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OSLO: Norway’s Football Federation has announced that it will call for FIFA President Gianni Infantino to resign, intensifying pressure on the football governing body’s leader ahead of next year’s presidential election. Norwegian federation president Lise Klaveness said Infantino no longer has the institutional trust needed to lead FIFA, arguing that the organisation requires stronger and more credible leadership in the current climate. “He does not have the institutional trust required to lead FIFA in a stable manner,” Klaveness told reporters on Friday. “We are going to ask the FIFA president to resign now.” Infantino, who has led FIFA since 2016, is seeking a fourth and final term. He is currently the only declared candidate and would need a majority of votes from FIFA’s 211 member associations to secure re-election. Candidates have until November 18 to enter the race. Norway has been among Infantino’s most vocal critics, particularly over the governance of FIFA and decisions made under his leadership. Klaveness said the federation believed there was “no turning back” for the FIFA chief. The latest dispute follows the collapse of Infantino’s reported plan to allow private investors to participate in FIFA competitions, including the World Cup. The proposal drew criticism and added to concerns over the organisation’s direction. Norway’s federation has also decided to refer three matters to FIFA’s ethics committee. These include the abandoned private-investment plan, the lifting of US footballer Folarin Balogun’s suspension during the 2026 World Cup following an intervention by US President Donald Trump, and FIFA’s decision to award a so-called “Peace Prize” to Trump. The Norwegian federation is also seeking a comprehensive review of reforms previously promised by Infantino. Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter has suggested Klaveness could eventually challenge Infantino for the presidency, potentially making her the first woman to lead FIFA. However, Klaveness has rejected speculation about her own candidacy, saying the focus should remain on football governance rather than individuals. The challenge from Norway comes as Infantino prepares for a closely watched election campaign, with growing questions over his leadership and FIFA’s future direction.

DHAKA: Bangladesh cricket star and former lawmaker Shakib Al Hasan has said he is prepared to return home from exile, face ongoing court proceedings and play a farewell series if the government guarantees his safety. Shakib, 39, has been living in the United States since the fall of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government following a deadly student-led uprising in August 2024. The former Bangladesh captain remains politically linked to Hasina’s Awami League, having previously served as a lawmaker from the party. He is currently facing criminal cases in Bangladesh, including one related to the alleged killing of a protester and another involving anti-corruption authorities. Speaking to Reuters from Sri Lanka, where he is playing franchise cricket, Shakib said he wanted to return and was willing to appear before the courts. He said he would go back if the government formally assured him that adequate security would be provided. Shakib maintained that he had not committed any wrongdoing and described the murder case against him as baseless. He said the case was filed on a day in August 2024 when he was playing a match in Toronto. The cricketer also said he had previously attempted to return to Bangladesh. In late 2024, he boarded a flight after receiving assurances that he would be protected, but was reportedly instructed to turn back while the journey was underway. He eventually landed in Dubai before returning to the United States. Shakib said another planned return was blocked after he posted a birthday message for Hasina. He questioned why such a social media post should prevent him from entering his own country. The former captain also rejected suggestions that he should distance himself from Hasina or the Awami League to facilitate his return. Shakib recently appeared virtually at a press conference in Delhi alongside Hasina. Following the event, his vacant home in Bangladesh was reportedly attacked. He defended his participation, saying his message was focused on peace and Bangladesh’s progress. A spokesperson for Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said Shakib must face the legal process like any other accused person and surrender before Bangladeshi courts. Meanwhile, Shakib said he still hopes to represent Bangladesh in a farewell series and possibly play at the 2027 ODI World Cup. He acknowledged that retirement was approaching but said he remained physically fit and continued to enjoy playing cricket. The cricketer also revealed that his bank accounts had been frozen for around 18 months during investigations. He said he had not seen his parents in Bangladesh for nearly two years.

The Football Association has introduced new safety rules for perimeter walls around football pitches. The move follows the death of former Arsenal youth player Billy Vigar. Vigar, a 21-year-old forward for Chichester City, died after suffering a brain injury during a match against Wingate and Finchley in north London last September. It’s believed he collided with a concrete barrier near the pitch. Following the tragedy, the FA carried out a full safety review of grounds across the lower leagues. As a result, it has now published new guidance banning solid brick, breeze block or concrete barriers around playing fields. The updated rules apply specifically to clubs in the National League System for men, covering steps one through six. Women’s National League clubs in tiers three and four are also included under the new guidance. The FA confirmed that any existing solid barriers must now be removed as soon as reasonably possible. Where structural issues prevent removal, clubs will instead be required to cover the barriers with suitable protective padding. The governing body said on Friday that affected clubs have already been formally notified. It added that those clubs will now be required to take action in line with the updated safety standards. The rule change marks a significant shift in how English football’s lower tiers approach pitch-side safety. It comes as a direct response to a preventable tragedy that shook the football community last year.

Galle Gallants have booked their place in the Lanka Premier League 2026 final after a commanding win. They beat Colombo Kaps by six wickets in the second qualifier at the R Premadasa Stadium on Friday. Chasing a target of 177, the Gallants completed the win on the fourth ball of the 18th over. They lost just four wickets throughout the entire chase. The innings got off to a shaky start after Thomas Rogers fell for 13 in just the third over. From there, though, Sam Harper and Charith Asalanka took full control of the run chase. The pair added 126 runs together off just 85 deliveries, taking the total to 147 inside 16.3 overs. Asalanka eventually departed after scoring 59 off 42 balls, hitting four sixes and three fours along the way. Harper continued his excellent tournament form, following his wicket with a stylish half-century of his own. The Australian batter finished unbeaten on 77 off 51 balls, striking four sixes and four boundaries in the process. Despite a flurry of late wickets, skipper Dasun Shanaka and Sahan Arachchige steadied the innings from there. The pair remained unbeaten on 8 and 5 respectively, guiding their side comfortably over the line. Ravindu Fernando was the pick of the bowlers for Colombo Kaps, picking up two wickets in the match. Earlier in the day, Kaps had posted 176 in 18.5 overs after being put in to bat first. Rubin Hermann and Ravindu Fernando played key roles with the bat, rescuing their side from an early collapse. Galle Gallants will now face Jaffna Kings in the LPL 2026 final on Saturday, at the same venue.

KAMPALA: Uganda’s football world has been plunged into mourning after national team captain David Owere died following a brutal attack during an alleged robbery near his home in Kampala. The 27-year-old footballer was reportedly confronted by suspected robbers in the Makindye area while they attempted to steal his mobile phone and other valuables. Police said Owere resisted the attackers, triggering a violent assault that left the young captain critically injured. Witnesses said the attackers allegedly pelted Owere with stones before fleeing the scene. He was found unconscious and was quickly taken to a nearby clinic for treatment. As his condition remained serious, Owere was later transferred to a private hospital. Despite receiving medical care, the footballer succumbed to his injuries, bringing a sudden and tragic end to the life of one of Uganda’s emerging football leaders. His death has shocked supporters and the football community across the country. Owere was a key figure for both the Uganda national team and SC Villa, one of Uganda’s most successful clubs. His versatility allowed him to play as a right-back as well as in midfield, while his leadership qualities earned him the captain’s armband. SC Villa paid an emotional tribute to their captain, saying the club had lost far more than a footballer. The Uganda Football Federation also mourned Owere, describing him as an exemplary leader who made an impact both on and off the pitch. The federation highlighted his influence on younger players and his role as an inspirational figure within Ugandan football. The circumstances of his death have raised concerns about violent crime in Kampala, with the alleged attack occurring close to the player’s home. Police are expected to investigate the incident and pursue those responsible for the attack. For Uganda’s football fans, Owere’s death is a devastating loss. At only 27, he had already established himself as a respected captain and leader, leaving behind teammates, supporters and a football community struggling to come to terms with his sudden death.

LONDON: England all-rounder Will Jacks produced a moment of breathtaking athleticism during The Hundred 2026, pulling off an extraordinary catch that left spectators and commentators stunned at Lord’s. The remarkable effort came during the clash between London Spirit and MI London, when South African batter Lhuan-dre Pretorius launched a powerful shot towards long-off. Pretorius, who had just brought up his half-century, appeared to have found the boundary with the lofted strike. But Jacks had other plans. Standing close to the boundary, Jacks timed his jump perfectly and managed to prevent the ball from clearing the ropes. With incredible awareness, he knocked the ball back into play while making sure his feet did not touch the boundary line. What happened next turned an already impressive piece of fielding into something extraordinary. Jacks quickly returned into the field, threw himself into a full-length dive and completed the catch with one hand. The entire sequence happened in a matter of seconds, leaving both the crowd and commentators struggling to believe what they had witnessed. The stunning effort quickly became one of the talking points of the match, with video footage spreading rapidly across social media. Fans praised Jacks for combining athleticism, awareness and remarkable hand-eye coordination in a single piece of fielding. Boundary catches are often difficult enough because players must balance their movements while keeping their feet away from the rope. Jacks’ effort was even more impressive because he first had to save the ball from going for six before returning to complete the catch. Commentators hailed the effort as an unbelievable catch, while fans began sharing replays of the moment online. The spectacular dismissal provided another reminder of the increasingly athletic standard of modern short-format cricket, where a single moment of brilliance in the field can change the momentum of a game. For Jacks, however, the catch was more than just a highlight. It was a stunning display of awareness, agility and courage — and one that could easily go down as one of The Hundred’s standout fielding moments of the season.

LAHORE: Pakistan’s contracted cricketers heading to the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) will have to wait until August 19 to receive their No-Objection Certificates (NOCs), as the national domestic calendar takes priority. According to sources, the CPL is scheduled to begin on Friday, with the tournament final set to be played on September 20. However, Pakistan players involved in the domestic National Champions Cup will not be released for overseas commitments until the competition concludes. The Champions Cup is being played in Multan from August 11 to 18, meaning the players selected for the tournament are expected to receive their CPL NOCs from the following day. Several Pakistan players have CPL contracts this season, including Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan, Muaz Sadaqat, Naseem Shah and Sufiyan Muqeem. These players are also representing different teams in the Champions Cup, creating a scheduling clash between domestic and franchise cricket. The decision means the players will join their respective CPL franchises only after completing their domestic commitments. Meanwhile, Usman Tariq and Haseebullah Khan are also set to feature in the Caribbean tournament but are not part of the Champions Cup squad. Their availability is therefore not affected by the domestic competition in the same way. The NOC timeline has attracted attention because the CPL is an important opportunity for Pakistan players to gain experience in overseas franchise cricket. For the players involved, the challenge will now be to make a quick transition from domestic cricket in Multan to the Caribbean conditions. The Pakistan Cricket Board’s approach also underlines its emphasis on ensuring national players remain available for domestic competitions before taking part in overseas leagues. With the CPL running until September 20, Pakistan fans will be closely watching how the country’s representatives perform once they join their respective franchises.

LOS ANGELES: The wait for another major glimpse of Grand Theft Auto 6 is almost over. Rockstar Games has announced that fans will get an extended look at the highly anticipated game on August 27, offering fresh details about the world, characters and story. Titled “Grand Theft Auto 6: An Extended Look,” the presentation will be available through Netflix, YouTube and the official GTA 6 website, giving fans multiple ways to watch the new footage. The announcement is expected to generate fresh excitement around a title that has remained one of the gaming industry’s most closely watched releases. Rockstar has been developing GTA 6 for years, building anticipation among players eager to return to the franchise’s fictional criminal underworld. The game will take players back to Vice City and the wider state of Leonida, where protagonists Jason and Lucia become entangled in a dangerous conspiracy after a robbery goes wrong. Their survival increasingly depends on their ability to trust and work with each other. Rockstar previously opened pre-orders in June, with the Standard Edition priced at $79.99 and the Ultimate Edition at $99.99, according to the information provided by the company. The initial release is expected to focus on a single-player experience. Rockstar has not yet provided details about a multiplayer or online mode, leaving fans with another major question about the game’s long-term plans. With the August 27 presentation approaching, players will be watching closely to see whether the extended footage reveals new locations, gameplay mechanics or story details. For GTA fans, the next big reveal is now just weeks away.

England have unveiled their 16-member squad for the first two Tests of their three-match series against Pakistan, with Joe Root set to lead the side after Ben Stokes’ retirement. The first Test will begin on August 19 at Headingley in Leeds, marking the start of what promises to be a closely watched series between the two sides. Root has been handed the captaincy once again following Stokes’ retirement, placing the experienced batter at the centre of England’s plans against Pakistan. England have also welcomed back several familiar faces. Dan Lawrence, Ollie Pope, Brydon Carse and Sam Cook have returned to the squad, adding experience and depth to the team. However, England will be without Jacob Bethell, who has been ruled out of the Pakistan series because of a right knee injury. With Root back in charge and several key players returning, England will look to make a strong start at Leeds before the teams move on to the second Test. Pakistan will be hoping to challenge England’s home advantage and seize an early lead in the three-match contest. England Squad Joe Root (C), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Jordan Cox, Ben Duckett, Matthew Fisher, Emilio Gay, Dan Lawrence, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Jamie Smith and Josh Tongue.

England fast bowler John Turner has announced his shock retirement from professional cricket at the age of 25, bringing the curtain down on a promising five-year career. Turner, who represented England in two ODIs and two T20Is in 2024, made the difficult decision after a prolonged battle with injuries kept him away from professional cricket since June last year. The Hampshire fast bowler suffered a stress fracture in his back, an injury that forced him to spend more than a year on the sidelines. Despite having two years remaining on his Hampshire contract and holding an England and Wales Cricket Board development contract until the end of last year, Turner decided that it was time to move on. Explaining his decision, Turner said the repeated injuries had made him think seriously about his future both as a cricketer and beyond the sport. “Playing professional and international cricket was always my dream,” Turner said, describing representing Hampshire and England as the fulfilment of childhood ambitions. He admitted that retirement was one of the toughest decisions of his life but said he believed it was the right moment to take on a new challenge. Turner made his first-class debut for Hampshire in 2021 and described his five years with the club as the best period of his life. He also thanked Hampshire’s management, coaches, teammates and supporters for their unwavering backing. His retirement brings a surprisingly early end to the career of a bowler who had once earned an international opportunity at just 23.