The decision comes after investigations found Nations FC responsible for the events that led to the abandonment of the match.

In its verdict, the Committee awarded a 3-0 win to Basake Holy Stars, the designated home side. The ruling also imposes a series of punitive measures on Nations FC, citing violations of the GFA Premier League Regulations.

Basake Holy Stars’ protest was upheld, while a counter-protest by Nations FC was dismissed.

The Committee concluded that Nations FC’s actions directly caused the disruption, thereby forfeiting the match under Article 33(1)(b) of the regulations. As a result, three points and three goals have been awarded to Basake Holy Stars in accordance with Articles 33(2) and 34(12), boosting their league position.

In addition to the forfeiture, Nations FC has been docked a further three points from their season tally, as stipulated under Article 33(5)(a).

The club has also been fined GH₵2,500. Half of the amount (GH₵1,250) is to be paid to Basake Holy Stars FC as compensation, while the remaining half will go to the GFA, in line with Article 33(5)(b).

Furthermore, the Disciplinary Committee has directed the GFA Prosecutor to review the reports from match officials and initiate legal proceedings against any individuals found to have contributed to the incident.

All parties involved have been informed of their right to appeal the ruling by filing with the GFA Appeals Committee within 24 hours of receiving the decision.

Meanwhile, Bibiani GoldStars were officially crowned league champions after Nations FC suffered a 2-0 defeat on the final day of the season.

The recently concluded 2024/25 season was marred by protests, questionable refereeing decisions, and increasing unrest among fans.

One tragic incident saw a fan lose his life at the Nana Kronmansah Park in Nsoatre during a match between Nsoatreman FC and Asante Kotoko, underscoring the serious security lapses within the league.

In an interview with Citi Sports, Akonnor expressed disappointment over the persistent issues, describing them as harmful to the progress of Ghanaian football.

He emphasized the crucial role of integrity in developing the next generation of local players.

“It has to be better. We can do better. We’ve come a long way, you know, and if we don’t have it—dealing with other professionals—where will our next generation of players come from?” he asked.

He also condemned tactics such as deliberate time-wasting by teams in the lead, urging stricter regulation of such unsportsmanlike behaviour.

“It’s always from our local league, so we need to improve that aspect—how they delay when an opponent is leading as a tactic, a style of delaying,” he stated.

Akonnor further singled out poor officiating as a major concern that seems to persist season after season.

“Match officiating is a big problem. And I’ve heard it—what are you telling me? I’ve seen videos. Whether it’s true or not, I don’t have the evidence, but these things keep coming.”

Meanwhile, reigning Ghana Premier League champions Bibiani GoldStars are preparing to take on Medeama SC in a coronation match scheduled for Saturday, June 14, at DUN’s Park.

READ ALSO

• Frimpong Manso stays at GoldStars for CAF Champions League
• GFA fines Berekum Chelsea coach Samuel Boadu and five players for misconduct

Osei, who played a key role in GoldStars’ development after their promotion to the Premier League, sadly passed away a few months after leaving the club. Manso, who succeeded him, led the Miners to clinch their maiden league title.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Sports Nite Show, Manso endorsed calls to honour Osei’s memory.

“I fully agree with those suggesting that we should dedicate the trophy to the late Michael Osei,” he said.

Reflecting on their journey to the title, Manso admitted that the team’s championship ambitions evolved over the course of the season.

“Before the start of the Premier League season, I was hoping GoldStars could finish in the top six, but along the way, I realised that we could win the title.”

GoldStars will face Medeama SC on Saturday, June 14, at DUN’s Park for their coronation match. The club will represent Ghana in the 2025/26 CAF Champions League.

READ ALSO

• Frimpong Manso stays at GoldStars for CAF Champions League
• Bibiani Gold Stars to be crowned Ghana Premier League champions on June 14

Partey’s contract with the Gunners is set to expire at the end of this month, and discussions are ongoing about extending the 31-year-old’s stay at the Emirates Stadium.

Although Arsenal finished the 2024/25 season without a trophy, Partey was a key figure for the team throughout the campaign.

“People are talking about my availability because I was fit all season. Every training session, every match, I gave my best. Injuries are part of the game, but this year I felt great,” he told 3Sports.

He added that his happiness and balance in life will influence his next decision.

“The most important thing is being happy where you play. At this stage of my career, my next move must balance ambition, family, and security. I’m an Arsenal fan too, but it’s up to the club, my agent, and me to decide. For now, I just want to enjoy my football.”

Since arriving at Arsenal from Atlético Madrid in 2020, Partey has featured in 130 matches and scored nine goals.

READ ALSO

• Akonnor urges GFA to address persistent challenges in Ghana Premier League
• Frimpong Manso stays at GoldStars for CAF Champions League

The 41-year-old trainer was appointed in January 2023, replacing Mercy Tagoe-Quarcoo.

Despite qualifying the Queens for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) for the first time since 2018, she felt short of guiding the side to book qualification for the Olympic Games.

Following the expiration of her two-year deal, Häuptle opted against extending her stay as the head coach of the Black Stars.

Speaking to CAFOnline, Häuptle described her journey with the team as a great one.

“Yes, it’ll be my very first WAFCON, my first major tournament on the continent. With Ghana, I had qualified the team after three years of work. That was a great journey,” she said.

Having been appointed as the head coach of Zambia’s Copper Queens earlier this year, Häuptle says it is an honour to lead the side for the WAFCON.

“Now I have the pleasure of participating with Zambia. For me, it’s a kind of fulfilment,” she said.

“It’s also a chance to prove our worth at the highest level. We’ve invested so much into this team, with so much passion.

“And in Zambia, we all share one vision: to bring a trophy home. That’s a huge motivation for me. I just want to make sure we move forward step by step, with curiosity and enthusiasm. I can’t wait for the tournament to begin,” he added.

The Lions of Teranga came from behind to inflict what was also the Three Lions’ first ever loss against an African opponent.

England were seeking a response from their disappointing display against Andorra on Saturday and drew first blood after just seven minutes.

Eberechi Eze stole possession and combined with Conor Gallagher to tee up Anthony Gordon, whose first-time shot was parried by Edouard Mendy for Harry Kane to tuck away the rebound.

Senegal responded well and drew themselves level five minutes before the break as Nicolas Jackson latched onto a ball over the top of the defence, before crossing for Ismaila Sarr to finish.

The visitors, who were unbeaten in 23 matches, then completed the turnaround in the 62nd minute with the Three Lions caught out by another lofted ball in behind the back line, and Habib Diarra capitalising on the space to beat Dean Henderson from a tight angle.

England thought they had equalised in the 84th minute when Jude Bellingham fired home from close range, only for the referee to rule Levi Colwill had handled in the build-up.

The hosts’ misery was compounded in the third minute of stoppage time when Lamine Camara dispossessed Curtis Jones and launched a quickfire counter, before finding Cheikh Sabaly, who controlled and tucked away.

City will pay an initial fee of £30.45m, and Cherki has signed a five-year deal until 2030.

The 21-year-old will be able to play for City at the Club World Cup, which begins in the United States on 14 June.

Cherki has already made almost 200 appearances for Lyon and has scored once in his two caps for France.

“This is a dream for me,” said Cherki. “Honestly, to be joining a club like Manchester City and have the opportunity to make the next step in my career here is something very, very special.”

He is City’s third signing in two days, with coach Pep Guardiola having brought in Algeria left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri from Wolves for £31m on Monday, followed by back-up goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli from Chelsea earlier on Tuesday.

Cherki made his senior debut for Lyon aged 16 in October 2019 and leaves the club having claimed 29 goals and 45 assists in 185 games.

“I have worked so hard for this all my life,” Cherki added. “I love this sport, and I can’t wait to develop further here in Manchester with Pep and his backroom staff.

“The responsibility to help the team continue winning is something I want to embrace. I would only leave Lyon for a project I really believe in and everything at City suggests I can develop my game and help the team be successful in the future.”

After representing France as they won the silver medal at last year’s Paris Olympics, Cherki was handed his debut for the senior men’s team last Thursday.

He came off the bench in their Nations League semi-final against Spain and claimed both a goal and an assist as Les Bleus fought back from 5-1 down but lost 5-4.

Cherki then started Sunday’s third-place play-off and helped France to a 2-0 win over Germany.

Manchester City director of football Hugo Viana said: “There’s no doubt that he’s now in the best place possible to develop further under Pep’s guidance, and I really believe he can become a world-class player with our support and direction.”

Bettinelli, 33, arrives at City following the departure of Scott Carson. The English keeper made just one appearance for Chelsea after joining from Fulham in 2021.

The former Ghana international was instrumental in guiding the Miners to their first-ever major trophy in the club’s history.

GoldStars ended the 2024/25 Ghana Premier League season with 63 points, earning the right to represent Ghana in Africa’s premier club competition.

In an interview with Starr FM, Manso — who previously coached Nkronsah Warriors and Asante Kotoko — affirmed his commitment to the team ahead of this significant milestone.

“The management of GoldStars have categorically revealed to the team that we will play in the CAF Champions League next season. I’m staying on at GoldStars and not leaving,” he said.

He also expressed excitement about the new challenge, describing participation in continental tournaments as a new chapter for both himself and the club.

“Competing in African club competitions is a new adventure for me,” he added.

GoldStars are set to face Medeama in a coronation match at the DUN’s Park on Saturday, June 14.

READ ALSO

• Bibiani Gold Stars to be crowned Ghana Premier League champions on June 14

Vincent Atinga deserves Black Stars call-up – GoldStars CEO

Colombian singer Balvin, US rapper Doja Cat and Nigerian star Tems will cram their performances into the 15-minute half-time break.

The line-up has been curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin, and the event will hope to emulate the success of the long-running Super Bowl half-time show, which has featured stars including Kendrick Lamar, Rihanna and The Weeknd in recent years.

Teams including Chelsea, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Paris St-Germain will take part in the tournament across the US from 15 June to 13 July.

Fifa president Gianni Infantino said: “This show will be unforgettable – not just for its spectacle on a landmark night, but also for the lasting impact it will make.”

Previously an annual tournament contested by seven teams, the Club World Cup has been expanded to 32 teams and is aiming for an increased global profile.

Superstar player Lionel Messi will take part for US team Inter Miami, although the team’s participation has raised some eyebrows.

There will be no Cristiano Ronaldo, though, who has declined offers to play for various teams. The 40-year-old is out of contract with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr at the end of June.

Former Napoli coach Spalletti, 66, announced his own dismissal on Sunday following Italy’s 3-0 drubbing by Norway in their opening World Cup qualifier on Friday.

Ranieri, who recently retired for a second time after his spell at Roma last season, said he was honoured to have been offered the job by Italian Football Federation President Gabriele Gravina.

“I thank President Gravina for the opportunity, a great honour, but I have reflected and decided to remain available to Roma in my new position totally,” he told Italian news agency ANSA.

“The Friedkins (Roma owners) gave me their full support and backing for whatever decision I had made regarding the national team but the decision is mine alone.”

Ranieri helped Roma finish fifth in Serie A last season to qualify for the Europa League. The 73-year-old Italian has been replaced by former Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini at Roma.

Match Commissioners.

These are the officials who, by regulation, are responsible for ensuring order, safety, and protocol compliance before the first whistle blows. Yet, when matches spiral into chaos, or security collapses, no one asks the obvious: Where was the Match Commissioner?

The Match Commissioner: A Role Beyond the Clipboard

According to the GFA’s own General Regulations, a Match Commissioner is not just a passive observer. Their job begins before the players line up. They are tasked with:

• • Leading pre-match coordination meetings.
• • Ensuring all security and organizational arrangements are in place.
• • Checking accreditation and access control for designated zones.
• • Monitoring the referee’s preparation and environmental conditions.
• • Submitting an official match report immediately after the game.

Crucially, the Match Commissioner has the power to delay the start of a match if safety conditions are not met.

Yet in Ghanaian football today, many of these duties are either ignored, rushed through, or treated as formalities. And when problems erupt, it’s always the referee who ends up in the firing line—never the commissioner who allowed the game to start in a compromised environment.

A Benchmark of Professionalism: Ashford Tetteh Oku’s Example

For context, let’s revisit the 2014/15 season, when Ashford Tetteh Oku won Match Commissioner of the Year. He earned that title not for turning a blind eye to the rules, but for standing by them, no matter who was involved.

In one now-famous incident, Oku reportedly denied entry to then-GFA President Kwesi Nyantakyi into the secure area of a stadium because he was not properly accredited. Let that sink in: the most powerful man in Ghanaian football was turned away because the Match Commissioner respected the protocols more than personalities.

Today, how many match commissioners would have the courage or professionalism to do the same?

The Decline: From Watchdogs to Sleeping Dogs

Unfortunately, many of today’s Match Commissioners have become what some insiders cynically call “sleeping dogs.” Present in name, absent in action.

Matches begin with questionable crowd control, poor perimeter security, and unauthorized individuals roaming restricted zones, yet games proceed without a hitch.

When post-match incidents occur, pitch invasions, fan assaults, and referee harassment, very few ask how those threats were allowed to develop in the first place. The Match Commissioner, who should have flagged and addressed these dangers before kickoff, is nowhere in the conversation.

Instead, attention is diverted to the referee’s penalty decision or a questionable offside call.

The Consequences Are Too High

This isn’t just a bureaucratic lapse. The consequences of the Match Commissioners’ neglecting their duties are real:

• • Fan safety is compromised, as seen in past tragedies.
• • Players and referees are endangered due to lax perimeter control.
• • GFA’s image suffers, as basic organisational standards are flouted.
• • Public trust erodes, as fans wonder if there’s any accountability beyond the referee’s whistle.

The silent failure of Match Commissioners enables these outcomes, and yet, their role remains unexamined in the media, even by analysts who should know better.

What Needs to Happen Now

If Ghanaian football is serious about raising standards, the role of the Match Commissioner must be restored to its rightful importance.

Here’s how:

1. Media Spotlight

Talk shows, analysis segments, and GFA briefings must start mentioning commissioners when things go wrong or right.

2. Training and Empowerment

Commissioners need continuous training and full institutional backing to assert themselves on match day, even against club officials or powerful personalities.

3. Strict Protocol Enforcement

No accreditation? No entry. No exceptions. Let’s return to that Ashford Tetteh Oku standard.

4. Audits and Accountability

Post-match commissioner reports should be subject to audit and review. Penalties must apply for negligence.

5. Public Recognition

Just as we award Best Referee of the Season, let’s also recognise and reward Match Commissioners who uphold integrity and discipline in our game.

 Don’t Just Blow the Whistle, Check Who Started the Game

Referees will always be in the spotlight. But it’s time football fans, media, and administrators widen their lens. Before any controversial decision on the pitch, there’s a commissioner who allows the match to begin.

Let’s not keep pointing fingers only at the whistle-blowers. Let’s also hold accountable those who stood at the gates and let chaos walk in.

Coach Boadu, a former Hearts of Oak manager, along with players Mizack Afriyie, Stephen Amankona, Zakaria Fuseini, and Seidu Mohammed, have each been fined GHS 1,000.

The sanctions follow their unsporting behaviour towards match officials after their 1–0 loss to Kotoko.

According to the GFA, the individuals were found to have violated Article 12(1)(i) of the GFA Disciplinary Code, 2019, and Article 34(6)(d) of the Premier League Regulations, 2019. Their conduct—described as aggressive and disrespectful—was deemed detrimental to the spirit and integrity of the game.

A statement issued by the GFA on Monday, May 13, stated that the coach and players “confronted the referees in an aggressive, angry, and fierce manner” immediately after the final whistle.

The Committee emphasized that such actions undermine sportsmanship, respect for match officials, and the overall integrity of football.

Following a disciplinary hearing, all six individuals were found guilty of misconduct. However, the fines have been suspended for six months, conditional on their good behaviour during that period.

In addition to the fines, the Committee issued stern warnings—particularly to Coach Boadu—cautioning that any repeat offence could attract more severe sanctions, including touchline bans or suspension from all football-related activities.

Before the ruling, the GFA’s Prosecutor charged Boadu based on referee reports and post-match video evidence, accusing him of breaching the Association’s ethical standards. The coach and players were given until May 15, 2025, to respond to the charges.

Asante Kotoko have since advanced to the MTN FA Cup final, where they will face Golden Kick FC.

The celebration will follow a ceremonial fixture against Medeama SC.

Gold Stars secured their historic first-ever top-flight title in emphatic style last Sunday, thrashing already-relegated Accra Lions 4-0.

The dominant win sparked wild celebrations across Bibiani and etched the club’s name in Ghanaian football history.

Their triumph also extends the Western Region’s dominance in recent seasons—making it the third straight title for clubs from the area, following wins by Medeama SC in 2022/23 and FC Samartex 1996 in 2023/24.

Saturday’s clash with regional rivals Medeama SC is expected to be a fitting end to a landmark season.

Though the championship has already been secured, both sides will be eager to claim bragging rights in what promises to be a lively and festive encounter.

Kick-off is set for 3:00 PM local time (15:00 GMT). After the final whistle, officials from the Ghana Football Association will present Gold Stars with their medals and the coveted Premier League trophy.

The event is expected to draw dignitaries, fans, and key football stakeholders who will gather to witness the culmination of one of the most impressive campaigns in recent league history.

Led by head coach Frimpong Manso, Gold Stars’ remarkable rise to the top has been powered by resilience, tactical discipline, and team unity. Their consistency throughout the season has earned widespread praise.

Saturday’s coronation will not only mark the end of a historic journey but also signal the beginning of a new chapter, as Bibiani Gold Stars prepare to represent Ghana in the 2025/26 CAF Champions League.

Semenyo has attracted attention from several top clubs following a standout season with AFC Bournemouth.

Among those reportedly interested are Premier League giants Manchester United and Liverpool.

Spurs are said to be making significant moves behind the scenes to secure the forward’s signature.

While Semenyo is believed to prefer a club competing in the UEFA Champions League, he has not ruled out the possibility of joining United.

With Brentford manager Thomas Frank tipped to take over as Tottenham’s new head coach, the North London club is actively working to strengthen its squad ahead of their Champions League campaign next season.

In a related development, Brentford winger Bryan Mbeumo—also linked to Manchester United—has emerged as another potential target for Spurs this summer.

With several first-team regulars missing from Otto Addo’s squad, new faces including Christopher Bonsu Baah and Caleb Yirenchi were handed opportunities to impress.

Despite the unfamiliar lineup, Ghana delivered solid performances and finished third in the four-nation tournament.

“The other players couldn’t make it, but in Ghana we have a lot of talent, and the new players showed their quality in the two matches,” Jordan told Ghana FA media.

He highlighted the importance of testing new players, especially with limited preparation time.

“There is always a need for us to try some new players. We trained only twice before the first game, but the boys looked ready, sharp, and confident in the game against Trinidad and Tobago—and that showed in our performance.”

Ayew expressed hope that the full squad will be available for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

“Hopefully, we have all the players back in the subsequent games so that we can fight for the points in the World Cup qualifiers.”

Ghana recovered from a narrow 2-1 loss to Nigeria in their opening match to comfortably dispatch Trinidad and Tobago 4-0, securing third place in the tournament.

The Black Stars are set to regroup in September for their crucial World Cup qualifying matches against Chad and Mali on Matchdays 7 and 8.

The 24-year-old right-back, who originally joined Brighton from Chelsea, had been out of contract this summer, leaving fans uncertain about his next move.

Lamptey brings valuable pace, skill, and tactical versatility to the Seagulls, particularly excelling in a wing-back role on the right flank.

Brighton’s official announcement stated: “Defender Tariq Lamptey has agreed a one-year contract extension with Albion. The 24-year-old Ghana international made his Albion debut in 2020 and has made 122 appearances for the club, scoring five goals and providing 12 assists.”

During the 2024/25 season, Lamptey played 20 games across all competitions, scoring three goals and providing two assists.

After switching his international allegiance from England to Ghana in 2022, Lamptey has earned eight caps representing the Black Stars.

His contract renewal is a positive sign for Brighton as they gear up for the new season under manager Fabian Hürzeler, aiming to build on their recent strong performances.

Atinga, a former Hearts of Oak centre-back, played a pivotal role in guiding Bibiani GoldStars to their first-ever Ghana Premier League title.

Prior to joining GoldStars, he also secured the league title with Medeama SC, making him the first player to win the Premier League with two different clubs in recent seasons.

Impressed by his consistent performances, Adu believes Atinga deserves recognition at the national level.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show, he said, “In my opinion, Vincent Atinga deserves a Black Stars call-up. He has won with the national team. He has won with Medeama, and he has done it with GoldStars.

“Not every player can do this, so I believe he must be given the chance and opportunity with the Black Stars,” he added.

Bibiani GoldStars will represent Ghana in the 2025/26 CAF Champions League following their historic league triumph.

The 40-year-old forward is out of contract at the end of this month and although sources have told BBC Sport that they are confident of extending his deal, there has still been speculation over his future.

The former Real Madrid, Juventus and Manchester United striker last week posted a cryptic message on social media hinting he was set to leave the club he joined in January 2023.

But, speaking after Portugal’s dramatic Nations League victory over Spain on Sunday, he suggested he would not be moving on.

“Future? Nothing will change. Al Nassr? Yes,” the forward told reporters after the game where he scored a record-extending 138th international goal which levelled the scoring at 2-2.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner was replaced in the 88th minute and was not involved in the resulting penalty shootout.

He was in tears after Ruben Neves slotted home the winning penalty following Diogo Costa’s save from Alvaro Morata’s spot-kick.

On Saturday, Ronaldo said he would not be playing at this month’s Club World Cup after turning down offers from participating teams.

Fifa president Gianni Infantino had raised the prospect of him joining a team involved at the tournament after Al-Nassr’s failure to qualify.

The 24-year-old Algeria defender has signed a contract until 2030 and is available for the group stage of the Club World Cup.

City begin their campaign in the newly-expanded tournament against Moroccan club Wydad AC on 18 June.

Algeria international Ait-Nouri joined Wolves in a £14.9m deal from Angers in 2021, having spent the previous season on loan, and made 41 appearances in all competitions last term as the club avoided relegation, scoring five goals and adding seven assists.

He is Wolves’ second high-profile departure of the summer, with Manchester United having agreed to sign Brazil striker Matheus Cunha for £62.5m.

City have already agreed a £46.3m deal to sign AC Milan’s Netherlands midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, adding to the £200m spent in the January transfer window.

Ait-Nouri said: “City are one of the biggest clubs in the world and the chance to play for the club is a dream come true.

“I am excited about working with and learning from Pep Guardiola and his coaching team and getting to train and play alongside such a world-class group of players.”

The Dane, 51, has emerged as a leading contender to replace Postecoglou.

Brentford would be entitled to compensation for Frank, with sources indicating it would cost Tottenham more than £10m to extricate him from his contract which runs until 2027.

That figure could rise depending on how many members of staff Frank decides to bring with him if he is named Spurs boss.

Postecoglou was sacked on Friday, 16 days after leading Tottenham to victory in the Europa League final, their first major trophy for 17 years.

However, it came towards the end of their worst Premier League season, as they finished 17th after losing 22 of their 38 matches.

Frank took over at Brentford in 2018 and guided them into the Premier League, winning the Championship play-off final at Wembley in 2021 and establishing them as a top-flight club on a small budget.

Brentford finished 10th in the 2024-25 Premier League season, seven places and 18 points above Spurs.

Chief football officer Munn expected to leave Spurs

Meanwhile, Tottenham are expected to confirm the departure of chief football officer Scott Munn this week.

The Australian administrator, who joined Spurs in 2023, is understood to have left the north London club amid an internal reshuffle.

Munn was a key figure in the appointment of fellow Australian Postecoglou in June 2023.

Vinai Venkatesham started in his role as chief executive last Monday, while executive director Donna Cullen left the club.

Munn’s exit is another significant change in what is gearing up to be a crucial summer for Tottenham.

In addition to their search for new men’s and women’s head coaches, Fabio Paratici, the club’s former managing director of football, is in talks over a return to the club once his Fifa ban for alleged financial irregularities linked to his time at Juventus expires in July.

The Italian has been working with Spurs on a consultancy basis during his suspension, with the process towards his permanent reappointment ongoing.

There has been interest from the Middle East in Paratici, but it is understood he is keen to rejoin Tottenham.

The 44-year-old, a former defender and youth team coach at Inter, leaves Parma after only 13 games in charge and replaces Simone Inzaghi.

The former Romania international was appointed by Parma in February – his first senior coaching role – winning three games as he steered Parma to Serie A safety.

Inzaghi left Inter after the 5-0 Champions League final defeat by Paris St-Germain on 31 May and has taken charge of Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal.

Chivu, who has signed a contract until 2027, won three league titles during seven years as an Inter player.

Inter said he has “gone through experiences and challenges of enormous importance, events that have shaped him as a man and a professional, binding him inextricably to the black and blue colours”.

Chivu will take charge of Inter during the Club World Cup. They begin their campaign against Mexican side Monterrey on 17 June.

The Porcupine Warriors fell to the debutants at the Nii Adjei Okraku II Complex in Tema, but despite the setback, Kotoko secured a spot in the league’s top four with a total of 58 points.

Rather than dwelling on the loss, Zito emphasized the lessons to be learned as they prepare for the upcoming FA Cup final.

“The positive side of this game is that it serves as a wake-up call for the finals [FA Cup]. I saw this coming even before the Medeama game, so I am not overly worried. At the end of the day, winning this match would not give me the title but will place me in a better position,” he said.

“It is a wake-up call for the finals, and I’m glad to see it now because it will help me rearrange my boys well for the finals. Positively, it will help me. So I told them I’m going to use this game to prepare for the finals,” he added.

Asante Kotoko now shift their focus to the FA Cup final against Golden Kick FC, scheduled for this weekend at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium.

The commanding centre-back has now clinched his second league title in just three years, achieving the feat with two different clubs.

Atinga first lifted the trophy with Medeama SC three seasons ago before switching to GoldStars ahead of the just-ended campaign.

His influence in Coach Frimpong Manso’s setup proved vital as the team surged to their maiden league triumph.

Following GoldStars’ emphatic 4-0 victory over Accra Lions on Sunday, Atinga was beaming with pride.

“If you want to win the league in Ghana, you should sign me,” Atinga said after the match.

“I don’t have words to describe my feelings. I am too excited because I took Medeama to win the league and I also did it with GoldStars,” he added.

The former Hearts of Oak defender admitted the journey was far from easy, reflecting on the season’s challenges.

“It was very, very difficult. You know, there are ups and downs. There were games we were supposed to win and we ended up losing, so it was difficult,” he said.

With their league triumph, GoldStars will represent Ghana in next season’s CAF Champions League, marking another milestone in both the club’s and Atinga’s growing legacy.

GoldStars secured a historic qualification to the continental tournament after clinching the 2024/25 Ghana Premier League title with 63 points.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show, Mr. Adu assured fans and stakeholders that the club is committed to strengthening the squad ahead of their African campaign.

“Bibiani GoldStars is being supported by a mining company, and we will go to Africa. Individuals have been able to spend on clubs at the African stage, so we will go to Africa,” he said.

“We will improve the team and make sure we leave a mark in Africa,” he added.

As part of their preparations, the club is considering either the Accra Sports Stadium or the Baba Yara Stadium as their home venue for CAF Champions League matches.

The Phobians wrapped up their campaign in 5th place with 58 points after securing a narrow 1-0 victory over FC Samartex in their final match at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Speaking in a post-match interview, the Ivorian tactician insisted his team outperformed others over the course of the season.

“Hearts of Oak were the best team in the 2024/25 season,” Ouattara boldly stated.

With the 2025/26 season on the horizon, Hearts of Oak are expected to reinforce their squad as they aim for a stronger title challenge.

In a related development, reports suggest that former Black Stars assistant coach Maxwell Konadu is being considered for the head coach role ahead of the new campaign.

The Pacers snatched victory in the final second of the opening game on Friday week, but on Sunday the Thunder dominated from start to finish.

Gilgeous-Alexander’s first basket at Paycom Center in Oklahoma took him to 3,000 points for the season, making him the 12th player in NBA history to reach the milestone.

Game three of the best-of-seven series takes place at Gainbridge Fieldhouse at 01:30 BST on Thursday, the first time Indianapolis has hosted a finals game in 25 years.

“They play a full 48 minutes and you can’t just throw the first punch,” said Gilgeous-Alexander. “You’ve got to try to throw all the punches all night.

“That’s what we did. We threw enough punches tonight to get a ‘W’.”

Gilgeous-Alexander, the NBA’s Most Valuable Player, added five rebounds and eight assists.

The Thunder’s Jalen Williams scored 19 points, Aaron Wiggins had 18 and Chet Holmgren recovered from a disappointing six points in game one to score 15 points with six rebounds.

The Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton was limited to 17 points, three rebounds and six assists.

“It’s still a race – first to four,” he said. “We are going to our home court tied 1-1.”

Haliburton walked out of the post-game news conference with a slight limp.

Seven Pacers players scored in double figures, including Myles Turner with 16 points and Pascal Siakam with 15.

Rennie officiated more than 300 games between 1997 and 2008, including 175 Premier League matches.

“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former chair and trailblazing referee, Uriah Rennie,” said a Sheffield & Hallamshire County Football Association statement.

“Uriah made history as the Premier League’s first Black referee, officiating over 300 top-flight matches between 1997 and 2008. He broke down barriers, shaped our football community and inspired generations to come.”

Rennie recently revealed he was learning to walk again after a rare condition left him paralysed from the waist down.

Born in Jamaica, he moved to Sheffield as a child and grew up in the Wybourn area of the city.

He started refereeing in local football in 1979 before making history in 1997 when he oversaw the top-flight match between Derby County and Wimbledon.

“Incredibly sad news about the passing of Uriah Rennie. A Black pioneering referee and leader in the game,” said Leon Mann, co-founder of the Football Black List.

“We owe so much to those who push open the doors. Uriah should never, ever be forgotten.

“Thoughts and prayers with Uriah’s family and close friends.”

Rennie had been a magistrate in Sheffield since 1996 and campaigned on issues including improving equality and inclusion in sport, mental health and tackling deprivation.

He had a master’s degree in business administration and law and, in November 2023, was awarded an honorary doctorate by Sheffield Hallam University for his distinguished contributions to sport and his work with South Yorkshire communities.

In May, Rennie was installed as the new chancellor of the university.

And what a way to do it, as they beat their neighbours and oldest rivals Spain on penalties.

Ronaldo may have already been off the pitch, having been replaced in the 88th minute – but he had already played his part.

The Portugal captain made it 2-2 in the 61st minute with a close-range finish. That was his 138th international goal, extending his own record.

And it was his eighth in nine Nations League games this campaign, only behind Sweden’s Viktor Gyokeres.

Not bad for a 40-year-old who has spent the past two and a half years in the Saudi Arabian league with Al-Nassr.

It marks the first time Spain have failed to lift a trophy since the 2022 World Cup, having won the Nations League in 2023 and Euro 2024.

At times in this tournament – beating France 5-4 in the semi-finals – they looked unstoppable. But Ronaldo and Portugal did just that.

Nuno Mendes too, with the Portugal full-back keeping Spain star Lamine Yamal quiet and scoring a goal himself.

Ronaldo said: “Winning for Portugal is always special. I have many titles with clubs, but nothing is better than winning for Portugal.

“It’s tears. It’s duty done and a lot of joy.”

Ronaldo wins the Yamal battle

“When you talk about a clash between Cristiano and someone else, that’s not how it works. The media always try to hype things up, which is a normal thing, but it’s one team versus another.”

They were the words of Ronaldo in the build-up to this game, and many discussed the 40-year-old coming up against 17-year-old Spain superstar Yamal.

And it was Ronaldo who emerged a winner in more ways than one after netting the 938th goal of his career, hooking in Mendes’ deflected cross from close range.

Former England midfielder Andros Townsend on ITV said: “This is why Cristiano Ronaldo is on the football pitch.

“He is a predator in the box. He knows where the ball is going to go. Good contact when it comes to him.

“People have written him off time and time again but he played his part tonight. He more than played his part in the semi-final. He has proven he can still make a difference at the highest level.”

ITV pundit Karen Carney added: “Ronaldo’s eyes lit up. ‘Who else? Me.’

“When you turn 30 everyone calls you old in football. This guy is 40 and he is constant defying us.”

He only touched the ball 22 times – but did track back more than once, including to win the ball off Yamal.

The Spain winger, who scored twice in the semi-final win over France, did not enjoy one of his best games.

He had four shots, mostly from distance, forcing two saves from Diogo Costa.

“Yamal will learn tonight. He was completely anonymous. He will have to think of ways of doing this,” said Spanish football journalist Guillem Balague.

Will Martinez keep his job now?

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 20 goals in two and a half years under Roberto Martinez

This marks the first trophy of Portugal manager Roberto Martinez’s international career, after failing to win anything with Belgium’s so-called golden generation.

The 2013 FA Cup with Wigan was his last piece of silverware – so could the Nations League save his job?

Balague said: “The rumour [that he will be sacked] has come from the federation of Portugal. A new president who has not chosen Roberto Martinez.

“We are reading the new president would like Jorge Jesus or Jose Mourinho to soon be the next manager, but how can you get rid of Roberto Martinez?”

Martinez took over as Portugal boss in January 2023, after the last World Cup, and is contracted until next summer to cover the 2026 World Cup.

“He has made Ronaldo a regular goalscorer again,” continued Balague. “Ronaldo has a better percentage of goals per game than he has with any other manager.

“Basically, this just killed whatever plan there was to get rid of him. How can they get rid of him?”

While the Nations League is not the biggest tournament in the world, it is one of only three trophies European countries can win, excluding other minor competitions you can only enter by winning another trophy.

Carney added: “It was more so with the Belgium national team, going from that golden generation and going to this one – what’s going to be different?

“There is something special about him.

“The players and Ronaldo have reacted positively to him.

“He will be judged, after this, at the World Cup. It would be terrible if he is replaced.”

How Mendes caught the eye

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Nuno Mendes (right) dealt with Lamine Yamal (left) expertly

Portugal left-back Mendes, midfielders Joao Neves and Vitinha and striker Goncalo Ramos were all celebrating at Allianz Arena for the second time in eight days.

They all won the Champions League with Paris St-Germain at the same venue last weekend, and Mendes was named man of the match for his fine job in this game.

Uefa’s technical observer group said: “He was incredible, both in attack and defensively during the tournament. He scored in the final, also providing an assist in the semi-final.”

The 22-year-old was electric down the left flank, as he shackled Yamal largely – and scored their first equaliser with a fine effort into the bottom corner.

He had four successful dribbles (three more than any team-mates), more touches in the opposition box than any other Portugal player and won seven duels – as many as anyone else on the team.

Mendes also played more passes into the final third (16) and won more tackles (five) than any other Portugal player.

“You love seeing him burst forward, but ultimately he has a defensive responsibility,” said Carney.

“A few players will be looking – ‘how do I get past him?’ But he is the complete [defender]. What a joy to have in your team.”

Balague added: “He’s been fantastic – top 10 Ballon d’Or. He has been superb.

“Lamine Yamal, in Nuno Mendes, has found his nemesis.”

The 22-year-old, who is part of the England squad for the European Under-21 Championship in Slovakia this summer, was limited to 18 Premier League appearances for Liverpool last season, 16 of them as a substitute.

His only two starts came in defeats at Chelsea and Brighton after the Reds had already secured the Premier League title in manager Arne Slot’s first season in charge.

Overall, Elliott played 28 games in all competitions, which included six starts as he totalled five goals and three assists in 822 minutes of action.

In comparison, he made 53 appearances, including 27 starts, in the 2023-24 campaign when he scored four goals and provided 11 assists.

“It’s just a situation that me and the team have to have a conversation about because I’m coming into an age now where I’m 22, I’m going to be 23 next season,” said Elliott when asked if he is considering leaving Liverpool.

“I don’t really want to be wasting years on my career because it’s a short career. You don’t know what’s going to happen.

“I need to reflect. I need to see if I’m content in doing what I’m doing and how can I improve as a player because that’s the most important thing.

“I just want to improve and be the best possible version of myself. If that’s to go somewhere else, then it’s a decision that I’m going to have to make and I just need to see what happens.

“Nothing makes me want to leave. I love the club, I love the fans, the team. I support them as well. But most importantly, it’s just about what’s best for my career.”

Liverpool are trying to sign attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen this summer which could further limit Elliott’s chances of first-team football.

Elliott, who was sidelined for about three months when he suffered a broken foot in September, added: “After my injury, I think it was always going to be hard, but I’d hoped I would have got some more opportunities – but football is football.”

Elliott, who joined Liverpool as a 17-year-old from Fulham in July 2019, returned from injury in December.

He hoped scoring a late winner in the first leg of a last-16 Champions League tie at Paris St-Germain in March would be a turning point for him, but it proved not to be the case.

Elliott was a half-time substitute against Southampton in Liverpool’s next game before the second leg of the tie against PSG, which the Reds lost on penalties.

“I thought PSG [first leg] was kind of a high for me, especially with the Premier League game coming up a few days later,” said Elliott.

“I thought it was an opportunity for me to get a start and showcase what I can do and just get a nice run out, but the boss is the boss.

“He’s the man in charge. He’s the reason why we’ve won the league, because of his decisions. His decisions were not to start me – I can’t complain.”

StarTimes earlier announced acquiring the rights to broadcast all matches of the world club showpiece to be played in the United States of America from June 14 – July 13, 2025.

As part of plans to give subscribers a flexible means to enjoy all live matches of the tournament, StarTimes has announced a promotional campaign to offer customers a package upgrade and more viewing days as soon as they recharge their accounts.

Effective June 13, 2025 to August 16, 2025, existing subscribers who recharge two months of their current bouquet, get two months FREE upgrade to the next higher bouquet while MEGA bouquet subscribers who recharge for two months, get an extra 10 Days FREE viewing.

Acting marketing manager of StarTimes, Mr. Eli Kondoh reiterated the company’s vision to offer Ghanaians affordability with regards to premium sports and entertainment content.

“We always seek to give our subscribers the freedom to watch premium content at the most affordable rates. And with as low as GHC 180 per month on the MEGA bouquet, all active subscribers can watch all 63 matches of the all-new FIFA Club World Cup expanded format. An affordable offer which is not available anywhere elsewhere but on StarTimes.”

“With the football league season coming to an end, we want our subscribers to have more viewing days to enjoy the FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP and other great entertaining content for the entire family.”

The opening match of the 2025 tournament, the first of 63 in total, will see Al Ahly and Inter Miami square off at Hard Rock Stadium, Florida on June 14 at 12AM, while the final will be played on July 13 at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey at 7PM.

Clubs from six different confederations will be taking part, including reigning champions Manchester City who won their first world title in the previous tournament in 2023 under the old format.

Spanish giants Real Madrid will endeavour to win a record-extending sixth Club World Cup trophy, while Paris Saint-Germain – fresh from their Champions League triumph – will be hoping to add to their treble of trophies won in the 2024-25 campaign.

Other notable names taking part include Brazilian quartet Palmeiras, Flamengo, Fluminense and Botafogo who have all qualified after winning the Copa Libertadores – South America’s most prestigious club competition – over the last four years.

Argentine giants Boca Juniors and River Plate have also qualified, along with the likes of Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal, Egyptian champions Al Ahly and Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami.

The Miners sealed the championship in emphatic fashion with a dominant 4-0 victory over already-relegated Accra Lions on the final day of the season at DUN’s Park.

Abdul Farouk Amoaful opened the scoring just four minutes into the game, setting the tone for a memorable afternoon.

A well-executed team move was capped off by Kelvin Oppong, who calmly slotted home the second goal to send the hosts into halftime with a 2-0 lead.

Gold Stars maintained their momentum in the second half, continuing to apply pressure on the visitors.

Samuel Atta Kumi extended their lead shortly after the break, before Frank Amankwah put the icing on the cake with a fourth goal just five minutes later.

Frimpong Manso’s side have their remarkable home form to thank for their success, having lost only once at DUN’s Park throughout the season and conceding just five goals in 17 home matches.

With this triumph, Bibiani Gold Stars not only claim their maiden Premier League title but also earn the right to represent Ghana in the 2025/26 CAF Champions League.

In a thrilling conclusion to the campaign, GoldStars delivered a statement performance at DUN’s Park, thrashing Accra Lions 4-0 to seal the championship. Abdul Farouk Amoaful set the tone with an early strike in the 4th minute, sparking celebrations among the home supporters. Kelvin Oppong added a second in the 19th minute, giving the league leaders a comfortable 2-0 advantage at the break.

The dominance continued after the interval, as Samuel Kumi and Frank Amankwah found the back of the net in the 73rd and 90th minutes, respectively, ensuring a comprehensive win and securing the title with a three-point lead.

Elsewhere, Accra Hearts of Oak capped their season with a narrow 1-0 victory over former champions FC Samartex 1996 at the Accra Sports Stadium. Defender Konadu Yiadom netted the decisive goal in the 57th minute, earning Hearts their first Premier League win against Samartex.

At the Tuba Astro Turf, Dreams FC put on a goal-scoring display with a 4-1 victory over Legon Cities. Jonathan Nemorden scored a brace, while Joseph Esso and Suraj Seidu added to the tally. Albert Adomah scored a consolation for Legon Cities, who have now been relegated.

Bechem United wrapped up their season with a 1-0 win over Young Apostles at the Nana Fosu Gyeabour Park, courtesy of a second-half penalty from Baba Moro Abdulai.

In Dormaa, Aduana FC ended on a high, defeating Basake Holy Stars 3-1. Richard Tetteh opened the scoring for the hosts before Francis Obeng equalized. However, goals from Emmanuel Marfo and Alex Boakye in the second half restored Aduana’s lead and sealed the win.

Nations FC ended their campaign with a disappointing 2-0 home loss to Heart of Lions at the Dr. Kwame Kyei Sports Stadium. Samuel Boamah Quansah and Asante Sedorf were on target for the visitors.

At TNA Park, Medeama SC suffered a 2-1 home defeat to Berekum Chelsea. Vincent Klu Adjei gave the visitors the lead, which was canceled out by Kingsley Braye. But former Medeama forward Kofi Ansu Patrick returned to haunt his old club with a late winner in the 85th minute.

Finally, Vision FC stunned Asante Kotoko at the Nii Kraku Adjei II Sports Complex with a 3-1 comeback win. Despite taking an early lead through an own goal by Lord Xorse Kudzinya, Kotoko couldn’t hold on as Frank Duku netted twice and Edmund Asante added a third to secure a memorable victory for the hosts.

Full Results: 

Cristiano Ronaldo pulled Portugal level at 2-2 in the 61st minute, but there was nothing else to separate the two sides when the referee signalled the end of normal time.

Subbed off before extra time, Portugal captain Ronaldo dropped to the turf and sobbed tears of joy on the sidelines after Ruben Neves slotted home the winning penalty following Diogo Costa’s save from Alvaro Morata’s spot-kick.

Winners of the 2023 edition, Spain had opened the scoring in the 21st minute when Martin Zubimendi poked home after Portugal failed to clear their lines.

Their lead was short-lived as Nuno Mendes slammed a low, angled strike past Unai Simon and into the far corner of the net five minutes later.

Mikel Oyarzabal, who netted a late winner in last summer’s European Championship final against England, restored La Roja’s advantage before the break.

But Ronaldo came to Portugal’s rescue as he shrugged off Marc Cucurella to reach Mendes’ deflected cross and hook a volley in from close range.

Goncalo Ramos, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes and Nuno Mendes all calmly fired their penalties home before Morata’s weak effort was stopped by Costa.

And as Neves converted the final spot-kick, Portugal became the first team to win two Nations League titles – denying Spain, who were vying for the same honour.

Errani and Paolini beat Kazakh Anna Danilina and Serb Aleksandra Krunic 6-4 2-6 6-1 on Court Philippe Chatrier.

The Italian duo won Olympic gold on the same court in Paris last summer and have now added a first Grand Slam title together to their growing collection.

Paolini, 29, reached the women’s singles and doubles finals at last year’s French Open but lost in the fourth round of this year’s singles.

“I want to thank Sara,” Paolini said.

“It has been her last tournament in singles here and I want to say thank you very much. You are an inspiration for me.

“You are a great champion and a great person. You have made me a better player and it’s great to share these special moments with you. You are a legend.”

Errani, 38, previously said this would be her last time playing singles at Roland Garros and she ultimately lost in the second round of qualifying.

She had already completed the doubles Golden Slam – winning each of the four majors – but now boasts six Grand Slam titles to her name, including two at the French Open.

Errani also won the mixed doubles title alongside compatriot Andrea Vavassori on Thursday.

“This is the best court in the world, I have the best memories here and it’s so special for me,” Errani said.

“Sometimes you are not enjoying it 100% because you can’t stop and feel it, but right now I’m feeling it.

“I’m trying to realise what we are doing and it’s so big. Winning a Grand Slam is such a big thing.”

Second seeds Errani and Paolini had not dropped a set en route to the final but were taken the distance by Danilina and Krunic.

Errani and Paolini broke for a 4-2 lead in the first set but Danilina and Krunic hit straight back, restoring parity with a break of their own at the fifth attempt.

The Italians wrapped up a 55-minute set with a break of serve in the 10th game, signalling another routine victory could be on the cards.

But Danilina and Krunic came out fighting, earning two breaks to get on the board and force a decider.

That momentum was quickly wrestled away, though, when Krunic and Danilina were each broken on their first service games and their Italian rivals raced to the finish line.

The captain finished well for the 45th-minute opener following a pass from Real Madrid team-mate Aurelien Tchouameni.

And Mbappe set up the second goal six minutes from time when he pounced on a mistake from Robin Koch and unselfishly squared the ball for Michael Olise to slot into the empty net.

Germany had their chances, though, with both a penalty award and goal overturned by the video assistant referee (VAR).

First Karim Adeyemi was awarded a spot-kick after being brought down by France keeper Mike Maignan, but the Germany forward was instead booked for diving after a VAR check.

And then Deniz Undav’s effort was disallowed after Niclas Fullkrug was deemed to have fouled Adrien Rabiot in the build-up.

Adeyemi also had three shots saved by Chelsea target Maignan, while Florian Wirtz struck a post.

But France could have added to their goal haul in Stuttgart too. Marcus Thuram’s curling strike hit the post, while Mbappe missed the target several times and forced a great save from Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

Julian Nagelsmann’s Germany have now failed to win in three games, including Wednesday’s semi-final defeat by Portugal.

Captain Joshua Kimmich told RTL: “We should have been leading 3-0 after six minutes. Then we went into the break a goal behind.

“We lost patience too early and lost our structure in the second half. We made too many mistakes and gave them what they wanted.”

Les Bleus boss Didier Deschamps added: “Mike [Maignan] was a fantastic last line of defence and he kept us in it at the start.

“I thought the scoreline at half-time against Spain [2-0] was incredibly severe. I’m not going to sit here and lie to you and say that we deserved to go into half-time today in the lead, but it allowed us to go on and become better.”

Spain, who beat France 5-4 in their last-four tie, and Portugal play in the final later on Sunday (20:00 BST) in Munich.

Italy conceded three first-half goals in Oslo to fall to defeat in their opening qualifier for the 2026 tournament

The 66-year-old said he would still take charge of Monday’s game against Moldova, but it will be his last with the national team.

“Last night we were very together with president [Gabriele] Gravina. He told me that I will be relieved of my position as coach of the national team,” said Spalletti.

“I had no intention of giving up. I would have preferred to stay in my place and continue doing my job. I’ll be there tomorrow evening against Moldova, then we’ll resolve the contract.”

The Italian, who eventually stormed out of the press conference, has been in charge since 2023 and led the team at Euro 2024 where Italy were knocked out in the last 16 by Switzerland.

Spalletti, who has managed Napoli, Inter Milan and Roma in Serie A, has taken charge of 23 matches as Azzurri head coach and won just 11.

Italy are in Group I of Uefa World Cup qualifying alongside Norway, Moldova, Estonia and Israel.

“I’ll be there tomorrow night against Moldova,” added Spalletti. “These are the results under my management and I have to take responsibility.

“I love this shirt, this job and the players I’ve coached. Tomorrow night I’ll ask them to demonstrate what I asked even if I haven’t been able to get them to express their best.”

Alcaraz’s reign on the Roland Garros clay looked to be over when world number one Sinner closed in on victory at 5-3 in the fourth set.

But the 22-year-old Spaniard showed extraordinary fight to win 4-6 6-7 (4-7) 6-4 7-6 (7-3) 7-6 (10-2) after five hours and 29 minutes – the longest French Open final in history.

In an electrifying atmosphere on Court Philippe Chatrier, Alcaraz produced the finest performance of his career to claim a fifth major title.

In his victory speech, he told Sinner: “The level you have is amazing.

“It is a privilege to share a court with you in every tournament and in making history.”

Alcaraz is the first man to win a Grand Slam title after saving match point since Novak Djokovic beat Roger Federer in the 2019 Wimbledon final.

The world number two had never previously won a match after losing the opening two sets.

Sinner, bidding for a maiden Roland Garros triumph, was denied his third successive major after a gruelling, gritty and glorious encounter.

“It’s easier to play than talk now,” said the 23-year-old, who was playing in only his second tournament since returning from a three-month ban for failing two doping tests.

The minister’s comments followed the controversial conclusion of the Matchday 33 fixture between Basake Holy Stars and Nations FC at the Ampain AAK II Sports Arena.

The game ended abruptly after Nations FC players and officials stormed the pitch to protest a second contentious penalty awarded to the home side.

The Abrankese-based side eventually abandoned the match, citing biased officiating and inadequate security.

Reports also indicated that the club’s owner, Dr. Kwame Kyei, and his son, Divine Kyei, were assaulted during the incident.

In an interview with Sporty FM, Minister Adams did not hold back his frustration, criticizing the conduct and competence of certain club owners and managers.

Responding to the minister’s remarks, Nana Oduro Sarfo—speaking on Adom TV’s Fire for Fire—defended the football fraternity and questioned the minister’s understanding of the sport.

“I don’t think the Minister for Health will stand in public and criticise owners of private hospitals and tell them they are clueless,” he said.

“If the Minister for Sports [Kofi Adams] understands football, he wouldn’t have said some club owners are clueless.”

Oduro Sarfo went on to admit that the GFA, including himself, should have taken proactive steps to guide the minister upon assuming office.

“I will blame the GFA, including myself. When he came into office, we should have given him the code of ethics, disciplinary code, statutes, and regulations of the Ghana Football Association (GFA),” he added.

With the league season set to conclude this weekend, the GFA has yet to issue a decision regarding the abandoned match.

The four-time African champions suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat to rivals Nigeria in the semifinal clash held at the Gtech Community Stadium.

However, the Black Stars bounced back strongly in the third-place playoff, delivering an emphatic 4-0 victory over Trinidad and Tobago.

The Unity Cup matches formed part of Ghana’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, with Matchdays 7 and 8 against Chad and Mali scheduled for September.

Speaking to the Ghana Football Association’s media team, the Leicester City forward acknowledged the team’s slow start against Nigeria but expressed satisfaction with their overall performance across the two matches.

“Obviously, we needed to bounce back stronger after the loss to Nigeria. I think we didn’t start well against Nigeria, but the second half was brilliant, just that we didn’t take our chances,” Ayew said.

“We have loads of positives to pick from the two games. We wanted to win the Unity Cup, but we fell short in the first game.

“The lads played well, we created chances, scored four goals and kept a clean sheet, and that is great for us,” he added.

The Black Stars finished third in the tournament, bouncing back from a 2-1 loss to Nigeria with a solid win over Trinidad and Tobago.

With qualifiers against Mali and Chad on Matchdays 7 and 8 looming in September, Addo praised the impact of the fresh faces introduced during the Unity Cup.

“I am very satisfied; we brought in new players, again, who are fresh, and I think we really did well in the first half,” Addo said after the Trinidad and Tobago win. “Everybody could show himself.”

The 49-year-old coach admitted that several of the new players had made strong cases for inclusion in the next competitive squad.

“The challenge is on. A lot of players showed that they can compete at the highest level, and this makes my work hard. But this is how we want it. You can see that in Ghana there is a lot of talent,” he said.

Addo also emphasized that club performances in the upcoming season will be a key factor in his final decisions.

“We will still observe them. Surely, how they perform with their clubs will also decide in the end for September. I’m happy for them to rest now and come back fresh,” he added.

The last matchday promises high drama, as the ultimate league winner has yet to be decided.

In Accra, Hearts of Oak will host FC Samartex at the Accra Sports Stadium, while Bibiani GoldStars face already-relegated Accra Lions at the DUN’s Park.

Dreams FC will battle another relegated side, Legon Cities, at the Tuba Astro Turf, with Bechem United welcoming Young Apostles to the Nana Fosu Gyeabour Park.

At the Nana Agyemang Badu Park, Aduana FC take on Basake Holy Stars. Nations FC will lock horns with Heart of Lions at the Dr. Kwame Kyei Sports Complex.

Elsewhere, Medeama SC host Berekum Chelsea at the TNA Park, while Vision FC clash with Asante Kotoko at the Nii Adjei Kraku II Sports Complex.

The champion of the 2024/25 season will earn the right to represent Ghana in the 2025/26 CAF Champions League.

Full Fixtures: 

Postecoglou, 59, was sacked on Friday, despite leading the club to their first piece of silverware in 17 years with victory in the Europa League.

Pochettino, whose five-year stay at the club came to an end in November 2019, has been linked with a return to Tottenham.

But the Argentine, who was appointed US manager in October 2024, says he is happy in his new role.

“Today it’s not realistic,” said Pochettino, 53. “Look where I am. Look where we (his backroom staff) are. The answer is so clear.

“I think, since I left in 2019, my name has always been on the list [of rumours].

“I’ve seen the rumours, we are 100 coaches on the list. Don’t be worried about that.

“If something happens [in the future], you for sure will see, but I am so happy in this moment and we cannot talk about this type of thing.”

Pochettino was speaking after the United States were beaten 2-1 by Turkey in Connecticut.

It was the side’s third straight defeat, leaving Pochettino with five wins and four losses from nine matches in charge.

The United States are hosting the 2026 World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico.

During his time in north London, Pochettino helped Spurs reach the final of the Champions League in 2019, as well as to a second-place finish in the Premier League in 2017.

Brentford manager Thomas Frank is a leading contender to replace Postecoglou, while there is interest in Fulham coach Marco Silva.

The Phobians will host defending champions FC Samartex in their final game of the season at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday. Hearts currently sit 5th on the table with 55 points.

Speaking ahead of the clash, Opare Addo acknowledged that the team’s title hopes have fallen short but insisted they are focused on ending the season positively.

“We are hoping to end the season on a positive note by finishing in the top four since we have not been able to win the league,” he told Sporty FM.

Opare Addo also addressed rumours circulating about the future of head coach Aboubakar Ouattara. He firmly denied reports suggesting the club plans to part ways with the Ivorian tactician at the end of the season.

“Aboubakar Ouattara remains the substantive head coach of Hearts of Oak. No decision has been taken by the club,” he stated.

Kick-off for Sunday’s match is scheduled for 15:00 GMT.

American second seed Gauff claimed a 6-7 (5-7) 6-2 6-4 victory after a tense battle between the WTA Tour’s two leading players in testing conditions.

It is the second Grand Slam singles triumph of Gauff’s career, adding to the US Open title she won in 2023, also by beating Belarus’ Sabalenka.

“I honestly didn’t think I could do it,” Gauff, 21, said during the trophy presentation.

Gauff recovered from a difficult start where she trailed by a double break, eventually finding her rhythm and benefiting from a huge number of mistakes from 27-year-old Sabalenka.

“This hurts so much. Congratulations to Coco – she was a better player than me,” said Sabalenka, who was also bidding for her first Roland Garros title.

A stiff breeze played havoc with serve in the opening two sets, leading to the pair exchanging 12 breaks in an entertaining if not high-quality affair.

Gauff, who lost in the 2022 final, settled quicker in the deciding third set to move a break up and kept her nerve to serve out victory.

She had to survive another break point before winning her second championship point, falling to the clay on her back when Sabalenka pushed a forehand wide.

With her parents Candi and Corey dancing euphorically in the stands, Gauff shared an affectionate hug with Sabalenka before running off court to celebrate with her family.

From tears of pain to tears of joy – Gauff’s redemption

Gauff’s previous appearance in the French Open singles showpiece, when she was still a teenager, ended in her covering her head with a towel as she sobbed on her chair.

It was the defining image of her defeat by Iga Swiatek, but she vowed to come back stronger – and she has.

“I was going through a lot of things when I lost here three years ago,” Gauff said.

“I’m just glad to be back here. I was going through a lot of dark thoughts.”

Three years on, Gauff returned to the final as a Grand Slam champion, having fulfilled the potential promised by winning in New York.

A productive clay-court swing, taking her to the Madrid and Rome finals, meant she arrived in Paris considered a sounder bet than defending champion Swiatek.

“Three finals… I guess I got the most important win – that’s all that matters,” said Gauff.

Only Sabalenka, who beat her to the Madrid title, had performed better and it was therefore unsurprising the top two seeds met again with the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen at stake.

The tricky conditions met neither woman was able to play their best tennis, but Gauff showed indefatigable spirit and will to win.

Like in 2022 after her defeat by Poland’s Iga Swiatek, there were more tears for Gauff – this time, ones of joy.

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Gauff is the first American to win Roland Garros since Serena Williams in 2015

Sabalenka falls short in clay quest

The consistency of Sabalenka across all surfaces over the past three years has been unparalleled.

After excelling on hard courts, she has developed her game to become a force on clay and grass.

By reaching the Paris last eight, Sabalenka was the first player to reach the quarter-finals at 10 consecutive Grand Slams since American great Serena Williams in 2017.

But she fell agonisingly short of landing her first major on the slower clay surface.

All three of her previous major triumphs came on the quicker hard courts at the Australian Open and US Open.

After collecting her runners-up prize, Sabalenka fought back tears and apologised to her team for “playing a terrible final”.

Like in her semi-final win over defending champion Swiatek, Sabalenka started aggressively and confidently to move a double break ahead.

She was a point away from a 5-1 lead but her dominance quickly disappeared as Gauff fought back.

Despite recovering from 5-3 down in the tie-break, Sabalenka continued to be animated and regularly chastised herself.

It meant she was unable to stem the flow of mistakes from her racquet, with a huge total of 70 unforced errors illustrating her difficulties.

The 40-year-old is out of contract with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr at the end of June.

In May, Fifa president Gianni Infantino raised the prospect of Ronaldo joining a team involved at the Club World Cup after Al-Nassr’s failure to qualify.

“I will not be at the Club World Cup,” said Ronaldo.

“Some teams reached out to me. Some made sense and others did not, but you can’t try and do everything. You can’t catch every ball.”

Ronaldo posted on social media that “the chapter is over” following Al-Nassr’s final league game of the season in May, leading to speculation he was set for a move.

However, sources have told BBC Sport that the club are confident of extending Ronaldo’s deal.

Speaking before Portugal’s Nations League final against Spain on Sunday (20:00 BST), Ronaldo said a decision on his future was “almost final”.

The striker joined Al-Nassr in 2023 after the termination of his deal with Manchester United.

He has scored 99 goals in 111 appearances for the club, including 35 times in 41 matches last term.

Ronaldo scored the winner in a 2-1 victory against Germany on Wednesday to book Portugal’s spot in the Nations League final.

They are events which ordinarily see a host nation attract hundreds of thousands of visitors from across the globe.

So will a new travel ban issued by US President Donald Trump have an impact on the tournaments? And what about the ban’s effect on the wider world of sport?

The policy places full restrictions on citizens of 12 countries entering the United States, as well as partial constraints on seven others as part of an immigration crackdown he says is needed over security threats.

However, the order contains an exemption that could apply to participants in the 2026 Fifa World Cup and 2028 Olympics.

Organisers of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics say they have “great confidence” that the ban will not disrupt the summer Games or the preparations for them.

Speaking after a meeting with the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) co-ordination commission, LA28 chair and president Casey Wasserman said: “It was very clear in the directive that the Olympics require special consideration, and I want to thank the federal government for recognising that.

“It’s very clear that the federal government understands that’s an environment that they will be accommodating and provide for.

“And so we have great confidence that that will only continue.”

BBC Sport takes a closer look at the ban and its potential impact.

​​​​​​​Which countries does the ban affect?

Passport-holders from 12 nations are now outright banned from entering the United States. They are: Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen.

Seven more countries – Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela – face significant but not full restrictions on travel.

Section four of the travel ban includes a clear exemption for sports stars travelling to those competitions – and other “major” sporting events.

It says “any athlete or member of an athletic team, including coaches, persons performing a necessary support role, and immediate relatives, traveling for the World Cup, Olympics, or other major sporting event as determined by the secretary of state” can still travel to the US.

“Two hundred and six countries are preparing to come to the Games,” said Nicole Hoevertsz, an IOC vice president who chairs the LA28 coordination commission.

“The federal government has given us that guarantee … to make sure that these participants will be able to enter the country… We are very confident that this is going to be accomplished.”

As well as the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, the USA will also co-host the Fifa World Cup in 2026, alongside Canada and Mexico.

What key detail has been left out of the announcement for athletes?

The text means that those participating in the two major global sports events the US will host during Trump’s second term will still be able to travel. But the lack of detail around other sporting events throws open a series of important, and as yet unanswered, questions.

The State Department has offered no further clarification or measurement criteria for what Secretary of State Marco Rubio will or will not consider a “major sporting event”.

“I think people from around the world, and Americans going to these events, would want to see actions like this,” said US state department spokesperson Tommy Pigott at a press briefing on Thursday afternoon.

“This is part of what it means to host an event. We take security concerns extremely seriously, we want people to be able to go to the World Cup and do so safely.”

The Concacaf Gold Cup, for example, begins in the USA on 15 June and Haiti are due to participate. But given the travel ban does not list the Gold Cup (which features North America, Central America and Caribbean nations) as among the exempted major events, their participation is now in doubt.

The phrasing ‘World Cup’ is also unclear. The revamped Fifa Club World Cup, featuring 32 of the world’s best club teams, will take place in the USA from 14 June to 13 July. 10 players from countries under travel restriction are on the books of the competing clubs, but whether the tournament is included in the exemption or not has not yet been clarified.

Furthermore, track and field athletes often travel to the USA to participate in training camps in preparation for major meets. Though the exemptions make clear that athletes from the affected countries can travel to the Olympics in 2028, it makes no mention of their ability to attend camps in the time before then.

The BBC has contacted the US State department for a response.

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Haiti failed to get out of the group stage at the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup, which was hosted in Canada and the United States

Are fans exempt from the travel ban?

Fans from the restricted countries have not been given an exemption for major sports events.

Iran, for example, have already qualified for the 2026 World Cup, while the likes of Haiti, Sudan and Venezuela also stand a chance of qualifying.

There have already been concerns over the length of time the citizens of some countries were being made to wait for US travel visas to be processed and granted. And now fans of all of those teams will be unable to travel to the tournament, as things stand. It could be argued that the restriction means those teams will suffer a competitive disadvantage, given their rivals will be able to draw on support from the stands.

When asked if he was worried that ticket sales for the LA Games could be affected, Wasserman said “no”.

What about athletes from barred countries who play in the USA?

The proclamation does not make clear what will happen to athletes who are citizens of barred countries but currently work in the USA.

The NBA, MLB and MLS all feature players who are citizens of countries now placed on the travel ban list – how those players can continue to play in the USA is uncertain.

In football, for example, nine Venezuelans are currently on the books of clubs in Major League Soccer. Three of them – Ronald Hernandez of Philadelphia Union, David Martinez of Los Angeles FC, Josef Martinez of San Jose Earthquakes – are due to take part in international fixtures abroad over the next week.

By the time they return to the USA, travel restrictions on Venezuelans will be in place. It is not clear whether the three, and other athletes employed by US teams across all sports, will be allowed to return after travelling abroad to compete or visit family.

The BBC has contacted the NBA, MLB and MLS.

Has Trump banned athletes before?

During his first term in office, Trump enacted a sweeping travel ban on some countries, most of which had majority Muslim populations. At the time, the MLS Players Union said it was “deepy concerned” about members that may be impacted and that it was “extremely disappointed”.

Trump’s anti-immigration policies have also prevented some athletes from other nations taking part in scheduled events held in the USA.

In 2017 the Tibetan women’s soccer team were denied US visas to attend the Dallas Cup in Texas. In 2019 nine players from the Guatemalan Under-15 national soccer team were denied entry to participate in the Under-15 Concacaf Championship, and Cuba captain Yordan Santa Cruz was denied a visa for the 2019 Gold Cup.

In 2017 football’s world governing body Fifa warned Trump that travel bans could hinder the USA’s joint bid for the 2026 World Cup. Fifa president Gianni Infantino said: “It’s obvious when it comes to Fifa competitions, any team, including the supporters and officials of that team, who qualify for a World Cup need to have access to the country, otherwise there is no World Cup. The requirements will be clear.”

That ban was eventually overturned by Trump’s successor Joe Biden in 2021.

Earlier this year Zambia’s women’s team withdrew four United States-based players from their squad for an upcoming tournament in China because of “travel measures” introduced by Trump.

In April there were concerns that Duke University basketball star Khaman Maluach could face possible deportation after the US revoked all visas of South Sudanese passport-holders and he was advised to not leave the country in case he could not re-enter.

What will Fifa make of the ban?

In the years since that climbdown, Infantino appears to have been keen to cosy up to Trump.

The Fifa president attended Trump’s inauguration in January and was seen applauding and laughing during the Republican’s speech alongside tech billionaires including Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg and Jeff Bezos.

The speech – given by Trump after he was sworn in for his second term as president – included negative comments about neighbouring Canada and Mexico, the USA’s World Cup co-hosts.

During the week of the inauguration, Infantino made a series of glowing social media posts about Trump, including writing “Donald Trump and I share a great friendship” in an Instagram caption. In total, Infantino posted about Trump nine times in less than a week.

Infantino then accompanied Trump on the latter’s state visit to Saudi Arabia, before drawing the ire of Uefa and other continental bodies by delaying the start of the Fifa congress in Paraguay in order to hold a private meeting with Trump.

The BBC has put questions about the travel ban to Fifa and the IOC.

Postecoglou, 59, was sacked on Friday just over two weeks after ending the club’s 17-year wait for silverware with victory in the Europa League final.

Spurs finished 17th in the Premier League after losing 22 out of 38 matches.

“Gaffer. You’ve changed the trajectory of this club,” Son posted on Instagram.

“You believed in yourself, and us, since day one and never wavered for a second. Even when others did.

“You knew what we were capable of all along. You did it your way. And your way brought this club the best night it’s had in decades. We will have those memories for life.

“You trusted me with the captaincy. One of the highest honours of my career. It’s been an incredible privilege to learn from your leadership up close. I am a better player and a better person because of you.

“Ange Postecoglou, you are a Tottenham Hotspur legend forever. Thank you, mate.”

The South Korea winger was not alone in paying tribute to Australian Postecoglou.

Goalkeeper Vicario said: “Boss, I just want to say a massive thank you for everything you have done for me and for all of us.

“From that very first call, right from the beginning, you always showed so much belief in me.

“Giving me the opportunity to be part of the leadership group… those moments, and many others, will stay with me forever.

“You are not only a top manager, you are an incredible person to work for, a real leader, a mentor, and someone I’ll always look up to.

“What we achieved TOGETHER will stay in the history books.

“Wishing you nothing but success as I know you will go on to achieve more and more.

“Thank you, Boss. Forever grateful, Vic.”

Defender Micky van de Ven said: “Gaffer, Thank you for everything!

“Believed in me from the first day I arrived at the club. Many ups and downs in the last two years but you kept believing in us and kept pushing us.

“Big part of the success from the club this year, and forever grateful that u made me part of it.

“All the best.”

Forward Dominic Solanke said: “Thank you for bringing me to this wonderful club, thank you for bringing us a wonderful trophy.

“Won’t ever forget the convo we had before I signed and we achieved a dream! All the best in your next adventure.”

Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust said the vast majority of fans will will “love Ange forever” although league results were a “long way short” of expectation.

The fans group called for Postecoglou’s replacement to be “fully supported” by the club’s board in order to build on the “cup success that Ange has lain”.

Brentford boss Thomas Frank is among the leading candidates to replace Postecoglou, while Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola, Fulham’s Marco Silva, Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner and former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino are also linked with the vacancy.

A new women’s singles champion will be crowned either way, with world number one Sabalenka seeking a fourth major singles title and second-ranked Gauff a second.

Gauff, the US Open champion in 2023, finished runner-up in Paris three years ago, while two-time Australian Open winner and last year’s New York champion Sabalenka is in a first Roland Garros final.

The pair have five wins apiece from 10 previous meetings before going head-to-head on Court Philippe Chatrier, where the winner will take home 2.5m euros (£2.1m) and 2,000 ranking points.

Sabalenka and Gauff overcame two very different challenges in their respective semi-finals.

Underlining her position as title favourite, Sabalenka ended four-time champion Iga Swiatek’s 26-match run with an impressive three-set victory.

Gauff, meanwhile, was up against a partisan crowd but efficiently ended French wildcard Lois Boisson’s fairytale run in straight sets.

Sabalenka continues to show remarkable consistency at the sport’s highest level, with this her third successive major singles final.

The 27-year-old is the first woman to achieve that feat since the great Serena Williams nine years ago.

Sabalenka has competed in 10 tournaments this year, reaching seven finals, and she leads the WTA Tour with 40 wins in 46 matches.

Gauff, meanwhile, continues to emerge as a force to be reckoned with on clay.

The 21-year-old, bidding for her first title of the season, is the youngest woman to reach the finals at Madrid, Rome and the French Open in the same year.

With her run to the Roland Garros final, she has also become the youngest player to amass 70 wins at Grand Slam tournaments since Maria Sharapova in 2007.

Where will French Open women’s final be won and lost?

There is nothing to split Sabalenka and Gauff in the overall head-to-head record.

They each have one win at the majors, with Gauff defeating Sabalenka in the 2023 US Open final before Sabalenka took revenge in their Australian Open semi-final in 2024.

Both have a win each on clay, with Gauff prevailing in the Italian Open fourth round in 2021 and Sabalenka claiming a straight-set win in their most recent meeting in the Madrid final.

That victory in May perhaps gives Sabalenka a slight edge in Paris, given she has won three of their past four meetings.

But with half of their encounters going the distance – and both players losing just one set in their six matches so far – expectations are high for Saturday’s showpiece.

Known for her brutal hitting, Sabalenka has been typecast as a hard-court specialist throughout her career, with all three of her major singles titles won on that surface.

But she is ever adapting her game. Against Swiatek, she kept the key points short and stifled the clay-court expert’s game with devastating accuracy.

Asked how it would feel to win the French Open, Sabalenka said: “It’s going to mean everything to me and my team.

“Almost [my] whole life I’ve been told [clay] is not my thing and then I didn’t have any confidence.

“If I’ll be able to get this trophy, it’s going to mean the world for us.”

Gauff knows what to expect from Sabalenka – but overcoming that challenge is a different matter.

She will have to be at her best defensively to withstand Sabalenka’s power and try to draw her into longer rallies.

Holding her serve and keeping double faults to a minimum will be key to keeping pressure on Sabalenka and supply a platform for creating opportunities to build on her tournament-leading tally of converted break points (40).

“She’s going to come out aggressive, she’s going to come out swinging,” Gauff said.

“I think I just have to expect that and do my best to kind of counter that.

“Anything can happen on Saturday. I’m looking forward to it, and I’m glad to be going up against a world number one, too.”

Later on Saturday, British pair Joe Salisbury and Neal Skupski contest the French Open men’s doubles final against Spain’s Marcel Granollers and Argentina’s Horacio Zeballos.

Italy’s Sinner won 6-4 7-5 7-6 (7-3) to end Djokovic’s hopes of winning a standalone record 25th Grand Slam title.

Djokovic, 38, looked emotional as he put his racquet bags down on Court Philippe Chatrier and waved farewell to an adoring crowd.

Defending champion Alcaraz moved into his second successive Roland Garros final after eighth seed Lorenzo Musetti retired injured in the fourth set of their semi-final earlier on Friday.

Sinner, playing only his second tournament back after a three-month ban for failing two doping tests, meets the Spanish second seed on Sunday.

The pair were the clear favourites before the clay-court Grand Slam tournament and will now write another chapter in their developing rivalry.

Alcaraz led 4-6 7-6 (7-3) 6-0 2-0 when Italy’s Musetti, aiming to reach his first major final, was forced to end the match early.

“It’s never fair. I want to win but not like this,” said Alcaraz.

Djokovic offers resistance but can’t find way past Sinner

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Novak Djokovic was bidding to become the oldest Grand Slam men’s champion in history

Age is clearly catching up with Djokovic – but the nature of this defeat showed just how much he still offers at the top of the game.

The Serb was aiming to become the oldest Grand Slam men’s singles champion by lifting the trophy on Sunday for a fourth time.

Djokovic’s quality and fight enabled him to stay within touching distance of the 23-year-old Sinner, who has taken the reins as the world number one.

Yet it still never truly felt like he would be able to snap his three-match losing streak against the nerveless Italian.

Djokovic tried a variety of tactics – baseline duels, drop-shots, serve and volley – but Sinner was virtually impossible to break down.

The constant pressure forced Djokovic into loose groundstrokes and badly-executed drop-shots in an opening set which swung Sinner’s way when he broke serve in the fifth game.

Djokovic’s level improved in the early part of the second set, with two holds to love followed by scrutiny on Sinner’s serve, but he could not find a way through.

An animated Djokovic roared at the crowd after saving a break point in the fifth game and looked up to the heavens in frustration when another poor return handed over the break in his next service game.

You can never completely count Djokovic out, though. He managed to break back for 5-5 before losing serve again as Sinner sealed a two-set lead at the second opportunity.

Djokovic needed treatment for an issue with his upper left leg before the third set, but Sinner is rarely fazed by any disruptions and soaked up most of what Djokovic threw at him.

That included saving three set points in a tense game at 5-4, where further drama was added by a disbelieving Djokovic arguing over a line call going against him at deuce.

Sinner quickly took control of the tie-break, helped by Djokovic smashing into the net for 3-0, to set up the tantalising meeting with Alcaraz – their first contest in a Grand Slam final.

Alcaraz’s biggest test ends early

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Carlos Alcaraz has won all three of his matches against Lorenzo Musetti this season

Alcaraz has not been at his clinical best during his title defence and Musetti promised to be his sternest test yet.

The pair have been the leading clay-court players on the ATP Tour this year, winning more matches than anyone else and going deep at the most important tournaments.

Two high-quality, competitive sets showed why.

But once Alcaraz levelled, he unleashed his attacking shots to devastating effect and also benefited from Musetti’s physical struggles.

Musetti needed treatment for a thigh problem at the end of the third set and it quickly became apparent he would struggle to continue.

Musetti reached the semi-finals of all three clay-court Masters before doing the same at Roland Garros.

But questions had still been raised about his mentality and whether he truly believed he could beat the very best on the biggest stage.

He had already lost twice to Alcaraz on clay this season – in Monte Carlo and Rome over three sets – but showed no signs of lacking faith as he took the opening set.

Sometimes accused of being too casual, Alcaraz fully locked in at the start of the second-set tie-break and took the third of his five set points to level the match.

Delicately poised, it was quickly ruined as a contest.

Musetti felt a problem in his left leg when serving and won just five points in a 22-minute third set.

After two visits from the physiotherapist, he still could not move freely and decided to shake hands with Alcaraz at the net.

With either Sinner or Alcaraz winning the trophy, it means the dominant pair have swept up the past six major titles between them.

Davide, son of Brazil’s manager Carlo Ancelotti, was in contention for the Rangers head coach role but Russell Martin was appointed by the Scottish club on Thursday.

He will now join up with the Brazil team in Sao Paulo as one of the assistant coaches under his father.

Davide has been working under Ancelotti Snr since he began his coaching career in 2015, working as his assistant at Napoli, Everton, Bayern Munich and most recently with Real Madrid.

“The arrival of Davide Ancelotti to the National Team represents another step by the CBF in its quest for innovation and technical improvement. His international experience and training methodologies will be fundamental for the development of the players and for building an even more competitive team,” the Brazil Football Confederation said in a statement.

“The CBF welcomes Davide Ancelotti and is confident that his presence will be an important reinforcement in the Brazilian National Team’s journey towards its objectives.”

Carlo Ancelotti was appointed as Brazil’s head coach in May on a one-year deal, making his first foray into international management.

His first game ended in a goalless draw against Ecuador.