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Ben Delo, a British billionaire convicted in the US for failing to implement adequate anti-money-laundering controls in his cryptocurrency business, has donated £4m to Reform UK, the party founded by Nigel Farage. Delo, who is now based in Hong Kong, made the donation since the start of the year, before the government's cap on donations to political parties by British citizens living abroad.Delo, 42, who was pardoned by Donald Trump last year, is moving back to the UK and therefore will not in future be subject to the new rules for donors. He explained his motivations for turning to Reform UK, saying England was his home and that “the biggest obstacle to national recovery is the entrenched self-deception of our elites”.In his article for the Telegraph, Delo wrote that he had donated £4m to help Nigel Farage build Reform UK into a “genuine alternative party of government”. He cited his dissatisfaction with the current political culture, stating that “the official culture of government now forces everyone to be chronically dishonest”, citing expression of views on transgender people.Delo was convicted in the US in 2022 after pleading guilty to violating the Bank Secrecy Act by failing to implement adequate anti-money-laundering controls at BitMEX, the trillion-dollar cryptocurrency exchange he co-founded. He has poured more than £100m into philanthropy and supports more than 50 organisations ranging across the political spectrum and public life.Nigel Farage welcomed Delo's support, saying it would help Reform attract more of the skills and talents needed to get ready for government. “Ben’s support will help Reform attract more of the skills and talents we need to get ready for government,” Farage told the Telegraph.

The chief executive of the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), Brant Dunshea, announced that the sport is prepared to consider more direct‑action protests as it confronts the government’s proposal to introduce affordability checks for punters. Last September’s one‑day strike, which forced the cancellation of four meetings, proved decisive: it helped the government abandon a planned increase in betting tax from 15% to 21%, a rise the BHA estimated would have cost the industry £330 million. Following the “Axe the Racing Tax” campaign, the BHA is now urging the government to rethink the affordability checks that could require up to 120,000 regular gamblers to provide personal documentation, according to the Betting and Gaming Council. Independent modelling by EY suggests that as many as 44,000 bettors might migrate to black‑market operators, eroding the industry’s betting turnover by tens of millions of pounds. Betting turnover has already fallen by £2 billion since 2021. The Gambling Commission is slated to decide on the checks next month, while more than 400 racing figures – including trainers and MPs – have signed an open letter to Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy demanding intervention. “Our campaign will continue, and direct action is part of our broader strategy, though we will not discuss specifics publicly,” Dunshea said. He highlighted the power of collective action, noting that the industry’s cultural and economic significance was recognised in the government’s recent budget announcement. Recent pilot schemes, involving three credit‑reference agencies, produced inconsistent outcomes for the same individuals, raising concerns that the checks could push more punters toward illegal markets. Data from Yield Sec shows that the share of the UK gambling market held by black‑market operators surged from 0.43% in 2020 to 9% last year, with £379 million wagered on unlicensed platforms that do not contribute to the exchequer. Dunshea stressed that any affordability measure must be truly frictionless. “Consumers are price‑sensitive and protective of their personal data; any intervention that feels invasive will drive them elsewhere,” he warned. Amid the upcoming Grand National at Aintree, Dunshea expressed surprise at recent comments from the RSPCA regarding horse deaths at Cheltenham, reaffirming the BHA’s commitment to a collaborative relationship with the animal‑welfare charity. He noted that over the past 25 years, the industry has invested £60 million in equine welfare, reducing fatality rates to 0.22% of runners, and emphasized that the BHA will continue to work constructively with the RSPCA despite recent tensions.

Formula One has endured a turbulent opening to the season under its new regulations. The sport's governing body, the FIA, is now proposing changes to address safety concerns and driver dissatisfaction. Nikolas Tombazis, the single-seater director for the FIA, is at the heart of the process and is confident that F1 can adapt successfully.Tombazis acknowledges that the new rules have provoked a strong reaction, with some drivers expressing discontent. Oliver Bearman's 190mph crash at Suzuka has raised concerns about the safety of the new regulations, and the FIA is taking a cautious approach to making changes. "Every accident at high speed is always a little bit of a shock," Tombazis says.The FIA is discussing potential changes with teams, powerunit manufacturers, and the commercial rights holder. Meetings are scheduled for April 20 and May 3 to decide on changes to the regulations, which could include adjustments to the parameters of energy recovery and deployment. Tombazis emphasizes that safety is the top priority and that the goal is to find a balance between safety and competitiveness.The new regulations have been a topic of debate, with some drivers, such as Lando Norris and Max Verstappen, expressing dissatisfaction with the current formula. The FIA is working to address these concerns while also ensuring that the sport remains safe and competitive. "We're not expecting people to sugarcoat their comments," Tombazis says, but he is hopeful that a broad consensus can be reached.

When Nike unveiled its official 2026 World Cup kit range in March, the designs were widely praised, with the United States' home shirt hailed as the most distinctive in years and other nations such as France, England, Canada and Uruguay receiving positive feedback.However, during the recent international break, a growing chorus of supporters highlighted a recurring problem: a pronounced bulge along the shoulder seam of many of the new jerseys. While the effect was subtle on some kits, it was stark on others – notably the sleek France shirt worn by Kylian Mbappé and the Uruguay jerseys that resembled a cartoon villain’s armor.Fans took to social media to share photos and complaints, with some claiming that steaming or pre‑washing the garments temporarily eased the issue, while others expressed outright frustration, describing the design as “stupid” and unsuitable for broader shoulder widths.Given that the jerseys retail for between $100 and $200, the defect poses a significant concern for both consumers and the national federations that expect their players to look immaculate on football’s biggest stage.In a statement to The Guardian, Nike acknowledged the flaw, noting that the problem was most evident during the recent break and that “performance is unaffected, but the overall aesthetic is not where it needs to be.” The company added that it is reviewing possible solutions in collaboration with partner federations and suppliers.The kits are built around Nike’s Aero‑FIT system, a computational‑design and stitch‑specific knitting process marketed as a way to keep athletes cool in what could be the hottest World Cup ever, hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico. A source familiar with the technology confirmed that AI‑driven design data underpins the process.Nevertheless, the shoulder‑seam issue raises questions about the feasibility of a redesign with the tournament less than two months away and millions of jerseys already sold. Nike officials indicated that any corrective action would require a massive logistical effort.“We are a global team of best‑in‑class designers, creators and dreamers who spend every day thinking about how to innovate, challenge ourselves, and take risks that push the beautiful game,” the company said. “We always hold ourselves and our products to the highest standards and this fell short. We’re working quickly to make this right for players and fans, because every kit should reflect the care, precision and pride that the game deserves.”Nike’s partnership with the United States runs until 2033, while England’s agreement with the FA extends to 2030, meaning the brand will continue to supply kits for future tournaments despite this setback.

Riccardo Calafiori, the Italy defender for Arsenal, has found solace in the team's recent Champions League victory against Sporting, which has reignited their trophy hopes. The win came after a tough couple of weeks for Calafiori, who was part of the Italy squad that failed to qualify for the World Cup for the third consecutive time.Calafiori reflected on the painful period for both his country and club, where Arsenal suffered successive defeats either side of the World Cup qualification failure. However, he emphasized that the beauty of football lies in its unpredictability and the opportunity to bounce back. “It’s been tough, but that is the beauty of football: it is 100% better now,” Calafiori stated.The defender acknowledged that the defeat to Southampton in the FA Cup and the broader disappointment of the period had been challenging. Yet, he expressed gratitude for the chance to play against Sporting just three days later, which helped him shift focus away from the negativity. Calafiori mentioned that while the World Cup failure might have given him more desire to succeed at the club level, he remains disappointed and sad.Arsenal's recent performance was marked by goalkeeper David Raya's heroics, who made crucial saves to secure a 1-0 win against Sporting. This victory was a significant confidence booster for the team, especially with Kai Havertz scoring the winning goal in injury time. Calafiori praised Raya, stating that his return to the lineup after being rested had engendered confidence in the defence.Looking ahead, Calafiori and Arsenal are set to face Bournemouth in the Premier League, an opportunity to extend their lead at the top of the table to 12 points before Manchester City travels to Chelsea. Calafiori emphasized the importance of every upcoming game, stating, “Every game is really important now.”

Major League Baseball has handed down seven-game suspensions to Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Jorge Soler and Atlanta Braves pitcher Reynaldo López after a heated brawl during a game between the two teams. The suspensions, announced by MLB's senior vice-president for on-field operations, Michael Hill, also come with undisclosed fines. Both players are appealing their suspensions, which were set to begin on Wednesday but are currently on hold.The incident occurred on Tuesday night when Soler homered off López in the first inning, and later was hit by a 96mph fastball from López. The situation escalated when López threw a high-and-inside wild pitch, prompting Soler to charge the mound. The two players began throwing punches, leading to a brawl that involved players and coaches from both teams.Atlanta Braves manager Walt Weiss described the situation as a 'big man' on a 'warpath,' saying he had to intervene to prevent Soler from hurting someone. Soler and López were teammates during the second half of the 2024 season with the Braves.The Braves went on to win the game 7-2, with Soler's two-run shot in the first inning contributing to the victory. Soler has impressive stats against López, going 14 for 23 with five homers and three doubles.Both players expressed regret over the incident, with López stating there was 'never any intent to hit him' and Soler criticizing López for missing 'way too high and close to my head.'

Donald Trump's decision to accept a two-week ceasefire in Iran has created a stir within his Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement, with some supporters expressing mixed reactions to the development. While some have defended the president's decision, others have accused him of betrayal and capitulation.The ceasefire, which was agreed upon after more than a month of war, has been hailed as a victory by both the US and Iran. However, critics argue that the agreement has failed to achieve its objectives, with Iran's regime still intact and its nuclear facilities persisting. The strait of Hormuz remains closed, and fighting continues in Lebanon.Dinesh D'Souza, a right-wing commentator, defended Trump on social media, stating that the president had outsmarted his critics and proved himself to be the adult in the room. Similarly, Matt Schlapp, chairman of the American Conservative Union, expressed confidence in Trump's decision-making, citing his real, actionable intelligence.However, not all supporters are convinced. Matthew Feinberg, a self-described 'MAGA Jew', expressed disappointment, stating that the ceasefire allows the IRGC to regroup and rearm. Laura Loomer, an activist and Islamophobe, also criticized the outcome, saying that the negotiation didn't yield any significant benefits for the US.The Pew Research survey found that, among Republicans, there had been an 18-point decline in confidence in Trump's policymaking about Iran since 2024. Despite this, Republicans aged 65 and older remain overwhelmingly confident in Trump's ability to make good decisions on Iran.

Footage captured on the streets of Tehran shows small groups of citizens gathering around Enghelab Square – a historic rally point for pro‑regime supporters – some waving Iranian flags, others draped over their backs. The atmosphere is far from uniform; debates and arguments erupted shortly after the ceasefire announcement, reflecting a spectrum of emotions from shock to tentative hope.The video, posted by Majid Nouri – son of former prison official Hamid Nouri – includes his running commentary. He notes that the discussions began around 3 a.m. and continued into the morning, with participants expressing both anger and disbelief. "In no way do we trust America," Nouri declared, echoing a sentiment he says is shared by virtually every Iranian.Pro‑government demonstrators were heard chanting "Death to America, death to Israel, death to compromisers!" and burning U.S. and Israeli flags, according to the Associated Press. The chants persisted despite attempts by organizers to calm the crowd, underscoring the depth of anti‑Western feeling among hardliners.While the ceasefire halted active hostilities, the war has already claimed at least 1,900 lives in Iran. With internet services largely blacked out, gauging the broader public mood is challenging, but pockets of Tehran reported subdued celebrations in the early hours of Wednesday.Local resident Ali, a 31‑year‑old, summed up the prevailing uncertainty: "Most people here don’t trust the US and still don’t know exactly what is going to happen, so they are unsure whether they should be happy or worried." He warned that the ceasefire’s two‑week duration offers no guarantee of lasting peace.Business owners are beginning to test the waters. Hamid, a 43‑year‑old shopkeeper whose grocery and cleaning‑supplies store closed after the February bombings, said, "Today feels like there is no war," and he has reopened his shop, hoping to recover lost income for his family.Iranian officials are framing the pause as a diplomatic victory. Former foreign minister Ali Akbar Velayati posted on X that the conflict has reshaped the global power balance, positioning Iran within a new multipolar order. President Masoud Pezeshkian praised the ceasefire as the fruit of the blood of Iran’s “great martyred leader” and the collective will of the people.Strategically, the ceasefire highlights Tehran’s ability to disrupt the vital Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint for global oil shipments. Analysts note that this leverage could bolster Iran’s negotiating stance, even as former U.S. President Donald Trump previously warned that a full‑scale clash would threaten "a whole civilisation." As sunrise illuminated the capital, daily life resumed with shops reopening and traffic returning to the streets, yet the prevailing mood remains a blend of exhaustion, cautious optimism, and lingering mistrust of the United States.

Pakistan's diplomatic efforts have yielded a significant breakthrough, securing a temporary ceasefire between the US and Iran. The development comes after intense negotiations led by Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir.The crisis had escalated to a point where Pakistan's government and military were deeply concerned about the potential consequences for the country's economy, defense, national security, and sectarian harmony. A defense pact with Saudi Arabia meant that if Riyadh entered the war, Pakistan would be drawn into it as well.Behind the scenes, Munir and Asim Malik, the country's head of army intelligence and national security adviser, played a crucial role in mediating the ceasefire. Munir's strong personal rapport with US President Donald Trump and his longstanding relationship with Iran's Revolutionary Guards were instrumental in brokering the deal.China emerged as a key player in the negotiations, with Pakistani officials claiming that Beijing directly encouraged Iran to accept a ceasefire, promising to act as a guarantor of Iran's safety in any talks. This included assurances that Iranian leaders would not be assassinated if they traveled for negotiations.The ceasefire deal was secured by 4am in Islamabad, with both the US and Iran agreeing to a temporary and fragile truce. Michael Kugelman, south Asia fellow at the Atlantic council, described it as Pakistan's 'biggest diplomatic win in years'.Pakistani officials have expressed concerns that Israel and the United Arab Emirates could still try to sabotage the peace process. However, the successful brokering of the ceasefire has been hailed as a 'shining moment' in Pakistan's history and a 'first step' towards peace.