Former Wolves and Nottingham Forest striker Rafa Mir has been sentenced to eight and a half years in prison by a Spanish court for violent sexual assault.
The Provincial Court of Justice in Valencia delivered the guilty verdict on Monday following the 28-year-old’s initial arrest in September 2024.
The Spanish forward has also been ordered to pay more than £55,000 in damages to the victim.
Nightclub meeting precedes attacks
The offences occurred in the early hours of 1 September last year after the attacker met the victim at a nightclub.
Prosecutors outlined that the player took the woman back to his residence before throwing her into a swimming pool fully clothed.
The pre-trial indictment stated he then grabbed her tightly and began kissing her face and neck against her will.
A second assault took place after the woman initially fled the property but returned shortly afterwards to retrieve a forgotten handbag.
Victim testimony and co-defendant
He took me into the bathroom and locked the door. He started doing the same thing to me he had done at the swimming pool.
That’s when I started crying and telling him to stop, that I wanted to leave. He didn’t stop.
The former Sevilla player had heavily protested his innocence during a court hearing in May.
Public prosecutors had originally pushed for a longer ten-and-a-half-year prison term.
Fellow footballer Pablo Jara was tried alongside him and received a two-and-a-half-year sentence for a separate assault on a friend of the primary victim.
Struggles in English football
The convicted striker spent three years registered with Premier League side Wolves after joining the Molineux club in January 2018.
He made just four first-team appearances without featuring in the English top flight before embarking on several loan spells.
After playing 13 times for Nottingham Forest during the 2019-20 Championship campaign, he eventually secured a permanent transfer back to Spain in 2021.
Wolverhampton Wanderers have appointed Cesar Peixoto as their new head coach on a two-year contract following the departure of Rob Edwards.
The 46-year-old arrives at Molineux from Portuguese top-flight club Gil Vicente.
He is tasked with guiding the Midlands outfit back to the Premier League after they finished bottom of the table last season.
This upcoming campaign will mark the club’s first appearance in the Championship since 2018.
First managerial role abroad
Taking the reins in England represents the Portuguese tactician’s first managerial position outside of his homeland.
He arrives with a growing reputation after leading his former employers to an impressive sixth-placed finish in the Primeira Liga.
Notably, his recent tenure was the first time in a seven-year managerial career that he completed an entire season at a single club.
A clear identity and strong leadership
The Molineux hierarchy moved swiftly to secure their new man after parting ways with previous boss Edwards last week.
Executive chairman Nathan Shi highlighted the incoming manager’s mentality and work ethic during a rigorous recruitment process.
“Throughout our discussions with him, it became clear very quickly that he possesses many of the qualities we believe are important for the future of this football club,” said Nathan Shi.
“We wanted clear identity, strong leadership qualities and a real hunger to succeed.”
“He is young, energetic and ambitious, but he is also thoughtful, accountable and willing to challenge himself and those around him in pursuit of improvement.”
Twelve games into the global tournament, competing nations are reverting to classic 4-4-2 formations and mid-block defensive strategies to combat extreme climates and modern tactical challenges.
The beauty of this international competition lies in the variety of unique styles and players clashing on the biggest stage.
Such a diverse tactical landscape often poses unusual challenges that require managers to formulate on-the-fly solutions.
Influenced heavily by the popularity of the Premier League and Champions League, countries frequently borrow ideas from elite club football when this quadrennial event arrives.
Revival of a classic system
Football strategies are continually developing, making it fascinating to see the traditional 4-4-2 shape become so prevalent at this tournament.
Early 2000s English top-flight football was typified by this exact setup, creating larger spaces between players with fewer low blocks or intensely drilled high presses.
Consequently, that historical approach afforded attackers significantly more time and space to express themselves on the ball.
Perhaps due to demanding weather conditions and limited coaching time, international squads have reverted to a similar structure that helps explain why current matches feel remarkably open.
Mastering the mid-block
Many participants, including Ecuador, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Brazil, Haiti, Scotland, and Japan, are frequently opting for this shape out of possession.
Instead of defending deeply or pressing high consistently, these setups allow teams to pick specific moments to step up while predominantly defending in a solid mid-block.
Managers understand that simply sitting back and defending near their own penalty area ultimately concedes too much control to the opposition.
Allowing elite opponents long spells of attacking possession around the box essentially hands them the exact type of game they desire.
Adapting to the elements
Pressing intensely for an entire match becomes increasingly ineffective given the gruelling heat and humidity experienced by the competing nations.
However, carefully timed bursts of pressure have proved highly fruitful for Mexico, Morocco, and Germany, who have all scored shortly after forcing crucial turnovers.
This calculated approach naturally leaves most defending units operating firmly in the middle third of the pitch.
While the formation provides wide and balanced cover, it inadvertently leaves gaps between the lines that clever opponents are learning to exploit.
Diagonal attacking movements
Defending sides using two flat lines of four are exceptionally well placed to stop straightforward forward and sideways ball progression.
As a direct result, executing diagonal attacking passes has emerged as another defining feature of this month-long festival of football.
Playing at these specific angles helps forwards move seamlessly from wide touchlines into dangerous central areas behind the opposition midfield.
For defensive units orientated in a strict flat line, effectively covering these unpredictable diagonal runs proves incredibly difficult.
Serena Williams will continue her return to professional tennis by partnering Karolina Muchova in the Berlin Open doubles this week.
The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion re-enters the doubles rankings at 593rd following her recent resumption of competitive play.
Her initial comeback attempt at the Queen’s Club Championships was cut short when partner Victoria Mboko withdrew with a knee injury.
Now, the 44-year-old American great shifts her focus to Germany, where she will face Giuliana Olmos and Erin Routliffe on Tuesday at the Steffi Graf Stadion.
Building momentum for Wimbledon
A potential victory in the opening round would set up a clash against either third seeds Melichar-Martinez and Sara Errani, or the Chinese pairing of Jiang Xinyu and Xu Yifan.
However, the ultimate goal for the former world number one may be a wildcard entry into the upcoming Wimbledon championships.
Neither the All England Club nor the veteran star have officially confirmed her participation at SW19 later this month.
“It’s just a day at a time,”
Williams stated regarding her potential entry into the season’s third major.
“I still have a little time to decide, and they have been great about giving me that space and time to decide.”
Impressive return to the court
The tennis icon originally stepped away from the sport in 2022, but has returned motivated by the desire for her two children to watch her compete.
Tennis coach Judy Murray recently praised the returning star’s form, noting she played at an incredibly high level during her brief appearance at Queen’s.
“She has her two children now, but she’s been playing a load; she’s obviously got herself into really good shape, fit, ready to compete again,”
Murray observed when discussing the comeback.
The mother of two expressed deep excitement about the current grass-court swing and the opportunity to perform in Europe.
“Every tournament I add to my schedule right now feels special, and Berlin is no exception,”
the American declared ahead of her opening match.
“I’m excited to compete in front of the German fans and continue building momentum throughout the grass-court season.”
Top NBA draft prospect Darryn Peterson has exclusively visited the Washington Wizards ahead of next week’s draft, declining meetings with all other franchises.
The former Kansas guard’s decision guarantees that only the team holding the number one overall pick will get an in-person assessment.
Rival lottery teams have reportedly taken note of this resolute stance by the freshman standout.
Meanwhile, fellow top-pick contender AJ Dybantsa has completed visits with both Washington and the Utah Jazz, who select second on Tuesday, 23 June.
Battle for the number one pick
Both highly rated youngsters firmly believe they will hear their names called first when the draft gets under way.
Dybantsa has long been considered the presumed favourite for the top spot after a stellar campaign at BYU.
The 6ft 9in forward averaged 25.5 points per game, becoming the first freshman to lead the country in scoring since Trae Young in 2018.
However, Peterson also boasts a formidable collegiate record, setting a Kansas freshman milestone with an average of 20.2 points.
Overcoming injury concerns
The talented playmaker’s season was partially derailed by a mysterious injury that forced him to miss 11 games.
Doctors later concluded that debilitating cramping issues were caused by his use of high doses of creatine.
Despite his refusal to visit Utah, rival executives do not believe this will deter the Jazz from selecting him if he remains available.
General manager Austin Ainge selected Ace Bailey fifth overall last year without a pre-draft workout, establishing a clear precedent for the franchise.
Rebuilding franchises seek a saviour
Washington desperately need an injection of elite talent after finishing last season with a dismal 17-65 record.
The capital city franchise has not tasted a playoff series victory since the 2017-18 campaign.
Wizards top basketball executive Michael Winger believes securing the first overall selection is a long-overdue reward for their loyal fanbase.
“It’s our fans that have endured the most, and to me, this No. 1 pick is for them.”
Michael Winger
“It’s a reward to continue to support us despite sometimes really bad basketball.”
France captain Kylian Mbappe has vowed to improve his defensive work rate ahead of their opening World Cup fixture against Senegal on Tuesday following recent criticism.
The 27-year-old Real Madrid forward has faced intense scrutiny regarding his leadership and overall performances for both club and country.
International team-mate Ousmane Dembele recently defended the forward, stating that the public backlash had gone too far.
Speaking to French newspaper Le Parisien, the prolific attacker was teased about his defensive output by his younger brother Ethan, who plays for Lille.
‘Ready to do whatever’ to win
Acknowledging the need for improvement, the former Paris St-Germain star admitted that he must contribute more without the ball.
“I need to take the extra step [with my defensive work] because it’s something important for the team and I have to do it,” he said.
“It will start this time because we want to win, and to win, I’m ready to do whatever because I want to win at all costs.”
Real Madrid struggles and stark statistics
The global superstar endured a challenging second season at the Bernabeu amid fan frustration and rumours of dressing-room unrest as Los Blancos failed to secure a trophy.
Despite finishing as La Liga’s top scorer, Opta data highlighted a significant lack of defensive impact from the lethal marksman.
Out of 1,490 players in Europe’s top five leagues with a minimum of 19 appearances, he ranked a lowly 1,350th for combined interceptions, blocks, tackles, and possession won.
Furthermore, the French international managed just 0.14 tackles per 90 minutes, ranking as the fifth lowest across the continent’s major competitions.
Chasing Giroud’s goalscoring record
Despite his defensive shortcomings, the lightning-fast striker has consistently delivered on the biggest stage, netting 12 times in 14 previous tournament appearances.
This phenomenal record includes a memorable hat-trick during the 2022 final defeat against Argentina.
Just one more goal will see him draw level with Olivier Giroud as his nation’s all-time leading scorer.
Leading his country into a major global tournament for the first time since succeeding Hugo Lloris as captain in 2023, he will also face Iraq and Norway in the group stage.
Manchester United have agreed a record-breaking deal with Amazon Prime Video to film a behind-the-scenes ‘All or Nothing’ documentary during Michael Carrick’s first full season in charge.
Filming for the access-all-areas series will commence during pre-season ahead of an anticipated broadcast in the summer of 2027.
The cameras will capture the 20-time English champions as they return to the Champions League for the first time since the 2023-24 campaign.
Record fee for unprecedented access
Amazon reportedly offered a lucrative sum that significantly surpasses the amounts previously received by other Premier League clubs.
The production will chronicle what club officials have described as a transformative summer at Old Trafford.
Viewers will be granted unrestricted entry into the dressing room and the newly developed Carrington Training Complex.
“Now is the right time to open our doors, so that for the first time our fans around the world can see behind the scenes of a club which means so much to so many people.”
Toby Craig, the club’s chief communications officer, believes the project will highlight the unique ambition and culture within the institution.
“We will share some of the stories of this historic club both with our fans and new audiences around the world as we compete at the highest level, both domestically and in the Champions League.”
Overcoming initial hesitations
The streaming giant initially held discussions with the Red Devils regarding filming during the current season.
However, former manager Ruben Amorim believed that allowing production crews complete access would prove too distracting for his playing squad.
Club executives ultimately delayed the project until the former Old Trafford midfielder had firmly established his permanent coaching regime.
Following domestic rivals
The acclaimed sports documentary franchise has an established history of following major English institutions.
Arsenal featured during a tumultuous 2021-22 season that showcased Mikel Arteta’s unusual motivational methods and intense training ground disputes.
That North London focus followed earlier productions tracking Manchester City’s historic 100-point campaign under Pep Guardiola and Tottenham’s dramatic tenure under Jose Mourinho.
England defender John Stones has overcome recent thoughts of retirement to secure his place in Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad ahead of Wednesday’s tournament opener against Croatia.
The 32-year-old admitted he had to dig deep mentally after a string of severe injuries nearly forced him to quit the game last October.
Despite playing just 439 minutes of Premier League football for Manchester City last season, the experienced centre-back retained the unshakeable faith of his national team manager.
He is now in strong contention to start alongside Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa when the Three Lions begin their campaign.
Tuchel shows faith in tournament veteran
The Yorkshire-born defender was selected ahead of established internationals Harry Maguire and Levi Colwill for the 26-player travelling party.
His inclusion marks a sixth major tournament appearance, having previously helped his country reach the semi-finals and quarter-finals of the last two global finals.
Tuchel gave his public backing to the returning star, insisting he remains a crucial part of his plans and has built up plenty of credit in the bank.
“It was a difficult period when I said that [about retiring] and I hope I don’t get to that again,” Stones told BBC Sport.
“And I really had to dig deep and I am proud of myself for being so mentally strong throughout and coming out the other end of those scenarios or situations.”
Ending a difficult club chapter
The ball-playing defender announced in April that he will depart the Etihad Stadium this summer after struggling for consistent match fitness.
A severe thigh issue kept him sidelined for two months, while a separate calf injury forced him out of the recent international friendlies.
However, the soon-to-be free agent insisted he has been largely fit throughout the campaign and felt pure elation upon receiving his international call-up.
“When I got the call off of the manager, I think he saw the kid inside of me, how I reacted where I couldn’t really control myself,” he added.