The defending world champion Los Angeles Dodgers have continued their quest to upgrade their championship club from this past season.

The Dodgers on Friday agreed to terms on a three-year contract with infielder Hyeseong Kim of the KBO League, according to multiple reports. Daniel Kim of ESPN was first to report the news. The deal reportedly has the option for an additional two years.

Regarded as one of the top hitters in the KBO, Kim was posted on Dec. 4 by his team, the Kiwoom Heroes, opening up the 30-day window for the 25-year-old to sign with an MLB team.

In 953 games, Kim has posted a .304/.364/.403 slash line. A left-handed batter, Kim hit .326 with a .383 OBP, stealing 30 bases, his seventh straight season with 20-plus swipes, for the Heroes in '24.

A versatile and capable defender, Kim has spent time at second base, shortstop and both corner outfield spots in the KBO. He has twice won a KBO Golden Glove at the keystone and once at shortstop.

With Los Angeles, Kim figures to add valuable depth to a middle infield that includes the likes of eight-time All-Star Mookie Betts, Gavin Lux and Miguel Rojas.

MatériaMais Notícias

A estreia do São Paulo na temporada também marcou o primeiro capítulo de Thiago Carpini no comando do clube. E com mais de 45 mil pessoas, o Tricolor venceu o Santo André por 3 a 1, pela primeira rodada do Campeonato Paulista. Para o treinador, que tem somente 39 anos e vem de trabalhos de destaque no Água Santa e no Juventude em 2023, o momento no estádio do Morumbi foi marcante para ele.

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➡️ Tudo sobre o Tricolor agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! São Paulo

– Foi um momento único na minha carreira. A gente tem sempre a oportunidade de viver momentos que fazem parte da nossa história e hoje foi muito especial. Estar à frente de um gigante com o São Paulo, e ficamos às vezes tentando entender tudo que está acontecendo. Fico muito feliz, pela primeira vez ter essa atmosfera a meu favor. O torcedor aqui é um show à parte. A torcida tem feito a diferença e hoje eu tive uma amostra disso, desse elo que esta fortalecido – disse o técnico na entrevista coletiva que concedeu após o triunfo sobre o Ramalhão.

Contratado para substituir Dorival Júnior, chamado para comandar a Seleção Brasileira, Carpini disse que algumas das suas ideias são parecidas com a do seu antecessor e, por isso, o elenco assimilou muitos dos seus pedidos rapidamente. Foram 10 dias de trabalho até o confronto diante do Santo André.

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– Em alguns comportamentos eu e Dorival pensamos parecido, então foi possível aproveitar, pois temos as mesmas ideias, tem coisas que ainda vamos ajustar conforme o adversário. Esse encaixe de um bloco alto de marcação é bem definido, o encaixe da marcação mais baixa, a bola parada defensiva. O São Paulo levou poucos gols.

➡️Internautas questionam pênalti marcado para o São Paulo contra o Santo André: ‘Ridículo’

Ainda assim, o novo comandante são-paulino aponta alguns aspectos que ainda carecem de melhorias.

➡️São Paulo define situação de Nikão

– Talvez a bola parada ofensiva possamos melhorar, trabalhando mais, pois acredito que podemos surpreender o adversário assim. O jogo de ter a bola é o que o São Paulo vinha fazendo, passei para eles o ponto de atrair os adversários para o nosso campo para abrir espaços. Movimentações de Lucas e Luciano abrindo espaços, essa profundidade, ataque ao espaço, dobras pelo lado. Tem algumas coisas que eles assimilaram bem.

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O próximo jogo do São Paulo será nesta terça-feira (23), contra o Mirassol, fora de casa, pela segunda rodada do Paulistão.

Shoot for the stars and at least you’ll land on the moon, or so the saying goes. But for Sri Lanka, their high-flown aspirations barely cleared the stratosphere (to stay with the metaphor), as they were restricted to 133 for 8 by Pakistan in Abu Dhabi.Even that required an intervention by Kamindu Mendis, whose 50 off 44 was the only thing keeping the innings from devolving into farcical territory. His partnerships, first with Wanindu Hasaranga – 22 off 28 – and then Chamika Karunaratne – 43 off 39 – dragged Sri Lanka’s innings to respectability if not competitiveness, as he helped his side recover from being 58 for 5 midway through the eighth over.Kamindu eventually fell, trapped lbw by a Shaheen Shah Afridi toe-crusher, a decision that needed to be overturned on review. It was Afridi’s third wicket of the innings, as he finished with figures of 3 for 28; he had earlier picked up both openers in the powerplay.Pakistan dominated all phases of the innings, with Sri Lanka paying the price for their reckless abandon, having been put on what seemed like a good batting track. In the powerplay, despite scoring 53 runs, Sri Lanka lost each of their top three cheaply.Then any notions of a middle overs consolidation were just as quickly snuffed out by Hussain Talat’s double-wicket opening over, in which he got rid of a dangerous-looking Charith Asalanka and Dasun Shanaka off consecutive deliveries.This gave way to a period in which Sri Lanka’s scoring slowed to a trickle, with Abrar Ahmed in particular proving tough to get away as he bowled his four overs on the trot, giving away just eight runs and picking up the wicket of Wanindu Hasaranga.Between overs six to 16, Sri Lanka struck just 44 runs, and then in the death overs they struck a further 36. With 180 being targeted prior to the start of the game, Sri Lanka will know they’ve fallen well short of expectations.

As far as Arne Slot’s Liverpool are concerned, there hasn’t been much to write home about this season.

It’s been difficult, for a great number of reasons, and the Reds have slumped to five defeats from six matches in the Premier League. They say it’s too early to make such calls at this stage of the campaign, but Liverpool simply cannot be considered as title contenders unless something significant shifts in the coming weeks and months.

Physicality and control. Two central tenets of any Premier League midfield worth their salt, and especially so for Liverpool. However, Slot’s side have lacked both in equally concerning measure for much of the term so far.

And with that in mind, we can’t help but recall the days of Gini Wijnaldum in the middle of the park, for the Dutchman is very much missed right now.

Why Gini Wijnaldum left Liverpool

Wijnaldum has plied his trade away from Anfield for four years now, and it’s perhaps fair to say that Liverpool have not replaced his profile in the years since. The 35-year-old was very distinctive in his style for the Reds.

Liverpool signed Wijnaldum from Newcastle United in 2016 after their relegation from the Premier League. Wijnaldum was among the standout Magpies that year.

He was an attacking midfielder and had put four past Norwich City early in the campaign, a bright flicker in a dark year on Tyneside. However, Jurgen Klopp fashioned the Dutchman into an industrious, press-resistent central midfielder, part of an energetic centre that charged Liverpool’s glittering success of the past decade.

Though Wijnaldum didn’t score often for the Merseysiders, he came up trumps on a few occasions, alright, and scribed his name into the record books when bagging a brace off the bench on that night against Barcelona.

So cool and composed and calm on the ball, Gini was the metronome in the middle. To think that he played in advanced roles with consistency during his days with Newcastle and PSV Eindhoven before that is a marker of Klopp’s tactical brain, successfully reshaping into something that produced fewer show-stopping moments but contributed more greatly to the Liverpool project.

Liverpool miss him, for sure, but there’s a member of Slot’s squad who is beginning to show signs of the Netherlands man’s former qualities.

Liverpool's new version of Wijnaldum

Slot’s own ‘version’ of Wijnaldum might not be stylistically the same, but he’s playing a versatile and yet singular role for the Anfield side this season.

Enter Dominik Szoboszlai, the shining light of Liverpool’s dreary campaign so far.

The Hungarian has been hailed by reporter Lewis Steele as being Liverpool’s “player of the season” so far. Admittedly, the bar isn’t high, but Szoboszlai ranks highly across the whole of Europe in regard to individual efforts, having matured into a leader as well as a tireless source of energy and a technically proficient technician.

To say that he’s come on leaps and bounds would be quite the understatement, and this with Liverpool struggling to muster any kind of form.

Klopp oversaw the £60m signing of RB Leipzig’s talented playmaker in 2023, beating Newcastle to his signature. Szoboszlai has ebbed and flowed in a Liverpool shirt, criticised at times for his lack of end product. At the end of Klopp’s reign, Szoboszlai fell out to the fringes, starting only one of the final six Premier League fixtures of the term, and was hooked at half-time during a miserable home defeat to Crystal Palace before that.

Since Slot has taken to the dugout, Szoboszlai’s role has changed some, and that has become crystal clear this season, for he has never been more involved, never more entrusted with a starring role in the side, hailed as a “proper leader” and Liverpool’s star man by content creator Jonathan Morley.

Szoboszlai is a player whose skill and tenacity out of possession, his intelligence and vision and ability to do the right thing at the right time, make him a unique and priceless part of a system. Wijnaldum-esque, perhaps.

Gini was, after all, lauded as being “irreplaceable” for Liverpool by correspondent Richard Jolly. He wasn’t a vocal leader on the field, but the former Netherlands international provided a calming presence, redefined once he settled in on Merseyside and then became a central part of one of the glittering outfits of their age.

Liverpool may not be at the races this season, but there’s a long road still ahead, and with Szoboszlai shaping into an all-action midfielder of the highest class, Slot’s own version of Wijnaldum, there will be hope that the rest of these talented players can recover their levels and match Szoboszlai’s commitment and desire.

His free-kick against Arsenal, sealing victory against Mikel Arteta’s title challengers toward the start of the season, his Man of the Match performances on a number of occasions already, Szoboszlai is the real deal, alright, and when Liverpool do return to form, he might just reach even loftier levels under Slot’s wing.

Szoboszlai has been Liverpool’s standout player this season, and though this has been tempered by the otherwise miserable performances, solace can be found in the knowledge that Slot has unearthed the club’s latest superstar.

FSG sold an "incredible" Liverpool talent & it's a bigger mistake than Diaz

Liverpool are already starting to regret this £15m sale.

By
Angus Sinclair

Nov 14, 2025

تنقل مباريات بطولة كأس العرب 2025، المشارك به منتخب مصر، خلال الفترة من 1 حتى 18 ديسمبر 2025، عبر 4 قنوات.

ويشارك في بطولة كأس العرب، 16 فريقًا بداية من دور المجموعات للبطولة، حيث تأهل 9 منتخبات، ويتبقى 7، سيتم حسمها من مباريات التصفيات التي تقام يومي 25 و26 نوفمبر من مباراة واحدة، والفائز سيتواجد في دور المجموعات.

طالع | مواعيد مباريات منتخب مصر في كأس العرب 2025

وأسفرت قرعة بطولة كأس العرب عن تواجد منتخب مصر في المجموعة الثالثة مع الأردن والإمارات والفائز من (الكويت ضد موريتانيا).

وستنطلق بطولة كأس العرب، يوم الإثنين 1 ديسمبر، بمواجهتي تونس والفائز من المباراة التأهيلية سوريا وجنوب السودان، والمباراة الثانية تجمع بين قطر صاحب الأرض مع المتأهل من فلسطين وليبيا.

ويستهل منتخب مصر مبارياته في كأس العرب بمواجهة المتأهل من مباراة الكويت وموريتانيا، ثم يلاقي الإمارات ويختتم دور المجموعات بمباراة الأردن. القنوات الناقلة لـ كأس العرب 2025 بمشاركة منتخب مصر

قناة بي إن سبورتس.

قناة الكاس.

قناة أبو ظبي الرياضية.

قنوات دبي الرياضية.

قنوات إم بي سي مصر 2

Chris Lynn almost single-handedly takes Hampshire into final with feat never previously achieved

Alan Gardner13-Sep-2025

Chris Lynn became the first man to score a hundred in the 22-year history of T20 Finals Day as his unbeaten 108 from 51 balls took Hampshire through their semi-final against Northamptonshire almost single-handedly.Lynn described his achievement as “not bad”, although he joked he was more interested in becoming one of a slightly less select club to have hit six sixes in an over. Having brought up his century, from 49 balls, with the fourth of five consecutive sixes off Lloyd Pope’s legspin, he duly struck the fifth over the ropes – only to be given out lbw to the last ball of the over, a decision that was overturned on DRS.The second semi-final at Edgbaston had appeared to be delicately balanced up until that point, with Hampshire needing 38 runs from 24 balls in a game that had shortened by rain. But after Lynn’s five sixes – taking his tally in the match to 11 – it was left to James Fuller to hit the winning runs with 2.2 overs to spare.Related

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Six-smashing Lynn powers Hampshire to final with unbeaten 108

Former Australia international Lynn was one of a handful of overseas players still available to play on Finals Day, with his status as a T20 freelancer meaning he was not subject to being recalled for the start of the Australian domestic season, like many of his compatriots involved in the Blast.Lynn’s efforts eclipsed the previous best individual score on Finals Day, the 92 scored by Luke Wright for Sussex in their semi-final win over Somerset in 2018. In this case, it was a one-man demolition, with Lynn smashing 108 out of Hampshire’s total of 155; the next-highest score in the innings was James Vince’s 12.”It’s easy to sit here and say it’s a flat wicket now,” Lynn said at the post-match presentation. “[It was a case of] one ball at a time, we knew it had a bit in it up front, they’ve got some quality seam bowlers. For us, it was about partnerships. That’s the first domino down. Really happy, but still got one more job to do. Personally, it would top my day off if we can go again. I really like this shirt, I hope they’ll have me back next year.”Asked about becoming the first man to score a century on Finals Day, which was first held to cap off the inaugural season of the Twenty20 Cup in 2003, Lynn said: “Not bad, I probably wanted six sixes more. I wasn’t worried about the lbw, it was about trying to join Yuvraj [Singh] and Polly [Kieron Pollard].”The scoreboard shows Lynn’s five consecutive sixes off Lloyd Pope•Getty Images

Northamptonshire had battled back to make a game of it, having been 86 for 6 before the second of two heavy showers – the first having pushed back the start – led to a reduction in overs. The innings was resurrected by a partnership of 70 in 40 balls between Justin Broad and Luke Procter, although Hampshire’s target was revised down to 155 on Duckworth-Lewis-Stern.They nevertheless made life difficult for Hampshire’s batters – Lynn aside – with four of the top five dismissed after going at less than a run a ball. Ravi Bopara, Northamptonshire’s veteran allrounder, said it took an “unbelievable” innings from Lynn to settle the outcome.”I thought we put a good total on the board,” Bopara said. “That was a decent total on that wicket, which was slowing up a bit. We though we had the game in the balance there, with about six overs to go – then obviously you have the one big over that loses you the game. I though Lynny played unbelievable, when someone had a day out like that it’s hard to stop them.””It is a tough wicket to get going, there’s not a lot of pace in it. You do need a bit of power, which Lynny has got and he showed it tonight. That’s why he’s been so successful in T20 cricket throughout his career, because he’s got the capability of clearing the ropes and taking the pitch out of the equation.”Hampshire, looking to secure a record fourth T20 title, advanced to contest the trophy against Somerset, the 2023 winners who have themselves reached four of the last five finals. Both teams share the record for Finals Day appearances with 11.Lynn was able to strap the pads back on straight away, after Somerset won the toss and chose to bowl. He could not repeat his semi-final heroics, despite hitting his fourth ball for six – his 12th of the day – as he holed out to cover for 12 off seven balls.

This has been the season of Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, of Amad and Senne Lammens – but don’t forget about Manchester United’s ever-reliable skipper, Bruno Fernandes.

While no longer perhaps the star attraction, amid Mbeumo’s rich vein of goalscoring form, the Portuguese playmaker is still quietly pulling the strings from his deep-lying midfield berth, scoring twice and registering three assists from his 11 Premier League outings.

Two rare penalty misses have perhaps been the biggest story of the 31-year-old’s campaign thus far, although it would be foolish to suggest that he has been under-par, again leading the way in the division for chances created (29), as per FotMob.

As he admitted ahead of his 300th United appearance last month, the former Sporting CP star is almost relishing the prospect of someone else taking the limelight – alla Mbeumo and Cunha – having for so long shouldered the creative and goalscoring burden on his own at Old Trafford.

A recent hat-trick hero on the international front, the experienced genius is far from over the hill, albeit with Ruben Amorim already hinting at a potential role change later down the line, suggesting that his compatriot might need to adjust to “rotation” next season, should the Red Devils return to European competition.

Whether Fernandes himself decides to stick around following the World Cup also remains to be seen, with a long-term replacement needed regardless.

Latest on Man Utd's midfield search

Speaking in that refreshingly honest interview to mark his milestone match, Fernandes did confirm that he had been close to joining Saudi side Al Hilal over the summer, before ultimately opting to stay put despite receiving a significant salary offer from the Pro League outfit.

Also the subject of interest from Paris Saint-Germain the year prior, the £300k-per-week talent will certainly have options once again should he choose to depart in 2026, albeit having suggested that he won’t even contemplate an exit until after next summer’s tournament in North America.

With a deal that expires in 2027, however, and lingering concerns over his suitability to Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 set-up, Fernandes’ long-term fit in this side is up for debate, regardless of whether he decides to stay or leave, with a young understudy perhaps required.

With that in mind, reports in Spain have suggested that United and INEOS have an offer in the works to sign AZ Alkmaar starlet, Kees Smit, with the 19-year-old said to have ‘caught the eye’ of those in Manchester.

Said to be valued at around €25m (£22m), the report claims that the Old Trafford side are willing to lodge a bid above the Eredivisie side’s valuation, perhaps hinting at their desire to win the race for his signature, amid notable competition.

Compared to Pedri by Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman, the teenager – who has also been linked with Newcastle United – could certainly be a worthwhile punt as far as the INEOS regime are concerned.

Why Man Utd could be targeting the new Bruno Fernandes

Since the arrival of the likes of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Jason Wilcox, there has undoubtedly been a clear focus on recruiting stars of the future, be it Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven, or Leny Yoro and Diego Leon.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Adding Smit into the fold could well help to continue that trend, with the promising Dutchman already earning rave reviews back in Holland, having been hailed as a “supertalent” in the past by talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Set to turn 20 in January, the AZ academy graduate has already made 50 senior appearances for his current side, chalking up ten goals and assists in that time, as per Transfermarkt, with 2025/26 proving particularly fruitful thus far.

Largely operating in a central midfield role – but also comfortable in a deeper or more advanced berth, like Fernandes – the £22m gem has scored twice and registered four assists in 19 games in all competitions, four of which have come in just 11 league games.

A player with “superstar potential” – in the view of analyst Ben Mattinson – Smit is particularly adept at striking from range, a trait again similar to Fernandes, with both he and Cunha tied last term for most goals scored outside the box by Premier League players.

Also hailed for his “striker-like finishing” inside the box by Mattinson, Smit does appear to be the complete attacking package, a fact heightened by his likeness to Fernandes in last season’s Europa League.

Indeed, as per FBref, the pair were noted as statistically and stylistically similar players among midfielders turning out in the competition, with the pair both ranking highly for progressive passes and passes in particular.

Goals

Top 4%

Top 17%

Assists

Top 1%

Top 14%

Shot-creating actions

Top 48%

Top 2%

Pass completion

Top 30%

Bottom 15%

Progressive passes

Top 4%

Top 2%

Progressive carries

Top 5%

Top 12%

Successful take-ons

Top 4%

Top 46%

Touches in opposition box

Top 10%

Top 7%

Progressive passes received

Top 9

Top 12%

Smit’s creative streak has also been evident so far this term, with three big chances created and two key passes averaged per game in the Eredivisie, as per Sofascore. Back in England, for comparison, Fernandes has also created three big chances, while averaging slightly more key passes at 2.6 per game.

Both a goalscorer and provider then, like the Portugal man, Smit would surely be a worthy choice to be a potential deputy to Fernandes in the short-term, before seeking to succeed him in that midfield role later down the line.

Looking very much like a young Fernandes on current evidence, it’s easy to see why the teenager is courting quite so much interest.

INEOS have already signed a "machine" who could end Sesko's Man Utd stay

Manchester United already have an elite-level prospect who could steal Benjamin Sesko’s starting role.

2 ByEthan Lamb Nov 18, 2025

Manchester United’s recent showing against Nottingham Forest may have ended their three-game winning run, but their 2-2 draw did extend their unbeaten run in the Premier League.

Ruben Amorim’s side are now over a month unbeaten and finally starting to show glimpses of a side who are capable of battling at the top end of the table once again.

The 40-year-old’s 3-4-2-1 system is finally starting to come good, with the Red Devils fanbase finally having a reason to be excited after numerous months of disappointment on the pitch.

The £200m investment during the summer transfer window shows the hierarchy’s backing of the manager, with the additions making an immediate impact at Old Trafford.

One of whom managed to impress once again at the City Ground, subsequently matching the levels produced by one of his compatriots, who also caught the eye against Sean Dyche’s men.

Casemiro & Cunha’s impressive displays against Forest

Matheus Cunha was just one of United’s big-money additions during the summer window, arriving in a £62.5m deal from fellow Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers.

He’s since made himself a regular starter, once again impressing for the Red Devils, as seen by his underlying stats in the draw against Forest yesterday afternoon.

The Brazilian completed three dribbles, won five fouls and came out on top in 11 duels – with all three of the aforementioned tallies the highest of any player on the pitch.

Cunha was unable to get on the scoresheet, but the same can’t be said for compatriot Casemiro, who once again managed to impress during his revival at Old Trafford.

The 33-year-old scored his third league goal of the campaign, leaping highest from Bruno Fernandes’ corner to give the Red Devils a 1-0 lead against Dyche’s men.

Despite his defensive midfield role, he created three chances for his teammates, also making 11 passes into the final third whilst completing 100% of his dribbles – in what was an all-round phenomenal showing.

Out of possession, the experienced star was just as impressive, winning three tackles and making eight recoveries – tallies which have made him a key man under Amorim once again.

Despite the showing from the aforementioned duo, one other first-team member once again managed to catch the eye, with such a display cementing himself as one of the world’s best.

The United star who’s becoming one of the best in the world

As previously mentioned, central midfielder Fernandes once again managed to pop up with a key assist – taking his tally to four goal contributions across all competitions in 2025/26.

The Portuguese international still posed a huge threat going forward despite operating in a deeper role – creating four chances in the first half, the most of any player on the pitch.

However, as a result of dropping deeper, he’s now able to dictate the play more, as seen by his tally of 65 passes completed yesterday – also the highest tally of any player in Nottingham yesterday.

Over recent weeks, Amorim has been able to build an established starting eleven – even being unchanged in the last two outings – which has no doubt aided the recent upturn in form.

His formation has allowed for numerous players to become first-team regulars and take their careers to the next level in recent months – as seen by Amad Diallo’s upturn in form in Manchester over the last 12 months.

The Ivorian often struggled to nail down a consistent starting role under Erik ten Hag, but he’s now arguably one of the first names on Amorim’s teamsheet.

He’s had to feature in a somewhat unfamiliar right-wing-back role in the last 12 months, but the 23-year-old has since taken to the position like a duck to water.

Amad has notched 22 combined goals and assists in the last year under Amorim, with his latest strike coming late on in Saturday’s 2-2 draw in the East Midlands.

He found himself unmarked on the edge of the 18-yard box after a clearance from a corner, before nailing a powerful effort past Matz Sels into the bottom left-hand corner.

The attacker also completed 100% of the crosses he attempted, whilst maintaining five passes into the final third – backing up one analyst’s claim that he’s now one of the “best in the world”.

Other figures, such as 100% tackles won, six recoveries and four shots registered, further showcase his incredible all-round showing against the Reds.

Minutes played

90

Goals scored

1

Crosses completed

100%

Tackles won

100%

Recoveries made

6

Shots taken

4

Shots on target

3

Passes completed

39

As a result, there’s no denying that Amad is rapidly cementing his place at RWB in Amorim’s system, with his ability at both ends of the pitch making him a phenomenal talent.

Should he continue on his current trajectory, there’s no reason why he can’t help the side achieve new heights in the years ahead under Amorim’s guidance.

Fewer passes than Lammens: 3/10 Man Utd flop has now got to be dropped

Man Utd drew 2-2 away to Forest, and this star struggled

ByJoe Nuttall Nov 2, 2025

USAC’s suspension will not impact USA’s participation in the T20 World Cup starting in February in India and Sri Lanka

Nagraj Gollapudi23-Sep-2025The ICC has finally decided to suspend USA Cricket (USAC), in the process hitting the reset button as it attempts to overhaul the leadership and governance structure of the sport in a key market. The decision was taken by the ICC Board after a virtual meeting on Tuesday. USAC’s suspension will not impact the national team’s participation in the T20 World Cup starting in February in India and Sri Lanka or the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.The suspension comes just over two months after the ICC, at its annual general meeting in July, had granted USAC three months to hold “free and fair elections” and carry out “comprehensive” governance reforms. At the time, the ICC reiterated that USAC would continue to remain “on notice”, as it has been since July 2024. The ICC Board also warned USAC that it reserved the right to take any action it deemed fit based on the progress of reforms.Eventually, on Tuesday evening, the ICC suspended USAC with “immediate effect” and temporarily took over “management and administration of USA national teams.”Related

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USA cricket crisis worsens as USAC files for bankruptcy

ACE takes USA Cricket to court as power struggle intensifies

“The decision, taken by the ICC Board during its meeting earlier, was based on USA Cricket’s repeated and continued breaches of its obligations as an ICC Member under the ICC’s Constitution,” an ICC press release said. “These include, but are not limited to, the failure to implement a functional governance structure, lack of progress toward achieving National Governing Body status with the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC), and significant actions that have caused reputational damage to cricket in the United States and around the world.”The suspension does not have an immediate impact on cricket being part of the LA 2028 Games. The ICC clarified that USA teams will still be able to participate in ICC events as well as make preparations for the Olympics. Calling it “unfortunate but necessary” the ICC said it was forced to take such extreme action to “protect the long-term interests of the game and the ICC’s top priority remains ensuring that the athletes and the sport itself are not impacted due to the suspension.”During the time USAC had been put on notice, the ICC had been working with it to draw a “roadmap” and facilitate its securing national governing body (NGB) status from the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC). This is mandatory for all sports that were added to LA28 Games. As hosts, USA are expected to be one of the six teams to contest for medals in both men’s and women’s categories.That roadmap, which comprises six steps, was drawn by the ICC’s Normalisation Committee, headed by chairman Jay Shah. Prior to that, the committee met USAC top brass Venu Pisike (chairman) and Johnathan Atkeison (CEO) twice – first in April virtually and then in person in June. The roadmap called for USAC to start an organisational revamp by bringing in three new independent directors to replace the incumbents on the Board. Following that the USAC Board would step down and prompt fresh elections. At this point USAC would apply for NGB status.Simultaneously, the ICC also said a comprehensive review and reform of the USA Cricket Constitution “shall be undertaken” in close consultation with the Independent Directors and relevant ICC stakeholders. With USAC unable to meet these terms, it was suspended.USAC was being considered for suspension at the ICC’s AGM in July and only managed its three-month reprieve by making “commitments” to the ICC Board to meet the criteria required for membership.”When USAC was notified of the AGM’s decision,” the ICC press release said, “it was specifically advised in writing that, along with fulfilling the commitments it made to the Board and taking immediate steps in that respect, it must (i) not do/omit to do anything that might jeopardise cricket’s inclusion in the Olympics, and (ii) not do anything (by act or omission) that brings cricket or the ICC into disrepute or is contrary to the best interests of cricket or the ICC.”For USAC to lift its suspension, it will need to follow procedure that the Normalisation Committee, in coordination with the ICC management, will outline and which “will include demonstrable and specific changes to USA Cricket’s governance structure, operations and overall status in the Cricket ecosystem. The normalisation committee will also monitor USA Cricket’s progress and provide consultatory support.”The ICC remains committed to supporting the growth of cricket in the United States, protect the sporting ecosystem and its constituents, namely the athletes and bolstering its march towards a more significant role on the global stage.”

Sean Dyche has now personally requested the signing of a “fantastic” Istanbul Basaksehir defender Jerome Opoku at Nottingham Forest, and his current club may be tempted to cash-in.

Reinforcements may be needed in the January transfer window, given that Forest are looking like they could be involved in a relegation battle this season, although there has been an uptick in results since Dyche arrived just under a month ago.

The 54-year-old has made a solid start in the Premier League, collecting four points from his opening three games in charge and signing off before the international break with a 3-1 win against fellow strugglers Leeds United, which could be an important result come May.

The former Everton boss has experience in relegation battles, having managed to guide the Toffees to safety in the 2022-23 campaign, while also stabilising Burnley in the Premier League, so Evangelos Marinakis should have full trust in his manager as we approach the January transfer window.

Sean Dyche requests signing of Jerome Opoku

Given Dyche’s impressive start, Marinakis may be willing to back him this winter, and the Nottingham Forest boss has now personally requested the signing of Istanbul Basaksehir defender Opoku, according to a report from Africa Foot (via Sport Witness).

The 27-year-old has attracted the attention of a number of Premier League clubs as of late, with Everton making an offer in January, while Fulham are also in the race, so the Tricky Trees may have to fend off competition from elsewhere to secure his signature.

Such is the level of interest in the centre-back, he could become ‘one of the hottest topics’ of the upcoming window, and the Turkish club may be tempted to cash-in, given that his current contract is set to expire in 2027.

The Basaksehir defender hasn’t played in England since a spell at Plymouth Argyle in the 2020-21 campaign, at which point he received plaudits from manager Ryan Lowe, who described the 6 foot 5 colossus as “fantastic”.

Since then, the Ghana international has gone on to establish himself as an important player for Basaksehir, making 14 appearances in all competitions this season and helping his side keep clean sheets in three of their last four matches.

Opoku is yet to prove himself in one of Europe’s top leagues, meaning it would be a risk for Nottingham Forest to make a move, but Dyche knows what it takes to avoid relegation from the top flight, so if the manager wants to make the Basaksehir star his first signing, Marinakis should back him.

Nottingham Forest make contact to sign midfielder Dyche called "terrific"