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Arsenal train at Emirates pre-Manchester United & youth players join in

David Web — Sun, 25 Jan 2026 11:05:00 +0000

Arsenal train at Emirates pre-Manchester United & youth players join in

Arsenal trained at the Emirates Stadium ahead of Sunday’s match against Manchester United, and a few youth players joined the session.

Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images

Arsenal held their final pre-Manchester United training session at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, rather than using London Colney like usual.

With the Gunners set to play at the same ground the following day, the team were evidently taking the opportunity to get comfortable on the pitch ahead of a big Premier League match.

But the session also provided a rare opportunity for some of Arsenal’s youth players to train alongside their first-team counterparts out on the pitch at the Emirates.

Photo via Washington on Instagram

Left-back Marcell Washington and youth goalkeeper Remy Mitchell joined the session, with Tommy Setford also involved. Though only 19 and with just one first-team appearance to his name, Setford is officially considered a first-team player, so it was no surprise to see him taking part.

The Arsenal u21s had played a youth fixture the previous day, winning 1-0 against Burnley, so it would have been difficult for most of the team to train again the following day.

But Washington only made a substitute appearance and Mitchell didn’t feature in the game.

Photo via Mitchell on Instagram

In terms of the senior players involved, it was encouraging to see Piero Hincapie taking part again, with the defender also having been involved in senior training the previous day.

There was no sign of Riccardo Calafiori, who had also been involved on Friday. But the photos of the session don’t necessarily capture every single player, and it’s also not uncommon for an injured player not to be involved in every session as their return to the pitch is managed.

For full confirmation of the players who will be taking part in Sunday’s game, we’ll have to wait for the team news at 15:15 GMT.

Fulham: Chukwueze "happy with the win and his goal"

David Web — Sun, 25 Jan 2026 11:05:00 +0000

Fulham: Chukwueze “happy with the win and his goal”

Samuel Chukwueze was all smiles after Fulham’s thrilling 2-1 victory over Brighton on Saturday at Craven Cottage.Coming off the bench in the second half, the Nigerian winger netted the equalizer in the 72nd minute, bringing his team back into the game. After the final whistle, he shared his thoughts:

I’m really happy for the team and for my goal. We really needed this win. It wasn’t easy to come back, but we played a great match.

Chukwueze also paid tribute to his teammates, with Andersen providing the assist and Harry Wilson scoring the winning goal:

Andersen gave me a fantastic pass—I’ll give him the credit in the dressing room. Harry is in top form, he deserves it. He’s been incredible all season.

For Chukwueze, this performance highlights his ability to make an impact in decisive moments and contribute to Fulham’s success.

Al Mountakhab reveals the inside story of the Walid Regragui case!

David Web — Sun, 25 Jan 2026 11:05:00 +0000

Al Mountakhab reveals the inside story of the Walid Regragui case!

According to Al Mountakhab, no official decision regarding Regragui

Walid Regragui / @x.com/FRMFXtra/s

The Moroccan sports daily Al Mountakhab has provided an update on the future of Morocco’s national team coach, Walid Regragui, amid a flurry of speculation surrounding his position at the helm of the Atlas Lions.

After the defeat in the Africa Cup of Nations final against Senegal (1-0), courtesy of a goal from Pape Gueye, the debate over Regragui’s continuity has resurfaced.

This loss has reignited questions about whether he will remain in charge through to the 2026 World Cup, a prospect that now appears far from certain.

According to Al Mountakhab, no official decision regarding Regragui

According to Al Mountakhab, citing well-informed sources, the FRMF has not yet made any official decision regarding the Moroccan coach’s future, thereby denying rumors of an imminent resignation or dismissal.

The newspaper notes that the matter remains open pending a meeting between Walid Regragui and FRMF president Fouzi Lekjaa. During this meeting, the 50-year-old coach is expected to present a detailed technical report evaluating Morocco’s participation and results in the 35th edition of the AFCON, hosted in the Kingdom.

Finally, Al Mountakhab emphasizes that the Federation is handling the case with calm and composure, considering that the names being floated as potential successors—most notably Tarik Sektioui, coach of the local national team—are, for now, nothing more than unsubstantiated speculation.

Feds kill a protester, but will Olympic athletes speak out? | Opinion

David Web — Sun, 25 Jan 2026 11:04:59 +0000

The start of the Winter Olympics on Feb. 6 is emerging to provide us with the gift of distraction.

We are starting to hear a familiar song play on our televisions and within the many apps on our phone. The blend of Leo Arnaud’s “The Bugler’s Dream” with John Williams’ “The Olympic Fanfare and Theme” will soon become the soundtrack of our lives. We will hum it when we are at work, and when we hear it blare from a passing screen, we will momentarily stop and wonder how the Americans are performing.

There will be a debate whether an executed double axel as opposed to an imperfect triple toe loop should keep a figure skater off the medal stand. Those medals will matter for two weeks, but in our 24-hour news cycle, the results will fade once the Games end. Acts of courage, however, never die in the Olympics.

With weeks to go before the Winter Olympics, the world is burning. International unrest coupled with diplomatic unsettledness is creating global unease. Domestically, ICE’s tactics are worrisome for many, especially considering recent murders in Portland, Oregon, and Minneapolis. As a result, citizens are desperately looking for heroes to provide us with moral clarity we can all understand.

The unique platform of Olympic athletes

As the United Nations calls for peace while the Games are held, the IOC prefers conformity and tradition, order and ceremony. History proves that watching people act courageously and exhibit the ability to overcome adversity makes the Olympics the ultimate reality television show. They also enable the spectacle to be the most iconic, cross-cultural event in today’s world.

To be clear, disruption and courage are not the same. A bent knee, a raised fist and a turned back on a flag are not disruptive, but all the symbols can be groundbreaking and needed. In watching the Olympics, people look to be part of moments bigger than what a scoreboard says are happening.

The IOC misunderstands its greatest asset and what makes the Olympics so important to the fabric of culture: It is a place where a society finds its heroes on and off the playing surfaces. The final medal count is only one barometer of power. The legacy of an Olympiad can also be made when an athlete or group of athletes makes the world question its moral conscience.

We witnessed this in 1968. In Mexico City, Bob Beamon’s long jumping and Dick Fosbury’s high jump flopping performances were decades ahead of their time. Yet only one picture is etched into the minds of many Americans: John Carlos and Tommie Smith’s fist-raising, black-glove-wearing Black Power Salute on the medal stand after their 200-meter race.

‘Moral mettle matters more’ than medals

Few remember Carlos and Smith’s places on the medal stand, but nearly all remember what they stood for: a protest against racial discrimination. With the world watching, they forced a country to confront its moral conscience while giving marginalized communities a moment to forever hold onto.

Likewise, women first participated in the 1900 Paris Olympics. This was especially significant for the seven Americans among the group of 22 women participants, as they represented a country that wouldn’t allow them to vote in federal elections until 1920. These athletes showed that women belong in all the places men do, even if the laws didn’t reflect it at that moment.

An Olympic gold medal fails to hold comparable value.

Silence is conformity, and conformity paves the road to apathy. The idea of “shut up and play” does not exist in a world in which national anthems are played and cities host Olympiads to project the image of political or economic power.

When athletes wear a country’s name across their uniform, they represent the hopes and dreams of an entire nation, not just the communities from which they come. The world is burning and we are looking for fire on ice, but in a setting where medals are supposed to matter most, Olympic history reminds us that moral mettle matters more.

Blair Thomas is a political science professor at Western Kentucky University.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: As Olympics near, athletes are silent on ICE shootings, etc. | Opinion

Las Vegas Raiders interview ex-New York Giants coach Brian Daboll

David Web — Sun, 25 Jan 2026 11:04:32 +0000

Former New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll has emerged as an attractive candidate for both offensive coordinator and head coaching vacancies this offseason.

Following his stint with the Giants, where his record worsened each season, it was difficult to imagine him receiving interviews for head coaching positions. Yet Daboll has interviewed for multiple head coaching vacancies as he searches for his next role.

Daboll was among the first candidates to draw interest for the head coaching position with the Buffalo Bills, and on Saturday, the former Giants head coach interviewed for one of the remaining head coaching vacancies.

Raiders interviewed former Giants HC Brian Daboll today for their head coaching job.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 24, 2026

Daboll’s prior connection with Josh Allen and the Bills organization may give him an edge for that role. His interview with the Las Vegas Raiders, however, is a clear indication that front offices remain impressed with Daboll and are interested in what he can offer.

Daboll also interviewed for the head coaching position with the Tennessee Titans before the team hired Robert Saleh. Although he did not land that job, there is a strong possibility that Daboll could secure the Titans’ offensive coordinator role if he does not obtain a head coaching position.

Daboll was relieved of his duties during the season after another disappointing start, prompting many to question whether he would ever land another head coaching job. He has spoken positively about the Giants organization and, in doing so, provided a strong endorsement for candidates interviewing for the Giants’ head coaching vacancy — including the one the team ultimately hired, John Harbaugh.

As Daboll continues his search for his next opportunity, it has become evident that there remains significant interest in the former head coach’s services.

This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Las Vegas Raiders interview ex-New York Giants coach Brian Daboll

How is ex-G League player Charles Bediako back at Alabama? What to know

David Web — Sat, 24 Jan 2026 11:11:26 +0000

Two years after playing in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament South Region, Charles Bediako will be back on the hardwood for Alabama men’s basketball.

The 7-foot center’s return to the Crimson Tide is one of the biggest storylines in college basketball, as he was recently granted a temporary restraining order to return to Nate Oats’ program after playing in the G-League after going undrafted in the 2023 NBA Draft.

He’s the latest player to re-enter college basketball after being in the NBA draft and playing in the G-League, a growing laundry list of players that started with Thierry Darlan and London Johnson committing to Santa Clara and Louisville, respectively.

Here’s what to know about Bediako and his situation at Alabama ahead of the 17th-ranked Crimson Tide’s SEC clash against Tennessee on Saturday, Jan. 24 at 8:30 p.m. ET inside Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa, Alabama:

Is Charles Bediako playing for Alabama today?

Yes, the expectation is that Bediako will play for the Crimson Tide on Saturday against Tennessee. Alabama added Bediako to its official roster on Friday, Jan. 23, and he will wear No. 14.

“First of all, the system is clearly broken and I’m all for figuring out a way to fix it, but since the NCAA has already allowed professionals to play virtually every team we’ve played this year or will play as a former professional player on their roster, you tell me how I’m supposed to tell Charles and the team that we’re not going to support them when he’s been deemed legally eligible to play. So Charles is still within his five-year window. He’s 23 years old. He’s pursuing his degree here at Alabama,” Alabama coach Nate Oats said on Jan. 23 during a media availability.

“We’ve got our roster spot open so this is not taking any opportunities away from a high school recruit or anybody else. Charles shouldn’t be punished for choosing to go the academic route out of high school rather than the professional route like the international players did. So again, my personal opinion on all this is we need a uniform and transparent system that doesn’t punish the Americans, that takes the hypocrisy out of it, that gives equal treatment to Americans and international players both, while also allowing high school players the opportunities they need coming out of school.

“So someone should be able to come up with a system that checks all those boxes, but for now we’re going to continue to support Charles, our team, and we’re working closely with our administration, our compliance department on all of this. So that’s what I’ve got on that. Now for the Tennessee game, listen, and I know Charles will draw a lot of attention for this game, but yeah, we are planning to play him. He’s eligible to play. We’re going to follow the court orders.”

Latest on Charles Bediako situation at Alabama

The Crimson Tide forward declared for the NBA Draft following his sophomore season with the Crimson Tide in 2023 but was not selected by one of the NBA’s 30 franchises. A veteran G-League player, Bediako most recently was playing for the Detroit Pistons’ G-League affiliate, the Motor City Cruise. He had four points and three rebounds in the Cruise’s 127-103 win against the Birmingham Squadron on Jan. 17.

As noted by the Tuscaloosa News — part of the USA TODAY Network — the NCAA denied Alabama’s initial request to restore the 23-year-old’s eligibility to return to the Crimson Tide. In a countermove, Bediako filed a lawsuit against the NCAA with the Tuscaloosa Circuit Court on Tuesday, Jan. 20 to use the remainder of his eligibility. He’s enrolled in classes at Alabama as well.

On Wednesday, Jan. 21, Judge James Roberts Jr. granted Bediako a temporary restraining order to return to the Crimson Tide as a collegiate student-athlete until his next injunction hearing on Tuesday, Jan. 27.

The NCAA shared its displeasure with the judge’s decision in a statement on Jan. 21.

“These attempts to sidestep NCAA rules and recruit individuals who have finished their time in college or signed NBA contracts are taking away opportunities from high school students,” the NCAA said in a statement. “A judge ordering the NCAA let a former NBA player take the court Saturday against actual college student-athletes is exactly why Congress must step in and empower college sports to enforce our eligibility rules.”

An added layer to the headlines that this situation has created is that Judge Roberts is a frequent guest lecturer at Alabama and is listed by the Crimson Tide Foundation as an active “Circle” level donor in the Lifetime Giving Society.

In a statement shared on Jan. 23, NCAA senior vice president of basketball Dan Gavitt spoke on the pre- and -post NBA Draft eligibility rules that the NCAA has and the NCAA’s withdrawal deadline.

“If these rules surrounding the NCAA pre- and post-draft rules cannot be enforced, it would create an unstable environment for the student-athletes, schools building a roster for the following season and the NBA,” Gavitt wrote. “The NCAA membership has a set of rules in place regarding the pre- and post-NBA draft eligibility that have clearly been in place and supported by all parties until these recent court challenges.”

Statement from NCAA senior vice president of Basketball Dan Gavitt about collegiate eligibility. pic.twitter.com/x559XtzI3p

— David Worlock (@DavidWorlock) January 23, 2026

Charles Bediako stats

Since leaving Alabama, Bediako appeared in 82 G League games across three seasons with the Austin Spurs, Grand Rapids Gold and Motor City Cruise.

Here’s a look at his stats from his professional career:

2023-24 (Austin): 5.8 points, 5.4 rebounds and 0.5 blocks in 14.6 minutes per game
2024-25 (Grand Rapids): 9.9 points, 8.6 rebounds and 1.1 blocks in 24.5 minutes per game
2025-26 (Motor City): 4.9 points, 5.4 rebounds and 0.6 blocks in 15.1 minutes per game

Charles Bediako college stats

In two seasons at Alabama, Bediako averaged 6.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.7 blocks in 19.4 minutes per game while shooting 67.3% from the field and 48.8% from the free-throw line.

Here’s a year-by-year breakdown of Bediako’s stats at Alabama:

2021-2022: 6.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.5 blocks and 0.7 assists per game while shooting 69.2% from the field
2022-2023: 6.4 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.8 blocks and 0.6 assists per game while shooting 65.9% from the field

How old is Charles Bediako?

Born on March 10, 2002, Bediako is 23 years old.

Charles Bediako draft

Bediako entered the 2023 NBA Draft following his sophomore season at Alabama, but went undrafted. He instead signed a two-way contract with the San Antonio Spurs and joined their G League affiliate in Austin, Texas.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Charles Bediako, ex-G League player, set to play for Alabama today

Inter Milan Ready To Reward Italy Starlet With Pay Rise After Another Solid Display In Pisa Rout

David Web — Sat, 24 Jan 2026 11:10:00 +0000

Inter Milan Ready To Reward Italy Starlet With Pay Rise After Another Solid Display In Pisa Rout

Inter Milan are moving to secure the future of Francesco Pio Esposito after his latest convincing performance against Pisa.

The striker has become a key reference point for the Nerazzurri, and the club now want to reward his rapid rise.

According to RAI Sport, via FCInterNews, Inter have opened talks with Esposito’s agent, Mario Giuffredi. The aim is clear.

The club want to extend the forward’s contract until 2031 and remove any uncertainty around his long-term future.

Inter see the renewal as a strategic step. Esposito’s growth has started to attract attention from abroad, particularly from the Premier League.

Inter Milan Look To Reward Pio Esposito With New Deal

MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 14: Francesco Pio Esposito of FC Internazionale celebrates after scoring their team’s first goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and US Lecce at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on January 14, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

By acting now, the Nerazzurri hope to reduce outside pressure and keep control of the situation.

A significant salary increase is also part of the plan.

Inter believe the striker has already shown enough to justify improved terms. The pay rise would reflect his current importance, not just his potential.

Cristian Chivu has trusted Esposito consistently in recent weeks.

The young forward has responded with mature performances and growing influence in decisive moments.

Inter’s message is unmistakable. Esposito sits at the centre of the club’s future plans. Talks remain ongoing, but the direction is set.

Inter want to build the next phase of the project around the Italy starlet and ensure he continues his development in Nerazzurro colours.

Why Arsenal signed Gyokeres over Sesko

David Web — Sat, 24 Jan 2026 11:05:00 +0000

Why Arsenal signed Gyokeres over Sesko

Mikel Arteta has explained why Arsenal decided to sign Viktor Gyokeres over Benjamin Sesko last summer, as the two prepare to face over at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images

Arsenal were clearly in the market for a centre-forward last summer, but for most of the window there were only two names seemingly in serious contention for a transfer: Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting CP and Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig.

The Gunners held talks with both camps and both clubs before ultimately opting to do the deal for Gyokeres. With Arsenal out of the picture, Manchester United swooped for Sesko.

As a result, much of the hype ahead of Arsenal’s first game of the season at Old Trafford was about the battle between the two strikers. Yet neither had a particularly significant impact, as the Gunners won 1-0 through a set-piece goal by Riccardo Calafiori.

Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images

Ahead of the reverse fixture this weekend, Mikel Arteta has explained why Arsenal ended up signing Gyokeres.

“Well, at the end, we have to make a decision, and we believed that Victor was the best one in the scenario that we were in,” Arteta said.

“The qualities that we didn’t have in that number nine as well, because we have the situation with Gabby and Kai out for many, many months, and we are very happy to have him.

“First of all, goals. Someone that can guarantee you goals. We know that word doesn’t exist!

“But then someone very direct, very powerful, a proper nine who can stretch the pitch, who has the goal between the eyes, and somebody that can stretch the pitch for us a bit more, especially when we have to play against certain opposition.”

Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images

Months after that transfer decision, both strikers are still trying to prove themselves with their new clubs.

Gyokeres has nine goals from 27 games with Arsenal, whilst Sesko has five from 19. The Gunners’ striker has the better goals per minute, but both will want to improve their tallies significantly before June.

Perhaps there are some recent signs that things are starting to click. Gyokeres has two goals and an assist in his last three games, with those goal contributions comings away to Chelsea and Inter Milan. Sesko has three goals in his last two against Burnley and Brighton.

It’s not entirely clear whether Sesko will start on Sunday, as interim manager Michael Carrick benched him for last weekend’s win over Manchester City. But there’s seemingly a much better chance one of the two strikers will decide Sunday’s game than the one back in August.

New York Giants' John Harbaugh did not make decision to fire Kevin Abrams

David Web — Sat, 24 Jan 2026 11:04:52 +0000

New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh was not the driving force behind the decision to fire long-time executive Kevin Abrams.

Abrams, the team’s senior vice president of football operations and strategy, was dismissed after 27 years with the organization. He had served as assistant general manager for two decades, including an interim GM stint in 2017, and played key roles in salary cap management and contract negotiations during the Giants’ Super Bowl victories in 2007 and 2011.

The firing came amid sweeping organizational restructuring following Harbaugh’s arrival as head coach.

While Harbaugh sought to add personnel with ties to his previous staff to bolster the front office, reports indicate he explicitly did not push for Abrams’ removal or any displacement of existing staff.

My understanding is John Harbaugh did not fire longtime Giants exec Kevin Abrams. Harbaugh wanted to install someone in the front office, no question, to help out, but not at the expense of anyone else. The head coach did not make the decision to move on from Abrams.

— Ian O’Connor (@Ian_OConnor) January 23, 2026

The move, described in some reports as part of broader changes including staff dismissals and expected medical department overhaul, underscores the franchise’s shift under new leadership.

This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Giants’ John Harbaugh did not make decision to fire Kevin Abrams

Why are there so few South Asian footballers at the top?

David Web — Sat, 24 Jan 2026 10:51:19 +0000

The Asian Inclusion Mentoring Scheme is run by the Professional Footballers’ Association [PFA]

The number of South Asian men playing professional football in England has almost doubled since the 2021-22 season, when the Football Association (FA) launched a strategy to boost participation in the game.

But the numbers don’t tell the whole story.

While there were 28 professional South Asian players in England last season – compared with 16 five years ago – they represent just over 1% of those competing at an elite level.

But the interest is there – the FA reports that within England more South Asian people are playing, coaching and refereeing across all levels of the game.

Within South Asian communities, more than 11% of adult males and more than 15% of adult females are participating in football, it says.

There is no shortage of talent – but why are so few players struggling to break through to the top?

Players tells BBC Newsbeat tired myths, cultural expectations and lack of infrastructure are some of the reasons why.

‘We’ve experienced this for decades’

Marva Kreel is a footballer presenter and played for Tottenham as a child [Natine Williams]

“It’s good more conversations are happening, but it’s something that a lot of us have been experiencing for decades,” says journalist and presenter Marva Kreel.

Marva, who is of part South-Asian heritage, has been involved in girls’ and women’s football since childhood and once played for Tottenham as a youth.

“When I looked around, the players that were playing on the pitch didn’t represent my local area,” she tells Newsbeat.

“They didn’t represent who I was going to school with, it was a very white space.”

Marva says physical barriers, such as distant training grounds, stopped some of her friends from progressing to higher levels.

“You couldn’t get to training. You couldn’t get to your games in the same way that boys could and that my boy mates could, because we didn’t have coaches laid on for us,” she says.

Marva says certain assumptions can count out promising South Asian talent.

“A lot of this comes down to shared problems that we have in the South Asian community of how South Asian boys and how South Asian girls might be stereotyped amongst football,” she says.

‘Told we would never make it’

It’s a situation Riz Rehman experienced himself.

“We were told that we would never make it because you’ve got the wrong diet, you’re playing towards education, not sport,” he recalls.

Riz’s brother, Zesh, was the first British South Asian to play in the Premier League.

He had hopes of forging a similar career but had to stop playing due to injury.

Now a coach, he worked with the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) to set up the Asian Inclusion Mentoring Scheme (AIMS), which supports Asian footballers at all levels by setting them up with mentors putting on workshops.

“AIMS will give support to any player on the elite pathway,” says the 43-year-old, referring to the phases aspiring pros must go through.

Riz says he wants to give others the chances and understanding that he and his brother missed out on.

“We obviously defeated those odds and we wanted to give every single player on the elite pathway a helping hand so that it is possible they can make it in the game as well,” he says.

The FA says Loughborough University is carrying out an independent evaluation of AIMS to help it understand the programme’s impact and shape its future.

‘Mentoring has massive impact’

Mariam Mahmood currently plays for Wrexham [Getty Images]

Malvind Singh Benning, who plays for League Two side Shrewsbury Town, took part in the AIMS programme and is now a mentor.

He recalls seeing only two players of South Asian heritageas he came up in his career.

“I’m 32 now so passing on real-life experience in the professional games to these young lads will be massive,” he says.

The PFA reports “steady progress” in getting more South Asian players into clubs but there is a way to go – particularly for women.

Mariam Mahmood, who plays for Wrexham, says representation also hinges on role models.

“When people see other people’s success stories and more publicity on people that are getting success in football, I think it will motivate other players and different people to also get involved and think: ‘Oh, if they can do it, I can do it’,” says the 21-year-old.

Mariam says she was “lucky” to cut her teeth in an inclusive academy but believes better representation starts at grassroots level, which feeds into the talent pool for bigger clubs.

“The important thing is to get (South Asians) playing football, develop them until they’re 16, 17, so they can sign professional contracts and get into that pool of people.”

[BBC]

Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays – or listen back here.