Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad have revived their interest in signing departing Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah on a free transfer this summer.
The 33-year-old Egypt international is set to leave Anfield at the end of the season, prompting the Middle Eastern club to renew a pursuit that saw a £150m bid rejected in 2023.
Fenway Sports Group, the owners of the Merseyside club, reportedly opted against demanding a transfer fee during the January window to avoid complicating the prolific attacker’s impending exit.
Manchester United target Premier League stars
Elsewhere, Manchester United are actively monitoring Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye and Newcastle United defender Lewis Hall as they prepare for a likely return to European competition.
The Old Trafford hierarchy have also identified 19-year-old RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande as a potential addition to bolster their attacking options.
Meanwhile, veteran Brazilian midfielder Casemiro has agreed to remove a contract clause that would have triggered a one-year extension based on his starting appearances, paving the way for a summer departure.
The Red Devils remain confident they can find alternative buyers for Marcus Rashford if Barcelona decide against converting the England international’s loan into a permanent £26m transfer.
Liverpool explore managerial and attacking options
Liverpool have maintained regular contact with former Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso regarding a potential return to his former club in a managerial capacity.
The Spanish coach, who won the Champions League as a player on Merseyside, is reportedly open to succeeding Arne Slot if specific conditions are met.
To fill the creative void left by their departing Egyptian talisman, the six-time European champions have been linked with Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise.
However, the Bavarian giants remain relaxed about the 24-year-old Frenchman’s future, as he is firmly under contract until 2029 without a release clause.
European giants track defensive reinforcements
Barcelona are keenly tracking Inter Milan centre-back Alessandro Bastoni, though the Catalan club could face stiff competition from Liverpool for the 26-year-old’s signature.
In England, Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe retains the full backing of the club’s ownership despite recent fan unrest following a Champions League exit and a frustrating defeat to rivals Sunderland.
Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr has reaffirmed his commitment to the Spanish capital, stating his intention to sign a contract extension and remain at the Bernabeu.
I am only thinking about staying at Real Madrid for a long time.
Vinicius Jr
Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo has also definitively dismissed speculation linking him with a move to Madrid, insisting he has no intention of leaving west London.
Four-time Olympic champion Michael Johnson has confirmed he will refund $500,000 he allegedly paid himself shortly before his Grand Slam Track league collapsed in December 2025.
The ambitious athletics project folded after hosting just three events in Kingston, Miami and Philadelphia.
Organisers voluntarily filed for bankruptcy in the United States after cancelling the final meeting of their inaugural season.
A legal filing in Delaware by vendors accused the American of secretly paying himself the six-figure sum eight days prior to the financial collapse.
Disputed payment and reimbursement claims
Representatives for the league vehemently rejected the accusations of a secret payout, labelling them unfounded and false.
A spokesperson clarified that the 58-year-old always viewed the transaction as a reimbursement rather than a direct salary payment.
The former sprinter had previously injected $2.25m into the business in May 2025 after a major investor withdrew from a planned funding round.
“To avoid disruption and continue moving forward he and Winners Alliance have agreed to fund the $500k to the plan so that all creditors can benefit.”
Debts, athletes and future prospects
The organisation faces substantial financial hurdles, with the Association of Athletics Managers estimating debts exceeding $30m earlier this year.
Under a newly amended bankruptcy plan, athletes are projected to receive 70% of their promised prize money, while unsecured creditors may only recover around 15%.
Former world 1500m champion Josh Kerr is among the competitors affected, with legal documents indicating the British runner is owed $168,750.
World Athletics has maintained a firm stance on the matter, refusing to license any future events until all outstanding obligations from the 2025 season are settled.
The global governing body previously described attempts to restart the competition without paying athletes and vendors as unconscionable.
BBC broadcasting departure
In a separate development, the BBC confirmed there are no plans to feature the legendary athlete in its athletics coverage this year.
Representatives for the four-time Olympic gold medallist stated it was his personal decision not to renew his broadcasting contract following the Paris 2024 Games.
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua is facing a civil lawsuit alleging he made an unprovoked antisemitic remark and bit a woman on New Year’s Eve.
The lawsuit, filed by Madison Atiabi in Century City, cites gender violence, assault, battery, and negligence.
Court documents state the plaintiff felt emotionally distressed after the NFL star allegedly used a highly offensive slur directed at Jewish people.
Allegations of physical assault
Atiabi further claims she was travelling in a car with the American football player when he forcibly bit her left shoulder.
The filing alleges the incident left a visible, circular imprint of his teeth on her body.
It is also claimed the 23-year-old bit the thumb of the plaintiff’s friend with enough force to cause acute pain.
A request for a temporary restraining order against the record-breaking wideout has reportedly been denied.
Lawyer describes claims as blackmail
Levi McCathern, the attorney representing the Pro Bowler, strongly denied the antisemitic allegations to the Los Angeles Times.
The lawyer described the physical biting accusations as mere horseplay.
“Our office was contacted with demands of millions of dollars in exchange for not publicizing these allegations,” Levi McCathern told TMZ.
“This is not a legitimate claim — it is blackmail.”
McCathern indicated he intends to file a defamation lawsuit against Atiabi in response to the damaging statements.
Previous controversy
This legal action follows a recent incident in December where the second-year receiver issued a public apology.
The former BYU standout had performed a gesture on an internet livestream that perpetuated harmful stereotypes against the Jewish community.
At the time, he stated he was unaware of the antisemitic themes associated with the action suggested by two streamers.
The Los Angeles franchise subsequently released a statement condemning all forms of antisemitism, prejudice, and hostility.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has released the first public footage of himself throwing a football since undergoing major knee surgery in December.
The star quarterback shared a four-second clip on social media on Wednesday, demonstrating significant progress in his rehabilitation.
Wearing a compression sleeve on his left leg, the Chiefs talisman was able to plant his foot and deliver an intermediate pass inside a training facility.
“Day by Day! Felt Great being able to throw the ball around today!”
Patrick Mahomes
Targeting a Week One return
Wednesday marked exactly 100 days since the franchise player underwent surgery to repair a torn ACL and LCL.
The severe dual-ligament injury was sustained when his knee buckled on the turf during a late comeback attempt against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Despite the severity of the setback, there is growing optimism that he could be available for the opening week of the new NFL season.
The Chiefs are scheduled to kick off their campaign in September, potentially against the reigning champion Seattle Seahawks.
“The doctors said I could, but I can’t predict what happens throughout the process. That’s the goal, to play Week 1 and have no restrictions.”
Patrick Mahomes
Gruelling rehabilitation process
The quarterback has been dedicating up to seven hours a day to his recovery under the guidance of top athletic trainer Julie Frymyer.
This intensive regimen is designed to ensure he can participate, at least in a limited capacity, during voluntary offseason practices in May.
Head coach Andy Reid previously praised his offensive leader’s relentless work ethic and daily commitment to the recovery programme.
“He spends a ton of time here, seven hours a day. He’s in there cranking away and making progress every day. It’s great to see.”
Andy Reid
World soccer’s governing body has confirmed the final phase of general ticket sales for the 2026 World Cup will begin on 1 April, following intense criticism over tournament pricing strategies.
Over one million passes were purchased during the previous release window between December and February.
The upcoming phase will remain open until the conclusion of the expanded 48-team tournament, which is co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Supporters securing their attendance in this final window will be able to choose specific seats on a first-come, first-served basis.
Backlash over dynamic pricing
The ticketing strategy for the North American showpiece has drawn widespread condemnation from fan groups.
Initial general sale prices ranged from $140 for the cheapest group-stage fixtures up to an unprecedented $8,680 for the showpiece final.
Football Supporters Europe recently joined forces with consumer group Euroconsumers to lodge a formal complaint with the European Commission.
The fan organisation specifically targeted the exorbitant face value of entry and the controversial introduction of dynamic pricing models.
Record demand despite controversy
Despite the mounting frustration among match-going fans, organisers insist interest in the summer event remains remarkably high.
“Demand for tickets was the equivalent of 1,000 years of World Cups at once.”
– Gianni Infantino
The Swiss administrator confidently predicted earlier this year that all 104 matches at the upcoming edition would be completely sold out.
Fans who successfully purchased entry during earlier ballots will finally discover their allocated seat locations when the new portal opens.
Uefa has fined Benfica €40,000 and handed the club a suspended partial stadium closure following racist behaviour by supporters during their Champions League match against Real Madrid last month.
The Portuguese side faced a formal investigation after multiple unsavoury incidents marred the play-off round tie.
During the fiery encounter, Brazilian forward Vinicius Jr accused opposing winger Gianluca Prestianni of using discriminatory language.
European football’s governing body has now confirmed widespread disciplinary action against the Lisbon outfit.
Financial penalties and stadium sanctions
A comprehensive statement from Uefa detailed charges including the throwing of objects, the use of laser pointers, and illicit chants by spectators.
The Eagles have been ordered to close a 500-seat section of the Estadio da Luz for their next home European fixture.
However, this partial closure remains suspended for a probationary period of one year.
Additional financial penalties include an €8,000 charge for the use of laser pointers and €25,000 for thrown objects.
Assistant coach Pedro Luis Ferreira Machado has also been handed a one-match touchline suspension for unsporting conduct.
Managerial response and player disputes
The Spanish giants ultimately progressed from the two-legged tie with a 3-1 aggregate victory.
In the aftermath of the defeat, Benfica manager Jose Mourinho faced criticism for his handling of the alleged racial abuse on the pitch.
The former Chelsea and Manchester United boss revealed he spoke directly to the Real Madrid star regarding his goal celebrations and the subsequent altercation.
“I told him, when you score a goal like that you just celebrate and walk back,” Mourinho stated.
“They told me different things, but I don’t believe in one or another; I want to be an independent.”
“When he was arguing about racism, I told him the biggest person in the history of this club was black, and the last thing this club is, is racist.”
Reports later emerged suggesting Prestianni confessed to teammates about using a racial slur, an allegation the Portuguese club has vehemently denied.
Rangers have announced plans to raise £16m in new capital through a share issue to fund investment in the men’s first-team squad.
Club chairman Andrew Cavenagh confirmed the offer will be supported by his consortium and existing shareholders.
The funds are strictly earmarked to support player acquisitions and address other operational needs at Ibrox.
Total investment from the current ownership group now stands at £36m since their takeover in the summer of 2025.
Restructured executive team
Cavenagh also revealed the Scottish Premiership side will not appoint a replacement for former sporting director Kevin Thelwell.
Thelwell was removed from his post in November alongside ex-chief executive Patrick Stewart.
“We do not plan to hire a sporting director. The executive team is committed to being smaller, nimbler, and more entrepreneurial,” Cavenagh explained.
“We want an executive team willing to get its fingernails dirty. We want fewer consulting firms and less bureaucracy.”
The club hierarchy is systematically reviewing all operations to improve efficiency and divert a greater share of resources to the pitch.
Balancing inflation and fan costs
Alongside the share issue, adult season ticket prices will rise by 6.5%.
Operational costs, including player wages, agent fees, and stadium security, are currently rising faster than the overall rate of inflation.
“If we are going to ask supporters to pay more for tickets, we have an obligation to spend those funds wisely,” Cavenagh noted.
The chairman insisted this is not the time to decrease the football budget, viewing revenue growth as essential to remaining competitive.
All shareholders will receive formal documentation regarding the resolutions, with a minimum buy-in set at 1,000 shares.
Old Firm disorder condemned
Cavenagh used his open letter to reiterate the club’s firm stance on the chaotic scenes that marred the recent Old Firm derby.
Supporters entered the field of play following a penalty shootout at Ibrox, leading to widespread condemnation.
“We continue to denounce the disorder, property damage, and especially those who denigrated the 66 souls lost in the Ibrox disaster,” he stated.
The Glasgow giants have pledged full support for an independent review and will collaborate with all relevant stakeholders.
In a separate development, Rangers are attempting to convene a summit of top-flight clubs to discuss the ongoing use of video assistant referees.
Manchester City continue to await the outcome of their 115 Premier League financial charges, with recent reports suggesting a final verdict could be delayed until the summer.
The reigning English champions strongly deny any wrongdoing regarding alleged breaches of the league’s financial regulations.
Speculation is mounting over potential penalties, with recent rumours suggesting the club could face a severe 60-point deduction if found guilty.
An independent commission is reviewing the complex case, which officially involves 115 charges spanning multiple seasons.
Conflicting timelines for final resolution
Reports regarding the announcement of a decision remain contradictory across the football media landscape.
Early indications suggested an outcome was expected around Easter, but revised timelines now point towards the summer months.
Conversely, sources close to the independent panel have reportedly stated that no official timeframe has been communicated to either party.
The prolonged delay has sparked widespread frustration, as the impending decision threatens to cast a shadow over the current domestic campaign.
Precedent set by recent financial cases
The legal team representing the Etihad outfit will be closely monitoring recent regulatory developments involving other top-flight clubs.
Chelsea were recently issued a £10m fine for illicit payments despite their new ownership voluntarily co-operating with European governing body Uefa.
It has been suggested that the London club’s situation could establish a legal precedent that benefits the Manchester side’s robust defence.
Former player criticises drawn-out process
Former club captain Richard Dunne has publicly condemned the authorities for the prolonged nature of the investigation.
The retired Republic of Ireland international believes the ongoing uncertainty severely undermines the integrity of the title race.
“It’s been ridiculous already, the amount of time that it’s dragged on,” Dunne said.
“They’ve come to a conclusion a long time ago, so why it’s taken so long to get around to giving out their results of what they found is stupid.”
“It just undermines the whole Premier League if they start coming out now at this stage of the season and you’ve got the opportunity of a real interesting title race.”