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Sheffield Wednesday's prospective new owners, Arise Capital Partners, are engaged in discussions with the EFL to potentially ease the club's transfer ban this summer. The ban, which prevents the club from paying for new players until January 2027, was a consequence of multiple late payment of wages under the previous ownership of Dejphon Chansiri.The club will begin next season in League One with a -15 point deduction, as the purchase price of £18m by Arise does not meet the EFL's requirement to repay creditors 25p in the pound upon exiting administration.Although the EFL is firm on the points deduction, they have indicated a possible flexibility on the transfer fee embargo. This would enable Arise to build a competitive squad if their takeover is approved. The club currently has seven players under contract at the end of the season, with most of Henrik Pedersen's squad, who are free agents, expected to leave.To secure approval for the takeover, Arise must agree to an EFL business plan with strict limits on spending and wage bills. However, the American private equity company is hopeful of being allowed to pay some transfer fees. Previously, Wednesday had a three-window transfer embargo but were granted special dispensation to register players, including the signing of Marvelous Nakamba from Luton in January.Arise, comprising David and Michael Storch and Tom Costin, aims for their takeover to be approved before the final game of the Championship season on 2 May. The Independent Football Regulator will take over the EFL's owners and directors' test on 5 May, which could cause further delays.

Cricket Australia (CA) has yet to secure the backing of two pivotal state bodies for its proposal to sell minority stakes in Big Bash League (BBL) franchises, casting doubt on the timeline for a major private‑investment push.Cricket NSW chief executive Lee Germon publicly rejected the plan on Wednesday, confirming that the Sydney Thunder and Sydney Sixers will not participate in any valuation process overseen by CA.CA chief executive Todd Greenberg responded that the consultation with states is ongoing and that the organisation remains “open to discussing any questions or concerns” while emphasizing a “respectful and collaborative” approach.The Australian body aims to emulate the UK’s The Hundred model, where the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) auctioned franchises last year for £520 million (≈ $1 billion). CA’s proposal would allow up to 49% of each state‑run BBL team to be sold, with potential valuations of as much as $200 million per club, potentially generating a half‑billion‑dollar windfall.Proceeds would be split between an immediate cash injection to the state associations and ongoing annual payments, while a portion would seed a future development fund for Australian cricket.Germon warned that external investors could introduce goals misaligned with the existing cricket ecosystem, describing the current system as “working very effectively and very well now.” He highlighted risks of “external investors who will not have aligned goals with the states or Cricket Australia.”Meanwhile, Cricket Queensland chief executive Terry Svenson said no final decision has been made, noting the board is awaiting further clarification from CA on several points before reaching a verdict.Facing pushback, Cricket NSW is exploring an alternative financing strategy that sidesteps equity sales. The plan focuses on boosting revenue through ticket yields, attendance, commercial sponsorships, and wagering partnerships, aiming to fund the BBL’s growth without relinquishing club ownership.When asked about the increasing reliance on gambling revenue, Germon acknowledged that wagering is already part of cricket’s commercial mix and that its role will be reassessed as part of the broader funding discussion.CA’s ambition arrives amid rising competition from emerging T20 leagues in South Africa and the United Arab Emirates, which are vying for players and audience attention during Australia’s traditional summer window.

Zimbabwe fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani has been banned from the Pakistan Super League (PSL) for two years after he abandoned a pre‑agreed deal with Islamabad United to play for the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders.The 29‑year‑old was initially signed by Islamabad United despite going unsold in both the IPL and PSL auctions. However, when Kolkata Knight Riders needed a replacement for Mustafizur Rahman – who was released under BCCI instructions – Muzarabani opted to join the IPL side instead.Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials condemned the move, stating that the player “disregarded his obligations in favour of a conflicting arrangement” and violated the contractual principles that underpin professional sport.The IPL and PSL now run almost concurrently, making it practically impossible for an international player to feature in both competitions within the same season.Similar disciplinary action has been taken before: South African bowler Corbin Bosch received a one‑year PSL ban after he chose to play for Mumbai Indians in the IPL, turning down a contract with Peshawar Zalmi.Pakistani cricketers have been absent from the IPL since the 2008 Mumbai attacks, when geopolitical tensions led Indian franchises to stop selecting players from across the western border.Recent concerns about Indian‑owned teams in other leagues, such as England’s The Hundred, have also surfaced. Those worries were eased when Pakistani pacer Abrar Ahmed was signed by the Indian‑owned Sunrisers Leeds, though the move sparked a social‑media backlash and drew criticism from former India star Sunil Gavaskar, who claimed the signing “indirectly contributes to the deaths of Indian soldiers and civilians”.

Union Berlin has strongly condemned the sexist online abuse directed at Marie-Louise Eta, the club's newly appointed interim head coach. Eta made history by becoming the first woman to take charge of a men's Bundesliga team.Eta was appointed to lead the men's first team for the remainder of the season following the dismissal of Steffen Baumgart. Despite her significant achievement, her appointment has been met with derogatory and sexist comments on social media.The club has publicly pushed back against these comments, with Horst Heldt, Union's director of men's professional football, expressing full confidence in Eta. “We have 100 percent confidence in Loui, with complete conviction. I find it crazy that we have to deal with this in this day and age, that we have to justify ourselves,” he said.The club's communications director, Christian Arbeit, highlighted Eta's pragmatic approach to coaching, stating, “Marie-Louise Eta has a very pragmatic approach to all of this. She’s very conscious that it’s something special, but for her, football is in the foreground. She wants to work with the team, and she wants to be on the field.”Union Berlin's response to sexist comments on social media has been resolute. The club posted, “The Union family has her back.” They also labeled certain comments as sexist, including one that suggested players would not take a woman's instructions about tactics seriously.The decision to appoint Eta has received praise, including from Kai Wegner, Berlin's Mayor, who called it “a strong signal for professional football and for women in elite-level sports.”Eta will lead the team for the last five games of the season as Union aims to secure their spot in the Bundesliga for next season. Her long-term role at the club remains open, with Heldt not ruling out her continuing with the men's team beyond this season.

Wisden Cricketers' Almanack, a renowned UK-based publication and the 'bible' of cricket, has strongly criticized what it describes as Indian political interference in global cricket administration. The criticism comes as the sport's governance is increasingly described as 'Orwellian', suggesting a dystopian level of control and manipulation. In its 163rd annual edition, Wisden editor Lawrence Booth emphasized the unhealthy and politicized dominance of India in the global game. A significant point of contention is the current leadership of the International Cricket Council (ICC), which includes an Indian chief executive, Sanjog Gupta, and an Indian chairman, Jay Shah. Jay Shah is the son of Amit Shah, India's minister of home affairs and a close ally of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Wisden described the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which Shah led before taking over at the ICC, as 'the sporting adjunct of India's ruling BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party)'. This close relationship between Indian cricket administration and the country's ruling party has raised concerns about the politicization of the sport. The situation was further highlighted during the 2025 Asia Cup, which took place against the backdrop of a brief war between India and Pakistan. The tensions led to players from the two countries refusing to shake hands during their matches. Booth pointed out that Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi stated, 'politics and sport can't go together', yet Naqvi himself was also his country's interior minister, illustrating the blurred lines between politics and sports administration. India's dominance in cricket has also been showcased through symbolic actions, such as when India captain Suryakumar Yadav dedicated a victory over Pakistan to the armed forces. Furthermore, Prime Minister Narendra Modi used cricket as a metaphor for military operations, stating after India's victory over Pakistan in the final: 'Operation Sindoor on the games field. Outcome is the same – India wins!' This rhetoric drew parallels between sports victories and military successes, further underscoring the intertwining of sports and politics. The influence of Indian cricket administration has also had ripple effects on other cricketing nations. For example, Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman was released from a $1m deal with the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders amid rising tensions between India and Bangladesh. This led to a chain of events that resulted in Bangladesh's removal from this year's men's T20 World Cup after their government refused to let them travel to India. Wisden's criticism concludes that the governance of cricket is becoming increasingly 'Orwellian', where Indian exceptionalism is asserted without acknowledging the consequences, and those affected by these actions are blamed. The publication calls for a clearer recognition of the problems caused by the politicization of cricket and a move towards a more independent and fair governance structure.

Amazon’s $11.57 B Deal to Secure Globalstar’s Satellite AssetsOn April 14, 2026, Amazon disclosed a cash transaction of **$11.57 billion** (about **$90 per share**) to acquire Globalstar, the satellite operator that powers Apple’s Emergency SOS feature. The purchase gives Amazon full control of Globalstar’s satellite constellation, ground infrastructure, and mobile‑satellite‑service spectrum licenses, bolstering the company’s nascent satellite business, Amazon Leo.Deal Structure and What Amazon GainsThe agreement transfers:All of Globalstar’s existing low‑Earth‑orbit satellites (currently **24** operational, with agreements for **50+** new units).Ground stations, network operations, and spectrum licenses needed for direct‑to‑device services.Ongoing contracts with customers such as Delta Airlines, AT&T;, Vodafone, Australia’s NBN, and NASA.Alongside the acquisition, Amazon signed a continuation agreement with Apple to keep providing satellite connectivity for iPhone and Apple Watch users.Financial Scale and Satellite Fleet NumbersThe transaction’s headline figures illustrate the market’s valuation of satellite connectivity:Deal value: **$11.57 billion** in cash.Share price: **$90** per Globalstar share.Amazon Leo’s planned constellation: **>3,200** satellites, though only **~200** have launched to date.FCC deadline: Amazon must have **~1,600** satellites in orbit by **July 2026**.Starlink comparison: **>10,000** satellites serving 150+ countries.Strategic Implications for Amazon Leo vs. StarlinkAcquiring Globalstar gives Amazon immediate access to:Established spectrum in the 1.6 GHz band, critical for low‑latency, direct‑to‑device links.A ready‑made customer base in aviation, telecom, and government sectors.Technical expertise and launch contracts (including a SpaceX agreement for replacement satellites).Combined with the recent showcase of a high‑speed antenna for commercial jets, Amazon is positioning Leo to compete directly with Starlink in the high‑value aviation and enterprise markets, while leveraging Apple’s ecosystem for consumer‑grade emergency services.Outlook: Timeline for Amazon Leo and Market ShiftsKey milestones ahead:Late 2026 – Initial commercial rollout of Amazon Leo’s direct‑to‑device services using Globalstar’s existing constellation.2028 – Deployment of Amazon’s own “thousands of advanced satellites” to enable a global, low‑latency network supporting “hundreds of millions of customer endpoints.”Mid‑2027 – Expected FCC approval of the extended satellite count deadline.If Amazon meets these targets, the satellite‑internet market could see a three‑way split among Starlink, Amazon Leo, and emerging regional players, driving down prices and expanding coverage for aviation, maritime, and remote‑area users.

The trial of Diego Maradona's medical team has resumed in Argentina, nearly a year after it was halted due to a judicial scandal. Maradona, considered one of the world's greatest football players, died in November 2020 at the age of 60.He passed away from heart failure and acute pulmonary edema two weeks after undergoing brain surgery. The new trial aims to determine if Maradona's medical team was responsible for his death.Seven members of his medical team were charged with negligent homicide and have denied the charges. They were facing prison sentences of between eight and 25 years.The trial is expected to hear from around 120 witnesses and will last until July. The defence maintains that Maradona died of natural causes, citing his struggles with cocaine and alcohol addictions.Maradona's death brought hundreds of thousands of Argentines onto the streets in mourning during the COVID pandemic. He is lauded as one of the greatest and most iconic players in football history, known for his performance in the 1986 World Cup tournament.

Bordeaux Bègles are on a roll in the European Champions Cup, with their impressive performance against Toulouse showcasing their strength. Their ability to score 25 unanswered points in the second half was a testament to their depth and strategy. The French team's bench made a significant impact, with players like Ben Tameifuna making a key difference at the breakdown and adding a crucial try.Despite their dominance, other teams still have a chance to stop them. Bath Rugby, who recently overcame Northampton Saints in a thrilling quarter-final, have a contrasting style that could potentially counter Bordeaux's modus operandi. Bath's tighthead Thomas du Toit and scrum-half Finn Russell could provide a strong challenge to Bordeaux's backline.Exeter Chiefs also had a remarkable win in their Challenge Cup quarter-final, coming from behind to beat Benetton 44-41. Their ability to hang tough in the final quarter and secure crucial kicks will be essential in their upcoming match against Ulster.The semi-final matchups are set to be intense, with Bath facing Bordeaux Bègles and Exeter Chiefs taking on Ulster. Will Bordeaux continue their winning streak, or will one of these teams manage to pull off an upset?

Javokhir Sindarov, the 20‑year‑old Uzbek grandmaster, sealed his place as the challenger for Gukesh Dommaraju’s world chess title after winning the Candidates tournament in Cyprus with a game to spare. Playing Black against Dutch veteran Anish Giri, Sindarov drew a calm 58‑move game that lifted him to 9½ points out of a possible 14, leaving the world No. 9 two points behind with one round remaining. "After the queen exchange I felt no pressure at all; the game was comfortable for me," Sindarov said, reflecting the composure that defined his wire‑to‑wire triumph. The Candidates, a double‑round‑robin featuring eight of the world’s best, saw Sindarov dominate with six wins and seven draws, an unbeaten run rarely achieved on such a cut‑throat stage. He will finish the event with a dead‑rubber white game against China’s Wei Yi. His victory not only earns him a shot at the world title—likely in November—but also a winner’s share of €70,000 from the €700,000 prize fund, plus an extra €5,000 for each half‑point scored. The result highlights a broader shift in elite chess. Former top‑seed Americans Fabiano Caruana and Hikaru Nakamura failed to mount serious challenges, underscoring the rise of a younger generation. Gukesh, who became the youngest world champion in history two years ago by defeating Ding Liren, will defend his title against another teenager. This will be the second consecutive world‑championship match featuring two Asian players under 21, a historic first in the 138‑year legacy of the event. While Gukesh’s recent form has dipped—he finished joint‑last at the Prague International Chess Festival—he remains a formidable opponent. Sindarov praised his challenger, noting Gukesh’s "strong skills" and "excellent team," and wished him luck. Having risen to a career‑best world ranking of No. 11 after winning the 2025 FIDE World Cup, Sindarov’s rapid ascent contrasts with Gukesh’s recent struggles, which the Indian prodigy attributes to a deliberate reduction in tournament intensity to regain form. When asked if the prospect of playing for the sport’s most coveted title had sunk in, Sindarov replied, "A year ago I would never have believed it, but I have improved dramatically and I am eager to keep getting better." The exact date and venue for the best‑of‑14‑games world championship match remain to be announced.