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Luis García, the former Atlético Madrid, Barcelona, and Liverpool player, thought he had left the intense emotions of football behind when he retired in 2016. However, while watching his current club, Johor Darul Ta'zim, celebrate a historic win in Malaysia, he found himself overcome with emotion. "I was always very competitive and once I had left football, I thought I wasn’t going to have those feelings I had before," García says. "I still enjoy football, still play seven-a-side with my friends – every Saturday at 10am, Los Jareños Club de Futbol – but I thought I had lost that and it wasn’t coming back. In fact, I was trying to avoid it; I didn’t want it. So when it happened, it surprised me. I didn’t expect football to give me that again. But there I was, crying."García is now the chief executive of Johor Darul Ta'zim, a Malaysian club that has made history by reaching the quarter-finals of the Asian Champions League. He credits the club's success to its strong structure, including coaches, analysis, assistants, fitness staff, and a digital team.The club's owner, Tunku Ismail Idris, the crown prince of Malaysia, has been instrumental in its growth, taking the team to 12 league titles. García says that Idris is "very active, inquisitive" and has a good understanding of the game.García's role as CEO involves implementing the club's vision, finding ways to improve, and liaising with the operations manager. He also travels with the sporting director to scout players and has been involved in school visits and hospital engagements.The team's success has been built on a strong squad, including Australians, New Zealanders, Americans, Koreans, Portuguese, Spaniards, Argentinians, Brazilians, a Colombian, and the former Wolves midfielder Hong Wan. Arif Aiman, a Malaysian player, has been described by García as "the pearl of Malaysia" due to his quick skills, goal-scoring ability, and potential to play in Europe.

Iran's judiciary announced on Monday that the assets of Zahra Ghanbari, captain of the Iranian women's football team, have been released. This decision comes after Ghanbari initially sought asylum in Australia, only to later withdraw her claim and return to Iran. Ghanbari was among a group of six players and one backroom staff member who sought asylum in Australia in March, following their participation in the Women's Asian Cup. The move sparked controversy, particularly as it coincided with the escalating conflict between Iran, Israel, and the United States. Upon their return to Iran, Ghanbari and the other players were greeted as heroes in a special ceremony in central Tehran on March 19. The Iranian judiciary's decision to release Ghanbari's assets was made after she declared her innocence and changed her behavior. The release of Ghanbari's assets is significant, as Iranian authorities have been accused of pressuring athletes who compete abroad, threatening their families or seizing their property if they defect or make statements against the Islamic republic. Rights groups have repeatedly highlighted these concerns, citing cases where athletes have faced intimidation and coercion. In related developments, two Iranian women's footballers remain in Australia and have been training with the Brisbane Roar club. The controversy surrounding the team's asylum claims has unfolded against the backdrop of Iran's men's team preparing to play in the World Cup in the United States in June.

Manchester City's recent comprehensive win over Chelsea has brought them within six points of Premier League leaders Arsenal, reigniting the title race. A viral social media meme featuring a City fan mocking Arsenal's struggles has captured the attention of football fans worldwide.The fan in question was seen mimicking a celebratory sip from an empty plastic bottle adorned with an Arsenal logo, leaving City's supporters in laughter and making viewers wonder if Arsenal have 'bottled it' once more. This comes after Arsenal's dramatic stumble over the past few weeks, including a loss to 11th-placed Bournemouth in the Premier League.Arsenal's quadruple hopes have taken a hit, with the team suffering three consecutive losses in local competitions. Manager Mikel Arteta acknowledged that his players are hurting but need to 'take it on the chin' and 'embrace the challenge' ahead. The team's fate is now as much in Manchester City's hands as it is in their own.Meanwhile, Manchester City's manager, Pep Guardiola, remains alert to the threat posed by Arsenal despite their recent blip. Guardiola emphasized the need for respect towards Arsenal, stating that beating them twice in a few weeks will be extremely difficult. City are favourites to lift the FA Cup and could still bag their 11th league trophy, with some experts predicting a domestic treble for the Sky Blues.

The Iranian judiciary announced on Monday that the assets of Zahra Ghanbari, captain of Iran’s women’s national football team, have been released following a court decision. The assets had been frozen earlier after she was listed among alleged “traitors” for seeking asylum in Australia.According to the state‑run Mizan news agency, the release came after Ghanbari submitted a “declaration of innocence” and demonstrated a change in behaviour, prompting officials to lift the seizure.Ghanbari was part of a group of six players and one staff member who fled to Australia in March, after the team’s refusal to sing Iran’s national anthem during the AFC Women’s Asian Cup sparked a media backlash. Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke had publicly offered asylum to the entire delegation, warning they could face reprisals on return.Within weeks, five of the athletes, including Ghanbari, abandoned their asylum applications and returned to Iran. They were greeted with a hero’s welcome at a ceremony in central Tehran on March 19, and the court subsequently moved to restore their frozen assets.The asset release follows a broader crackdown that began after the outbreak of the US‑Israel war on Iran on February 28, during which more than 2,000 Iranians were reported killed. Iranian state media published a list of individuals deemed “traitors,” leading to the freezing of their property and bank accounts.In interviews with Al Jazeera, two of the returning players described the intense pressure they faced, noting that any misstep could have severe personal and professional consequences. “Every decision felt like a life‑or‑death choice for my family and my career,” said Mona Hamoudi, one of the athletes.Human‑rights groups have repeatedly warned that Iranian authorities use tactics such as asset seizure, family intimidation, and legal threats to deter athletes from defecting or speaking out. The case of Ghanbari underscores how sports can become a flashpoint for broader geopolitical tensions.Only two members of the original squad remain in Australia, where they have continued training with Brisbane Roar, while the rest of the team prepares for upcoming domestic competitions under heightened scrutiny.

Jannik Sinner overcame Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets (7‑6(5), 6‑3) to capture the Monte Carlo Masters, marking his first clay‑court Masters title and restoring his position as the ATP world number one.The win represents Sinner’s fourth consecutive Masters 1000 triumph—following victories in Paris, Indian Wells and Miami—and his eighth Masters crown overall. By doing so, he joins Novak Djokovic as the only player to combine the “Sunshine Double” (Indian Wells and Miami) with a Monte Carlo title in the same season, a feat first achieved in 2015.Speaking after the match, Sinner praised the high level of play from both competitors and noted the challenging, windy conditions that persisted throughout the tournament. “Winning this trophy on clay means a lot, but the ranking is secondary,” he said, emphasizing his focus on performance over points.Alcaraz, the defending champion, acknowledged Sinner’s composure in crucial moments, admitting he missed several key opportunities. “It’s impressive what you are achieving right now… only one man in the Open Era has done the Sunshine Double and then Monte Carlo, and you are the second,” Alcaraz remarked, highlighting the rarity of Sinner’s accomplishment.The final was a showcase of the burgeoning “Sincaraz” rivalry, with both players trading early breaks before Sinner rallied from a 5‑6 deficit in the first set tiebreak. After securing the opening set, he dominated the second, serving flawlessly to close out the match.Beyond the personal milestone, Sinner’s victory reshapes the ATP hierarchy, ending Alcaraz’s reign at the top and reinforcing the Italian’s status as a dominant force on multiple surfaces. Analysts predict his momentum will influence the upcoming Grand Slam calendar, especially the French Open, where his clay‑court confidence will be a decisive factor.

Dominic Frimpong, a 20‑year‑old midfielder for Berekum Chelsea, was killed in an armed robbery targeting the club’s team bus on Sunday. The attack occurred on the road between Goaso and Bibiani as the squad travelled back from a Ghana Premier League match against Samartex in Samreboi. The club’s statement described how "masked men wielding guns and assault rifles" blocked the road, opened fire, and forced the driver to reverse. Players and staff fled into nearby bushes for cover while the assailants continued shooting. The Ghana Football Association (GFA) confirmed Frimpong’s death, expressing "profound shock and deep sorrow" and noting that the loss affects not only Berekum Chelsea but Ghanaian football as a whole. The GFA pledged to strengthen security arrangements for clubs travelling for domestic competitions. This tragic event follows a similar, non‑lethal bus attack on Legon Cities in 2023 after a match at Samartex, underscoring a growing security concern for teams traveling across the country. Key takeaway: The fatal shooting of Frimpong highlights urgent gaps in travel safety for Ghana Premier League clubs, prompting calls for immediate security reforms.

Rory McIlroy secured his second straight Masters title on Sunday, finishing at 12‑under 276 and becoming only the fourth player in history to win Augusta National in back‑to‑back years.The Northern Irish star rallied from a three‑shot deficit on the front nine, carding a 71 (one under par) in the final round to edge out Scottie Scheffler by a single stroke."I can’t believe I waited 17 years to get one green jacket, and I get two in a row," McIlroy said in the Butler Cabin, emphasizing the perseverance that finally paid off.His victory marks a sixth major championship, tying Nick Faldo for the most majors by a European in the modern era and placing them both at 12th on the all‑time list.Trailing McIlroy were Cameron Young, Russell Henley, England’s Tyrrell Hatton and Justin Rose, each finishing one shot back at 10‑under.McIlroy began the final round tied for the 54‑hole lead at 11‑under, slipped to 9‑under after two early bogeys, then surged with birdies on holes 7, 8, 12 and 13 to build a two‑shot cushion heading into the iconic "Amen Corner."When the pressure mounted on the 18th, a well‑placed drive into the trees allowed him to reach a greenside bunker, set up a two‑putt bogey and preserve the lead, confirming his place among the Masters’ elite.Beyond the personal milestone, McIlroy’s back‑to‑back triumph underscores the rarity of defending the Masters—an achievement previously accomplished only by Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods—and highlights the growing prominence of European players on golf’s biggest stage.

Leeds United delivered a seismic upset at Old Trafford, beating Manchester United 2‑0 and moving six points clear of Tottenham in the Premier League table. The victory marked United’s first league loss at the stadium since February 1981, ending a 45‑year unbeaten home run.Michael Carrick recorded his first home defeat as United’s interim manager. The team never found rhythm, a situation worsened when defender Lisandro Martínez was shown a red card in the 56th minute for yanking Dominic Calvert‑Lewin’s ponytail. Martínez now faces a three‑match ban, with United considering an appeal.Noah Okafor proved decisive, netting a brace. His first goal arrived five minutes after the red card when a Jayden Bogle cross was flicked on by Leny Yoro and finished by Okafor. The Swiss striker celebrated with a calm, hands‑folded pose as the crowd chanted “Yorkshire, Yorkshire”. He added a second, long‑range strike later in the half, sealing the win.Leeds dominated the early exchanges, creating several chances through wing‑back Gabriel Gudmundsson and forward Jayden Bogle. United’s response was limited to a consolation header from Casemiro, but they could not threaten Leeds’ lead.The result has major implications: Leeds now sit comfortably in the Champions League race, while United’s relegation worries intensify. A win against Wolves on Saturday could further distance Leeds from the drop zone, especially if Tottenham falters against Brighton.Post‑match, Leeds manager Daniel Farke and his players celebrated exuberantly, kneeling on the pitch and shouting “We are Leeds”. The three points are described as “vital” for the club’s season ambitions.

Rockstar Games, the renowned studio behind the Grand Theft Auto series, has fallen victim to a cyberattack by the hacker group ShinyHunters. The group is demanding a ransom in exchange for not releasing stolen company data, including potentially sensitive information about the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI.The attack, which was first reported on April 13, 2026, involves ShinyHunters threatening to leak data stolen from Rockstar Games' servers operated by a third-party vendor. The group initially set a deadline of April 14, 2026, for the company to enter negotiations.In a chilling message, ShinyHunters warned Rockstar: “Rockstar Games. Your … data was compromised … Pay or leak.” The group has a history of targeting major companies, including Microsoft, Cisco, and Ticketmaster.Rockstar Games has downplayed the impact of the hack, stating that only a “limited amount of non-material company information” was accessed and that there was no impact on players. However, given the high stakes surrounding Grand Theft Auto VI, which has been in development for nearly a decade and is expected to be one of the biggest releases in gaming history, any breach is a serious concern.The ShinyHunters group is linked to The Com, a loose network of cybercriminals, primarily English-speaking individuals aged 16 to 25. This group has been involved in previous high-profile hacks, including the Pornhub breach last year.This incident follows a previous major breach in 2022 when a teenager from the Lapsus$ hacking collective leaked 90 minutes of Grand Theft Auto VI gameplay footage. The hacker, Arion Kurtaj, was sentenced to an indefinite hospital order in 2023. Rockstar reportedly spent $5 million and thousands of hours recovering from that incident.The development costs for Grand Theft Auto VI are estimated to be close to $2 billion, and the game’s tight secrecy makes any data breach particularly damaging. Originally slated for Autumn 2025, the game has been delayed to November 19, 2026.