‘Threatens the entire system!’ NSW rebels against Cricket Australia over $1BN BBL privatisation plan originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• New South Wales hit back hard at Cricket Australia’s BBL privatisation plan, warning it threatens grassroots investment across Australian cricket.

• NSW claims four conditions agreed by all state chairs in June have not been met before CA pushed ahead with its decision.

• Cricket Victoria fully endorsed the process while Queensland has concerns about the financial model and distribution structure.

Advertisement

BBL privatisation fallout: Furious Cricket NSW hits out at Cricket Australia’s decision to sell Big Bash League stakes

New South Wales have come out swinging, releasing a stinging statement that accuses Cricket Australia of proceeding with its billion-dollar BBL privatisation plan without proper consideration and warned the move could leave cricket in their state, and across the country, financially worse off for years to come.

New South Wales have been the loudest voice against BBL privatisation throughout this whole process, and Tuesday’s announcement from CA didn’t change that.

The state body runs two of the competition’s most commercially successful clubs, the Sydney Sixers and the Sydney Thunder, and has consistently refused to go down the private investment route with either of them.

Advertisement

They’ve challenged CA’s financial projections, pushed for alternative funding models and argued repeatedly that there are better ways to grow the game without selling off ownership stakes to external investors.

“Cricket NSW is disappointed by Cricket Australia’s decision to proceed with introducing private investment into the Big Bash Leagues without alignment across Australian cricket,” they said in a statement.

They made the grassroots argument clearly, suggesting that any redistribution of profits toward private investors comes directly at the expense of community cricket, the very foundation the whole system is built on.

“This decision risks leaving cricket in NSW and Australia strategically and financially worse off, with direct consequences for our ability to invest in grassroots cricket. Yesterday’s announcement threatens this system. The redistribution of profits to external investors reduces our ability to invest in community cricket, creating long-term impacts at all levels,” the statement said.

Advertisement

MORE: Cricket Australia warns BBL private investors: Test summer anchored until 2032 as centrally contracted stars put red-ball first

Getty Images

The BBL privatisation process itself has drawn fire from NSW

NSW’s grievance isn’t just about the policy; it’s also about how CA handled the process of getting here.

They’ve made clear they raised concerns directly with the governing body, put forward an alternative pathway to strengthen the BBL, and backed their position with independent external advice. None of it, they say, was adequately addressed before CA moved ahead anyway.

They said: “The Cricket NSW Board is also disappointed by the process leading to this decision. We have raised concerns directly with Cricket Australia, proposed an alternative pathway to strengthen the Big Bash, and highlighted significant risks within the proposal, informed by high-quality external advice.”

Advertisement

There’s also an eyebrow-raising political dimension to the announcement. The current CA chair, Mike Baird, is a former NSW board member.

MORE: Big Bash League team names, colours and branding: Will they change after BBL privatisation and franchise sale?

The public unveiling of the plan featured Pat Cummins, who is from NSW and has previously played for the Thunder, and Ellyse Perry, a player permanently attached to the Sixers. NSW didn’t comment on that directly, but the optics of NSW figures being used to promote a plan NSW opposes haven’t been missed.

Perhaps most damaging is NSW’s claim that the four conditions all state chairs agreed upon back in June have not been satisfied before CA pressed ahead. 

Advertisement

“Cricket NSW strongly believes in the future growth of the WBBL and BBL,” the statement said. “Both Leagues and all clubs are powerful drivers of participation and fan interest in cricket.”

MORE: BBL privatisation: Everything to know about Big Bash League’s historic move

CA fires back with a promise of long-term benefits

Todd Greenberg pushed back on NSW’s concerns in a measured but confident tone. He insisted that private investment will generate long-term benefits for the whole of Australian cricket and pointed to a proposed future fund, to be built from proceeds of club licence sales, as the most reliable vehicle for funding grassroots cricket and elite pathways for generations ahead.

Advertisement

“I think what I’ve learned in my short time in cricket, the federated model makes it pretty hard to align everyone’s interest at one point in time,” he said.

“And that’s what Cricket Australia’s leadership is. We have to at least get to some point … after all the analysis [to] make a decision. The board have made that decision. And that’s the job of Australian cricket, is to make decisions in the best interest of the whole sport.

“Each state clearly has to make decisions in their best interest, but Cricket Australia need to make a decision [in the national] interest.”

MORE: BBL privatisation and what it means: Will we see IPL teams invest in Big Bash?

Advertisement

The divide across the states reflects how complex this conversation really is. Cricket Victoria has given the process its full backing and will sell the Melbourne Renegades entirely.

Tasmania and Western Australia are also broadly in favour of privatisation. Queensland isn’t opposed to the principle of bringing in private money but has raised concerns about the financial model and how the proceeds would be distributed.

South Australia, which pushed for the self-determination approach in the first place, has occupied the middle ground throughout. Meanwhile, NSW remains the clearest and most vocal opponent.

NSW’s BBL privatisation concerns deserve more than a dismissal

CA’s announcement has the hallmarks of a governing body that has decided the direction of travel and is hoping momentum carries everyone else along with it. That approach has a history of backfiring in sports administration.

Advertisement

NSW’s argument that profits flowing out to private investors are profits not flowing into the participation base is a powerful one that doesn’t have a clean answer in CA’s current proposal.

The four-conditions issue is the one that should give CA the most pause. If state chairs collectively agreed on prerequisites for privatisation to proceed, and those conditions haven’t been met, announcing a sale process anyway looks less like bold leadership and more like unilateral action dressed up as a collaborative framework.

The ACA’s continued opposition strengthens NSW’s hand here. You can’t call this a properly endorsed process when the players’ association says they’re miles from agreeing to it.

Greenberg’s future fund idea is worth exploring, as it is essentially a ring-fenced vehicle for grassroots investment, which is built from privatisation proceeds, hoping to address the community cricket concern NSW is raising.

Advertisement

But proposing it as a vague assurance rather than a concrete commitment won’t satisfy anyone who’s watched sports governing bodies promise community reinvestment and then spend the money elsewhere. NSW deserve a proper answer, not a holding statement.

For all the latest cricket news, opinion, and commentary and to share your voice, head to our Facebook, Instagram, and X (Twitter) pages.

USA’s Jessica Pegula celebrates defeating USA’s Emma Navarro during their women’s singles quarter-final tennis match on day ten of the US Open tennis tournament at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City on September 8, 2026. (Photo by Leonardo MUNOZ / AFP)

Jessica Pegula booked a third straight US Open showdown with Aryna Sabalenka, grinding out a 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 win over Emma Navarro on Tuesday to set a semifinal clash with the two-time defending champion.

Sabalenka beat Pegula in the 2024 final in Flushing Meadows and beat her again in the semis last year on the way to a second crown.

Third-seeded Pegula needed two hours and 20 minutes to get past Navarro, recovering an early break in the third set of a tense baseline battle on Arthur Ashe Stadium.

READ: US Open: Jessica Pegula tops Cirstea to reach quarterfinals

“It was really tough,” Pegula said after a match featuring nine breaks of serve. “It was physical, humid. I wasn’t exactly serving my best and I was fighting a lot of demons out there today.”

Pegula improved to 5-0 against Navarro, a former world number eight who is on the rise after an extended break to focus on health issues, winning her first title in more than a year at Strasbourg in May.

Pegula, who has won two titles this year, is among the trio of players who arrived at Flushing Meadows with a chance to supplant Sabalenka atop the world rankings in New York.

READ: Jessica Pegula powers past Sofia Kenin into US Open third round

The 32-year-old would have to go all the way to a first major title to have a shot at claiming the top spot.

But the number one issue could be moot by the time Pegula and Sabalenka square off on Thursday.

Second-ranked Elena Rybakina can seize the top spot regardless of other results with a win over China’s Zheng Qinwen in their quarter-final on Wednesday.

Two former NFL players who were attempting to play for LSU will not be added to the Tigers’ final 105-man roster, according to an ESPN report confirmed by CBS Sports’ Brandon Marcello. The roster will be locked for the 2026 season after LSU’s late addition of two players Tuesday, ending speculation the Tigers would defy the SEC’s rule prohibiting former professional players by allowing Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris to join the team.

CBS Sports has confirmed sophomore cornerback Aidan Anding and junior defensive end Gabriel Reliford were the last two players added to the roster, perhaps ending a chaotic storyline that has dominated college football since the season began.

LSU deciding not to add the two ex-NFL players comes in the wake of the SEC’s threat to expel LSU from the conference, or at least seek the legal authority to do so after Lane Kiffin and the Tigers attempted to sign multiple players to the team who had previously signed professional contracts and were awarded temporary restraining orders to return to college sports after a new NCAA eligibility policy.

CBS Sports’ John Talty reported last week that multiple sources believed the league had the necessary votes to do so if the Tigers refused to de-escalate the situation. But Kiffin may have done just that by leaving Wright and Harris off the official squad list, although the saga likely isn’t over yet.

How Michigan made history by dropping out of AP Top 25 rankings after controversial win over Western Michigan

Brad Crawford

Advertisement

LSU complies with SEC rule 

A Louisiana judge granted a preliminary injunction clearing the way for Wright and Harris to play, a move that defies SEC rules. But the SEC’s federal suit keeps their long-term eligibility in jeopardy. With two open spots on its roster, LSU decided to fill its roster with players who were not in the crosshairs of the SEC.

Last week, LSU won a court battle in Louisiana after a judge ruled in favor of the Tigers potentially adding two former professional athletes. On the same day, the SEC filed its own lawsuit against Kiffin and LSU in Alabama. The conference is still fighting to enforce its own penalties on teams that roster former professional athletes, which were passed by a 15-0 vote with LSU abstaining — for obvious reasons.

Prior to LSU’s season-opening win over Clemson, the Tigers decided not to add Harris and Wright at the deadline for them to play vs. the Tigers. Kiffin had previously said he consulted his team’s leadership committee and said every player was on board with the possible addition of the two former college players who signed NFL contracts as undrafted free agents and participated in preseason training camp.

Kiffin initially balked at the SEC’s preference

During Saturday’s appearance on ESPN’s College GameDay, Kiffin cited “uncertainties” on why neither Harris nor Wright were suiting up for the Tigers against Clemson.

“That wasn’t easy, as much as I feel for the players,” Kiffin said. “And I believe that you fight for what you believe in. And I believe these kids have an opportunity to play, just like all the other kids around the country that are winning court cases and being put on rosters.

“But at the same time, I’m the head coach of LSU, and I had to make a decision that is for the big picture of LSU and the LSU football program– with the uncertainties of what potentially could have come by adding them to the roster. We couldn’t get exact reasons or… what that would mean if we added them, so with that, I made the decision which is in the best interests of the team and the university.”

At halftime of LSU’s blowout win over Clemson, Kiffin told ESPN with a 31-3 lead, “imagine if we had NFL players” before jogging off the field. In Tuesday’s heavy-handed amended complaint from the SEC, the league accused LSU of a lack of institutional control over its athletic department. 

The SEC even mentioned Kiffin’s halftime phrasing in the complaint.

NCAA’s 5-for-5 ruling kicked off debate

LSU wasn’t the first school to pursue this path of signing former professional players, CBS Sports’ John Talty noted earlier this offseason. 

Texas added fifth-year offensive lineman Cole Hutson, who had participated in NFL minicamps but wasn’t signed to a contract, following a lawsuit in Texas. Steve Sarkisian said Monday that Hutson was not currently eligible this season, due to an NCAA issue.  Hutson participated in minicamps with the Cleveland Browns and Dallas Cowboys last month, but did not sign a professional contract.

A sweeping rule in Colorado also, for a time, allowed the Class of 2022 players to return for a fifth year of eligibility. But that did not include former professional athletes. 

CBS Sports previously reported Kiffin and the Tigers reached out to multiple players on NFL rosters or their representation in an effort to get them to bring a lawsuit against the NCAA and return to school, per sources. This includes some of the players who ended up in the Louisiana lawsuit.

Other college football programs also reportedly had conversations with players who remained in NFL camps ahead of the league’s cut day on Aug. 30. Prior to last week’s court hearing in Louisiana, Kiffin defended his pursuit of Harris and Wright.

“I probably am in the minority of how I make decisions and probably not what most coaches do,” Kiffin said during a press conference before facing Clemson in the Tigers’ season-opening game last week. “I feel like my decisions should be in the best interest of the players in this room. And not for my reputation and how the decisions play in the national media or other fanbases. 

“I’ve never been that way, but those players and the people that hire me know I’m constantly trying to do the best things for them.”

Concerns over track conditions were at the forefront for the Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young stable on Saturday morning.

A significant downpour could have seen Blind Raise withdrawn from the Listed McKenzie Stakes (1300m), with a potential alternative being the Listed Michael Moroney (1400m) at Flemington the following week.

However, despite 7.2mm of rain falling at Sandown in the early hours, the track was rated a Soft 7, allowing the gelding to take his place in the field.

Sent out as the $3 favourite under Blake Shinn, Blind Raise ran out a 1-¾ length winner from Wolf Gap ($5), with Shooting Brake ($16) a further three-quarters-of-a-length behind in third.

“We don’t live far from here and it was pouring down and then at Cranbourne, at the track (this morning), it never misses it,” Busuttin commented.

“It was touch and go and I sent out a late voice message (to the ownership group) saying we would probably scratch.”

Busuttin noted that while Blind Raise performed well on the soft ground, he had been concerned by the gelding’s level of sweating prior to the race.

“That’s not him, he’s been bombproof all the way through,” Busuttin stated.

“It was genuinely a concern and even in the running, in the first furlong, he was trucking a bit, but he had had only the one trial since Brisbane, so that will bring him on.

“It was pretty comfortable (in the end) and the second horse was pretty good.

“The watch was pretty good so we’re pretty happy.”

The Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) on October 10 is now a potential target for Blind Raise, and Busuttin indicated that the stable would consider the best route to achieve this goal.

The Group 3 Caulfield Guineas Prelude (1400m) on September 19 and the Group 2 Stutt Stakes (1600m) at Caulfield eight days later are the primary options being considered.

“It’s either the Prelude or the Stutt Stakes and just with him being a bit fresh and keen, I think a two-week turnaround to the Prelude will do him the world of good,” Busuttin advised.

Compare the latest online bookmakers and their odds for upcoming feature races.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Congress has backed comprehensive reforms of Nigerian football but insists that the process must follow Nigerian law, the NFF Statutes and relevant FIFA and CAF regulations.

In a reform proposal dated September 2026, the Congress said the resignation of the NFF Executive Committee and General Secretary had created a serious leadership vacuum.

However, it stressed that the situation does not mean the NFF has been dissolved or that Congress has lost its constitutional powers.

The Congress said the NFF Statutes already provide a process for dealing with leadership vacancies through an Extraordinary Congress.

It therefore proposed that the reform process should begin with the activation of the appropriate Congress, followed by a review of the NFF Statutes and Electoral Code, verification of electoral constituencies and stakeholder structures, and eventually the conduct of fresh elections.

Congress supports major reforms

The Congress said it supports wide-ranging reforms covering governance, league administration, commercialisation, funding, infrastructure, player welfare, legislation and football development.

It, however, warned that the reform process itself must respect legality, institutional continuity, democratic representation, transparency, accountability and football autonomy.

The proposal covers areas such as governance and institutional reform, league development, commercialisation, sports funding, infrastructure, elections, transition and implementation.

The Congress recommended using the existing NFF Statutes and recognised football institutions as the foundation for the reform process.

It also said a reform body should not independently change the NFF Statutes, alter Congress membership, appoint or remove officials, create a Normalisation Committee or take control of the electoral process.

According to the Congress, such decisions must remain with the institutions empowered to make them under the NFF’s constitutional framework.

Government urged to respect football autonomy

The Congress recognised the role of government in supporting football through funding, infrastructure and legislation.

However, it warned that government support should not become control of the NFF’s internal administration.

It called for transparent agreements, proper procurement processes, independent audits and regular reports on public funds and infrastructure projects.

The Congress also said legislative reforms should continue alongside the electoral process and should not be used as a condition for holding NFF elections.

Proposed governance changes

The Congress wants a full review of the NFF Statutes, Electoral Code and governance structure.

It supports wider representation for players, coaches, referees, leagues and clubs, women’s football, youth football and grassroots football.

However, it maintained that any changes to Congress membership or voting rights must be approved through the NFF’s constitutional process.

The proposal also recommends a three-term limit for the NFF President and Executive Committee members, based on tenure principles contained in FIFA and CAF statutes.

Elections within six months

The Congress called for credible, transparent and independent elections based on valid statutes.

It proposed verification of the voters’ register, transparent nominations, eligibility checks, secret voting and proper appeal procedures.

Its proposed process is:

1. Convene an Extraordinary Congress to deal with the leadership vacancies.
2. Review and amend the NFF Statutes and Electoral Code where necessary.
3. Submit proposed reforms to FIFA and CAF for technical review.
4. Formally adopt the reforms through Congress.
5. Verify and regularise electoral constituencies and stakeholder structures.
6. Hold an elective Congress to elect new NFF leaders.

The Congress also rejected the idea of completely starting the Local Football Councils and State Football Associations afresh, saying verification and regularisation would be a better approach.

Three-to-six-month caretaker plan

For the transition period, the Congress proposed a Caretaker Committee that would operate for between three and six months.

The committee would be responsible for stabilising the NFF and helping to complete the statutory process towards elections.

The proposed members are Christopher Green, Esq.; Hon. Abubakar Ladan; Mr L. A. Haruna, SAN; Engineer Waheed Akanni; Rukayat Segilola Alaya; Coach Oko Victor Ndubuisi; and Professor Tor Iorapuu.

The Congress stressed that the committee should operate under the NFF Statutes and must not become a replacement for elected leadership.

Normalisation Committee only as a last resort

The Congress took a cautious position on the possible appointment of a Normalisation Committee.

It said such a committee should be an exceptional measure and not the first step in dealing with the crisis.

According to the proposal, it should only be considered if FIFA formally determines that the NFF’s existing statutory institutions cannot resolve the situation through the Federation’s constitutional process.

League and player welfare reforms

The Congress also supports professionalising Nigeria’s leagues, stronger club licensing, better commercialisation, improved player welfare and increased investment in youth, women’s and grassroots football.

However, it called for independent financial assessments before major financial commitments are approved.

For example, the proposed ₦2 million monthly minimum salary for players should first be tested for commercial and financial feasibility.

The Congress also said proposed commitments such as ₦2.5 billion in prize money and ₦15 billion for media production should be backed by sustainable revenue, proper club licensing and transparent distribution.

It further suggested reviewing the proposed media allocation, with greater attention given to the Nigeria National League and Nigeria Women’s Football League.

Reform roadmap

The Congress proposed a reform programme lasting between six and 24 months.

The first month would focus on stabilising the Federation and convening the competent Congress.

Months one to two would cover legal, financial and governance reviews, as well as consultations with stakeholders.

Months two to four would focus on changes to the NFF Statutes and Electoral Code.

Formal adoption of the reforms and preparations for elections would take place around months four and five, with elections and handover expected around the fifth or sixth month.

The remaining period, up to 24 months, would focus on implementing structural, commercial and player-welfare reforms, as well as developing women’s, youth and grassroots football and improving infrastructure.

Congress wants FIFA and CAF support, not replacement

The Congress proposed that FIFA and CAF should provide technical assistance, recognition and oversight without taking over the constitutional responsibilities of the NFF.

It said any Joint Reform Coordination Group should remain consultative and should not have the power to appoint or remove NFF officials, amend the Statutes, change Congress membership or control elections.

The proposal also noted that the NFF’s voting structure has expanded under recent statutory reforms, with the 2026 Statute increasing Congress membership from 44 to 53 voting members.

A proposed broader representation model would have 146 members holding 73 voting mandates, including representatives of State Football Associations, professional and lower-division clubs, women’s football, school sports, players, coaches, referees, beach soccer, grassroots football and supporters.

‘Yes’ to reform, ‘no’ to bypassing Congress

The NFF Congress said its position should not be seen as opposition to reform.

Instead, it wants the overhaul of Nigerian football to be carried out through a lawful, football-led and properly organised process.

Its preferred route is to activate the competent Congress, make any necessary changes to the Statutes and Electoral Code, verify electoral structures and then conduct credible elections.

The Congress believes FIFA and CAF should support the process through technical advice and oversight while respecting the constitutional authority and autonomy of the NFF.

In essence, the Congress is saying yes to comprehensive football reform, but no to bypassing the NFF’s constitutional institutions in the process.

Michigan news: NCAA clarifies protocol amid fallout from Wolverines’ win appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Michigan’s victory over Western Michigan, 13-12, at Michigan Stadium on Saturday will remain in the record books despite the controversy surrounding the dramatic ending.

Advertisement

The Wolverines won via the Hail Mary pass from Bryce Underwood to JJ Buchanan for the walk-off touchdown. Michigan benefited from the decision of the game officials to put one second on the game clock after reviewing the replay of Underwood’s initial pass that sailed to the back of the end zone as time expired, as shown on the stadium clock and the broadcast clock.

The MAC appealed the result, saying the Broncos should be declared the winner. The NCAA, however, affirmed Michigan’s victory, explaining that it does not have a mechanism to overturn the outcome of a game.

Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)

In a memorandum shared by The Athletic’s Ralph Russo, the NCAA instituted a protocol for when a “replay review requires time to be restored or otherwise adjusted.”

Advertisement

“The replay official’s decision will be based on the embedded game clock contained within the program feed. If the broadcaster is unable to provide an embedded game clock, the replay official will use the game-clock graphic displayed as part of the broadcast feed,” said the memorandum.

“Moving forward, this timing protocol should be followed consistently at all institutions and game sites.”

The latest news as Manchester United prepare to re-enter the Champions League

Manchester United are searching for momentum following a disappointingly inconsistent start to the season.

Michael Carrick is seeking to capitalise on the progress made after steering United to third position and securing Champions League football. Yet despite what appeared to be a favourable first month on paper, the Red Devils have collected just four points from three matches and find themselves 11th in the table.

On Sunday, Carrick’s men were denied victory by Everton deep into stoppage time as they were held to a 2-2 draw. United are now gearing up for their Champions League return and their maiden outing in the competition’s revamped format, which features an initial league phase comprising 36 teams.

United begin their European campaign against Azerbaijani outfit Sabah at Old Trafford on Thursday, before focus shifts back to domestic matters and Sunday’s Manchester derby. Here’s a summary of the latest developments from Old Trafford….

Rashford ‘smelling of roses’

Peter Schmeichel believes Marcus Rashford is like a new signing after praising the returning winger’s early-season displays. Following loan stints at Aston Villa and Barcelona, Rashford has appeared close to his outstanding best since being restored to the squad.

United legend Schmeichel was particularly struck by the forward’s display at Everton. He told Viaplay: “Coming away from that game, Rashford is now smelling of roses. I thought he was absolutely fantastic.”

The Dane went on to say: “It just shows that there’s some intent now for Marcus to go back to what he was for Manchester United four years ago, when he scored 30 goals in one season.

“He was playing like this. Seeing his team-mates, putting them in, getting the ball into good positions, stepping up, getting the ball into the box. He wasn’t trying to do everything himself, [he was] trying to be dangerous.

“If that’s what we get for this season, welcome back, Marcus. We have missed you, because he is then one of the top players in the world.”

Record deal signed

United have secured a record sleeve sponsorship agreement with a financial technology firm. The lucrative partnership will see SumUp – described by the club as a “leading global fintech company” – appear on United’s first-team shirts, taking over from DXC Technology.

It represents the club’s most lucrative sleeve sponsorship deal to date, though the precise value of the contract remains undisclosed. It is understood to exceed the recently agreed training kit sponsorship arrangement with Betway, which is reported to bring the club approximately £20million annually.

The SumUp branding will make its shirt debut against Sabah. It will also feature on both the academy and women’s teams’ kits.

Thousands of Man United fans upgraded their matchday last season. This is how they did it.

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

Various Prices

Seat Unique

Buy official packages at Seat Unique

Official premium experiences at Old Trafford are available now for the 26/27 Premier League season. Make it easier than ever to turn a regular fixture into something genuinely unforgettable.

Last year’s winner Ousmane Dembele, Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe are among the top contenders for the men’s Ballon d’Or.

The 30 men’s and 30 women’s nominees were revealed by France Football magazine on Tuesday, with the winners to be announced at a ceremony in London on Oct. 26.

In the women’s field, two-time winner Alexia Putellas, Ewa Pajor and Melchie Dumornay are among the favorites. Aitana Bonmati, the winner of the past three awards, did not make the cut after missing most of the season through injury. She returned at the end of Barcelona’s quadruple-winning season that included another Champions League title.

Dembele and Mbappe both played for France at the World Cup, where their team lost to eventual champion Spain in the semifinals. Although it’s difficult to win the accolade without a major trophy, Mbappe made history when he overtook Lionel Messi for the most all-time World Cup goals (22), in fewer games.

After claiming a second straight Champions League title with Paris Saint-Germain, Dembele has a chance to retain the Ballon d’Or.

Kane had one of his best seasons, scoring 73 goals for club and country and winning the Bundesliga title with Bayern Munich. Kane also led England to a third-place finish at the World Cup.

The 39-year-old Messi, who has a record eight Ballon d’Or awards, was on the shortlist after guiding Argentina to a runner-up finish at the World Cup and winning Major League Soccer with Inter Miami. The other three Ballon d’Or winners still active, Karim Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Luka Modric, were not in the list.

PSG dominatesDembele was one of nine PSG players – 10 including newly acquired Ferran Torres – nominated for the men’s award, alongside Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Nuno Mendes, Willian Pacho, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Joao Neves, Fabian Ruiz and Vitinha. Torres scored Spain’s winner in the World Cup final.

In an interview with France Football, Dembele said he expects the award to remain at PSG. Asked to name his top three in no particular order, he cited PSG teammate Kvaratskhelia, Kane and Mbappe. He also mentioned Michael Olise, Lamine Yamal, Ruiz and Pacho, but did not include himself.

“I don’t think the trophy is undecided. I think it will remain in the hands of a Paris Saint-Germain player,” he said.

The other men’s nominees include Real Madrid stars Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham, as well as Manchester City striker.

Italy, which did not qualify for the World Cup, and the Netherlands and Germany had no representatives. Only one player from Serie A, Lautaro Martinez of Inter Milan, was selected.

There was no goalkeeper nominated, ensuring Lev Yashin remains the only keeper to win the coveted trophy (1963) for another year.

The Ballon d’Or ceremony is moving from its traditional Paris home to London this year to mark the 70th anniversary of the first award won by England great Stanley Matthews.

The voting systemThe Ballon d’Or was created by France Football and has been awarded since 1956 for men, and since 2018 for women. It is voted for by journalists from the top 100 countries in the FIFA rankings for the men’s award and the top 50 FIFA-ranked countries for the women’s award.

Each journalist, one per country, selects players in ranked order with points attributed to each position. The winner is the player who receives the most points.

Organizers say the trophy is awarded based on three criteria, in order of importance: 1, individual performances, decisive and impressive character; 2, collective performances and titles won; 3, class and fair play. The performance period is Aug. 3, 2025 to July 19 – the day of this year’s World Cup final.

Calvin Oftana in action against New Zealand in the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

READ: SCHEDULE: Gilas Pilipinas men at Asian Games 2026 5×5 basketball

MANILA, Philippines–Gilas Pilipinas will field a 12-man squad for its defense of the Asian Games gold after all.

Coach Tim Cone on Wednesday confirmed the inclusion of Calvin Oftana for the Aichi-Nagoya Games, where he will fill the slot previously reserved for Justin Brownlee.

Cone said Oftana is due to arrive in Japan as of posting time.

READ: Gilas Pilipinas at Asian Games 2026: What you need to know

“We hope he arrives in time to make our practice schedule today,” Cone said.

Oftana will be making his first Gilas appearance since the second window of the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers in February.

He has missed the last two windows of the Asian Qualifiers due to injuries to his hamstring and toe.

READ: Gilas ready to go with 11 players if Brownlee misses Asian Games

The TNT star takes the place of Brownlee, who has been ruled out for the Asiad despite hopes that he may return after missing the fourth window of the Fiba qualification.

Cone initially said Gilas would be fine with an 11-man roster, but an additional body suddeniy became a necessity, especially after getting swept badly by South Korea in a two-game exhibition in Suwon over the weekend.

Oftana comes in two days before Gilas opens its Asiad campaign against Bahrain.