Barcelona completed its final training session on Tuesday before the Champions League group stage match against Paris Saint-Germain at Montjuic Stadium on Wednesday. Lamine Yamal participated fully after recovering from a groin injury that sidelined him for four matches, and he demonstrated strong form during his recent appearance against Real Sociedad when he assisted Robert Lewandowski's winning goal. Left-back Alejandro Balde returned to the squad after training normally since last week, though coach Hans Flick rested him for the Real Sociedad fixture to prepare for the European competition.
The session featured ball drills and celebrations for Drew, who made his first-team debut, and Marc Bernal, who extended his contract with...
Napoli head coach Antonio Conte rejected protests from players removed during matches after Belgian forward Kevin De Bruyne disputed his substitution in a 2-1 loss to Milan. Journalist Massimo Ogolini reported that Conte addressed the team in the locker room and stated he would not accept such conduct from anyone. The Italian manager told squad members that this behavior crosses a line he refuses to tolerate. Conte directed his message particularly toward new additions to the squad and made clear that no player receives exemption from his standards.
Ronald Araujo faces Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday with memories of a costly red card from two seasons ago that eliminated Barcelona from the Champions League quarterfinals. The Uruguayan defender lost possession under pressure during the return leg at Montjuic before fouling French striker Parkola as the last defender, which led to his dismissal and a 4-1 defeat despite a 3-2 advantage from the first match in Paris. Spanish coach Luis Enrique had identified Araujo as Barcelona's vulnerable point in a sports documentary, instructing opponents to close passing options and apply immediate pressure when the defender received the ball.
The defender has adapted to coach Hans Flick's tactics and displayed strong form in recent appearances...
Barcelona will return to Spotify Camp Nou for its Champions League match against Olympiacos on Oct. 21, the European Football Association announced. The Spanish club prepares to face Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday at Montjuic Stadium in a high-profile second-round group stage encounter that will draw UEFA President Alexander Ceferin to the venue. Barcelona's scheduled La Liga match against Girona on Oct. 18 remains without a confirmed location, though club officials express confidence about hosting at Camp Nou.
The team's Nov. 2 fixture against Elche received official confirmation to take place at the renovated stadium. Barcelona edges closer to reclaiming its historic home after an extended absence, with the Olympiacos match marking...
A Zvishavane man received a 14-month prison term after attempting to collect $6,250 from Ecosure Insurance by inventing a deceased daughter. Promise Banda fabricated documents, such as a child health card and a burial order, to support his false claim about Chipo Enia Banda. The 40-year-old defendant appeared in Zvishavane Magistrates' Court and received an 18-month sentence with four months suspended for good behavior.
Insurance investigators exposed the scheme when they discovered that no child by that name had ever existed. The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe warned that fraudulent claims undermine public confidence in financial institutions. A similar case emerged last year when Sylvester Rusere from Harare invented two...
South African Ambassador to France Emmanuel Nkosinathi Mthethwa died on Tuesday after falling from the 22nd floor of a Paris hotel where he had been staying. The 58-year-old former cabinet minister was discovered outside the Hyatt Hotel in Porte Maillot after his wife reported him missing on Monday evening. French investigators found that the secure window in his room had been forced open before the fatal fall occurred.
Mthethwa faced scrutiny at the Madlaga Commission over allegations that he tried to protect former crime intelligence chief Richard Mdluli from prosecution. KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi testified that Mthethwa attempted to persuade Inspector General of Intelligence Faith Radebe to dismiss charges...
Zimbabwe's Premier Soccer League disciplinary panel fined Yadah FC executive Spencer Muvadi $4,000 and banned him from football activities for one year after he assaulted goalkeeper Godknows Gurure on Aug. 22. The attack occurred in the dressing room at Heart Stadium after Yadah lost 3-2 to Ngezi Platinum Stars. Gurure required several days of hospital treatment for injuries sustained during the incident.
The committee barred Muvadi from conducting business for any PSL club and from attending league matches during his suspension. Yadah FC received a separate $5,000 fine for violating league regulations and must pay within 15 days. The league stated that penalties demonstrate its dedication to protecting participants and maintaining...
South African sports minister Gayton McKenzie expressed solidarity with political opponent Julius Malema ahead of a court ruling on firearm charges at East London Magistrate's Court. McKenzie posted a video statement telling supporters to leave Malema alone if the court finds him guilty. The minister referred to Malema as his fellow bantiti and warned against attacking the opposition leader. McKenzie declared a bantiti alliance between them despite their frequent clashes in Parliament and on social media.
The unexpected show of support drew mixed reactions from followers who found the comments either humorous or inappropriate. Some supporters noted that McKenzie served time for criminal convictions while Malema faces charges related to...
New Zealand winger Caleb Clarke experienced an overwhelming moment before a match at Eden Park when his father Eroni Clarke appeared to perform the national anthem. The All Blacks player became visibly moved as tears filled his eyes during the surprise arranged by rugby officials. Eroni Clarke stood beside his son with evident pride while the crowd observed the family moment with admiration.
Caleb Clarke later posted about the experience on social media and expressed gratitude for his father's influence on his rugby career. He wrote that standing alongside the person who began his rugby journey made every past challenge worthwhile. South Africa captain Siya Kolisi responded to the post with heart emojis and demonstrated respect across...
