Archive January 30, 2026

Former Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) president Phillip Hodson has been fined for offensive and discriminatory comments he made at an after-dinner speech when he was deputy chair at Yorkshire.

Hodson, a Yorkshire businessman and former Cambridge cricketer, was introducing a guest speaker at Scarborough Cricket Club in July last year when he made two comments related to sexual orientation and people living with a disability.

The independent Cricket Discipline Panel imposed a reprimand, a £1,000 fine and a requirement to go on a training course that addresses equality and diversity on Hodson, who is no longer in his position at Yorkshire.

Chris Haward, managing director of the Cricket Regulator, said: “The ICEC report was clear that as with all areas of culture, the tone is set from the top down, and the Cricket Regulator will act irrespective of the individual’s position within the game.”

Hodson, 74, was MCC president in 2012 and was the first Yorkshireman to hold the position in 50 years.

In 2023, Yorkshire were fined £400,000 and given points deductions for their handling of the Azeem Rafiq racism scandal.

Former Yorkshire player Rafiq said English cricket was “institutionally racist”, and racist language was used “constantly” at the club.

Six ex-Yorkshire players found to have used racist language at the club were sanctioned with fines and bans.

Fan group Football Supporters Europe (FSE) says it is “extremely concerned by the ongoing militarisation of police forces in the US” before this summer’s World Cup in North America.

It comes after two US citizens were shot dead by federal agents carrying out US President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown in Minneapolis over the past month.

US authorities have not ruled out Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids targeting undocumented immigrants at World Cup venues.

He said his organisation was also worried by “the complete absence of security doctrine from Fifa for the upcoming World Cup.

“There is no clarity as to what will be allowed in the stadiums, who will be deployed inside, which police forces will be working where.”

Evain added “reports that the US has not yet invited visiting police delegations, or so-called spotters, which is unprecedented in the modern history of the tournament, only reinforce these concerns”.

In response, Fifa told BBC Sport the safety and security of fans and participants was its “top priority”, adding it works closely with local authorities “to plan, co-ordinate and deliver comprehensive security measures for the tournament”.

“The US government will invite participating nations, host cities and host countries to deploy law enforcement representatives to the International Police Cooperation Center near Washington DC, ensuring close international co-ordination on safety and security matters,” said Fifa.

“In addition, some host cities may invite international police spotters to integrate locally.

“Regarding what is permitted or not permitted inside stadiums, a Code of Conduct is made available online in line with previous Fifa events. Fifa values ongoing dialogue with stakeholders, including supporter organisations, and has presented its Safety and Security Concept on several occasions.

“Fifa is confident that these collective efforts will ensure a safe, secure and welcoming environment for everyone involved.”

It added the 2025 Fifa Club World Cup in the US “provided a strong example of the safety and security measures in place”.

The Trump administration has suggested it is planning to “draw down” federal forces in Minnesota if there is co-operation from officials after the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti ignited local protests and public outcry across the country.

A special task force is overseeing preparations for the World Cup, including security arrangements.

In a statement it said: “The 2026 Fifa World Cup will be the largest, safest, and most welcoming sporting event in history.

“Under President Trump’s leadership, our team is working closely with Fifa, our international partners, US federal agencies, state governments, and host cities to deliver an event that highlights America’s hospitality, commitment to security, and spirit of excellence. Fans from around the globe can look forward to a smooth, secure, and truly unforgettable tournament.”

The UK Football Policing Unit told BBC Sport no final decisions had been reached over the presence of British police ‘spotters’ at World Cup matches.

Earlier this month, the European Democratic Party (EDP) said it may ask national football federations to consider pulling out of the tournament if safety guarantees are not forthcoming.

The party warned of “growing concerns over legal and administrative uncertainty, including the risk of non-transparent or discretionary visa decisions and border controls, as well as potentially invasive practices involving personal data and online activity”, which it claims “may translate into concrete risks for European citizens”.

This week it was revealed a branch of ICE is sending agents to help support American security operations during the Winter Olympics, which start in Italy on 6 February.

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has stressed “all security operations at the Olympics are directed and managed exclusively by Italian authorities”.

The Australian Open loves to market itself as the ‘Happy Slam’. In truth, there has been some dissatisfaction that this year’s edition has been far from classic.

A lack of high-quality matches and dramatic moments have left many complaining the Melbourne event has been a bit of a dud.

But the entertainment dished up on day 13 has finally ignited the opening major of the season.

Carlos Alcaraz’s herculean effort to beat Alexander Zverev in Friday’s first men’s semi-final looked likely to be the headline act.

Though Novak Djokovic, never the type to play support, had other ideas.

The irrepressible 38-year-old produced one of the most jaw-dropping results of his career – no mean feat given everything he has achieved – to topple Jannik Sinner in the second semi-final and steal the show.

“I watched Alcaraz v Zverev, what an incredible match. We tried to match that intensity,” Djokovic told the Melbourne crowd.

“I think you guys got your value for money on the tickets, that’s for sure. I want 10% from tonight’s tickets sold!”

The second week of the Australian Open had largely lacked jeopardy and excitement, with the top seeds rolling through the men’s and women’s singles in a series of straightforward wins.

Alcaraz beating Zverev was only the fourth match from the last 16 onwards – across both draws – to go longer than straight sets.

Another quickly followed. Djokovic emerged victorious from a pulsating contest which left thousands of Serbian fans dancing around Melbourne Park in disbelief at 1:30am.

“I first watched Novak here when I was nine years old – this is the most amazing feeling I’ve had,” said 27-year-old Sasha Stanisic, who was among the hundreds watching on a big screen outside Rod Laver Arena.

“For me, this is a close second among his greatest achievements – just behind his win in the 2019 Wimbledon final against Roger Federer. It’s been a special night.”

Djokovic’s implausible victory – given his age and doubts about his physical condition – ended the possibility of another Grand Slam rendezvous between Alcaraz and Sinner, who most expected to meet for the fourth major final in a row.

Instead it will be a third battle for one of the sport’s biggest prizes between Djokovic and Alcaraz, after their Wimbledon finals in 2023 and 2024.

Both players are going for historic feats. Djokovic is one step away from landing a standalone 25th major title which has been proving elusive, while 22-year-old Alcaraz bids to become the youngest man to complete the career Grand Slam.

Before Sunday’s showpiece, there is another appetising match-up when Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina contest the women’s singles final on Saturday.

Two of the most powerful players on the WTA Tour going toe-to-toe promises to be a blockbuster encounter.

Given the superstars involved and engaging storylines, a slow-burning Australian Open looks set to finish with a flourish – a case of better late than never.

Another episode in the day’s drama surrounded Alcaraz’s own physical state.

World number one Alcaraz says he did not bend the rules by taking a medical timeout against Zverev – who suggested the Spaniard had benefited from favouritism.

Alcaraz seemed to be cramping at 5-4 in the third set and was allowed to see the physio, even though Grand Slam rules say players are not allowed medical timeouts for muscle spasms.

Players can take a three-minute timeout for physical injuries or illness but not for cramping, which is regarded as a conditioning problem rather than a medical issue.

Alcaraz went on to lose the set before winning a five-hour classic 6-4 7-6 (7-5) 6-7 (3-7) 6-7 (4-7) 7-5 as the Australian Open sparked into life.

“I didn’t think it was cramp at the beginning,” said Alcaraz.

Despite attempting to play down the issue, Alcaraz glugging pickle juice – an acidic liquid found to stop cramping 40% faster than drinking water – was a sure sign that it was an issue.

Germany’s Zverev was furious as he remonstrated with the match supervisor, accusing the officials of giving Alcaraz preferential treatment.

Afterwards, third seed Zverev reiterated he “did not like” the decision before adopting a more conciliatory tone.

Alcaraz said quitting the match never entered his head, adding: “I just hate giving up”.

Alcaraz has a tattoo on his wrist which is a tribute to the family phrase coined by his grandad – ‘Cabeza, corazón y cojones’.

If you don’t understand Spanish it is perhaps better you search online for the literal translation of a motto which Alcaraz abides by.

In summary, the phrase means the ability to show head, heart and courage in times of difficulty.

Once again, Alcaraz showed all three qualities when he dipped deep into his reserves to beat Zverev and reach a first Melbourne final.

“When I was younger, there were a lot of matches that I just didn’t want to fight any more or I gave up. Then I got mature,” he said.

“I hate that feeling [of giving up] after all.

“Every step more, every one second more of suffering, one second more of fighting is always worth it.

Thomas Frank says Tottenham worked hard to try and sign Antoine Semenyo in January but conceded the transfer window is not like the game Football Manager.

Semenyo, 26, joined Manchester City – Tottenham’s opponents on Sunday – for £62.5m earlier this month, but Frank has added to his squad during this window by signing Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher for £35m and Brazil left-back Souza on a long-term deal.

“It was clear, there is no doubt, that the club wanted to sign [Antoine] Semenyo. They did everything and I think that is a clear signal that the Lewis family is very committed,” said head coach Frank on Friday.

Frank took over as Tottenham boss from Ange Postecoglou in June last year, signing a contract with the north London club until 2028.

He has come under increasing pressure during his first season at Spurs, with the club 14th in the Premier League table and without a top-flight win in five games. There have been boos by supporters in recent home matches and also chants for Frank to be sacked.

However, Wednesday’s win at Eintracht Frankfurt confirmed a top-eight finish in the Champions League table to secure an automatic place in the last 16.

Frank is missing eight senior players through injury for Sunday’s visit of Manchester City and the Dane said that makes his squad weaker than it was when the January transfer window opened.

But he does not want to become “obsessed with a short-term fix” because “that’s not helping in the long term”.

Frank said there could be a “big summer ahead” for Spurs with improvements to his squad, but added the realities of the transfer market are far more complex.

“The fans just want the best for the club, just like I, the owners, the staff, the players. Everyone wants the best for the club.

“But the transfer window is not Football Manager, unfortunately. It is not. It would be a lot easier, but also a little bit more boring.

“We would not have as many good stories to talk about.”