Andy Murray has officially withdrawn from the singles event at the Paris Olympics.
The two-time gold medallist is still not fully recovered from the back surgery he had last month and believes the men’s doubles, where he is playing with Dan Evans, offers his best chance of another medal.
Murray said: “I’ve take the decision to withdraw from the singles to concentrate on the doubles with Dan.
Andy Murray
“Our practice has been great and we’re playing well together. Really looking forward to getting started and representing GB one more time.”
The 37-year-old, who won gold in singles in London and Rio as well as silver in mixed doubles with Laura Robson in 2012, confirmed earlier this week that he will retire after the Olympics.
Murray’s withdrawal means his final singles match was his brief second-round appearance at Queen’s Club against Jordan Thompson before he was forced to pull out because of a spinal cyst.
FIFA’s disciplinary committee has opened proceedings against Canada Soccer and several individuals, including head coach Bev Priestman, amid claims a drone was used to spy on Olympic rivals New Zealand.
Bev Priestman
Assistant coach Jasmine Mander and Joseph Lombardi, an unaccredited analyst with Canada Soccer, have been sent home in connection with what the Canadian Olympic Committee has said it believes to be two separate instances of a drone being used to record Football Ferns training sessions.
Priestman, once the assistant to former Lionesses boss Phil Neville, has announced she will not take charge of the defending Olympic champions for Thursday’s New Zealand clash, their tournament opener, with ex-Everton manager Andy Spence filling in.
A statement read: “The FIFA disciplinary committee has opened proceedings against Canada Soccer, Ms Beverly Priestman, Mr Joseph Lombardi and Ms Jasmine Mander due to the potential breach of article 13 of the FIFA disciplinary code and article 6.1 of the regulations Olympic football tournaments games of the XXXIII Olympiad Paris 2024 – final competition, following incidents involving a non-accredited member of the Canadian delegation at the Women’s Olympic football tournament, who is believed to have used a drone to record the New Zealand women’s football team.
“The matter will be submitted for the consideration of the disciplinary committee in the next days.”
Canada Soccer president Peter Augruso and CEO/general secretary Kevin Blue also expressed their “unequivocal disapproval” in a joint statement announcing that their organisation would be conducting its own independent investigation.
It read: “On behalf of our federation, we offer our sincere apologies to the impacted players, coaches, and officials.
“Canada Soccer has always sought to prioritise integrity and fair competition, and we understand that competing with honesty is a baseline expectation for all Canadians. We failed to meet those expectations in this case, and for that, we apologise.
“As an immediate next step, Canada Soccer will proceed with an independent external review. This review will address the circumstances of the current matter, and more broadly, will seek to understand the historical culture of competitive ethics within all of our programs.
“The outcome of this review will be shared publicly and corrective actions, if necessary, will be taken. We will maintain prompt and transparent communication on this matter.”
A statement from the COC said Mander and Lombardi would be sent home immediately and Canada Soccer staff would undergo “mandatory ethics training”.
Priestman said: “On behalf of our entire team, I first and foremost want to apologise to the players and staff at New Zealand Football and to the players on Team Canada,” Priestman said.
“This does not represent the values that our team stands for. I am ultimately responsible for conduct in our programme. Accordingly, to emphasise our team’s commitment to integrity, I have decided to voluntarily withdraw from coaching the match on Thursday.
“In the spirit of accountability, I do this with the interests of both teams in mind and to ensure everyone feels that the sportsmanship of this game is upheld.”
The COC said it was told a non-accredited member of the Canada Soccer support team had been detained by French authorities in St Etienne following a complaint by New Zealand Football on July 22.
Following the COC’s review of that incident it said it had learned of a “second drone incident” on July 19.
St Patrick’s Athletic have put themselves in a commanding position in their Europa Conference League tie against Vaduz with a 2-1 win at Richmond Park.
Jake Mulraney scored twice in the first 17 minutes to give Stephen Kenny’s side the advantage in the first half.
The Liechtenstein side pulled a goal back, before Joe Redmond restored the two goal advantage in the 77th minute.
By contrast, Shelbourne’s second round qualifier with Zurich looks to be over after this evening’s first leg.
Damien Duff’s side were beaten 3-0 in Switzerland, having conceded inside 28 seconds.
Shelbourne will need a miracle ahead of the second leg in Tolka Park.
World number one Jannik Sinner has pulled out of the Olympics on the advice of doctors after contracting tonsillitis.
The Italian, who captured a maiden grand slam title at the Australian Open in January, struggled with dizziness in his Wimbledon quarter-final defeat by Daniil Medvedev earlier this month.
He had been readying himself for a return to clay with a practice week in Monaco but started feeling ill on Monday evening and has since been told to skip the Paris Games.
The withdrawal of Sinner, who was also scheduled to compete in the doubles with Lorenzo Musetti, means 37-year-old Novak Djokovic will be top seed when the men’s singles draw is made on Thursday.
Sinner wrote on his social channels: “I am saddened to inform you that unfortunately I will not be able to participate in the Paris Olympic Games.
“After a good week of clay training, I started to feel unwell.
“I spent a couple of days resting and during a visit, the doctor found tonsillitis and strongly advised me against playing.
“Missing the Games is a huge disappointment as it was one of my main goals for this season. I couldn’t wait to have the honour of representing my country in this very important event.”
Sinner would have been a strong contender for at least a podium position at Roland Garros after reaching the French Open semi-finals there last month, losing in five tight sets to eventual champion Carlos Alcaraz.
Argentina’s match against Morocco at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard was suspended for over an hour following a reaction from the crowd when Cristian Medina scored a late equaliser.
Morocco led the Group B clash 2-1 and in the final stages of the game Argentina hit the frame of the goal twice before midfielder Medina struck in the 16th minute of stoppage time to level the match.
However, his equaliser sparked objects being thrown onto the pitch and players were taken off for their safety.
Fans were then asked to leave the stadium with a message being projected on screens that read: “Your session has been suspended, please leave the stadium.”
After over an hour without play, the game resumed behind closed doors with three minutes left on the clock and Medina’s 106th-minute leveller was chalked off for an offside in the build-up.
The game finished 2-1 to Morocco thanks to Soufiane Rahimi’s brace.
The Paris Olympics began in earnest on Wednesday when the first batch of pool games in rugby sevens kicked off in front of a noisy crowd at the iconic Stade de France where Ireland beat South Africa 10-5 in a blockbuster clash.
James Topping’s side were the first of Team Ireland in action at these games and certainly delivered with a possession-dominant performance in Saint Denis, as Jordan Conroy and Terry Kennedy went over for tries in either half.
The opening game win puts Ireland in a strong position in Pool A heading into their second outing against Japan later this evening at 8pm Irish time. The Japanese side suffered defeat to New Zealand in the other Pool A clash this afternoon.
Although the Olympics opening ceremony is not until Friday, soccer and rugby sevens preliminary rounds got underway for logistical reasons in Paris and around the country.
The shorter but speedier rugby format allows teams to play more than one match a day and the medals in the men’s and women’s tournaments will be decided before the 81,000-capacity stadium hosts the athletics events from August 1st.
Scores of fans lined up outside the sun-kissed arena for the rugby sevens, the majority in blue to support the host nation.
“It’s been excitement, emotions, impatience … I’ve been looking forward to the start,” said 44-year-old France fan Matthieu.
“We’re at the heart of the biggest event that we’ve been waiting a long time to see.”
Another France fan, Pauline from Toulouse, arrived with three kids in tow and there was no question who they were most keen to watch when they screamed, “Antoine Dupont!”.
The 27-year-old is a former world player of the year in the fifteen-man format and made the switch to Sevens after last year’s Rugby World Cup, immediately elevating France to title contenders with his versatility.
The loudest cheer of the day was reserved for when Dupont, who has mostly come on as an impact replacement, was announced in the starting lineup in the Pool C opener against the United States.
The crowd were treated to a thriller of a match with American Marcus Tupuola scoring a late try to lock up the scores at 12-12. Madison Hughes missed the conversion leaving the two teams to share the spoils.
“It was a huge atmosphere,” Dupont said. “It’s not common for us to play in this kind of stadium, we have to embrace this atmosphere, to embrace this pressure, to play better in the next game.”
Fiji are seeking a hat-trick of golds to underline their dominance in their national sport and they later went top of Pool C with a thumping 40-12 victory over Uruguay, who were no match for the speed and power of the Pacific islanders.
Earlier, Australia kicked off their Pool B campaign with a 21-14 win over Samoa fired by two tries from veteran flyer Henry Hutchison.
Argentina were roundly booed by the crowd when they took to the pitch for their Pool B match against Kenya in what was perhaps a spillover from the 2022 soccer World Cup final between France and the South Americans.
Such was their disdain for the men in powder blue-and-white, the crowd jeered even when Argentina scored their five tries while loudly cheering on every Kenya move.
Argentina were unperturbed as they toyed with the African side and eased to a 31-12 victory.
The Paris Olympics are a few days away and Nigeria, the giant of Africa, pulsates with vibrant energy and a winning spirit that shines on the world stage as our athletes set out to break every record possible at the 2024 Olympics starting on July 26, 2024. And where does that spirit burn brightest? On the Olympic podium, draped in gold that signifies victory!
While some nations have overflowing trophy cabinets, Nigeria’s five Olympic gold medals hold a special weight. Each tells a story of resilience, audacious talent, and the unwavering belief that anything is possible.
1996: Atlanta Lights Up for the Super Eagles
Nigerian players celebrate their 3-2 victory over Argentina in the men’s final of the 1996 Olympics. (Photo by Jerome Prevost/TempSport/Corbis/VCG via Getty Images)
The year is etched in Nigerians hearts. A young, unfancied football team, the Super Eagles, took on the footballing giants Argentina in the final. Against all odds, they clawed their way back from a deficit, with Emmanuel Amunike’s golden goal in the dying minutes sending the nation into a frenzy. This win wasn’t just about football; it was a roar that announced Africa’s arrival on the world sporting scene.
Glory at the Long Jump: A Moment for Chioma Ajunwa (1996)
Chioma Ajunwa’s long jump glory moment at Atlanta 1996
Atlanta wasn’t done celebrating Nigeria! Chioma Ajunwa defied expectations with a thunderous long jump, snatching the gold medal from the grasp of favorites like Jackie Joyner-Kersee. Her infectious victory dance became an iconic image, a celebration of Nigerian power and athleticism.
Weightlifting Wonder: Ruth Ogbeifo Picks Up the Pace (2000)
At the Sydney Olympics, Nigeria flexed its muscular might in a different arena. Ruth Ogbeifo, a weightlifting wonder, lifted double her body weight to secure gold! Her feat became an inspiration for aspiring female athletes across the nation.
A Double Dose of Victory: Discus Domination (2008)
Beijing witnessed Nigeria’s golden touch return, this time in pairs. Blessing Okagbare and Ajoke Odumosu triumphed in the women’s long jump and discus throw. Their victories showcased the depth of Nigerian athletics talent and the nation’s unwavering commitment to sporting excellence.
Nigeria’s Blessing Okagbare competes during the women’s long jump final at the 2013 IAAF World Championships at the Luzhniki stadium in Moscow on August 11, 2013. AFP PHOTO / ADRIAN DENNISADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/Getty Images ORG XMIT:
These five golden moments are just a glimpse into Nigeria’s rich Olympic history. They are a testament to the unwavering spirit of a nation that continues to defy expectations and dance on the world stage. So, the next time you see the Nigerian flag raised high, remember the stories it tells – stories of triumph, resilience, and a nation that grabs hold of gold.
As Nigeria gears up to showcase her athletic prowess on the world stage once again, don’t forget to cheer them on by talking about their feats, triumphs and attempts as Nigeria’s talented athletes chase Olympic gold.
Uefa has started disciplinary proceedings against Spanish players Alvaro Morata and Rodri over their behaviour during a Euro 2024 presentation in Madrid this month, European soccer’s governing body confirmed on Tuesday.
The players sang ‘Gibraltar is Spanish’ on July 15th, the day after they won the European Championship with a 2-1 victory over England in Berlin, during a public celebration in the Spanish capital.
Alvaro Morata wears the captain armband for Rodri at the 2024 Euros in Germany
Gibraltar is a British territory located at the southern tip of Spain.
Gibraltar’s Football Association filed a formal complaint to Uefa about the chant, and Uefa appointed an ethics and disciplinary inspector to evaluate whether it violated regulations.
The charges against Rodri and Morata include violating the basic rules of decent conduct, general principles of conduct, using sporting events for manifestations of a non-sporting nature and bringing the sport of football into disrepute.
Samuel Chukwueze came off the bench to end Newcastle’s Champions League adventure as AC Milan fought back from a goal down to win at St James’ Park.
On a night when both sides needed to win to stand any chance of progressing, goals from Christian Pulisic and Chukwueze handed the Serie A side a 2-1 victory which was not enough to prolong their involvement in the competition following a 1-1 draw between Borussia Dortmund and Paris St Germain in Germany.
Seven-time winners Milan at least have the consolation of a Europa League berth while Eddie Howe’s men, who took a 33rd-minute lead through Joelinton’s piledriver in front of a crowd of 52,037, slipped out of Europe all together after finishing bottom of Group F in their first campaign since 2002-03.
Goalkeeper Martin Dubravka shook off a bout of illness which had threatened his participation to retain his place in the team with striker Callum Wilson making his first start since damaging a hamstring during the 2-0 defeat at Dortmund on November 7.
Such have been head coach Howe’s selection problems that only four of the men who started the reverse fixture in September – Kieran Trippier, Fabian Schar, Bruno Guimaraes and Anthony Gordon – did so on Tyneside.
St James’ reverberated as an expectant home crowd played its part, and Gordon’s early challenge on full-back Davide Calabria was cheered almost as appreciatively as a goal on a night when the stakes could hardly have been higher.
Trippier curled a sixth-minute free-kick over Mike Maignan’s crossbar after Pulisic had bundled Gordon to the ground as the Magpies maintained their early intensity, although the visitors with experienced striker Olivier Giroud providing a focal point, gradually eased their way into the game.
For all their dominance, Newcastle were struggling to create meaningful chances and Schar’s speculative 18th-minute strike from distance, which sailed high over Maignan’s crossbar, had a touch of impatience about it.
However, Fikayo Tomori had to make a superbly-timed intervention on his own line to prevent Miguel Almiron from converting Joelinton’s cross two minutes later.
Rafael Leao whipped a shot wide of Dubravka’s left post after Yunus Musah had surged deep into enemy territory to feed him as the visitors responded, but Maignan had to pluck Almiron’s goal-bound header from under his crossbar after he had met Joelinton’s inviting cross.
But it was the Brazilian who broke the deadlock when he ran on to Lewis Miley’s lay-off and smashed a right-footed shot past the helpless Maignan and into the top corner before sprinting to the sideline to celebrate with Howe and assistant Jason Tindall as the stadium erupted.
The game descended into a scrappy affair with both sides struggling to retain possession as the half-time whistle approached, and it was the Magpies who ultimately headed for the dressing rooms much the happier.
Wilson picked out the keeper with two attempts and Gordon fired over from another with Newcastle looking to kill the game off as news that Dortmund had scored rippled around the stadium.
PSG’s equaliser minutes later did little to quell the atmosphere, but spirits dropped with 59 minutes gone when the home defence failed to deal with Leao’s left-wing cross and Giroud teed up former Chelsea midfielder Pulisic to level from close range.
A much-improved Milan were causing significantly more problems with Leao in particular a persistent threat, but substitute Alexander Isak sent a dipping shot over with 23 minutes remaining and Maignan had to make a superb save to tip Guimaraes’ drive on to his crossbar two minutes later.
The woodwork came to Newcastle’s rescue 11 minutes from time when Leao’s shot came back off the post after Tino Livramento’s error had sparked a pacy counter-attack, but there was no escape five minutes later when Noah Okafor and Luka Jovic combined to set up fellow substitute Chukwueze to win it.
