Erling Haaland was away on international duty when the news of Manchester City’s guilty verdict pertaining to their 115 Premier League charges landed

Stale Solbakken has revealed that Erling Haaland is doing well despite his absence from Norway’s press conference this weekend as a result of the Manchester City 115 charges verdict landing. The striker has joined his international team-mates as they look to give a good account of themselves in the Nations League.

Norway kickstarted their campaign with a 3-2 win over Denmark on Thursday evening, Haaland proving invaluable as he bagged a brace. However, the news broke on Saturday that the 26-year-old will be missing from his nation’s pre-match presser looking to Sunday’s game against Portugal.

And now, Solbakken has explained that he has been granted absence to concentrate on his game, rather than the outside noise regarding Manchester City’s guilty verdict on all but one of the 115 charges they were slapped with back in 2023.

The head coach said: “Of course, it is because we want to concentrate and give him the best possible conditions to concentrate on the match. You all know what the topic has been for the last 24 hours.

“It has nothing to do with the Nations League and what we are going to do. A good example of that was the press conference Rodri had yesterday.”

He added: “Therefore, I think it is timely that he concentrates on what he should do, and that is to score goals for Norway. And I think we all agree that that is the most important thing.”

It comes as Rodri was peppered with questions regarding the guilty verdict by reporters during Spain’s pre-match press conference on Friday evening, to the point where the team’s player representative cut short the meeting altogether.

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Solbakken also noted that he was not the person who made the decision regarding Haaland’s absence, that the centre-forward should be free to start against Portugal on Sunday evening, and that “it’s going well,” for the talent within the Norway camp.

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It comes as Manchester City chairman, Khaldoon Al Mubarak released an open letter to fans on Saturday afternoon, highlighting how the club will continue to assert their innocence, as they have consistently done. The club are also expected to appeal Friday’s verdict.

His letter read: “I have been part of this Club for 18 years. I have had the privilege to stand with you in the Etihad, at Wembley, and in Istanbul. This Club matters to me, and you have shown and told me – time and time again – how much Manchester City matters to you. This is why I am writing to you today.

“Following Friday’s media reporting, many of you will have spent your evening answering questions and responding to messages from friends, family and colleagues. So have I. Here’s what I said to my family: The Premier League process still has a long way to run, and our confidence and intent in proving the Club’s innocence is just as strong as when this began.

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“There are so many things that I would like to be able to share with you to help you understand why we feel so confident in our position. But the strict confidentiality of the legal process and our determination to respect it means I cannot do that at the moment. Even this letter underwent several legal checks to make sure it complies.

“I ask you to please carefully read the statement below, which we gave on Friday, and the statement we issued in February 2023 (also below). Every word matters and holds true.

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“While some people have been quick to reach their own conclusions, and there is so much noise swirling around us, nothing has changed. We have faced challenges together before and have prevailed. There remain many who want to undermine the momentum of our Club. We will not give them that opportunity.

“We have some exciting moments to look forward to after this international break. We travel to Anfield in a fortnight, and then host Paris St Germain in the Champions League back at Etihad Stadium – moments that give us an opportunity to celebrate the strength of the Manchester City family. Thank you, as always, for your constant support.”

India’s women’s cricket team has continued its successful run in major tournaments by defending its gold medal at the Asian Games 2026, defeating Sri Lanka in the final. Having already won the 2025 ODI World Cup and the Asia Cup, the team is now looking to carry its momentum into upcoming international assignments, including the T20 World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Opening batter Shafali Verma, who was instrumental in India’s gold medal defence, believes India’s recent achievements reflect the collective effort of the players and support staff, particularly the emphasis on fitness, fielding and team coordination.

The 22-year-old, who scored her maiden T20I century against Bangladesh in the Asian Games semi-final, also highlighted the importance of the team’s preparations ahead of the tournament.

Batting with Mandhana strengthens India’s top order

Shafali, while talking to the media in a round table conference organised by JSW Sports, said that her long-standing partnership with Smriti Mandhana has become one of the strengths of India’s batting unit. The pair have played together since 2019 and have developed an understanding that allows them to adapt their roles depending on the bowler and match situation.

Their left-right combination also makes it difficult for opposition bowlers to settle into a rhythm. Shafali explained that the two are comfortable giving each other the strike when one batter has a better match-up, keeping individual ambitions aside in favour of the team’s requirements.

The understanding has been particularly valuable at the top of the order, where India have regularly looked to establish a strong platform before accelerating later in the innings.

Shafali finds greater control without losing aggression

The India opener also reflected on the change in her batting approach over the past year. She believes she has become more mature in assessing which deliveries need to be attacked and which ones require patience.

Shafali acknowledged that she had previously played attacking shots that were not always beneficial to the team. Her focus now is on assessing the score and situation before deciding how aggressively to bat.

That has allowed her to retain her natural attacking game while becoming more comfortable taking singles and spending time at the crease when the ball is not in her preferred hitting area.

Maiden century adds to memorable Asian Games campaign

Shafali’s maiden white-ball century against Bangladesh in the semi-final was one of the standout moments of India’s campaign. She said the landmark became particularly emotional because it brought back memories of the work she had done throughout her career.

While approaching three figures, Shafali remained focused on India’s overall score rather than the personal milestone. Once she reached the century, however, the achievement reminded her of the effort that had gone into rebuilding and improving her game.

She described the moment as her happiest in cricket and said she hoped to experience it repeatedly in the future.

Family remains an important part of Shafali’s cricket

The opener has also developed a habit of analysing her own performances through video and discussions with her family. She has gone back to footage from the early years of her international career to identify mistakes and areas where she can improve.

Shafali said her father and brother remain the people she most often discusses cricket with. Their feedback has helped her assess her performances and understand what works for her at the crease.

India’s bowling unit impressed Shafali

India’s bowling performance was another major positive from the Asian Games campaign. Shafali highlighted the way the bowlers operated in partnerships and consistently attacked the opposition’s wickets.

The team had also worked extensively on its fielding and fitness before the tournament, while the players’ willingness to back one another helped create a positive environment throughout the campaign.

That collective approach proved particularly important in the final against Sri Lanka, as India converted their strong batting effort into a comprehensive victory and retained the gold medal.

T20 World Cup remains an unfinished target

Despite India’s recent success, Shafali acknowledged that the team still has an important gap to fill. India have failed to reach the semi-finals of the last two T20 World Cups, making the global title in the shortest format one of the next major objectives.

She believes the team has the ability to win the trophy if it continues to maintain the same preparation and collective approach.

The inaugural Women’s Champions Trophy, to be played in India, will provide another opportunity for the side to build on its recent success. The players are also looking ahead to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where cricket will feature as part of the programme.

For Shafali, the Asian Games gold is another milestone in a period of sustained success for Indian women’s cricket. The challenge now is to carry the confidence and lessons from that campaign into the next generation of major tournaments.

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The Republic of Ireland’s contentious Nations League matches against Israel will proceed as scheduled following a vote among the squad.

Doubts had surrounded Sunday’s opening fixture in Debrecen after a planned press conference was postponed until Saturday afternoon.

However, clarity was provided when the Football Association of Ireland released a statement confirming the games would go ahead.

It read: “The Football Association of Ireland confirms that the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League fixtures against Israel will be fulfilled.

“The Association made this decision following consultation with the Republic of Ireland players who shared different views and a majority expressed that the fixtures should be played.

“The Association respects the views of all players involved and appreciates the level of sensitivity concerning these fixtures.”

Earlier in the day, a selection of squad members held discussions inside the team hotel. This led to them missing an initial media briefing set for 10.15am local time (09.15BST), as well as a practice session at the Nagyerdei Stadium 45 minutes afterwards.

Uefa representatives were initially unclear about what caused the delay, although the players had already stated their intention to meet on Friday to formalise their position. Following this, The Independent understands Ireland goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu refused to play as others considered joining him, resulting in Saturday’s vote.

Failure to meet fixture obligations risks warnings or financial penalties from Uefa.

Following Thursday’s 1-0 loss to Kosovo in Pristina to start their Nations League campaign, midfielder Jason Knight reflected on the circumstances.

He said: “Look, it’s difficult. I don’t think the game obviously should be going ahead but it is going ahead. We’ll have a deeper talk about it and what that means, we’ll get our thoughts as a group and go from there.

“I’m quite experienced. None of us have gone through this scenario before but I’d like to think I’m experienced, thick-skinned and I can get through most things and that is what I will try and do.

“I’ll try and focus on the football as much as I can. I’ll give my view and my thoughts on it (the Israel games) when I see fit, but I’ll be trying to focus on the football as much as possible.”

Oscar De La Hoya has identified one modern great who, he suspects, would not stand a chance at winning their hypothetical mega fight.

Once considered the ‘face of boxing’, De La Hoya crafted a Hall of Fame fighting career before assembling a major promotional stable under his Golden Boy banner.

Remarkably, he managed to become a six-division world champion and, in doing so, was generally embraced as one of America’s biggest sporting stars.

Such widespread attention eventually contributed to his money-spinning showdown with Floyd Mayweather, who managed to edge their super-welterweight contest by split decision in 2007.

Back then, De La Hoya was no longer in his prime and, despite his controversial middleweight triumph against Felix Sturm in 2004, was typically more successful in the lower divisions.

If he was to choose any active fighter as an opponent, though, then it would nonetheless face Canelo Alvarez on a Cinco de Mayo weekend.

With Canelo’s best performances arguably arriving at super-middleweight, De La Hoya would perhaps be contending with a size disadvantage but, even so, the Mexican-American has told Carl Froch that, stylistically and commercially, he could not wish for a more ideal dance partner.

“From this era, the only guy I would’ve picked is probably Canelo. He’s made a legacy for himself; he’s had longevity in his career; he’s been the face of boxing for quite a while now. So I think I would’ve loved to take him on.

“That would’ve been a walk in the park. What I would’ve done to Canelo is not even funny. His flat-footed stance would’ve been so easy to just dissect. Do I knock him out? I don’t know, because he’s got a good chin. But do I outclass him? Yeah – look at what Mayweather did to him. Our era was just different.”

While others would certainly make De La Hoya a favourite against Canelo, the Golden Boy promoter’s insistence on a dominant victory could be somewhat explained by his sour relationship with the four-division world champion.

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Texas has a 12:00 PM ET road kickoff this week against Tennessee, who hasn’t yet allowed 247.5 passing yards to a quarterback. Arch hasn’t eclipsed 200 yards since the Longhorns’ Week 1 win over Texas State. So I favor the under here.

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Baugh and the Gators kick off at 3:30 PM ET against Ole Miss. He’s carried the ball 54 times in three games and has hit 160 yards against both of Florida’s FBS opponents.

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India vs Japan Men’s Hockey Highlights, Asian Games 2026: India are into the Asian Games 2026 semi-finals with a gritty 2-0 win over hosts Japan in a Pool A men’s hockey match. Harmanpreet Singh and and Abhishek were the scorers for India. The Harmanpreet Singh-led side was made to work hard by the hosts. After a disappointing FIH Hockey World Cup campaign earlier this year, where they finished eighth, the Indians appear to have rediscovered their rhythm at the right time. They have now registered four wins in as many matches and currently sit atop the Pool A standings with 12 points, ahead of Japan. India began their campaign with commanding victories over Indonesia (13-1), Sri Lanka (16-1), and South Korea (8-2), underlining their dominance in the competition so far. (Asian Games Medal Tally)

India vs Japan Men’s Hockey, Asian Games Highlights, Medal Tally and Match Results Updates: 

Apr 26, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, UNITED STATES; Alatengheili (blue gloves) prepares to fight Da’Mon Blackshear (not pictured) during UFC Fight Night at T-Mobile Center. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images

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The stable of John O’Shea and Tom Charlton is anticipating the return of the promising colt Napoleonic to Melbourne.

Napoleonic, a three-time winner from twelve starts, has had only one previous outing in Melbourne, which resulted in a commanding 4-¼ length victory at Moonee Valley on Cox Plate Day last year.

That particular win had those involved with Napoleonic feeling optimistic about his future, and it also stands as the son of Wootton Bassett’s most recent success.

The entire is set to return to Melbourne this Sunday to take on the Group 1 Manikato Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield, as the Moonee Valley track is unfortunately undergoing a rebuild.

“We’re looking forward to getting him back down to Melbourne,” Charlton commented.

“He was demonstrably effective around the Valley as a three-year-old, and we feel he has the type of profile that can handle Caulfield well.

“We’ve been pleased with his condition. His first-up run in the Missile Stakes was, in our opinion, a very good performance.

“That race is expected to be a strong form race, and he’s had a bit of time since that run, but he appreciates that, and he had a nice, strong trial last week.”

After campaigning in Brisbane during the winter, where Napoleonic finished third behind Rothfire and Spicy Martini in the Group 1 Doomben 10,000, the four-year-old colt has not raced since finishing second to Ninja at Randwick on August 8.

He did win a trial at Randwick on September 11, and the Manikato Stakes has been a long-term plan for the entire.

“He’s a horse that we’re trying to win a Group 1 with, and this was a good option for him,” Charlton stated.

“This has certainly been the plan since the Missile, anyway.”

Charlton indicated that beyond Sunday’s Group 1 contest, there are no specific plans mapped out.

“We’ll get through Sunday, but there will be plenty of options in Sydney or back in Melbourne at the end of the Carnival,” Charlton added.

“We felt that his best form has probably come over 1200 metres, so we’re probably thinking he’s more of a sprinter.”

Compare the latest racing betting markets for the Manikato Stakes across various sports betting platforms.

One of the biggest games of the weekend is slated for tonight.

Texas A&M football must bounce back after a demoralizing home loss to Kentucky, but LSU suffered a defeat of his own last week. Head coach Mike Elko’s squad visits Baton Rouge on Saturday in a premier matchup against Lane Kiffin and the Tigers.

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Texas A&M fell from No. 9 in the most recent AP Top 25 to No. 23. LSU slid a few spots down to 10th after falling to Ole Miss, where Kiffin last coached.

Aggies quarterback Marcel Reed struggled to keep the offense in gear against the Wildcats, throwing for 236 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions on 26-of-49 passing. Injuries to wide receivers Terry Bussey and Ashton Bethel-Roman put Reed in a predicament, although he’ll still have Mario Craver and Isaiah Horton.

MORE: What Texas A&M must do to make the CFP

The Tigers are undoubtedly seeking redemption following a 32-24 loss to the Rebels last week. LSU got off to a slow start, improving throughout the game but falling short at the end. The Tigers were outscored 24-7 in the first half, but won the second half 17-8. LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt struggled with his efficiency, completing 16-of-27 passes for 158 yards, a touchdown and an interception.

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Here are the betting lines for A&M’s game against LSU.

How to watch the Texas A&M vs LSU game?

With the game on ABC other streaming options for the game include:

• Sling TV (short-term, 1-day passes starting at $4.99)

• fuboTV ($63.99 for the first month, then $88.99/month with a 5-day free trial)

• Hulu + Live TV ($89.99/month with a 3-day free trial; also includes Disney+ and ESPN Unlimited)

• YouTube TV ($52.99/month for the first 3 months, then $82.99/month with a variable free trial)

Texas A&M vs LSU football: TV channel, time

Who:Texas A&M Aggies vs LSU Tigers

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What: Week 4 college football

When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26

Where:Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, La.

TV channel:ABC

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(via BetMGM as of Sept. 23)

Spread: LSU by 8

Over/Under: 51.5

Moneyline: A&M +275, LSU -350

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This article originally published at What time is Texas A&M vs LSU football? Betting lines, TV channel for Saturday night game.

Frank Warren believes Hamzah Sheeraz has been wrongfully advised to vacate his WBO title and avoid facing leading contender Janibek Alimkhanuly.

The saga began with Alimkhanuly becoming the sanctioning body’s mandatory challenger at 168lbs, despite testing positive for banned substance meldonium in November.

Back then, the IBF responded by stripping the Kazakh of his middleweight belt, while the WBO dished out a year-long suspension – only to then terminate it in July – and allow the undefeated 33-year-old to keep his world title.

Not only that, but the organisation ordered Sheeraz to make a mandatory defence after Alimkhanuly decided to vacate his strap and join the super-middleweight division.

This then led to a purse bid hearing, with Queensberry Promotions placing a winning sum of just over $1 million and securing the right to stage their contest.

Yet despite being entitled to the lion’s share of a 75/25 split, Sheeraz decided to vacate the belt he had acquired by scoring a second-round finish over Alem Begic in May.

Speaking with IFL TV, Queensberry boss Warren expressed his frustration with the 27-year-old, who is believed to have at least one fight remaining on his current promotional contract.

“I’m very disappointed about [Sheeraz] vacating his belt. Vacating the belt based upon what? There is no reason; there’s no rationale to that. You’re a champion – defend your belt.

“You won it against probably the easiest guy in the top 50. We manipulated and worked hard to get him in that position, and now he doesn’t want to [defend the title].

“I know who he listens to for his advice, and the fella who’s telling him all this stuff – what he knows about boxing you could write on a pin head.”

As a result of Sheeraz relinquishing his world title, Alimkhanuly has been ordered to face fellow unbeaten contender Jacob Bank for the vacant belt.