The Premier League will update its proposals around rules governing commercial deals after a meeting of top-flight clubs on Tuesday.

It was the first meeting of the 20 clubs since the verdict in Manchester City’s legal case against the Premier League over the league’s associated party transaction (APT) rules was announced earlier this month.

APT rules are in place to ensure sponsorship deals with companies linked to clubs’ owners represent fair market value.

City had some complaints upheld, with two aspects of the rules deemed unlawful by the tribunal.

The tribunal said low-interest shareholder loans should not be excluded from the scope of APT rules, and that changes made in February to toughen up the regulations also breached competition law.

The Premier League is hopeful it can get an agreement from clubs on the new rules in the short to medium term, but City do not share the view that the matter can be resolved fairly quickly.

There was never an intention to hold a vote at Tuesday’s meeting.

Premier League chiefs used the meeting, which officials attending said lasted just over an hour, to outline the situation from their perspective.

The league will now use the feedback to update its proposals and recirculate to the clubs. Privately, it has been suggested this could be done in a matter of days.

However, the whole issue will not be clarified until the league holds a vote, which would require 14 clubs to vote in favour.

League officials were not able to offer a timescale on that but agreed this could be over the short to medium term.

The next Premier League shareholders meeting is due to take place in the middle of November, although adequate time would have to be allowed beforehand if a vote was to take place then.

There aren’t many things that Dana White has defended in the UFC more vehemently lately than his passionate declaration that Jon Jones is the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the sport.

While it’s tough to deny Jones’ status among the greatest of all-time, his inactivity over the past few years has pushed him further down those rankings while other athletes like Islam Makhachev have continued to take out contender after contender. Right now it’s Makhachev sitting atop the mythical pound-for-pound list both in the MMA Fighting Global Rankings and the UFC’s official rankings, surely to White’s dismay.

For all the ways White has continued to pound the desk when it comes to his belief that Jones should be No. 1, Makhachev’s manager believes he knows why the UFC boss is taking such a strong stance on the subject.

“Listen, it’s the reason why Dana White is the pound-for-pound greatest promoter on this planet,” Ali Abdelaziz explained when speaking to MMA Fighting. “Jon Jones is fighting next month. He’s fighting a guy [in Stipe Miocic], he’s probably going to be -800 against. [This is] the best way to promote this fight, to promote Jon Jones.

“Dana never promoted Jon Jones for some reason. But now he’s on Jon Jones’ wagon. Guess what? This promotes Jon Jones, too. He can say he’s the greatest of all time. Islam Makhachev right now currently is the pound-for-pound greatest fighter in the world by far. It’s not even second place. But Dana’s Dana. People think he’s talking gospel.”

Abdelaziz might have a point based on the odds surrounding Jones’ upcoming fight booked against Miocic on Nov. 16 in the main event at UFC 309 in New York.

While it’s impossible to negate Miocic as one of the greatest heavyweights in MMA history, he hasn’t fought since 2021 and his last appearance was a knockout loss to Francis Ngannou. Add to that, Miocic just recently turned 42 and most oddsmakers have him around a 6-to-1 underdog going into the fight with Jones.

There’s also been a lot of blowback that Jones should be fighting interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall next rather than Miocic coming back from a three-plus year long layoff.

That’s why Abdelaziz can’t fault White for pumping up Jones any way he can, especially with a pay-per-vieiw to sell in November.

“In reality, it is what it is,” Abdelaziz said. “Dana is going to be Dana, Islam has just got to keep going and prove to everyone he’s the pound-for-pound king. I’m not worried about it. Islam is not worried about it. But Dana’s supposed to promote Jon Jones and he’s doing it and he’s doing a great job at it.”

As far as what comes next for Makhachev, the reigning UFC lightweight champion is expected to return in early 2025 after dealing with a thumb injury following his submission win over Dustin Poirier in June.

Makhachev’s coach and longtime friend Khabib Nurmagomedov recently stated that a fight was offered and accepted for January, although no further details were revealed.

Abdelaziz says that timeline is definitely possible now that Makhachev has been cleared to compete again.

“I think January, February,” Abdelaziz said. “He’s ready. I gave the UFC the green light and they’re going to book him against someone, it doesn’t matter who. It can be anybody. Islam is going to fight whoever they give [to him], it doesn’t really matter who.

“Good to go. Firing on all cylinders. Anybody, any time, anywhere.”

Makhachev’s opponent is almost certainly going to be Arman Tsarukyan, who is riding a four-fight win streak in the division and he’s been viewed as the No. 1 contender for the title.

That’s the matchup that makes the most sense but Abdelaziz says ultimately it doesn’t matter who they throw at Makhachev, which is why he doesn’t really call out opponents as the champion.

“I think Arman, he deserves it more than anyone,” Abdelaziz said. “It can be Arman, it can be [Renato] Moicano. It can be [Dan] Hooker … no, Hooker doesn’t deserve nothing.”

The in-form Jamshedpur FC defeated the visiting Hyderabad FC 2-1 in their Indian Super League (ISL) match at the JRD Tata Sports Complex on Monday. 

A minute of silence was observed before the game honouring industrialist Ratan Tata, who passed away earlier this month.

Jamshedpur FC jumped to the second spot in the league table after their win over the strugglers. While leaders Bengaluru FC got 13 points after 5 rounds, JFC have 12 from as many games.

Rei Tachikawa (29′) and Jordan Murray (44′) for the eventual winners while Cy Goddard (50′) got one back for the visitors.

The match started with both teams proceeding cautiously. In the ninth minute, Jamshedpur FC notched their first proper attack when Imran Khan sent in a delightful cross into the Hyderabad FC penalty box. However, Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RFYC) graduate Mohammed Sanan, to whom the ball was intended, fell a yard short. The very same minute saw Hyderabad FC inspire their first move of the game too.

Chunga Hmar played a through ball to Cy Goddard and the latter’s cross fell into Lenny Rodrigues’ feet after a deflection from Pratik Chaudhari. Rodrigues meanwhile, punched it straight into Albino Gomes’ palm.

In the 29th minute, the Men of Steel earned their much-desired lead. Sanan crossed a ball from the left which fell into Imran Khan’s feet after a missed header from Alex Saji. His feeble shot hit the post but Rei Tachikawa was there to turn the ball home.

Five minutes later, the Japanese midfielder could have added his second of the night. His fiery shot was successfully punched away by Arshdeep Singh. A minute later, Khalid Jamil’s side got another opportunity but Sanan’s attempt was inches away from target.

In the 41st minute, Hyderabad FC could have levelled the scoreline. Goddard put a delightful pass on the plate to Chunga whose curling attempt was touched out by the stretching hand of Gomes.

Just as when Hyderabad FC were trying to get back into the game, Jordan Murray extinguished that fire. In the 44th minute, Sanan sent in a pitch-perfect through ball onto Murray, who calmly chipped it over an advancing Singh into the goal.

ARSENAL continued their unbeaten run in the Champions League with a 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk – but it was far from a convincing performance.

Gabriel Martinelli orchestrated the decisive goal when his low-driven strike hit the post and deflected in off the back of goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk.

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The Gunners had plenty of chances to extend their lead but failed to make the most of them.

Leandro Trossard missed a golden opportunity to make it 2-0 from the penalty spot with 15 minutes left to play.

The Belgian fired his shot straight down the middle, making it relatively easy for Riznyk to save.

That missed spot-kick just about summed up his performance at the Emirates Stadium.

Nevertheless, Arsenal just about held on to claim all three points.

On a cold Tuesday evening in north London, SunSport’s Tony Robertson rates the performance.

DAVID RAYA – 7

Seldom asked to do much aside from recycle the ball to Magalhaes or Saliba until the final stages

Pushed a potentially dangerous cross out of danger in the 84th minute. Pulled out a magnificent low save in injury time before claiming a dangerous cross to keep his clean sheet.

BEN WHITE – 6

Back in at right-back today and played as if he had never been out of the team. 

Received a yellow card in the 34th minute. Subbed at half-time for Mikel Merino.

WILLIAM SALIBA – 7

In the team after his red card against Bournemouth, played like his typically assured self marshalling the defence.

One or two sloppy passes late in the second half but otherwise can have no complaints with another solid performance.

GABRIEL MAGALHAES – 5

Sloppily gave the ball away to hand the visitors a dangerous chance out of nothing. Had another lapse just after the opener but in the end he was bailed out by Calafiori.

Marked improvement in the second half. Quick to block a shot on the edge of the area after Trossard lazily gave the ball away with a weak pass and later poked a ball back to Raya after the looming threat of a one-on-one.

RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 6

Skied a golden chance over the bar after six minutes. Tested the goalkeeper again after 24 minutes.

Dragged his foot and went down injured after skipping under a tackle in the 67th minute.Replaced by Myles Lewis-Skelly in 71st minute.

THOMAS PARTEY – 6

Comfortable evening in midfield for him. Recycled the ball well when at his feet and kept play ticking over.

Moved to right back as White was hooked but didn’t have too many worries. When he was caught out of position Rice was able to cover.

DECLAN RICE – 6

Like Partey, he had a quiet night in midfield with Shakhtar unable to retain meaningful possession.

Moved into the six as White was hooked and Partey moved to right-back. Cut out a dangerous low cross at the edge of the area. 

LEANDRO TROSSARD – 4

Sliced a shot wide after Havertz cushioned a gifted pass into his path in the penalty area. Had some nice touches linking play behind the striker but generally seemed to have an off night with a number of long range passes not finding their mark and instead shooting off the pitch.

Early second half header went wide but he should have done better given he got solid contact. Gave away the ball on the edge of the area for a Shakhtar shot that was fortunately closed down by Gabriel. Summed up his night by missing a 77th minute penalty and was hooked in the 88th minute.

GABRIEL JESUS – 8

Wore the captain’s armband and looked bright down the right wing. Delivered a dangerous low cross that was begging for someone to reach it for a tap-in early on. Denied a well-deserved goal by the feet of the keeper in the 43rd minute after Havertz played him in. Last act of the half saw him beat his marker before having a close-range shot blocked.

Second half saw more good link play, but never had another chance to end his goal drought as he was replaced by Sterling in the 68th minute.

GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 7

Grew into the game following a quiet start and was rewarded with a goal after 30 minutes. Brazilian cut inside from the left wing before firing a shot to the near post before the shot rebounded off the woodwork and hit the goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk to go in the net. 

Out of the blocks fast in the second half and whipped a dangerous cross into the area but Trossard could only guide his header wide. Almost forced goalie in an error with some superb pressing work. Had a near post shot saved moments later.

KAI HAVERTZ – 7

Centimeters away from getting Arsenal’s second in the 39th minute after Jesus squared a volley back across goal. Returned the favour to set up his team-mate moments later only for the goalkeeper to prevent a goal.

Fed in by Jesus and whipped a dangerous cross into the area for Martinellu at the far post who had his post saved. Won a free-kick at the very end of the game to run the clock down.

Hearts midfielder Joely Andrews will miss the first leg of Northern Ireland’s Euro 2025 play-off against Croatia on Friday evening.

The 22-year-old is suffering from an illness and has not travelled with her team-mates for the game at the Stadion Varteks in Varazdin.

The side have said they hope to have Andrews available for the second-leg at Windsor Park on 29 October and have not called up a replacement.

“Everyone is really excited to be back together,” said manager Tanya Oxtoby.

“We know how important these games are so our focus over the next few days is working hard so that we are in the best possible position to bring home a good result.

“We had our first session on the pitch yesterday and everything is going well in that regard.”

If Northern Ireland advance past Croatia they will face the winner of the tie between Norway and Albania for a spot at next summer’s European Championships in Switzerland.

With a win in the Premier League against visiting Brentford in the bag, Manchester United are now preparing for a tough away fixture in the UEFA Europa League against Fenerbahce (12:30am, IST on October 25). A few familiar faces await them in Istanbul—former manager Jose Mourinho and midfield duo Fred and Sofyan Amrabat will all be keen to get a result against their former club. 

The Turkish club are 13th in the league phase after a win and a draw in their first two games, while a winless United are 21st (the top 24 advance). All the positivity from Sunday’s win will evaporate if Erik ten Hag and his players are unable to get a result against Mourinho’s Fenerbahce. 

To add to the club’s woes, captain Bruno Fernandes is unavailable for selection after getting sent off during the club’s last match in Europe. On the face of it, this does not seem like such a big problem. After all, the Portuguese playmaker has been not been at his best this season—five assists from 12 games may not seem too bad, but his overall game has been frustrating to watch. A delightful assist for Rasmus Hojlund’s well-taken winning goal against Brentford may have been a sign that he was turning a corner (it was his best assist since the one for Kobbie Mainoo’s winner against Manchester City in the FA Cup final in May). But, we will have to wait till next weekend to find out.

Meanwhile, the big question now is who will replace him in Turkey. Fans who have been calling for him to be dropped have said that Mason Mount or Christian Eriksen should be tried in the role. But, Mount has not been seen since sustaining a head injury versus Tottenham Hotspur on September 29.

Manchester United’s Uruguayan midfielder Manuel Ugarte (25) | AFP

He has not even made the bench in United’s three matches since. There is a rumour floating around in the fan base that there is another injury that has delayed his return to the match day squad. This has not been confirmed by the club or any reputable source, but reading between the lines, Mount may not be ready for the game.

Eriksen, then, is the best option in the No 10 role. He has had a remarkable renaissance, from being on the fringes of the first team at the start of the season to becoming a pivotal midfield controller in the last month. Though he plays a deeper role for United, he has played as an attacking midfielder for a lot of his career and has the football intelligence to play any role in the middle of the park. So, if all other players had been available, the team may have worked without Fernandes.

However, the challenge now is that if Mount is not available and Eriksen has to be moved into the No 10 role, that could leave a gap deeper in midfield with no senior player to fill it. This is because Casemiro sustained an injury during the Brentford game, the extent of which remains unknown. If the Brazilian is unavailable for the match, then Manuel Ugarte, who was not deemed fit enough to start against Brentford, will have to start as Mainoo, too, is injured. In that scenario, Eriksen will have to partner him in the double pivot instead of playing further up the field as the Fenerbache test could be too tough for the young squad members such as defensive midfielder Toby Collyer. 

Manchester United’s Casemiro | AP

If that is the case, Amad Diallo seems like the only option to start as the playmaker—out-off-form striker Joshua Zirkzee could potentially play as a No 10, but this match is likely to be too tough to try that. 

So, if Casemiro is available, the fans who wanted Fernandes dropped could get their wish—Eriksen at 10 and Ugarte partnering Casemiro. But, without the Brazilian, Eriksen will have to stay deeper and Amad will have to slot in as the 10. In the first scenario, a midfield of Casemiro, Ugarte and Eriksen seems to have the balance to counter Fenerbahce’s threat. But, in the second scenario of Ugarte, Eriksen and Amad, it may prove to be too much silk and too little steel in the middle. 

If so, those who support Fernandes despite his infuriatingly subpar showings this season may end up feeling justified in their faith in the Portuguese maestro’s best ability—availability for virtually every minute of every match owing to his incredible fitness.