Thomas Bach - players.bio

Leadership vacancy, financial crisis among 'challenges' facing 2026 Italy Olympics

Costly construction delays, a leadership vacancy linked to a volatile political climate and a lack of sponsors amid a spreading financial crisis has prompted International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach to acknowledge the "challenges" facing organizers of the 2026 Winter Games in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo.

Benzema’s France call-up hinges on Madrid derby says Ancelotti

MADRID: Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti says if the injured Karim Benzema is unable to play in next week’s La Liga derby against Atletico Madrid it will rule the star striker out of contention for France’s Nations League World Cup warm up games. Benzema, hot favorite to pick up next month’s Ballon d’Or, suffered a right thigh injury in Tuesday’s 3-0 Champions League win at Celtic. And Ancelotti said on Saturday: “Karim? We’ll see if he can make the derby.

Cologne urge fans to give evidence after violence in Nice

COLOGNE, Germany: German soccer club Cologne have urged their fans to submit photos and videos to a police “evidence portal” to identify those responsible for violence at the Europa Conference League game in Nice. Thirty-two people were injured at Thursday’s match between Nice and Cologne when fights broke out among supporters in the stands at Allianz Riviera stadium.

Carlos Alcaraz to face Casper Ruud for US Open title after epic semifinal triumph

NEW YORK: Carlos Alcaraz defeated Frances Tiafoe in a gladiatorial US Open semifinal on Friday, setting up a showdown for the title and world number one ranking against Casper Ruud. The 19-year-old Spaniard triumphed 6-7 (6/8), 6-3, 6-1, 6-7 (5/7), 6-3 to become the youngest men’s Grand Slam finalist since compatriot Rafael Nadal captured the first of his 22 Slams at the 2005 French Open. Norway’s seventh-ranked Ruud earlier defeated Russia’s Karen Khachanov 7-6 (7/5), 6-2, 5-7, 6-2 to also reach his first Grand Slam final.