The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) is set to commence earlier than usual, running from December 21 to January 18, and will significantly impact up to 17 Premier League clubs. Hosted in Morocco, the tournament will see numerous players depart mid-season, potentially missing up to six or seven Premier League matches, as well as FA Cup and Carabao Cup fixtures, depending on their teams’ progress in the competition. Clubs like Sunderland and Wolverhampton Wanderers are expected to be the hardest hit, with multiple key players leaving for international duty. In contrast, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Leeds United will remain unaffected as they have no players participating in the tournament. The group stages conclude on December 31, meaning players from eliminated teams may return sooner, missing fewer matches. However, for those advancing to the final, the absence could stretch into mid-January. Among the notable departures are Mohamed Salah (Liverpool), Ismaila Sarr (Crystal Palace), and Bryan Mbeumo (Manchester United). Clubs like Aston Villa and Bournemouth will face minimal disruption, with only fringe players involved. The tournament’s timing during the busy festive period poses a significant challenge for Premier League managers, who must adapt their squads to cope with the loss of key contributors. The exact release dates for players remain uncertain, as they may vary based on individual club agreements with national teams.
分类： sports
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‘It felt like God’s hand on my brain’ – the day England were humbled by teenager
The Ashes series, cricket’s most storied rivalry, has witnessed countless moments of brilliance and drama. Among these, Ashton Agar’s debut in the 2013 Ashes stands out as a remarkable chapter. At just 19 years old, Agar, an almost unknown spinner, was thrust into the spotlight in a manner that would etch his name into cricketing folklore.
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Naomi Osaka withdraws from the Auckland WTA event to play for Japan at the United Cup
Tennis star Naomi Osaka has announced her withdrawal from the ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand, scheduled for January 2026. The four-time Grand Slam champion, who had previously committed to the event in September, has decided to represent Japan in the United Cup instead. Osaka informed Auckland tournament director Nicolas Lamperin of her change in plans, opting to begin her preparations for the Australian Open in Australia. Osaka, a former world No. 1, will team up with Shintaro Mochizuki for Japan in the United Cup, which runs from January 2 to 11 in Perth. Japan is set to face Britain and Greece in the group stage. The Australian Open, the year’s first Grand Slam tournament, will commence on January 18 at Melbourne Park. Osaka’s decision marks a strategic shift in her early-season schedule as she aims to balance national representation and Grand Slam preparation.
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South Africa coach lauds Bavuma as one of the best in the world
South Africa’s cricket coach, Shukri Conrad, has hailed captain Temba Bavuma as one of the finest batters in the world, following his pivotal performance in the first Test against India at Eden Gardens. Bavuma’s unbeaten 55 on a challenging wicket in the second innings was instrumental in setting a modest target of 124 runs, which India failed to chase, being bowled out for 93. This victory marked South Africa’s first Test win in India since 2010. Conrad emphasized Bavuma’s exceptional consistency and leadership, noting that he has averaged 57.00 with the bat in his 11 Tests as captain, winning 10 and drawing one. The coach praised Bavuma’s ability to stick to his game plan, even when conditions were difficult, and highlighted the team’s resilience and unity as key factors in their success. The second and final Test of the series will commence in Guwahati on Saturday.
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Italy fans brace for more Fifa World Cup playoff drama
Italian football fans are grappling with a sense of déjà vu as their national team faces yet another World Cup playoff challenge. The Azzurri, four-time world champions, suffered a humiliating 4-1 defeat to Norway in their final qualifier at San Siro, dashing hopes of direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup in North America. The loss leaves Italy with the daunting task of navigating the playoffs in March to avoid missing the tournament for a third consecutive time.
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Fernandez, Gonzalez take top honours in Dubai Premier Padel P1
The Dubai Premier Padel P1 concluded its second edition with thrilling victories in both the women’s and men’s divisions. Claudia Fernandez and Bia Gonzalez clinched the women’s title, while Agustín Tapia and Arturo Coello emerged as champions in the men’s category. The event, held at the Hamdan Sports Complex, showcased world-class padel action in a transformed Olympic-sized pool arena, accommodating 8,000 enthusiastic spectators. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, graced the finals, presenting medals and trophies to the winners. Ivan Modia, CEO of Gallop Global and Tournament Director, highlighted the event’s success, emphasizing Dubai’s growing reputation as a global hub for premier sporting events. The tournament, featuring top international stars, has set a new benchmark for padel in the MENA region and beyond, with plans already underway for next year’s edition.
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Pochettino faces off against mentor Bielsa when US meets Uruguay in friendly
In a highly anticipated pre-World Cup friendly, the United States will face Uruguay on Tuesday night, pitting Mauricio Pochettino against his mentor, Marcelo Bielsa. Pochettino, who took over as the U.S. head coach last year, expressed profound admiration for Bielsa, the Uruguayan coach who discovered him as a 13-year-old. ‘My respect for him is immense,’ Pochettino stated. ‘He was pivotal in my career as a player and inspired me to become a coach. Tomorrow will be both a joy and a challenge, as his teams are always formidable.’ The two first crossed paths at Newell’s Old Boys in Argentina, where Pochettino played under Bielsa from 1990 to 1992. Since then, Bielsa has managed national teams like Argentina and Chile, as well as several clubs, while Pochettino has led top-tier teams such as Tottenham, Paris Saint-Germain, and Chelsea. The U.S. team, ranked 16th globally, enters the match fresh off a 2-1 victory over Paraguay, while 15th-ranked Uruguay drew 0-0 against Mexico. Pochettino plans to rotate his lineup due to the short recovery time and weather changes. The U.S. remains unbeaten in their last four friendlies against World Cup-bound teams. Pochettino, who assumed leadership after a disappointing Copa America exit, emphasized the importance of building a cohesive team strategy. ‘You don’t change the captain mid-storm,’ he remarked. ‘You need time to establish your approach.’ Following this match, the U.S. will play two more friendlies in March before finalizing their World Cup roster. In other news, the U.S. Soccer Federation announced Dan Helfrich, former Deloitte Consulting CEO, as its new chief operating officer, effective January 1.
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How Dubai played a role in Russian teenager’s rise in tennis
The 2025 WTA season concluded with a remarkable story of 18-year-old Russian tennis prodigy Mirra Andreeva, who ended the year ranked World No. 9. Her breakthrough season was highlighted by a stunning victory at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships (DDFTC), a pivotal moment that catapulted her into the sport’s elite ranks. At just 17, Andreeva became the youngest player to win a WTA 1000 title since Nicole Vaidišová in 2007 and the youngest champion in the women’s tournament’s 25-year history. Her triumph in Dubai, where she defeated higher-ranked opponents including World No. 2 Iga Świątek, marked her as a rising star in the tennis world. The DDFTC has long been a prestigious platform for top talents, hosting legends like Martina Hingis, Venus Williams, and Justine Henin, as well as current stars like Aryna Sabalenka, Świątek, and Coco Gauff. The 2026 edition of the tournament, scheduled for February 15-21, promises to bring together the world’s best players, including Andreeva, who will defend her title. Fans can expect two weeks of world-class tennis action at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, further cementing Dubai’s reputation as a hub for tennis excellence.
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Sinner hails ‘amazing’ ATP Finals triumph over Alcaraz
Jannik Sinner capped off a remarkable season with a thrilling victory over Carlos Alcaraz at the ATP Finals in Turin, securing a straight-sets win of 7-6 (7/4), 7-5. The Italian tennis star, who earlier this year became the first Italian man to win Wimbledon, was cheered on by an enthusiastic crowd as he retained his ATP Finals title. This triumph marked the culmination of a year filled with highs and lows, including a three-month ban due to accidental contamination with a banned substance, which Sinner overcame to reclaim his place at the top of the sport. Reflecting on his season, Sinner expressed pride in his growth as a player, stating, ‘I feel to be a better player than last year… It’s all part of the process.’ The match against Alcaraz was a tightly contested battle, with the Spaniard lamenting missed opportunities, particularly with his backhand volleys. Sinner’s victory not only solidified his status as one of the world’s best but also served as a powerful emotional moment, bringing a challenging yet rewarding season to a close.
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Was Gattuso right – is World Cup qualifying unfair on Europe?
Italy’s national football team is facing the possibility of missing the World Cup for the third consecutive time after a crushing 4-1 defeat to Norway on Sunday. This loss has forced Italy into the play-offs for the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Head coach Gennaro Gattuso has voiced his frustration with FIFA’s qualification process, arguing that it unfairly disadvantages European teams like Italy. Despite winning six of their eight qualifying matches, Italy finished second in their group, leaving them to navigate a challenging play-off route. Gattuso highlighted the disparity in direct qualification slots, noting that South America and Africa receive more automatic berths relative to their number of participating nations. He also pointed out that the current system, which includes smaller qualifying groups, increases the intensity of the competition. However, some of Gattuso’s claims contain inaccuracies, such as his assertion about African teams in the 1990s. Critics argue that Italy’s struggles are more a reflection of their performance than the system itself. The debate raises broader questions about the fairness of FIFA’s allocation of World Cup slots across different confederations. With 54 UEFA nations competing for just 16 spots, Europe’s share has decreased significantly over the years, despite its strong representation in global rankings. As Italy prepares for the play-offs, Gattuso’s call for reform may spark further discussion about the future of World Cup qualification.