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German club Union Berlin broke new ground on Sunday by appointing Marie‑Louise Eta as interim manager, the first female to head a Bundesliga side and the inaugural woman to coach a top‑flight men’s team in a major European league. Eta, 34 years old, previously made history as the Bundesliga’s first female assistant coach. She will steer the team for the remainder of the campaign after the dismissal of Steffen Baumgart, whose tenure ended following a 3‑1 loss to bottom‑placed Heidenheim that underscored a stagnant second half of the season. In a statement, Eta expressed her enthusiasm: “I am delighted the club has entrusted me with this challenging task.” Sporting director Horst Heldt welcomed the decision, noting that Eta will transition to lead Union’s women’s Bundesliga squad in the summer as originally planned. Union’s recent form has been troubling: the side has secured only two victories since Christmas and currently sits seven points above the relegation playoff zone. Heldt described the situation as “absolutely disappointing” and emphasized the urgent need for points to avoid a drop. Eta brings a distinguished playing résumé, having won the 2010 UEFA Women’s Champions League and three Bundesliga titles with Turbine Potsdam. Her coaching résumé includes stepping in for head coach Nenad Bjelica during a three‑game suspension in 2024, showcasing her readiness for senior responsibilities. While women have managed men’s teams in Germany’s lower tiers—such as Sabrina Wittmann at Ingolstadt FC—Eta’s appointment marks the first instance at the top level. France’s former second‑division side Clermont also benefited from a female coach, Corinne Diacre, between 2014 and 2017. The historic move not only reflects Union Berlin’s immediate need for a turnaround but also signals a broader shift toward gender diversity in elite football management.

The light‑heavyweight division entered a new chapter on Saturday night in Miami when Carlos Ulberg secured the vacant UFC title by delivering a decisive left hook to former champion Jiri Prochazka. President Donald Trump watched from the cageside as Ulberg’s strike landed at the 3:45 mark of the opening round, ending the bout with a knockout and awarding him the undisputed belt. Ulberg entered the fight with a professional record of 14‑1 in MMA (10‑1 in the UFC), while Prochazka held a 32‑6‑1 MMA record (6‑3 in the UFC). Early in the first round Ulberg felt a knee give way, yet he persisted, capitalising on Prochazka’s hesitation to land the winning blow. “I blew out my knee, but I never counted myself out,” Ulberg said afterward. “I knew I needed one clean shot, and when I saw Jiri pulling back, I threw my left hand and it landed.” Prochazka, who has gone 1‑3 in UFC title fights since June 2022, reflected on the loss: “I felt sorry for him, and this is one of the biggest lessons in my life. The fight was in my hands, I saw his injury, and I’ll be back.” The championship was vacant after former champion Alex Pereira vacated the belt to pursue an interim heavyweight title at UFC Freedom 250, a bout scheduled for the White House on Donald Trump’s 80th birthday. Trump promoted the event on his Truth Social account and arrived at the Kaseya Center accompanied by UFC president Dana White, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and U.S. ambassador to India Sergio Gor. A Kid Rock track blared as Trump took his seat beside the officials. In the co‑main event, Azamat Murzakanov knocked out Paulo Costa with a right round‑house at 1:23 of the third round, extending his perfect UFC record to 17‑0‑0. After his victory, Murzakanov shook hands with Trump, who praised the fighter. Murzakanov acknowledged the president during his post‑fight interview with Joe Rogan. The heavyweight showdown between Josh Hokit and Curtis Blaydes turned into a gritty slugfest, with Hokit prevailing by unanimous decision (29‑28 on all three cards). Trump cheered loudly as the fighters exchanged blows. Following Hokit’s win, UFC chief Dana White announced on social media that a bout between Hokit and Derrick Lewis would be added to the UFC Freedom 250 card, noting that President Trump helped bring the matchup together.

In a decisive session held on 12 April 2026, the Iraqi parliament elected a new head of state, signaling a fresh chapter in the nation’s governance. The vote, conducted under the country’s constitutional framework, reflects the parliament’s role in steering Iraq’s political direction. The appointment comes at a time when Iraq is navigating complex internal reforms and external diplomatic challenges. Choosing a new president is expected to impact the balance of power among Iraq’s major political factions and could affect the country’s relationships with neighboring states. While the identity of the elected president was not disclosed in the source material, the parliamentary decision underscores the importance of legislative consensus in Iraq’s democratic process. Observers note that the outcome may influence upcoming policy debates, especially those related to security, economic reconstruction, and foreign investment. Analysts suggest that the new presidency could either consolidate existing alliances or introduce shifts in Iraq’s strategic priorities, depending on how the elected leader navigates the nation’s pressing challenges.

In a recent statement, President Donald Trump proclaimed that the United States will emerge as a "winner" irrespective of the direction or results of ongoing diplomatic talks with Iran. The remark underscores a broader U.S. approach that prioritizes national interests and strategic leverage over the specifics of any potential agreement.Trump’s comment reflects a confidence in the United States' ability to maintain its geopolitical standing, suggesting that even a stalemate or an unfavorable deal would not diminish American influence. Analysts note that such rhetoric may aim to strengthen the U.S. negotiating position by signaling resolve and a willingness to walk away from talks without conceding perceived losses.While the exact details of the Iran negotiations remain undisclosed, the President’s declaration signals a clear message to both domestic and international audiences: the United States will frame any outcome as a strategic success.

Roberto De Zerbi diagnosed a deep‑seated lack of confidence as the core issue behind Tottenham’s recent struggles after his debut in charge ended in a 1‑0 loss to Sunderland. The defeat has dropped Spurs into the relegation zone, sitting 18th and two points shy of safety with only six games left.“We didn’t deserve to lose,” De Zerbi said, referring to the decisive second‑half goal that came from a Nordi Mukiele deflection. “We played well, but not well enough to win.” He added that while the players showed the right attitude, his priority now is to rebuild their mental resilience.The manager also raised concerns over captain Cristian Romero’s knee injury after a mid‑field collision. “I don’t know the extent yet, but we hope it’s not serious. He’s vital for the rest of the season,” De Zerbi remarked.Confidence, according to De Zerbi, is the missing ingredient for Spurs to unleash their quality. “When the squad believes in themselves, the football follows. A single win could change the narrative,” he asserted, emphasizing that his role is more about fostering belief than overhauling tactics.Looking ahead, Tottenham travel to face De Zerbi’s former club Brighton, a match De Zerbi hopes will serve as a catalyst for a confidence surge. He warned that the fear of relegation is palpable among the players and that a positive mindset is essential to reverse their fortunes.Brighton manager Régis Le Bris, meanwhile, was less concerned after his side’s victory, noting a strong finish after a slow start and expressing ambition for a top‑ten finish.

President Donald Trump declared that the United States will commence a naval blockade of the strategic Strait of Hormuz in response to the breakdown of peace talks between Washington and Tehran held in Islamabad.In addition to the blockade, Trump warned that American forces could target Iran’s water‑treatment plants, power stations and bridges unless Tehran abandons its pursuit of a nuclear weapons capability.The announcement came after a 21‑hour round of direct negotiations between the two sides collapsed on Sunday morning, ending a brief cease‑fire that had been brokered by the United States, Israel and Iran.U.S. Vice‑President JD Vance, who led the American delegation, said Iran refused to renounce the possibility of developing nuclear weapons, while Iranian officials accused Washington of failing to earn their trust.Trump instructed the U.S. Navy to begin “blockading any and all ships trying to enter or leave the Strait of Hormuz” starting Monday at 10 a.m. ET (14:00 GMT). He also accused Iran of “extortion” for charging tolls to tankers and announced a de‑mining operation in the waterway’s central sector, although the exact number of mines remains unclear.The Iranian Revolutionary Guard warned that any warships enforcing the blockade would be deemed a breach of the cease‑fire and would be met with a strong response, insisting the strait remains under Iranian control.Two U.S. destroyers transited the strait on Saturday without incident, a move the Pentagon described as the start of a mine‑clearance mission, even as Iranian media claimed the vessels were threatened as they departed.Financial markets reacted sharply: U.S. crude oil jumped 8% to $104.24 per barrel and Brent crude rose 7% to $102.29, reflecting concerns that the blockade could disrupt the flow of roughly 100 tankers that have been paying up to $2 million each for passage.Vance reiterated that the United States seeks a clear, affirmative commitment from Iran not to pursue a nuclear weapon, describing it as the “core goal of the president.”Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf argued that Tehran offered “constructive initiatives,” but U.S. demands were “excessive” and hindered an agreement, according to the semi‑official Tasnim news agency.Pakistani mediators urged both parties to avoid renewed hostilities and pledged to arrange fresh talks, emphasizing the importance of upholding the existing cease‑fire.In a televised interview, Trump warned that if a deal cannot be reached, the United States may resume bombing Iran, specifically targeting its water‑supply infrastructure, desalination plants and power generation facilities.Regional fallout continued: at least 11 people were killed in southern Lebanon amid a series of Israeli strikes, while Pope Francis called for an immediate cease‑fire, expressing solidarity with the Lebanese people.The broader conflict, now six weeks old, has claimed more than 3,000 lives in Iran, over 2,000 in Lebanon, dozens in Israel and several Gulf states, and has inflicted extensive damage on critical infrastructure across the Middle East.

Roberto De Zerbi arrived on the pitch barely half an hour before kick‑off, his black padded gilet pulled up to the neck against a biting Wearside wind. By the final whistle the chill had eased, but Tottenham’s morale had plummeted.Sunderland’s 1‑0 victory not only cemented the visitors’ place in the league’s bottom three, it also lifted Régis Le Bris’s side to 10th place with six matches left in the campaign.Facing his third managerial appointment in a single season, De Zerbi urged his squad to rediscover the high‑risk attacking ethos of former boss Ange Postecoglou – a vision that remained frustratingly out of reach on a day dominated by low‑tempo play.Long‑time Tottenham midfielder Antonin Kinsky made a rare return after his brief, infamous cameo in a 5‑2 Champions League loss to Atlético Madrid. His comeback was cut short when a second‑half head clash forced his substitution for the inexperienced Brandon Austin.Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, still recovering from hernia surgery, was expected to be tested. Sunderland’s Granit Xhaka delivered a sharply inswinging corner, but Kinsky calmly palmed the ball over the bar, keeping Spurs in the game.A potential penalty for Tottenham was overturned after VAR review; replays showed Omar Alderete had won the ball cleanly, while Randal Kolo Muani’s appeal proved unfounded.Richarlison offered brief flashes of quality but failed to convert his chances, and Dutch striker Brian Brobbey – described as a “human bulldozer” – was unable to capitalise on Enzo Le Fée’s incisive passes, despite a lone fine save from the Sunderland keeper.De Zerbi’s frustration was palpable. After Dominic Solanke’s weak finish allowed Sunderland’s Robin Roefs to deny a golden‑chance in stoppage‑time, the manager pulled his gilet up over his eyes, perhaps to shield himself from the disappointment.Mid‑second‑half, former Paris Saint‑Germain defender Nordi Mukiele, back from injury, struck a 20‑yard shot that deflected off centre‑back Micky van de Ven. The ball’s change of direction left the goal‑mouth ambiguous, sparking a debate over whether the goal should be credited to Mukiele or recorded as an own‑goal.The match’s physical intensity escalated when Brobbey’s challenge led to a painful collision between Kinsky and Cristian Romero, forcing both players off – Romero in tears with a leg injury. De Zerbi also expressed anger that Brobbey, already booked, escaped a second yellow card.Despite a flurry of substitutions, Tottenham struggled to pose serious questions to Sunderland’s defence, leaving the club’s relegation hopes hanging by a thread as the season draws to its final stretch.

Wout van Aert broke a ten‑year drought at the Paris‑Roubaix on Sunday, out‑sprinting world champion Tadej Pogacar in one of cycling’s toughest cobbled classics. Both Van Aert and Pogacar suffered punctures during the race, as did their fellow Belgian rival Mathieu van der Poel, who endured two mechanical issues and was unable to contest the final sprint. Van Aert’s victory secured his second Monument title, following his 2020 Milan‑San Remo win. After neutralising Pogacar’s repeated attacks on the cobbles, Van Aert unleashed a decisive burst of speed on the Roubaix Velodrome, crossing the line ahead of the world champion. Jasper Stuyven completed the podium, finishing 13 seconds behind the winner. Van der Poel, who was chasing a fourth consecutive Paris‑Roubaix triumph, fell to fourth place after a mechanical problem on a treacherous sector cost him more than two minutes. “It’s everything to me, it’s been a goal since I first did this race. I stopped believing a lot of times but I would start believing again the next day,” Van Aert said, reflecting on the personal significance of the win after years of bad luck in the “Queen of the Classics.” The Visma‑Lease a Bike rider dedicated his victory to former teammate Michael Goolaerts, who tragically died after a cardiac arrest in the 2018 edition of the race. “Arriving for a final sprint with the world champion and beating him in a sprint is very special,” he added. Pogacar entered the race after clinching the first two Monument classics of the season – the Milan‑San Remo and the Tour of Flanders – and was aiming to become the first Tour de France champion to win Paris‑Roubaix since Bernard Hinault in 1981.

The Guardian’s latest photo gallery offers a front‑row look at the 2026 Olivier Awards arrivals, highlighting the glamour and excitement that surround the UK’s most prestigious theatre ceremony. Leading actors, directors, designers and producers were captured on the red carpet, each reflecting the night’s high‑style atmosphere.From bold, contemporary ensembles to classic evening wear, the images illustrate how the event serves as a runway for theatrical fashion, while also underscoring the significance of the awards in recognising artistic excellence across London’s West End and beyond.Beyond the sartorial showcase, the gallery underscores the Olivier Awards’ role as a cultural touchstone, bringing together the industry’s most influential personalities to celebrate the year’s standout productions. The visual narrative reinforces the ceremony’s status as a barometer of trends and talent within British theatre.