5 days ago
Boxer Jai Opetaia has started legal action in the United States to force the IBF to hand back the cruiserweight world ****** le.
The Australian claims the sanctioning body acted unlawfully when it stripped him of his belt following his first fight with promotional outfit Zuffa Boxing.
Opetaia filed a lawsuit in the US District Court for the District of Nevada seeking to have his ****** le reinstated, recover damages and legal costs, and prevent the IBF from naming another cruiserweight champion while the litigation continues.
The IBF declined to comment, with a spokesperson telling BBC Sport: "We will release a statement when it is appropriate."
The 19-page complaint - obtained by BBC Sport - claims rival governing bodies have discouraged champions from facing him, citing David Benavidez's decision not to pursue a fight after Opetaia was stripped and alleging the WBC threatened to strip Noel Mikaelian if he agreed to face the Australian instead.
#opetaia #district #sport #stripped
The Australian claims the sanctioning body acted unlawfully when it stripped him of his belt following his first fight with promotional outfit Zuffa Boxing.
Opetaia filed a lawsuit in the US District Court for the District of Nevada seeking to have his ****** le reinstated, recover damages and legal costs, and prevent the IBF from naming another cruiserweight champion while the litigation continues.
The IBF declined to comment, with a spokesperson telling BBC Sport: "We will release a statement when it is appropriate."
The 19-page complaint - obtained by BBC Sport - claims rival governing bodies have discouraged champions from facing him, citing David Benavidez's decision not to pursue a fight after Opetaia was stripped and alleging the WBC threatened to strip Noel Mikaelian if he agreed to face the Australian instead.
#opetaia #district #sport #stripped
6 days ago
It is an event that has been going for 96 years.
The Commonwealth Games have provided iconic sporting moments – from Roger Bannister's win in the 'Miracle Mile' of 1954 and Eilish McColgan breaking her mum's record in 2022 to England's netball victory four years earlier in Australia.
But the 2026 Games, which open in Glasgow on Thursday, come at an intriguing time for the event. Many doubted whether they would even happen - and when they do go ahead, they will do so in a stripped-back form.
So how did we get here? And do athletes and fans still care and what could the future hold?
The 2026 Commonwealth Games were thrown into doubt when its original hosts, the Australian state of Victoria, pulled out in 2023 citing spiraling costs. That decision took even the leaders of Commonwealth Sport by surprise.
#even #miracle
The Commonwealth Games have provided iconic sporting moments – from Roger Bannister's win in the 'Miracle Mile' of 1954 and Eilish McColgan breaking her mum's record in 2022 to England's netball victory four years earlier in Australia.
But the 2026 Games, which open in Glasgow on Thursday, come at an intriguing time for the event. Many doubted whether they would even happen - and when they do go ahead, they will do so in a stripped-back form.
So how did we get here? And do athletes and fans still care and what could the future hold?
The 2026 Commonwealth Games were thrown into doubt when its original hosts, the Australian state of Victoria, pulled out in 2023 citing spiraling costs. That decision took even the leaders of Commonwealth Sport by surprise.
#even #miracle
6 days ago
The Commonwealth Games might be the only sporting event for which the most-Googled terms are asking what they are and why they exist. One of the top stories on BBC Sport at the time of writing was simply headlined: “What are the Commonwealth Games?”
It’s a good question. They are an anachronistic idea, vaguely defined, thinly justified, a relic of our imperial past, like a mildly offensive heirloom quadrennially hauled down from the attic, modern sport’s unwelcome inheritance from another age.
So yes, the so-called Friendly Games are clearly a little unloved, given the battle to find a willing host. They were tossed aside by Melbourne before a stripped-back version was salvaged by Glasgow, a rescue Games.
They are not fully respected, given not all the stars will show up over the next 10 days. Keely Hodgkinson is prioritising other events. Canadian sensation Summer McIntosh is focused on the Pan Pacific Swimming Championships, preferring to compete against serious American rivals rather than a bunch of island nations.
The Games might even be hard to find, given they are behind a paywall on TNT Sports in the UK, with only highlights on Channel 5.
#commonwealth
It’s a good question. They are an anachronistic idea, vaguely defined, thinly justified, a relic of our imperial past, like a mildly offensive heirloom quadrennially hauled down from the attic, modern sport’s unwelcome inheritance from another age.
So yes, the so-called Friendly Games are clearly a little unloved, given the battle to find a willing host. They were tossed aside by Melbourne before a stripped-back version was salvaged by Glasgow, a rescue Games.
They are not fully respected, given not all the stars will show up over the next 10 days. Keely Hodgkinson is prioritising other events. Canadian sensation Summer McIntosh is focused on the Pan Pacific Swimming Championships, preferring to compete against serious American rivals rather than a bunch of island nations.
The Games might even be hard to find, given they are behind a paywall on TNT Sports in the UK, with only highlights on Channel 5.
#commonwealth
7 days ago
We asked for your views after Newcastle announced they would allow eligible supporters to vote on new club crest options in August as work continues to update the existing badge.
Here are some of your comments:
Ed: A badge isn't just a tool for merchandise. Fans have so much emotional investment into a badge, a hat, scarf or a shirt which reminds you of that game, or that goal, or that person who you went to the game with. It's impossible to "evolve" aspects of the club which carry so much emotional weight without damaging one of the key bases of the fans' support. Of course, fans will keep on coming and loving the club as much as they always did, but it breaks a bond, and only adds to the harmful emotional detachment between the modern game and the football fans' memories.
Ian: I'd rather the crest remained the same, but I accept the argument for changing it. I think the crest vote should be open to all members and that there must be a "none of the above" option.
Matt: It's hard to say supporters are getting their say when the club came out and said this is happening whether anyone likes it or not. These new crests represent a simplified, **** genised version of everything that has ramped up post-Covid. I can already see the final product - a stripped-down version of a crest that is more caricature than representative of anything meaningful.
#club #crest #version
Here are some of your comments:
Ed: A badge isn't just a tool for merchandise. Fans have so much emotional investment into a badge, a hat, scarf or a shirt which reminds you of that game, or that goal, or that person who you went to the game with. It's impossible to "evolve" aspects of the club which carry so much emotional weight without damaging one of the key bases of the fans' support. Of course, fans will keep on coming and loving the club as much as they always did, but it breaks a bond, and only adds to the harmful emotional detachment between the modern game and the football fans' memories.
Ian: I'd rather the crest remained the same, but I accept the argument for changing it. I think the crest vote should be open to all members and that there must be a "none of the above" option.
Matt: It's hard to say supporters are getting their say when the club came out and said this is happening whether anyone likes it or not. These new crests represent a simplified, **** genised version of everything that has ramped up post-Covid. I can already see the final product - a stripped-down version of a crest that is more caricature than representative of anything meaningful.
#club #crest #version
16 days ago
The Formula 1 paddock has long whispered about the ruthless reality of the second seat at Red Bull Racing. For years, the team’s development philosophy has appeared completely centralized around Max Verstappen, leaving a trail of broken teammates in his wake. Now, Sergio Perez has officially broken the silence, confirming every suspicion about the Milton Keynes squad.
In a deeply revealing interview on the High Performance podcast, Perez pulled back the curtain on his turbulent tenure with the team, exposing an environment that ultimately fractured his confidence and forced him to take a sabbatical before joining Cadillac.
Most drivers enter a new championship-winning organization with illusions of equal treatment and a fair fight. Perez, however, was stripped of those illusions before he even sat in the car.
Reflecting on his initial conversations with the team boss, Perez revealed that Christian Horner didn’t mince words about the team’s singular focus.
“First time I met Christian, he told me, I mean, we go racing with two cars because we have to, you know. Otherwise, we will be super happy just to race with one car,” Perez recalled. “Everything is for Max, around Max. We want to win the championship.”
In a deeply revealing interview on the High Performance podcast, Perez pulled back the curtain on his turbulent tenure with the team, exposing an environment that ultimately fractured his confidence and forced him to take a sabbatical before joining Cadillac.
Most drivers enter a new championship-winning organization with illusions of equal treatment and a fair fight. Perez, however, was stripped of those illusions before he even sat in the car.
Reflecting on his initial conversations with the team boss, Perez revealed that Christian Horner didn’t mince words about the team’s singular focus.
“First time I met Christian, he told me, I mean, we go racing with two cars because we have to, you know. Otherwise, we will be super happy just to race with one car,” Perez recalled. “Everything is for Max, around Max. We want to win the championship.”
19 days ago
There's nothing like a Conor McGregor ceremonial weigh-in, and UFC 329 was extra special given it was McGregor's first in five years.
McGregor is set to face Max Holloway for the second time after beating "Blessed" in dominant fashion 13 years ago. A lot has changed since then. Holloway went on to be a dominant featherweight champion and BMF ***** le holder. He's spent the last five years fighting the best of the best. McGregor? He's struggled to get back in the cage, and many wonder if he'll be able to hang with the best on Saturday night.
But McGregor is still a showman, as the UFC 329 ceremonial weigh-ins proved. The crowd was electric as the Mac strode onto the stage in (lifted?) sneakers and stripped down to his skivvies to get on the scale. He them puffed out his chest during the final face-off with Holloway.
Take a look at all the highlights from the UFC 329 ceremonial weigh-ins.
For more on this weekend's UFC 329: "McGregor vs. Holloway 2" event on Paramount+ click here.
McGregor is set to face Max Holloway for the second time after beating "Blessed" in dominant fashion 13 years ago. A lot has changed since then. Holloway went on to be a dominant featherweight champion and BMF ***** le holder. He's spent the last five years fighting the best of the best. McGregor? He's struggled to get back in the cage, and many wonder if he'll be able to hang with the best on Saturday night.
But McGregor is still a showman, as the UFC 329 ceremonial weigh-ins proved. The crowd was electric as the Mac strode onto the stage in (lifted?) sneakers and stripped down to his skivvies to get on the scale. He them puffed out his chest during the final face-off with Holloway.
Take a look at all the highlights from the UFC 329 ceremonial weigh-ins.
For more on this weekend's UFC 329: "McGregor vs. Holloway 2" event on Paramount+ click here.
20 days ago
July 8 (Reuters) - A critical readout on Wednesday of the first Federal Reserve policy meeting overseen by Chairman Kevin Warsh may offer greater insight into the "family fight" the new central bank leader said unfolded over two days last month as officials opted to leave interest rates unchanged and emphasized their commitment to controlling inflation.
Among the biggest uncertainties surrounding the release of the minutes of the June 16-17 Federal Open Market Committee meeting is whether Warsh overhauls them in the same fashion he did the committee's post-meeting policy statement, which was stripped of all forward guidance and curtailed its descriptions of current economic conditions.
Events unfolding in the Middle East highlighted Warsh's reluctance to say much about the future. Oil prices that had been falling, and boosting arguments that inflation would decline, began rising again after the U.S. and Iran traded strikes and President Donald Trump said the framework for a peace deal had been scrapped.
The near 8% increase in benchmark oil prices was modest compared with the increases seen at the start of hostilities on February 28, with Brent crude trading at $77 a barrel on Wednesday versus a peak of around $120 in May and an average of around $105 for more than two months through late May.
But it was a reminder that a volatile geopolitical climate still hangs over the central bank's debates about the course of inflation and the appropriate monetary policy response.
Among the biggest uncertainties surrounding the release of the minutes of the June 16-17 Federal Open Market Committee meeting is whether Warsh overhauls them in the same fashion he did the committee's post-meeting policy statement, which was stripped of all forward guidance and curtailed its descriptions of current economic conditions.
Events unfolding in the Middle East highlighted Warsh's reluctance to say much about the future. Oil prices that had been falling, and boosting arguments that inflation would decline, began rising again after the U.S. and Iran traded strikes and President Donald Trump said the framework for a peace deal had been scrapped.
The near 8% increase in benchmark oil prices was modest compared with the increases seen at the start of hostilities on February 28, with Brent crude trading at $77 a barrel on Wednesday versus a peak of around $120 in May and an average of around $105 for more than two months through late May.
But it was a reminder that a volatile geopolitical climate still hangs over the central bank's debates about the course of inflation and the appropriate monetary policy response.
21 days ago
July 8 (Reuters) - A critical readout on Wednesday of the first Federal Reserve policy meeting overseen by Chairman Kevin Warsh may offer greater insight into the "family fight" the new central bank leader said unfolded over two days last month as officials opted to leave interest rates unchanged and emphasized their commitment to controlling inflation.
Among the biggest uncertainties surrounding the release of the minutes of the June 16-17 Federal Open Market Committee meeting is whether Warsh overhauls them in the same fashion he did the committee's post-meeting policy statement, which was stripped of all forward guidance and curtailed its descriptions of current economic conditions.
Fed policymakers at the meeting agreed unanimously to leave their benchmark rate unchanged in a range of 3.50% to 3.75%. Meanwhile, updated forecasts submitted by everyone but Warsh showed a committee that had shifted away from the rate cuts they previously had projected and was now divided between those who feel leaving rates unchanged is the best course this year versus those who see a need to raise them at least once in the face of inflation driven higher by the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran.
Inflation is running at roughly twice the Fed's 2% target, while the job market appears to have stabilized following a weakening trend through most of last year.
Warsh was appointed by President Donald Trump, who wants lower rates and berated previous Chair Jerome Powell for not delivering them fast enough. But Warsh struck a hawkish tone during his first press conference — repeatedly emphasizing the Fed's inflation-control mandate while scarcely referencing its maximum-employment goals. Investors now broadly expect at least one rate hike this year.
Among the biggest uncertainties surrounding the release of the minutes of the June 16-17 Federal Open Market Committee meeting is whether Warsh overhauls them in the same fashion he did the committee's post-meeting policy statement, which was stripped of all forward guidance and curtailed its descriptions of current economic conditions.
Fed policymakers at the meeting agreed unanimously to leave their benchmark rate unchanged in a range of 3.50% to 3.75%. Meanwhile, updated forecasts submitted by everyone but Warsh showed a committee that had shifted away from the rate cuts they previously had projected and was now divided between those who feel leaving rates unchanged is the best course this year versus those who see a need to raise them at least once in the face of inflation driven higher by the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran.
Inflation is running at roughly twice the Fed's 2% target, while the job market appears to have stabilized following a weakening trend through most of last year.
Warsh was appointed by President Donald Trump, who wants lower rates and berated previous Chair Jerome Powell for not delivering them fast enough. But Warsh struck a hawkish tone during his first press conference — repeatedly emphasizing the Fed's inflation-control mandate while scarcely referencing its maximum-employment goals. Investors now broadly expect at least one rate hike this year.
24 days ago
By Mahmoud Issa and Rami Ayyub
GAZA/JERUSALEM, July 4 (Reuters) - The photo depicts a blindfolded Gaza man stripped to his underwear and restrained face down on a cot while in Israeli custody.
Israel says the image is genuine and has acknowledged that the treatment it depicts "does not align" with its military's values. But it has yet to say who the man is or where he is being held.
That has added to the anguish of two Palestinian mothers, Rana Abu Nassar and Joudeh Al-Ghoul, each of whom is absolutely certain that the man being mistreated in the image is her own missing son.
In the screenshot of an Instagram post, the man's hands are bound behind his back, his right foot tied to the bottom corner of the cot. A wooden rod is bound to the back of his body, running from his right foot up to his neck. His face is mostly obscured.
GAZA/JERUSALEM, July 4 (Reuters) - The photo depicts a blindfolded Gaza man stripped to his underwear and restrained face down on a cot while in Israeli custody.
Israel says the image is genuine and has acknowledged that the treatment it depicts "does not align" with its military's values. But it has yet to say who the man is or where he is being held.
That has added to the anguish of two Palestinian mothers, Rana Abu Nassar and Joudeh Al-Ghoul, each of whom is absolutely certain that the man being mistreated in the image is her own missing son.
In the screenshot of an Instagram post, the man's hands are bound behind his back, his right foot tied to the bottom corner of the cot. A wooden rod is bound to the back of his body, running from his right foot up to his neck. His face is mostly obscured.
25 days ago
By Marek Strzelecki and Barbara Erling
WARSAW, July 3 (Reuters) - Ukraine is looking for ways to lower tension with Warsaw, Poland's prime minister said on Friday, adding that Poland's neighbour to the east should come to terms with its history to join the European Union.
Diplomatic relations between the two countries entered their worst crisis since Russia's 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine after Polish President Karol Nawrocki stripped Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskiy of Poland's top honour.
Nawrocki said he took the step due to the naming of an army unit after insurgents who massacred Poles in World War Two.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk, a political opponent of Nawrocki, has been trying to smooth tensions, and said he had received positive signals from Friday's meeting between Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and his Polish counterpart Radoslaw Sikorski in Warsaw.
WARSAW, July 3 (Reuters) - Ukraine is looking for ways to lower tension with Warsaw, Poland's prime minister said on Friday, adding that Poland's neighbour to the east should come to terms with its history to join the European Union.
Diplomatic relations between the two countries entered their worst crisis since Russia's 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine after Polish President Karol Nawrocki stripped Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskiy of Poland's top honour.
Nawrocki said he took the step due to the naming of an army unit after insurgents who massacred Poles in World War Two.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk, a political opponent of Nawrocki, has been trying to smooth tensions, and said he had received positive signals from Friday's meeting between Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and his Polish counterpart Radoslaw Sikorski in Warsaw.
26 days ago
Meta's plan to sell surplus computing power hit chip stocks hard on Wall Street. Meta's own shares climbed nearly 9% on the news.
The announcement flipped years of ****** umed AI compute scarcity into a supply warning. It erased billions in semiconductor and neocloud value in a single session.
Meta is building a business called Meta Compute. The unit will lease idle data center capacity to outside clients. The approach mirrors ****** eX's model. ****** eX has rented spare capacity to firms including Anthropic.
For years, investors rewarded chip suppliers on one premise. They believed AI demand always outstripped supply. Meta's admission of excess capacity broke that premise. Recent Nvidia institutional money flow data already show large investors pulling back.
Micron sank more than 10% on July 1. SanDisk, Intel and AMD each lost between 6.9% and 10.6%. Nvidia slipped just 1.25%, a modest decline that stood out against the broader rout.
The announcement flipped years of ****** umed AI compute scarcity into a supply warning. It erased billions in semiconductor and neocloud value in a single session.
Meta is building a business called Meta Compute. The unit will lease idle data center capacity to outside clients. The approach mirrors ****** eX's model. ****** eX has rented spare capacity to firms including Anthropic.
For years, investors rewarded chip suppliers on one premise. They believed AI demand always outstripped supply. Meta's admission of excess capacity broke that premise. Recent Nvidia institutional money flow data already show large investors pulling back.
Micron sank more than 10% on July 1. SanDisk, Intel and AMD each lost between 6.9% and 10.6%. Nvidia slipped just 1.25%, a modest decline that stood out against the broader rout.
27 days ago
Markets have been anything but straightforward this year. Stocks have been hitting new records. But the war in Iran, rising inflation, and conflicting narratives over the AI trade have complicated the picture for investors.
Say you had $10,000 to invest on Jan. 2, the first trading day of the year. Had you invested that sum in a variety of major ****** ets, here's where those bets would have left you at the end of the second quarter.
It may not be the ****** iest bet in the book, but the S&P 500 (^GSPC), despite a ream of geopolitical and economic turmoils, has performed better so far in 2026 than many on Wall Street expected, returning roughly 9% in the face of what could've been a series of challenges.
Investors largely have the AI trade to thank. The outperformance of chip and memory stocks, powered by insatiable demand for AI development and ever-increasing compute capacity, has pulled up the entire US equity regime. If tech were stripped out, the S&P 500 would be largely flat.
Case in point: The Philadelphia Semiconductor Index (^SOX), which tracks a basket of chip-related securities, has returned 98.7% for investors, turning a $10,000 investment into $19,546.72.
Say you had $10,000 to invest on Jan. 2, the first trading day of the year. Had you invested that sum in a variety of major ****** ets, here's where those bets would have left you at the end of the second quarter.
It may not be the ****** iest bet in the book, but the S&P 500 (^GSPC), despite a ream of geopolitical and economic turmoils, has performed better so far in 2026 than many on Wall Street expected, returning roughly 9% in the face of what could've been a series of challenges.
Investors largely have the AI trade to thank. The outperformance of chip and memory stocks, powered by insatiable demand for AI development and ever-increasing compute capacity, has pulled up the entire US equity regime. If tech were stripped out, the S&P 500 would be largely flat.
Case in point: The Philadelphia Semiconductor Index (^SOX), which tracks a basket of chip-related securities, has returned 98.7% for investors, turning a $10,000 investment into $19,546.72.
27 days ago
LAUSANNE, Switzerland (AP) — Archery world champion Mariana Bernal of Mexico was banned for three years, the International Testing Agency said Thursday, after testing positive for an anabolic steroid three weeks after winning a team gold medal against the U.S.
The 23-year-old Bernal did not challenge the doping offense and is banned until after the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. She also was stripped of her 2025 World Cup Finals **** le.
The ITA said she had one year cut from a routine four-year ban “due to her early admission” of the doping.
Bernal tested positive for nandrolone in an out-of-competition test in September last year, the agency said.
Three weeks earlier she helped Mexico beat the U.S. in the final to win gold in the women’s team compound event at the world championships held in Gwangju, South Korea.
The 23-year-old Bernal did not challenge the doping offense and is banned until after the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. She also was stripped of her 2025 World Cup Finals **** le.
The ITA said she had one year cut from a routine four-year ban “due to her early admission” of the doping.
Bernal tested positive for nandrolone in an out-of-competition test in September last year, the agency said.
Three weeks earlier she helped Mexico beat the U.S. in the final to win gold in the women’s team compound event at the world championships held in Gwangju, South Korea.
28 days ago
An Iranian political scientist once accused by the feds of working as an unregistered influence agent for Tehran has filed a $1 billion lawsuit against FIFA, ******* ociation president Gianni Infantino, and an unknown number of anonymous FIFA officials after the nation's World Cup team was eliminated from competition by a controversial on-field call.
Lotfolah Kaveh Afrasiabi, who, among other things, served as an official adviser to Iran's nuclear negotiation team when talks were underway with former president Barack Obama, is petitioning for class-action status on behalf of up to 91 million "Iranian nationals and/or Iranian-Americans who supported the Iran football national team and who were emotionally scarred by the flagrant discrimination against their beloved team," according to a civil complaint filed June 30 in federal court.
In it, the 68-year-old Afrasiabi takes issue with FIFA's "double standard, hypocrisy and outright discrimination" against the Iranian squad, which was stripped of a game-winning goal last weekend against Egypt following a video review that determined the scoring player had been offside. As a result of the 1-1 tie, Egypt advanced to the tournament's knock-out stage for the first time ever, while Iran was sent home.
Afrasiabi's complaint contends there exists "[c]lear and incontrovertible" proof that FIFA's "VAR" system, or, Video ******* istant Referee, made an "erroneous" decision "deliberately designed to deprive Iran of victory" in the June 26 match. The move to invalidate the goal by centre-back Shoja Khalilzadeh was immediately "slammed by the Fox Sports commentator [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic as a 'theft' requiring FIFA's apology to Iran, in light of the clear evidence that an Egyptian defender was well behind the Iranian players," according to the complaint.
"In effect, Defendants' actions complained of herein convinced the Plaintiffs and others similarly situated that Iran was 'robbed' of victory and the chance for advancing to the knock-off stage of the World Cup, thus creating a traumatic experience of victimization on their part," the complaint states.
Lotfolah Kaveh Afrasiabi, who, among other things, served as an official adviser to Iran's nuclear negotiation team when talks were underway with former president Barack Obama, is petitioning for class-action status on behalf of up to 91 million "Iranian nationals and/or Iranian-Americans who supported the Iran football national team and who were emotionally scarred by the flagrant discrimination against their beloved team," according to a civil complaint filed June 30 in federal court.
In it, the 68-year-old Afrasiabi takes issue with FIFA's "double standard, hypocrisy and outright discrimination" against the Iranian squad, which was stripped of a game-winning goal last weekend against Egypt following a video review that determined the scoring player had been offside. As a result of the 1-1 tie, Egypt advanced to the tournament's knock-out stage for the first time ever, while Iran was sent home.
Afrasiabi's complaint contends there exists "[c]lear and incontrovertible" proof that FIFA's "VAR" system, or, Video ******* istant Referee, made an "erroneous" decision "deliberately designed to deprive Iran of victory" in the June 26 match. The move to invalidate the goal by centre-back Shoja Khalilzadeh was immediately "slammed by the Fox Sports commentator [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic as a 'theft' requiring FIFA's apology to Iran, in light of the clear evidence that an Egyptian defender was well behind the Iranian players," according to the complaint.
"In effect, Defendants' actions complained of herein convinced the Plaintiffs and others similarly situated that Iran was 'robbed' of victory and the chance for advancing to the knock-off stage of the World Cup, thus creating a traumatic experience of victimization on their part," the complaint states.
28 days ago
PARIS (AP) — Tadej Pogačar has never appeared stronger as he stands on the verge of joining the ranks of the Tour de France’ s greatest champions.
The two-time world champion has crushed his rivals this season, across all terrains. That's primed Pogačar to chase a record-equaling fifth Tour victory starting on Saturday in Barcelona.
The only four riders to have won five Tours are Belgian Eddy Merckx, Spaniard Miguel Indurain and Frenchmen Jacques Anquetil and Bernard Hinault.
American rider Lance Armstrong won seven Tours from 1999-2005 but was stripped of them for participating in a systemic doping program.
Pogačar's insatiable thirst for winning has drawn comparisons with Merckx, widely regarded as the greatest of all time. Some observers believe the 27-year-old from Slovenia could eventually surpass Merckx’s records from the 1960s and 70s.
The two-time world champion has crushed his rivals this season, across all terrains. That's primed Pogačar to chase a record-equaling fifth Tour victory starting on Saturday in Barcelona.
The only four riders to have won five Tours are Belgian Eddy Merckx, Spaniard Miguel Indurain and Frenchmen Jacques Anquetil and Bernard Hinault.
American rider Lance Armstrong won seven Tours from 1999-2005 but was stripped of them for participating in a systemic doping program.
Pogačar's insatiable thirst for winning has drawn comparisons with Merckx, widely regarded as the greatest of all time. Some observers believe the 27-year-old from Slovenia could eventually surpass Merckx’s records from the 1960s and 70s.
1 month ago
Heather Graham wowed in a tiny white bikini on the beach in photos shared on June 27.
The White Lotus actress shared a behind-the-scenes glimpse at her downtime in the French Riviera.
Graham also shared photos of Italian boyfriend Michele Civetta.
Heather Graham stripped down to a white string bikini while sending her fans some "summer love" from the French Riviera. In a photo dump posted on June 27, the 56-year-old actress gave fans a glimpse of her sun-soaked downtime while filming the upcoming season of The White Lotus, including sweet cameos from boyfriend Michele Civetta.
"Flew to the South of France to work on thewhitelotus and turned it into a vacation with mcivetta ninabergman debrajfisher ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ The beach is so beautiful at Cap d'Ail," Graham captioned her idyllic carousel.
The White Lotus actress shared a behind-the-scenes glimpse at her downtime in the French Riviera.
Graham also shared photos of Italian boyfriend Michele Civetta.
Heather Graham stripped down to a white string bikini while sending her fans some "summer love" from the French Riviera. In a photo dump posted on June 27, the 56-year-old actress gave fans a glimpse of her sun-soaked downtime while filming the upcoming season of The White Lotus, including sweet cameos from boyfriend Michele Civetta.
"Flew to the South of France to work on thewhitelotus and turned it into a vacation with mcivetta ninabergman debrajfisher ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ The beach is so beautiful at Cap d'Ail," Graham captioned her idyllic carousel.
1 month ago
North West made a statement at Vetements' Spring/Summer 2027 menswear show during Paris Fashion Week, debuting an edgy new faux facial-piercing look that perfectly matched her signature alternative style. The 13-year-old daughter of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West arrived in blue pigtails with her apparent angel-bite lip studs drawing attention. But North was far from the only headline-making guest. Sharon Stone returned to the runway for the first time in more than three decades, while Britney Spears' sons Sean Preston and Jayden James both took to the catwalk in their modelling debuts. Olivia Palermo, Natalia Vodianova and Alexandre Grimaldi were also among the glamorous crowd.
North West ensured all eyes were on her with an edgy all-black Vetements look. The 13-year-old paired an oversized graphic top with a pleated mini skirt, sheer tights and chunky black boots wrapped in oversized silver chains. Her vivid turquoise-blue hair was styled into high pigtails, while her apparent faux lip, cheek and nose jewellery, spiked collar and dramatic manga-inspired makeup gave the outfit a full punk-pop finish.
Britney Spears and Kevin Federline's eldest son, Sean Preston Spears, made a confident runway appearance in a striking all-black ensemble. He wore a long satin-finish black coat with graphic patches and labels , layered over a black **** on-down shirt and necktie. Faded blue jeans and glossy black shoes gave the tailored look a deliberately undone edge, perfectly suited to Vetements' subversive approach to menswear.
Jayden joined his older brother Sean on the Vetements runway, opting for a more stripped-back take on the collection. Britney's younger son wore a fitted white tank top with relaxed pale-blue jeans, finished with a brown leather belt, oversized buckle and a cluster of chains at his hip. Dark leather shoes and softly tousled hair completed the effortless, off-duty look.
Sharon made one of the show's most memorable runway appearances, returning to the Paris Fashion Week catwalk more than 30 years after her last turn for Valentino. The Basic Instinct star wore an oversized white blazer over a black shirt and white tie, paired with ultra-shiny black thigh-high boots. Her sleek centre-parted blonde bob and understated makeup allowed the sharply tailored, high-contrast look to take centre stage.
North West ensured all eyes were on her with an edgy all-black Vetements look. The 13-year-old paired an oversized graphic top with a pleated mini skirt, sheer tights and chunky black boots wrapped in oversized silver chains. Her vivid turquoise-blue hair was styled into high pigtails, while her apparent faux lip, cheek and nose jewellery, spiked collar and dramatic manga-inspired makeup gave the outfit a full punk-pop finish.
Britney Spears and Kevin Federline's eldest son, Sean Preston Spears, made a confident runway appearance in a striking all-black ensemble. He wore a long satin-finish black coat with graphic patches and labels , layered over a black **** on-down shirt and necktie. Faded blue jeans and glossy black shoes gave the tailored look a deliberately undone edge, perfectly suited to Vetements' subversive approach to menswear.
Jayden joined his older brother Sean on the Vetements runway, opting for a more stripped-back take on the collection. Britney's younger son wore a fitted white tank top with relaxed pale-blue jeans, finished with a brown leather belt, oversized buckle and a cluster of chains at his hip. Dark leather shoes and softly tousled hair completed the effortless, off-duty look.
Sharon made one of the show's most memorable runway appearances, returning to the Paris Fashion Week catwalk more than 30 years after her last turn for Valentino. The Basic Instinct star wore an oversized white blazer over a black shirt and white tie, paired with ultra-shiny black thigh-high boots. Her sleek centre-parted blonde bob and understated makeup allowed the sharply tailored, high-contrast look to take centre stage.
1 month ago
By Mike Scarcella
WASHINGTON, June 24 (Reuters) - A federal judge on Wednesday ordered U.S. President Donald Trump's administration to explain why it placed a tarp over the Kennedy Center's façade after the Republican leader's name was removed from the building under a court order.
U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper said the administration must report by July 31 "the purpose and status of the tarp and scaffolding" now in place at the iconic building.
The tarp was installed as workers stripped Trump's name in a predawn operation this month following an order from Cooper that the Trump administration unlawfully added his name to the facade in December.
The White House and Kennedy Center did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
WASHINGTON, June 24 (Reuters) - A federal judge on Wednesday ordered U.S. President Donald Trump's administration to explain why it placed a tarp over the Kennedy Center's façade after the Republican leader's name was removed from the building under a court order.
U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper said the administration must report by July 31 "the purpose and status of the tarp and scaffolding" now in place at the iconic building.
The tarp was installed as workers stripped Trump's name in a predawn operation this month following an order from Cooper that the Trump administration unlawfully added his name to the facade in December.
The White House and Kennedy Center did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
1 month ago
WARSAW, Poland (AP) — Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy has returned Poland's highest state honor, after the Polish president stripped him of the award as a politically charged dispute over World War II history resurfaced.
Ukrainians believed the order "was meant for the Ukrainian People and our army," Zelenskyy wrote in a social media post explaining the gesture. "Today, I sent the Order back to the President of Poland. I believe the future will confirm the respect Ukrainians deserve."
The message published on X is accompanied by photos of the Polish order and a postal receipt that it was about to be mailed to the Polish presidential office.
President Karol Nawrocki decided to strip Zelenskyy of the Order of the White Eagle over the Ukrainian leader's decision to name a military unit after a Ukrainian paramilitary organization accused of massacring Poles during WWII.
Former Polish President Andrzej Duda bestowed the award on Zelenskyy in 2023 for services to security, resilience and the defense of human rights.
Ukrainians believed the order "was meant for the Ukrainian People and our army," Zelenskyy wrote in a social media post explaining the gesture. "Today, I sent the Order back to the President of Poland. I believe the future will confirm the respect Ukrainians deserve."
The message published on X is accompanied by photos of the Polish order and a postal receipt that it was about to be mailed to the Polish presidential office.
President Karol Nawrocki decided to strip Zelenskyy of the Order of the White Eagle over the Ukrainian leader's decision to name a military unit after a Ukrainian paramilitary organization accused of massacring Poles during WWII.
Former Polish President Andrzej Duda bestowed the award on Zelenskyy in 2023 for services to security, resilience and the defense of human rights.
1 month ago
KYIV, June 20 (Reuters) - President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's chief of staff said on Saturday he was renouncing a Polish state medal after President Karol Nawrocki stripped Zelenskiy of Poland's top honour over a historical dispute.
The move by Kyrylo Budanov threatens to deepen a diplomatic rift between the close strategic partners as Kyiv rallies allies to push Russia to end its war on Ukraine.
Nawrocki said on Friday he was revoking the Order of the White Eagle from Zelenskiy after he renamed a military unit in honour of World War Two-era Ukrainian insurgents blamed for massacring Poles.
Budanov said he was renouncing the Golden Officer's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland, awarded to him last year, to protest against a move he described as "a gift" for Russia.
"Our nations have long-standing relations and different pages of history - both heroic and tragic," he posted on social media. "However, this should be an occasion for deep reflection, not crude political speculation."
The move by Kyrylo Budanov threatens to deepen a diplomatic rift between the close strategic partners as Kyiv rallies allies to push Russia to end its war on Ukraine.
Nawrocki said on Friday he was revoking the Order of the White Eagle from Zelenskiy after he renamed a military unit in honour of World War Two-era Ukrainian insurgents blamed for massacring Poles.
Budanov said he was renouncing the Golden Officer's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland, awarded to him last year, to protest against a move he described as "a gift" for Russia.
"Our nations have long-standing relations and different pages of history - both heroic and tragic," he posted on social media. "However, this should be an occasion for deep reflection, not crude political speculation."
1 month ago
Just months before Jelly Roll filed for divorce from wife Bunnie Xo, she opened up about infidelity, arguments and their rocky newlywed days in her memoir.
The 41-year-old "Son of a Sinner" singer – whose real name is Jason DeFord – filed for divorce from his podcaster wife, whose real name is Alisa DeFord, on May 18, according to court records reviewed by USA TODAY on Monday, June 15. A divorce filing obtained by the USA TODAY Network noted the couple separated on May 9. The couple had been married for 10 years.
In "Stripped Down" (published Feb. 17 from Dey Street Books), Bunnie takes readers back to their first meeting at his concert in Las Vegas and the spontaneous courthouse wedding shortly after. What follows is a whirlwind relationship involving the couple's custody battle for Jelly Roll's daughter from a previous marriage, an affair, an abrupt move out, a sour stint in marriage counseling and, eventually, reconciliation. The producers of "Landman" and "Yellowstone" have acquired the rights for a film adaptation of the memoir, Variety reported in March.
"If we're far from perfect now, we were farther then," she writes.
When the couple got full custody of Jelly Roll's daughter early in their relationship, they moved to Nashville. But, as Bunnie writes in her memoir, coming back to Nashville meant that "women from J's past were resurfacing."
The 41-year-old "Son of a Sinner" singer – whose real name is Jason DeFord – filed for divorce from his podcaster wife, whose real name is Alisa DeFord, on May 18, according to court records reviewed by USA TODAY on Monday, June 15. A divorce filing obtained by the USA TODAY Network noted the couple separated on May 9. The couple had been married for 10 years.
In "Stripped Down" (published Feb. 17 from Dey Street Books), Bunnie takes readers back to their first meeting at his concert in Las Vegas and the spontaneous courthouse wedding shortly after. What follows is a whirlwind relationship involving the couple's custody battle for Jelly Roll's daughter from a previous marriage, an affair, an abrupt move out, a sour stint in marriage counseling and, eventually, reconciliation. The producers of "Landman" and "Yellowstone" have acquired the rights for a film adaptation of the memoir, Variety reported in March.
"If we're far from perfect now, we were farther then," she writes.
When the couple got full custody of Jelly Roll's daughter early in their relationship, they moved to Nashville. But, as Bunnie writes in her memoir, coming back to Nashville meant that "women from J's past were resurfacing."
1 month ago
France next World Cup match: Fixture schedule, start time, draw bracket as Les Blues face Iraq originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
France head to this summer's World Cup bidding for a successful end to Didier Deschamps' time in charge.
The head coach will step down after the tournament, with Zinedine Zidane widely expected to take over the position with Les Bleus that Deschamps has held since 2012. He will have a difficult job to replace his former teammate, who led France to glory at the 2018 finals in Russia and only lost the 2022 showpiece to Argentina on penalties.
France undoubtedly boast one of the strongest rosters in the tournament, but their Group I campaign looks anything but straightforward. Up first are Senegal, who won the most recent Africa Cup of Nations only to see their ***** le stripped. France then face qualifying playoff winners Iraq before facing Erling Haaland and Norway.
Here is everything you need to know about France's appearance at the World Cup, including the latest results from the tournament.
France head to this summer's World Cup bidding for a successful end to Didier Deschamps' time in charge.
The head coach will step down after the tournament, with Zinedine Zidane widely expected to take over the position with Les Bleus that Deschamps has held since 2012. He will have a difficult job to replace his former teammate, who led France to glory at the 2018 finals in Russia and only lost the 2022 showpiece to Argentina on penalties.
France undoubtedly boast one of the strongest rosters in the tournament, but their Group I campaign looks anything but straightforward. Up first are Senegal, who won the most recent Africa Cup of Nations only to see their ***** le stripped. France then face qualifying playoff winners Iraq before facing Erling Haaland and Norway.
Here is everything you need to know about France's appearance at the World Cup, including the latest results from the tournament.
1 month ago
Bunnie Xo and Jelly Roll had selected a surrogate and were hoping to welcome twins as recently as February.
Three months later, they're headed for divorce.
The country singer, whose real name is Jason DeFord, filed for divorce from the Dumb Blonde podcast host (real name: Alisa DeFord), in Williamson County, Tenn., on May 18. News of the filing was first reported by TMZ on Monday.
In an interview with Yahoo in February around the release of her memoir, Stripped Down: Unfiltered and Unapologetic, Bunnie said she and her husband of nearly a decade were in a strong place after years of working toward goals they once only dreamed about.
"We're excited," she said. "We've never been here. This is what we sat down and dreamt about the first night we were together — our five-year plan."
Three months later, they're headed for divorce.
The country singer, whose real name is Jason DeFord, filed for divorce from the Dumb Blonde podcast host (real name: Alisa DeFord), in Williamson County, Tenn., on May 18. News of the filing was first reported by TMZ on Monday.
In an interview with Yahoo in February around the release of her memoir, Stripped Down: Unfiltered and Unapologetic, Bunnie said she and her husband of nearly a decade were in a strong place after years of working toward goals they once only dreamed about.
"We're excited," she said. "We've never been here. This is what we sat down and dreamt about the first night we were together — our five-year plan."
1 month ago
After suffering a rugby injury at 17, Morgan Purnell decided to get into reselling vintage clothes.
He made £142,235 ($191,241) in 2025, with Vinted accounting for the biggest portion of sales.
Purnell uses social media to promote his business, and AI to streamline processes.
This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Morgan Purnell, a 20-year-old entrepreneur who runs a vintage-clothing resale business and is based in Surrey, UK. It's been edited for length and clarity.
My dream when I was a kid was to play professional rugby. But when I tore 2 ligaments in my right knee when I was 17, it knocked me out of rugby for about a year and a half. My entire identity was stripped overnight.
He made £142,235 ($191,241) in 2025, with Vinted accounting for the biggest portion of sales.
Purnell uses social media to promote his business, and AI to streamline processes.
This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Morgan Purnell, a 20-year-old entrepreneur who runs a vintage-clothing resale business and is based in Surrey, UK. It's been edited for length and clarity.
My dream when I was a kid was to play professional rugby. But when I tore 2 ligaments in my right knee when I was 17, it knocked me out of rugby for about a year and a half. My entire identity was stripped overnight.
2 months ago
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been spotted with what appeared to be a mysterious bruise on his face while driving near his home.
The former Prince, 66, was pictured driving his Land Rover near Marsh Farm on the Sandringham Estate on Thursday. Another man and a dog were present in the car.
Andrew appeared to have a large, red blemish on his cheek, covering the majority of his right cheek and surrounding the eye. It's not known how he obtained the mark, however, The Times reported that it's believed to be the result of a "non-serious medical condition".
Andrew, who was wearing a pink shirt and blue jacket, has hardly been seen in public since a security scare while he was dog walking on the estate last month.
He has withdrawn from public life even more after being stripped of his remaining ******* les last October by his brother, King Charles. In January, he left Royal Lodge in Windsor and moved to Sandringham.
The former Prince, 66, was pictured driving his Land Rover near Marsh Farm on the Sandringham Estate on Thursday. Another man and a dog were present in the car.
Andrew appeared to have a large, red blemish on his cheek, covering the majority of his right cheek and surrounding the eye. It's not known how he obtained the mark, however, The Times reported that it's believed to be the result of a "non-serious medical condition".
Andrew, who was wearing a pink shirt and blue jacket, has hardly been seen in public since a security scare while he was dog walking on the estate last month.
He has withdrawn from public life even more after being stripped of his remaining ******* les last October by his brother, King Charles. In January, he left Royal Lodge in Windsor and moved to Sandringham.
3 months ago
The Lines We Chose - Day 4
The investor’s office felt like a different world.
Everything was deliberate—glass walls, controlled lighting, silence that wasn’t empty but measured.
Maya found herself sitting straighter than usual, aware of every movement, every word that might carry more weight than intended.
“Interesting,” the investor said, folding his hands together.
“But ideas are cheap.”
Zoe didn’t hesitate.
“Execution isn’t.”
There was no tension in her voice. Only certainty.
Maya watched her carefully. Zoe didn’t adapt to the room—she reshaped it.
Ethan spoke when asked, and when he did, the atmosphere shifted. His explanations were precise, stripped of unnecessary words, but powerful enough to command attention.
Lucas sat quietly, his camera resting on the table for once.
No recording.
Not this time.
When the meeting ended, the air outside felt heavier than inside.
“They’re interested,” Zoe said.
“They’re cautious,” Maya replied.
“They’ll come around.”
Ethan hesitated. “They asked about ownership.”
For a fraction of a second, Zoe’s expression flickered.
“We’ll deal with that later.”
Maya didn’t respond.
But something, subtle and persistent, began to settle beneath the surface.
Not everything was being shared anymore.
#WebNovel #OnlineFiction #IndieAuthor
The investor’s office felt like a different world.
Everything was deliberate—glass walls, controlled lighting, silence that wasn’t empty but measured.
Maya found herself sitting straighter than usual, aware of every movement, every word that might carry more weight than intended.
“Interesting,” the investor said, folding his hands together.
“But ideas are cheap.”
Zoe didn’t hesitate.
“Execution isn’t.”
There was no tension in her voice. Only certainty.
Maya watched her carefully. Zoe didn’t adapt to the room—she reshaped it.
Ethan spoke when asked, and when he did, the atmosphere shifted. His explanations were precise, stripped of unnecessary words, but powerful enough to command attention.
Lucas sat quietly, his camera resting on the table for once.
No recording.
Not this time.
When the meeting ended, the air outside felt heavier than inside.
“They’re interested,” Zoe said.
“They’re cautious,” Maya replied.
“They’ll come around.”
Ethan hesitated. “They asked about ownership.”
For a fraction of a second, Zoe’s expression flickered.
“We’ll deal with that later.”
Maya didn’t respond.
But something, subtle and persistent, began to settle beneath the surface.
Not everything was being shared anymore.
#WebNovel #OnlineFiction #IndieAuthor
7 months ago
Few topics divide the crypto industry more than politics. Donald Trump is often referred to as “America's first crypto president,” while the Biden administration earned a reputation for being hostile toward the sector.
But when rhetoric is stripped away and replaced with market data, the picture becomes more nuanced. The key question is not which administration spoke more favorably about crypto, but under whose leadership Bitcoin ultimately performed better.
In the 2024 United States presidential election, Trump positioned himself as a pro-crypto candidate, vowing to make the US the “crypto
But when rhetoric is stripped away and replaced with market data, the picture becomes more nuanced. The key question is not which administration spoke more favorably about crypto, but under whose leadership Bitcoin ultimately performed better.
In the 2024 United States presidential election, Trump positioned himself as a pro-crypto candidate, vowing to make the US the “crypto
8 months ago
Last Thursday, luxury British automaker Bentley unveiled its latest creation, the Supersports, a high-performance, lightweight, two-passenger version of its Continental GT coupe. The event in New York City's Chelsea district drew youthful and urban fans — not the usual clientele Bentley typically attracts.
But times are changing — and so are Bentley's buyers.
The stripped-down, carbon-fiber-shod sports car is powered by a twin-turbo V8, comes in rear-wheel drive only, and isn't a hybrid, like most of the other models in the Bentley lineup. The company has not yet provided pricing for the Sup
But times are changing — and so are Bentley's buyers.
The stripped-down, carbon-fiber-shod sports car is powered by a twin-turbo V8, comes in rear-wheel drive only, and isn't a hybrid, like most of the other models in the Bentley lineup. The company has not yet provided pricing for the Sup
1 yr. ago
Francesca Gino, a celebrated behavioral scientist at Harvard Business School, was let go after the school’s top governing board determined she tweaked observations in four studies so that their findings boosted her hypotheses, GBH News reported.
https://nypost.com/2025/05...
https://nypost.com/2025/05...
https://nypost.com/2025/05...
https://nypost.com/2025/05...
1 yr. ago
After COVID Vegas Has Stripped away everything that made Vegas Great No more cheap or Affordable Buffets now only selected Buffets select Hours and even Days at a Huge Price
No more Cheap Beer comps are a Joke too Drink Tickets for Sports wageringAlso stingy nowRipoff on Games to
No more Cheap Beer comps are a Joke too Drink Tickets for Sports wageringAlso stingy nowRipoff on Games to
