Category Sports News

Israeli gymnasts, including defending world floor champion Artem Dolgopyat, will not compete at next week’s World Artistic Gymnastics Championships after hosts Indonesia denied them entry to the country.

Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim nation, said it would not grant visas to the Israel team because of the country’s military offensive in Gaza.

On Tuesday the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) rejected requests from the Israel Gymnastics Federation (IGF) for urgent provisional measures.

The IGF said it was “deeply disappointed” by the Cas decision.

The IGF wanted Cas to compel the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) to “take the necessary measures that guarantee Israeli participation in the championships” or “to move or to cancel” the event, which runs until 25 October.

It said the FIG’s lack of measures was a “denial of justice” and created a “situation of discrimination against a member association”.

A Cas statement said the FIG argued it had “no prerogatives” in the issuing of entry visas, and the Indonesian government’s decision not to grant the visas falls “outside the competence” of the organisation.

An IGF statement read: “The rules are clear, and Indonesia’s actions constitute a blatant violation of them.

“It is inconceivable that a country can bar another nation from competing in a World Championship while the governing bodies stand by.

“This decision undermines the very foundations of sport and fair competition, and it delivers a severe blow to the morale of the gymnasts and staff who have worked tirelessly for this moment.”

Dolgopyat said on Instagram: “We are so disappointed for the gymnasts, male and female, and professional teams, but not only that, we are deeply concerned by the recent decisions that could negatively impact the future of all our delegations and the future of sport in general.

“We continue the fight, hoping to achieve justice, but unfortunately we will no longer be able to compete in these World Championships.”

Dolgopyat was one of six gymnasts – alongside Eyal Indig, Ron Pyatov, Lihie Raz, Yali Shoshani and Roni Shamay – who submitted the requests to Cas in conjunction with the IGF.

Dolgopyat, 28, won Olympic floor gold at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and silver in Paris last year. He is also a two-time European champion.

On Monday 20 living Israeli hostages and hundreds of Palestinian detainees were reunited with their families as part of a ceasefire deal.

In 2023 Indonesia was stripped of its right to host football’s Under-20 World Cup after the governor of Bali, where the draw was due to take place, refused to host the Israel team.

Indonesia, which has no formal diplomatic ties with Israel, was banned from the 1964 Olympics after it refused entry visas for Israeli athletes for the 1962 Asian Games.

All-rounder Alice Capsey says new captain and coach duo Nat Sciver-Brunt and Charlotte Edwards have given England a freshness as they look to stretch their unbeaten run in the World Cup against Pakistan.

Sciver-Brunt’s side have beaten South Africa, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka so far, and will be favourites against a winless Pakistan in Colombo on Wednesday.

Capsey, who is batting at seven and providing a fourth spin option, also emphasised the importance of taking winning momentum into crunch games at the end of the group stage against India, Australia and New Zealand.

“The change in leadership with Nat and Lottie coming in has been really refreshing, in the sense that we’re talking about the game in a different way,” Capsey told BBC Sport.

“Lottie is so experienced, and being able to learn from her not only as a coach but from what she achieved as a player, it’s amazing.

“It would be greatly appreciated [to face India still unbeaten]. But every team brings a different challenge, and especially in these conditions a team like Pakistan can definitely pose a threat, perhaps a different one to what we are used to.

“I know they haven’t won a game so far but they are definitely not a team we are taking lightly.”

Capsey made a vital 20 in the tense, low chase against Bangladesh but fell for a duck against Sri Lanka as she was victim to sharp turn from Inoka Ranaweera.

The 21-year-old has significant T20 experience in India from playing for Delhi Capitals but is playing in her first 50-over World Cup, and says the spin-friendly conditions are posing a new challenge for her.

“I’ve never experienced anything like this,” said Capsey.

“All the pitches during the WPL were quite flat and there wasn’t anything like the turn and bounce we’ve had so far. It’s been a real learning curve but an amazing one to learn from.

“I’m expanding my game and developing as a batter as we go, and just watching how Nat and Heather Knight have gone about it has been hugely important for me, being able to pick their brains when I need to.”

The simmering narrative behind England’s wins is that they are yet to be properly challenged – the middle-order wobble against Bangladesh being the only period of substantial pressure so far.

But Capsey emphasised the importance of controlling what is in their own hands, and focusing on the task one game at a time.

That has been evident in England’s body language on the field, the relaxed nature off it and the smiles on all their faces – of course helped by the winning run, but it is a stark contrast to the winless team that toured Australia at the beginning of the year.

“It’s infectious, when the mood in the camp is good and training has been brilliant,” said Capsey.

“So to know that’s coming across in the game is awesome. It’s a happy group at the minute.”

She also added that they would use the Ashes disappointment to “push forward” in the World Cup.

“That was a tour where none of us was proud of what we did on the pitch,” Capsey added.

“But that was an opportunity for us to reflect, it’s a good way to draw a line in the sand and use that momentum to push forward as a group.

Former England bowler Stuart Broad believes Australia have their “worst” team since 2010 heading into this winter’s Ashes.

Broad was responding to ex-Australia batter David Warner’s prediction England would lose the series down under 4-0.

England’s last triumph in Australia was in 2010-2011, when Broad was part of a squad which won 3-1 to retain the urn.

However, they have suffered heavy defeats of 5-0, 4-0 and 4-0 in their three trips to Australia since.

“It’s very, very difficult to win in Australia as an England side, or any side – it just is,” Broad told the For the Love of Cricket podcast on BBC Sounds.

“Australia have to be massive favourites. The question really was ‘Which team’s under the most pressure?’ Well, Australia are under the most pressure because they’re expected to win. They’re brilliant at home.

Broad retired from playing after the Ashes series in England in 2023, when Australia retained the urn with a 2-2 draw.

He added: “You wouldn’t be outlandish in thinking – it’s actually not an opinion, it’s a fact – it’s probably the worst Australian team since 2010 when England last won, and it’s the best English team since 2010.

“So those things match up to the fact it’s going to be a brilliant Ashes series.”

The first Test starts in Perth on 21 November and Australia’s preparations have been hit by the potential absence of skipper Cummins, who has not played since July because of lumbar bone stress in his back.

The pace bowler is still recovering from the injury and has said he is “less likely than likely” to play in the opener.

His absence would leave Australia with a bowling attack of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Scott Boland, who are all in their mid-30s, with their other seamers inexperienced or untried at Test level.

The packed Ashes schedule – five Tests in seven weeks – also means both sides will be tested by injuries.

“Australia have been so consistent for a long period of time that you just knew who was going to open the batting, who was going to bat where, what bowlers there were – and they don’t have that,” said Broad.

“It’s very much a similar situation to 2010-2011 when England went and won there.

“The fact of the matter is Australia generally have to be bad to lose in Australia and England have to be very good.

“England have a great chance of being very good and Australia have a decent chance of being bad.

It took Luton Town 10 years to climb from non-league football to the Premier League, but just two to slide halfway back again.

Putting their faith in 33-year-old Jack Wilshere, with just two games of senior head coach experience behind him, to arrest that slide may therefore be regarded by some as a brave decision.

Experience, though, is no guarantee of anything in football as Steve Bruce found out in his recent spell in charge of Blackpool, which came to an end two days before Matt Bloomfield was sacked by Luton.

Bloomfield had Wycombe competing for a top-two place in League One just 12 months ago, a situation he was unable to replicate at Kenilworth Road.

There are many intangibles in building a successful team but Luton believe that in Wilshere, they now have a young manager capable to re-energising the club and pushing it back in the right direction of travel.

When Wilshere was recruited by Norwich City in November last year, sporting director Ben Knapper described him as “one of the brightest and most exciting young coaches in the country”.

Having been put in charge of Arsenal’s under-18 side following the end of his playing career, he guided them to the FA Youth Cup final in 2022-23.

And when the Canaries sacked Johannes Hoff Thorup in April, it was to Wilshere they turned to oversee the final two games of the campaign – a goalless draw at Middlesbrough and 4-2 home win over Cardiff City.

Despite that positive start, the Championship club did not feel he was ready to be given the job on a full-time basis, but the former England midfielder was unwilling to step back into a supporting role.

“Jack made a big impact here in the time he was with us. He built great connections with our players and staff, and we’re all sad to see him move on,” Knapper said following Wilshere’s decision to leave Carrow Road.

“He leaves with our very best wishes and we’ll follow his progress closely. I’ve no doubt he’ll go on to have a very successful coaching career in the senior game.”

Finding a system to bring the best out of a squad containing several summer signings was one of the major headaches for Bloomfield – and that will undoubtedly be one of the first orders of business for Wilshere as he settles in.

But what kind of a manager are Luton getting?

BBC Radio Norfolk’s Norwich City commentator Rob Butler believes he will be a good fit for a club with a family feel, having taken an interest in youngsters and players with disabilities and additional needs, as well as the first team, at Carrow Road.

“He felt really strongly about that, so that says a lot about what Jack Wilshere is like as a person,” Butler told BBC Three Counties Radio.

“It’s difficult to judge (him) after two games. They were both dead rubbers, but there was a good win against Cardiff City, a team that got relegated. He certainly came across well on matchdays and preview warm-ups we did with him.

“A lot of Norwich fans bought into the idea that he might get the job (permanently) because what we saw in those two games was a togetherness – we spoke to players who said they really respected Jack, he’s really easy to work with.”

There is also Wilshere’s record of developing young talent at Arsenal to take into consideration.

“What he did at Arsenal was great – he brought through some incredible players that Mikel Arteta is now using in massive Premier League and Champions League games so that speaks for itself,” Butler added.

When Wilshere takes charge of Luton for the first time in Saturday’s home game against Mansfield Town, he will be up against a manager in Nigel Clough, who has been in a dugout on more than 1,300 occasions.

And Hatters chief executive Gary Sweet believes that is part of the reason why bringing in former Charlton boss Chris Powell to work alongside Wilshere was necessary.

“Jack went through four stages of interview, with 16 pairs of eyes looking at him, who came to the same conclusion. But we really felt we needed a very experienced number two who could bring a stabilising influence and knowhow,” he told BBC Three Counties Radio.

“The model is the one we feel is right – where we have energy, enthusiasm, different ideas, nimbleness, boldness, bravery, all of these things – but stabilised by Chris, who will give a tap on the shoulder and a little bit of advice here and there.”

Powell himself had no doubts about accepting his role after learning that Wilshere was the man Luton wanted.

“He’s a young coach, he’s modern, progressive, and his understanding – based on the discussions we’ve had – he gets it already,” Powell said.

“Everyone thinks you have an idea of the way you want to play and you do it straight away. No, you’ve got to be understanding of the situation, of where the team’s at, what league you’re in and what’s required.

Sweet admits the mood around the club has been “low and flat”, but Wilshere has the personality to quickly provide a lift to a side which is mid-table in League One.

“Jack’s love for the game, his enthusiasm, his desire, the spirit he’s got in him is what we want to represent us,” Sweet said.

Reaction among supporters to the appointment has been mixed, with words ranging from “exciting” to “a gamble” being used.

Former Luton midfielder Jonathan Smith was a member of the Hatters team that won the Conference title in 2014 under Nathan Jones – a manager of limited experience when he first arrived.

“Even just from his first presentation he did for the players – and I’m sure Jack will be working hard on this as well – we all bought in straight away, you could see his passion and desire to do well,” Smith told BBC Three Counties Radio.

“First impressions in all walks of life are important and although Jack’s had an amazing career, that first interaction will be important for him.

“I played under Paolo Di Canio at Swindon. He had obviously played at a much higher level than us and at times did struggle with that, and sometime shut [training] sessions down because he wasn’t happy with the quality.

England manager Sarina Wiegman wanted to select Millie Bright for this month’s friendly matches before the Chelsea defender announced her international retirement.

The Chelsea captain Bright retired from international football on Monday after winning 88 caps and captaining the team to the 2023 Women’s World Cup final.

When asked if she wanted the 32-year-old to be part of England’s preparations for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, Wiegman replied: “Yes, of course I wanted that.

“She’s still a very good player so I want her in the squad but I totally respect and understand the decision.

“She had been thinking about it very thoroughly. When a player makes a decision like this and has such an incredible career internationally, then it’s not appropriate to have that conversation [trying to change her mind].

“Off the back of the Euros we had a conversation. She told me she would retire from international football. She has been huge for us, for me, for the team – on and off the pitch.

“Even before I came in, she was a great personality and leader. I’m just really grateful to have been a little part of her journey. She’s had a massive influence.”

It is the first squad Wiegman has selected since England won Euro 2025 in July and there are several key players missing because of injury.

Right-back Lucy Bronze, 33, is included after recovering from the fractured tibia she played with during Euro 2025.

She was a late substitute in Chelsea’s 1-0 win over Tottenham on Sunday – her first appearance this season.

Captain Leah Williamson is not in the squad because of a knee injury while Chelsea forward Lauren James also misses out with an ankle issue.

Williamson and James have yet to play this season as a result of injuries picked up during Euro 2025.

Forward Lauren Hemp is also missing after suffering an ankle injury in Manchester City’s win over Tottenham on 19 September.

There is a first senior call-up for 19-year-old Arsenal centre-back Katie Reid after her impressive performances in the Women’s Super League this season.

Reid’s club-mate Taylor Hinds, who joined Arsenal from Liverpool in the summer, is also included.

The 26-year-old had previously switched her allegiances to Jamaica but has not represented them in a competitive fixture and is therefore eligible for the Lionesses.

Hinds’ featured in a 3-0 friendly defeat by France in October 2024 for Jamaica having previously played for England’s youth teams.

Another defender, Niamh Charles, recovered from an ankle injury in time to start for Chelsea on Sunday and makes the squad.

Midfielder Grace Clinton was left out of Manchester City’s squad for Sunday’s win at Liverpool with a knock but is also included.

Aston Villa midfielder Lucia Kendall, 21, also receives a first senior call-up after impressive performances for her new club since moving from Southampton.

Goalkeepers: Hannah Hampton (Chelsea), Anna Moorhouse (Orlando Pride), Khiara Keating (Manchester City).

Defenders: Lucy Bronze (Chelsea), Lotte Wubben-Moy (Arsenal), Jess Carter (Gotham FC), Niamh Charles (Chelsea), Maya le Tissier (Manchester United) Esme Morgan (Washington Spirit), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City), Taylor Hinds (Arsenal), Katie Reid (Arsenal).

Midfielders: Grace Clinton (Manchester City), Jess Park (Manchester United), Ella Toone (Manchester United), Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich), Keira Walsh (Chelsea), Laura Blindkilde Brown (Manchester City), Missy Bo Kearns (Aston Villa), Lucia Kendell (Aston Villa).