Like so many Brazilians, Thiago Pessao was captured by the World Cup as a child. By the time the tournament came to his homeland in 2014, it was a full blown obsession. He attended 23 games in that tournament and 17 in Russia four years later. Only Brazil’s early exit and an agreement with his wife to leave on their departure stopped him racking up even bigger numbers in Qatar 2022.
In short, Pessao is committed to the World Cup – Brazil and beyond. But even he is struggling to justify the cost and hassle of the largely US hosted expanded tournament this time round.
He estimates he has spent $30-40,000 (€26,000 to €35,000) already. Tickets to Brazil’s group stage matches in New Jersey, Philadephia and Miami and likely round-of-32 match in Houston have cost upwards of $4000, the return air trip to Brazil $5000, and a combination of internal flights, accommodation, further match tickets and spending money are adding up fast.
He estimates he spent a little more than $10,000 in Qatar (with tickets being the main point of difference) and even less at previous tournaments.
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If record winners Brazil go all the way to the final, his bill will increase still further – and that’s without attending the neutral games that are normally part of his World Cup ritual.
An early Brazil exit, like in 2022, would disapoint their fans – but could also save them moneyImage: Robert Michael/dpa/picture alliance
”I love to watch a lot of games. But for this World Cup, the tickets are too expensive, so my plan right now is only to follow Brazil,” he told DW. “A final ticket is costing $4,000 or $5,000 [the current cheapest ticket is $4,185]. I think it’s too much but my feeling is that if Brazil is in the final, I have to be there. Maybe other people will think differently, but for me, the motivation is there.”
High prices, hostile atmosphere
Pessao had a ticket for the 2022 final, which he re-sold. But he said the dynamic pricing introduced for the 2026 tournament and a lack of demand on FIFA’s new ticket exchange portal to pay the high current prices and fees before knowing the fixtures means he’s prepared to wait and see this time around.
His is a fortunate position, with such budgets and flexibility a pipe dream for many, especially those from qualifying countries with lower average incomes.
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To some degree, this is always the case at World Cups. Usually it’s tempered somewhat by cheaper tickets and travel packages for fans of countries who have followed the team throughout qualifying. Though FIFA introduced a small number of $60 tickets in December following fan pressure, the sort of vibrant fan marches, dances and songs that usually mark a World Cup may be notable by their absence, thinks Pessao, who also worries about how the political climate will impact foreign visitors like him.
“Compared to other World Cups, I’m a bit more concerned about how the hostility and the surroundings will affect things. I think that the presence of ICE in the stadiums or in the cities will bring the atmosphere down.”
That’s also a concern for USA fan Adaer Melgar. He started putting away $100 a month when the World Cup was handed to his homeland eight years ago and was expecting high prices.
Despite living close to the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, making things as cheap as they could realistically be, he was still shocked by how much the experience will cost him.
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‘Money-grab’ makes tournament unaffordable
“I feel like I went into the ticket buy-in process with a level head, with the understanding that it was going to be pretty expensive, but it’s still greatly exceeded my own expectations,” he said. His six tickets for two non-US matches cost him $3,400.
“I’m dealing with my own ethical qualms right now, wanting to boycott the World Cup because of the [Donald Trump] administration and the way FIFA’s going about it. For example, they’re charging to get into the fan zone. That’s never been done before. I feel like it’s a big money grab.”
While Pessao and Melgar are picking their way through their reservations, for some the relentless expense and perceived hostility mean they feel they must stay at home. Bengt Kunkel is the Stimmungsmacher (fan leader/atmosphere maker) for the German national team and has made that call. He estimates the average cost to German fans of attending their three group stage matches at between €5,000 and €8,000.
“As an ordinary person you really have no chance of affording this tournament,” he said, adding that new social media checks on visitors to the US were also a factor in his decision.
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Kunkel is not alone in his reservations. On Tuesday, European consumer group Euroconsumers and fan group Football Supporters Europe filed a complaint against FIFA alleging breaches of the Article 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, which prohibits abuses of a dominant market position. Among the complaints are pricing, FIFA’s resale platform (where both buyer and seller are charged a 15% fee), dynamic pricing and what they describe as pressure selling tactics.
“Emails to fans claimed “exclusive access” to a “limited” ticket window that doesn’t reflect reality. By creating artificial urgency, FIFA pressured fans into making rushed decisions,” the statement said.
Visa delays and travel bans frustrate fans
The previous two World Cups have also had a fast-track, temporary visa process. While the new FIFA PASS offers the “opportunity to obtain an expedited visa interview, if needed” FIFA have been clear that tickets are no guarantee of a visa. That has proved particularly problematic for some fans including those of first-time qualifiers, Jordan. Several fans DW spoke to said their visa applications had been held up or rejected and, with the embassy currently shuttered due to the US-Israel war with Iran, hope is in short supply.
“We ask for help from the US Embassy to look closely at the Jordanian fans’ applications. We applied, but we didn’t hear any answer until now. Our applications are stuck there,” said Jordan fan Ghazi Al Samouee.
On Wednesday, the US State Department added 12 countries to a list of countries from which it demands visitors post bonds of as much as $15,000. Qualifiers Tunisia have been added while Algeria, and Cape Verde were among the World Cup teams already on the list.
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Some fans won’t even be able to get as far as thinking about a visa. While Iran’s participation seems unlikely, given the war, people from Senegal, Haiti and Ivory Coast are on Trump’s travel ban list and won’t be able to go to the tournament unless they have an alternative passport. That’s despite FIFA President Gianni Infantino promising in 2025 that: “Everyone will be welcome in Canada, Mexico and the United States for the FIFA World Cup next year.”
Donald Trump receives first FIFA peace prize
“If we’re not accepted as supporters, our teams shouldn’t go and neither should we as supporters,” one Senegal fan told DW at the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year. “We are the strength of these competitions. Without spectators, there’s no one. Without spectators, there is no sport, there is no entertainment.”
Infantino and FIFA have repeatedly expressed strong sentiment about the importance of fans to a World Cup.
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“The world needs occasions of unity, of bringing teams together, of bringing people together, of bringing fans together,” Infantino said in the same statement last year.
Whether they are banned from traveling, feel uneasy about their safety, can’t get visas or just can’t afford it, fans around the world are struggling to feel welcomed in the US.
Dana Sumlaji and Thomas Klein contributed to this story.
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – MARCH 23: Belinda Bencic of Switzerland returns a shot to Amanda Anisimova of the United States on Day 7 of the Miami Open Presented by Itau at Hard Rock Stadium on March 23, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
Belinda Bencic delivered a commanding performance at the Miami Open 2026, defeating Amanda Anisimova 6–2, 6–2 to reach the quarterfinals.
It is her second Miami quarterfinal appearance and her first since 2022.
Bencic controlled the match from start to finish, using precise groundstrokes to take time away from one of the tour’s most powerful hitters.
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The win also marks: her 41st career Top 10 victory her third Top 10 win of the 2026 season
She continues to build strong form as the tournament progresses.
Off the court, Bencic also shared a lighter moment with Jannik Sinner, who was playing football with her daughter:
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“It was so sweet. Jannik is very sweet to her. She’s very skeptical of everyone. I hope later she can realize who was talking to her.”
Indiana should go into the 2026 season as the preseason No. 1 team in college football after landing QB Josh Hoover out of the portal from TCU.
Plus, Curt Cignetti still has the best staff in the country.
On today’s episode of Locked On College Football, Spencer McLaughlin and ‘Locked On Bama’ host Luke Robinson discuss the Crimson Tide’s ongoing QB battle in Tuscaloosa.
Does Austin Mack have a built-in advantage over Keelon Russell?
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Colorado enters 2026 with some pressure on Deion Sanders to win, aided by new OC Brennan Marion.
‘Locked On Buffs’ host Kevin Borba shares thoughts on his conversation with Colorado’s new playcaller.
05:42 Hoover’s Potential and Playoff Expectations 06:44 “Josh Hoover Stands Out 17:34 Alabama QB Battle Breakdown 22:32 Patience Pays Off in Football 28:34 Deion Sanders & Colorado’s Future 30:35 Coach Criticized for Job Success 33:45 Utah, BYU, Colorado Coaching Outlook
Washington Huskies running back Jonah Coleman (1) carries the ball through traffic, pushing upfield against the Maryland defense on Oct. 4, 2025, at SECU Stadium in College Park as the Huskies leaned on their ground game during a competitive matchup. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images.
Are you ready for the Minnesota Vikings to draft a dynamic young running back for the first time in eons? The club took a step in the right direction this week, meeting with rookie tailback Jonah Coleman.
The Vikings keep doing homework on this deep 2026 running back class, and that is excellent.
Coleman is considered the third- or fourth-best running back in this year’s class, and there’s a small chance that he transfers his purple uniform from Washington to Minnesota.
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Coleman Fits Minnesota’s Search for Backfield Juice
Washington Huskies running back Jonah Coleman (1) carries the ball through the defense, working upfield against Maryland on Oct. 4, 2025, at SECU Stadium in College Park as the Huskies leaned on their rushing attack during a competitive road matchup. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images.
Vikings Meet with Coleman
In all likelihood, the Vikings will draft a halfback somewhere in April’s draft, and the franchise now has a meeting with Coleman on record.
SI.com‘s Will Ragatz wrote this week, “The Vikings will host Coleman on a Top 30 visit, per Arye Pulli. The former Arizona and Washington standout has recorded over 1,100 yards from scrimmage in each of the last three seasons and scored 27 touchdowns in 25 games for the Huskies.”
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“He’s been an efficient college runner who can also catch the ball (87 career receptions) and pass protect. There’s a lot to like about Coleman, but he’s also undersized at 5’9″ and isn’t particularly explosive.”
At the moment, Coleman is projected as a 3rd-Round pick, and Minnesota has two of those in the chamber.
A Superb Landing Spot
In Minnesota — if the Vikings press the button on Coleman — he’ll strut into a wonderful situation, not oozing with the pressure of an immediate RB1. The Vikings have Jordan Mason and Aaron Jones back in 2026, and they figure to take the bulk of rushing attempts next year if healthy.
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With a man like Coleman, he can mature for a season as the RB3, be promoted to RB2 if an injury emerges — it probably will — or win the RB1 job outright if he’s that damn effective at training camp and in the preseason.
Coleman will also have offensive teammates as weapons, including Kyler Murray, Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson, and the aforementioned running backs. The spot is ideal for Coleman, and he might be ideal for the Vikings.
The Green Bay Packers could give Coleman a peek, as well.
Zone Coverage‘s Mitch Widmeier on Coleman to Green Bay: “A true three-down back with the Huskies, Coleman could be an every-down back if he reaches his ceiling in the NFL. For Green Bay specifically, two things stand out. Coleman had a grand total of two fumbles in 551 career rushing attempts. That covers two years with Arizona and another two with Washington. Coleman protects the football as well as any college running back has in the last four years.”
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“If you want to play running back in Green Bay, you need to protect the rock, have some capability to pass block, and possess a certain level of character. Check, check, and check. Coleman could be selected as early as Round 2, or he could fall into Round 4. If nobody selects him in the second round, he will be an awfully tempting option for Green Bay.
Coleman’s Scouting Report
Coleman is 5’8″, 220 pounds, has 4.5 speed, and has a style similar to Ray Rice from the Baltimore Ravens (without the spotty reputation) 15 years ago. He can catch the ball out of the backfield, and he scored 27 touchdowns at Washington in the last two years.
NFL Draft Buzzon Coleman’s rookie profile: “Coleman is not going to test his way into a higher draft slot, and his game does not need him to. His vision between the tackles finds creases before they fully develop, and his patience within zone schemes lets linemen finish their work before he commits.”
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“He averaged over five yards per carry in 2024 behind an offensive line ranked 105th nationally in run-blocking grade, which speaks louder than any combine drill. Zone-heavy offenses are the natural fit. Where Coleman separates from other power backs in this class is ball security paired with receiving ability. One fumble across 396 career touches keeps you on the field in December.”
Washington Huskies running back Jonah Coleman (1) heads toward the locker room after the final whistle, leaving the field following a win over UC Davis on Sep. 6, 2025, at Husky Stadium in Seattle as Washington wrapped up its opening-week victory. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images.
Power backs who can act as receivers are somewhat rare.
NDB added, “He caught 31 passes for 354 yards in 2025 and looked comfortable on underneath routes, giving coordinators the option of leaving him in on passing downs. Pass protection needs refinement; he brings effort against blitzers but his technique is still developing.”
“His floor is a reliable early-down grinder who handles 15 to 20 touches and controls tempo without putting the ball on the ground. His ceiling is a three-down back in a system that values patience over home-run speed.”
The Alternatives
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Assume the Vikings want a rookie running back, Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love isn’t available, and a different team picks Coleman. These would be the options before the end of Round 5:
Jadarian Price (Notre Dame)
Mike Washington Jr. (Arkansas)
Emmett Johnson (Nebraska)
Nick Singleton (Penn State)
Kaytron Allen (Penn State)
Demond Claiborne (Wake Forest)
Washington Huskies running back Jonah Coleman (1) takes a handoff and pushes forward during first-quarter action, attacking the defense against UC Davis on Sep. 6, 2025, at Husky Stadium in Seattle as Washington established its ground game early. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images.
Pickleball in India is quietly but steadily moving beyond its tag as a casual, recreational sport and turning into a serious competitive discipline. The Indian Pickleball Association’s recognition as the National Sports Federation has played a key role in this shift, bringing much-needed structure and credibility to the sport.
With systems like rankings, organised tournaments, and grassroots initiatives now in place, pickleball is beginning to build a proper pathway for players across the country. Coupled with rising participation and growing interest from brands and investors, the sport is not just spreading rapidly but also starting to establish India as a credible force on the global stage.
In an exclusive and freewheeling conversation with Sportskeeda, the President of the IPA, Suryaveersingh Bullar, opens up on the pickleball ecosystem in India and why he thinks the sport could become a potential Olympic medal opportunity for the country in the future:
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Q1. The Indian Pickleball Association recently gained NSF (National Sports Federation) status. How does this milestone change the structure of the sport?
The granting of NSF status is the most significant milestone for any sport. With IPA becoming the sole governing authority, it allows us to push for inclusion in programs like Khelo India, university competitions, and the School Games Federation of India, as well as explore integration into the CBSE sporting system.
This recognition ensures athletes receive the same prestige as those in traditional sports, while also opening doors to government grants, SAI training facilities, and eligibility for honours like the Arjuna Award.
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Importantly, it brings standardisation and governance. We are implementing national standards, certification programs, and have launched a coaching certification. We are also working towards referee certification and setting up an equipment testing lab in India to support local manufacturing and quality control.
Q2. Where does pickleball stand in India today, and what is your long-term vision?
Over the past year, pickleball in India has transitioned from a niche recreational activity into a high-growth performance sport. The IPA has driven this through structured ranking tournaments, international representation, and high-performance centres.
But this is just the beginning. We believe pickleball has the potential to bring India an Olympic medal once it is included in the Games. Our vision is to make India a top-three global powerhouse, with athletes capable of winning medals at the Asian Games and Olympics.
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Q3. What steps are being taken to grow the sport beyond metro cities and at the grassroots level?
We are working aggressively to take pickleball beyond metros. A key step is our partnership with Sports Gurukul to launch a national inter-school championship, leveraging a network of over 500 schools.
IPA operates across 27 states, and we are focusing on district-level expansion to identify talent in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. We are also promoting portable nets, allowing any flat surface to become a pickleball court, making the sport highly accessible.
Efforts to integrate pickleball into Khelo India will further accelerate grassroots growth.
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Q4. How is IPA building a talent pipeline to compete globally?
We have established a structured development framework anchored by a transparent ranking system and a tiered tournament structure from district to national level.
High-performance centres provide elite coaching, while international exposure remains a priority. India’s seventh-place finish at the Pickleball World Cup (among 78 nations) highlights our progress.
Our partnership with the US Open gives national champions direct entry, bypassing the lottery system. Additionally, a dedicated selection committee scouts talent nationwide and supports players with training, sponsorships, and international opportunities.
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Q5. What does the IPA tournament roadmap look like over the next 12–18 months?
The structure includes IPA-run state tournaments culminating in the annual Nationals, alongside a rapidly growing calendar of IPA-sanctioned events.
We conducted around 110 tournaments last year and expect to nearly double that. The Indian Open is now an IPA-sanctioned global event, and discussions are underway to host the first Asian Pickleball Championship in India, potentially featuring over 18 countries.
Indian teams will also compete in global events like the World Cup, the US Open, and the amateur EPIC World Championship in Singapore.
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Q6. Are there plans to collaborate with schools, colleges, or private leagues to accelerate adoption?
Yes, collaboration is central to our strategy. The Indian Pickleball League (IPBL), held in Delhi and sanctioned by IPA, was a major success and significantly boosted the sport’s visibility.
We have also launched the national inter-school championship with Sports Gurukul and are exploring inter-college competitions. These initiatives are helping us build a strong ecosystem and drive widespread participation.
Q7. Infrastructure is a key challenge for emerging sports. How is IPA addressing this?
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Infrastructure is always a challenge, but pickleball’s growth has led to courts emerging across the country. IPA is partnering with private facilities to use them as training and awareness centres.
We are also in talks with sponsors to set up high-performance centres and with the Sports Authority of India to establish academies within existing stadiums. Since pickleball requires relatively less space, we are confident of expanding infrastructure rapidly over the next two years.
Q8. What does the professional pathway look like for a young player in India today?
A young player today can enter through district-level tournaments, progress through state rankings, and eventually compete at the IPA Nationals.
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From there, standout performers gain access to high-performance centres, national camps, and international exposure. With structured rankings, scouting systems, and global tournament pathways, the route to becoming a professional athlete in pickleball is now clearly defined.
Q9. How do you see the commercial side of pickleball evolving in India? What role will leagues like IPBL play?
Pickleball is growing strongly as a commercial sport. It offers excellent returns on investment due to its accessibility and appeal across age groups.
Leagues like the IPBL have already elevated the sport’s profile with broadcast backing and team ownership from major business houses. Going forward, the IPBL can play a role similar to the IPL – creating opportunities for players, coaches, referees, brands, and sponsors, while driving the sport’s overall growth.
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Q10. What is your message to young athletes considering pickleball?
Whether you dream of representing India at the Pickleball World Cup, the US Open, or even the Olympics in the future, the IPA is here to support you. The infrastructure is growing, the system is in place, and the opportunities are expanding.
Grab a paddle, your journey to the top starts now!
Gevonta Davis has not won a fight since June 2024 but remains as the WBA’s champion-in-recess. Now, the man hoping to succeed Davis as WBA champion has demanded that the Baltimore-born fighter is removed from that position.
Davis drew with Lamont Roach Jr in his lone outing of 2025, meaning that he has not won a contest since knocking out Frank Martin almost two years ago. However, out-of-ring issues are largely behind the inactivity of the 31-year-old, which have led to him losing his WBA lightweight world title.
Davis has been named as the champion-in-recess rather than stripped entirely, meaning that he could be reinstated as full champion in the future or mandated to fight any new champion upon his return.
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It had been believed that number one contender Floyd Schofield, ‘Kid Austin’, would take on either Lucas Bahdi or Roach in a clash for the now-vacant belt, but an announcement has yet to take place.
Posting on X, Schofield has spoken out and demanded that the WBA strip Davis of his title or mandate a fight between he and ‘Tank’.
“It’s so much politics with boxing and belts. I think we may just fight to put on great fights and vacate the WBA Boxing titles.
“If WBA Boxing and Golden Boy can not get a fight for the World Title, do we need them[?]
“They need to mandate KID vs Tank or strip him.”
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Schofield’s outburst, combined with the delayed confirmation of a bout to determine a new champion, could potentially be a sign that Davis may soon be reinstated as champion, with a pending court case expected to determine how soon before ‘Tank’ returns to action.
Tom Brady may have only worn the helmets of two different teams in his NFL career, but in his post-playing journey, he’s become a man of many hats.
Brady is the Chief Wellness Officer of eMed Population Health, a lead broadcaster with FOX and a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders – among other things.
Fox Sports announcer Kevin Burkhardt (left) with Tom Brady on the field before Super Bowl LIX between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs at Caesars Superdome on Feb. 9, 2025.(Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images)
While he appeared on FOX Business’ “Mornings with Maria” on Thursday to talk about his role with eMed, anchor Maria Bartiromo asked the seven-time Super Bowl champion whether he would ever consider becoming a majority owner of an NFL team.
“Great question. I gotta work pretty hard. I paid ordinary income taxes for a very long time in the NFL,” he said. “And these valuations have gotten very expensive.”
Founders FFC quarterback Tom Brady (12) throws ball against Logan Paul of Wildcats FFC during the Fanatics Flag Football Classic at BMO stadium on March 21, 2026.(Kirby Lee/Imagn Images)
Brady said he enjoys the roles he currently has and joked about not getting booed anymore when he walks into a stadium.
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“But I love playing the role I have,” he continued. “I certainly love my role at FOX and broadcasting has been … I could never have imagined the joy I find being able to be on camera with my great partner Kevin Burkhardt, our entire team, and communicating to all our fans how incredible the game of football is and how sports brings together communities. I see it every week when I go to these amazing stadiums and it feels really nice walking into stadiums and not getting booed by everybody anymore. There’s more cheers than I realize, like, ‘Oh man, maybe they respected me a little more than I thought.’
Former quarterback Tom Brady, left, gestures before an NFL football game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Arizona Cardinals in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
“So, having this role in broadcasting, being involved in football with the Raiders has absolutely been a dream come true and also making a difference in other people’s lives, trying to share some of the things in my mind that I’ve learned from incredible mentors, trying to inspire through the different people that have come into my life, to communicate the messages that I’ve been able to get that have helped me live my dream. And I want to do that for others.”
Conor Benn has opened up on his one-fight deal with Zuffa Boxing, revealing the one key condition that he had when deciding the leave Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom for Dana White’s new company.
White launched Zuffa Boxing, a joint venture between Sela and TKO Group, with the goal of disrupting the sport – introducing a UFC-esque approach to promoting with less weight-classes and his own championship belts taking precedence over the more traditional WBC, WBA, WBO and IBF.
However, in an interview with talkSPORT Boxing, Benn has now revealed that he still intends to fight for the WBC world title this year, with that being his standout demand when negotiating the deal after years of targeting the belt.
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“I made sure nothing would change, I want the WBC world title this year; that is a must.
“I don’t know the politics of it all or what has been said, I don’t know what Zuffa are doing but I will fight for the [WBC] world title by the end of the year.”
How Zuffa will work with the four major sanctioning bodies remains to be seen, but Jai Opetaia being stripped of his IBF crown this week signalled that it may not be plain sailing.
Benn debuts with Zuffa Boxing in two weeks’ time, taking on Regis Prograis in a 150lb catchweight affair on the Tyson Fury-Arslanbek Makhmudov undercard on Saturday, April 11.
In the same interview, he reiterated that the deal was for one fight only and he is not yet sure what the future holds. The Brit is currently number one challenger with the WBC at welterweight, and is aiming for a shot at champion Ryan Garcia.
Manchester City midfielder Rodri enters the final year of his contract at the end of this season
“Rodri will play better and then everyone will play better.” That was the message from Pep Guardiola after the Manchester City midfielder completed his first full 90 minutes since a hamstring injury in the defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford. The Ballon d’Or winner has been the key component for Guardiola’s City.
When Kalvin Phillips arrived from Leeds in 2022, the idea was for him to relieve some of the pressure on Rodri. Trying to compete across all competitions is taxing and City felt Phillips, who was one of England’s most promising midfielders at the time, could do that job.
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Guardiola soon realised that Phillips could not replace what Rodri brings to City and it ultimately ruined his career in Manchester. When the Spaniard picked up an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury last season, the Blues suffered and eventually managed to squeeze into the Champions League after a difficult season.
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“Do you know how much we miss him?” Guardiola asked before the first match of 2026. “Playing without the best player in the world two seasons ago, our main player when we won the Treble, playing 70 games, for one year and a half without him?
“We want him back here right now and he is suffering and wants to come back but I want to protect him. Minimise the risks. This is what we want. He wants and I want and the medical team want him to return. Tell me one team without the best player for a year and half not here – they would all suffer.
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“Rodri is another level of a player when he plays. If he came on for the last 20 minutes vs Fulham and just his presence without even touching the ball for the next 10 players [they would feel] safe and they play better even if he doesn’t touch the ball.
“Just for the fact he’s there. We haven’t had it for one year and a half. There are players who are irreplaceable – not just because of how good they play but how they create [time and space for] the other ones.”
Rodri will never doubt how much City and Guardiola rate him but that does not mean he will stay until retirement. This week, the midfielder was quizzed about returning to La Liga and, in particular, signing for Real Madrid.
His response gave little in the way of comfort for City supporters. “I mean, there have been many players who have gone down that path, right?” He replied when asked if he could play for Real after representing Atletico Madrid.
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“And especially not directly, but over time… You can’t turn down the best clubs in the world.” He added: “I’d like to return, yes, obviously.”
Those six words should send alarm bells ringing for City. The Blues are already bracing themselves for losing Bernardo Silva in the summer.
City’s captain is out of contract and has dropped more hints than a little about leaving the Etihad Stadium in the past few years. But if Rodri is also thinking about the next chapter, suddenly the Blues are needing to overhaul the core of their midfield.
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Guardiola has never stood in the way of any player pursuing a new chapter. However, replacing a player of Rodri’s ability will be costly.
Rodri has repaid his £62.6m transfer fee and then some but if he has decided his time in Manchester is up, City would prefer to bring in some money for him. From the player’s side, he will also be anxious not to let a chance of returning to Madrid slip away.
He has suffered two serious injuries in the past two seasons and Real could look elsewhere if he were to pick up another long-term problem between now and his contract expiring in 2027. That will be playing on Rodri’s mind heading into this summer.
City won’t have expected to lose Rodri at the end of this season but now it will be at the forefront of their mind. The Blues could try to offer him a new deal with exceptional terms but if his heart is set on Madrid, there is little City can do to ease this transfer headache.
While the captains’ meet is an omen for fans to truly gear up for a new season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), it is also an opportunity for the umpires to clarify certain rules to the skippers. On the eve of IPL 2026, the umpires have clarified to the captains of all 10 teams regarding the legality of catches. Teams have been instructed that a catch will only be considered legal if the fielder has complete control over both the ball and their body before any celebration takes place.
Elite umpire Nitin Menon and former India pacer and renowned match referee Javagal Srinath emphasised on this aspect during the captains’ meet. The rules were clarified over a 90-minute session.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) stressed on the importance of rule, which is stated as per Clause 33.3.
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“The act of making a catch shall start from the time when the ball first comes into contact with a fielder’s person and shall end when a fielder obtains complete control over both the ball and his own movement.”
The officials present showed several video clips, including from the recently-concluded T20 World Cup 2026, to specify the exact legalities of catches.
IPL 2026 Captains’ Meet
Captains from all 10 franchises attended the meeting, which was expected to focus on key playing conditions, rule clarifications, and operational aspects for the new season.
Among those present were Gujarat Titans skipper Shubman Gill and Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya. Speaking briefly to the media, Gill said, “The meeting was very good.”
Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Rajat Patidar, Chennai Super Kings skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag and Delhi Capitals skipper Axar Patel were also part of the meeting.
The discussions are expected to cover a wide range of topics, including the innings timer (60-second clock), the Impact Player rule, the concussion substitute protocol and the code of conduct regulations.
The meeting serves as a customary curtain-raiser ahead of every IPL season, ensuring clarity and uniform understanding of rules among team leaders before the tournament gets underway.
The head of Senegal’s football governing body has vowed to launch a “crusade” against the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) decision to strip the nation of its Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) title.
The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has warned that the controversial ruling could fundamentally alter the landscape of global football and undermine the long-held principle that refereeing decisions are final.
Abdoulaye Fall, president of the FSF, declared: “In the face of this administrative robbery, the FSF refuses fatality. We will fight a moral and legal crusade.”
The FSF’s legal team, representing the ruling body, condemned the CAF decision as “so crude, so absurd, so irrational.”
Lawyer Juan de Dios Crespo Perez stated: “It openly violates the Laws of the Game and the principle that refereeing decisions are final. (If CAS would rule against Senegal), the winners of the next World Cup could be decided in law firms rather than on the pitch.”
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Senegal were stripped of their Afcon title last week (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)
The FSF lodged an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Wednesday.
The dispute arose after Senegal were deemed to have forfeited the final in Rabat on 18 January. They had walked off the pitch in protest at a potentially decisive penalty awarded to Morocco, though they later returned to score a goal in extra time, winning the game 1-0.
Serge Vittoz, part of the six-lawyer team in Paris, confirmed they are seeking to expedite the CAS process.
“Such a procedure usually last nine to 12 months but we want it to go faster. However, all parties must agree to it,” Vittoz explained.
Despite the CAF ruling, Vittoz maintained that Senegal remains the African champions, arguing that the decision to overturn the result lacked proper explanation.
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“To be valid, a decision must be explained. It has not been, so Senegal are still African champions,” he asserted.
Senegal, who have qualified for this year’s World Cup, are set to play Peru in a friendly in Paris on Saturday.
When asked if the trophy would be presented to fans at the Stade de France, Mr Fall cryptically responded: “I’ll see you at the Stade de France on March 28.”
Colorado enters 2026 with some pressure on Deion Sanders to win, aided by new OC Brennan Marion. 
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