Rachel Steinberg

Amy Hunt became the first athlete to win four gold medals at a single European Championships after Great Britain won the mixed 4x100m relay in a European-record 39.97 seconds in Birmingham. The British team of Jeremiah Azu, Dina Asher-Smith, Zharnel Hughes and Hunt finished ahead of Germany and Spain. Asher-Smith also claimed a record 11th European Championships medal, surpassing Irena Szewinska’s previous mark.

Amy Hunt won the women’s 100m at the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham in 11 seconds, securing her first senior title two weeks after taking Commonwealth Games silver. The British sprinter is targeting further gold medals in the 200m and relay events. Ewa Swoboda took silver, Delphine Nkansa bronze and defending champion Dina Asher-Smith finished fifth. Great Britain also won 4x400m silver, while Jakob Ingebrigtsen made a successful return from an 11-month Achilles-injury layoff by winning the 5000m.

Amy Hunt won the women’s 100m at the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham in exactly 11 seconds, securing her first senior title just two weeks after taking Commonwealth Games silver. Ewa Swoboda won silver and Delphine Nkansa bronze, while defending champion Dina Asher-Smith finished fifth. Hunt is targeting further gold medals in the 200m and relay events. Great Britain also won its first championship medal in the 4x400m relay, while Jakob Ingebrigtsen made a successful return from an 11-month Achilles injury layoff by winning the 5000m.

London’s bid to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships has been strengthened after an agreement was reached with West Ham United over the use of London Stadium. The deal is intended to minimise disruption to West Ham’s football schedule while introducing initiatives to improve the stadium and matchday experience. The bid is backed by the UK government and London Mayor Sadiq Khan, with UK Athletics highlighting the agreement as an important part of the UK’s Olympic legacy plans.

London has submitted its final bid to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships after reaching an agreement with West Ham United over the use of London Stadium. The deal is intended to minimize disruption to West Ham’s football schedule while introducing initiatives to improve the stadium and matchday experience. The bid is backed by the UK government, London mayor Sadiq Khan, UK Sport and UK Athletics, with London seeking to host the championships for the first time since the successful 2017 event.

Josh Kerr says he has the ability to challenge further middle-distance records after running a world-best mile in 3:42.66 at the London Diamond League. The 2023 world champion and 2024 Olympic silver medallist described the final 110 metres as an extraordinary experience and credited his family, Scottish Athletics and British Athletics with helping him through difficult periods. Kerr says he will first assess how his body responds before pursuing new targets, including Hicham El Guerrouj’s longstanding 1500m world record.

Josh Kerr set a new mile world record in London with a time of 3:42.66, surpassing Hicham El Guerrouj’s longstanding mark. Inspired by Roger Bannister’s historic sub‑four‑minute milestone, Kerr framed the achievement as part of a broader effort to join the legacy of British middle‑distance greats. He credited pacemakers Brannon Kidder and Zan Rudolf for enabling the record-setting conditions and described executing a controlled, decisive strategy over the final 400 meters. The performance places him among an elite group of British runners who have held the mile world record.

Josh Kerr set a new mile world record of 3:42.66 at the London Diamond League, surpassing Hicham El Guerrouj’s long-standing mark. He dominated the field ahead of Yared Nuguse and Jake Heyward, following a period of intensive preparation and confidence in his "Project 222" goal. Training data from recent high‑altitude sessions indicated his strong form leading into the race.

Folarin Balogun said Donald Trump’s intervention in overturning his World Cup suspension made his US teammates nervous before their 4-1 loss to Belgium. FIFA suspended Balogun’s one-match ban for a year after his red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina, reportedly through an unprecedented unilateral decision by disciplinary committee chair Mohammad Al Kamali. Human rights organization FairSquare complained to the International Olympic Committee, alleging that FIFA president Gianni Infantino breached political-neutrality rules through his interactions with Trump, while FIFA has not explained the decision.

Folarin Balogun said Donald Trump’s intervention to overturn his World Cup suspension created controversy and added pressure to the United States team before its defeat by Belgium. Balogun maintained that his red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina was incorrect. FIFA suspended the one-match ban for a year after Trump contacted FIFA president Gianni Infantino, but has not explained the decision. Human rights organisation FairSquare has filed complaints with FIFA and the IOC, alleging breaches of political-neutrality and ethics rules, while the Norwegian Football Federation and members of the European Parliament have urged FIFA to examine the claims.

Manchester City strengthened their WSL-winning squad by signing England defender Niamh Charles from Chelsea on a three-year deal, following their earlier acquisition of Beth Mead. Charles, a key contributor to England’s Euro 2025 triumph, expressed enthusiasm for the club’s style and environment. City’s director of football praised her experience and potential, while Arsenal also made moves by signing World Cup winner Ona Batlle from Barcelona.

BTS returned to London for the first of two concerts at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, ending a nearly four-year hiatus linked partly to the members’ compulsory military service. RM joked that the group brings good luck after England’s 3–2 World Cup win over Mexico, while V and Suga reflected on the band’s affection for London and memories of their 2019 Wembley performance. The two-and-a-half-hour show featured a 360-degree stage inspired by Korean cultural motifs, new songs from the group’s fifth album, elaborate choreography and a celebratory performance of “Idol.”

Nottingham Forest have appointed Oliver Glasner as their new head coach following his departure from Crystal Palace, replacing Vitor Pereira. Glasner arrives with a strong record that includes Crystal Palace’s 2025 FA Cup, Community Shield and Conference League wins, as well as Eintracht Frankfurt’s 2021–22 Europa League triumph. He said he was attracted by the club’s vision, history and supporters, and aims to build a team capable of taking Forest to the next level. His first competitive match will be at home against Leeds on 22 August.

Oliver Glasner has been appointed Nottingham Forest’s new head coach following his departure from Crystal Palace, where he led the club to multiple trophies. He expressed confidence in Forest’s long‑term vision and praised the squad’s potential while emphasizing the club’s historic stature. Glasner aims to elevate Forest in the coming seasons, with his first match set against Leeds on 22 August.

England and Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham said he would like to appear in a James Bond film and might even aspire to play Bond himself. Speaking with James Corden on Fox’s World Cup After Hours, Bellingham performed the famous Bond introduction, while former casting director Debbie McWilliams said she favored an unexpected choice for the role.

England midfielder Jude Bellingham says he would love to pursue acting and potentially play James Bond after football, joking that he has a chance at the role. His strong World Cup performances and charismatic public image have fueled comparisons with potential Bond contenders, although casting director Debbie McWilliams says the next actor should ideally be an unexpected choice who retains an aura of mystery.

Senegal defeated 10-man Iraq 5-0 in Toronto, with goals from Habib Diarra, Ismaila Sarr, Pape Gueye and Iliman Ndiaye. The victory moved Senegal into the top eight third-placed teams and pushed Scotland out, leaving Scotland dependent on favorable results in other groups, including wins for Spain over Uruguay and Egypt over Iran, to remain in contention for the knockout stages.

The Paris Diamond League meeting will proceed at Charlety Stadium in an adapted format despite an exceptional heatwave and a red-alert warning. Only professional-athlete events will be held, while club activities and regional competitions have been cancelled; organisers will also delay gate opening and introduce other safety measures. Paris police had requested cancellation because emergency services and healthcare facilities were under severe strain, but an exemption in the prefectural order allows professional athletes to compete.

Keely Hodgkinson withdrew from the 400m final at the UK Athletics Championships after feeling hamstring tightness during her warm-up. Her coaches said a physiotherapist cleared her and characterized the withdrawal as a precaution, allowing her to protect her ambitions for the summer, including an attempt on the 800m world record at the London Diamond League. Georgia Hunter Bell won the women’s 800m, while Amber Anning, Matthew Hudson-Smith and Jake Wightman were among the other British champions.

England’s Lionesses will face Greece in the first round of the Women’s World Cup 2027 qualification play-offs in October. If they progress, they will meet either Slovakia or Ukraine, with the second round taking place in November and December. England entered the play-offs after finishing behind automatic qualifiers Spain, while the Republic of Ireland, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland also learned their first-round opponents.

England will face Greece in the first round of the Women’s World Cup qualifying play-offs in October after Spain topped their group and secured automatic qualification. If England advance, they will meet either Slovakia or Ukraine in the second round, with seven of the eight remaining European places decided through the play-offs. The final European winner will need to progress through an inter-confederation play-off before the 2027 tournament in Brazil.

Donna Vekic defeated Emma Raducanu 6-0, 7-6 (6) in the Queen’s final in London, denying the British No 1 her first title since winning the 2021 US Open. Raducanu, fatigued after playing two matches on Saturday and appearing to manage a leg problem, saved four championship points across the second set and tiebreak but could not force a decider. Vekic’s superior serving and 13 winners in the opening set helped her secure the title, while Raducanu’s run to her first grass-court final represented a significant return to form after illness and limited match play.

Emma Raducanu defeated Kamilla Rakhimova 6-3, 7-5 to reach the Queen’s Championships semi-finals after a match delayed by rain. Play was briefly interrupted by the King’s birthday flypast, and Raducanu also required treatment after slipping and injuring her left thigh. She continued after removing the strapping and was scheduled to face American teenager Iva Jovic later the same day.

Katie Boulter produced the biggest ranking upset of her career by defeating top seed Elena Rybakina 7-5, 2-6, 6-4 at the Queen’s Club Championships, earning a semi-final against Donna Vekic. Emma Raducanu reached the quarter-finals with a straight-sets win over Sorana Cirstea, although her match against Kamilla Rakhimova was postponed after a packed schedule and Boulter’s lengthy victory. Harriet Dart was eliminated, while the event’s rain-affected timetable forced all three British singles players to complete postponed matches on Friday.

Emma Raducanu defeated Sorana Cirstea 6–4, 6–2 to reach the Queen’s Club Championships quarter-finals for a second consecutive year. Katie Boulter also advanced, beating Jaqueline Cristian, while Thursday’s rain delays forced both British players to play their last-16 matches on Friday alongside their quarter-finals. Boulter will face top seed Elena Rybakina, who defeated reigning champion Tatjana Maria.

Serena Williams’ comeback at Queen’s Club ended after doubles partner Victoria Mboko withdrew with a left knee injury sustained during her singles match. Their opponents advanced to the semi-finals by walkover, while Williams is expected to consider partnering at the Berlin Tennis Open and has not ruled out Wimbledon. Her return has generated substantial excitement, although Wimbledon’s wildcard committee will not announce decisions until the following week.

Serena Williams’ return to competitive tennis at Queen’s Club ended prematurely after her doubles partner, Victoria Mboko, withdrew with a left knee injury sustained during a singles match against Karolina Pliskova. Williams and Mboko’s scheduled opponents, Leylah Fernandez and Laura Siegemund, progressed to the semi-finals by walkover. Williams is expected to focus next on the Berlin Tennis Open, where she has not yet announced a new partner, while her participation at Wimbledon remains undecided.

Victoria Mboko retired from her opening singles match at the HSBC Championships in London after suffering a left knee injury while playing Karolina Pliskova. The injury casts doubt on Mboko’s scheduled Queen’s Club doubles partnership with Serena Williams, despite the pair having won their opening match against Nicole Melichar-Martinez and Erin Routliffe.

Matthew Hudson-Smith discusses the personal pressures surrounding his Olympic career, including the difficult birth of his daughter Eden, missing time with his family, sponsor losses and medical debt after being stranded in the United States without health insurance during the pandemic. He is now in stronger form after finishing second in the Rabat Diamond League 400m and is targeting a third individual European title in Birmingham. Hudson-Smith is also owed $172,500 by Michael Johnson's failed Grand Slam Track project; while he appreciates its attempt to reinvent athletics, he criticizes its failure to pay athletes, particularly those who depended on the promised income.

Serena Williams is returning to competitive tennis at the HSBC Championships at Queen’s Club in London, partnering 19-year-old Canadian Victoria Mboko in the women’s doubles. The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion says she has no pressure or need to prove herself and is primarily motivated by enjoying the experience and allowing her daughters to see her play. Williams has not ruled out a future singles return but says it would require more training and is not currently her focus. Mboko says Williams remains fit, strikes the ball cleanly and appears ready to compete.

Emma Raducanu is aiming to rebuild her form at the Queen’s Club Championships after losing in the opening round of the French Open to Solana Sierra. Having been limited by a post-viral illness and a lack of competitive matches, Raducanu has reunited with former coach Andrew Richardson and is focusing on improving her serving, returning and shot quality for the grass season. She will also partner Katie Boulter in doubles and hopes to recapture the aggressive style that helped her win the 2021 US Open.

Serena Williams is set to return to competitive tennis at the HSBC Championships at Queen’s Club, partnering with 19-year-old Canadian Victoria Mboko in the women’s doubles. Mboko, the 2025 WTA Newcomer of the Year, has won a WTA 1000 title and reached the Qatar Open final after defeating several top-ranked players. Williams has not competed since the 2022 US Open and says the Queen’s Club grass courts are the ideal setting for the next chapter of her career.

England manager Sarina Wiegman says her team will try to beat Spain rather than settle for the draw that would secure direct qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil. England lead qualifying Group A3 by three points, while Spain’s victory would leave the qualification race open until the final match. England will be without captain Leah Williamson because of a hamstring injury, with Grace Fisk replacing her, while Lauren James has returned to training. Lucy Bronze described the growing England–Spain rivalry as beneficial to both teams and women’s football.

Oliver Glasner has confirmed his departure from Crystal Palace in an open letter thanking the players, staff, chairman Steve Parish, board and supporters. He expressed pride in building a united, competitive team and said the club’s Conference League triumph in Leipzig was the perfect ending to his tenure. Glasner leaves after leading Palace to the 2025 FA Cup, Community Shield and Conference League titles, securing Europa League qualification, while Lens manager Pierre Sage is reportedly among the candidates to succeed him.

England captain Leah Williamson has withdrawn from the squad with a hamstring injury, while goalkeeper Khiara Keating is out with concussion ahead of World Cup qualifiers against Spain and Ukraine. Grace Fisk and Sophie Baggaley have been called up as replacements. England lead their group with 12 points, three ahead of Spain, making the June fixtures important for direct qualification for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil.

England have been forced to replace captain Leah Williamson and goalkeeper Khiara Keating for their crucial Women’s World Cup qualifiers against Spain and Ukraine. Williamson is recovering from a hamstring injury, while Keating is following concussion return-to-play protocols. Liverpool captain Grace Fisk and Brighton goalkeeper Sophie Baggaley have been called up by Sarina Wiegman. England lead their qualifying group with 12 points, but the loss of Williamson complicates their bid for automatic qualification ahead of the 2027 tournament in Brazil.

Manchester City won the Women’s FA Cup with a 4–0 victory over Brighton at Wembley, completing a domestic double. Khadija Shaw opened the scoring from Alex Greenwood’s cross, Greenwood added a stoppage-time free-kick before half-time, and Aoba Fujino and returning substitute Vivianne Miedema completed the emphatic victory.

Adam Wharton said he would not dwell on being left out of Thomas Tuchel’s England World Cup squad after starring in Crystal Palace’s Conference League final victory. He was named player of the match and helped create Jean-Philippe Mateta’s winning goal against Rayo Vallecano, securing Palace’s first European trophy and qualification for next season’s Europa League. Wharton acknowledged that his selection was a close decision and remained focused on his club commitments despite playing through an ankle injury.

Adam Wharton said he would not dwell on his omission from Thomas Tuchel’s England World Cup squad after helping Crystal Palace win their first European trophy. Despite doubts caused by a swollen ankle, the midfielder played the full Conference League final and contributed to Jean-Philippe Mateta’s decisive goal. Wharton accepted that selection was not guaranteed, focused on Palace’s victory and qualification for next season’s Europa League, and said he remains hopeful of representing England at future tournaments.

Crystal Palace won their first European trophy by defeating Rayo Vallecano 1–0 in the Conference League final in Leipzig. Jean-Philippe Mateta scored in the 51st minute by converting the rebound from Adam Wharton’s shot, while Palace survived late pressure after coming close to doubling their lead when a free kick struck both posts. The victory capped Oliver Glasner’s successful tenure, which also included the FA Cup and Community Shield, and secured Palace qualification for next season’s Europa League.

English fans were detained by German police after clashes broke out outside an Irish bar in Leipzig before the Conference League final between Crystal Palace and Rayo Vallecano. Videos reportedly showed rival groups throwing chairs and glass bottles before riot police intervened. Those detained were subject to police control measures over alleged breaches of the peace. The final is scheduled for May 27 at Leipzig’s Red Bull Arena, with victory potentially earning Crystal Palace a place in next season’s Europa League.

Departing Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner says the best farewell gift would be victory over Rayo Vallecano in the Conference League final, securing Europa League football for Palace next season. Glasner hopes the club will carry the confidence and winning mindset developed during his tenure into future European campaigns. Chris Richards and Adam Wharton returned to training, but Glasner will select only fully fit players. His tenure has included Palace’s first major trophy, the 2025 FA Cup, followed by a Community Shield victory, despite a subsequent legal dispute that prevented the club from entering this season’s Europa League. Captain Dean Henderson said Glasner would be greatly missed as Palace prepare for the final.

Crystal Palace captain Dean Henderson wants the club to win the Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano as a fitting farewell to departing manager Oliver Glasner. Glasner has already led Palace to the FA Cup and Community Shield, while Henderson reflected candidly on feeling depressed after the emotional comedown from the FA Cup triumph. He said the squad’s unity, confidence and recent performances would help them approach the final without fear and potentially give Glasner a third major trophy.

Crystal Palace defeated Shakhtar Donetsk 2–1 at Selhurst Park, winning their Conference League semi-final 5–2 on aggregate and reaching the club’s first European final against Rayo Vallecano. Ismaila Sarr scored the decisive goal after Daniel Munoz helped create an own goal, while Oliver Glasner praised the players’ commitment, discipline and performance. Palace remain one match from potentially qualifying for the Europa League, following their disputed competition placement after winning the FA Cup and losing an appeal over multi-club ownership rules.

Crystal Palace reached their first European final by defeating Shakhtar Donetsk 2–1 in the Conference League semifinal second leg and 5–2 on aggregate. Daniel Munoz opened the scoring via a deflection off Pedro Henrique, Eguinaldo equalised before half-time, and Ismaila Sarr restored Palace's lead early in the second half with his ninth goal of the competition. Palace will face Rayo Vallecano in the final, while Shakhtar continue to play European home matches in Poland because of the war in Ukraine.

Crystal Palace defeated Shakhtar Donetsk 3-1 in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League semi-final. Ismaila Sarr scored after 21 seconds to set a competition record, while Oleh Ocheretko briefly equalised for Shakhtar. Daichi Kamada restored Palace's lead before Jorgen Strand Larsen added a late third, giving Palace a two-goal advantage ahead of the second leg and putting them in a strong position to reach the final.

Crystal Palace defeated Shakhtar Donetsk 3–1 in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League semi-final in Krakow, with goals from Ismaila Sarr, Daichi Kamada and Jorgen Strand Larsen. Shakhtar briefly equalised through Oleh Ocheretko, but Palace regained control and secured a two-goal advantage. Manager Oliver Glasner described the victory as only the first step and said Palace must perform even better at Selhurst Park to reach the final in Leipzig.

Crystal Palace defeated Shakhtar Donetsk 3-1 in the Conference League semi-final first leg in Krakow. Ismaila Sarr scored after 21 seconds, setting a competition record, before Oleh Ocheretko equalised shortly after half-time. Daichi Kamada restored Palace’s lead and assisted substitute Jorgen Strand Larsen for a late third goal, giving Oliver Glasner’s side a significant advantage ahead of the second leg.

Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor has defended recently retired captain Millie Bright, saying the abuse directed at the defender was excessive and undeserved. Bright, who had played through injuries for six years, said the hostility had severely affected her mental health and contributed to her decision to leave football. Bompastor highlighted Bright’s commitment to Chelsea and England, including her role as England captain, while acknowledging that the club’s ongoing title, FA Cup and Champions League ambitions have made it difficult for the squad to fully process her departure.void

Shakhtar Donetsk sporting director Darijo Srna expects Ukrainians, including soldiers, to rally behind the club during its Conference League semi-final against Crystal Palace in Krakow. The team’s European campaign has become a source of hope and a platform for highlighting Russia’s war in Ukraine. Chief executive Serhii Palkin describes the severe disruption to Ukrainian football, including the departure of thousands of players, contract-related losses and exhausting travel between exile venues. He also warns that international attention is fading and urges a swift but fair peace, while criticizing the normalization of Russian and Belarusian participation in international sport.

Jess Warner-Judd is preparing for her second marathon, the London Marathon, after suffering a seizure during the 10,000m final at the 2024 European Championships in Rome. The diagnosis of epilepsy, followed by autism and depression diagnoses during trauma therapy, severely disrupted her return to racing, but medical support and therapy helped her rebuild confidence. After completing a PhD in regenerative medicine and finishing seventh in her marathon debut in New York, she has found renewed purpose through marathon training, rural life in Lancashire and part-time work at Booths, while continuing to receive sponsorship from Hoka.

Nuno Espirito Santo said West Ham remain fully committed to their relegation battle after a goalless draw at Crystal Palace, which moved them two points clear of Tottenham and confirmed Wolverhampton Wanderers’ relegation. He praised his players’ organization, team spirit and determination ahead of Everton’s visit. Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner was pleased that his side maintained focus despite its European commitments, while Adam Wharton is expected to be available for the upcoming trip to Liverpool.

West Ham drew 0-0 with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, earning a point that moved them two points clear of Tottenham in the Premier League relegation battle and confirmed Wolverhampton Wanderers' relegation to the Championship. Both sides created opportunities, with Palace's Brennan Johnson missing a clear first-half header and West Ham's Dean Henderson making important saves. Palace remain within five points of Brentford's Conference League play-off position and have a game in hand.

England defeated Iceland 1-0 in Reykjavik through Alessia Russo’s 21st-minute goal, while goalkeeper Hannah Hampton made several important second-half saves. The result gave England 12 points and preserved a three-point lead over Spain in their World Cup qualifying group. Sarina Wiegman warned the European champions not to become complacent ahead of June matches against Spain and Ukraine, with only group winners qualifying directly for the World Cup.

Alessia Russo scored in the 21st minute as England defeated Iceland 1–0 in Reykjavik, preserving their three-point lead over Spain in their Women's World Cup qualifying group. Iceland improved substantially after half-time and created several clear chances, but England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton made a series of crucial saves. England's upcoming matches against Spain and Ukraine will determine whether they secure direct qualification for the World Cup in Brazil.

Lucy Bronze said it was special to be involved in England’s 500th women’s international as the Lionesses prepared to face Iceland in a World Cup qualifier. Bronze has won 146 caps across three World Cups and four consecutive European Championships. England lead qualifying group A3 after beating Spain and have nine points from three matches, while captain Leah Williamson is expected to train before a final decision on her availability. Keira Barry has withdrawn from the squad with an ankle problem.

Crystal Palace reached the Conference League semi-finals despite a 2–1 second-leg defeat at Fiorentina, progressing 4–2 on aggregate. Ismaila Sarr opened the scoring, while Albert Gudmundsson and Cher Ndour scored for Fiorentina. Palace endured significant injury concerns involving Adam Wharton and Maxence Lacroix, but Dean Henderson made key saves to protect the aggregate advantage. Oliver Glasner’s side will face Shakhtar Donetsk in the semi-finals.

Crystal Palace reached the Conference League semi-finals for the first time despite losing 2-1 to Fiorentina in Tuscany, progressing 4-2 on aggregate after a 3-0 first-leg win. Ismaila Sarr scored Palace’s goal, while Albert Gudmundsson and Cher Ndour scored for Fiorentina. Captain Dean Henderson called the achievement sensational and said the team intends to win the competition. Palace will face Shakhtar Donetsk in the semi-finals, while injuries to Adam Wharton and Maxence Lacroix remain concerns.

Crystal Palace progressed to the Conference League semi-finals with a 4–2 aggregate victory over Fiorentina, despite losing the second leg 2–1. Ismaïla Sarr gave Palace an early lead, while Albert Guðmundsson and Cher Ndour scored for Fiorentina. Palace's progress came at the cost of first-half injuries to Adam Wharton and Maxence Lacroix. Oliver Glasner's side will face Shakhtar Donetsk in the semi-finals.

Crystal Palace defeated Fiorentina 3-0 at Selhurst Park in the first leg of their Conference League quarter-final. Jean-Philippe Mateta opened the scoring from the penalty spot, Tyrick Mitchell added a second before half-time, and Ismaila Sarr sealed the victory with a late header. Manager Oliver Glasner praised the special atmosphere and performance, while Mateta received a warm ovation after returning from injury and a difficult period at the club.

Crystal Palace defeated Fiorentina 3–0 at Selhurst Park in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League quarter-final. Jean-Philippe Mateta scored a 24th-minute penalty on his return to the starting lineup, Tyrick Mitchell added a rebound seven minutes later, and Ismaïla Sarr completed the victory in stoppage time. The result gives Palace a commanding advantage ahead of the return leg.

Crystal Palace defeated Fiorentina 3-0 at Selhurst Park in the first leg of their Conference League quarter-final. Jean-Philippe Mateta scored a 24th-minute penalty, Tyrick Mitchell converted the rebound from another Mateta effort soon afterward, and Ismaila Sarr added a third in stoppage time. The result gives Palace a commanding advantage heading into the return leg in Tuscany.

Rock League, curling’s new professional league, will launch with a condensed tournament in Toronto featuring six mixed-nationality franchises, multiple formats and a $250,000 prize pool. Inspired by competitions such as The Hundred, darts, golf and WWE, the league aims to make curling more entertaining through music, dramatic entrances, spectators in fancy dress and an on-ice bar. Founder Nic Sulsky and champion Bruce Mouat argue that modernizing the sport can attract audiences and provide curlers with much-needed income, despite resistance from traditionalists.

The Boat Race is moving from BBC coverage to a five-year deal with Channel 4, which plans to attract new audiences through reality television personality Jamie Laing, presenters Ade Adepitan and Clare Balding, more athlete-focused storytelling, visual features and behind-the-scenes footage. Organisers believe the changes can make the historic Oxford-Cambridge event more accessible while retaining traditional fans, although the athletes’ elite sporting and academic backgrounds limit how relatable their experiences are. Chanel is entering the second year of its title sponsorship.

Sisters Lilli and Mia Freischem will compete against each other for Oxford and Cambridge respectively in the women’s Boat Race, marking the first sister-versus-sister clash in the event in 22 years. Cambridge are seeking a tenth consecutive women’s victory, while Lilli hopes to help Oxford reverse that dominance in her final year of a PhD. The sisters, who began rowing at the University of Edinburgh, have balanced mutual support with protecting their crews’ competitive information. Their family plans to support both teams equally, including by wearing specially made half-Oxford, half-Cambridge jumpers.

World indoor 1500m champion Georgia Hunter Bell is learning to embrace the attention surrounding her breakthrough career while training and competing alongside fellow British star Keely Hodgkinson. After leaving a tech-sales job following her Paris 2024 Olympic bronze, Hunter Bell has won three world medals in 12 months and now aims to deliver under increased expectations at the Commonwealth Games and home European Championships. She says Hodgkinson and their coaches, Trevor Painter and Jenny Meadows, provide strong support and that their close partnership helps both athletes improve.

London Marathon organizers are exploring a possible two-day event in 2027 to accommodate more participants after a record 1,133,813 public-ballot applications. The proposal could expand the field to 100,000 runners and potentially divide the elite men's and women's races across the weekend, but no approval has been granted. Organizers are currently focused on delivering the 2026 marathon, while the Mayor of London has indicated support for examining the feasibility of the change.

Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor declined to comment on the futures of captain Millie Bright and striker Sam Kerr, whose Chelsea contracts are reportedly due to expire this summer. She said the club remains ambitious and that negotiations are private. Kerr and Ellie Carpenter are unlikely to play in Chelsea’s Champions League quarter-final first leg against Arsenal after returning late from Australia duty. Arsenal will also be without Leah Williamson and Olivia Smith, while both teams prepare for a closely contested all-English tie.

Keely Hodgkinson won the women's 800m at the World Indoor Athletics Championships in Poland in a championship-record time, securing her first world title. Great Britain also won gold through Georgia Hunter Bell in the 1500m, Molly Caudery in the pole vault and Josh Kerr in the 3,000m, surpassing the country's previous record for success at the championships.

Josh Kerr won the men’s 3000m at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Torun, defeating Olympic 1500m champion Cole Hocker and overcoming the emotional and physical effects of a serious calf injury suffered six months earlier. Yann Schrub took bronze. Dina Asher-Smith equalled her national 60m record in qualifying but finished seventh in the final after testing a technical change with coach Michael Ford, while Amy Hunt exited in the semi-finals. Olympic 800m champion Keely Hodgkinson advanced to the final as a leading gold-medal favourite.