Category: 6. Sports

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was left to rue his side’s inability to capitalise on a host of first-half chances as the Premier League side suffered a shock elimination from the Club World Cup against Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal on Monday.

Marcos Leonardo scored twice, including the 112th minute winner, as the Riyadh-based outfit won 4-3 in extra-time in Orlando with the first-half performance of goalkeeper Yassine Bounou proving pivotal in Al-Hilal’s win.

“The level in this competition is a World Cup,” said Guardiola, who led City to the Club World Cup title in 2023. “The only regret I have is that we allowed them to run a little bit more than expected.

“Against a team that defended so deep, the wingers have been brilliant. The chances that we had in many, many departments. Bounou made a lot of saves and, in the end, you have to score, you have to be clinical.”

City had taken a ninth minute lead through Bernardo Silva but a string of saves from Bounou in what remained of the opening 45 minutes kept the Saudis in contention.

Leonardo and Malcom scored inside the first six minutes of the second half to turn the tables on Guardiola’s side before Erling Haaland levelled in the 55th minute, taking the game into extra-time.

Kalidou Koulibaly’s header put Al-Hilal back in front, only for Phil Foden to equalise again for City, and Leonardo eventually killed off the Premier League side eight minutes from the end of extra-time.

The win takes Al-Hilal through to a quarterfinal meeting with Brazil’s Fluminense while City return to England.

“We would have loved to continue, it’s not easy to be here once every four years,” said Guardiola.

“The team still has that feeling, that the team is doing well. But we go home and now it’s time to rest, to refresh our minds and come back for next season.”

The planet’s best female rugby players are entering the final straight ahead of Rugby World Cup 2025. Here’s what you need to know:

1. New Zealand name final pre-RWC squad 

The two-time reigning Rugby World Cup holders New Zealand have named a 33-strong squad for their final warm-up matches ahead of RWC 2025. 

Headlines from the group who will first play a trial match against a Black Ferns XV on 5 July before taking on Australia on 12 July include: 

• Four changes from the victorious Pacific Four Series squad
• Returns for experienced backs Kelly Brazier and Renee Holmes
• Alana Bremner stepping up as co-captain alongside Ruahei Demant
• Laura Bayfield and Mia Anderson in line for possible debuts

2. Hosts England head to Italy for last training camp

 England, the team New Zealand have beaten in the past two RWC finals, are also entering the very final stages of their preparations for RWC 2025. 

Having been in camp in England for a month, the world No.1 ranked side is heading to Treviso, Italy for some work in the sun.

With temperatures set to rise beyond 30 degrees Celsius, head coach John Mitchell has promised the team’s “most uncomfortable training camp of all”. 

3. Blow for France as Sansus suspended for RWC opener

France’s talismanic scrum-half Bourdon Sansus will miss her nation’s first Rugby World Cup 2025 match against Italy on 23 August, after being suspended for two matches following her comments on refereeing standards in France’s Elite 1 club competition. 

Sansus, who was nominated for World Rugby’s 2024 Player of the year award, will also miss France’s final World Cup warm-up match versus England on 9 August. 

It is a challenge for the world No.4 ranked side, with Sansus lighting up the 2025 Women’s Six Nations, not least with this magical drop goal: 

Sansus will return for France’s second Pool D match against Brazil on 31 August.

4. Boost for Australia as Duck, McKenzie & Moleka star

Australia got more than just a boost in confidence from their A team completing a comfortable 50-22 RWC 2025 warm-up victory over Samoa at the weekend. 

Indeed, not only did experienced duo Piper Duck and Arabella McKenzie look lively in their first international appearances of the year, but teenager Manu’a Moleka touched down twice to stake a claim for a promotion to the big time. 

Former skipper Duck had not played for the Wallaroos since July 2024, while playmaker McKenzie had also been out of the international limelight all year. 

Next up for Australia is a two-match home series versus Wales, starting 26 July. 

5. Canada & South Africa ready for double-header

World No.2 ranked side Canada have trimmed their initial pre-RWC 2025 training squad from 38 players down to 32 for their up-coming two-match tour to South Africa. 

Highlights include a first tour for sevens star Carissa Norsten – named the HSBC SVNS Series Rookie of the Year in 2024. Plus a debut for rising youngster Taylor McKnight. 

South Africa meanwhile have assembled a highly experienced squad, ready to take on the in-form Canadians on 5 July, and again a week later. 

Just four players (three forwards and one back) of the 26-strong squad did not travel to New Zealand for RWC 2021, with Nolusindiso Booi – South Africa’s most experienced player of all-time – captaining. 

6. Kildunne & Reed deliver ultimate fan guides to York & Bristol

If you are heading to either York (six Pool stage matches) or Bristol (both semi-finals and two quarter-finals) to catch some Rugby World Cup 2025 action, we have what you need. 

Check out Ellie Kildunne’s exclusive guide to hometown York.

The reigning World Rugby Player of the Year has revealed her favourite places to go pre-match, the key rugby pubs, the must-do tourist attractions and more. 

And in a similar vein, Bristol Bears legend, and RWC 2014 winner Amber Reed has delivered the inside track on Bristol. 

From where to watch subsequent RWC matches on TV to which community rugby clubs deserve a visit, these guides have it all. 

7. Heat guidelines in place for RWC 2025

England may not always be associated with sunshine and scorching temperatures but World Rugby has made it clear, they are prepared should a heatwave hit the RWC 2025 hosts in August and September. 

From introducing water breaks to extending half-time, there are a host of measures in place. 

8. New docuseries on USA’s Ilona Maher

Ilona Maher’s star continues to rise.

The Paris 2024 Olympic Games bronze medallist already has more than eight million followers across social media, has graced the cover of Sports Illustrated and now Maher is to feature in a docuseries, made by Hollywood star Reese Witherspoon’s documentary company, Hello Sunshine. 

Next stop – she hopes – is England versus USA in Pool A on 22 August. You can be there.

9. Player spotlight: Wales’ versatile Courtney Keight

Not many players have appeared at wing, full-back and centre in the space of their first 20 international caps, but Wales’ Courtney Keight has always been a bit different. 

A former netballer, the 27-year-old did not discover her true rugby skills until her university days. But she has been making up for lost time since and is now hungrily eying up her first Rugby World Cup appearance. 

Not even a mega sand dune can stop her… 

10. Team spotlight: fast-rising Ireland

Ireland were not even at RWC 2021. Now, the emerald green team sit fifth in the world rankings – behind only the four semifinalists from three years ago – have a recent victory over six-time world champions New Zealand in their back pocket and boast 2024’s World Breakthrough Player of the Year, Erin King, in their ranks. 

It is a remarkable story. 

Not many are going to fancy facing the Pool C team, who appear to be speeding through the gears. 

11. Rugby World Cup Replay: Woodman-Wickliffe’s first and last

It is a stunning 20 Rugby World Cup tries and counting for New Zealand’s Portia Woodman-Wickliffe. 

Seen by many as the GOAT, Wales fans might want to look away as here is her first ever effort, recorded at RWC 2017 and her most recent, in the RWC 2021 quarter-finals. Both were against the women in red. 

How many more will she get? 

Through its training and certification programs, the ITA Academy plays an essential role in protecting athletes and supporting their right to fair competition. By ensuring that doping control officers, blood collection officers, chaperones, educators, and other clean sport professionals are thoroughly trained and up to date with international standards and best practice, the ITA Academy helps build an environment where athletes can trust the processes that govern clean sport. Well-prepared anti-doping personnel are crucial to delivering testing, education and other clean sport activities that are reliable, respectful, and consistent across borders. 

Over 3,300 professionals from 157 countries and 95 anti-doping and academic organisations have already completed ITA Academy training programs. As such, the ITA’s training programs are already embedded as essential training and development for the workforce of many anti-doping organisations. Through live and virtual formats, the ITA Academy supports National Anti-Doping Organisations (NADOs), Regional Anti-Doping Organisations (RADOs), International Federations (IFs), Major Event Organisers (MEOs) and individual professionals with a growing portfolio of training and certification programs. 

“The ITA Academy is a service to the global anti-doping community, offering harmonious education and training designed to strengthen clean sport globally, as well as certification to build and uphold trust in the implementation of anti-doping programs,” said Benjamin Cohen, ITA Director General. “By recognising completion of our programs under the ITA Academy, we aim to provide even greater recognition to the achievements of our graduates and practical opportunities for them at the many sporting events under ITA’s supervision. Our training programs now cover training for all core professional roles when it comes to on-the-ground delivery of anti-doping programs, providing a trusted framework of training that can be adopted by all anti-doping organisations.” 

The ITA Academy currently offers a range of training opportunities to individuals and organisations, including: 

• The International Doping Control Officer (IDCO) Training Program 
• The International Blood Collection Officer (IBCO) Training Program 
• The Doping Control Officer (DCO) Foundation Training Program 
• The Anti-Doping in Sport Foundation Course (ADSF) 
• The International Clean Sport Educator Program (ICSE) 
• The International Chaperone Training Program (ICT) 

The ITA Academy also serves to facilitate and coordinate research projects undertaken in collaboration with the ITA in areas related to the implementation of anti-doping programs. As part of the launch, the ITA is pleased to confirm the renewal of its partnership with Berlinger Special, a leading manufacturer of doping control equipment. Berlinger becomes the Official Partner of the ITA Academy, supporting its broader mission to strengthen anti-doping training and professional development. 

Next-Gen technologies for Next-Gen players

 

Paris, France – July 1st, 2025

Atos, the Official Information Technology Partner of UEFA National Team Football, has delivered key IT services and applications support for the UEFA Under21 Championship 2025, that took place from June 11 to June 28, 2025, in Slovakia. This championship, which brings together 16 European teams, is the tournament where countless football legends started their journey on the global stage.

Atos supported a total of 31 matches in 17 days, taking place across 8 cities Slovakia. The services provided included:

• Event Management systems including accreditation, access control solutions, competitions solutions, radio communication and service desk services.
• Diffusion system like the football service platform, the mobile app, the website including some embedded gaming functionalities such as match predictor and quiz about competitions.
• End-to-end cybersecurity services, from compliance and threat intelligence to on-the-ground and hybrid-cloud security.

This year’s championship has proven to be an immense popular success, establishing new records regarding physical attendance with a total of 244,866 spectators, as illustrated by Atos employees that enthusiastically attended the games. The final broke the record for stadium attendance at over 18,000 fans watching in Bratislava. TV audiences set a new standard for the competition, with a cumulated audience of over 100 million.  Ahead of the final, across all competing markets domestic match audiences have seen a 7% increase, and across the Top 6 markets domestic audiences have increased by 55%, thanks to strong audiences in Germany and UK. Digital audience, page views and applications visits, are also expected to establish new heights for the tournament.

In addition to the key services provided, Atos is proudly supporting the next generation of players and rising stars of European Football with advanced technologies that can be used by coaches to further develop their players and teams’ skills and abilities. The data collected during the tournament are, for example, consolidated through AI to extract and define main strategies and new trends that appeared during the competition, allowing for a deeper understanding of the players and game’s evolution.

 

“We feel privileged to have witnessed first-hand the emergence of the next football stars at the UEFA Under21 Championship in Slovakia. We made sure to deliver best-in-class IT services during the tournament to allow these young players to enter the global stage and express their incredible potential in the best possible conditions” said Nacho Moros, Head of Atos Major Events.

 

In addition to marking a coming-of-age moment for some of the most exceptional playing careers, the Under21 championship is also the gateway to the Olympic Games men’s tournament.

Since the beginning of their collaboration in 2022, Atos and UEFA have established a strong partnership. Atos has been supporting UEFA daily in managing, enhancing, and optimizing its complex technology ecosystem while helping it navigate emerging technological challenges. Atos has also been instrumental in making the UEFA EURO 2024™ a tremendous success, as well as most recently in successfully delivering IT services for the UEFA Nations League Finals™ 2025 in Germany.

 

Atos has been serving its partners and customers through a dedicated in-house sports and major events division (“Major Events”) for over 3 decades, giving it an unmatched experience and the experience and flexibility to serve its customers regardless of their exposure, size and scale. From global events to local competitions, Atos consistently strives to deliver technology excellence to its entire customer base. 

Atos has been involved with the Olympic Movement since 1992 and the Paralympic Movement since 2002 and is the official Digital partner for Special Olympics International. Most recently, Atos has been instrumental in delivering successful leading-edge IT services for iconic events such as the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024 or inspiring events such as the Invictus Games Vancouver 2025 or the Special Olympics Torino Winter Games 2025. 

To learn more about Atos solutions for sporting events and major events, visit  Atos Major events. 

Download the PDF document

***

About Atos Group

Atos Group is a global leader in digital transformation with c. 72,000 employees and annual revenue of c. € 10 billion, operating in 68 countries under two brands — Atos for services and Eviden for products. European number one in cybersecurity, cloud and high-performance computing, Atos Group is committed to a secure and decarbonized future and provides tailored AI-powered, end-to-end solutions for all industries. Atos is a SE (Societas Europaea) and listed on Euronext Paris.

The purpose of Atos is to help design the future of the information space. Its expertise and services support the development of knowledge, education and research in a multicultural approach and contribute to the development of scientific and technological excellence. Across the world, the Group enables its customers and employees, and members of societies at large to live, work and develop sustainably, in a safe and secure information space.

 

Press contact

Laurent Massicot – laurent.massicot@atos.net – 33 (0)7 69 48 01 80

Pakistan on Tuesday advanced to the semifinals of the Asian Youth Girls Netball Championship 2025 with a hard-fought 49-39 victory over Maldives in their final group fixture at the Jeonju Hwasan Gymnasium in Jeonju-si, South Korea.

In a closely contested match, Pakistan led 14-12 after the first quarter but fell behind 24-26 at halftime. They bounced back to regain the lead at 35-32 by the end of the third quarter and finished strong to close out the win.

Players including Leya Raza Shah, Alisha Naveed, Sumayya Kouser, Haleema, Jasmine Farooq and Farah Rasheed delivered outstanding performances and were instrumental in the team’s success.

Chairman of the Pakistan Netball Federation Mudassar Arian, President Sameen Malik, and Secretary General Muhammad Riaz congratulated the team on their impressive performance and progression to the next stage.

With this victory, Pakistan topped Group B and will face Japan in the semifinal on Thursday, July 3.

As per the Asian Netball Federation’s new format, the semifinals will be contested between the top four teams from both divisions—Group A (Gold Cup Division) and Group B (Plate Cup Division)—with the top-ranked team facing the fourth, and the second playing against the third.

The championship, featuring eleven nations, is being held from June 27 to July 4, 2025, under the auspices of the Asian Netball Federation.

Group A includes Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, and India, while Group B comprises Chinese Taipei, Japan, Korea, Pakistan, Maldives, and Saudi Arabia.

Pakistan began their campaign in dominant fashion, outclassing Saudi Arabia with a 71-15 victory. In their second match, the Green Shirts continued their impressive run by securing a 56-32 win over Chinese Taipei.

In the third group-stage match, Pakistan overwhelmed South Korea with a commanding 91-6 scoreline. They followed it up with a dominant 79-39 victory over Japan in the fourth match.

Arıcan inspires Turkey’s next gymnastics stars

It’s the kind of accomplishments he wouldn’t have believed before he and teammates like Adel Asım and İbrahim Çolak achieved them.

“We are a really good generation,” he said. “Before, if you ask me about a Turkish Olympic medallist or World Champion, I’d say it was really hard. But now dreams come true.”

It’s been a team effort, literally, he says, as he credits the federation, coaches, physiotherapists and others for the continued growth and sustained success of the programme.

He hopes he’ll be part of that team effort in a different way, too. Arıcan is now the president of the Göztepe Gymnastics Club where more than 1,000 young gymnasts train.

“When I won the Olympic medal, I went to the academy and all the children came to touch it,” he said. “They’re really lucky. They think, ‘OK, if Coach Ferhat can do it, I can do it.’”

That connection to the next generation drives him as much as anything.

“One kid starting gymnastics because of me – that’s more important than any medal,” he said. “My next goal is Göztepe Gymnastics Club will be Olympic champion. Why not?”

For now, Arıcan is focused on the 2025 Worlds. But he’s not ruling out a fourth appearance at the Olympic Games when they head to LA in 2028.

“I didn’t decide yet,” he says of LA. “When I take the World Championship medal, I will decide… but why not continue to LA? Why not a fourth Olympic Games in Turkish history?”

• The Newcastle United 2025-26 third jersey introduces the trefoil adidas logo for a contemporary take on a classic

• Blending colours from the iconic 97/98 away kit, the jersey embraces the future of football fashion whilst paying homage to its heritage

• The third kit is available from 1st July via Newcastle United stores, selected adidas retail stores, and online at the official Newcastle United website and https://www.adidas.co.uk/football-jerseys

• Kit to be worn for the first time against Celtic on the 19th July (the first ever adidas Trophy)

A modern tribute to the iconic 97/98 third kit, the jersey features a striking combination of burnt orange and deep green set against a navy backdrop, for a stylish take on a renowned classic and a must-have for fans and collectors.

Welcoming the embroidered trefoil adidas logo, the shirt features a stitched club crest and adidas EQT flat knit collar and cuffs. The kit is completed with navy shorts and socks, accented with signature three-stripe detailing and a clean orange trefoil sign-off for a visual statement.

The 2025/26 Newcastle United third kit will be available for purchase from 9am (BST) on Tuesday 1 July. Fans can shop online at shop.newcastleunited.com and www.adidas.co.uk/football-jerseys, or visit official club stores at St. James’ Park, the Metro Centre, Fenwick Newcastle as well as selected adidas retail locations.

To support the club’s ongoing community efforts, Newcastle United will donate £5 from every adult home, away, third, and goalkeeper shirt sold via the official club website or official NUFC stores before 31 August 2025 to the Newcastle United Foundation.

The initiative will help fund grassroots programmes and social impact projects across the North East.

Peter Silverstone, Chief Commercial Officer, at Newcastle United said: “This third kit is a powerful blend of past and present – a bold design that reflects both our proud history and the exciting journey ahead. Working closely with adidas, we’ve created something that we hope will resonate deeply with our global supporters, bringing back an iconic look with a modern twist.

There’s a real pride in wearing the trefoil – a symbol that connects generations of fans and players. Our passionate global fanbase will see this and wear it with pride, especially as we return to the UEFA Champions League for the second time in three years.

Just as importantly, every adult shirt sold direct from the club contributes directly to our Foundation’s work across the North East, reinforcing our commitment to community impact on and off the pitch.”

adidas said: “For this season’s third kit, we wanted to bring the fans an added level of connection by combining our favourite elements of the iconic 97/98 kit, told through a modern and stylish lens. The intersection between football and fashion is continuously evolving, and this kit celebrates the colliding of these two worlds in a way that honours the club’s identity and togetherness, both in the past and for years to come.”

The on-pitch version of the jersey is constructed using advanced materials including AEROREADY to maximize air flow to keep players feeling cool, while the fan version uses sweat-wicking and absorbent materials to keep the body feeling dry, for lasting comfort on matchdays and beyond.

The 2025/26 third kit will make its debut when Newcastle United take to the pitch during their pre-season fixture against Celtic in the first ever adidas Trophy.

BBC

Reigning F1 Academy champion Pulling impressed by finishing top of the timesheets at the all-women’s session in Jarama last November. This will be her first on-track appearance with the Japanese outfit in her new role as Nissan’s Rookie and Simulator Driver.

The British racer is currently competing in GB3 Championship, where she scored a strong fifth on debut at Silverstone.

“I’m really excited to get out on track and to work with the team again,” said Pulling. “I’ve driven street circuits before but never in such a high-powered car, so it will be an amazing opportunity.

“Berlin looks like a fun track – Gabriele has been there with the team before, so it will be interesting to work with him and get up to speed from his previous experience.

“I’ll be there for the race weekend prior to the test as well, so my goal is mainly to pick up as much information as possible, improve my understanding of the car, and make the most of the experience for both the team and myself.” 

In addition, Minì returns to the squad for a third time thanks to Nissan Formula E Team’s collaboration with Alpine Racing.

The Italian driver will be looking to develop the skills he learned in his previous two outings in a Formula E car, having taken a top-10 finish in last year’s Berlin Rookie Test, before securing an impressive second in FP0 in Jeddah.

Minì has enjoyed a solid debut FIA Formula 2 campaign so far, earning a podium finish in the Monaco Sprint Race. The pair will take on two sessions at the 2.343-kilometre circuit, which features 15 corners and runs anti-clockwise.

“It’s great to be back, I’ve enjoyed my two previous outings with the team, so I’m delighted to work with them again,” says Mini. “It’s a track I know well, having driven there in the Rookie Test last year. I also had the chance to drive the GEN3 Evo in the FP0 session in Jeddah, with the 350kW power mode, new tires, and all-wheel drive, so I will be aiming to put these two experiences together.

“My main goal is to keep learning and to help the team complete its program for the day, like we did in Jeddah, while also showing my pace.”

Tommaso Volpe, Managing Director and Team Principal, Nissan said: “We’re very happy to have Abbi and Gabriele with us for the Berlin rookie test this year.

“It will be Abbi’s first on-track action since joining us as our rookie and simulator driver, and we’re happy to welcome Gabriele again thanks to our close collaboration with Alpine Racing. We’ve worked with them separately in the past with a lot of success, so it will be great to see them teaming up for this test.

“They’re both very talented drivers and for us it is great to have continuity with our rookies, so they can keep developing at the same time as doing a better job for the team every time.”

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