Author: sportsnewsuk
Iraq return to the World Cup for the first time in 40 years, priced at +150000 to lift the trophy at BetOnline and Lucky Rebel, with BetNow offering +100000. That places them 43rd in a market of 48 outright contenders, reflecting the reality that Group I contains France, Norway and Senegal. For bettors, the outright is a long-shot lottery ticket; the value case for Iraq rests entirely on alternative markets tied to group advancement and stage of elimination. Under Graham Arnold, Iraq qualified automatically through the AFC route, posting a 4W 3D 2L record across nine qualifying matches. The decisive…
Moses Itauma’s path to a world title could become much shorter than many expected, with Frank Warren outlining a scenario that may place the unbeaten heavyweight in the frame for the WBC crown before the end of the year. Itauma, 14-0 (13 KOs), is scheduled to return to the ring in August as he continues his rapid rise through the heavyweight ranks. While Filip Hrgovic has been mentioned as a potential opponent, Warren indicated that developments surrounding the WBC title picture could open another route to championship contention. “Well, you’ve got another one, another good fight with one of our…
Pierre Gasly was reinstated to the Monaco Grand Prix podium on Friday after Formula One stewards rescinded penalties for pitlane speeding after recognising a timekeeping error following an appeal by his Alpine team.The Frenchman had finished third on the track but dropped to seventh when the two five-second penalties were applied after last Sunday’s race finish. Formula One, responsible for the timekeeping, has now admitted making a mistake with its measurements.Alpine, which had sought a right of review, welcomed the decision in a statement and thanked Formula One Management and the governing body, the FIA, for their transparency and cooperation.Gasly…
Manchester City have confirmed the signing of England forward Beth Mead on a free transfer from Arsenal.The 31-year-old has agreed a three-year deal with the new Women’s Super League champions after leaving the Gunners when her contract expired in May.She has 81 caps for her country, was part of the Lionesses side that won back-to-back European Championships in 2022 and 2025, and also scored for England against Ukraine on Tuesday.”It was a no-brainer for me,” said Mead. “I think the way City play suits me really well and can get something extra out of my game.”She is set to be…
Just as Devin Haney and Shakur Stevenson’s public back-and-forth threatened to turn into the makings of a real fight, the WBO has stepped in to clarify its position. Haney picked up the sanctioning body’s welterweight world title with a statement win over hard-hitting Brian Norman Jr in November last year, but is yet to secure a first defence. Though he has targeted a rematch with WBC champion Ryan Garcia and another unification with the WBA’s Rolando Romero, fans have expressed keen interest in a pound-for-pound battle against Shakur Stevenson, who moved up from light to super-lightweight in January. The weight…
“Continuing with anything less wouldn’t be right and I feel fortunate to step away on my own terms.”I leave feeling optimistic about where this group is heading. There’s a huge amount of talent, and a real desire to do something special with this New Zealand team.”It’s a team I love, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have been part of it for so long. It will continue to be dear to my heart.”Head coach Rob Walter paid tribute to Williamson’s “legacy” and impact on the Black Caps, stating he will “remain embedded in its DNA”. “Anyone who’s had the privilege…
Tributes have been paid after the sad announcement by LMA confirming that Kenny Jackett has died at the age of 64. In November 2024, Jackett stepped down from his role as Director of Football at Gillingham due to medical reasons and focus on his health. Before that, he managed Leyton Orient, Portsmouth, Rotherham, Wolves, Millwall, Swansea and Watford, making over 300 appearances for the latter, and also played 31 times for Wales. Portsmouth Football Club are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Kenny Jackett, who passed away yesterday at the age of 64. Kenny will be missed by…
Tim Bradley believes the growing links between Devin Haney, Shakur Stevenson and Zuffa Boxing have less to do with avoiding certain opponents and more to do with the extraordinary financial opportunities now available in the sport. Speculation surrounding Haney and Stevenson potentially joining Dana White’s boxing venture has intensified in recent weeks, with both fighters operating without long-term promotional commitments. “No one’s going to be able to pay them that type of money. It doesn’t matter anywhere else they go, they’re not going to make that type of money,” Bradley said on his YouTube channel. “We can recall and go…
The scale of change at the British Grand Prix in recent years will be writ large come July when the meeting is poised to become the biggest in Formula One history.This year’s race is expected to sell out its new capacity of 570,000 over four days, which will be a record-breaking 50,000 increase on the previous highest attendance of 520,000 at the Australian GP in 1995. Only Wimbledon, across two weeks, will boast more numbers in the UK summer with Silverstone the largest event on F1’s calendar.This is a turnaround of demographics as well as size that was almost impossible…
The Football Association of Ireland has confirmed the Republic of Ireland’s home Nations League fixture with Israel later this year will be held at a neutral venue.The governing body’s board has held meetings in recent weeks to discuss the “operational aspects” of hosting Israel in Dublin on 4 October.On Friday, the FAI said Uefa approved a request to host the game at a neutral overseas venue and behind closed doors.The sides are also scheduled to meet at a neutral venue for Israel’s home Group B3 match on 27 September.Pressure has grown in Ireland for a boycott of the games because…