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The Stage is Set for the CAF Champions League Final South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns will defend a 1-0 lead over Moroccan hosts AS FAR Rabat on Sunday in the second leg of the CAF Champions League final, a match that will be broadcast in more than 100 countries. The Pressure on Sundowns Coach Miguel Cardoso It is also a game that has Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso under pressure, having lost the last two finals, and who is now leading the team into the most valuable club match staged in African football history. The Stakes are High in the CAF Champions League Final The aggregate winners of the marquee African club competition pocket a record $6m plus the chance to bank a further $500,000 by winning a CAF Super Cup match. On top of that, whichever club is crowned champions at the 70,000-seat Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium is set for a minimum $9.5m payout as 2029 FIFA Club World Cup qualifiers. Sundowns' Form in the South African Premiership A day before Sundowns face AS FAR, Orlando Pirates won the South African Premiership by beating Orbit College, whose relegation was confirmed by the 2-0 defeat. With the Pirates crowned champions, it ends an incredible run by Sundowns, who won the last eight editions of the richest African national league. Cardoso's Thoughts on Sundowns' Form The 53-year-old Portuguese admitted to reporters that Sundowns should have won the first leg by a wider margin last Sunday. “We could have scored one more goal and created a greater advantage,” said Cardoso. He might have been referring to Brayan Leon missing a sitter or a Teboho Mokoena free-kick hitting the post. The Contrast Between the Coaches In the AS FAR dugout will be another Portuguese coach, Alexandre Santos, four years younger than Cardoso. He is seeking his first African trophy. The contrast between the coaches is sharp. Cardoso moves up and down his technical area constantly, issuing instructions. Can a South African Side End North Africa's CAF Dominance? Victory for Sundowns would end a run of nine straight Champions League titles for North African clubs, including two for Moroccan outfit Wydad Casablanca, since Sundowns triumphed in 2016. History offers few clues to the likely outcome, as six clubs have taken 1-0 first-leg leads in finals, with three going on to become champions and three failing.

The Influence of Big Tech on Trump's AI Executive Order Only hours before Donald Trump was set to sign a long-awaited executive order on Thursday that would have called for a government safety review of new artificial intelligence models before their release, the president abruptly backed out. Despite growing public backlash to the technology and experts warning new models will pose critical security risks, Trump vowed the US government would not slow down the AI race. The Event Details During a meeting with reporters on Thursday, Trump cited both American dominance and competition with China and as his reasoning behind the reversal. "I didn’t like certain aspects of it, I postponed it," Trump said of the executive order in the Oval Office. "We’re leading China, we’re leaving everybody, and I don’t want to do anything that’s gonna get in the way of that lead." The Data Analysis Trump’s postponing of the order was a victory for tech leaders who have long opposed AI regulation and spent millions lobbying against it. The decision was also the direct result of their influence, according to reports from multiple news outlets, with tech billionaires including Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg and former White House “AI czar” David Sacks personally urging Trump to reverse course in private phone calls. The Impact Analysis The AI industry has greatly benefitted from Trump’s anti-regulation stance. The president has publicly embraced industry leaders including OpenAI CEO Sam Altman while appointing others such as Musk and Sacks to prominent government positions. In December the president signed an executive order seeking to block any state attempts on regulating AI, giving well-worn tech industry talking points about opposing bureaucracy and combating China as his rationale. The Prediction Less than a month after the first reports that the White House was considering vetting AI models, the prospect of the Trump administration creating any stringent AI regulations once again appears extremely unlikely. The threat of a global breakdown in cybersecurity joins disinformation, mass surveillance, as concerns that are not being addressed.

French police have temporarily suspended the extra EU border checks at Dover, allowing thousands of holidaymakers to move more quickly amid scorching temperatures and queues exceeding two hours for the cross‑Channel ferry to France. The move, triggered under article 9 of the EU entry‑exit system (EES) regulations, aims to ease congestion during the first peak period since the digital system went live.Temporary Suspension of Extra EU Entry‑Exit Checks at DoverThe port of Dover announced that the Police Aux Frontières (PAF) invoked the article 9 clause, permitting a short‑term relaxation of the new digital checks while maintaining conventional passport controls. The port emphasized cooperation with PAF and partners to clear traffic and keep local roads open.Heat Wave and Queue Times Exacerbate Travel DisruptionWaiting times reported: more than two hours at the terminal.Temperatures forecast: up to 29°C in parts of England on Saturday, rising to 33°C (91°F) over the bank‑holiday weekend.Met Office amber heat health alerts covering East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, London and South‑East until 5 pm Wednesday.These conditions compounded the operational challenges of the newly‑implemented EES, which replaces passport stamps with a digital registration and became fully operational last month.Implications for EU Border Policy and UK Tourism Post‑BrexitThe suspension underscores tensions between EU security objectives and the practicalities of cross‑Channel travel for a post‑Brexit United Kingdom. EasyJet CEO Kenton Jarvis urged EU states, especially Spain, to reconsider the rollout, warning that prolonged checks could deter holidaymakers. Non‑EU passengers and transport providers have already voiced concerns about the system’s impact on British travelers.What the Next Peak Period May Hold for Cross‑Channel TravelAnalysts expect the following developments:Increased pressure on Dover to negotiate further temporary relaxations during future peak periods.Potential revisions to the EES implementation timetable to accommodate seasonal spikes and heat‑related delays.Heightened scrutiny from EU officials on the balance between security and efficiency, especially as more member states adopt the system.Stakeholders are advised to monitor EU Commission statements and UK port authority updates ahead of the upcoming summer travel surge.

The Lead The Women's Champions League final is set to be a spectacular showdown between two European powerhouses, Barcelona and OL Lyonnes. This match represents the pinnacle of women's club football, with both teams boasting incredible pedigree and star players. The final takes place in Oslo, with kick-off at 5pm BST, promising a thrilling contest between contrasting styles. The Match Preview Barcelona approaches the final with their trademark possession-based, technically superior football that has made them one of the most dominant teams in women's football. Their 4-3-3 formation features world-class talents throughout the squad, with Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmati providing the creativity in midfield. Barcelona will look to control the tempo and use their technical superiority to break down Lyon's defense. On the other hand, OL Lyonnes brings a more physically imposing style to the final, which proved crucial in their semi-final victory over Arsenal. Led by former Barcelona head coach Jonatan Giraldez, Lyonnes combines physical strength with technical quality. Their 4-3-3 formation is built on solid defensive foundations, with captain Wendie Renard providing leadership at the back. The Key Players Barcelona's starting lineup features Cata Coll in goal, with a defensive line including Batlle, Paredes, Leon, and Brugts. The midfield trio of Serrajordi, Guijarro, and Putellas will look to control the tempo, supported by the attacking trio of Graham Hansen, Pajor, and Parralluelo. The bench includes stars like Bonmati, who could be crucial if the match goes to extra time. Lyonnes counters with Endler in goal, backed by a defensive unit of Lawrence, Renard, Engen, and Bacha. Their midfield of Dumoray, Heaps, and Yohannes provides the platform for the attacking talents of Becho, Hegerberg, and Brand. Lyonnes' bench includes formidable options like Katoto and Chawinga, offering different tactical options if needed. The Historical Context This final represents a meeting of two of the most successful teams in women's Champions League history. Between Barcelona and Lyonnes, they have accumulated 11 Champions League titles, underscoring their dominance in European women's football. Both teams have already secured their domestic titles this season, making this final the ultimate prize to cap off successful campaigns. The match also features an intriguing subplot with Lyonnes coached by Jonatan Giraldez, who previously led Barcelona to success. This adds an extra dimension to the tactical battle, as Giraldez will be familiar with Barcelona's strengths and weaknesses, while Barcelona will look to adapt to his methods. The Prediction Given the contrasting styles, this final promises to be a tactical battle between Barcelona's technical approach and Lyonnes' physical prowess. Barcelona's ability to control possession and create chances through intricate passing could be the deciding factor, but Lyonnes' experience in finals and physical strength could prove decisive. The match may come down to which team can impose their style on the game and capitalize on their star players' moments of brilliance.

The Weekend Unfolded: Practice Chaos and Sprint Qualifying DramaMontreal’s sprint‑qualifying session was anything but smooth, with a string of red‑flag interruptions and several drivers unable to start the session.Red‑Flag‑Heavy Practice Sessions and Driver SetbacksLiam Lawson lost power steering, parked by a chicane and incurred a €30,000 part‑suspended fine for Racing Bulls.Alex Albon collided with a wall after a tyre‑track incident, missing sprint qualifying.Esteban Ocon spun into a wall, requiring a new nose.Fernando Alonso crashed after setting a Q2‑theoretical time, ending his sprint‑qualifying run.Mercedes Secures Front‑Row, Russell Snatches Sprint PoleGeorge Russell edged out teammate Kimi Antonelli by 0.068 seconds to claim pole, while Mercedes locked out row one.Row 1: Mercedes – George Russell, Kimi AntonelliRow 2: McLaren – Lando Norris, Oscar PiastriRow 3: Ferrari – Lewis Hamilton, Charles LeclercRow 4: Red Bull – Max Verstappen, Pierre‑Haïm HadjarRow 5: Racing Bulls (Lindblad) and Williams (Sainz)Championship Points Landscape After Montreal Sprint QualifyingAntonelli leads the drivers’ championship by 20 points over Russell, highlighting the early pressure on the pre‑season favourite.Implications for the Sprint Race and Title FightMercedes’ development package appears to be paying off, and a strong sprint result could widen their lead in the constructors’ battle. The weather forecast predicts heavy rain tomorrow, raising the likelihood of further red‑flag interruptions.Looking Ahead: What the Next Race Weekend May HoldIf Mercedes maintains its pace, the title fight between Russell and Antonelli could intensify, while teams still struggling with reliability will aim to avoid costly penalties.

Raducanu's Comeback Journey Begins at Roland GarrosEmma Raducanu is hopeful her health issues are behind her as she prepares for her opening match at the French Open. The British No 1 takes on Argentina's Solana Sierra in the first round on Sunday in what will be just her second match since March following two-and-a-half months out with a post-viral illness.She lost a close contest with Diane Parry in her opening match in Strasbourg this week but feeling healthy again is the most important thing for the 23-year-old. "I feel a lot better," she said."I thought I'd completely flipped it. I think there's just been a little bit of a lingering cough recently. But I feel, health-wise, really good. I played a really positive match last week in Strasbourg in the sense it was over two hours, and I think physically I pulled up really well from it. So I'm happy to take that and build from it."Challenges of an Unseeded ReturnRaducanu's absence meant she dropped out of the top 32 and is therefore unseeded in Paris. She avoided the big names but the 21-year-old Sierra, who is ranked 64th, is very at home on clay, while she made a surprise run to the fourth round of Wimbledon last year.Raducanu said: "She's a great player. It's going to be a really tricky first round, especially coming in light on matches, but I'm just proud of how I'm approaching every day, proud of the work I'm putting in."I know I'm going to have to play really good tennis and be aggressive. I feel like the conditions are pretty lively so far in the practice days, as the weather is hot, but I think that could be a good thing. I just want to go out there and try and play on my terms as much as I can."British Contenders Face Physical HurdlesWith Jack Draper sidelined through injury, Cameron Norrie appeared to be the best hope of a deep British run but the 20th seed revealed he is struggling with a rib injury."I haven't been able to hit yet since I've arrived here, so just been enjoying Paris and resting," he said. "But I think I needed the rest, so maybe it's a good thing. I really know that I'm feeling the ball well. Luckily I'm scheduled on Tuesday, so I have some time to recover. Hopefully I can be good to play."Norrie, who takes on Paraguay's Adolfo Daniel Vallejo first up, admitted he may have over-trained, including playing a five-set training match against American Ben Shelton lasting nearly five hours.Other British Players Face Tough TestsThere are six British players in the main draws, with Norrie joined in the men's singles by Jacob Fearnley and qualifier Toby Samuel. Fearnley has also been battling a rib problem this season and has struggled to back up his stellar first season on tour, winning just seven matches all year. He has the carrot of a second-round clash with world No 1 Jannik Sinner if he can see off Juan Manuel Cerundolo.The 24-year-old, who has started working with Andy Murray's former fitness trainer Matt Little, said: "I did go up the rankings pretty fast and maybe just didn't have the time to really reflect on it and appreciate it for what it was. And maybe got too far ahead of myself. Life in general, there's ups and downs, and just on a little bit of a down right now, but no reason why I can't get back up."Samuel faces the eighth seed, Australia's Alex De Minaur, in his first grand slam appearance while, in the women's draw, Katie Boulter plays wild card Akasha Urhobo and Fran Jones meets former semi-finalist Beatriz Haddad Maia.

War's Lingering Environmental ScarsAl Jazeera's report titled The pollution that outlives war draws attention to the enduring environmental damage caused by armed conflicts. While battles may cease, the pollutants released—ranging from heavy metals to unexploded ordnance—remain in soils, water bodies, and air, affecting communities for decades.How Conflict‑Generated Contaminants PersistExplosive residues such as TNT, RDX, and heavy metals settle in soil and groundwater.Destruction of industrial infrastructure releases hazardous chemicals into the atmosphere.Unexploded ordnance and landmines continue to leach toxins as they corrode.Regional Consequences of Persistent PollutionPost‑conflict zones often experience elevated rates of respiratory illness, cancers, and birth defects linked to lingering contaminants. Agricultural productivity can decline as soils become toxic, while water sources may require costly treatment before they are safe for consumption.Policy Gaps and the Need for Coordinated RemediationThe article underscores a critical gap in international law: while war crimes are prosecuted, environmental remediation lacks enforceable standards. It calls for:Inclusion of environmental cleanup in peace agreements.Funding mechanisms similar to post‑disaster aid.Technical assistance from international bodies to assess and mitigate contamination.Looking Ahead: Building Resilience After ConflictExperts suggest that integrating environmental monitoring into post‑war reconstruction can reduce long‑term health costs and restore ecosystems faster. Sustainable land‑use planning, community‑led cleanup initiatives, and stricter regulation of wartime weaponry are proposed as pathways to break the cycle of pollution that outlives war.

Fernandes Crowned Premier League Player of the SeasonBruno Fernandes was voted the Premier League Player of the Season, edging out Arsenal’s Gabriel, David Raya and Declan Rice, as well as Manchester City’s Erling Haaland and others. The award recognises his pivotal role in Manchester United’s third‑place finish.How Fernandes Secured the Award with Record‑Equalling AssistsFernandes matched the league record of 20 assists, a tally previously held by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne, with one match remaining. His playmaking was a key factor in United’s resurgence after the January sacking of Ruben Amorim and the appointment of Michael Carrick as permanent manager.Fernandes’ Statistical Dominance: 20 Assists, 8 Goals, 132 Chances Created20 assists – joint‑record for a Premier League season8 goals scored for United132 chances created, the highest in the leagueSecond‑best creator: Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai with 89 chancesHe was also named the Football Writers’ Association men’s player of the year and earned United’s Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award for the fifth time.What the Award Means for Manchester United and the Premier LeagueThe accolade underscores United’s return to form, culminating in a third‑place finish that guarantees Champions League football. It also highlights the growing influence of midfield playmakers in a league often dominated by goal‑scorers.Looking Ahead: Fernandes’ Role in the 2026 World Cup and United’s FutureUnited travel to Brighton & Hove Albion for the season finale, where Fernandes can claim the assists record outright. He will also line up for Portugal at the 2026 World Cup, with the tournament opening against Congo on 17 June.

The Sudden Dismissal Senegal's President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has dismissed Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko and dissolved the government, a move that risks deepening uncertainty in a country grappling with a debt crisis and ongoing talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The Background of Growing Tensions The decision follows months of growing tensions between Faye and Sonko. Sonko, a charismatic figure with a strong youth following, had backed Faye in the 2024 election after being barred from running himself due to a defamation conviction, but the two allies became increasingly estranged. Economic Pressures and IMF Talks The split comes as Senegal faces mounting economic pressure. The IMF froze a $1.8bn lending programme following the discovery of misreported debt hidden by the previous government, pushing the country's end-2024 debt level to 132 percent of its economic output. Faye's move raises the risk of further delays in reaching a new agreement with the IMF. Earlier on Friday, before Sonko's dismissal, Finance Minister Cheikh Diba told parliament that the government expects to resume talks with the IMF in the week of June 8 and hopes to reach an agreement on key points by June 30. Future Implications and Governance Now that Sonko is out of his job, it is unclear what his next steps will be. In March, he said he would be willing to take his Pastef party out of the government and return to opposition if Faye departed from the party's agenda. Pastef dominates the National Assembly, meaning it could complicate governance and the passage of reforms needed to secure IMF support.