Keifer Macdonald

Dakota Ditcheva is preparing to return to the PFL after a year sidelined by hand injuries. The unbeaten 28-year-old says the enforced break highlighted the importance of building financial security and a career outside MMA, including co-founding a premium mineral water brand. Drawing on her mother Lisa Howarth’s experience after combat sports, Ditcheva also discussed fighters’ lack of retirement benefits and sympathised with Dustin Poirier’s difficulties after stepping away from competition. Although a move to the UFC remains possible, Ditcheva says it no longer defines her ambitions, particularly after the PFL’s merger with Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions opened further prospects in boxing and MMA.

England men's cricket director Rob Key says Ben Stokes could potentially reverse his international retirement, although Stokes has given no indication that he plans to return for next summer's Ashes series against Australia. The possibility has been raised following Stephen Fleming's appointment as Test coach and Joe Root's return as captain. Key believes Fleming and Root can create a sustainable, world-class England team, rejecting criticism that the coaching transition has wasted the summer. Fleming will begin work after England's August series against Pakistan and will prepare the team for its December tour of South Africa.

Joan Capdevila asked US President Donald Trump to intervene after his travel authorization to the United States was denied ahead of the 2026 World Cup final. He believes participation in a 2016 exhibition match in Iran led to the rejection of his ESTA request. Capdevila also sought help from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Spain’s sports ministry. The report notes previous entry refusals, including Somali referee Omar Artan, and outlines the upcoming final between Spain and Argentina.

Spain’s final training session before the World Cup final against Argentina was cancelled due to thunderstorms in New York and New Jersey, following US safety protocols requiring suspension of outdoor events when lightning is detected nearby. Argentina managed to train after a short delay. Local officials issued flood advisories after severe weather and earlier air quality alerts linked to Canadian wildfires. FIFA confirmed no alternative training slot for Spain ahead of the final.

Joan Capdevila says his US travel authorisation was denied ahead of the World Cup final and has appealed to President Donald Trump and other officials for help. He believes the denial may be linked to a 2016 match played in Iran. US authorities recently denied entry to referee Omar Artan under separate security concerns. Spain and Argentina will contest the World Cup final at MetLife Stadium.

Fifa opened an investigation into alleged racist abuse directed at IShowSpeed during Argentina’s World Cup win over Cape Verde in Miami. Footage showed the influencer confronting an Argentina supporter in the stands. Fifa reaffirmed its stance on unity and respect while addressing the incident. The report also notes a related controversy in which Kylian Mbappe condemned Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla for racist comments, prompting the French Football Federation to pursue criminal charges.

Nordic Combined has been removed from the 2030 Winter Olympics due to low participation and limited public interest, ending its presence since 1924. IOC President Kirsty Coventry noted the sport could return in 2034. The Games in the French Alps will introduce Freeride and figure skating Synchro9 and achieve gender parity, with equal male and female athlete representation supported by quota increases in luge, skiing, bobsleigh and ice hockey.

FIFA’s decision to suspend Folarin Balogun’s red‑card ban for one year drew criticism from UEFA, the Belgian Football Federation, and several national team officials, who argued it undermined the sport’s integrity and referee authority. Donald Trump confirmed he asked FIFA to review the call, saying he did not believe the foul warranted a red card, while FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized the independence of FIFA’s judicial bodies. Multiple federations questioned the lack of detailed justification for the ruling, and concerns were raised about the precedent it could set for disciplinary interventions during tournaments.

The planned Tyson Fury–Anthony Joshua fight will only take place at Wembley Stadium if authorities allow a late-night start to suit American viewers. Organizer Turki Alalshikh is negotiating with London officials to secure timing that accommodates global broadcasting. Although the current agreement requires the fight to occur in the UK, promoter Eddie Hearn notes that any changes would require renegotiation. Both fighters have bouts scheduled later this month ahead of a potential meeting later in the year.

The WTA and the Saudi Tennis Federation mutually ended their hosting agreement one year early, citing challenges partly linked to tension between Iran and the United States. The 2025 WTA Finals will move from Riyadh to Indian Wells, scheduled for 8–15 November. WTA chair Valerie Camillo praised the new venue’s facilities, while previous criticism of the Saudi deal over human rights concerns was noted alongside Steve Simon’s defence that hosting in Riyadh supported regional progress. Indian Wells already hosts major WTA events, and the move aligns with the organisation’s goals, including advancing equal prize money for women.