Manchester United are closing in on a £50million deal to sign Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos
Former Manchester United midfielder Nicky Butt has expressed concerns about the club’s decision to sign Andrey Santos. United have agreed a deal to sign the midfielder from Chelsea this summer, with the Brazilian expected to pen permanent terms at Old Trafford.
United reached an agreement for an initial fee worth £48million, with the potential of £2million in add-ons, taking the overall package of the transfer up to £50million.
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Santos made 43 appearances for Chelsea last season – but started only 13 games in the Premier League – and looks set to move to Old Trafford less than two weeks after Casemiro’s contract at United expired.
Butt has concerns about the fee United are paying to sign Santos, explaining why he thinks the Reds have decided to bring the midfielder to Old Trafford.
“If he’s brought in at £25-30 million you could understand it, Man United need to build a squad. I’ve said that a few times,” Butt said in an interview with Paddy Power.
“It’s not just about the lads on the pitch, you’ve got to have better players on the bench. But he’s not being signed for £50m to just be sat on the bench, he has to be a starter.
“I’ve seen him play a few times but nothing stands out that makes you go, ‘Wow, he’s got great ability on the ball or he’s a powerhouse’.
“It’s come totally out of the blue. It’s either genius by the recruitment team and they’re saying, ‘This lad is going to be the next big thing, we’ll pay the £50m quick and throw him straight in the deep end’.
“But by virtue of him only starting 13 games for Chelsea last year, who finished 10th, it doesn’t scream out a good signing to me.
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“I hope I’m wrong, I hope he turns out to be a great player and blows us away.”
Butt then went on to compare the fee that United have agreed to pay to sign Santos with some of the other deals that have been completed for midfielders this summer.
Elliott Anderson has joined Manchester City in a £116million deal, while Sandro Tonali has signed for Tottenham Hotspur in a move worth up £100million.
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Mateus Fernandes also recently joined Spurs for a reported £85million fee.
Butt said: “But you’re looking at other players who have gone to other places – Elliot Anderson, Matheus Fernandes, Sandro Tonali – they’ve been proper players in the Premier League and they look like they’ve played in the division for 10 years.
“This lad’s barely played 10 games. It’s a strange one, it’s not one I’m jumping around going, ‘What a signing, I’m really happy with it’.
“We need players in midfield that make us a lot better. I really don’t like having a go at young players or new signings before they go and prove themselves, but it’s one where they’re buying potential over someone that’s done it.
“He could come and blow us away and everyone’s saying, ‘What a signing, he could be the best signing of the last five-ten years at Man United’. But then again he could just end up being another Manuel Ugarte that doesn’t perform at the top level.
“If United shock us all and go out and buy another midfielder for £100million and he’s just one more they’re going to give a bit of time to, then I get it.
“Because we should always buy younger players who have the potential to kick on for the future. But if he’s getting thrown straight in the deep end and he’s got to produce at the highest level… United haven’t got time to let people settle in for a year or two, they have to hit the ground running.”
Universal Tower Defense Z introduced the Hero Relic Set as part of Update 4.0. It can be obtained through the Extractions game mode, which involves completing various activities in an open map. Successfully completing the Extraction mode may potentially grant you pieces of the Hero Set. Being debuff-centered pieces of equipment, the Hero Relic Set is a great option for support and debuff-focused DPS units.
Let’s explore what the Hero Relic Set is all about in Universal Tower Defense Z.
An overview of the Hero Relic Set in Universal Tower Defense Z
The Crime Fighting Extraction mode features the Hero Relic Set as a reward (Image via Roblox)
The Hero Relic Set can be obtained by completing the Crime Fighting Extraction stage, which is a high-difficulty stage that can take a while to clear. This is particularly the case if you’re attempting to clear it solo, taking anywhere between 25 to 35 minutes to clear based on your team composition.
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You can complete World Events in this mode, from which you have a chance to receive pieces of the Hero Relic Set. Whenever a World Event appears, approach it to find out its details and learn if it features the Hero Set or not.
World Events featuring the Relic Set have a 30% chance to drop the Accessory, while the Top and Bottom have 50% drop rate each. Since multiple World Events spawn while attempting the game mode, you needn’t worry about not getting these pieces on your first attempt.
Note that you will only get the rewards in your inventory after completing a successful Extraction. An Extraction notification will inform you when you can exit the stage and receive the prizes.
The mode offers multiple opportunities for Extraction, with a Final Extraction being the endpoint of the run. Note that if you don’t reach the Final Extraction point in time, your run will automatically fail and you will lose the rewards you collected along the way.
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Here are the bonuses offered by the Hero Relic Set:
Accessory: Applying debuffs on enemies grants the unit a 12% damage bonus for 10 seconds and increases debuff duration by 10 seconds.
Top and Bottom: Increases damage dealt by 40% upon applying a debuff. Both pieces must be equipped at once for the bonus to apply.
Set Bonus: Hero: Increases damage by 25%, elemental damage by 15%, and critical chance by 5%; reduces SPA by 5%.
In the aftermath of that incident, England players were issued new guidance, as reported by the Telegraph, external.
The updated policy confirms the midnight curfew is in place on every day of a series at home or on tour.
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It also recommends that no alcohol be consumed on the day immediately before, during or the day immediately after a match. If, for example, a Test runs the full five days, the recommendation extends to the following day.
The head coach and director of cricket, in this instance Brendon McCullum and Rob Key respectively, have the discretion to relax the recommendations when they see fit.
That way, the hierarchy can allow players the freedom to celebrate a win or keep with traditions such as an end-of-series drink with the opposition at the conclusion of an Ashes series.
Players were allowed to drink immediately after the third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge, to mark Stokes’ international retirement.
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The recommendations apply only to players, rather than staff.
If players do choose to drink in the period before, during or after matches, it should not be in public.
They have also been strongly discouraged from drinking in private, in order to aid preparation, recovery and professionalism.
The guidelines apply only to the England senior men’s teams. All other England teams – the women, Lions and age-group teams – have their own rules.
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Regarding the curfew, there are periods when players would naturally leave the England camp, either because there is a long gap between matches or they have been released to their counties.
It has been confirmed the curfew still applies in these circumstances, subject to the discretion of the management.
SportsLine’s team of experts have revealed their World Cup parlay and soccer predictions for Spain vs. Belgium
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2 min read
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Pre-tournament favorites Spain will look to make the semifinals when they face Belgium on Friday, July 10 in the quarterfinal round of the 2026 World Cup. Spain have yet to allow a goal in this tournament and have started getting their act together after a scoreless draw to open the campaign against Cape Verde. Belgium looked out of sorts for most of the tournament but have started to round into form with a comeback win over Senegal in the Round of 32 and a 4-1 demolition of the United States in the Round of 16.
SportsLine experts Jon Eimer, Martin Green, Matt Severance, Brandt Sutton and Brad Thomas have provided their insights for this contest and we’ve put together a same-game parlay for the match with odds from FanDuel. Anyone following their World Cup betting advice at sportsbooks and on betting apps could have seen huge returns.
World Cup parlay for Friday
Spain-Belgium Under 2.5 goals
Both teams to score – No
Spain money line in regular time
FanDuel parlay price: +259
Spain-Belgium Under 2.5 goals
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As mentioned earlier, Spain have not allowed a goal yet. We can debate the quality of their opposition but Uruguay, Austria and Portugal are no slouches. For as much attention as Spain’s offensive threats get, their defense looks unbreakable. Belgium have largely been solid on the back end, and that was on display against USA. The Americans couldn’t put together anything in open play. I see this game being a low-scoring affair.
Both teams to score – No
Even though Belgium have been putting in goals regularly of late, I don’t see them having much success against Spain. Five goals against New Zealand doesn’t prove much, and the USA gifted Belgium two of the four goals in that contest. A rare sign of life against Senegal is a bit fluky too, and I think Spain’s track record defensively has been more consistent. I see La Furia Roja controlling possession in this game and not letting Belgium have too many chances at a goal.
Spain money line in regular time
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There’s little value on taking Spain to advance outright, but grabbing them on the regular-time money line provides a bit of a boost. If this plays out as a low-scoring game where possession is at a premium, that plays to Spain’s style more than Belgium’s. If I had to pick one side to find a late winner, I’ll take the one with Lamine Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal.
“Moron,” “colonized Cameroonian,” “full of inferiority complexes, nouveau riche, arrogant, and ugly” — these remarks from Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla have triggered a wave of international outrage.
The target of her attacks was French football star Kylian Mbappe. Now, all of France is rallying behind the national team captain.
A fiercely contested, emotional match
Amarilla’s comments followed Saturday’s emotionally charged World Cup round-of-16 match between France and Paraguay in Philadelphia, which France won 1-0.
Mbappe was subjected to repeated rough tackles during the match and stirred up further controversy after the final whistle with provocative gestures directed at the Paraguayan players. His refusal to shake hands with goalkeeper Orlando Gill became a major talking point.
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The match between France and Paraguay was often physicalImage: Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto/picture alliance
Shortly thereafter, Amarilla published several posts on social media. In one, she called the striker a “moron” who hadn’t even learned to write. “Instead of mother’s milk, he sucked on coconuts, and the most educated things he ever heard were chimpanzees,” she wrote.
“Madame Celeste Amarilla, you are a despicable woman and unworthy of your office. You do not represent Paraguay — a country that has exuded passion and honor throughout the entire tournament,” Mbappe responded via X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.
The forward made it clear that he would not let such racist attacks go unanswered. He said Amarilla had, “through her blatant racism … presented the worst possible image of her country. I will never allow people like her the freedom to spread their hatred and racism across the world.”
Mbappe’s reaction was met with widespread approval in France. Many politicians, sports officials and fans publicly rallied behind the French star, who helped lead the country to the 2018 World Cup title and the 2022 World Cup final.
Federation announces legal action
France’s football federation (FFF) came out in strong support of the forward.
“The racist comments made by Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla against Kylian Mbappe are utterly abhorrent and unacceptable,” the FFF stated. The federation also announced plans to file a complaint with the public prosecutor’s office “to initiate criminal proceedings.”
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FFF President Philippe Diallo also demonstratively stood by his captain. He explained that the French national team players represent the entire country; consequently, attacks on Mbappe were also attacks on France itself.
Support also came from French President Emmanuel Macron, who stated that he “supports Kylian Mbappe and the French national team in the face of the racist attacks.”
According to the presidential office, even Paraguayan President Santiago Pena had condemned the senator’s remarks. Paraguay’s foreign ministry also distanced itself from Amarilla de Boccia’s statements.
Infantino weighs in
The incident eventually drew the attention of the global football community. FIFA President Gianni Infantino responded with a message of solidarity, stating that he condemned the insults “unequivocally.”
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“I unequivocally condemn the racist remarks made against Kylian Mbappe by Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla,” he wrote on Instagram.
“The entire football world and society stand in solidarity with the France captain: we must fight racism and defeat it together.”
Amarilla de Boccia responded to the wave of condemnation with an open letter in which she explained that her words were directed at Mbappe personally rather than at France as a whole. She also expressed a measure of regret.
“After only a short time, I regretted hurling the very same insults at you that I myself have to endure,” the senator wrote, adding that as a Latina, she too had also been the victim of racist abuse.
You must collect a total of 16 Mayan stones to complete the Mayan Mysteries side quest in Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced. While the first one can be acquired during the This Old Cove mission, the rest of them are scattered around the Caribbean, and you need to solve puzzles to get the items. The side quest starts after completing the Overrun And Outnumbered main quest.
All Mayan stone locations in Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced and how to find them (Mayan Mysteries side quest)
Here are the 16 Mayan stones you need to find to complete the Mayan Mysteries side quest in Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced:
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Note: You can collect the Mayan stones in any order.
Mayan stone #1
Great Inagua Mayan stelae solution (Image via Sportskeeda Gaming || Ubisoft)
As mentioned before, you will collect the first Mayan stone after solving the puzzle during the This Old Cove mission in Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced. It is located at Great Inagua.
Mayan stone #2
Tulum Mayan stelae solution (Image via Sportskeeda Gaming || Ubisoft)
Location: Tulum, Conttoyor
Coordinates: 30, 382
While pursuing the Overrun And Outnumbered main quest, you will arrive near the Mayan door at Tulum. Navigate to the western segment of Tulum to find the Mayan stelae. Solve the puzzle to obtain the second Mayan stone.
Mayan stone #3
Cat Island Mayan stelae solution (Image via Sportskeeda Gaming || Ubisoft)
Location: Cat Island, Eleuthera
Coordinates: 703, 670
The next Mayan stelae puzzle can be found on Cat Island in the Eleuthera region. It is found on the northern side.
After reaching Cape Bonavista, proceed southeast and go uphill to find and solve the stelae to get the Mayan stone in Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced.
Mayan stone #5
Matanzas Mayan stelae solution (Image via Sportskeeda Gaming || Ubisoft)
Location: Matanzas, Dry Tortuga
Coordinates: 312, 616
Head to Matanzas in the Dry Tortuga region, and proceed southeast to find the Mayan stelae. The area is filled with enemies, so you must eliminate them or stay hidden to collect the Mayan stone.
First Misteriosa Mayan stelae solution (Image via Sportskeeda Gaming || Ubisoft)
Location: Misteriosa, Serranilla
Coordinates: 273, 175
You will find two Mayan stones in Misteriosa in the Serranilla region. The first one is located on the eastern side.
Mayan stone #7
Second Misteriosa Mayan stelae solution (Image via Sportskeeda Gaming || Ubisoft)
Location: Misteriosa, Serranilla
Coordinates: 265, 171
The second Mayan stone at Misteriosa can be found near the western shoreline, after solving the Mayan stelae puzzle.
Mayan stone #8
New Bone Mayan stelae solution (Image via Sportskeeda Gaming || Ubisoft)
Location: New Bone, Serranilla
Coordinates: 400, 92
Head to New Bone, located in the southeast section of the Serranilla region. Next, proceed west to find the Mayan stelae there.
Mayan stone #9
Santanillas Mayan stelae solution (Image via Sportskeeda Gaming || Ubisoft)
Location: Santanillas, Chinchorro
Coordinates: 187, 221
Travel to the Santanillas island of the Chinchorro region, which is found on the southwest segment of the map. Get rid of the enemies there and solve the puzzle to obtain the Mayan stone in Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced.
Mayan stone #10
Tortuga Mayan stelae solution (Image via Sportskeeda Gaming || Ubisoft)
Location: Tortuga, Punta Guarico
Coordinates: 845, 352
Travel to Tortuga in the Punta Guarico region to find the tenth Mayan stelae in Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced. Align the pattern to obtain the Mayan stone.
Mayan stone #11
Sacrifice Island Mayan stelae solution (Image via Sportskeeda Gaming || Ubisoft)
Location: Sacrifice Island, Conttoyor
Coordinates: 18, 548
Navigate to the eastmost section of the Caribbean to reach Sacrifice Island. Proceed to the middle section of the location to find the Mayan stelae.
Mayan stone #12
First Pinos Isle Mayan stelae solution (Image via Sportskeeda Gaming || Ubisoft)
Location: Pinos Isle, Castillo de Jagua
Coordinates: 311, 454
Pinos Isle of the Castillo de Jaguaregion also boasts two Mayan stelae puzzles, and the first one is located in the eastern segment.
Mayan stone #13
Second Misteriosa Mayan stelae solution (Image via Sportskeeda Gaming || Ubisoft)
Location: Pinos Isle, Castillo de Jagua
Coordinates: 303, 451
The second Mayan stelae of Pinos Isle is found towards the west.
Mayan stone #14
Long Bay Mayan stelae solution (Image via Sportskeeda Gaming || Ubisoft)
Location: Long Bay, Charlotte
Coordinates: 502, 216
Requirement: Pursue The Observatory quest (Sequence 10) to unlock Long Bay
To access the Mayan stelae of Long Bay (Charlotte region), you need to progress in the main story and start The Observatory main quest (Sequence 10). You can find the puzzle near the Observatory entrance.
Mayan stone #15
First Isla Providencia Mayan stelae solution (Image via Sportskeeda Gaming || Ubisoft)
Location: Isla Providencia, Serranilla
Coordinates: 487, 33
Requirement: Complete the Delirium quest
After completing The Observatory main quest and the subsequent ones leading to the Delirium quest, you can travel to Isla Providencia in the Serranilla region, which is located in the southern part of the map.
Navigate to the northern segment of Isla Providencia to find the first Mayan stelae.
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Mayan stone #16
Second Isla Providencia Mayan stelae solution (Image via Sportskeeda Gaming || Ubisoft)
Location: Isla Providencia, Serranilla
Coordinates: 476, 16
Requirement: Complete the Delirium quest
The second Mayan stelae in Isla Providencia is located in the southern section. Solve the puzzle to obtain the 16th Mayan stone in Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced.
What to do after finding all Mayan stones in Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced?
Unlock the door by placing all 16 Mayan stones (Image via Sportskeeda Gaming || Ubisoft)
When you have collected all 16 Mayan stones in Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced, return to the locked Mayan door at Tulum (Conttoyor). Next, choose the prompt “Place Stone” to unlock the door.
Head this way to find the Legendary outfit and Legendary Trinket (Image via Sportskeeda Gaming || Ubisoft)
Next, continue forward and use the subsequent platforms to move upwards. Head to the topmost section to find and equip the Legendary Mayan outfit. You will also receive the Yax Tun Pendant Legendary Trinket, and its perk is: All gunshots are mysteriously absorbed.
Accor Stadium will play host to Sunday’s
Round 19 NRL game between South Sydney Rabbitohs and
Newcastle Knights. The game kicks off at 2:00 pm with Newcastle Knights heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the South Sydney Rabbitohs vs.
Newcastle Knights
game and give you our free tips and bets.
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Newcastle Knights Preview
Newcastle has the opportunity to strengthen its top-four credentials when it meets a South Sydney side desperately trying to remain inside the eight. The Knights have won seven of their past eight matches and have shown they can grind out victories in tight contests as well as win shootouts. South Sydney, meanwhile, has been heavily disrupted by injuries and suspension, with Cody Walker unavailable and Matt Dufty handed an opportunity at fullback. Kalyn Ponga’s expected return gives Newcastle another major boost, while the Knights have also won the last four meetings between the clubs. Their consistency should again prove decisive.
South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Newcastle Knights Teams
Rabbitohs team: 1. Matthew Dufty 2. Dayne Jennings 3. Tallis Duncan 4. Jack Wighton 5. Campbell Graham 6. Jayden Sullivan 7. Ashton Ward 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Brandon Smith 10. Keaon Koloamatangi 11. David Fifita 12. Euan Aitken 13. Cameron Murray 14. Lachlan Hubner 15. Jamie Humphreys 16. John Radel 17. Liam Le Blanc 18. Jye Gray 19. Latrell Siegwalt 20. Edward Kosi 21. Thomas Fletcher 22. Peter Mamouzelos
Knights team: 1. Kalyn Ponga 2. Dominic Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Fletcher Sharpe 7. Dylan Brown 8. Cody Hopwood 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Trey Mooney 11. Dylan Lucas 12. Jermaine McEwen 13. Mathew Croker 14. Sandon Smith 15. Tyson Frizell 16. Lachlan Crouch 17. Thomas Cant 18. Harrison Graham 19. Fletcher Hunt 20. Francis Manuleleua 21. Tyson Gamble 22. Kyle McCarthy
NEW DELHI: As India look to recover from a disappointing white-ball tour of the United Kingdom, former batting coach Sanjay Bangar has revealed the extraordinary lengths Virat Kohli went to in order to conquer English conditions, offering a fascinating glimpse into the meticulous preparation.India’s tour has unravelled with a 0-2 T20I series whitewash by Ireland followed by an unassailable 0-3 deficit against England in the five-match T20I series after a crushing nine-wicket defeat in the fourth match in Bristol on Thursday.With an inconsequential fifth T20I still to come, attention is already shifting to the three-match ODI series beginning in Birmingham on Tuesday, where experienced campaigners Kohli and Rohit Sharma will return under the captaincy of Shubman Gill.
‘We poured extra water on the pitch’
Speaking on The Great Indian Cricket Show on Doordarshan, Bangar recalled how Kohli completely overhauled his preparation after enduring a disappointing tour of England in 2014.“When you go to England, the entire game comes down to two things: how well you counter the swing, and how late you can play the ball,” Bangar said. “Because Virat Kohli did not have a great run during the 2014 tour, he put in an immense amount of work during 2017-18 to fix that.”Bangar revealed that India’s training sessions in Mumbai were designed to mimic English conditions as closely as possible.“Our routine was brutal; we would hit a Mumbai ground by 6:00 or 6:30 in the morning just to chase the early dew. We wanted to start as early as possible so we could replicate English conditions, utilising the heavy morning atmosphere and the natural moisture on an uncovered pitch,” he disclosed.When the weather became less challenging, the coaching staff improvised.“If the sun came out and the moisture on the wicket started dropping, we would literally pour extra water onto the surface just to keep the ball snaking around,” he added.
Practice that paid off
According to Bangar, Kohli embraced the demanding sessions repeatedly in pursuit of technical perfection against the swinging ball.“Virat did that gruelling practice repeatedly,” he revealed.The former batting coach believes those painstaking simulations played a significant role in India’s improved performances in England.“Because three or four of our core batsmen managed to fine-tune their batting through those exact simulations, we were highly successful in winning matches over there,” he explained.The revelations come at a time when India’s young batting line-up has struggled badly in seam-friendly conditions during the ongoing T20I series against Ireland and England.Kohli, who trained in Mumbai with Bangar before travelling to England for the ODI leg of the tour, is expected to shoulder much of the batting responsibility alongside Rohit Sharma as India attempt to salvage pride after a disappointing T20I campaign.
The official logo for the 2027 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup was launched in a brand reveal ceremony on Wednesday (July 8, 2026) in Cebu City. The newly opened SM Seaside Cebu Arena will host the competition where Asia’s best women’s basketball teams will compete for the continental crown. (FIBA photo)
MANILA – Cebu City is set to take center stage in Asian basketball after being named host of the 2027 Fiba Women’s Asia Cup, marking the Philippines’ first time to stage the continent’s premier women’s basketball championship.
FIBA formally unveiled the tournament’s official brand and logo in Cebu on Wednesday, setting the stage for the July 10 to 18, 2027 competition at the newly-opened state-of-the-art SM Seaside Arena.
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Gilas Women, currently No. 30 in the world, will battle Asia’s top national teams for the continental crown in one of Fiba flagship competitions.
The brand launch gathered key Philippine basketball officials, including Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) president Ricky Vargas, SBP executive director Erika Dy, Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick Gregorio, and Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival Sr.
Gregorio led the unveiling of the tournament logo, which draws inspiration from the Fiba Women’s Asia Cup trophy, Cebu City’s official colors and seal, and traditional Filipino weaving patterns, blending Fiba’s global identity with the host city’s cultural heritage.
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Fiba Asia President Dr. K. Govindaraj said the tournament will allow basketball fans to witness the region’s best women’s teams on Philippine soil.
“The Fiba Women’s Asia Cup 2027 provides a platform for the fans in the Philippines to witness the best of women’s basketball right in their own country and for the global fans to experience the passion for the sport in the Philippines,” Govindaraj said.
Fiba Executive Director-Asia Hagop Khajirian described the Women’s Asia Cup as one of the federation’s most prestigious events and said the tournament continues to elevate the standard of women’s basketball across the continent.
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“The Fiba Women’s Asia Cup 2027 is another step towards consolidating the gains made in the last few years both in terms of excellence in competition and enhancement of women’s basketball,” Khajirian said.
He added that the tournament’s branding was designed to capture the experience awaiting fans in the Philippines and around the world.
For the SBP, hosting the tournament reflects the international federation’s confidence in the country’s ability to stage world-class basketball events.
“Bringing one of Asia’s premier basketball events to the Philippines reflects the confidence that Fiba has in our ability to organize world-class competitions and in the passion of Filipino basketball fans,” Vargas said.
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Dy, meanwhile, said hosting the tournament presents a unique opportunity for Gilas Pilipinas Women to showcase the strides the national program has made in recent years.
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“Our focus has always been on developing a team that can compete consistently at the highest level in Asia, and having the tournament on home soil provides a platform for our players to inspire the next generation of Filipina basketball players,” she said. (PNA)
Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has named France as his new favourite to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup after Germany were knocked out of the competition.
The 26-year-old made the prediction while attending the Jean Paul Gaultier Fall/Winter 2026 Haute Couture Show during Paris Fashion Week. Okoye was among the guests at the event and was asked which country he believed would lift the World Cup trophy.
The Nigerian goalkeeper admitted that he had been supporting Germany before their elimination but said he has now switched his support to France.
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“I was rooting for Germany, but unfortunately, we are out already, so I think I’ll go with France,” Okoye said.
France have been one of the standout teams at the tournament. They won all their group matches before continuing their impressive form in the knockout stages to reach the quarter-finals.
The 2018 world champions defeated Senegal, Iraq and Norway in the group stage before beating Sweden in the Round of 32. They then secured a narrow victory over Paraguay in the Round of 16 through a Kylian Mbappé penalty.
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Germany, on the other hand, started the tournament strongly with wins over Curaçao and Ivory Coast. However, they lost their final group match to Ecuador before being knocked out by Paraguay on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the Round of 32.
While Nigeria did not qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Okoye has continued to follow the tournament closely and believes France have what it takes to become world champions once again.
That has led to renewed optimism that a clash against Ortiz could come next, and according to Ortiz’s trainer Robert Garcia, they believe the bout to be a ‘done deal’ on their side.
Speaking to BoxingScene, Garcia explained how they are more than happy to head straight into the match-up with ‘Boots’ next.
“The fight is very close. Eric Gomez, Vergil Senior, Rick Mirigian, they all came to me and asked me what I think about the fight, I said ‘let’s do it.’ There is no need to wait for that fight, there’s no need to get a fight before that. A lot of people may think Vergil needs a fight before that, no he doesn’t.
“Vergil fought less than a year ago. There’s world champions right now that fight once a year or once every 18 months and nobody says they’re out of timing because of the delay. Vergil fought less than a year ago and people seem to forget his performance against Madrimov. Vergil is active and busy.
“The fight will happen, the only thing that could stop the fight is if Boots decides not to fight, but the fight on our side, like I told you guys… I said let’s do it. There’s no question or no doubt that Vergil wins this fight, on our side it’s a done deal.”
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Ortiz fought twice in 2025, defeating Israil Madrimov by unanimous decision at the start of the year before a second round TKO win over Erickson Lubin in November, and if a fight against Ennis is indeed next, it will be a must-see event for boxing fans.
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