6 days ago
Third quarter, down 10-0: "Well, it's not like 2025 started that great, either."
Fourth quarter, as Drake Maye lofts the illest-advised pass of his career to your new favorite player, Joshua Jobe, Esq.: "Knew it. They had it all the way."
With a season-opening 13-10 rope-a-doping of Maye and his New England Patriots, the Seattle Seahawks began their Super Bowl defense the right way. The confounding questions surrounding the secondary were answered with three picks in the final frame, and the thorniest question about depth was answered when Drew Lock essentially saved the day in relief of Sam Darnold.
Yes, it took Seattle three nigh-unwatchable quarters to get the bugs out. But once that fumigation was done, we were treated to an evening of fun-igation, punctuated with everything a championship team does when it's not quite ready to relinquish its **** le. Including having a kicker who knocks 'em through the uprights. Did I mention they answered just about all the preseason questions we had?
But first, as is their modus operandi, the Hawks had to torture us like 53 grown versions of Sid Phillips, or maybe the pigeons from that old Bud Light commercial, you know, the ones who see **** targets on every car. Yes that's it, felt like **** targets. Every time something cool happened, something stinky hit the fan and made you guano tear your hair out.
#quarter
Fourth quarter, as Drake Maye lofts the illest-advised pass of his career to your new favorite player, Joshua Jobe, Esq.: "Knew it. They had it all the way."
With a season-opening 13-10 rope-a-doping of Maye and his New England Patriots, the Seattle Seahawks began their Super Bowl defense the right way. The confounding questions surrounding the secondary were answered with three picks in the final frame, and the thorniest question about depth was answered when Drew Lock essentially saved the day in relief of Sam Darnold.
Yes, it took Seattle three nigh-unwatchable quarters to get the bugs out. But once that fumigation was done, we were treated to an evening of fun-igation, punctuated with everything a championship team does when it's not quite ready to relinquish its **** le. Including having a kicker who knocks 'em through the uprights. Did I mention they answered just about all the preseason questions we had?
But first, as is their modus operandi, the Hawks had to torture us like 53 grown versions of Sid Phillips, or maybe the pigeons from that old Bud Light commercial, you know, the ones who see **** targets on every car. Yes that's it, felt like **** targets. Every time something cool happened, something stinky hit the fan and made you guano tear your hair out.
#quarter
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15 days ago
WBO president Gustavo Olivieri has categorically denied Hamzah Sheeraz's allegations of corruption after Janibek Alimkhanuly was installed as the mandatory challenger for Sheeraz's WBO super middleweight ******* le.
Alimkhanuly, the former unified middleweight champion, failed a VADA anti-doping test for a banned substance just days before his scheduled three-belt unification with Erislandy Lara this past December.
The fight was canceled, but the WBO later terminated Alimkhanuly's suspension early and has now controversially installed him as Sheeraz's mandatory challanger, despite Alimkhanuly having never competed at 168 pounds.
Sheeraz was unhappy with the WBO's ruling and made his feelings clear in an interview with Uncrowned's Ariel Helwani this past month.
"I think it's a joke," Sheeraz said. "I think what the WBO have done here is disgraceful to the sport of boxing. What they're essentially doing is rewarding someone who has [tested positive], so to me, it doesn't make sense.
#mandatory #past
Alimkhanuly, the former unified middleweight champion, failed a VADA anti-doping test for a banned substance just days before his scheduled three-belt unification with Erislandy Lara this past December.
The fight was canceled, but the WBO later terminated Alimkhanuly's suspension early and has now controversially installed him as Sheeraz's mandatory challanger, despite Alimkhanuly having never competed at 168 pounds.
Sheeraz was unhappy with the WBO's ruling and made his feelings clear in an interview with Uncrowned's Ariel Helwani this past month.
"I think it's a joke," Sheeraz said. "I think what the WBO have done here is disgraceful to the sport of boxing. What they're essentially doing is rewarding someone who has [tested positive], so to me, it doesn't make sense.
#mandatory #past
15 days ago
Ukrainian forward Mykhailo Mudryk, whose doping suspension recently ended, has been loaned by Chelsea to Tottenham Hotspur for the 2026/27 season, the London clubs announced Tuesday.
The 25-year-old winger will look to revitalise his career under Roberto De Zerbi, his former coach at Shakhtar Donetsk, who took over as Spurs manager in March.
"I will demand a lot from Misha (Mudryk) and it is our job to help him find the best version of himself. If we do that then he can become a very important player for us," De Zerbi said in a Tottenham press release.
"I am very happy he chose to come here, and I cannot wait to work with him again."
The Football ******* ociation cleared Mudryk to play again in late July following an agreement with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) that led to the withdrawal of the Ukrainian's appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
#doping
The 25-year-old winger will look to revitalise his career under Roberto De Zerbi, his former coach at Shakhtar Donetsk, who took over as Spurs manager in March.
"I will demand a lot from Misha (Mudryk) and it is our job to help him find the best version of himself. If we do that then he can become a very important player for us," De Zerbi said in a Tottenham press release.
"I am very happy he chose to come here, and I cannot wait to work with him again."
The Football ******* ociation cleared Mudryk to play again in late July following an agreement with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) that led to the withdrawal of the Ukrainian's appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
#doping
19 days ago
NEW DELHI: South Africa all-rounder Marizanne Kapp has strongly criticised Cricket Australia's decision to offer transgender cricketer Anaya Bangar a pathway back into competitive women's cricket, calling the development "absolutely ridiculous" and saying it "should not be allowed".
Kapp's reaction came after Australian media reported that Cricket Australia (CA) had cleared Anaya, the daughter of former India cricketer and coach Sanjay Bangar, to return to competitive cricket under its Inclusion of Transgender and Gender Diverse Players in Elite Cricket Policy. The decision has since become a major talking point in the cricketing world.
Sharing a report on her Instagram, Kapp wrote: "Absolutely ridiculous. This should not be allowed."
Anaya underwent gender-affirming surgery in March this year and has now been given a pathway towards elite women's cricket in Australia. Under CA's decision, she can play community cricket in any state or territory of Australia until March 2027.
From March 2027, Anaya can become eligible for elite-level women's cricket if she continues to meet the policy requirements, including the stipulated testosterone threshold.
An expert panel comprising CA's Head of Integrity Jacqui Partridge, Integrity Partner and Legal representative Emily Yates, Head of Scheduling, Operations and Domestic Cricket Peter Roach, Anti-Doping Medical Officer Dr Peter Harcourt and Team Doctor Dr Pip Inge considered Anaya's case before confirming the pathway.
"Under Cricket Australia's Policy, a player seeking to participate in the female category of Elite Cricket must establish that their serum testosterone concentration has been below 10 nmol/L continuously for a period of no less than 12 months," CA said in an email to Anaya.
The governing body added that, based on the medical information submitted, the requirement would be satisfied in March 2027. Her eligibility from that point will remain conditional on a blood test confirming that her testosterone level remains below 10 nmol/L and that she continues to meet the policy's requirements.
Anaya said the process was neither "automatic or informal" and that CA had considered her medical and surgical history, hormone and testosterone levels, cricketing background, playing footage and scientific and athletic performance work conducted with Manchester Metropolitan University's Institute of Sport.
She also revealed that her most recent blood test in July recorded total testosterone at 0.6 nanomoles, which she said was within the female reference range reported by the laboratory.
For Anaya, however, the CA decision represents an opportunity rather than a guarantee of a place in elite cricket.
"I want to make another point very clearly. Eligibility is not selection. Cricket Australia has given me a pathway, which does not mean that I have been given a place in a team. I still have to train, compete, perform and earn that opportunity," she said.
"I don't expect my history
Kapp's reaction came after Australian media reported that Cricket Australia (CA) had cleared Anaya, the daughter of former India cricketer and coach Sanjay Bangar, to return to competitive cricket under its Inclusion of Transgender and Gender Diverse Players in Elite Cricket Policy. The decision has since become a major talking point in the cricketing world.
Sharing a report on her Instagram, Kapp wrote: "Absolutely ridiculous. This should not be allowed."
Anaya underwent gender-affirming surgery in March this year and has now been given a pathway towards elite women's cricket in Australia. Under CA's decision, she can play community cricket in any state or territory of Australia until March 2027.
From March 2027, Anaya can become eligible for elite-level women's cricket if she continues to meet the policy requirements, including the stipulated testosterone threshold.
An expert panel comprising CA's Head of Integrity Jacqui Partridge, Integrity Partner and Legal representative Emily Yates, Head of Scheduling, Operations and Domestic Cricket Peter Roach, Anti-Doping Medical Officer Dr Peter Harcourt and Team Doctor Dr Pip Inge considered Anaya's case before confirming the pathway.
"Under Cricket Australia's Policy, a player seeking to participate in the female category of Elite Cricket must establish that their serum testosterone concentration has been below 10 nmol/L continuously for a period of no less than 12 months," CA said in an email to Anaya.
The governing body added that, based on the medical information submitted, the requirement would be satisfied in March 2027. Her eligibility from that point will remain conditional on a blood test confirming that her testosterone level remains below 10 nmol/L and that she continues to meet the policy's requirements.
Anaya said the process was neither "automatic or informal" and that CA had considered her medical and surgical history, hormone and testosterone levels, cricketing background, playing footage and scientific and athletic performance work conducted with Manchester Metropolitan University's Institute of Sport.
She also revealed that her most recent blood test in July recorded total testosterone at 0.6 nanomoles, which she said was within the female reference range reported by the laboratory.
For Anaya, however, the CA decision represents an opportunity rather than a guarantee of a place in elite cricket.
"I want to make another point very clearly. Eligibility is not selection. Cricket Australia has given me a pathway, which does not mean that I have been given a place in a team. I still have to train, compete, perform and earn that opportunity," she said.
"I don't expect my history
23 days ago
Former Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) against her four-year ban for refusing an anti-doping test.
The 27-year-old was handed the ban in June after the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) charged her with denying a doping control officer entry to her home to conduct an out-of-competition test in December 2025.
Her suspension is due to end on 21 June 2030.
Cas confirmed to BBC Sport that it had received the appeal but said a hearing date had not yet been set.
Vondrousova, who in 2023 became the first unseeded player to win the Wimbledon women's singles ****** le, said in April that when she refused the test she was at "breaking point after months of physical and mental stress".
#wimbledon #vondrousova #sport
The 27-year-old was handed the ban in June after the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) charged her with denying a doping control officer entry to her home to conduct an out-of-competition test in December 2025.
Her suspension is due to end on 21 June 2030.
Cas confirmed to BBC Sport that it had received the appeal but said a hearing date had not yet been set.
Vondrousova, who in 2023 became the first unseeded player to win the Wimbledon women's singles ****** le, said in April that when she refused the test she was at "breaking point after months of physical and mental stress".
#wimbledon #vondrousova #sport
26 days ago
Switzerland's Audrey Werro clocked a meet best to win the 800m on home soil at the Lausanne Diamond League on Friday, but fell well short of the world record.
The newly-crowned European champion, the third fastest ever in the women's two-lap race, is aiming to break the 1min 53.28sec run by Jarmila Kratochvilova of then-Czechoslovakia in 1983.
It remains the oldest world record in track and field, albeit one that is highly contested having come during a period when systemic doping of athletes was prevalent. Kratochvilova, however, never failed a doping test.
Unlike the European champs, the Diamond League features wavelight technology, trackside lighting that enables runners to see at what pace they are running.
Werro also had Myrte van der Schoot as her pacemaker, but depite the Dutchwoman clocking an electric 54.64sec for the opening 400m, the 22-year-old Swiss could not maintain the pace, ultimately winning in a meet record of 1:55.33.
#werro #diamond #World
The newly-crowned European champion, the third fastest ever in the women's two-lap race, is aiming to break the 1min 53.28sec run by Jarmila Kratochvilova of then-Czechoslovakia in 1983.
It remains the oldest world record in track and field, albeit one that is highly contested having come during a period when systemic doping of athletes was prevalent. Kratochvilova, however, never failed a doping test.
Unlike the European champs, the Diamond League features wavelight technology, trackside lighting that enables runners to see at what pace they are running.
Werro also had Myrte van der Schoot as her pacemaker, but depite the Dutchwoman clocking an electric 54.64sec for the opening 400m, the 22-year-old Swiss could not maintain the pace, ultimately winning in a meet record of 1:55.33.
#werro #diamond #World
27 days ago
LAUSANNE, Switzerland (AP) — South African cyclist S'annara Grove has been provisionally suspended because of a failed doping test, the International Testing Agency said Friday.
Grove's sample collected on July 28 at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow returned an "adverse ****** ytical finding" for ipamorelin, the ITA said.
Ipamorelin, prohibited in and out of competition, "is a synthetic peptide used to stimulate the body's natural production of growth hormone," the testing agency said.
The ITA said Grove, who didn't medal in her track cycling events at the Commonwealth Games, has been informed of the case and has the right to challenge the provisional suspension.
The 32-year-old Grove rides professionally for the Smurfit Westrock team and is listed as a competitor in the current Tour of Britain. The third stage of the race was Friday.
#Friday #games #testing #south
Grove's sample collected on July 28 at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow returned an "adverse ****** ytical finding" for ipamorelin, the ITA said.
Ipamorelin, prohibited in and out of competition, "is a synthetic peptide used to stimulate the body's natural production of growth hormone," the testing agency said.
The ITA said Grove, who didn't medal in her track cycling events at the Commonwealth Games, has been informed of the case and has the right to challenge the provisional suspension.
The 32-year-old Grove rides professionally for the Smurfit Westrock team and is listed as a competitor in the current Tour of Britain. The third stage of the race was Friday.
#Friday #games #testing #south
28 days ago
German baseball player Max Kepler, who was suspended by the MLB for 80 games in January after a positive doping test, has suggested that contaminated meat could have caused his result.
The 33-year-old from Berlin has only been allowed to play in the top North American league again since the end of June.
"The substance was in my sample. I have no idea how it got in there, but I am responsible for it," former Minnesota Twins star Kepler said in an interview with broadcaster Sport1.
He tested positive for epitrenbolone, which is an anabolic steroid found in products sold in bodybuilding shops. But it is also used to promote growth when breeding cattle.
"Our theory ... was contaminated red meat. Because there have been cases in the past that were also won. In those cases, a meat source was found in restaurants that athletes ate at and that contained steroids," Kepler said.
#cases #german #north
The 33-year-old from Berlin has only been allowed to play in the top North American league again since the end of June.
"The substance was in my sample. I have no idea how it got in there, but I am responsible for it," former Minnesota Twins star Kepler said in an interview with broadcaster Sport1.
He tested positive for epitrenbolone, which is an anabolic steroid found in products sold in bodybuilding shops. But it is also used to promote growth when breeding cattle.
"Our theory ... was contaminated red meat. Because there have been cases in the past that were also won. In those cases, a meat source was found in restaurants that athletes ate at and that contained steroids," Kepler said.
#cases #german #north
28 days ago
It was at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona when the mutterings about a new "secret weapon" started.
Dozens of Great Britain athletes had been taking a new product that increased muscle mass and improved athletic performance – a "wonder pill" that didn't fall foul of any doping rules.
They were talking about creatine.
Now found in tubs and bags on many supermarket shelves and tagged in your social feeds, it is the supplement of choice for millions of people and one of the most scientifically researched.
But back then, when it came on the scene at the very top of British elite sport, there were suspicions and stigma around the use of any substance described as 'performance enhancing' – even if it was legal.
#british #mutterings #weapon
Dozens of Great Britain athletes had been taking a new product that increased muscle mass and improved athletic performance – a "wonder pill" that didn't fall foul of any doping rules.
They were talking about creatine.
Now found in tubs and bags on many supermarket shelves and tagged in your social feeds, it is the supplement of choice for millions of people and one of the most scientifically researched.
But back then, when it came on the scene at the very top of British elite sport, there were suspicions and stigma around the use of any substance described as 'performance enhancing' – even if it was legal.
#british #mutterings #weapon
29 days ago
Chelsea have provoked frustration among supporters by opting to rebrand their under-19 and under-21 teams. Going forward, the club will designate them as Cobham Next Gen (CNG).
The Blues boast one of the most renowned and successful youth systems in English soccer, having nurtured countless gifted players over the years. It appears that, under BlueCo's stewardship, the organization now seeks to create a distinct identity for their academy, which operates out of Cobham, Surrey.
The club maintains, via The Mirror, that Cobham Next Gen "accurately reflects the age profile" of the academy squad members and reinforces its standing.
Mykhailo Mudryk speaks out after Chelsea star's doping suspension is lifted
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang embraces new La Liga challenge with Deportivo La Coruña
#english
The Blues boast one of the most renowned and successful youth systems in English soccer, having nurtured countless gifted players over the years. It appears that, under BlueCo's stewardship, the organization now seeks to create a distinct identity for their academy, which operates out of Cobham, Surrey.
The club maintains, via The Mirror, that Cobham Next Gen "accurately reflects the age profile" of the academy squad members and reinforces its standing.
Mykhailo Mudryk speaks out after Chelsea star's doping suspension is lifted
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang embraces new La Liga challenge with Deportivo La Coruña
#english
1 month ago
Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert is among the three newest advisors to the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority, officials announced Aug. 14.
As a member of HISA's Horsemen's Advisory Group, Baffert is expected provide feedback on the Racetrack Safety, and Anti-Doping and Medication Control programs, which cover rules and regulations in horse racing. The others named to the 18-member advisory group Aug. 14 are trainers Jena Antonucci and Tim Keefe.
"We are also pleased to welcome our new members to the Advisory Group and look forward to the perspectives they will bring as we continue working collaboratively with stakeholders to enhance the sport for horses and participants alike," HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus said in a statement.
Baffert, Antonucci and Keefe succeed outgoing advisory group members Kelsey Danner, Gavin Murphy and Jonathan Sadler.
Baffert, 73, has trained six Kentucky Derby and two Triple Crown winners in a more than 40-year career. In 2021, Baffert received a two-year suspension from Churchill Downs after Medina Spirit, who had finished first in that year's Kentucky Derby, was found to have failed a postrace drug test. The suspension was later extended one year amid a lawsuit from Baffert, who had claimed Churchill was targeting him and trying to destroy his career.
#group #antonucci #churchill
As a member of HISA's Horsemen's Advisory Group, Baffert is expected provide feedback on the Racetrack Safety, and Anti-Doping and Medication Control programs, which cover rules and regulations in horse racing. The others named to the 18-member advisory group Aug. 14 are trainers Jena Antonucci and Tim Keefe.
"We are also pleased to welcome our new members to the Advisory Group and look forward to the perspectives they will bring as we continue working collaboratively with stakeholders to enhance the sport for horses and participants alike," HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus said in a statement.
Baffert, Antonucci and Keefe succeed outgoing advisory group members Kelsey Danner, Gavin Murphy and Jonathan Sadler.
Baffert, 73, has trained six Kentucky Derby and two Triple Crown winners in a more than 40-year career. In 2021, Baffert received a two-year suspension from Churchill Downs after Medina Spirit, who had finished first in that year's Kentucky Derby, was found to have failed a postrace drug test. The suspension was later extended one year amid a lawsuit from Baffert, who had claimed Churchill was targeting him and trying to destroy his career.
#group #antonucci #churchill
1 month ago
BIRMINGHAM, England (AP) — German sprinter Owen Ansah won the 200-meter final at the European championships Friday despite facing a potential ban at home for allegedly failing to comply with a doping test.
Ansah crossed the line in 19.95 seconds for the gold medal at Alexander Stadium three nights after taking the bronze in the 100 meters.
"I hope everyone will know my name now," Ansah said. "This was the goal, to leave the Europeans with two medals. A bronze and gold is amazing for me."
The 200 was "was always the main goal," he added. "This race was just more for me. At a championship you never know what can happen."
Last week, the National Anti Doping Agency of Germany alleged Ansah "committed a violation of Article 2.3 of the National Anti-Doping Code ... (refusal or failure to submit to sample collection)."
#national #anti #bronze #goal
Ansah crossed the line in 19.95 seconds for the gold medal at Alexander Stadium three nights after taking the bronze in the 100 meters.
"I hope everyone will know my name now," Ansah said. "This was the goal, to leave the Europeans with two medals. A bronze and gold is amazing for me."
The 200 was "was always the main goal," he added. "This race was just more for me. At a championship you never know what can happen."
Last week, the National Anti Doping Agency of Germany alleged Ansah "committed a violation of Article 2.3 of the National Anti-Doping Code ... (refusal or failure to submit to sample collection)."
#national #anti #bronze #goal
1 month ago
The world record for the women's 800m is the longest-standing in athletics. No-one has managed to break it for 43 years.
So why, despite leaps forward in shoe technology and our understanding of nutrition and recovery, has that record not fallen?
Great Britain's Keely Hodgkinson is one of the top three middle-distance runners in the world competing at the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham this week. So could that record, finally, be broken?
The women's 800m world record is held by Czech athlete Jarmila Kratochvilova, who ran a time of one minute 53.28 seconds in 1983.
There have been claims that Kratochvilova's performance in Munich was ***** isted by the systematic doping regime that existed in her country at the time - something she has strenuously denied.
#athletics #keely #hodgkinson #european
So why, despite leaps forward in shoe technology and our understanding of nutrition and recovery, has that record not fallen?
Great Britain's Keely Hodgkinson is one of the top three middle-distance runners in the world competing at the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham this week. So could that record, finally, be broken?
The women's 800m world record is held by Czech athlete Jarmila Kratochvilova, who ran a time of one minute 53.28 seconds in 1983.
There have been claims that Kratochvilova's performance in Munich was ***** isted by the systematic doping regime that existed in her country at the time - something she has strenuously denied.
#athletics #keely #hodgkinson #european
1 month ago
According to information from Nice-Matin and confirmed by multiple other outlets, AS Monaco are set to terminate Paul Pogba's (33) contract.
The French outlet writes that the club informed Pogba a few weeks ago that they intended to end their professional arrangement early. Furthermore, it's being reported that the club will look for a financial settlement with the player and pay out any outstanding wages.
It was only last summer that the 2018 World Cup winner joined Les Monégasques on a free transfer following the end of his doping ban. Pogba struggled with his fitness in his first season back in professional football since 2023. He made only six appearances, totalling 105 minutes of football.
Earlier this summer, Pogba surprised the club by suggesting on social media that he planned to stay for the next season, as discussions over his future had not yet begun. As it turns out, the Frenchman will not continue his career in the Principality.
GFFN | Nick Hartland
#club
The French outlet writes that the club informed Pogba a few weeks ago that they intended to end their professional arrangement early. Furthermore, it's being reported that the club will look for a financial settlement with the player and pay out any outstanding wages.
It was only last summer that the 2018 World Cup winner joined Les Monégasques on a free transfer following the end of his doping ban. Pogba struggled with his fitness in his first season back in professional football since 2023. He made only six appearances, totalling 105 minutes of football.
Earlier this summer, Pogba surprised the club by suggesting on social media that he planned to stay for the next season, as discussions over his future had not yet begun. As it turns out, the Frenchman will not continue his career in the Principality.
GFFN | Nick Hartland
#club
1 month ago
Chelsea are exploring potential loan moves for Mykhailo Mudryk as he looks to build up his fitness after 20 months out of football.
The Ukraine international, 25, has not played a competitive match since November 2024.
He was suspended for four years after returning an adverse finding for the banned substance meldonium.
However, an agreement was reached to resolve the doping case, and the winger has returned with substitute appearances in pre-season friendlies against Juventus, AC Milan and Johor Darul Ta'zim during Chelsea's tour of Asia.
In meetings at the end of the tour, Mudryk agreed to leave on loan before the transfer deadline on 1 September.
#tour #however #juventus
The Ukraine international, 25, has not played a competitive match since November 2024.
He was suspended for four years after returning an adverse finding for the banned substance meldonium.
However, an agreement was reached to resolve the doping case, and the winger has returned with substitute appearances in pre-season friendlies against Juventus, AC Milan and Johor Darul Ta'zim during Chelsea's tour of Asia.
In meetings at the end of the tour, Mudryk agreed to leave on loan before the transfer deadline on 1 September.
#tour #however #juventus
1 month ago
Chelsea travels to Indonesia for another pre-season friendly as they face AC Milan on Saturday at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium.
Date: Saturday, 8th August.
Kick-off: 1pm BST.
Venue: Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, Jakarta, Indonesia.
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso faces significant selection dilemmas ahead of the friendly in Jakarta, primarily driven by a heavily depleted squad following the World Cup. A large contingent of first-team regulars—including Enzo Fernández, Reece James, Malo Gusto, Jordan Henderson, Maxence Lacroix, Morgan Rogers, and Valentín Barco—remain entirely unavailable as they build up fitness. On a positive note, Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill are expected to return to action after being rested against Juventus due to minor knocks. Mykhailo Mudryk is also in line for increased minutes, building on his brief substitute appearance which marked his return to football after a 20-month anti-doping suspension. Meanwhile, Trevoh Chalobah has been left out of the touring squad entirely as he edges closer to a permanent transfer away from Stamford Bridge. This leaves room for new signings like Danny Welbeck and young winger Geovany Quenda to push for starting roles.
#Chelsea #stadium
Date: Saturday, 8th August.
Kick-off: 1pm BST.
Venue: Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, Jakarta, Indonesia.
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso faces significant selection dilemmas ahead of the friendly in Jakarta, primarily driven by a heavily depleted squad following the World Cup. A large contingent of first-team regulars—including Enzo Fernández, Reece James, Malo Gusto, Jordan Henderson, Maxence Lacroix, Morgan Rogers, and Valentín Barco—remain entirely unavailable as they build up fitness. On a positive note, Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill are expected to return to action after being rested against Juventus due to minor knocks. Mykhailo Mudryk is also in line for increased minutes, building on his brief substitute appearance which marked his return to football after a 20-month anti-doping suspension. Meanwhile, Trevoh Chalobah has been left out of the touring squad entirely as he edges closer to a permanent transfer away from Stamford Bridge. This leaves room for new signings like Danny Welbeck and young winger Geovany Quenda to push for starting roles.
#Chelsea #stadium
1 month ago
LONDON (AP) — Former world heavyweight champion Joseph Parker argued to British anti-doping authorities that his nutritionist's cocaine use caused a positive drug test after his bout with Fabio Wardley last October.
Parker, who lost the Oct. 25 fight at O2 Arena in London, had been provisionally suspended after urine tests overseen by UK Anti-Doping showed traces of cocaine in his system.
UKAD said Thursday it imposed a three-month ban which was deemed served because the 34-year-old New Zealander had been suspended since late November.
Parker is free to fight again after the anti-doping organization accepted that "any ingestion of cocaine by Mr. Parker occurred out-of-competition only and in a context unrelated to sport performance." It noted that "cocaine is prohibited in-competition only."
Parker had told investigators he "did not knowingly or intentionally use cocaine" and alleged the positive test "was the result of his exposure to cocaine from use by a nutritionist he employed in preparation for the bout," UKAD's decision read.
#fight
Parker, who lost the Oct. 25 fight at O2 Arena in London, had been provisionally suspended after urine tests overseen by UK Anti-Doping showed traces of cocaine in his system.
UKAD said Thursday it imposed a three-month ban which was deemed served because the 34-year-old New Zealander had been suspended since late November.
Parker is free to fight again after the anti-doping organization accepted that "any ingestion of cocaine by Mr. Parker occurred out-of-competition only and in a context unrelated to sport performance." It noted that "cocaine is prohibited in-competition only."
Parker had told investigators he "did not knowingly or intentionally use cocaine" and alleged the positive test "was the result of his exposure to cocaine from use by a nutritionist he employed in preparation for the bout," UKAD's decision read.
#fight
1 month ago
Tosin Adarabioyo has labelled his Chelsea colleague Mykhailo Mudryk a "freak," and the center-back confessed he isn't remotely shocked his teammate has preserved his physical conditioning throughout the past 20 months.
Mudryk returned to action for the Blues on Wednesday for the first time since November 2024, coming off the bench during the closing stages of the 1-0 loss to Juventus at Hong Kong's Kai Tak Stadium. The FA announced last week that Mudryk's anti-doping disciplinary case had been resolved.
Manager Xabi Alonso informed Mudryk before kickoff that he intended to deploy him for the final 10-15 minutes. While all Chelsea players on the field had been introduced as substitutes at various points in the second period, Nicolas Jackson agreed beforehand to give up his spot to allow Mudryk's entrance, as per football.london.
Donald Trump sparks outrage with Harry Kane World Cup comments
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#donald
Mudryk returned to action for the Blues on Wednesday for the first time since November 2024, coming off the bench during the closing stages of the 1-0 loss to Juventus at Hong Kong's Kai Tak Stadium. The FA announced last week that Mudryk's anti-doping disciplinary case had been resolved.
Manager Xabi Alonso informed Mudryk before kickoff that he intended to deploy him for the final 10-15 minutes. While all Chelsea players on the field had been introduced as substitutes at various points in the second period, Nicolas Jackson agreed beforehand to give up his spot to allow Mudryk's entrance, as per football.london.
Donald Trump sparks outrage with Harry Kane World Cup comments
Donald Trump addresses Gianni Infantino's World Cup sale plans, amidst Kushner links
#donald
1 month ago
A failed drug test threatened to derail the career of former WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker. But a decision issued Thursday by UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) confirmed that Parker has been cleared to fight and can now continue his run toward a second world **** le.
New Zealand's Parker returned an adverse **** ytical finding for benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine, in a Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency (VADA) drug test conducted hours after losing his WBO interim **** le at the hands of Fabio Wardley this past October in London.
Cocaine is a stimulant and therefore considered performance-enhancing when taken in-competition. Parker was facing a ban of up to two years for the presence of the substance in his system. The former champion denied knowingly or intentionally using the drug.
Fabio Wardley stunned Joseph Parker with a late knockout to win in Round 11 at The O2 Arena on October 25, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
Parker argued that the presence of traces of cocaine in his system was due to the regular use of the substance by a nutritionist he employed for the bout.
#cocaine #fabio
New Zealand's Parker returned an adverse **** ytical finding for benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine, in a Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency (VADA) drug test conducted hours after losing his WBO interim **** le at the hands of Fabio Wardley this past October in London.
Cocaine is a stimulant and therefore considered performance-enhancing when taken in-competition. Parker was facing a ban of up to two years for the presence of the substance in his system. The former champion denied knowingly or intentionally using the drug.
Fabio Wardley stunned Joseph Parker with a late knockout to win in Round 11 at The O2 Arena on October 25, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
Parker argued that the presence of traces of cocaine in his system was due to the regular use of the substance by a nutritionist he employed for the bout.
#cocaine #fabio
1 month ago
Joseph Parker's recent drug ban was caused by "contamination" from his "nutritionist", UK Anti-Doping (Ukad) has said, after the boxer's cocaine suspension was lifted this week.
After suffering a controversial stoppage loss to Fabio Wardley in October, traces of cocaine were found in a test given to the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency by Parker.
The test was taken in the hours after Parker's 11th-round loss at London's O2 Arena, with which he lost the interim WBO heavyweight belt, but the result was only published in the weeks thereafter.
Joseph Parker (left) during his loss to Fabio Wardley in October (Getty)
Parker, 34, denied taking any banned substances and insisted that he does not take performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs). Despite cocaine being a recreational drug and not a PED, taking it can lead to a multiple-year ban for a boxer.
#parker #october #drug
After suffering a controversial stoppage loss to Fabio Wardley in October, traces of cocaine were found in a test given to the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency by Parker.
The test was taken in the hours after Parker's 11th-round loss at London's O2 Arena, with which he lost the interim WBO heavyweight belt, but the result was only published in the weeks thereafter.
Joseph Parker (left) during his loss to Fabio Wardley in October (Getty)
Parker, 34, denied taking any banned substances and insisted that he does not take performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs). Despite cocaine being a recreational drug and not a PED, taking it can lead to a multiple-year ban for a boxer.
#parker #october #drug
1 month ago
Bangor striker Ben Arthurs has completed a three-month ban after an anti-doping test revealed the presence of a banned substance following an Irish Premiership game in March.
The 28-year-old was suspended by the County Down club in April, although at the time it was said the Seasiders were "unable to provide further details" while an investigation took place.
Arthurs was subject to the anti-doping test after his side faced Glentoran on 10 March.
A statement from UK Anti-Doping [UKAD] on Thursday said: "Analysis of Mr Arthurs' sample returned an adverse ***** ytical finding (AAF), for benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine."
Under UKAD rules, athletes can be issued reduced three-month suspensions "if they can establish that they used the substance out-of-competition and in a context unrelated to sport performance".
#arthurs #test #substance #bangor
The 28-year-old was suspended by the County Down club in April, although at the time it was said the Seasiders were "unable to provide further details" while an investigation took place.
Arthurs was subject to the anti-doping test after his side faced Glentoran on 10 March.
A statement from UK Anti-Doping [UKAD] on Thursday said: "Analysis of Mr Arthurs' sample returned an adverse ***** ytical finding (AAF), for benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine."
Under UKAD rules, athletes can be issued reduced three-month suspensions "if they can establish that they used the substance out-of-competition and in a context unrelated to sport performance".
#arthurs #test #substance #bangor
1 month ago
Manager Xabi Alonso hailed Mykhailo Mudryk's "emotional" return from a doping ban as the winger played for Chelsea for the first time in nearly two years in a 1-0 friendly defeat to Juventus in Hong Kong on Wednesday.
The Ukrainian international came on as a substitute for Nicolas Jackson in the 82nd minute, drawing applause from his teammates and loud cheers from Chelsea fans in the 43,575 crowd at Kai Tak Stadium.
Mudryk had not played since November 2024 because of a doping ban, but won permission to resume his football career on Friday after winning an appeal.
Despite a lively cameo on the left side, he was unable to stop Juventus taking the spoils courtesy of a wonderful second-half strike from Kosovo international Edon Zhegrova.
"Really pleased for him. It was emotional for everyone from the club to see him back," Alonso told reporters.
#Chelsea
The Ukrainian international came on as a substitute for Nicolas Jackson in the 82nd minute, drawing applause from his teammates and loud cheers from Chelsea fans in the 43,575 crowd at Kai Tak Stadium.
Mudryk had not played since November 2024 because of a doping ban, but won permission to resume his football career on Friday after winning an appeal.
Despite a lively cameo on the left side, he was unable to stop Juventus taking the spoils courtesy of a wonderful second-half strike from Kosovo international Edon Zhegrova.
"Really pleased for him. It was emotional for everyone from the club to see him back," Alonso told reporters.
#Chelsea
1 month ago
Chelsea take on Juventus at Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong on Wednesday, with Xabi Alonso's side aiming to recover after their recent friendly loss to Tottenham.
The Blues head into this fixture still searching for rhythm under their new manager following an inconsistent pre-season run. They began their tour in style with an entertaining 6-4 win over Western Sydney Wanderers but were brought back down to earth last weekend with a narrow 2-1 defeat against London rivals Spurs in Sydney. Alonso has made it clear that improving fitness levels remains a top priority as several key international players gradually rejoin the squad.
Chelsea's squad looks much stronger for the Asian leg of the tour, as several senior players have linked up with the team after extended breaks following the World Cup.
Mykhailo Mudryk is back in contention and could feature after his 21-month doping suspension was lifted, although Alonso has stated he will be managed carefully and is unlikely to play a full match.
Robert Sanchez also returns after missing the Tottenham game with a minor injury and will compete with new signing Mike Penders for the goalkeeper spot.
#several #Chelsea
The Blues head into this fixture still searching for rhythm under their new manager following an inconsistent pre-season run. They began their tour in style with an entertaining 6-4 win over Western Sydney Wanderers but were brought back down to earth last weekend with a narrow 2-1 defeat against London rivals Spurs in Sydney. Alonso has made it clear that improving fitness levels remains a top priority as several key international players gradually rejoin the squad.
Chelsea's squad looks much stronger for the Asian leg of the tour, as several senior players have linked up with the team after extended breaks following the World Cup.
Mykhailo Mudryk is back in contention and could feature after his 21-month doping suspension was lifted, although Alonso has stated he will be managed carefully and is unlikely to play a full match.
Robert Sanchez also returns after missing the Tottenham game with a minor injury and will compete with new signing Mike Penders for the goalkeeper spot.
#several #Chelsea
1 month ago
Mykhailo Mudryk could make his long-awaited return to action when Chelsea face Juventus in a pre-season friendly in Hong Kong on Wednesday.
The Ukraine international has been included in Xabi Alonso's squad after being cleared to resume his career last week following the resolution of his anti-doping case with the Football **** ociation.
Speaking ahead of the match, Alonso confirmed the 25-year-old is available for selection, although he suggested a full 90 minutes would come too soon.
"Yes, he could play. Maybe 90 minutes is too early, but he can be selected," Alonso said.
"He trained yesterday, came directly from the airport to the hotel. Yesterday was more about the feelings, more about the emotions, to be back with the players and to **** s the fitness level."
#alonso
The Ukraine international has been included in Xabi Alonso's squad after being cleared to resume his career last week following the resolution of his anti-doping case with the Football **** ociation.
Speaking ahead of the match, Alonso confirmed the 25-year-old is available for selection, although he suggested a full 90 minutes would come too soon.
"Yes, he could play. Maybe 90 minutes is too early, but he can be selected," Alonso said.
"He trained yesterday, came directly from the airport to the hotel. Yesterday was more about the feelings, more about the emotions, to be back with the players and to **** s the fitness level."
#alonso
1 month ago
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso said on Tuesday "no decision" had been made on Mykhailo Mudryk's future but added the winger could play in pre-season after returning from a doping ban.
Ukrainian international Mudryk was suspended for four years after failing a 2024 drug test, but has won an appeal and was permitted on Friday to resume his football career.
The 25-year-old has not played since November 2024 and there have been rumours that Chelsea could sanction a loan move to bring him up to speed, or even a permanent transfer.
Asked about those possibilities in Hong Kong on Tuesday ahead of his side's friendly against Juventus, Alonso said: "No decision made.
"Everything has happened so quick, so the main thing is that we were thinking about the person, to feel that he was back in the group dynamic, part of the team.
#xabi #ukrainian #mudryk #Friday
Ukrainian international Mudryk was suspended for four years after failing a 2024 drug test, but has won an appeal and was permitted on Friday to resume his football career.
The 25-year-old has not played since November 2024 and there have been rumours that Chelsea could sanction a loan move to bring him up to speed, or even a permanent transfer.
Asked about those possibilities in Hong Kong on Tuesday ahead of his side's friendly against Juventus, Alonso said: "No decision made.
"Everything has happened so quick, so the main thing is that we were thinking about the person, to feel that he was back in the group dynamic, part of the team.
#xabi #ukrainian #mudryk #Friday
2 months ago
Chelsea have been handed a significant boost as speedy winger Mykhailo Mudryk has been cleared to return to action after nearly two years out.
The Ukraine international was suspended for doping, but the ban has been lifted with immediate effect.
The Football ******* ociation's statement said that under current scientific testing standards, the sample collected from the 25-year-old would not have been reported as a positive violation.
Chelsea have released a statement also confirming the news, and the former Shakhtar Donetsk man will jet out to Hong Kong to join the team on tour.
Mudryk's last appearance for the Blues was against Heidenheim in the Europa Conference League in 2024.
#statement #hong #kong
The Ukraine international was suspended for doping, but the ban has been lifted with immediate effect.
The Football ******* ociation's statement said that under current scientific testing standards, the sample collected from the 25-year-old would not have been reported as a positive violation.
Chelsea have released a statement also confirming the news, and the former Shakhtar Donetsk man will jet out to Hong Kong to join the team on tour.
Mudryk's last appearance for the Blues was against Heidenheim in the Europa Conference League in 2024.
#statement #hong #kong
2 months ago
The Women's British Open continues on Friday with second-round action, as the field of 144 players faces the pressure of the cut. After 36 holes, only the top 65 competitors and ties will advance to the weekend at the Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club in Lancashire, England.
Shiho Kuwaki and Yealimi Noh sit comfortably atop the leaderboard after two rounds, both with a six-under overall score and heading into the weekend leading the field.
Jeeno Thitikul, currently ranked second in the world, also made a strong start after two rounds, securing her spot for the weekend. Thitikul impressed in the opening round, carding a 7-under 64 with seven birdies and no bogeys. Although her second round was more challenging, producing just one birdie against three bogeys, Thitikul remains at five under par overall and will continue the battle for the top of the leaderboard on Saturday.
As the second round draws to a close, the projected cut line sits at four-over par. Here is a closer look at the bubble players, those hovering around the cut line, who are fighting to keep their championship hopes alive.
More: PGA Tour suspends Trey Mullinax for anti-doping violation
#overall
Shiho Kuwaki and Yealimi Noh sit comfortably atop the leaderboard after two rounds, both with a six-under overall score and heading into the weekend leading the field.
Jeeno Thitikul, currently ranked second in the world, also made a strong start after two rounds, securing her spot for the weekend. Thitikul impressed in the opening round, carding a 7-under 64 with seven birdies and no bogeys. Although her second round was more challenging, producing just one birdie against three bogeys, Thitikul remains at five under par overall and will continue the battle for the top of the leaderboard on Saturday.
As the second round draws to a close, the projected cut line sits at four-over par. Here is a closer look at the bubble players, those hovering around the cut line, who are fighting to keep their championship hopes alive.
More: PGA Tour suspends Trey Mullinax for anti-doping violation
#overall
2 months ago
Chelsea FC winger Mykhailo Mudryk has been cleared to make an immediate return to action after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) partially upheld an appeal against his four-year ban for doping.
The 25-year-old has not played a competitive match since November 2024 after returning an adverse finding for banned substance meldonium.
Having been provisionally suspended by the Football ****** ociation (FA), Mudryk was then widely reported to have been given a four-year ban – though appealed to Cas against that decision.
The body has now ruled that Mudryk can return "with immediate effect" after he accepted breaking anti-doping rules, and reached agreement on a suspension equivalent to time served.
Cas said the test displayed "a low concentration" of the prohibited substance. It added that changes have since been made to the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) technical document regarding meldonium, a cardiovascular medication.
#year
The 25-year-old has not played a competitive match since November 2024 after returning an adverse finding for banned substance meldonium.
Having been provisionally suspended by the Football ****** ociation (FA), Mudryk was then widely reported to have been given a four-year ban – though appealed to Cas against that decision.
The body has now ruled that Mudryk can return "with immediate effect" after he accepted breaking anti-doping rules, and reached agreement on a suspension equivalent to time served.
Cas said the test displayed "a low concentration" of the prohibited substance. It added that changes have since been made to the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) technical document regarding meldonium, a cardiovascular medication.
#year
2 months ago
Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk is available to return to playing immediately after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) partially upheld his appeal against a four-year ban for doping.
The Ukraine international, 25, has not played a competitive match since November 2024, having been provisionally suspended by the Football ***** ociation the following month after returning an "adverse finding" for banned substance meldonium.
He was subsequently given the maximum four-year ban by the FA but appealed against the decision to Cas, who have ruled Mudryk can return to competition "with immediate effect" after he accepted breaking anti-doping rules and agreed to a suspension equal to the time already served.
Chelsea said they are looking forward to getting Mudryk back to "full fitness, back into the squad and back on to the pitch" and he will join their pre-season tour.
More to follow.
#Chelsea #four #doping
The Ukraine international, 25, has not played a competitive match since November 2024, having been provisionally suspended by the Football ***** ociation the following month after returning an "adverse finding" for banned substance meldonium.
He was subsequently given the maximum four-year ban by the FA but appealed against the decision to Cas, who have ruled Mudryk can return to competition "with immediate effect" after he accepted breaking anti-doping rules and agreed to a suspension equal to the time already served.
Chelsea said they are looking forward to getting Mudryk back to "full fitness, back into the squad and back on to the pitch" and he will join their pre-season tour.
More to follow.
#Chelsea #four #doping
2 months ago
Cycling governing body the UCI has defended overnight doping controls on riders at the Tour de France.
Tour leader Tadej Pogačar was tested at 5 am (0300 GMT) on Sunday before the gruelling 15th stage. Jonas Vingegaard - second at the time - received a visit from drugs testers even earlier at 2 am and later suffered a dramatic crash, meaning he had to quit the race.
There has been widespread criticism of the overnight controls, which according to French newspaper L'Equipe were possible due to a court ruling. It was the first application of provisions introduced into French law in 2015.
The independent International Testing Agency (ITA) carries out the controls on behalf of the UCI, but the governing body decided to issue a statement on Wednesday.
"The UCI of course acknowledges that night-time testing can disrupt riders' rest and recovery, and wishes to reiterate that carrying out such controls outside normal hours remains an exceptional measure, reserved for limited and justified circumstances," it read.
#governing #time
Tour leader Tadej Pogačar was tested at 5 am (0300 GMT) on Sunday before the gruelling 15th stage. Jonas Vingegaard - second at the time - received a visit from drugs testers even earlier at 2 am and later suffered a dramatic crash, meaning he had to quit the race.
There has been widespread criticism of the overnight controls, which according to French newspaper L'Equipe were possible due to a court ruling. It was the first application of provisions introduced into French law in 2015.
The independent International Testing Agency (ITA) carries out the controls on behalf of the UCI, but the governing body decided to issue a statement on Wednesday.
"The UCI of course acknowledges that night-time testing can disrupt riders' rest and recovery, and wishes to reiterate that carrying out such controls outside normal hours remains an exceptional measure, reserved for limited and justified circumstances," it read.
#governing #time
