Latest

    Off-Pitch & Press

    Abramovich digs in as £2.35bn Chelsea-Ukraine fund stays frozen amid Jersey fight

    Roman Abramovich
    December 2025

    Roman Abramovich has reinforced his legal team, including high-profile UK and US lawyers, as a Jersey court battle over data breaches and frozen assets continues to block release of billions from Chelsea’s sale that were pledged to victims of the war in Ukraine. After winning a ruling that Jersey officials breached data obligations, Abramovich still refuses UK pressure to “pay up now”, arguing funds cannot move while Jersey freezes and corporate debts remain entangled, leaving £2.35bn for Ukraine stuck in limbo despite an existing humanitarian licence.

    Leboeuf wants 2026 World Cup “dedicated to Cristiano Ronaldo”

    Cristiano Ronaldo
    December 2025

    World Cup winner Frank Leboeuf hopes the 2026 tournament becomes Cristiano Ronaldo’s crowning moment, arguing that while the Portuguese icon’s legacy is already secure, lifting the trophy after Lionel Messi’s 2022 triumph would fundamentally change how his career is judged. Leboeuf admits he has criticised Ronaldo before but says a World Cup win is the one missing piece when compared with Messi. Seeing Portugal’s stacked squad, he believes they have the tools to emulate Argentina’s 2022 run and finally give Ronaldo the ultimate international prize.

    Harewood hails Ronaldo as “machine” and model pro after 1,000-goal talk

    Cristiano Ronaldo
    December 2025

    Marlon Harewood says Cristiano Ronaldo’s longevity and numbers were signposted as early as his Manchester United days, arguing that his current output at 40, plus his ambitions to reach 1,000 goals and play with Cristiano Jr, are the product of extreme professionalism. Reflecting on facing Ronaldo in England, Harewood highlighted his work ethic, physical standards and mentality, describing him as the blueprint to show young players. With titles and goals across United, Real Madrid, Juventus and Al-Nassr, he believes nobody should be surprised by Ronaldo’s sustained dominance.

    Nani says Amorim’s “entitled” United kids would never have survived under Ferguson

    Ruben Amorim
    December 2025

    Nani has contrasted Ruben Amorim’s disciplinary headaches with Sir Alex Ferguson’s era, insisting United’s current issues with “entitled” youngsters clapping back on social media would never have arisen when the legendary Scot’s “hairdryer” authority controlled the dressing room. Amorim publicly called out academy prospects Harry Amass and Chido Obi for entitlement and social-media replies, while handling Kobbie Mainoo’s “Free Kobbie” T-shirt saga calmly, stating he will pick the midfielder purely on merit and that his door is open for any player talks.

    Leboeuf warns Cole Palmer not to rush dream Real Madrid or Barcelona move

    Cole Palmer
    December 2025

    Frank Leboeuf has urged Cole Palmer to ignore speculation about dream moves to Real Madrid or Barcelona, reminding the Chelsea playmaker that he has effectively had only a two-year senior career and still needs to fully establish himself as a week-in, week-out starter. He warned that star-studded squads like Madrid’s already overflow with attacking talent such as Jude Bellingham, so Palmer should prioritise regular minutes and trophies at Chelsea, where he can become the central figure of a resurgence instead of risking bench-role status abroad.

    Mbappe still far from Zidane in French GOAT debate

    Kylian Mbappe
    December 2025

    Frank Leboeuf has pushed back on claims that Kylian Mbappe already tops France’s all-time greats, arguing the Real Madrid striker cannot yet compare to Zinedine Zidane, whose legendary status, aura and popularity in France still surpass those of any member of the current generation. Leboeuf says Zidane’s genius, leadership and off-field respect – despite the 2006 World Cup final incident – keep him untouchable, while Mbappe’s private-life controversies and perceived lack of defensive work mean he must evolve, showing more effort and completeness, before entering that conversation.

    Spurs captain Romero charged after bad-tempered Liverpool defeat

    Cristian Romero
    December 2025

    Cristian Romero has been charged by the FA following his red card against Liverpool, where he was dismissed for two bookings in a chaotic match that also saw Xavi Simons sent off and Alexander Isak suffer a fractured leg after a challenge from Micky van de Ven. Simons’ studs-down challenge on Virgil van Dijk was upgraded to red by VAR, Liverpool then led through Isak and Hugo Ekitike before Romero collected yellow cards for dissent and a kick at Konate, with Van de Ven later revealing he texted Isak to apologise for the accidental injury.

    United weigh Saudi Arabia friendly to fill mid-February gap

    Manchester United
    December 2025

    Fixture rescheduling has opened a large gap in Manchester United’s calendar between league games against West Ham and Everton, reviving plans for a money-spinning friendly in Saudi Arabia. With no European commitments this season, the club see an overseas game as useful financially and for maintaining rhythm. Moving the Everton clash to February 23 leaves almost two weeks free, but final approval depends on FA Cup progress, as a fourth-round tie on February 14 would change the picture. United will wait until after facing Brighton before deciding if travel demands and logistics justify a first-team trip.

    Ex-City adviser slams silence over 115-charge FFP case as “inexplicab

    Manchester City
    December 2025

    A former Manchester City financial adviser has criticised the lack of clarity around the club’s 115 alleged FFP breaches, with City confirming in their 2024-25 accounts that the independent commission is still deliberating and the champions themselves remain unaware of when any verdict or sanctions will finally arrive. After a two-year league investigation and a completed 2024 hearing, the panel’s silence has fuelled confusion while City continue to operate as normal, posting record revenue of £694.1m and stating directors still view the club as a going concern able to meet obligations, despite the unresolved and potentially seismic case.

    Rafinha Alcantara retires as injuries end stop-start elite career

    Rafinha Alcantara
    December 2025

    Barcelona treble winner Rafinha has confirmed his retirement from professional football, drawing a line under a career shaped by immense technical talent but repeatedly disrupted by injuries, which limited his impact and curtailed the sustained rhythm required to fully match expectations around his famous footballing family. Emerging from La Masia and debuting for Barça in 2011, Rafinha spent nine uneven years at Camp Nou, punctuated by layoffs and loans, before a 2020 move to PSG. Despite flashes of class and major honours, he never escaped comparisons to brother Thiago, with fitness issues ultimately dictating his decision to walk away.

    Load more

    POPULAR ARTICLES

    © 2026 All Sports · All rights reserved.