026 When systems are forced to grow without replenishing what sustains them, they do not fail slowly. They hollow out — and then collapse suddenly. This pattern appears across markets and institutions, but sport, and rugby, offers one of the clearest live demonstrations of how extraction degrades an ecosystem from the inside. For decades, debates about [...]
Fifa’s credibility is shot because it can’t decide what it wants to be March 6, 2026 Does Fifa want football to be pure sporting competition floating serenely above politics, or a global force for peace? Its current approach is dumbing down, writes Matt Readman. On 21 June 1998, Iran faced the United States at the Fifa World Cup in what was billed as the most politically charged football match in history. Fifa later declared it the match that “football [...]
World Triathlon: London will host biggest event on revamped elite tour March 6, 2026 World Triathlon will tap into Britain’s pedigree and elite triathletes like Alex Yee and Beth Potter to make London the home of the biggest event on the remodelled global circuit. From next year, the sport’s governing body is combining its programme with the private T100 Tour to form a new Triathlon World Tour comprising 50km [...]
Chelsea reveal first ever back-of-shirt sponsor – but it could last just one game March 6, 2026 Chelsea have unveiled a second new kit sponsor in as many weeks after agreeing a deal for trading platform TMGM to appear on the back of their shirts. The deal is an expansion of the club’s partnership with the Australian company, which has been Chelsea’s official regional forex and CFD trading partner in Asia-Pacific since [...]
Treasury ignored DCMS gambling tax hike concerns before Budget raid March 6, 2026 Whitehall raised questions about the amount of money a gambling levy could raise before Chancellor Rachel Reeves pushed ahead with tax hikes in the Autumn Budget. A Freedom of Information request seen by City AM shows analysis by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport in response to proposals by the Social Market Foundation and [...]
Italy Six Nations revival a lesson for Wales as England challenge awaits March 6, 2026 In 2019 rugby in Italy was staring down the barrel of extinction: three home Six Nations matches at their 70,500-capacity Stadio Olimpico drew crowds of just 38,500 versus Wales, 49,700 against Ireland and 48,800 for their match against France. Fast forward to 2026, however, having just beaten Scotland in front of 68,200 fans Italy will [...]