Xabi Alonso’s representative has dismissed speculation linking the Spaniard with a managerial return to Liverpool following his recent departure from Real Madrid.
Inaki Ibanez stated that talk of a contract agreement at Anfield is entirely unfounded.
The 44-year-old is currently weighing up multiple offers ahead of a return to the touchline next season.
Time away from the dugout
The former midfielder has been without a club since ending a short seven-month spell in charge of Real Madrid by mutual agreement in January.
His departure from the Spanish giants followed a reported period of player unrest regarding his coaching methods.
Following intense managerial stints with Bayer Leverkusen and Madrid, the World Cup winner is currently taking time out with his family.
“All this talk of a contract with Liverpool is nothing more than media speculation,” Ibanez told media outlet WinWin.
Mounting pressure at Anfield
Rumours surrounding a potential Merseyside return emerged amid a challenging campaign for current Reds boss Arne Slot.
Despite delivering Premier League success in his maiden season, the Dutchman’s side have fallen completely out of the current title race.
They are now facing a tense battle to secure Champions League qualification for the upcoming campaign.
Failure to achieve top-tier European football would significantly heighten scrutiny on the current Liverpool manager.
Alternative destinations
Since his departure from Spain, the highly-rated coach has been linked with several high-profile vacancies across Europe.
His name was floated as a potential replacement at Manchester United, while Tottenham and Marseille were also suggested as possible destinations.
However, deep-rooted connections to his former club render moves to traditional domestic rivals highly improbable.
“Xabi Alonso will always have the affection and admiration of all Madrid fans because he is a Real Madrid legend,” a club statement read following his January exit.
Queens Park Rangers ended a four-match losing streak by securing a 3-1 comeback victory against Leicester City at the King Power Stadium to deepen the hosts’ Championship relegation worries.
The Foxes had dropped into the bottom three earlier on Saturday following Oxford United’s draw with Charlton Athletic.
Despite their precarious league position, the home side started with clear intent and opened the scoring early on.
Jordan James was allowed to advance unchallenged from the halfway line before bending a 25-yard strike past goalkeeper Joe Walsh in the 14th minute.
Vale sparks turnaround before the break
The hosts squandered opportunities to double their advantage when Hamza Choudhury sliced wide following a dangerous cutback.
The West Londoners capitalised on that profligacy when Harvey Vale latched onto a long ball, shrugged off Ben Nelson, and tapped into an empty net just before half-time.
That crucial equaliser ended a dismal run of four consecutive matches without a single goal for the visitors.
Rangers secure vital points in second half
The momentum shifted entirely after the interval when Nelson endured a disastrous moment, turning Vale’s dangerous cross into his own net at the near post.
Ronnie Edwards then sealed a vital three points for the away side in the 58th minute with a decisive header.
This rare victory eases the immediate pressure on the Hoops, while leaving the former Premier League champions facing a desperate battle for second-tier survival.
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.
The RSPCA has demanded urgent improvements to racehorse welfare after four horses died during the 2026 Cheltenham Festival.
Animal welfare campaigners highlighted that 24 equines have lost their lives in competitive UK racing this year alone.
Two fatalities occurred on the final day of the prestigious Gloucestershire meeting.
Saint Le Fort died following a fall in the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle.
Later on Friday, 12-year-old Envoi Allen collapsed and died having successfully completed the Cheltenham Gold Cup course.
Tragic week for racing
The earlier days of the prominent jump racing festival were also marred by equine casualties.
Hansard sustained a fatal injury after being pulled up during Tuesday’s Arkle race.
The following afternoon, HMS Seahorse died following a fall in the BetMGM Cup Handicap Hurdle.
The animal charity confirmed they are actively engaging with the racing industry to advocate for enhanced safety measures both on and off the track.
“One death is too many, but the scale of fatalities reiterate the urgency that lessons must be learned.”
A spokesperson for the organisation described the incidents as being completely at odds with the country’s reputation as a nation of animal lovers.
Regulator promises detailed review
The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) described the sequence of deaths as devastating.
James Given, the governing body’s director of equine regulation, safety and welfare, confirmed every incident will undergo a rigorous examination.
This standard fatality review process forms an integral part of the sport’s commitment to ongoing safety improvements.
“Risk can never be entirely eliminated.”
Given added that British racing remains transparent about the inherent dangers and openly publishes injury rate data online.
The Cheltenham Festival carries immense economic significance alongside events such as the Grand National.
However, welfare groups insist that the competing animals deserve every possible step to protect them throughout their lives.
Oleksandr Usyk has revealed he expects to conclude his illustrious boxing career with a third and final bout against long-time rival Tyson Fury.
The unified heavyweight world champion defeated the Briton twice in 2024 to firmly cement his legacy.
Following a brief retirement throughout 2025, the former world titlist has returned to the sport and is on a collision course with his old adversary.
Speaking to the Associated Press, the 39-year-old Ukrainian described a potential trilogy clash as his “last dance”.
Middle East uncertainty and future plans
Both previous encounters between the heavyweights were staged in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
However, escalating regional conflict and the Iran war have cast doubt over the Middle East safely hosting the trilogy.
“Given the situation currently unfolding in the world, my task is simply to be ready for what I am preparing for,” Usyk stated.
“Then the organisers will decide where it can be held – where they can stage this show so that it is safe for all participants and spectators.”
Before contemplating his retirement showpiece, the former cruiserweight king must navigate a highly demanding schedule.
World title defences beckon
He is scheduled to defend his WBC title against kickboxing superstar Rico Verhoeven in Egypt this May.
After facing the Dutchman, the undefeated southpaw intends to fight the winner of Fabio Wardley’s WBO championship clash with Daniel Dubois.
Promoter Frank Warren, who represents Fury alongside both British heavyweights, welcomed the champion’s ambitions.
“The fact that Oleksandr has come out and said he wants the winner of the two of them, it’s very encouraging,” Warren told Sky Sports.
Stance on Russian sanctions
Beyond his future in the ring, the Olympic gold medallist remains a vocal representative for Ukraine on the global stage.
He is resolute that international sporting bodies must not soften their bans on Russian athletes following the full-scale invasion of his homeland.
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.”
British snowboarder Davy Zyw has made history as the first athlete with motor neurone disease to compete at a Winter Paralympics, taking to the slopes in Cortina nearly eight years after his terminal diagnosis.
Taking his place in the snowboard cross start gate on Sunday, the Scottish athlete stood as the ultimate symbol of defiance against adversity.
Surrounded by the rugged landscape of the Italian Dolomites, the history-maker was never expected to reach this elite stage.
Diagnosed with the devastating neurological condition at the age of 30, the former London sommelier was initially told he had just 18 months to live.
Defying medical expectations
Seven years later, the courageous competitor has shattered all medical projections to reach the pinnacle of winter parasports.
“The outlook can look pretty bleak, my health is going one way,” he told BBC Sport.
“I look at my health like I’m sliding down an icy slope and I’ve got to run up the other way just to maintain strength, maintain my function.”
“But the pride, the positivity, the memories, the strength, the resilience I’ll take from this Paralympic experience is going to fortify the rest of my life.”
Currently, a third of those diagnosed with the incurable disease die within a year, while half pass away within two years.
Controlling the narrative through sport
Although the 37-year-old’s condition has progressed slower than average, he has lost significant functionality in his hands alongside upper body muscle wasting.
Returning to the snow provided a vital lifeline in the dark aftermath of his initial prognosis.
Having learned his craft on an Edinburgh dry slope as a child, the freestyle specialist had competed regularly until an earlier knee injury halted his progress.
“I learned very quickly that the only aspect of this diagnosis in my control is my attitude towards it.”
“I couldn’t affect how quickly the disease was going to manifest itself, how quickly I was going to fall off a cliff, how quickly I was going to lose motor functions.”
“When I held on to that positive message, every day became easier and that’s what I’ve done every day since.”
Family support and a painful finale
A dedicated support group tracked the British star across the Italian Alps, flying Scottish flags and wearing custom blue beanies to celebrate his achievement.
His wife Yvie and four-year-old son Aleksander cheered enthusiastically from the sidelines as he navigated the demanding course.
“When I’m unable to snowboard, looking back at my runs from the Paralympics when I turned up, despite my injuries and my disease, that is something I’ll cherish and hold on to.”
Unfortunately, his monumental Paralympic debut concluded abruptly with a trip to the hospital after sustaining two broken ribs during a crash.