Ben Stokes bombshell shows how power has swung to sport’s players and coaches July 2, 2026 Social media has allowed the likes of Ben Stokes to control their own narrative but we are no nearer to knowing the truth, says Ed Warner. Truth is a pliable concept, capable of being moulded to suit the interests of the individual, and a battleground for competing narratives. Perspective is not all; volume and reach [...]
Inside Arabian Falcons: The Dubai football side managed by Jonjo Shelvey July 2, 2026 Arabian Falcons have just re-signed Jonjo Shelvey as their manager, with the Dubai football team boasting off-pitch figures such as Jason Puncheon. Matt Hardy investigates Hear someone discussing Arabian Falcons and it would be easy to assume they were talking about either the Peregrine or the Saker – two heritage symbols of the Middle East [...]
NBA Europe bids fall short of $500m mark for some city franchises July 1, 2026 Some of the 12 permanent franchises in the NBA’s planned European basketball league have not yet attracted bids in excess of $500m, the mooted base price for teams. The latest round of bidding from seasoned sport owners, institutional investors and existing football and basketball clubs closed on Monday, with the most sought-after locations – believed [...]
Why World Cup players could pay tax in five different countries July 1, 2026 Football fever has arrived as England prepare for their first knockout game this evening, but for all the excitement the 2026 World Cup could create some major tax headaches for players. Fifa is protected because it negotiates some of the most lucrative broadcasting and sponsorship deals in the sports world, which usually come with tax [...]
Gloucester Rugby warn of risk to future as losses jump 450 per cent July 1, 2026 Gloucester Rugby’s accounts warn they face a “material uncertainty” after the Prem Rugby club saw losses spiral by more than 450 per cent last year. The Gloucester Rugby Limited accounts, filed this week with Companies House, posted a loss of £2.9m for last season, up from £500,000 the year prior – an increase of 464 [...]
Nations Championship: Monzo makes first move into rugby, with Allianz and ITV July 1, 2026 Monzo have broadened its sponsorship portfolio, joining Allianz in sponsoring ITV’s coverage of rugby union’s Nations Championship competition. The challenger bank and insurance giant have each signed deals with the free-to-air broadcaster to be part of the channel’s coverage of the inaugural inter-hemispheric tournament. It is Monzo’s first step into rugby union and comes after [...]
German FA HQ raided by police in bribery probe days after shock World Cup exit July 1, 2026 Police have carried out a major raid on the headquarters of Germany’s football federation, the DFB, in a probe into suspected bribery relating to Euro 2024. The raid on Wednesday morning – 36 hours after the men’s national team suffered a shock elimination from the current World Cup by Paraguay – involved more than 150 [...]
Hated World Cup hydration breaks here to stay for even hotter 2030 and 2034 July 1, 2026 Hydration breaks are expected to remain a feature of future World Cups despite attracting widespread criticism, Morning Wire understands. The divisive three-minute pauses, taken midway through each half, have become one of the tournament’s hottest talking points. They have effectively turned football into a game of four quarters and head coaches have said they are [...]
Everton renew Stake partnership just months after Gambling Commission warning June 30, 2026 Everton could face fresh scrutiny from the Gambling Commission after extending their partnership with bookmaker Stake.com, which is not licensed to operate in the UK. The controversial brand has been the club’s main sponsor for the last four seasons but has now switched to being their sleeve partner ahead of the Premier League’s incoming ban [...]
Exeter Chiefs deal done as Bournemouth owners complete ‘£45m’ takeover June 30, 2026 AFC Bournemouth owner Bill Foley’s Cannae Holdings have completed the purchase of Prem Rugby club Exeter Chiefs for a reported £45m. The American – who controls the Premier League club as part of a Black Knight consortium that includes Michael B Jordan – will become the majority owner of the Devonshire rugby union team, and [...]