- Robert Helenius Banned for Two Years After Failed Drugs Test
- Home Nations Battle for Euro 2025 Women’s Championship Spots
- Leny Yoro Joins Manchester United for £52 Million
- Manchester City Sign Brazilian Winger Savinho for £30 Million
- Alvaro Morata Joins AC Milan After Euro 2024 Triumph
- Shaun Murphy Trails Mark Selby 6-3 in Shanghai Masters Semi-Final
- Matt Dawson Amputates Finger to Compete in Paris 2024 Olympics
- Kasper Schmeichel Joins Celtic, Reunites with Brendan Rodgers
- Marc Marquez Aims to Extend MotoGP Career Beyond New Contract with Ducati
Robert Helenius Banned for Two Years After Failed Drugs Test
Robert Helenius has been banned from boxing for two years following a failed drugs test after his knockout defeat by Anthony Joshua. Helenius, who replaced Dillian Whyte on short notice for the August 2023 fight, tested positive for clomifene, a prohibited substance. The UK Anti-Doping Agency (UKAD) announced the ban, noting Helenius’ claim that the substance came from eggs and chicken, which he could not substantiate. Joshua has since won two more fights and is set to face Daniel Dubois in September.
Home Nations Battle for Euro 2025 Women’s Championship Spots
Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales are vying to join England in the 2025 Women’s European Championship in Switzerland. Scotland faces Hungary, Northern Ireland meets Croatia, and Wales takes on Slovakia in the first-round play-offs. Success for Wales might lead to a second-round clash with the Republic of Ireland. These crucial two-legged ties start on October 23, with the second legs a week later. Second-round play-offs are set for November 27 and December 3.
Leny Yoro Joins Manchester United for £52 Million
Manchester United have signed 18-year-old defender Leny Yoro from Lille for £52 million. Yoro, primarily a centre-back, joins on a five-year deal, with an option for an additional year. The promising young defender, who became Lille’s second-youngest player, is Erik ten Hag’s second signing of the transfer window after striker Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna. Yoro expressed excitement about joining United, highlighting the club’s clear development plan for him.
Manchester City Sign Brazilian Winger Savinho for £30 Million
Premier League champions Manchester City have bolstered their squad by signing 20-year-old Brazilian winger Savinho from Troyes for £30 million. Savinho, who shone on loan at Girona last season, has signed a five-year deal. He expressed excitement about working with Pep Guardiola and playing in the Premier League. The young talent, who made his Brazil debut in March, contributed significantly to Girona’s successful season, making 35 league starts and recording 10 assists. Savinho is City’s first signing of the summer as they aim to defend their title.
Alvaro Morata Joins AC Milan After Euro 2024 Triumph
Alvaro Morata has signed with AC Milan from Atletico Madrid for £10.9 million (€13 million). The 31-year-old Spanish striker, fresh off captaining Spain to Euro 2024 victory, inked a four-year deal. Morata returns to Serie A after previous success with Juventus and will wear the No. 7 shirt. He brings extensive experience and a record of 21 goals in 48 appearances last season.
Shaun Murphy Trails Mark Selby 6-3 in Shanghai Masters Semi-Final
Shaun Murphy trails Mark Selby 6-3 after the opening session of the Shanghai Masters semi-final. Selby took a 6-2 lead with four consecutive frame wins, but Murphy ended the session on a high by winning the ninth frame. Both players displayed fluctuating forms, with Selby making a notable 136 clearance. Murphy’s final break of 72 keeps him in contention.
Matt Dawson Amputates Finger to Compete in Paris 2024 Olympics
Australian field hockey player Matt Dawson, 30, opted for partial amputation of his right ring finger to ensure his participation in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Dawson, a Tokyo 2020 silver medallist, made the tough decision after breaking his finger, prioritizing both his Olympic dream and life post-sports. Despite facing extreme injuries before, Dawson’s commitment was praised by his coach. Australia will compete in a challenging group alongside Belgium, India, Argentina, New Zealand, and Ireland.
Kasper Schmeichel Joins Celtic, Reunites with Brendan Rodgers
Former Leicester and Nice goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel has signed a one-year deal with Celtic, reuniting with manager Brendan Rodgers. Schmeichel, who captained Denmark at Euro 2024, will replace Joe Hart following his retirement. The veteran keeper expressed excitement about joining Celtic, highlighting the club’s passion and success. Rodgers praised Schmeichel’s quality and experience, anticipating a positive impact as they defend their Scottish Premiership title. Schmeichel will also mentor 22-year-old Viljami Sinisalo, recently signed from Aston Villa.
Marc Marquez Aims to Extend MotoGP Career Beyond New Contract with Ducati
Marc Marquez, 31, has signed a two-year deal with Ducati, partnering Pecco Bagnaia, but plans to stay in MotoGP longer. Despite major team changes, Marquez quashed rumors of retirement, aiming to remain competitive and in the top six of every race. Currently third in the championship, he seeks his ninth world title. Marquez’s ambition is to continue racing beyond his current contract, despite Ducati losing Jorge Martin, Enea Bastianini, Marco Bezzecchi, and the Pramac team.
