IPL

Noor stars as Chennai keep Kolkata winless in IPL

  • Ayush Mhatre's 17-ball 38 and crucial runs by Brevis and Sarfaraz Khan (23) allowed Chennai to post a challenging total despite tidy bowling by Kolkata at the backend. fk/bc
  • Afghan spinner Noor Ahmad returned impressive figures of 3-21 as Chennai Super Kings beat Kolkata Knight Riders by 32 runs for their second straight IPL win on Tuesday.
  • Ayush Mhatre's 17-ball 38 and crucial runs by Brevis and Sarfaraz Khan (23) allowed Chennai to post a challenging total despite tidy bowling by Kolkata at the backend. fk/bc
Afghan spinner Noor Ahmad returned impressive figures of 3-21 as Chennai Super Kings beat Kolkata Knight Riders by 32 runs for their second straight IPL win on Tuesday.
Five-time winners Chennai posted 192-5, riding on knocks from Sanju Samson, who hit 48, and Dewald Brevis (41) after being invited to bat first at their home M.A. Chidambaram Stadium.
Noor then turned on the heat with his left-arm wrist spin to keep Kolkata down to 160-7 in reply as they remain winless in their five outings.
"It gives a lot of confidence," player of the match Noor said of his performance. "Will keep putting a lot of effort to keep contributing to my team."
Kolkata sit last in the standings with one point, which came courtesy of a washed-out game.
Chennai kept up their momentum after starting the season with three consecutive defeats, and now with back-to-back victories move up to eighth place.
One of the most successful franchises in the T20 tournament, Chennai are still waiting for 
the return of M.S. Dhoni, who is recovering from a calf injury and is yet to play a game in this edition.
Three-time champions Kolkata lost three early wickets in their chase, including Finn Allen (one) and Sunil Narine (24), but were in the hunt before Noor struck.
Noor took down skipper Ajinkya Rahane for 28 and Australia's Cameron Green for a golden duck on successive balls but the hat-trick was avoided by Rinku Singh in his next over.
But Rinku did not last long and was caught out at long-on for six as Kolkata slipped to 90-6.
Rovman Powell, who hit an unbeaten 31, and Ramandeep Singh (35) attempted to revive the chase but could never keep up with the asking rate.
"We just have to keep that head up and just be positive and have that self-belief," said Rahane.
Earlier, Samson, who hit a century in the previous match, kept up his form to hand the team a quick start in his 32-ball knock laced with four fours and three sixes.
Ayush Mhatre's 17-ball 38 and crucial runs by Brevis and Sarfaraz Khan (23) allowed Chennai to post a challenging total despite tidy bowling by Kolkata at the backend.
fk/bc

MLS

Mascherano departs MLS club Inter Miami

  • "I want to let everyone know that, for personal reasons, I have decided to end my tenure as head coach of Inter Miami CF," Mascherano said in a statement released by the club.
  • Javier Mascherano announced on Tuesday that he was leaving his role as head coach of Inter Miami, the MLS club spearheaded on the field by his compatriot Lionel Messi.
  • "I want to let everyone know that, for personal reasons, I have decided to end my tenure as head coach of Inter Miami CF," Mascherano said in a statement released by the club.
Javier Mascherano announced on Tuesday that he was leaving his role as head coach of Inter Miami, the MLS club spearheaded on the field by his compatriot Lionel Messi.
The 41-year-old Argentinian, who guided Miami to the club's first MLS Cup title, said his surprise departure was due to "personal reasons".
"I want to let everyone know that, for personal reasons, I have decided to end my tenure as head coach of Inter Miami CF," Mascherano said in a statement released by the club.
"First and foremost, I would like to thank the Club for the trust they placed in me, every employee who is part of the organization for the collective effort, but especially the players, who made it possible for us to experience unforgettable moments."
The former Barcelona and Liverpool midfielder took over at Miami in January 2025 and oversaw 67 matches, including the franchise's run to the round of 16 at the Club World Cup, where they were defeated by UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain.
"Javier will forever be part of this Club's history and will always hold a special place in the Inter Miami CF family," managing owner Jorge Mas said.
"We respect his decision and are deeply grateful for everything he contributed, wishing him nothing but the very best in his professional and personal future."
Argentinian Guillermo Hoyos will take charge of the team for the "upcoming matches", the club said.
After seven rounds this season, Inter Miami sit third in the MLS Eastern Conference.
Messi, a 2022 World Cup winner and eight-time Ballon d'Or laureate, is the jewel in the crown of Miami's squad, which also includes Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul.
bur-nf/bc

Sports

Bayern clash to define Real's season, says Bellingham

BY DANIEL WIGHTON

  • "Any loss in the Champions League feels like a disaster and like I said, given the situation we're in, we understand tomorrow is a final," said Bellingham.
  • Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham said Wednesday's second Champions League quarter-final leg at Bayern Munich would define his club's season amid a stuttering domestic campaign. 
  • "Any loss in the Champions League feels like a disaster and like I said, given the situation we're in, we understand tomorrow is a final," said Bellingham.
Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham said Wednesday's second Champions League quarter-final leg at Bayern Munich would define his club's season amid a stuttering domestic campaign. 
Trophy-less last season, Real are staring down another year without silverware, with the Champions League perhaps their best chance this year. 
Bayern hold a 2-1 lead after winning in Madrid and need to avoid defeat to reach the final four. 
Speaking in Munich on Tuesday, Bellingham said Real's season would be effectively over if they fail to progress on Wednesday. 
"Considering what's happened in the league, in the cups, it's almost a final for us tomorrow," the England midfielder said. 
"Given the situation we're in, we want to be still playing for something, rather than having games pass us by."
Real are nine points behind arch rivals Barcelona in La Liga with nine games to play, having lost the Spanish Super Cup final to the same opponents. Real also crashed out of the Copa del Rey against second-flight Albacete at the last-16 stage. 
"Any loss in the Champions League feels like a disaster and like I said, given the situation we're in, we understand tomorrow is a final," said Bellingham.
"It feels as if everything's riding on this game. We have to see it like that. It's an all or nothing game. 
"We'd like to believe that we'd have more chances if it doesnt go well tomorrow, but thats not how football is.
"We've dropped too many points in the league. Tomorrow, we've got a chance to remove all of that. If we do well in the Champions League, then the league can take a backseat."
The 22-year-old praised England captain Harry Kane but said he would do everything in his power to stop the Bayern striker from winning the Champions League. 
"Hopefully we can stop him from winning the Champions League tomorrow, which will have a big effect," he said.
"He's a sensational player. He's reached a level where he's almost perfected his craft. It's a joy to watch as a teammate."
Bellingham impressed after coming off the bench in the first leg as he continues his return from a hamstring injury. 
"It's been a bit of a frustrating season for me," he said.
"But I'm feeling good now. The most difficult thing of coming back is mental. A scan can tell you a hamstring is fine, but a lot of the block is in your head."
The midfielder also spoke out against rumours he was enjoying life in the Spanish capital a little too much. 
"People were making things up about my private life, that I was in the clubs, like to drink, that I was out often. It's simply not true, Bellingham stressed.
"I've enjoyed nights out in Madrid, of course I have, but how often they said I was going out just didn't happen.
"I'm very professional. I'm at the training ground every day trying to better myself in a lot of ways."
Real coach Alvaro Arbeloa was bullish ahead of the challenge, saying his team would rely on their European pedigree.
"We are Real Madrid, a team who come here thinking about winning. We are the team of 15 Champions League titles, a team of great players.
"Nobody knows how it'll end but what we're sure of is we're Real Madrid and with our weapons we can try everything.
"We simply need to show who we are."
dwi/lp

Sports

Salah dropped, Isak starts Liverpool comeback mission against PSG

  • Salah, who will leave Liverpool after nine seasons at the end of the campaign, was not used at all by Slot as Liverpool were outclassed at the Parc des Princes last week.
  • Mohamed Salah was left on the bench by Arne Slot for what could be the Egyptian's final Champions League game at Liverpool as Alexander Isak started for the first time since December against Paris Saint-Germain.
  • Salah, who will leave Liverpool after nine seasons at the end of the campaign, was not used at all by Slot as Liverpool were outclassed at the Parc des Princes last week.
Mohamed Salah was left on the bench by Arne Slot for what could be the Egyptian's final Champions League game at Liverpool as Alexander Isak started for the first time since December against Paris Saint-Germain.
The English champions trail 2-0 from the first leg of the quarter-final tie against the holders.
Salah, who will leave Liverpool after nine seasons at the end of the campaign, was not used at all by Slot as Liverpool were outclassed at the Parc des Princes last week.
The 33-year-old returned to the starting line-up and scored in Saturday's 2-0 Premier League win over Sunderland.
But he was left out, with club record signing Isak preferred alongside Hugo Ekitke and Florian Wirtz in attack.
Isak has scored just three times since his £125 million ($168 million) move from Newcastle in an injury-disrupted first season at Anfield and only made his return from a broken leg as a substitute in the first leg.
PSG are unchanged as they look to reach the last four for the third consecutive season.
kca/jc

Maradona

New trial over Maradona's death begins in Argentina

BY MARTíN RASCHINSKY

  • "Diego Maradona began to die 12 hours before his actual death.
  • A new trial over the death of football legend Diego Maradona began Tuesday in Argentina, 10 months after a scandal involving a judge caused the first trial to collapse.
  • "Diego Maradona began to die 12 hours before his actual death.
A new trial over the death of football legend Diego Maradona began Tuesday in Argentina, 10 months after a scandal involving a judge caused the first trial to collapse.
Maradona, considered one of the world's greatest players, died in November 2020 at the age of 60 while recovering from surgery for a brain clot.
His seven-strong medical team is accused of gross negligence causing his death during his home convalescence.
Prosecutor Patricio Ferrari on Tuesday told the court Maradona was treated by a "group of amateurs" who committed "all kinds of omissions," resulting in conditions he described as "cruel."
Maradona's daughters, Dalma, Gianinna, and Jana, as well as his former partner Veronica Ojeda, were present in the packed courtroom in the northern Buenos Aires suburb of San Isidro for the start of the proceedings.
Maradona died of heart failure and acute pulmonary edema -- a condition where fluid accumulates in the lungs -- two weeks after going under the knife.
The larger-than-life former Boca Juniors and Napoli striker, who captained Argentina to World Cup victory in 1986, was in agony for hours at the end of his life, according to forensic experts.
"Diego Maradona began to die 12 hours before his actual death. Anyone who thought to transfer him to a clinic in a car or ambulance during his last week would have saved his life," prosecutor Patricio Ferrari told the court on Tuesday.

Justice for 'God'

In his opening statement, the lawyer of Dalma and Gianinna Maradona, Fernando Burlando, displayed a stethoscope.
"This small instrument, so important to medicine, was never placed on Maradona's chest between November 11 and 25 (the two weeks before his death), and his heartbeat was never heard," he said.
Outside the courthouse, about fifty people carrying Argentine flags and signs demanded justice for "D10s" -- a play on Maradona's number 10 jersey and "dios," the Spanish word for God.
Two months into the first trial last year, after hours of sometimes tearful testimony from witnesses, including Maradona's children, the proceedings were ground to a halt by revelations involving one of the three judges.
The judge, Julieta Makintach, was discovered to have taken part in a clandestine documentary about the case, leading to the annulment of the trial.
The new trial, which will run until July at the earliest, will hear from some 120 witnesses.

Addiction struggles

The defendants -- doctors, psychologists and nurses -- are accused of homicide with possible intent by pursuing a course of action despite knowing it could lead to death over the decisions they made regarding Maradona's care.
That includes the decision allow him to convalesce at home instead of in a hospital.
They risk prison terms of between eight and 25 years if convicted.
The defense maintains that the flamboyant Maradona, who battled cocaine and alcohol addictions for decades, died of natural causes. 
"If there's one thing that has been ruled out, it's a malicious criminal plan to kill Maradona," Vadim Mischanchuk, lawyer for psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov, told Radio Con Vos at the weekend. 
The passing of the man, who was revered for his preternatural talent and charisma, plunged Argentina into mourning in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Tens of thousands of people queued to bid farewell to him as his body lay in state at the presidential palace.
mry-pbl/cb/md

Sports

Buoyant Bayern pledge to 'push through the pain' against Real

  • But there's also the collective intensity and a readiness to push through the pain barrier," Kompany said. 
  • Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany said Tuesday his side need to be ready to "push through the pain barrier" to make it past Real Madrid and qualify for the Champions League semi-finals.
  • But there's also the collective intensity and a readiness to push through the pain barrier," Kompany said. 
Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany said Tuesday his side need to be ready to "push through the pain barrier" to make it past Real Madrid and qualify for the Champions League semi-finals.
Bayern beat Real 2-1 in the first leg in Madrid and need to avoid defeat at home on Wednesday to reach the final four. 
Kompany told reporters that Bayern's desire against the 15-time European champions would be key. 
"It depends on many things. In games like this, the individual quality of the players is always decisive. But there's also the collective intensity and a readiness to push through the pain barrier," Kompany said. 
"Every detail matters in games like this, but for us what's most important is that we're mentally and physically well prepared. 
"We're also looking forward to the match and that's something you need, positive emotions."
Bayern dominated much of the match in Madrid but still needed veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer to pull off several spectacular saves. 
"My feeling after the match was that we could have gone a level higher. And that's pretty good when you win 2-1 at the Bernabeu and think, 'We could have done more'," Kompany added. 
"But then you need to show it."
Bayern's Michael Olise starred in the opening leg and Kompany said there were no limits to the France winger's talent. 
"For sure he will be one day," Kompany said when asked if Olise was one of the best in the world. "I think now he's on the right path. He's on a level of the best players in Europe at the moment."
The former Manchester City captain has Bayern on track for a Champions League semi-final less than two years after he was relegated from the Premier League with Burnley, in what was his first season managing in the top flight of a major European league. 
The 40-year-old said he does not care that he is being hyped as one of football's best new coaches, as he did not listen to criticism during his time at Burnley. 
"Don't believe the hype and don't believe the drama, it's what I always say. You can't live feeling you're the worst coach two years ago and you're the best coach today," Kompany said. 
"It doesn't work that way. The way you become the worst, is if you let this outside noise affect your day to day."
Kompany also praised Marie-Louise Eta, who on Sunday became the first female coach of a men's team in a top-five European league when she was named Union Berlin boss.
"It's a key moment. It's easy to minimise and say she's just a coach like everybody else -- and of course that's how we have to treat her -- but at the end it's something special," the Belgian said. 
"It opens up opportunities to little girls who are now playing football and thinking, 'now, I can coach anywhere, I can make a real career in this game and be successful like what I'm seeing on TV'. 
"Those stories, they're really important."
dwi/nf

Sports

Arteta urges Arsenal to play with 'pure fire' after damaging defeats

BY STEVEN GRIFFITHS

  • Pure fire.
  • Mikel Arteta has challenged Arsenal to play with "pure fire" as they look to bounce back from a series of damaging defeats in Wednesday's Champions League clash against Sporting Lisbon.
  • Pure fire.
Mikel Arteta has challenged Arsenal to play with "pure fire" as they look to bounce back from a series of damaging defeats in Wednesday's Champions League clash against Sporting Lisbon.
Arteta's side can reach the semi-finals of the competition for a second successive season if they finish off Sporting at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners go into the quarter-final second leg with a 1-0 lead after last week's game in Lisbon.
But that narrow success was Arsenal's only victory in their last four matches, with three defeats sparking claims Arteta and his team are choking as the pressure mounts at the business end of the season.
"There is no fear. Pure fire. That's it. Me, the first one. Pure fire. That's what I want to see on the players, on the people, on myself," he insisted at his pre-match press conference.
"Fire! I'm on fire. I'm on fire. That's it. Nothing else. I'm dreaming so much. I've done so much to be in this position because I know how this club was. I've done so much and this is beauty."
Losing the League Cup final against Manchester City and the FA Cup quarter-final against second-tier Southampton was bad enough.
But a shock 2-1 home defeat against Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday left Arteta facing pointed questions about Arsenal's character.
Arsenal are just six points ahead of second-placed City, who have a game in hand and host the Gunners in a seismic showdown on Sunday.
The north Londoners have finished Premier League runners-up for the past three seasons -- twice blowing substantial leads to City in 2023 and 2024.
They have also failed to win a trophy since the 2020 FA Cup, which remains the only silverware won by Arteta in over six years in charge.
There is a growing feeling of deja vu among a nervous Arsenal fan-base, but Arteta launched a passionate defence of his squad.
"We are in April, we have an incredible opportunity ahead of us. Let's confront it, let's go for it by really putting absolutely everything into it," added the Spaniard.
"I want to get it done for all these people that have been in this journey with us. And because they deserve it, because it's been unbelievable. That's what is driving me every single day. I have zero fear."

'Doing something incredible'

Arsenal haven't lifted the Premier League since 2004 and have never won the Champions League.
If they make the Champions League last four this season, it would be the first time they have reached the semi-finals of the competition in two consecutive seasons.
Arteta, whose side lost to Paris Saint-Germain in last year's semi-finals, acknowledged the size of the task facing Arsenal as they try to do a Premier League and Champions League double.
"What we are trying to achieve is difficult, is challenging, and is bumpy and it's supposed to be like this," he said.
"I said to the players, 'Guys, we are trying to do something that hasn't been done in the history of the club in 140 years. So that tells you the difficulty of what you are doing'.
"We have the opportunity tomorrow to go to the semi-finals. We are competing to win the Premier League and we are in a really strong position.
"So the team is doing something incredible because it's never been done before."
smg/jc

Stokes

Stokes says talk of McCullum rift 'massive overstatement'

  • Stokes and McCullum, a former New Zealand captain, have been in a close alliance since joining forces in 2022.
  • England captain Ben Stokes has dismissed suggestions of a collapse in his relationship with coach Brendon McCullum, although he says the way they work together will "look a little bit different" this season.
  • Stokes and McCullum, a former New Zealand captain, have been in a close alliance since joining forces in 2022.
England captain Ben Stokes has dismissed suggestions of a collapse in his relationship with coach Brendon McCullum, although he says the way they work together will "look a little bit different" this season.
Stokes and McCullum, a former New Zealand captain, have been in a close alliance since joining forces in 2022.
But there appeared to be a difference in their respective approaches as England slumped to a woeful 4-1 series Ashes loss in Australia.
As all-rounder Stokes opted for a more grinding, disciplined approach, as the series wore on, while McCullum continued to stand by his mantra of ultra-aggressive 'Bazball' cricket.   
Both men backed each other in public at the end of the series and Stokes reiterated that position following media reports a post-Ashes review had revealed tensions between the duo.
"Saying we weren't aligned, I think, is a massive overstatement," Stokes said in an in-house interview with the England and Wales Cricket Board published Tuesday.
"When you're in a position of leadership along with someone else, if anyone thinks that you're always going to agree on everything, then it's just impossible."
England are back in Test action in June, against New Zealand, before taking on Pakistan at home as well. Stokes said there would be a change in how he worked with McCullum as the team look to return to winning ways ahead of the 2027 Ashes in England. 
"I'm very confident in mine and Brendon's ability to be able to work together, because we've done it for such a long period of time now, but work together in a slightly different way," he said.
"The main point of me and Brendon is our alignment towards winning things and making this team as good as they can be. That's always been the thing since we started. It might just look a little bit different now to how that operates -- on the back of four years working together.
"Hopefully we'll still be together at the end of 2027, winning what we want to win."
Stokes is currently recovering from a facial injury after being struck by a stray ball in pre-season training but is expected to lead England in the first Test against New Zealand at Lord's on June 4.
But Brydon Carse could miss that match after withdrawing Tuesday from the Indian Premier League because of an injury to his right hand.
Carse, 30, was the only ever-present England quick bowler during the Ashes. 
But he was struck on his bowling hand while batting in the nets for Sunrisers Hyderabad before this year's edition of the IPL got underway.
jdg/jc

Pr

Iraola says now is 'right moment to step away' from Bournemouth

BY JULIAN GUYER

  • Tuesday's announcement came just days after Iraola, who has six games left at Bournemouth this season, oversaw a superb 2-1 win away to Premier League leaders Arsenal last weekend.
  • Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola said "this is the right moment for me to step away", as the Premier League club announced Tuesday he would leave when his contract expires at the end of the season.
  • Tuesday's announcement came just days after Iraola, who has six games left at Bournemouth this season, oversaw a superb 2-1 win away to Premier League leaders Arsenal last weekend.
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola said "this is the right moment for me to step away", as the Premier League club announced Tuesday he would leave when his contract expires at the end of the season.
The Spaniard joined the south coast club in 2023 and led them to their equal highest top-flight finish of ninth last season, earning their largest points tally of 56, and reaching the FA Cup quarter-finals.
"It has been an honour to manage AFC Bournemouth and I am proud of what we have achieved together," said Iraola, who replaced Gary O'Neil as Bournemouth boss, in a club statement confirming his departure.
"I'm thankful to the players and staff that I've worked with, as well as Bill (Bournemouth chairman Bill Foley), who have all made my time here so special. 
"As for the fans, you have continued to show your fantastic support to myself and the team, and for that I will always be grateful. I feel this is the right moment for me to step away, but I will always carry fantastic memories of this club."
Tuesday's announcement came just days after Iraola, who has six games left at Bournemouth this season, oversaw a superb 2-1 win away to Premier League leaders Arsenal last weekend.

'Instrumental'

Foley, in the same statement, said: "Andoni has been instrumental in shaping the direction of this football club over the past three seasons. He brought intensity, innovation, and a clear philosophy that elevated AFC Bournemouth both on and off the pitch. 
"We are incredibly thankful for his leadership and will always have great memories of our time working together, as well as the things we accomplished."
Bournemouth, who also confirmed fitness coach Pablo de la Torre will leave at the end of the season, reportedly wanted to keep Iraola but talks over a new deal were unsuccessful.
The 43-year-old Iraola, one of the most highly-regarded coaches in Europe, will now leave the Cherries for free at the end of the campaign.
Iraola has been linked with a return to Spanish side Athletic Bilbao and there have also been suggestions he could become the new full-time manager of Manchester United, despite the English giants' resurgence this season under caretaker boss Michael Carrick.
He spent 12 years at Bilbao as a player, making over 500 appearances for the club.
Iraola's final home game will be against Manchester City on Sunday, May 17, ahead of a trip to Nottingham Forest on the last day of the Premier League campaign.
He could bow out on a high by securing the first European qualification in Bournemouth's history.
They are currently 11th, two points adrift of a seventh-placed finish which would get them into next season's Conference League.
jdg/mw

Sports

American Kang preparing bid to buy Ligue 1 club Lyon

  • Kang took over as club president from compatriot Textor in June 2025.
  • American businesswoman Michele Kang, already the Lyon men's club president, minority shareholder and owner of the women's side, is preparing for a potential full takeover of the Ligue 1 club, a statement from their current owner said on Tuesday.
  • Kang took over as club president from compatriot Textor in June 2025.
American businesswoman Michele Kang, already the Lyon men's club president, minority shareholder and owner of the women's side, is preparing for a potential full takeover of the Ligue 1 club, a statement from their current owner said on Tuesday.
Lyon's current owner, Eagle Football Group, was placed under administration in March, effectively removing former Lyon chairman John Textor from its leadership.
Kang, who also owns women's teams Washington Spirit and London City Lionesses, is the CEO of Eagle Football Group.
The company's board of directors has established an independent committee to avoid any conflict of interest should Kang seek to acquire shares in Lyon currently held by the holding company Eagle Bidco.
Eagle Football Group noted its administration "may result in a change of control" of the company.
Kang took over as club president from compatriot Textor in June 2025.
Lyon won an appeal against relegation from the top flight the following month, after initially being demoted to Ligue 2 by French football's financial watchdog.
They had to cut their wage bill and transfer budget for this season.
Textor took over as Lyon's majority owner in December 2022 from long-standing boss Jean-Michel Aulas, who had overseen unprecedented success at the French outfit.
Lyon's season has unravelled in recent weeks, as a nine-game winless run scuppered their Ligue 1 title bid and saw them knocked out of both the French Cup and Europa League.
They sit fifth in the league table, one point behind Marseille who occupy the last Champions League berth.
mla-fjt/jc/ea/iwd

Sports

Rice adds to Arsenal injury concerns ahead of Sporting clash

  • But the 27-year-old midfielder was not involved at Arsenal's London Colney training ground on Tuesday, with Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori, also missing the session.
  • Declan Rice left Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta with another injury worry on the eve of their Champions League quarter-final second leg against Sporting Lisbon after missing the club's open training session Tuesday.
  • But the 27-year-old midfielder was not involved at Arsenal's London Colney training ground on Tuesday, with Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori, also missing the session.
Declan Rice left Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta with another injury worry on the eve of their Champions League quarter-final second leg against Sporting Lisbon after missing the club's open training session Tuesday.
Rice withdrew from England's recent international against Japan but returned for Arsenal's match against Sporting in Lisbon last week. He was also the stand-in captain for the table-topping Gunners' shock defeat by Bournemouth in the Premier League last weekend.
But the 27-year-old midfielder was not involved at Arsenal's London Colney training ground on Tuesday, with Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori, also missing the session.
Saka has been sidelined from Arsenal's last three matches, while captain Odegaard, in and out of the team through injury this season, was not fit enough for Arsenal's loss against Bournemouth last weekend. 
Timber, one of Arsenal's best players this season, last featured in a 2-0 win against Everton a month ago.
Arsenal head into Wednesday's fixture at the Emirates with a slender 1-0 lead from last week's opening leg against Sporting secured by Kai Havertz's late goal.
They will be aiming to bounce back from a 2-1 defeat against Bournemouth which allowed Manchester City to cut their advantage at the top of the table to six points. Arsenal travel to the Etihad to face Pep Guardiola's side on Sunday.
jdg/mw

politics

Wisden laments India's 'Orwellian' control of world cricket

  • "The sport's governance grows ever more Orwellian, pretending that Indian exceptionalism comes without consequence, and blaming those lower down the food chain for lashing out. 
  • Wisden has criticised Indian political interference in global cricket administration, labelling the current situation "increasingly Orwellian".
  • "The sport's governance grows ever more Orwellian, pretending that Indian exceptionalism comes without consequence, and blaming those lower down the food chain for lashing out. 
Wisden has criticised Indian political interference in global cricket administration, labelling the current situation "increasingly Orwellian".
The UK-based Wisden Cricketers' Almanack, which dates back to 1864, is an annual record of all major cricket worldwide and is regarded as the sport's "Bible". 
In its 163rd annual edition, to be published Thursday, editor Lawrence Booth highlighted what he sees as an unhealthy and politicised Indian dominance of the global game. 
The International Cricket Council has an Indian chief executive, Sanjog Gupta, and an Indian chairman, Jay Shah, who is the son of Amit Shah, India's minister of home affairs and a longstanding ally of the prime minister, Narendra Modi. 
Wisden describes the Board of Control for Cricket in India, which Shah led before taking over at the ICC, as "the sporting adjunct of India's ruling BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party)".
Booth also highlighted how politics intruded upon the 2025 Asia Cup, which took place against a backdrop of a brief military conflict between India and Pakistan, leading to the players refusing to shake hands when the border rivals played each other.
"Was there a clearer indictment of the game's governance in 2025 than Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi's assertion that 'politics and sport can't go together'?" Booth wrote. "Presumably he had forgotten he was also his country's interior minister."
Booth added: "It was obvious long before this latest grandstanding that the BCCI were the sporting adjunct of India's ruling BJP. 

'Indian exceptionalism'

"But the relationship became explicit when India captain Suryakumar Yadav dedicated the first of India's Asia Cup wins over Pakistan to the armed forces. 
"And the idea that cricket was now a legitimate proxy for more lethal activity was hammered home on X by India's prime minister, Narendra Modi, after his country beat Pakistan in the final: 'Operation Sindoor on the games field. Outcome is the same – India wins!' The real-world Operation Sindoor had left dozens dead, on both sides of the border."
Booth also cited the case of Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman, who was released from a $1 million deal with Indian Premier League franchise Kolkata Knight Riders - amid rising tensions between the two nations following the murder of Hindu men in Bangladesh.
Mustafizur's exit from the IPL sparked a chain of events that led to Bangladesh's removal from this year's men's T20 World Cup, after their government refused to let them travel to India.
"The sport's governance grows ever more Orwellian, pretending that Indian exceptionalism comes without consequence, and blaming those lower down the food chain for lashing out. 
"Predictably, almost no prominent voices in the Indian game addressed the root cause of the carnage: the politicisation of a sport that, whatever Naqvi may say, has never been untouched by the real world, yet never more poisoned by it either."
jdg/mw

Sports

Bayern veteran Neuer primed for one final battle with rivals Real

BY DANIEL WIGHTON

  • - 'Brutally difficult' - Heading into Wednesday's return leg, Neuer is the only current Bayern player to have experienced victory over two legs against Madrid.
  • Bayern Munich veteran Manuel Neuer is saddling up for Wednesday's Real Madrid quarter-final second leg at home in what could be his final season before riding off into the sunset.
  • - 'Brutally difficult' - Heading into Wednesday's return leg, Neuer is the only current Bayern player to have experienced victory over two legs against Madrid.
Bayern Munich veteran Manuel Neuer is saddling up for Wednesday's Real Madrid quarter-final second leg at home in what could be his final season before riding off into the sunset.
Though not the risk-hungry, 'sweeper keeper' of his prime, the two-time Champions League winner was outstanding in Bayern's 2-1 first-leg victory in Madrid. 
Named man of the match, Neuer made nine saves and succeeded in keeping Real's danger men Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior at bay, for the most part.
Neuer, who turned 40 in March, has a contract in Munich until the end of the season. 
Bayern seem willing to offer their long-time 'keeper and captain another year, but Neuer has repeatedly said he is still weighing up his future. 
The 2014 World Cup winner has struggled with muscle injuries in the past two seasons. 
Normally the first name on the teamsheet, this campaign he has missed 11 games as he battles persistent calf muscle strains.
Having already ruled himself out of World Cup contention this summer, ending the season with a third Champions League crown alongside a record-equalling 13th Bundesliga title would be a perfect sign-off. 
While Bayern have always sat atop German football, Neuer's arrival alongside other modern greats including Thomas Mueller, Philipp Lahm and Bastian Schweinsteiger helped push the club into the stratosphere. 
Bayern had never won more than three Bundesliga titles in a row before Neuer signed in 2011 but have only missed out twice in the 15 subsequent seasons.
Two of Bayern's six Champions League titles have come with Neuer between the sticks.
Even after 15 years, Bayern are still not immune to Neuer's brilliance. CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen last week said: "We had something Real didn't -- our world-class goalkeeper, our x-factor."
Centre-back Jonathan Tah asked reporters, "are you surprised?", and added: "He simply exudes something special, especially with the saves he keeps making. 
"You shouldn't take it for granted, but for him it's an everyday occurrence."
Neuer's spectacular saves make highlight reels, but his leadership has been crucial as Bayern have rebuilt from 2023-24's third-place Bundesliga finish, to once again contend for the Champions League. 
Bayern coach Vincent Kompany, in just his second season managing a club with Champions League ambitions, said so after the first leg. 
"Manu only has to say one sentence and he brings order to the team. That's why his role to me as a leader is just as important as what he does on the pitch," Kompany said, adding Neuer "made things much easier for me at the beginning than I thought".

'Brutally difficult'

Heading into Wednesday's return leg, Neuer is the only current Bayern player to have experienced victory over two legs against Madrid. Since getting past the Spaniards in the 2012 semi-finals, Bayern had not even won a match against Los Blancos in their eight meetings -- up until last week.
And the Gelsenkirchen native will have even more motivation to get across the line against Real this time around. Two years ago, with Bayern ahead against Los Blancos in the dying stages of their semi-final return leg, Neuer spilt a Vinicius shot which Joselu tapped in to level things up. 
Minutes later, Joselu scored again and Bayern were eliminated, with Real going on to win the title at Wembley.
Despite their first-leg lead, Bayern know their opponents well -- with 29 games between the sides, no European fixture has been played more -- and remain wary of the Champions League specialists. 
Real suffered another La Liga setback on Friday and are now nine points behind Barcelona, but Joshua Kimmich recognised that the 15-time winners can turn it on when they have the Champions League anthem ringing in their ears. 
"It doesn't matter at all what form Kylian Mbappe and his teammates are in. When it's the Champions League, they perform," Kimmich said Saturday. 
"We know exactly who we are playing against. It's a brutally difficult task," Leon Goretzka said the same day. "We know how quickly they can create scoring opportunities. We know what to expect."
dwi/nf/ea

Roubaix

Paris-Roubaix straggler Thomas tells of 'awful' ordeal

BY JACQUES KLOPP

  • He had never ridden the bone-jarring cobbles of Paris-Roubaix before with its 55km of huge jagged 'pave' stones across 30 different sectors.
  • Benjamin Thomas is an Olympic cycling champion who has ridden the Tour de France and won a Giro d'Italia stage, but nothing had prepared him for the "awful" cobbles of Paris-Roubaix.
  • He had never ridden the bone-jarring cobbles of Paris-Roubaix before with its 55km of huge jagged 'pave' stones across 30 different sectors.
Benjamin Thomas is an Olympic cycling champion who has ridden the Tour de France and won a Giro d'Italia stage, but nothing had prepared him for the "awful" cobbles of Paris-Roubaix.
The Frenchman managed to finish the 258km race in 139th and last place, 24-and-a-half minutes behind winner Wout van Aert and only just inside the cut-off limit.
The 30-year-old omnium champion from Paris 2024 was a last-minute addition to his Cofidis team's line-up for the 'Hell of the North' after several teammates had to pull out.
He had never ridden the bone-jarring cobbles of Paris-Roubaix before with its 55km of huge jagged 'pave' stones across 30 different sectors.
"I didn't know any cobbled sectors, I didn't even do the reconnaissance," Thomas told AFP.
"All I had was the advice from the guys who told me: stay in the middle of the cobbles and leave a two-metre safety distance in front of you."
His mission for the race was to try to get into the breakaway.
"I tried twice but the race was so fast that it's almost impossible to get out of the peloton," he said.
As soon as the cobbled sectors began 95km into the race, Thomas was already at the back of the field and struggling to stay in contact.
His one saving grace was that he neither crashed nor punctured.
"In the first cobbled sector there were a lot of incidents. I started to do the elastic," he said, referring to riders who keep dropping out of a group and then dragging themselves back in.

'It's a minefield'

Thomas admitted that he had felt scared in the fearsome Arenberg forest cobbled section where pre-race favourite Mathieu van der Poel punctured twice and saw his victory hopes go up in smoke.
"When I saw the state of it, I was thinking, 'how do bicycles come out of that in one piece'," said Thomas.
"It felt like my bike was going to snap in half. Every two metres there was a crater, there's not a single coble that is straight -- it's a minefield.
"I was a bit scared in the Arenberg, yes. I didn't really have any frights on other sectors, just a couple of skids.
"But I cannot imagine what it's like in the rain."
He battled on but on another tough sector, the Mons-en-Pevele, he lost contact with the back of the bunch.
"At the end I was really suffering. I focused on staying on the cobbles" to avoid hitting a hole and going over the handlebars.
"At Mons-en-Pevele, I lost the wheel of the bunch and I was alone for the last 40 kilometres -- well, nearly, as 10 kilometres from the velodrome I caught Noah Vandenbranden and we finished together."
It was a memorable experience, but not one the diminutive rider is planning on repeating.
"I'm proud that I've done it. I'll look at the race differently on television now," he said.
"I will know what the riders go through. I was surprised by the intensity.
"Normally you always have a moment when it eases off but it was an incredible pace.
"I'd blown a gasket 100 kilometres from the finish. At the front, it's a whole other madness.
"I was lucky, I kind of went between the rain drops, I didn't even puncture.
"But at the back there are struggles that you don't see on television. It's awful!"
As he was riding through the Carrefour de l'Arbre cobbled sector, Thomas saw fans celebrating and learnt that Van Aert had won.
"I did the calculations: I knew I had 16 kilometres left and 25 minutes to get inside the time limit.
"We finished just before the sweeper truck" which picks up the stragglers.
"They'd already started clearing up!"
jk/hpa/bc/ea

Super

Crusaders retire horses after 30 years due to safety at new stadium

  • The new stadium has been built to replace the Crusaders' original home of Lancaster Park, which was left in ruins by the 2011 Christchurch earthquake that killed 185 people.
  • The Canterbury Crusaders said Tuesday that their cavalry of mascot knights and horses, beloved by spectators, had been retired after 30 years because of next week's move to their new stadium in Christchurch.
  • The new stadium has been built to replace the Crusaders' original home of Lancaster Park, which was left in ruins by the 2011 Christchurch earthquake that killed 185 people.
The Canterbury Crusaders said Tuesday that their cavalry of mascot knights and horses, beloved by spectators, had been retired after 30 years because of next week's move to their new stadium in Christchurch.
The Crusaders' team of six horses and knights have fired up the home fans ahead of kick-off since the Super Rugby side's inception in 1996. 
But they will not be part of the home spectator experience for safety reasons when the Crusaders play the NSW Waratahs in the inaugural match at the 30,000-seat One New Zealand Stadium next Friday.
"This is a decision that really hurts because the horses have been part of who we are from the very beginning," said Crusaders chief executive Colin Mansbridge.
"We know how much they mean to our fans.
"That feeling of watching them run out in front of a packed crowd, while 'Conquest of Paradise' plays, is a feeling I will never forget."
The new stadium has been built to replace the Crusaders' original home of Lancaster Park, which was left in ruins by the 2011 Christchurch earthquake that killed 185 people.
The most successful side in Super Rugby history, with 13 championships, have had a temporary home since the earthquake at the city's Rugby League Park.
The club had considered turf protection measures and specialised floor rugs to accommodate the horses in the new state-of-the-art indoor arena.
"Despite these efforts, the constraints of the new stadium meant we couldn't ensure the safety of the horses and everyone in the venue," the Crusaders said.
Mark Donald, who leads the riding group, said the decision was devastating.
"We have been through everything with this team," he said.
"The Crusaders mean everything to us.
"We aren't just guys who ride horses around a field, we are an important part of this club, and this is what hurts the most."
The horses made their final appearance on April 3, ahead of the 69-26 home victory over Fijian Drua.
bes/oho/dh

Maradona

New trial over Maradona's death begins in Argentina

BY MARTíN RASCHINSKY

  • The trial was annulled in May 2025 after it emerged that one of the judges overseeing the trial was involved in a documentary about the case, potentially breaking ethics rules.
  • A new trial over the death of Argentine football legend Diego Maradona begins Tuesday a year after a scandal involving a judge caused the first trial to collapse.
  • The trial was annulled in May 2025 after it emerged that one of the judges overseeing the trial was involved in a documentary about the case, potentially breaking ethics rules.
A new trial over the death of Argentine football legend Diego Maradona begins Tuesday a year after a scandal involving a judge caused the first trial to collapse.
Maradona, considered one of the world's greatest players ever, died in November 2020 at the age of 60 while recovering from brain surgery at a private residence.
He died of heart failure and acute pulmonary edema -- a condition where fluid accumulates in the lungs -- two weeks after going under the knife.
His seven-person medical team were indicted over the conditions of his convalescence in the northern Buenos Aires suburb of Tigre, described by prosecutors as grossly negligent.
But two and a half months into their trial, after hours of sometimes tearful testimony from witnesses, including Maradona's children, the proceedings came to a halt.
The trial was annulled in May 2025 after it emerged that one of the judges overseeing the trial was involved in a documentary about the case, potentially breaking ethics rules.
The judge, Julieta Makintach, was later impeached.
The new trial, which will hear from some 120 witnesses, will again seek to determine if Maradona's medical team is responsible for his death.
Seven health care professionals —- doctors, psychologists, and nurses -- who were treating him at the time of his death are accused of homicide with possible intent -- pursuing a course of action despite knowing it could lead to death.
They risk prison terms of between eight and 25 years if convicted.
The defense maintains the larger-than-life Maradona, who battled cocaine and alcohol addictions, died of natural causes. 
"If there's one thing that has been ruled out, it's a malicious criminal plan to kill Maradona. Anyone who continues to maintain that is cruel to the family and the accused," Vadim Mischanchuk, lawyer for psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov, told Radio Con Vos on Sunday. 
News of the death of the 1986 World Cup champion brought hundreds of thousands of Argentines onto the streets in mourning in the midst of the Covid pandemic.
The trial is expected to last until July. 
mry-lm/mar/cb/dw

Maradona

Maradona's birthplace repurposed as soup kitchen for Argentina's hungry

  • "People are going hungry," Maria Torres, one of the center's cooks, told AFP, adding she was convinced Maradona would be very happy at the sight of his old home being used for a charitable cause.
  • Diego Maradona would be happy, his fans say. 
  • "People are going hungry," Maria Torres, one of the center's cooks, told AFP, adding she was convinced Maradona would be very happy at the sight of his old home being used for a charitable cause.
Diego Maradona would be happy, his fans say. 
The childhood home of the late Argentine football legend has been transformed into a soup kitchen for people squeezed by President Javier Milei's austerity policies.
The needy can also ask for clothing at 523 Amazor street in the Buenos Aires suburb of Fiorito, where the player dubbed Argentina's "Golden Boy" grew up in grinding poverty.
In this neighborhood of around 50,000 people living in modest brick homes, dozens of murals depict key moments in the career of the illustrious number 10, who died in 2020 at the age of 60.
On Tuesday, a new trial for criminal negligence will begin of the seven-strong medical team that was caring for Maradona in his final days, as he was recovering from brain surgery.
In Fiorito, neighbors come and go to "Diego's house," as they call it, lugging containers which volunteers fill with chicken stew or other meals cooked in giant cauldrons in the yard.
Cumbia music -- Maradona's favorite genre -- blares from speakers.
If he were alive "Diego would say there is a lot of hunger and we have to help, because the need is so great," Diego Gavilan, one of the kitchen's beneficiaries, told AFP. 

'Can't make ends meet'

Gavilan collects cardboard and scrap metal for a living but it no longer puts food on the table.
He started coming to the soup kitchen after Milei was elected in December 2023 and embarked on a radical free-market agenda of deregulation and steep cuts to public spending.
"You can’t make ends meet," Gavilan said.
Although statistics show a decrease in poverty under Milei, mainly due to a sharp drop in inflation, family finances are in crisis, according to Central Bank reports. 
A surge in imports and a collapse in consumption have resulted in the closure of over 20,000 businesses, according to official reports. 
Gavilan said he was glad to accept help from Maradona's old home.
"He suffered so much hunger here as a child. For the people of the neighborhood to receive a plate of food is special," he said.

Full stomachs

There are no tables or chairs for diners at this establishment.
The food prepared by volunteers over open fires in the yard is handed out in bags to people queueing at the door.
Maradona often spoke of his humble beginnings in a community that lacked running water and paved streets.
Sixty-six years after his birth, hardship is etched in the faces of those queueing for food.
"People are going hungry," Maria Torres, one of the center's cooks, told AFP, adding she was convinced Maradona would be very happy at the sight of his old home being used for a charitable cause.
Father Leonardo Torres is one of the driving forces behind the soup kitchen.
He recalls Maradona recounting how his mother, Dalma "Tota" Franco, would go without food so he could eat his fill.
"Diego said that his mother would pretend her stomach hurt so he could eat," he said.
"We want many 'Totas' and many 'Diegos' to leave here with a full stomach," he added.
vid-sa/lm/cb/dw

Kagiyama

Olympic silver medallist Kagiyama to take break from skating

  • "I want to use this time to rediscover what makes figure skating so special, take on new challenges and reflect on myself as I look toward the future," he said.
  • Japan's Olympic and world silver medallist Yuma Kagiyama said he would take a break from competitive figure skating next season "to reflect on myself as I look toward the future".
  • "I want to use this time to rediscover what makes figure skating so special, take on new challenges and reflect on myself as I look toward the future," he said.
Japan's Olympic and world silver medallist Yuma Kagiyama said he would take a break from competitive figure skating next season "to reflect on myself as I look toward the future".
Kagiyama finished runner-up behind Kazakhstan's Mikhail Shaidorov at the Milan-Cortina Games in February and picked up silver again at last month's world championships in Prague.
The 22-year-old, who also won Olympic silver at the 2022 Beijing Games, said on social media that he had "decided to take a break from competing" during the 2026-27 season.
"I want to use this time to rediscover what makes figure skating so special, take on new challenges and reflect on myself as I look toward the future," he said.
Kagiyama said he would skate in ice shows and events and had "a few projects in the works".
Kagiyama was seen as American Ilia Malinin's closest rival for gold heading to the Milan-Cortina Olympics.
Malinin suffered a spectacular meltdown and finished eighth but Kagiyama could not take advantage as dark horse Shaidorov won the competition.
Malinin bounced back to win his third straight world title in Prague, with Kagiyama again finishing second.
Kagiyama said the "past few seasons have brought many frustrations and difficult moments, but I'm glad I was able to finish the season on a positive note".
amk/pst

Global Edition

Fatigue no excuse as Arteta urges spluttering Arsenal to respond

BY STEVEN GRIFFITHS

  • Chasing a second successive appearance in the semi-finals of Europe's elite club competition, Arsenal host Sporting on Wednesday with a 1-0 lead from last week's first-leg win in Lisbon.
  • Mikel Arteta has warned Arsenal that fatigue is no excuse for their damaging stumble as he urged his side to hit back by finishing off Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League quarter-final second leg.
  • Chasing a second successive appearance in the semi-finals of Europe's elite club competition, Arsenal host Sporting on Wednesday with a 1-0 lead from last week's first-leg win in Lisbon.
Mikel Arteta has warned Arsenal that fatigue is no excuse for their damaging stumble as he urged his side to hit back by finishing off Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League quarter-final second leg.
Chasing a second successive appearance in the semi-finals of Europe's elite club competition, Arsenal host Sporting on Wednesday with a 1-0 lead from last week's first-leg win in Lisbon.
But the Gunners go into the second leg in the midst of a bout of soul searching after losing three of their last four games in all competitions.
Arsenal's untimely dip cost them two chances for silverware as Manchester City won 2-0 in the League Cup final and second tier Southampton knocked them out of the FA Cup quarter-finals.
As if that wasn't frustrating enough for Arteta, Saturday's shock 2-1 home defeat against Bournemouth has endangered Arsenal's hopes of winning the Premier League for the first time in 22 years.
Arsenal are just six points ahead of second-placed City, who have a game in hand and host Arteta's team in a seismic showdown on Sunday.
The importance of this weekend's clash at the Etihad Stadium leaves Arteta with a selection dilemma for the Sporting game.
Does the Arsenal manager field his strongest line-up to ensure they get back on track by dispatching the Portuguese champions.
Or will he rest key players to keep them fresh for the trip to City in the hope Arsenal's strength in depth is enough to cope with Sporting.
The fixture will be the north London club's 54th so far this season, a gruelling schedule that could be taking its toll.
Arsenal have battled injuries all season and many of Arteta's players looked exhausted against Bournemouth with Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber all sidelined.

'Enjoy the opportunity'

But asked if tiredness was a factor in their recent defeats, Arteta said: "I don't want to pull on those excuses because we've been playing so many games, every three days, and we're going to have to continue to do that.
"That's the context and that's the scenario, and we have to embrace it and especially enjoy the opportunity.
"That's one of the things that I didn't see from the team, that level of enjoyment in certain moments and the fight that we have to have to really change the course of the game when it gets difficult.
"We're going to have different contexts from here to June, and we need to be able to adapt and resolve all of them, if we want to achieve what we want to achieve."
Viktor Gyokeres was one of the few Arsenal stars to finish the Bournemouth defeat with any credit.
The Sweden striker scored a first-half penalty to take his goal tally for the season to 18 as he shows signs of a life after a slow start to his first campaign with the Gunners.
However, Gyokeres was largely subdued on his return to his former club Sporting in the first-leg.
Arteta must find a way to ensure his physical presence and predatory finishing are influential ingredients in Arsenal's bid to win the Champions League for the first time.
"We have a lot of important games ahead, and we need to embrace it and to enjoy playing those games," Gyokeres said.
"It's a great game to have in a few days, so we just need to recover now, leave this behind and make a very good performance on Wednesday."
smg/ea

Belarus

Russian, Belarusian swimmers free to compete under own flag

  • "Senior athletes with Belarusian or Russian sport nationality will be permitted to compete in World Aquatics events in the same way as their counterparts representing other sport nationalities, with their respective uniforms, flags and anthems."
  • Athletes from Russia and Belarus are free to participate under their own flags in senior World Aquatics events after the global governing body on Monday lifted a ban on them competing.
  • "Senior athletes with Belarusian or Russian sport nationality will be permitted to compete in World Aquatics events in the same way as their counterparts representing other sport nationalities, with their respective uniforms, flags and anthems."
Athletes from Russia and Belarus are free to participate under their own flags in senior World Aquatics events after the global governing body on Monday lifted a ban on them competing.
Competitors from Russia and Belarus had been banned from international competition following Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine although since September 2023 they have been allowed to compete as neutrals.
"Following a decision of the World Aquatics bureau, and in consultation with the aquatics integrity unit (AQIU) and the World Aquatics athletes' committee, the guidelines for athlete participation in aquatics events during a period of political conflict will no longer apply to senior athletes with Belarusian or Russian sport nationality," a World Aquatics statement read.
"Senior athletes with Belarusian or Russian sport nationality will be permitted to compete in World Aquatics events in the same way as their counterparts representing other sport nationalities, with their respective uniforms, flags and anthems."
Russian and Belarusian athletes will only be permitted to compete once they have successfully passed at least four successive anti-doping controls, World Aquatics said.
"Over the last three years, World Aquatics and the AQIU have successfully helped ensure that conflict can be kept outside the sporting competition venues," World Aquatics president Husain Al-Musallam said in a statement.
"We are determined to ensure that pools and open water remain places where athletes from all nations can come together in peaceful competition." 
World Aquatics has followed the International Paralympic Committee which allowed Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under their own national flags at the 2026 Winter Paralympics in Milan-Cortina in February.
Russia's sport minister Mikhail Degtyarev "welcomed" the decision. He said it followed a meeting with Al-Musallam in January at the Olympic Council of Asia in Tashkent.
"We discussed the rights of Russian athletes," Degtyarev said on Telegram.
"I am grateful to Mr Al-Musallam for his firm stance on the issue. 
"It is very important that the international sport dialogue is bearing fruits and contributing to the systematic restauration of sport ties."
Degtyarev also commented on Ukraine's refusal to play Russia in a World Cup water polo match in Malta, saying the Ukrainians were hurting themselves after being handed a technical defeat on Monday.
The next world swimming championships will take place in Budapest in 2027.
ea/lp