Connect with us

Sports

France Cricket implodes: letters hidden in a drawer and a board at war

Published

on

A February letter from the sports ministry was explosive for French cricket.

Arriving at France Cricket’s Saint-Maurice headquarters on February 11, the letter declared that no mandate for the sport had been granted for 2026-2029 and underscored that no cricket squad had the right to call itself an official team of “France”.

Minutes from a June 26 board meeting – published July 7 on the France Cricket website before being deleted within half an hour, and archived by FRANCE 24 – show that, for weeks, France Cricket’s elected board was apparently not told of ministry letters confirming it had lost official status.

The minutes contain email and text exchanges with Chairman Prebagarane Balane in which he denied receiving notice from the sports ministry.

Advertisement

When the February letter first arrived, France Cricket’s administrative officer emailed a PDF version to Balane, copying CEO Saravana Durairaj and the organisation’s lawyer, Alexis Rutman. Later asked by Treasurer Prethevechand Thiyagarajan to account for what happened, she stated that Balane had instructed her to forward it. 

By the time a second ministry letter arrived on March 6, those instructions had changed. According to the minutes, the administrative officer texted Balane to say she had not opened the envelope, in line with his instructions, and had placed it in his drawer, sending him a photograph of it.

When she emailed the same three recipients to notify them of its arrival, she says Balane called her, angry that she had copied in colleagues and reminding her he had told her to keep the letter to herself. She recalled the email; the lawyer had already read it, according to her statement, but the CEO had not. She texted Balane to tell him the recall had worked. He replied with thumbs-up emojis.

By this time, France Cricket’s loss of status was no secret – FRANCE 24 reported in December that its recognition would soon lapse.

Advertisement

But on March 25, Thiyagarajan wanted to know whether it was official. In an email to the chairman and copied to the board, he asked for confirmation that the ministry had not yet sent a letter. Balane replied that his reading was correct. In another message that morning, Balane said a letter was expected the following week. 

Two days later, Balane wrote to the sports ministry saying he had never received the February letter. The ministry emailed him a copy and said it had been dispatched to France Cricket’s address on February 3.

When a third ministry envelope arrived days later postmarked March 30, the meeting minutes show the administrative officer again texted Balane to say she had put it directly in his drawer and that this time she had told no one else, notably neither the lawyer nor the CEO. Balane acknowledged her message.

The minutes from the June 26 board meeting carried another bombshell: Balane’s resignation, to take effect on July 17. He is on record as saying that he served France Cricket for years and wanted the organisation to move forward under new leadership.

Advertisement

Balane did not respond to questions from FRANCE 24 about the letters, his possible resignation or the removal of the minutes from the France Cricket website. In an email to Thiyagarajan included in the annexes, Balane said Rutman handled all exchanges relating to the organisation’s status.

Read moreAllegations of fake matches, murky finances plague cricket in France

On notice

With France Cricket in turmoil, relations with the International Cricket Council (ICC) have reached a new low.

In a letter cited in the June 26 minutes, the sport’s global body asked why France Cricket had continued to approve official “France” teams after being told it could not, and why board minutes from an April meeting were never published.

Advertisement

Under France Cricket’s own internal regulations, board minutes must be published on its website within a week of the meeting.

On July 6, France Cricket published – and within two hours, removed – the minutes of a July 3 meeting that detailed further demands from the ICC: a multi-year development plan and a plan to reform its governance to the standard required of a recognised federation, with a progress report due within six months.

In response, France Cricket produced a 45-page governance “white paper” that the meeting minutes showed was adopted unanimously and sent to the ICC ahead of its annual conference, which took place in Edinburgh July 8-11. At the same meeting, Secretary General Patricia Clément, Treasurer Thiyagarajan and CEO Durairaj – but not Balane – were named the body’s official contacts with the ICC.

Then, in Edinburgh, the ICC made its move.

Advertisement

“France Cricket were placed on notice at the ICC Annual Conference 2026 on account of their non-compliance with the ICC Membership Criteria,” an ICC spokesperson told FRANCE 24 on July 18.

“They have 12 months to rectify the areas of non-compliance.”

According to The Cricketer, the ICC found France Cricket in breach of its rules on four counts: a “lack of appropriate legal status and national recognition”; a “governance framework/structure being not fit for purpose”; an “executive, administrative and corporate structure being not fit for purpose”; and a “failure to submit a compliant three-year National Development Plan”.

France Cricket’s June 26 meeting minutes note that ICC funding had been blocked. The Cricketer reported the ICC suspended funding with immediate effect on June 16. France Cricket was due $560,000 in ICC development funding for 2026-2027.

Advertisement

Read moreFrench women’s cricket team disbands after probe into fake matches

Out of the crease

France Cricket lost government recognition on January 1, when its mandate to run the sport through France’s baseball and softball federation lapsed and was not renewed. A would-be rival, the multi-sport body ASPTT, applied for the ministry’s mandate and then withdrew, leaving cricket with no recognised governing body in France at all.

France Cricket has been under scrutiny since a 2023 FRANCE 24 investigation revealed allegations that it had staged fake matches to access ICC funding. The affair prompted 17 members of the women’s national team to demand an inquiry; the team was subsequently disbanded.

Read moreFrance Cricket faces power struggle as government backing hangs in the balance

Advertisement

FRANCE 24 revealed in April that France Cricket fielded a senior men’s team at an ICC-ranked tournament in Portugal despite losing government recognition. The sports ministry said France Cricket could not legally field a national team, and legal experts said those responsible could face civil or criminal liability. 

France Cricket went on to compete in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Europe qualifier in Cyprus in May, entered as “France Cricket XI” but playing with “FRANCE” across players’ shirts.

Asked by FRANCE 24 about fielding teams without state recognition, an ICC spokesperson said France Cricket “has the same right to participate as any other of our members”.

ICC membership criteria require a member to have national recognition in its home country. For now, during the 12-month window, France Cricket keeps the rights of any other member: it can compete internationally, provided its teams enter as “France Cricket” rather than “France”.

Advertisement

But its place in world cricket now depends on regaining the recognition it has lost at home; and the French state, which controls that recognition along with public funding and the right to field an official national team, continues to refuse.

In a BBC podcast published June 6, Balane defended his organisation’s conduct. He denied reports of “ghost” matches and said France Cricket was appealing the ministry’s refusal to grant a mandate and would go to court if the appeal failed.

That appeal was rejected, according to the minutes of the June 26 board meeting.

“I [have been] president for almost 12 years,” he told BBC broadcaster Alison Mitchell. “We are volunteers doing it by passion and to develop cricket.”

Advertisement

A seat at the ICC’s top table

Even as France Cricket’s standing collapsed at home, its vice-president was rising in the world of cricket. In Edinburgh, Gurumurthy Palani was elected to the ICC’s 16-member board as one of three associate member directors, topping the poll with 35 of 43 eligible votes and unseating Imran Khwaja, an associate director since 2008. The ICC then named Palani chair of its Development Committee, the body responsible for growing the game in smaller cricketing nations, even as it placed France Cricket on notice.

Palani no longer appears on France Cricket’s website; an archived version shows he was listed as vice-president as recently as June 29. The June 26 minutes record that he had told the board he might have to step back from the organisation if elected. Palani did not reply to a request for comment.

The France Cricket board was due to meet again on July 17, when Balane’s resignation would have taken effect. But the meeting did not take place. 

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading
Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

Sports

The P/PTSD Perspective: Anthony Richardson Rumor, Spin Doctor’s QB Take, and a Defiant J.J. McCarthy

Published

on

Advertisement

J.J. McCarthy scrambles outside the pocket during a Vikings road game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) scrambles during first-half action against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, Dec. 14, 2025. McCarthy moved outside the pocket to extend the play as Minnesota searched for rhythm on the road in the early stages of the matchup. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images.

PurplePTSD works in partnership with Vikings Territory, similarly doing their utmost to offer top-notch coverage of the Minnesota Vikings. As a result, we’re promoting five of their top articles of the past month in “The P/PTSD Perspective.” Take a peek at some of their best stuff.

The P/PTSD Perspective: August 1st, 2026

1) Anthony Richardson Gets Yet Another Vikings Take: Some rumors refuse to die. For whatever it’s worth, there are at least some reasons to link Mr. Richardson to the Vikings. Short of something truly bizarre occurring, though, Richarson isn’t going to call Minnesota home anytime soon.

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson takes the field before kickoff against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sept. 10, 2023, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, preparing for his regular-season debut as the franchise’s young signal-caller while fans fill the stadium for an AFC South matchup. Mandatory Credit: Jenna Watson-USA TODAY NETWORK.
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson takes the field before kickoff against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sept. 10, 2023, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, preparing for his regular-season debut as the franchise’s young signal-caller while fans fill the stadium for an AFC South matchup. Mandatory Credit: Jenna Watson-USA TODAY NETWORK.

2) Chuck Foreman Doesn’t Hold Back on Vikings’ 2026 QB Competition: Listening to “The Spin Doctor” would be wise. After all, Mr. Foreman had an excellent career for the Vikings, meaning he boasts ample wisdom.

3) J.J. McCarthy Will Not Bow: Being defiant in one’s desire to compete is a cherished personality trait, especially in the NFL. Many are leaving Mr. McCarthy for dead. He doesn’t appear to be particularly concerned. Can the kid overcome the odds by stealing back the QB1 job?

Advertisement

J.J. McCarthy
Jan 4, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) talks to an official prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images

4) Vikings Announce Flurry of Roster Moves After Rookies Report to Camp: A roster is an evolving being. That reality is especially true at a time like NFL training camp. GM Nolan Teasley showed some guys the door before welcoming others.

5) Will Fries Could Benefit Most from Vikings’ Commitment to Run Game: The well-paid right guard didn’t live up to expectations last season. A major part of the reason why is due to injury. Yes, he played the full year, but he was coming off a serious injury that robbed him of most of 2024. He has now settled into the Twin Cities and is working with a new coach. Can he explode?

Will Fries
Nov 23, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers defensive end Micah Parsons (1) gets by Minnesota Vikings guard Will Fries (76) during the first half at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Enjoy the extra reading, Vikings fans.


avatar

Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

Sports

Man Utd v Atletico Madrid LIVE: Team news, score and updates from pre-season friendly

Published

on

HALF-TIME: Man Utd 0-1 Atletico Madrid

‘45: Heaton is forced into a save late in the half as Castillo has a go from close range, the first time he’s been called into action since Atletico scored, I think.

That’s almost the last action of the half. United have been much better since going behind but frustrated in their bid for an equaliser.

Flo Clifford1 August 2026 14:46

Advertisement

Man Utd 0-1 Atletico Madrid

‘43: United are really pushing for an equaliser. Yoro plays a one-two and sets up Shaw, before Dorgu has a pop. They’ve been much the better side.

Flo Clifford1 August 2026 14:43

Advertisement

Man Utd 0-1 Atletico Madrid

‘39: United have a free-kick; Shaw whips in a great ball from deep and Yoro gets a head to it but the angle is all wrong.

Flo Clifford1 August 2026 14:40

Man Utd 0-1 Atletico Madrid

‘38: Lookman and Yoro get in a tangle as Atletico try to build something, but the Frenchman gets the better of him. The Atletico talisman has been kept very quiet today.

Advertisement

Flo Clifford1 August 2026 14:39

Man Utd 0-1 Atletico Madrid

‘34: Heaven launches a ball in and there’s chaos in the box as a United player sends it wide, while Le Normand and Maguire practice a bit of wrestling at the far post. Wrong sport, boys.

Flo Clifford1 August 2026 14:34

Advertisement

Man Utd 0-1 Atletico Madrid

‘29: Immaculate by Shea Lacey, who whips a high cross across the face of goal but Mbeumo’s header glances wide! United are threatening.

Flo Clifford1 August 2026 14:30

Advertisement

Man Utd 0-1 Atletico Madrid

‘27: Carlos Martin flings himself to the ground under little provocation twice in quick succession, but the second time it doesn’t work out. United have a free-kick on the left of the box. Mount and Shaw stand over it.

Mount’s delivery is repelled by Ruggeri.

Flo Clifford1 August 2026 14:27

Advertisement

Man Utd 0-1 Atletico Madrid

‘23: Dorgu speeds down the left onto a through-ball and cuts back at the byline but it’s straight into Oblak’s arms and the flag goes up anyway.

Flo Clifford1 August 2026 14:23

Man Utd 0-1 Atletico Madrid

‘21: Ruggeri just about keeps the ball in down the left channel but United turn it over again quickly. They’ve responded positively to going behind.

Advertisement

Flo Clifford1 August 2026 14:21

SAVE! Man Utd 0-1 Atletico Madrid

‘17: Mount feints a run-up, Amad strikes it and goes low through the wall – it nearly goes through Oblak’s feet after a deflection as the keeper gets down low, and sat down on the turf he manages to keep it out, but only just!

Flo Clifford1 August 2026 14:17

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

Sports

Ajax and Real Betis ignite interest in Ireland striker Troy Parrott

Published

on

Ajax and Real Betis have made contact with AZ Alkmaar about Troy Parrott, in a deal that could go beyond £25m. All of Fulham, Como and PSV Eindhoven are meanwhile surveying how it develops, with a view to potentially trying to hijack any deal.

Parrott has had another sensational season with AZ, with one of many peaks the five goals against Portugal and Hungary in November’s international break, that took Ireland into a World Cup play-off.

That has seen a series of clubs take interest in his progress, with the five above – from four different countries – currently the most keen. Parrott himself is open to another transfer abroad, given how beneficial the move to the Netherlands has been for his career.

Betis are especially keen but the challenge is about securing the right deal.

AZ have long wanted a package that comes to around £25m, with many in football seeing that as a great price for a 24-year-old with a high ceiling and still considerable potential to grow.

Advertisement

Parrott joined AZ from Tottenham Hotspur in July 2024 having been sent out on loan spells to five different clubs during his time with Spurs including Millwall and Preston North End.

He made the switch to the Eredivise in a £6.7m move scoring 14 goals in 30 league appearances in his first season with AZ. He bettered that last year with 16 goals from 28 league appearances and has netted 33 times from 61 games for the club.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Sports

Richarlison future: Forward ‘sometimes’ wants to leave Spurs – Roberto de Zerbi

Published

on

Roberto de Zerbi says Tottenham “don’t know” whether forward Richarlison will stay at the club as he “sometimes” wants to leave.

The Brazil international, 29, scored a last-minute winner as 10-man Spurs beat Chelsea 2-1 in a high-profile friendly in Sydney.

After the match, De Zerbi was asked whether Richarlison – who has entered the final year of his contract – would leave this summer.

“I don’t know because I like him as a player and as a guy,” De Zerbi said at Accor Stadium. “He’s unbelievable in terms of attitude and behaviour. But, in the end, we have to respect what he wants to do.”

Advertisement

When pressed on whether Richarlison wants to leave, he added: “I don’t know. I didn’t understand well because sometimes he says he wants to stay, sometimes he wants to leave. We have to speak anyway. There is not any problem. He’s a lovely guy.”

The Italian coach was keen to point out Richarlison’s professionalism and impact in a chaotic campaign that saw Spurs battle relegation, scoring 12 goals.

“For me, he’s still an important player because it’s not easy to find another striker like Richarlison,” he said. “Richarlison scores goals. He knows the way. With any new striker, we don’t know.

“He scored 12 goals last season, not because of luck but because he knows how to score.

Advertisement

“All of us love him, the team-mates, the club and the staff because he works hard every day, seriously every day, and we can’t say anything about him on the pitch.”

The situation comes in the context of Spurs’ record-breaking £237m transfer window, which is set to continue with the pursuit of two more attackers.

One is understood to be Manchester City‘s Savinho, while Liverpool‘s Cody Gakpo has also been linked.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Sports

Mykhailo Mudryk cleared to return as Chelsea Welcome Winger Back

Published

on

Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk is set to return to action after his doping case was resolved, bringing an end to a chapter that has kept him out of competitive football since late 2024.

The Football Association (FA), the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and Mudryk reached an agreement during his appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), allowing the Ukrainian international to resume his career with immediate effect.

Mudryk had initially received a four-year ban after testing positive for meldonium in October 2024. However, the sanction was effectively reduced to the period he had already served following changes to WADA’s technical guidance.

  • Football Mourns AC Milan Legend Franco BaresiFootball Mourns AC Milan Legend Franco Baresi

Advertisement

Under the current standards, the concentration of meldonium found in his sample would no longer be considered a doping violation.

Although the settlement allows him to return, Mudryk accepted that he had committed anti-doping rule violations as part of the agreement. Throughout the process, however, he maintained that he had never knowingly taken a banned substance.

Reacting to the decision, the 25-year-old expressed relief that the case had finally come to an end.

Advertisement

“After a long battle, the four-year ban that was imposed on me has been rescinded, and I am free to resume my career with immediate effect.”

He added:

“This has been the most difficult period of my career. As I have always maintained from the outset of this case, I have never knowingly or intentionally taken any banned substance.”

Chelsea also welcomed the outcome, reaffirming their support for the winger.

Advertisement

“Chelsea Football Club is pleased that this matter has now reached a conclusion which allows Mykhailo to return to football with immediate effect.”

Mudryk is now expected to rejoin Chelsea’s first-team squad as preparations continue for the new Premier League season. His return also gives manager Xabi Alonso another attacking option after nearly two years away from competitive football.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Sports

3 habits good putters have that can help you avoid three-putts

Published

on

Few things are more frustrating than walking off the green with a three-putt. But you don’t need to rebuild your stroke or spend hundreds on the latest training aid to avoid these scorecard killers. More often than not, becoming a better putter comes down to building better habits.

That’s exactly what GOLF Top 100 Teacher David Armitage says more amateurs need to focus on if they want to cut these score-killers out of their rounds. According to Armitage, the best putters all share three simple habits that improve distance control, produce a more reliable stroke and reduce their chances of three-putting. 

Want to start taking strokes off your score? Below are the three habits you can use to never three-putt again. 

1. Slow down before setting up

According to Armitage, one of the biggest mistakes amateurs make on the greens is rushing through the process — or not having a process at all.

Advertisement

“We’ve got to try and educate ourselves,” Armitage says. “I think a lot of people skip that step.”

That doesn’t mean spending minutes dissecting every putt. Armitage notes that some golfers fall into the opposite trap, overanalyzing the read and second-guessing themselves.

The goal is to find the middle ground: a consistent pre-putt routine that helps you read the green, commit to your line and step over the ball with confidence.

2. Let your stroke control distance

One of the biggest mistakes amateurs make is creating speed with their hands and accelerating through impact. Instead, Armitage wants golfers to maintain a consistent tempo and control distance by changing the length of their stroke.

Advertisement

He compares the putting motion to a pendulum: the rhythm stays the same, but the length of the stroke changes depending on the putt. On slower greens, make a longer stroke. On faster greens, shorten it — but avoid the instinct to accelerate or decelerate.

That consistency gives you a repeatable system for distance control, no matter the length of the putt.

3. Practice the putts that save strokes

Most golfers spend their time on the practice green trying to make short putts. While those are important, Armitage believes long-range putts are where amateurs have a bigger opportunity to improve.

“Amateurs … definitely don’t practice their long putting enough,” he says. “And I think it’s a place where they could definitely get better very quickly.”

Advertisement

To improve distance control, Armitage recommends trying ladder drills or hitting putts toward the fringe. Both of those drills are designed to help golfers develop a feel for speed while maintaining the same tempo and adjusting only the length of their stroke.

Remember, the goal isn’t to make every long putt — it’s to leave yourself a manageable second putt and eliminate costly three-putts.

Three-putts don’t have to be a part of your game. By slowing down your routine, developing a consistent tempo and practicing longer putts, you can eliminate costly mistakes and lower your scores.

View Product

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Sports

Football Mourns AC Milan Legend Franco Baresi

Published

on

Football is mourning the loss of one of its greatest-ever defenders after AC Milan and Italy legend Franco Baresi passed away at the age of 66.

Baresi is widely regarded as one of the finest defenders in football history. He spent his entire 20-year playing career at AC Milan, becoming the heart of one of the most successful teams the game has ever seen.

He made 719 appearances for the Rossoneri, won six Serie A titles, three European Cups/UEFA Champions League trophies, four Italian Super Cups and two Intercontinental Cups. His loyalty to Milan was so profound that the club retired his iconic No. 6 shirt following his retirement in 1997.

  • Mykhailo Mudryk cleared to return as Chelsea Welcome Winger BackMykhailo Mudryk cleared to return as Chelsea Welcome Winger Back

Advertisement

On the international stage, Baresi earned 81 caps for Italy and was part of the squad that won the 1982 FIFA World Cup. He later captained the Azzurri to the 1994 World Cup final, cementing his place among the country’s greatest footballers.

Renowned for his intelligence, composure and exceptional reading of the game, Baresi redefined the role of the modern sweeper. Despite not being the tallest defender, his anticipation, leadership and technical ability made him one of the most respected figures in world football.

Franco Baresi leaves behind a legacy that will forever be etched into the history of AC Milan, Italian football and the sport itself.  Rest Well Franco

Advertisement

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Sports

Terence Crawford’s verdict on Lamont Roach vs William Zepeda title fight: “It could be bad for him”

Published

on

Terence Crawford has offered Lamont Roach some words of wisdom ahead of his vacant WBC world title clash with William Zepeda.

The sanctioning body’s two leading lightweight contenders will collide this evening, headlining a Golden Boy card in Las Vegas.

Zepeda has therefore been presented with a second stab at the WBC 135lb strap, despite coming off a unanimous decision defeat to Shakur Stevenson in July 2025.

Advertisement

Even against Stevenson, though, the Mexican fought at a relentless pace and proved that he represents a hard night’s work for any fighter.

Roach, on the other hand, has been accused of lacking a degree of urgency, or rather believing he is comfortably ahead on the judges’ scorecards when, really, the fight remains in the balance.

This appeared to be the case in his last outing, against Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz, whose sheer aggression and work rate saw him come away with a 12-round draw in December.

Prior to that, Roach boxed to a far more contentious draw against Gervonta Davis, who should have suffered a knockdown when he touched the canvas in round nine.

Advertisement

The fact remains, however, that Roach must elevate his punch output and intensity if he is to emerge victorious against Zepeda.

Speaking with FightHype, former three-division undisputed champion Crawford outlined this as an area of improvement for the 30-year-old.

“It’s going to be a good fight. If Roach don’t pick up his punch count, it’s going to be a bad one [for him].”

While seemingly needing to increase his volume, Roach does have the footwork and fluidity to cause Zepeda serious problems.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

Sports

Is Man United vs Atletico Madrid on TV? Channel, kick-off time and how to watch pre-season friendly

Published

on

Manchester United continue their pre-season tour of Scandinavia as they take on fellow European heavyweights Atletico Madrid in Stockholm.

United bounced back from their surprise opening defeat to Wrexham with a rampant 5-0 win over Norwegian outfit Rosenborg.

They now face their biggest test of pre-season so far, with Atletico coming into the clash off their 4-1 triumph of their LaLiga rivals Getafe, which saw Ademola Lookman bag a brace.

It kicks off a run of exciting friendlies for Michael Carrick’s side, who will also face Paris Saint-Germain, fierce rivals Leeds and AC Milan before their Premier League curtain-raiser at Hull City.

Here’s everything you need to know.

Advertisement

When is Man United vs Atletico Madrid?

Manchester United’s pre-season friendly against Atletico Madrid kicks off at 2pm BST on Saturday 1 August at the Strawberry Arena in Stockholm, Sweden.

How can I watch it?

Fans can watch the match on MUTV, with an annual subscription costing £29.99.

Advertisement

Team news

Man United are without Benjamin Sesko along with Manuel Ugarte and Matthijs de Ligt due to injury, but there is a boost in the form of Amad Diallo’s return. New boy Andrey Santos starts again but there is no debut yet for Youri Tielemans, who has finally arrived at Carrington off the back of the World Cup.

Atletico are without their Argentine and Spanish stars that featured in the World Cup final – all those other than Marcos Llorente, who is already back for the squad despite his involvement for La Roja.

Confirmed line-ups

Advertisement

Man United XI: Heaton; Yoro, Maguire, Heaven, Shaw; Mount, Santos; Amad, Lacey, Dorgu; Mbeumo

Atletico Madrid XI: Oblak; Dominguez, Le Normand, Hancko, Ruggeri; Koke, Vargas, Castillo, Ortiz; Lookman, Martin.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Sports

T1, Fuel do double duty to reach Overwatch Midseason playoffs

Published

on

A contestant uses a video game controller in a Super Smash Brothers Nintendo Wii Tournament at the Manteca Branch Library in downtown Manteca on jul. 10. 2008.A contestant uses a video game controller in a Super Smash Brothers Nintendo Wii Tournament at the Manteca Branch Library in downtown Manteca on jul. 10. 2008.

T1 and the Dallas Fuel both swept two Group A lower-bracket matches on Friday and advanced to the playoffs at the Overwatch Champions Series Midseason Championship in Paris.

Also moving on were Twisted Minds, ZETA DIVISION, Geekay Esports and Spacestation.

The $1 million tournament is part of the Esports World Cup.

The 16-team event began with a double-elimination group stage. All group-stage matches were best-of-three, and the top four teams from both groups made the single-elimination playoffs.

Playoff matches will be best-of-five until the grand final on Sunday, which will be best-of-seven.

Advertisement

The championship team will earn $400,000 and 1,000 Esports World Cup club points.

On Friday, T1 downed 9z Team in the Group A lower-bracket quarterfinals, prevailing 2-1 on Samoa Control and 3-0 on New Junk City Flashpoint. T1 then defeated Team Falcons 2-1 on Samoa Control and 1-0 on Shambali Monastery Escort.

In the other Group A lower-bracket quarterfinal, the Fuel squeezed past Team Liquid 2-1 on Nepal Control and 3-2 on New Junk City Flashpoint. Dallas moved on to dump Virtus.pro 2-0 on Nepal Control and 3-1 on New Junk City Flashpoint.

Earlier, Twisted Minds swept Virtus.pro in an Group A upper-bracket semifinal.

Advertisement

In a Group B upper-bracket semifinal, ZETA DIVISION prevailed 2-1 over Geekay Esports. The Group B lower-bracket semifinals saw Geekay Esports oust JD Gaming 2-0 and Spacestation slip past VARREL 2-1.

The Saturday quarterfinal matchups:

–Twisted Minds vs. Geekay Esports

Advertisement

–Weibo Gaming vs. Spacestation

–ZETA DIVISION vs. Dallas Fuel

–Crazy Raccoon vs. T1

Overwatch Champions Series Midseason Championship prize pool, with money and Esports World Cup club points

Advertisement

1. $400,000, 1,000

2. $180,000, 750

3. $100,000, 500

4. $60,000, 300

Advertisement

5-8. $35,000, 200

9-12. $20,000, no points — Team Falcons, Virtus.pro, JD Gaming, VARREL

13-16. $10,000, no points — 9z Team, Team Liquid, Team Secret, AG.AL International

Advertisement

–Field Level Media

Source link

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2025