Archive August 1, 2025

DR Congo and Rwanda hold first talks since signing of peace deal

By in News, World News
The first joint oversight committee meeting between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is moving closer to implementing a peace agreement, despite other obligations that have not yet been fulfilled.

Qatar, the United States, Qatar, and the African Union all gathered on Thursday for the committee meeting in Washington.

According to a joint statement released by Rwanda and the DRC on Friday, the committee “discussed progress on implementing the agreement” among other things.

The Rwanda-DRC agreement in June marked a breakthrough in negotiations between US President Donald Trump’s administration, which aims to end fighting that has resulted in the deaths of thousands of people and attracted billions of dollars in Western investment.

The agreement specifies requirements for “respect for territorial integrity and halting hostilities” in eastern DRC, but they have not yet been put into effect.

It provides few details, but it also includes economic measures.

The two African nations pledged to put a 2024 agreement into place so that Rwandan troops could leave the eastern DRC in 90 days.

Additionally, the agreement stated that DRC and Rwanda would establish a joint security coordination system within 30 days and implement a strategy put forth last year to monitor and verify the withdrawal of Rwandan soldiers within three months.

The Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), an armed group based in the DRC and whose remnants were part of Rwanda’s former army and fighter groups that carried out a genocide in 1994, are expected to be the focus of Congolese military operations that will come to an end in the same year.

However, the joint security coordination mechanism hasn’t met in 30 days since the signing, and operations against the FDLR and the withdrawal of Rwandan soldiers haven’t yet begun.

Deal not off track, really?

The joint oversight committee was established as a forum to discuss the peace agreement’s implementation and resolution of disagreements.

The committee’s meeting was scheduled and was scheduled to occur 45 days after the signing.

Massad Boulos, Trump’s senior advisor for Africa, stated to reporters on Wednesday that the deal was on track and that a meeting of the security mechanism was set to be held soon.

When asked about the FDLR’s ongoing operations and the Rwandan soldiers’ withdrawal, Boulos responded, “There was no timeline for that. If you look at the chronology of what we’ve been able to do since April, it’s been very on point and very much in line with our aspirations.” Therefore, there is no deviation from the plan.

Sources with knowledge of the negotiations acknowledged the negotiations’ delays in passing the deal, but added that they were not yet threatening it as a whole.

Five things to look out for on League One and League Two opening weekend

By in News, Sports News
Getty Images/BBC Sport
Kate Holloway
BBC Sport England

Leagues One and Two will start the party over the weekend, leaving the Premier League and Championship.

At 20:00 BST, Luton Town, who finished second in the standings before successive relegations, will face League Two play-off champions AFC Wimbledon from the previous season.

On a busy Saturday, the third and fourth tiers kick off with a derby showdown between Stockport County and Bolton Wanderers, which will take place before Sunday’s derby showdown.

Kick-off: Relegated Luton and promoted AFC Wimbledon.

A side-by-side of Luton Town's Jordan Clark looking disappointed next to AFC Wimbledon's Marcus Browne with the play-off trophy and his winners medalGetty Images

Luton Town and AFC Wimbledon’s journey to League One couldn’t have been more difficult.

After reaching the top of the Premier League in 2023, Luton fell to a second successive relegation, and they also had to part with their beloved manager, Rob Edwards, who agreed to let them leave after a difficult first half to make their Championship return.

However, the Dons’ unwavering resolve could not be stifled by even a flooded pitch. A strong start and a fantastic finish that saw them defeat a Walsall team just one point away from automatic promotion earned them the League Two play-off trophy.

Matt Bloomfield, who led Wycombe Wanderers to the top of League One last season before moving to Luton, told BBC Radio 3CR, “We hope we are going to be challenging.”

Will Cardiff’s return to the third tier be a temporary blip?

Cardiff City fans react to the side's game against West Bromwich Albion last seasonGetty Images

Cardiff City have experienced difficult times. They finished the table bottom after a poor Championship campaign.

It was laborious to return the last time they left the second tier. Eighteen years after being relegated to a championship club, it finally rose above the surface and the apparent deep rot in the organization may put off fans a quick recovery this time around.

Not necessarily the catalyst for a confident comeback, but there is a toxic relationship with owner Vincent Tan, a seemingly never-ending managerial slog, and a startling season that ended the club as their worst ever season.

A consortium is currently trying to lure the Bluebirds, which could replace Tan with the likes of Gareth Bale and friends, but the current arrangement seems unlikely to materialize.

On an EFL return, Oldham and Barnet appear to sparkle.

Oldham Athletic players celebrating their trophy winGetty Images

Baby, Oldham Athletic and Barnet are back. They were unable to hold them, so they now return to the EFL, where they can once more assert themselves.

Seven years ago, the Bees were in the fourth tier, and they now reignite as National League champions in style. On Saturday (15:00 BST), they host Fleetwood.

The Latics will also be returning with a trip to MK Dons, despite the fact that their last one has been a little longer.

After three seasons, they re-enter the EFL with a dramatic play-off victory over Southend. More than 5,000 people showed up for the National League play-off, which was previously overflowing, and manager Mickey Mellon anticipates seeing even more large crowds in League One.

According to Mellon, “I think [MK Dons] are the favorites and have a fantastic stadium. I think we will take close to 2, 000 supporters there,” Mellon said on BBC Radio Manchester.

Can play-off winners who were defeated become winners?

Mat Sadler applauding fans after Walsall's play-off final loss to AFC WimbledonGetty Images

Last season, Leyton Orient and Walsall were both squandered by just one goal.

After Charlton’s Macaulay Gillesphey scored from a free kick to clinch their fate in the play-off final of the previous season, none other than League One’s top scorer Charlie Kelman could score an equalizer for the O’s.

However, Kelman has left the organization and more than half of Orient’s starting lineup has now left as they get ready for their first game of the new season against Huddersfield on Saturday (15:00 BST) from that day at Wembley.

The Saddlers fell into a sour spiral that ended in a 1-0 play-off final defeat by AFC Wimbledon, having been 12 points clear at the top of League Two midway through the previous season.

Will they be the front-runners once more, or will their lull continue, with so far?

Bradford City entering a new era?

Bradford City fans in the stands before their final game against Fleetwood with a banner with the football club's name across itPA Media
After Antoni Sarcevic scored the 96th-minute winner on the final day of the season to claim the final automatic promotion spot ahead of Walsall, thousands of people turned out to celebrate Bradford City’s ascendance to League One.

The Bantams have been waiting for six years for their automatic promotion to third tier, and they have already made it happen. To find their most recent success in a similar way, you must go back in your memory to 1999.

“We are all looking forward to the new year, the new division, the half-a-new squad, and the young people who worked so hard last year to support us.” Graham Alexander, the head of the Bantams, told BBC Radio Leeds, “We are looking forward to it.”

On the BBC Sport website and app, live text coverage of Luton Town v. AFC Wimbledon on August 1 at 19:30 BST starts with live coverage of the weekend as it unfolds here.

related subjects

  • League Two
  • Cardiff City
  • Oldham Athletic
  • AFC Wimbledon
  • Leyton Orient
  • Luton Town
  • Walsall
  • League One
  • Football
  • Barnet
  • Bradford City

Ozzy Osbourne’s closest friends look solemn at rocker’s funeral as Sharon grants final wish

By in Entertainment News, News

Rockstars who were present at Ozzy Osbourne’s funeral were led by Marilyn Manson, who laid him to rest on the grounds of his Buckinghamshire mansion.

Ozzy Osbourne and wife Sharon(Image: Getty Images for MTV)

Ozzy Osbourne was hailed as one of the world’s greatest rockstars, so it was only fitting that the good and the great of the rock music worlds would attend his funeral. Leading a host of well known names was Marilyn Manson who attended the private memorial service alongside his wife Lindsay Usich.

The pair paid tribute to the Black Sabbath frontman, who performed his last concert in his hometown of Birmingham last month. Marilyn was followed by Ozzy’s lead guitarist Zakk Wylde who took with him two acoustic guitars. Also in attendance was Rob Zombie who wore a skull on a black scarf.

The Black Sabbath singer sadly died at the age of 76 on July 22 and was buried on the grounds of his Buckinghamshire mansion, as he had asked for before his death. It comes after Sharon Osbourne breaks down in tears at Ozzy’s funeral in heartbreaking scenes.

READ MORE: Kelly Osbourne’s poignant message about why dad Ozzy Osbourne was so importantREAD MORE: Jack Osbourne’s co-star sends heartfelt plea to ‘vulnerable’ Sharon after Ozzy’s death

Marilyn Manson attends Ozzy Osbourne funeral
Marilyn Manson attends Ozzy Osbourne funeral(Image: / SplashNews.com)

Ozzy’s beloved wife Sharon and the couple’s three children were spotted bidding their last farewell in front of hordes of adoring fans during the public procession leading up to his funeral. Sharon’s daughters Kelly and Jack, both of whom were equally devastated, were holding her and supporting her at one point.

The singer’s devoted fans poured into Birmingham in droves to pay their respects. Sharon was pictured holding up her hand as the peace sign was being performed during the procession. Ozzy’s children, who were also in tow when he first married Thelma Riley, were also there.

Rob Zombie turned up to pay respects to Ozzy Osbourne at private memorial service
Rob Zombie turned up to pay respects to Ozzy Osbourne at private memorial service(Image: / SplashNews.com)

To support Ozzy’s request, the family made sure that his funeral was more of a celebration than anything else. The couple’s former marital home, which had the words “OZZY F****G OSBOURNE,” displayed on the family’s lake, also had a floral tribute delivered.

In 2011, Ozzy said in an interview at the time: “I honestly don’t care what they play at my funeral – they can put on a medley of Justin Bieber, Susan Boyle and ‘We Are The Diddymen’ if it makes ’em happy. But I do want to make sure it’s a celebration, not a mope-fest.

I’d also like some practical jokes, such as asking my doctor for a second opinion on his death diagnosis.

There will be no harping on the bad times, Ozzy then said. Remember that many people spend their entire lives living in poverty. So, in any case, the majority of us in this nation, especially rock stars like me, are incredibly fortunate. I don’t want my funeral to be depressing; I want it to be a moment to say “Thanks.”

Ozzy Osbourne's guitarist Zakk Wylde joins rock royalty attending the singer's funeral
Ozzy Osbourne’s guitarist Zakk Wylde joins rock royalty attending the singer’s funeral(Image: / SplashNews.com)

A brass band performed Black Sabbath songs including Iron Man at the funeral procession in the middle of Birmingham town center in accordance with his request.

In honor of the singer, thousands of tribute fans sang along to the songs.

Continue reading the article.

He mentioned his wishes in his autobiography, I AM Ozzy, which was released in 2010. He remarked, “Everyone will die eventually, like it does.” I’ve told Sharon, “Don’t cremate me, whatever you do.” A tree planted over my head would be nice to have planted in the ground, in a nice garden somewhere.

He suggested planting a crabapple tree so the kids can poop out of their heads and make wine out of me. I’m not under any illusions about what they’ll put on my headstone. I can already see it if I close my eyes. Ozzy Osbourne, born 1948. ever died. He bitten a bat’s head.

READ MORE: Dyson vacuum that ‘brings up a lot of dirt from carpets’ cut by £150

Brooklyn Beckham ends row with Beck’s as two sides come to an agreement

By in Entertainment News, News

Brooklyn, the son of David and Victoria Beckham, has developed a close relationship with his wife Nicola Peltz’s family over the past few months.

Brooklyn Beckham ends feud with Becks following legal advice(Image: Booklyn Beckham/Instagram)

David Beckham’s son Brooklyn Beckham has ended the feud with Beck’s following a trademark battle with the beer company. The hot sauce business owner, who is currently estranged from his family, went up against the lager brewery over the term “Becks Buns”, with the US Patent and Trademark Office getting involved, reports claim.

The 26-year-old Buster Hot Sauce Inc. business filed a trademark application in 2024 for the phrase in categories like sauces, beers, wines, sauces, and clothing as well as kitchen knives. However, Brauerei Beck & Co. objected to the statement because it suggested Beck’s, one of the 21 brands it owns, resembled too much to Beck’s, including Stella, Budweiser, Corona Extra, Skol, and Carling.

Other terms it has instructed its lawyers to dispute include Secks, Brasserie Beck, Becks Master Brew and Buck’s Landing. It comes after Cruz Beckham ‘steals’ his dad’s tiny white trunks and family have epic response.

Brooklyn faced it when Holland &amp, Hart LLP’s hotshot lawyer Nadya Davis was hired. He engaged Merchant & Gould P. C., whose two offices are in Washington, DC, and New York, to fight his case.

Hot sauce business owner Brooklyn has cut ties with his own family
Hot sauce business owner Brooklyn has cut ties with his own family(Image: Booklyn Beckham/Instagram)

He and the opposing parties agreed to use the term, but he must remove the classifications for “Beer” and “Distilled spirits, wine, mirin in the nature of Japanese shochu-based mixed liquor” in “compliance with a third party agreement.” Unfortunately, Brooklyn’s and his family’s relationship hasn’t been as friendly lately.

There is currently no sign of a reconciliation between Brooklyn, his wife Nicola Peltz, 30, and the rest of his previously close-knit family. With the alleged fallout initially between Brooklyn and his A List parents, David and Victoria Beckham, it’s now trickled down to the rest of the family, including his younger brothers, Romeo, 22, and Cruz, 20.

On social media, both brothers appear to have unfollowed Brooklyn, their older brother. Brooklyn appears to have grown closer to his in-laws, Nicola’s parents, Nelson and Claudia Peltz, despite distance and separation from his family.

Brooklyn's business and Brauerei Beck & Co reached a deal.
Brooklyn’s business and Brauerei Beck & Co reached a deal.

Brooklyn has snubbed his own family numerous times, including missing all his dad’s 50th birthday celebrations in May, Father’s Day and family holidays. He also failed to acknowledge David’s long-awaited knighthood achievement. To rub it in further, he went on holiday with Nicola’s family, having publicly sent his father-in-law Nelson Father’s Day wishes – and also visited the UK on the exact dates his family were abroad.

Brooklyn, who has sailed into St Tropez on a yacht costing $85 million, has undoubtedly been lapping up the luxury. The hire of the deluxe rented liner cost Nicola’s parents an incredible £1.2 million per week.

Brooklyn avoided a confrontation with his parents, who had just arrived at the French dock, which he allegedly had no idea, by avoiding an awkward run-in with them. In contrast to the Peltz’s liner, they rocked up in their 40-meter vessel, Seven, which cost a meager £16 million.

brooklyn peltz beckham
Brooklyn has been enjoying a yacht holiday with Nicola Peltz’s family(Image: INSTAGRAM)

A source told the Sun : “Brooklyn’s yacht dwarfs the one owned by David and Victoria. It’s a financial flex. Their relationship is beyond soured now but Brooklyn has really landed on his feet.

“Nicola and her parents, Nelson and Claudia, are his family now. And he’s clearly enjoying the spoils.” David and Victoria, who own their yacht that’s half the size of Brooklyn’s in-laws rented boat, went to Saint-Tropez with their sons Romeo and Cruz as well as daughter Harper.

Continue reading the article.

However, a source told the Mirror that Brooklyn was unaware that David and Victoria were arriving in Saint-Tropez two days later. They added the couple had a lovely time and enjoyed the hospitality provided by Nelson.

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READ MORE: Rochelle Humes just wore ‘slimming’ £32 top from River Island on This Morning

‘Premier League will not be cut to 18 clubs’

By in News, Sports News

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Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter in Chicago
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The Premier League will not reduce in size from 20 to 18 clubs, says chief executive Richard Masters, amid tensions with world governing body Fifa over the congested international calendar.

The top-flight season begins on 15 August, kicking off 11 months of competitive action which will end in the US for the World Cup final on 19 July.

The season starts three weeks after Chelsea beat Paris St-Germain to win the Club World Cup – and two weeks after the final round of Summer Series matches.

Manchester City midfielder Rodri suggested last year that players are close to going on strike because of the increase in games.

Germany’s Bundesliga and France’s Ligue 1 were reduced from 20 to 18 teams for the 2023-24 season.

But Masters told BBC Sport: “I don’t think we should be forced into that decision.

Fifa and players’ union Fifpro have long been in dispute over player burnout.

Masters sides with the union in claiming Fifa has not consulted the game properly, on the implementation of the expanded 32-team Club World Cup or next summer’s World Cup, which will be the first to include 48 countries.

This is not the only reason the calendar is squeezed – Uefa’s expansion of all three club competitions last season was the main reason FA Cup replays had to be scrapped and the Carabao Cup third round now has to be played across two midweeks in September.

But Masters said the major leagues at least had an input into the decision-making process.

“The jury is out about the competitiveness of the format and the scheduling and the underlying economics, but it is not my job to assess the success or otherwise of the Club World Cup,” Masters said.

“It is my job to assess whether these new competitions have an impact on the domestic calendar and domestic competitions, of which the Premier League is one.

“Since 1994 the Premier League has been 380 matches, 20 clubs. We haven’t changed shape at all.

“Now we are now starting to redesign our domestic calendar at the altar of European and global expansion.

“We are asking the players to play in more matches. There has to be, at the top of the game, a proper dialogue between Fifa and all the stakeholders about how these things go forward.

“That has been sadly missing.”

While Masters is correct in stating the Premier League has remained the same since it reduced its numbers from 22 to 20 for the 1994-95 campaign, it has been guilty in the past of forcing clubs into a schedule they do not want.

The latest issue has centred upon Chelsea and City, who both wanted a delayed start to the new campaign given their summer exertions.

This was rejected, meaning Chelsea will meet Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge exactly five weeks after beating PSG at MetLife Stadium.

“It is the butterfly impact of decisions taken beyond our influence by other footballing bodies that directly impact on domestic leagues,” said Masters.

“When you finish a tournament in mid-July and have to provide the players with three weeks’ break, there is only a week to go before the start of the season.

‘We will be back for Summer Series’

Masters said he does not recognise suggestions that there is widespread disquiet within the Premier League about central funding being used on the Summer Series.

League officials have spoken of the wider commercial benefit of bringing the tournament to the US for the second time in three years, especially with broadcasting giant NBC now one of its most significant partners.

Rather than scrap the biennial tournament – which began in 2003 as the Asia Trophy and has had 25 different clubs enter – Masters is confident it will happen again in 2027.

“I am sure we will be back,” he said. “We can’t announce it yet because we haven’t organised it, and we need to get the clubs onside, but it is part of our growth agenda and very popular.”

The ‘growth agenda’ should not be underestimated.

At the Summer Series event two years ago Masters told BBC Sport he was “not too concerned” about the threat posed by the Saudi Pro League.

Since then, recruitment within the league has become more strategic but, more importantly, Fifa has awarded the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia, meaning investment in football in the country is likely to grow.

This comes as some argue the Premier League is becoming more predictable, with the last six promoted clubs immediately getting relegated and the biggest clubs becoming more aggressive in their recruitment.

“I am not oblivious to the fact the Premier League exists in a highly competitive environment,” Masters said.

“We always keep an eye on what is going on and clearly the Saudi Pro League is developing and moving forward. But so is the Premier League.

“Of course we have our issues, but the fans want to watch, domestically and round the world.

“You have jeopardy. You don’t know who is going to win. Clubs can aspire to rise up the league. There is competition at the bottom and for European places and hopefully for the title.

Related topics

  • Premier League
  • Football