Pumas fans cheer prior to a Mexican soccer league semifinal second leg match against Pachuca in Mexico City, Sunday, May 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo)

MEXICO CITY — Less than a month before the start of the 2026 World Cup, the Mexican Football Federation announced on Thursday a new advertising campaign that seeks to prevent its fans from using a chant considered homophobic during the tournament.

The chant, that has been an unwelcome feature at matches involving Mexico and its fervent fans for two decades, has resurfaced strongly in recent weeks, including the Liga MX playoffs matches held just last weekend.

READ: World Cup 2026: How are the favorites shaping up?

The name of the advertising campaign launched by the Mexican Federation is “The Wave Yes, The Chant No” and it features former Mexican national team players from the 1986 World Cup.

Mexican Wave dates to 1986

The creation of the Wave, the coordinated movement of fans in stadiums, is attributed to George “Krazy” Henderson, an American fan who began orchestrating it at the Oakland Coliseum in 1981, but it became popular globally at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico and began to be called the “Mexican Wave”.

“This campaign aims to raise awareness among fans about the importance of supporting the Mexican national team with the wave and not with discriminatory chants that FIFA sanctions,” the federation said in a statement.

Mexico will be the first country to host the World Cup three times, starting on June 11 when it faces South Africa in the opening match. The country was also the host nation in 1970 and 1986, but will share hosting duties this year with the United States and Canada.

“It was at a World Cup 40 years ago that The Wave was immortalized, a movement of unity that remains in stadiums today as one of the most significant and iconic legacies of international football.”

This is a new attempt by Mexican soccer officials to end the chant that has earned them a dozen FIFA sanctions, as well as criticism from LGBT+ organizations, who claim that the federation does nothing to stop the practice in Mexican stadiums.

Appealing to CAS

Mexico currently has appeals against FIFA punishment over a 2024 match against the U.S. pending before the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

The chant, a one-word slur that literally means male prostitute in Spanish, usually occurs when the opposing goalkeeper is involved in a goal kick. It went viral in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and was heard again in Russia during the 2018 World Cup and four years later in Qatar.

The federation said the advertising campaign will have a couple of stages, the first from May 21 to 31 and the second from June 1 to 30, in which Hugo Sánchez, considered the best Mexican player in history, Manuel Negrete and the current coach of the national team, Javier Aguirre, will ask the fans not to shout the chant.

The advertising campaign will be featured on social media and on video screens in stadiums in Mexico’s three friendly matches before the World Cup, starting next Friday when it faces Ghana in Puebla.

The WNBA has issued the Indiana Fever a warning for leaving Caitlin Clark off of the injury report ahead of the Fever’s Wednesday night game against the Portland Fire, which the Fever won 90-73 despite their star guard being sidelined with a back injury.

The Fever did not announce that Clark would be missing from Wednesday’s game until 5:20 p.m. ET, less than two hours before tipoff. She was not on the pre-game injury report, and there had been no prior indication from the team that Clark might not suit up. 

Head coach Stephanie White revealed in her pre-game press conference on Wednesday that Clark sat out of Tuesday’s practice due to back stiffness, which raised questions about why she was not listed on Tuesday’s injury report and whether the team violated WNBA rules.

The league rules state that, “By 5 p.m. local time the day before a game (other than the second day of a back-to-back), teams must designate a participation status and identify a specific injury, illness, other medical condition, or other reason for any player whose participation in the game may be affected for any reason.”

After the Fever’s win over the Fire, White answered questions about the situation, but she did not necessarily provide more clarity.

“Not everyone that doesn’t practice or gets a pro day is on the injury report. That happens all the time.” White said. “She wasn’t on the injury report earlier because we expected her to play.”

Clark has been listed as probable on the Fever’s injury report ahead of Friday’s home game against the Golden State Valkyries.

When asked if the decision was due to “strategic management,” White said no and added that Clark was healthy, but this was just a precaution because of her back soreness. 

“She just woke up with some stiffness and soreness,” the coach said. “For us, it’s not the time to take a chance. We just really want to be cautious.”

While it makes sense to be cautious, transparency is still the expectation. Teams have to notify the league and update their injury report as soon as a change in a player’s status occurs — such as an illness, a new injury or a flare-up.

Wednesday was the first time this season that Clark has missed a game. However, last year she only played 13 games due to a variety of lower-body injuries, and she left the court multiple times during the Fever’s opening game to get her back adjusted in the locker room.

Clark’s late scratch happened on the same day the WNBA announced it adopted a new Game Status (“Injury/Illness”) reporting system (PATA), which generates real-time Game Status reports every 15 minutes. Both the NBA and WNBA use specific designations on injury reports that give a clue about the probability of a player getting on the court.

• Out (OUT): The player will definitely not play.
• Doubtful (DUB): The player is highly unlikely to play (roughly a 25% chance).
• Questionable (QUES): The player’s availability is uncertain (roughly a 50% chance).
• Probable (PRO): The player will likely play (roughly a 75% chance).
• Game-Time Decision (GTD): The final status will be decided right before the game.

If there was a question regarding Clark’s back the day before, it made sense to at least list her as questionable or a game-time decision. Knowing a player’s status is useful for fans who plan their schedule around a game and buy tickets expecting to see certain players. Those participating in sports betting also rely on the injury report to make informed decisions.

In addition, accurate/updated reports are important for media coverage and help opponents know what lineups to expect. Failing to disclose a player’s availability as a form of game strategy or to sell tickets is frowned upon, and there are consequences for those who don’t follow the rules. 

Last month, the Orlando Magic were fined $25,000 by the NBA for violating the rules. The team had listed point guard Anthony Black as “out” on their initial injury report, but he ended up playing in the 123-107 win over the Detroit Pistons. The punishment can also increase for repeated violations. The Philadelphia 76ers were fined $100,000 after star Joel Embiid played against the Atlanta Hawks on Nov. 30 despite initially being listed as “out.” The fine was significantly heavier than the one for the Magic because the 76ers had previously committed similar infractions.

The WNBA has not been as public with fines as the NBA, but the rules do get enforced. As reported by USA Today, the Las Vegas were fined an undisclosed amount for an injury report violation involving star A’ja Wilson on September 2024. 

The Minnesota Vikings are set to face the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium in Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season. That means they’ll open with their biggest rival, and be looking to start the season on a positive note in the NFC North.

A year ago, the Green Bay Packers added one of the best edge rushers in football when they acquired Micah Parsons from the Dallas Cowboys.

Hargrave Will Be Asked to Fill a Massive Void in GB

Unfortunately, he suffered a torn ACL late in the season and underwent surgery. It remains unclear when he will be available for the 2026 season, which immediately benefits Minnesota.

Last season, Parsons played in his first Packers-Vikings game during Week 12, and he racked up a pair of sacks while logging three quarterback hits. He’s a menace off the edge and is a problem for any passer dropping back in the pocket. If there’s a game he’s going to miss, though, it seems that the one out of the gate makes sense.

Should Parsons not be available, eyes turn even more significantly to former Minnesota Vikings defensive lineman Javon Hargrave. Released as a cap casualty that didn’t live up to expectations a season ago, the defensive tackle will certainly be looking to get back at his former employer. He won’t have the benefit of focus on the edge, but he has been a guy who can get home up the middle.

After playing in just three games during 2024 for the San Francisco 49ers, Hargrave tallied 3.5 sacks last season with Minnesota. That was down substantially from the 7.0 he had as a Pro Bowl selection in 2023, and even lower than the career-high 11.0 he had in 2022.

Hargrave isn’t getting any younger at 33, but he did sign with a rival that can provide an opportunity to get revenge on his former employer. If the Packers aren’t going to have Parsons for Week 1, then they’ll need Hargrave to be a menace up the middle, and he should be motivated to do so personally as well.

Either way, not facing a defensive star like Parsons would be a win for the Vikings. Knowing that Hargrave is coming for them won’t be a surprise, and maybe they can thwart his efforts, too.

Ted Schwerzler is a Minneapolis based blogger that covers the Minnesota Twins and Vikings. Sharing thoughts constantly on Twitter, … More about Ted Schwerzler

The caddie for Garrick Higgo blames himself after the pro was penalized two strokes for arriving late last week to his PGA Championship first-round tee time. 

Austin Gaugert posted his thoughts to Instagram on Wednesday. On Monday, Golfweek’s Adam Schupak reported that Gaugert and Higgo parted ways after the PGA, and at this week’s CJ Cup Byron Nelson event, Higgo is using Nick Cavendish-Pell as his caddie. 

Below is Gaugert’s statement:

“I want to say something about the incident with Garrick Higgo being late to the tee on Thursday at the PGA Championship. As a caddie, you try to do everything you can to prepare your player for competition and I fell short of that. Garrick was understanding throughout the situation and handled it with professionalism and class. This has happened to players before and will again. Garrick handled a difficult situation with grace, and I wish him nothing but success moving forward.

“After working with Garrick and finding the highest success in caddying, Garrick has become a better friend to me than just a boss. I will always be grateful for that.”

Higgo’s late-arrival penalty came during last Thursday’s first round of the PGA. He’d been scheduled to tee off at 7:18 a.m. ET and arrived at 7:19, leading to the addition of two strokes to his first-hole score, per rule 5.3a of the Rules of Golf. Had Higgo arrived more than five minutes late, he would have been disqualified. 

At the time of the tee time, Higgo was on the nearby practice green, and as Higgo made his way to the tee, Gaugert was seen imploring him to arrive. When Higgo did, he was told of the penalty by a rules official, then went on to shoot a one-under 69. The next day, Higgo shot a 76 and missed the cut by a shot.  

After his first round, Higgo answered 15 questions on what had happened. 

“If you know me, then you know I am very casual and laid back,” Higgo said in his press conference. “But — I don’t know. I don’t want to be there 10 minutes early. I know that five minutes is fine. I thought I had time. 

“I was obviously too casual, yeah.”

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4 Pines Park will play host to Saturday’s
Round 12 NRL game between Manly Sea Eagles and
Gold Coast Titans. The game kicks off at 7:35 pm with Manly Sea Eagles heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Manly Sea Eagles vs.
Gold Coast Titans
game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Saturday May 23, 2026 at 7:35 pm

Where: 4 Pines Park

Bet 💰: Bet On This Match HERE

Manly Sea Eagles vs Gold Coast Titans Odds

Manly Sea Eagles vs Gold Coast Titans Preview

Manly will aim to strengthen its place inside the top four when it hosts struggling Gold Coast at 4 Pines Park on Saturday night. The Sea Eagles have rediscovered their spark under Kieran Foran, winning six of their past seven matches after last week’s emphatic 46-18 victory over the Wests Tigers. Their attacking form has been particularly impressive during that stretch, with Daly Cherry-Evans and Tom Trbojevic leading a confident and fast-moving spine. The Titans, meanwhile, continue to slide after suffering a fourth consecutive defeat against Newcastle despite showing early promise. Origin absences further complicate matters for Gold Coast, with captain Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and winger Jojo Fifita unavailable. Manly also loses several key players to Origin and suspension, forcing changes across the backline. The Titans will still take confidence from last season’s upset win over the Sea Eagles, when they stunned Manly 28-8 on the Gold Coast.

Moses Itauma has been urged to fight one of his fellow rising stars, with their battle potentially revealing a natural successor to Oleksandr Usyk.

While Usyk is still widely regarded as the bona fide heavyweight king, many would highlight Itauma as the obvious candidate to eventually seize his throne.

The 21-year-old is, after all, one of the most promising talents in world boxing, seemingly possessing the speed, power and footwork to become a long-reigning world champion.

Itauma’s most significant victory came against Jermaine Franklin in March, when he stopped the typically durable American in five rounds and cemented himself as the WBO’s leading contender.

While acknowledging his world-class potential, though, many have argued that the unbeaten knockout artist is yet to prove himself at the very top level.

And the same can be said for his transatlantic counterpart, Richard Torrez Jr, who also believes he has what it takes to reign supreme in years to come.

The 26-year-old’s most meaningful win saw him unanimously outpoint Guido Vianello in April 2025, representing his greatest achievement since claiming silver at Tokyo 2020.

Now, Torrez looks to remain unbeaten against Cuban veteran Frank Sanchez, but tells Pro Boxing Fans that he hopes to face Itauma before they both sail beyond their primes.

“I have a love for the sport and a love for competition – I want to know I’m the best.

“In order to know you’re the best, you have to fight the best, and I think Moses is one of the best up-and-comers.

“Fighting some of the older guys and trying to build your name is great… [but] being able to [fight someone in their] prime is also [great].

“We [Torrez and Itauma] have the opportunity to do so, so if everything goes to plan, and everyone’s willing, why not make that fight happen?”

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The winner of Torrez-Sanchez, which features on the undercard of Usyk vs Rico Verhoeven at the Pyramids of Giza, Egypt, this Saturday, will be in line for a shot at Usyk’s IBF title.

Nigeria international Shukurat Oladipo has spoken about her emotional journey from grassroots football in Nigeria to becoming the Best Defender in the Italian Serie A Femminile for the 2025/26 season.

The AS Roma defender received the award after an outstanding campaign that helped the club win another league title in Italy.

Reacting to the achievement, the 21-year-old said she never stopped believing in herself despite the challenges she faced on her way to the top.

“From Robo Queens to AS Roma. From Nigeria to Italy. I never stopped believing,” Oladipo wrote after receiving the award.

The former FC Robo Queens star described the honour as a special moment in her career and gave thanks to God for her success.

“2025/26 Serie A Femminile Best Defender. League champions. All glory to God,” she added.

Oladipo joined Roma from Nigerian side FC Robo Queens in February 2025 and initially found it difficult to settle into life in Italian football. However, she gradually became one of the club’s key defenders with her strong displays at the back.

The Super Falcons defender also used the moment to appreciate her family, teammates, coaches and supporters for standing by her throughout her football journey.

“To my family — this is for you. To my Roma teammates and coaches — you made me better every single day and I am forever grateful,” she said.

“And to the fans and supporters — near and far, in Italy, Nigeria and around the world — thank you for your love and support. I really appreciate it. I love you all.”

Oladipo’s brilliant season has further strengthened her place in the Super Falcons squad ahead of future international competitions, with many now seeing her as one of Nigeria’s most important defenders.

In the age of NIL and revenue sharing, athletic department profit or loss is a major indicator of current and future college sports success.

Revenue is a big part of that, but keeping expenses down can help mitigate the situation.

The table below shows the total revenue, expenses, and profit or loss in millions of dollars for each of the top schools in the West, according to Mapping College Athletics.

Profit or loss data is not available for Air Force, USC, and Stanford.

First Published: May 22 2026 | 12:27 PM IST