LIV Golf has hired restructuring experts to secure a multi-billion dollar financial lifeline after Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund confirmed it will end its backing of the circuit at the close of the current season.
The controversial breakaway league is reportedly bringing in consulting firm AlixPartners to draw up a fresh business plan aimed at attracting crucial external investment.
Sources indicate the competition is also days away from retaining a leading investment bank to assist with imminent capital-raising efforts.
The withdrawal of Saudi sovereign wealth has sparked a frantic scramble to salvage the series, which features high-profile stars including Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau.
Contingency plans for insolvency
Insiders suggest the engagement of restructuring specialists could also serve as a contingency move to prepare for a potential winding-down process.
This drastic outcome remains a genuine possibility if new investors cannot be identified by the end of the calendar year.
However, sources close to the 13-team league insist the primary focus is on devising a credible financial pitch for prospective partners.
A spokesperson for the organisation confirmed the move to explore new avenues for capital.
“LIV Golf has engaged experienced advisers across disciplines to identify and secure long-term strategic investment partners and guide us through our next phase.”
The cost of a breakaway circuit
The Middle Eastern backers have spent unprecedented billions attempting to establish the global tour as the pre-eminent force in the sport.
Despite writing massive cheques to lure elite talent away from the established PGA Tour, the prospect of achieving profitability has remained elusive.
Spanish two-time major champion Rahm famously defected for a reported $300m (£222m) payment, mirroring the lucrative sums handed to several other competitors.
Now in its fourth full campaign, the series faces a critical juncture as it attempts to survive without the vast wealth that initially brought it to life.
Sheffield Wednesday have officially exited administration after US consortium Arise Capital Partners completed a takeover of the Championship club, ensuring they will begin life in League One without a points penalty.
The deal sees David Storch, his son Michael, and Tom Costin assume control of the Hillsborough side from former owner Dejphon Chansiri.
The South Yorkshire outfit were placed in administration last October following multiple missed wage payments and intense supporter protests.
EFL waives further sporting sanctions
A major boost for the new ownership is the English Football League’s decision to waive a customary 15-point penalty for insolvency.
The governing body confirmed the relegated club will start their upcoming third-tier campaign on zero points.
“The EFL Board exercised its discretion, as provided by the Insolvency Policy, and concluded that it would not be appropriate to impose a 15-point deduction on the club following its exit from administration,” a statement read.
The Owls had previously been docked a total of 18 points during the current campaign for financial breaches and entering administration.
Bleak season ends with sell-out crowd
Wednesday currently sit on minus three points heading into their season finale against West Bromwich Albion.
A capacity crowd is expected to welcome the new custodians in what will be the highest attendance for any Championship fixture this term.
Fans have endured a dismal year, witnessing just one league victory against Portsmouth back in September.
The historic club have not played in the Premier League since 2000 and are now preparing for their fourth stint in League One since that top-flight exit.
Storch promises renewed fan engagement
Arise Capital Partners initially lost out on preferred bidder status to a consortium fronted by James Bord in December, before that agreement collapsed.
Storch has immediately pledged to rebuild fractured relationships with the fanbase following Chansiri’s deeply unpopular tenure.
The American businessman also outlined plans to invest heavily in the playing squad, the stadium infrastructure, and the training ground facilities.
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice faces a potential UEFA suspension after claiming referee Danny Makkelie was influenced by the home crowd during a controversial Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid.
The European governing body is currently reviewing post-match remarks made by the England international following a tense 1-1 draw in the Spanish capital.
Frustration boiled over for the Gunners when the Dutch official overturned his initial decision to award a penalty for a challenge on Eberechi Eze.
After consulting the pitchside monitor 13 times, Makkelie reversed his on-field verdict.
Frustration over penalty reversal
The 25-year-old suggested the hostile atmosphere inside the stadium played a decisive role in the match official changing his mind.
“It’s a clear penalty. And I don’t know how that’s not been given.”
“I think the fans provoked the decision and changed the ref’s mind. UEFA is totally different. In both boxes, you have to be so careful because they give absolutely everything.”
These post-match accusations have triggered an official investigation that could rule the midfield anchor out of the crucial second leg at Emirates Stadium.
Previous disciplinary record
Any potential punishment may be exacerbated by the player’s prior disciplinary record in continental competition.
Following a Europa League semi-final defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt in 2022, he received a two-match ban for accusing referee Jesus Gil Manzano of corruption.
During that incident, widespread social media footage captured the former West Ham captain shouting at the match official in the tunnel.
Should UEFA deem him a repeat offender following this latest outburst, Arsenal could be stripped of a vital asset for Tuesday’s return fixture.
Precedent for European bans
History indicates that European football’s governing body takes a remarkably strict stance on players questioning the integrity of match officials.
Paris St-Germain forward Neymar was handed a three-match suspension in 2019 after branding VAR officials a “disgrace” following a defeat to Manchester United.
Similarly, Serge Aurier received a three-game ban in 2015 for directing an insulting video towards a referee following a Champions League tie against Chelsea.
Mikel Arteta’s side must now anxiously await a ruling from UEFA’s disciplinary committee ahead of their decisive London clash.
Former Formula 1 driver and four-time Paralympic gold medallist Alex Zanardi has died at the age of 59, his family has announced.
The beloved Italian sporting icon passed away peacefully on Friday night while surrounded by close family members.
No specific cause of death was provided in the official statement released over the weekend.
The acclaimed racer’s later life was tragically marked by a severe handbike accident during a relay event in Tuscany in 2020.
That collision with a truck resulted in serious facial and cranial trauma, leaving the extraordinary athlete in a medically-induced coma for an extended period.
A legacy of unimaginable resilience
Nearly two decades prior to that incident, the Bologna-born competitor survived a horrific crash during a 2001 CART race in Germany.
The devastating high-speed accident required the amputation of both his legs, a trauma that would have seemingly ended any traditional motorsport career.
However, the two-time American open-wheel champion famously designed his own prosthetics and astonishingly returned to competitive action.
Pivoting to hand cycling, the determined veteran transformed himself into one of the world’s most successful para-athletes.
Paralympic glory and national pride
He secured four glorious gold medals and two silvers across the 2012 London and 2016 Rio Paralympic Games.
His remarkable endurance feats also included competing in the New York City Marathon and setting a world Ironman record.
Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni led the widespread tributes, describing the national hero as an extraordinary man who turned every challenge into a lesson in courage.
“With his sporting achievements, with his example and with his humanity, he gave all of us much more than a victory: he gave hope, pride, and the strength to never give up.”
Giorgia Meloni added that the entire government extends its sincerest thoughts to his grieving loved ones.
Revered across the motorsport paddock
Before his life-altering accidents, the talented driver enjoyed spells at the very pinnacle of single-seater racing.
Following his consecutive American championships in the late 1990s, he secured a high-profile move back to Formula 1.
Even after transitioning entirely to para-sports, the inspirational figure made a stunning return to endurance motor racing in 2019.
Competing at the Rolex 24 of Daytona without prosthetics for BMW, he commanded immense respect from a star-studded field that included former world champion Fernando Alonso.
Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos may never play for the club again after an alleged breakdown in his relationship with manager Alvaro Arbeloa.
The former Arsenal loanee has endured a frustrating campaign, making just five appearances since Arbeloa took charge in January.
Tensions reportedly boiled over at the club’s training ground last week during a tense meeting between the pair.
Personal dispute fractures dressing room
Following the confrontation, the Spanish international requested to sever all personal ties with the former Liverpool defender.
He subsequently informed his teammates that the escalating situation had become deeply personal and unbearable.
The fallout had immediate consequences on the pitch when the playmaker was completely omitted from the matchday squad to face former employers Real Betis.
Uncertain summer ahead at the Bernabeu
Los Blancos are enduring a difficult end to their domestic season, currently sitting 11 points behind leaders Barcelona with only five La Liga games remaining.
Rumours persist that Arbeloa’s own position is under threat and the embattled coach could be replaced ahead of the new campaign.
If the managerial regime does change, the 26-year-old could outlast his current boss and choose to fight for his place in the Spanish capital.
However, with just one year remaining on his contract and a congested midfield ahead of him, Real Madrid may still seek a permanent transfer this summer.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has challenged his squad to maintain their Premier League title push against Fulham before turning their attention back to Atletico Madrid.
The Gunners face a season-defining few days as they attempt to balance intense domestic ambitions with a crucial European semi-final.
No team across Europe’s major leagues has played more games than the north London club this season.
Focus on the Premier League
A victory over Fulham would temporarily move the title challengers six points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table.
While their Spanish opponents rested key players against Valencia this weekend, the English side cannot afford to heavily rotate their exhausted squad.
“The players’ reaction immediately after the first leg against Atletico is ‘now it’s Fulham, now it’s Fulham, now it’s Fulham’,” Arteta said.
“Immediately in the dressing room. They know that and they will have time to prepare for Atletico Madrid.”
Defining club history
Securing both the domestic title and European glory would mark the most successful campaign in the club’s illustrious history.
Conversely, failing in both competitions could spark debate over the manager’s long-term future as he enters the final year of his contract.
“We need to push it,” the Spaniard added.
“Everybody has to lead himself and take ownership of the moment. The impact that you can have in the moment now is going to define the history of the club.”
End of the midweek grind
There is finally a light at the end of the tunnel for the fatigued players regarding their intense fixture schedule.
Following the clashes with Fulham and the Madrid side, the team will not face any further midweek fixtures for the remainder of the domestic season.
“After that, we’re going to have more separation in games so we know that it is this very particular period and short turnaround,” Arteta explained.
“Just focus on Fulham and we’ll take care of the rest afterwards.”
The squad will then enjoy clear weeks to prepare for their final domestic fixtures against Burnley and Crystal Palace.
Promoter Frank Warren believes 21-year-old rising star Moses Itauma is ready to fight unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk for a world title before the end of the year.
The British prospect recently delivered an expert demolition of Jermaine Franklin, concluding a consummate performance with a blazing knockout.
That impressive showing convinced his veteran promoter that the youngster firmly belongs at the very top of the heavyweight division.
“I fancy that fight. I’ll be honest with you, I fancy that fight right now,” Warren stated.
“And I don’t rush anyone. If we could make that fight, I’d make that now.”
Rapid rise up the heavyweight ranks
Despite his relative inexperience, the undefeated prodigy has displayed remarkable composure, speed and boxing intelligence.
The lightning-fast southpaw utilises exceptionally quick hands to deliver devastating strikes from unconventional angles.
“His composure, his speed, his boxing brain, everything, his ability and the maturity he showed for such a young fighter is unbelievable,” Warren added.
Title picture remains complex
While a bout against the Ukrainian titleholder would represent a monumental step up, the path to a championship fight remains unpredictable.
The unified champion could vacate one of his belts or opt for a mandatory defence of his WBC title against Agit Kabayel.
Alternatively, he might seek another unification clash against the winner of the upcoming WBO championship bout between Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois.
However, securing a fight against the man widely considered the best heavyweight of his era would represent the ultimate prize for the ambitious Briton.
“Usyk’s undefeated. He is what he is and he’s considered to be the best of his era by a lot of people. Go for that,” Warren concluded.
Paul Pogba’s highly anticipated return to football with Monaco has been derailed by persistent injuries and a reported crisis within the Ligue 1 club’s medical department.
The 33-year-old joined the principality side on a two-year contract after serving a suspension for a doping violation during his second spell with Juventus.
However, the former Manchester United midfielder has managed a mere 57 minutes of action across five appearances this season.
A persistent calf issue has severely restricted the World Cup winner’s availability and disrupted his attempts to regain match fitness.
Medical department under scrutiny
Monaco chief executive Thiago Scuro recently admitted that the recovery programme for their high-profile signing has not worked as initially expected.
Scuro also noted that the French international is deeply frustrated by his lack of time on the pitch.
This disappointing comeback coincides with a broader structural upheaval at the Stade Louis II.
Ligue 1 reporter Luke Entwistle told the Manchester Evening News that the club is experiencing an awful season regarding player rehabilitation.
“They’ve decided to get an injury-prone player that they need to get back to full fitness in a year where their medical record has been atrocious, with lots of muscular injuries.”
Mounting casualty list
The internal crisis has reportedly led to the unannounced departure of head doctor Yann Le Meur.
Scuro has actively fast-tracked an audit of the entire medical department, bringing the review forward to January instead of waiting until the summer.
Manager Sebastien Pocognoli is currently navigating a severe squad depletion beyond his star midfielder.
Former Premier League players Takumi Minamino and Mohammed Salisu are facing extended periods on the sidelines after suffering anterior cruciate ligament tears.
Several other first-team members remain unavailable due to various knee and hamstring complaints.
The veteran playmaker has historically struggled with his physical durability, having missed 112 matches during his previous six-year stint at Old Trafford.