Yankuba Minteh’s fortuitous second-half strike secured a 1-0 victory for Brighton against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, lifting the visitors into the top half of the Premier League.
The winger squeezed the ball past goalkeeper Melker Ellborg at the near post to claim the decisive goal.
Making his first start of 2026 due to Kaoru Mitoma’s absence, the attacker appeared off balance and was seemingly attempting a cross when he broke the deadlock.
The result condemns Regis Le Bris’ side to a third consecutive home league defeat.
VAR frustration for faltering hosts
The Black Cats had previously thought they had opened the scoring four minutes after the interval.
Teenage midfielder Chris Rigg believed he had registered his first top-flight goal after converting a knockdown from Omar Alderete.
However, video assistant referees intervened to disallow the effort after spotting the defending centre-back had strayed into an offside position.
This latest league setback compounds a miserable week for the Wearsiders following their shock FA Cup elimination by League One strugglers Port Vale.
Injury woes mount ahead of derby
To worsen matters for the home faithful, key defender Dan Ballard was forced off with an injury during the second period.
His premature departure raises serious concerns over his availability for Sunday’s highly anticipated Tyne-Wear trip against Newcastle United.
Prior to mid-February, the North East outfit had remained unbeaten on their own patch throughout the entire campaign.
Fabian Hurzeler’s victorious squad now join their opponents on 40 points but move above them into tenth position courtesy of a superior goal difference.
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has strongly denied reports that United States government officials, including Donald Trump, could be banned from attending the 2026 World Cup over unpaid financial dues.
Speculation had mounted that a funding dispute between the US government and the anti-doping body might lead to severe sanctions.
An initial media report suggested the returning president could face attendance restrictions at major upcoming sporting events hosted in North America.
However, the global watchdog has now issued a definitive statement dismissing those claims as entirely misleading.
Funding dispute sparks retroactive rule debate
The controversy stems from the American government’s ongoing refusal to pay its annual financial contribution to the Montreal-based organisation.
Discussions regarding governments unilaterally withholding essential funding have been taking place since early 2020.
A dedicated working group was established two years later to propose measures that would better protect the collaborative movement for doping-free sport.
Future tournaments exempt from proposed sanctions
Despite these ongoing high-level talks, officials have clarified that any new rules penalising non-payment would not be applied to previously awarded events.
Given that the rules would not apply retroactively, the FIFA World Cup, LA and Salt Lake City Games would not be covered.
World Anti-Doping Agency statement
The 2026 football showcase will be jointly hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Preparations for the expanded 48-team tournament are continuing apace alongside long-term planning for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot could face an uncertain future at Anfield this summer after reportedly being blocked from adding Johnny Heitinga to his coaching staff.
Former Everton defender Joleon Lescott believes the decision to deny the managerial request is an ominous sign for the Dutchman.
Heitinga recently departed Tottenham Hotspur following the dismissal of Thomas Frank and was heavily linked with a reunion with his former colleague.
The Anfield hierarchy have reportedly refused permission to integrate the former Dutch international into the current backroom team.
High expectations and emotional toll
The Merseyside club have endured a turbulent campaign following the success of winning the Premier League title during the head coach’s debut season.
Their domestic title defence has faltered, with the side currently sitting sixth in the table and trailing leaders Arsenal by 19 points with nine games remaining.
Speaking on a podcast, Lescott defended the current regime while pointing to the significant emotional impact of Diogo Jota’s tragic death earlier this year.
“If a player suffered a bereavement and had an off season, we would be compassionate to that a lot more than we’re being compassionate to the fact that everyone suffered that bereavement.”
The pundit emphasised that the tragedy has profoundly affected the entire club, arguing that it requires real consideration when assessing the team’s league form.
European and cup hopes remain
Despite their Premier League struggles, the six-time European champions remain active in two major cup competitions.
They face a crucial Champions League second leg at Anfield next week, needing to overturn a 1-0 deficit against Turkish side Galatasaray.
A high-profile FA Cup quarter-final tie against Manchester City also awaits in early April.
Lescott argued that supporters would have gladly accepted this scenario following Jurgen Klopp’s departure, questioning why the current manager is under such intense scrutiny.
“I don’t know how he can be questioned. The fact they’re stopping him from getting staffing means there’s probably potential change at the end of the season.”
Iran’s participation in the upcoming World Cup is in severe doubt following US military strikes and rising political tensions.
United States President Donald Trump has stated it would not be appropriate for the Middle Eastern nation to compete in the North American tournament.
This follows comments from Ahmad Donyamali, the Iranian sports minister, who recently indicated that the necessary conditions for his country to participate do not exist.
Trump issues safety warning
The American leader took to social media to cast uncertainty over the visiting team’s security.
The Iran National Soccer Team is welcome to The World Cup, but I really don’t believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety.
Fifa president Gianni Infantino had previously insisted that assurances were in place regarding the squad’s welcome.
However, football’s global governing body has not yet issued a formal response to the latest escalating rhetoric from either side.
Group stage logistical hurdles
The Asian qualifiers are scheduled to play all three of their group matches on American soil this summer.
Fixtures against New Zealand and Belgium are slated for Los Angeles, before a final group game against Egypt in Seattle.
The national federation has already demonstrated a willingness to withdraw from official tournament events.
Representatives notably boycotted November’s competition draw in Washington DC due to ongoing visa restriction disputes.
They were also the only qualified nation absent from a crucial planning summit held in Atlanta earlier this month.
Unprecedented geopolitical crisis
The sporting uncertainty follows significant US and Israeli military action against the country.
Supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei was killed during the recent hostilities, with his son Mojtaba Khamenei subsequently assuming power.
A total boycott of the global showcase for geopolitical reasons has never previously occurred in the competition’s long history.
The last major tournament boycott took place 60 years ago when African nations protested over the allocation of qualifying berths.
Denmark striker Rasmus Hojlund will join Napoli on a permanent basis at the end of the season after the Italian club confirmed a £38m deal with Manchester United.
The Danish international is currently spending the campaign on loan at the Serie A side.
That temporary agreement included an obligation to buy if the reigning Italian champions, who currently sit third in the league, qualified for next season’s Champions League.
However, Napoli sporting director Giovanni Manna has stated the transfer will proceed regardless of their final domestic position.
Manna confirms permanent deal
Manna was unequivocal when discussing the player’s future on the Italian peninsula.
“Rasmus Hojlund will stay here,” he confirmed.
“We have an obligation to buy from Man Utd if Napoli qualify for the Champions League, but he is in our plans despite this condition.”
The agreed €44m (£38m) fee represents a significant financial loss for the Premier League side.
United originally paid £64m to acquire the forward two-and-a-half seasons ago.
Finding form in Naples
The Scandinavian attacker has thrived since relocating from Old Trafford.
He has registered 13 goals and four assists across all competitions during the current campaign.
Team success has also followed, with his new employers recently lifting the Italian Super Cup.
Speaking earlier in the season, the former Premier League marksman expressed a deep appreciation for his new surroundings.
“I came here because I wanted to win trophies, and winning the Italian Super Cup was proof that my choice was the right one,” he explained.
United transition under Carrick
While Napoli prepare to host Como this weekend, Michael Carrick’s Manchester United have already transitioned to a new attacking focal point.
Benjamin Sesko, who arrived from German side RB Leipzig in the summer, has firmly established himself under the new manager.
The Slovenian international has netted eight Premier League goals this term, including six since the turn of the year.
United will hope their revamped frontline continues to deliver when they face Aston Villa in their next fixture.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has confirmed Alexander Isak is likely to miss Sweden’s World Cup play-offs as he continues his recovery from a broken leg.
The £125m summer signing has been sidelined since sustaining the severe injury during a Premier League victory over Tottenham in December.
He is now expected to remain unavailable for upcoming club fixtures against Spurs, Galatasaray and Brighton.
The earliest the Swedish international could make his competitive return is an FA Cup quarter-final tie at Manchester City on 4 April.
Managing international expectations
Sweden are preparing to face Ukraine in a crucial play-off fixture under manager Graham Potter.
Victory would set up a decisive final against either Poland or Albania for a place at the tournament in the United States.
However, Slot has poured cold water on the prospect of his marquee forward participating in those high-stakes national fixtures.
“If you ask me now I would say I don’t expect that,” said Slot.
“But we are still one-and-a-half weeks off, there is always cooperation between club and country but I don’t expect him to play for us before that.”
Patience required for record signing
The highly-rated attacker has endured a frustrating debut campaign on Merseyside, registering just three goals prior to his prolonged absence.
His Dutch coach admitted he will have to “mess up the party” to protect the player’s long-term fitness.
The Liverpool boss noted that returning from three-and-a-half months without team training will demand a careful integration period.
“The last time he did that, it took him a while to get up to speed,” Slot explained.
He also cautioned supporters against expecting an immediate impact when the frontman finally returns to the pitch.
“I am really, really looking forward to having him back but don’t get the expectations again so high that the minute he is on the pitch, he is at the level of what we spent that money on.”
Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior has demanded a culture of accountability from his squad after a devastating 5-2 defeat by Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.
The Premier League side conceded three goals in the final 16 minutes at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday night to leave their European hopes hanging by a thread.
Two of those late strikes involved mistakes from Filip Jorgensen, whose selection over first-choice goalkeeper Robert Sanchez drew significant criticism.
Creating a collective culture
The 40-year-old manager has frequently shouldered the blame for poor results during his two-month tenure at Stamford Bridge.
However, the Blues boss is now insisting that his players must share the responsibility when performances fall below the required standard.
“It’s collective, I make mistakes and everybody makes mistakes,” Rosenior explained.
“It’s not all on me, it’s not all on the players because we’re a collective group.”
Bouncing back domestically
The West London club must quickly refocus as they host Newcastle United in domestic action on Saturday.
A Premier League victory is vital to sustain their push for a top-four finish before they welcome the reigning French champions for Tuesday’s daunting second leg.
“You have to take accountability when things don’t go your way as well,” the Chelsea manager added.
“For me, that’s part of the culture that I want at this club: for everybody to be part of the same thing, whether it’s a success or a defeat.”
Wrexham strengthened their grip on a Championship play-off spot with a crucial 2-0 victory over Welsh rivals Swansea City at the Racecourse Ground on Friday night.
Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney were in attendance as their side established a six-point cushion in the league’s top six.
Nathan Broadhead opened the scoring for the hosts in the first half following an incisive penalty-area pass from Callum Doyle.
The result was placed beyond doubt late on when Doyle’s header from a free-kick took a wicked deflection off Liam Cullen for an unfortunate own goal.
Swansea rue missed opportunities
The visitors had started the brighter of the two sides and will feel they should have taken an early lead.
Goncalo Franco was denied by Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo inside the opening 40 seconds when a clear chance opened up.
The division’s leading marksman, Zan Vupovnik, then wasted a golden one-on-one opportunity after being slipped through by Franco.
Those squandered chances proved costly for the South Wales outfit when Broadhead ruthlessly punished them moments later.
Penalty appeals and controversial calls
The away side felt they should have been awarded a penalty in the second period following a clumsy challenge by Dom Hyam on Franco.
Marko Stamenic then forced a fine save from Okonkwo, while Malick Yalcouye dragged further chances wide as the visitors desperately searched for an equaliser.
However, the home side had their own reasons to feel aggrieved with the officiating team.
Josh Tymon appeared to handle the ball as the last man, denying Josh Windass a clear goalscoring opportunity, but the Swansea defender controversially escaped with only a yellow card.
Marching towards the play-offs
Ultimately, Cullen’s deflected own goal sealed a vital three points for Phil Parkinson’s men in front of an ecstatic crowd of 10,641.
The victory significantly damages Swansea’s own ambitions of reaching the post-season lottery.
Wrexham must now wait for the rest of the weekend’s Championship action to see how their promotion rivals respond to this imposing statement of intent.