
Bayern Munich sign two huge names amid Kane transfer saga
Bayern Munich might be on the verge of buying England captain Harry Kane in a sensational €100m deal – but it has just made two very different signings. The German football club has just announced that Prime, the energy drink created by YouTube personality KSI and Logan Paul, is its “hydration sponsor”. The multi-year deal will see Prime Hydration sold at the Allianz Arena on match days, and the brand plans to expand retail operations in the German market later in the year and launch FC Bayern X Prime limited edition bottles. Sign up to our free Indy100 weekly newsletter “FC Bayern is delighted to partner with Prime and bring the company to the German market.” said executive board member Andreas Jung. “This partnership with a young, dynamic brand confirms our global growth and aims to reach a new audience for FC Bayern.” “It has been truly special to watch Prime grow so exponentially over the last year, but growth doesn’t happen without partners like FC Bayern Munich,” said Prime co-founders, Logan Paul and KSI, in a statement. “We are so excited to work with such an established and successful group of individuals and we look forward to hydrating all parts of this star club.” Prime has drawn criticism in recent months after doctors said it contained too much caffeine for children under the age of 16 – one of its major markets – to drink in large quantities. The Prime website and Prime Energy label both warn that the drink is not recommended for children under age 18, people sensitive to caffeine, pregnant women or women who are nursing. US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer even called on regulators to investigate the company. The drink brand has become so popular, particularly with children and teenagers, that they are often being sold for 10 times their retail price on eBay. There is now even a tracker app that allows customers to verify stock before visiting stores. On Twitter last year, KSI – real name Olajide Olayinka Williams Olatunji – added that the beverage was being sold on the “black market”. The YouTuber shared screenshots of bottles being sold for £15 on eBay and said: “This annoys me so much. We’re trying so hard to increase the supply as much as possible to try and combat the black-market selling. “Me and Logan ain’t made any money from Prime. It’s all going back into the business to increase the supply. We’re trying people.” Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.
2023-08-10 23:28

Martin O'Neill leaves football fans 'in tears' with major on-air microphone blunder
Martin O'Neill has left football fans in stitches with an on-air blunder that has become an instant meme online. He appeared on Sky Sports for the draw for the second round of the Carabao Cup, when the on-screen nerves seemed to get the better of him. Picking out a ball, he accidentally forgot about the mic, and instead announced 'number 15' into the ball itself. "Martin I don't know why you're talking into the ball", a voice in the background laughs. Sign up to our new free Indy100 weekly newsletter
2023-08-10 22:59

Expectations will be high at Marseille with a new coach and a strong squad
It’s been painful for Marseille fans to watch bitter rival Paris Saint-Germain collect league titles over the last decade to become the most successful club in domestic French soccer
2023-08-10 22:16

Lauren James handed ban for World Cup red card
Lauren James has been handed a two-game ban by Fifa after being sent off during England’s last-16 win over Nigeria, meaning she will miss both Saturday’s quarter-final with Colombia and the subsequent World Cup semi-final should her teammates progress. James was shown a red card after standing on Nigeria defender Michelle Alozie during the knockout game, which England won via a penalty shootout. The Chelsea forward was given an automatic one-match suspension and feared being ruled out of the tournament altogether, with Fifa typically increasing cases of “violent conduct” to a three-game ban. However, the governing body’s disciplinary committee showed some leniency and James could now return for the World Cup final, should England make it to the showpiece on Sunday 20 August in Sydney. James had apologised for the incident, posting in response to a tweet from Alozie: “All my love and respect to you. I am sorry for what happened. Also, for our England fans and my team-mates, playing with and for you is my greatest honour and I promise to learn from my experience.” James became the fourth England player to be sent off in a World Cup knockout match after David Beckham, Wayne Rooney and current Lionesses captain Millie Bright. England manager Sarina Wiegman admitted James had “lost her emotions” during a moment of indiscretion which could see the 21-year-old miss the remainder of the World Cup through suspension. Alozie had earlier tweeted in defence of James. “Abeg, rest,” she wrote. “We are playing on the world’s stage. This game is one of passion, insurmountable emotions, and moments. All respect for Lauren James.” And speaking on Thursday ahead of England’s quarter-final, teammate Beth England said the players had rallied around James. “Obviously she’s disappointed with what happened on the day,” England said. “It was a split second, emotional moment that happened. We’ve got around her. It is good that she’s acknowledged that and put her apology out ... we just move on from it now.” Read More Bethany England reveals ‘biggest danger’ facing Lionesses against Colombia Women’s World Cup TV schedule: How to watch every match today
2023-08-10 21:58

England star Lauren James handed two-match ban after red card against Nigeria
Lauren James has been handed a two-match ban following her red card in England’s World Cup win over Nigeria. The Chelsea star was dismissed late in the second half for stamping on Nigeria forward Michelle Alozie following an altercation. FIFA said in a statement: “The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has imposed a two-match suspension on England’s player Lauren James following a violation of article 14 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code at the FIFA Women’s World Cup match England v Nigeria. “The suspension will be served for the Women’s World Cup quarter-final and the next international fixture following that.” It means James will be available for the tournament final should England progress that far. James already knew she would miss Saturday’s quarter-final against Colombia following her red card in the game, which England won on penalties. But fears she could be automatically ruled out for the rest of the tournament could prove unfounded if Sarina Wiegman’s side make it all the way to the final. Conceivably James, who apologised in the wake of the incident and has been publicly backed by Wiegman, would be available to return in the prospective August 20 showpiece in Sydney. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live
2023-08-10 21:48

Pedaling beats polarization in a huge, cross-Iowa bike ride
American politics are tense and polarized, and the Iowa causes are just six months away
2023-08-10 20:48

West Ham signs Mexico midfielder Edson Álvarez from Ajax
Mexico midfielder Edson Álvarez has joined West Ham from Ajax as the replacement for the departed Declan Rice
2023-08-10 19:48

Harry Kane to decide his future after Tottenham and Bayern Munich agree fee
Tottenham Hotspur have accepted Bayern Munich's improved offer for Harry Kane, now leaving it down to the player to finally decide if he wants to go through with the move. Although the personal details of the move are agreed, the 30-year-old had been leaning towards staying in the last week, as it is also felt his greatest ambition is to join Manchester United. The Old Trafford hierarchy have not been willing to get into discussions with Daniel Levy, though, which has left Bayern free to engage in drawn-out negotiations that have finally conclusion – at least at one stage. It is understood that Spurs will receive over £80m up front, with the totals of the deal taking it beyond £110m in achievable clauses. Levy was unmoving in that stance from the start. The Kane camp had given Bayern every indication over the summer that they were prepared to move, although that now creates a last dramatic tension as the player decides whether he actually wants to leave the Premier League. Kane has entered the final 12 months of his contract at Spurs but ignored the ongoing noise around his future to score four goals in a 5-1 friendly win over Shakhtar Donetsk last Sunday. Dejan Kulusevski set up Kane’s hat-trick strike and subsequently hailed the professionalism of his team-mate. “He scored four goals, so very good,” Kulusevski exclaimed. “Nah, he’s unbelievable. Honestly, his mentality, I can learn from him like everybody. He just goes out and performs day in day out. “He’s a true professional. I’m happy I helped him score today but of course we want him to stay and we’ll do everything to make him stay.” Read More Premier League LIVE: Harry Kane fee agreed with Bayern Munich plus latest team news Ange Postecoglou has a rebuild mandate – but Spurs’ Harry Kane tactics are only harming themselves Harry Kane sets final deadline on transfer away from Tottenham
2023-08-10 18:29

Bethany England reveals ‘biggest danger’ facing Lionesses against Colombia
England striker Bethany England warned it would be more dangerous to underestimate Colombia than worry about their “physical” approach ahead of Saturday’s quarter-final clash at the Women’s World Cup. Colombia played a part in the biggest shock of the tournament so far in beating Germany as the two-time champions crashed out of the World Cup in the group stages, but the South American side have also earned a reputation for their robust style. A pre-World Cup friendly against Ireland was abandoned when it became ‘overly physical’ - while Germany complained about the rough treatment they received in the 2-1 defeat. It’s been a World Cup of surprises so far and the Lionesses survived a major scare against Nigeria in the last-16 as they advanced on penalties, after playing extra time with 10 players following Lauren James’ red card. And the Tottenham striker said Sarina Wiegman’s side are more concerned about not taking Colombia lightly, while insisting they can also match their fight if the quarter-final does turn physical. “Ultimately, I just think it’s a case of the biggest danger is just not to underestimate them,” England said. “They beat Germany, who are one of the biggest teams in this tournament, so I think we just have to make sure we approach it in a good manner. “Knowing that they can be physical, we can also be physical and match that. And I think it’s just going to be important that we don’t get too into more of a fight than actually playing football, because that’s what we’re here to do. “We’re here to play the game that we love and hopefully do it in a good, stylish way as well.” The Lionesses will be without star forward James for Saturday’s quarter-final in Sydney after 21-year-old was sent off for stamping on Nigeria’s Michelle Alozie in the last-16 clash, with a Fifa disciplinary panel set to meet to decide whether her one-match suspension will be extended. However, a decision is not expected to be made until after England’s quarter-final. James has since apologised to Alozie and her team-mates and England said the forward was “doing good” as she awaits news of the ban. “Obviously she was disappointed with what happened on the day,” England said. “It was a split-second emotional moment that happened. We got round her. It’s got she acknowledged that and put her apology out. Now we just wait to see what Fifa do and move on from it. Obviously I can imagine it’s a very difficult position for her to be in but whether they do it on the same day or not it’s not going to affect us in a way that we’re not defined by one player. “It’s important everyone is there for her and as a team. Whatever decision they make we have to unfortunately accept it and get on with the game. There’s more important things than focusing on one player.” England came off the bench to help the Lionesses through extra time against Nigeria and is playing a bigger role for Sarina Wiegman’s side at the World Cup, after not playing a single minute of their Euros campaign last summer. With the Lionesses struggling for goals - Wiegman’s side have only scored two goals in the three games other than the 6-1 win over China - the Tottenham striker could offer a solution, after arriving at the World Cup having scored 11 in 11 games in the Women’s Super League. “Ultimately Sarina is the boss,” England said. “I am here to be a part of the team that is, whether it is starting or as a sub. I love playing football, I want to play as much football as I can at this tournament. “So ultimately if I get the minutes I will try and do everything I can when I am on the pitch, and even if I don’t [get on the pitch], I will be there to be the No1 fan for the girls that are on the pitch.” Read More Women’s World Cup LIVE: Latest news as England await Lauren James decision ahead of Colombia quarter-final Women’s World Cup TV schedule: How to watch every match today ‘We are not happy’ – Lucy Bronze insists England will improve against Colombia
2023-08-10 18:28

Ange Postecoglou has a rebuild mandate – but Spurs’ Harry Kane tactics are only harming themselves
As the curtain went down on last season, one of the clubs facing most uncertainty over the immediate direction they would, or indeed could, take was Tottenham Hotspur. It was clear that their second interim manager of the campaign, Ryan Mason, wouldn’t be in charge; who was to take over and try to - yet again - restructure and rebuild the underperforming team was a mystery. It was clear that a new sporting director had to be appointed given Fabio Paratici’s ban and departure; who they would land to fill the void was unclear. And above all, it seemed that both captain and vice-captain would move on from tthe playing squad: Hugo Lloris’ last involvement saw him subbed midway through the drubbing at Newcastle and he was outspoken over summer over his “desire” to depart, while star striker - and most valuable asset in every sense - Harry Kane has just a year left on his contract and many suitors keen on his talents. And yet, in what can only be described as very Tottenham-esque fashion, both Lloris and Kane remain at the club on the eve of the new season, new boss Ange Postecoglou handed the task of rebuilding a team without fully knowing if the spearhead of it will in fact remain past the next few weeks. With regards to the goalkeeping situation at least, there’s an expectation rather than a reality of clarity now. The Australian manager confirmed Lloris opted out of joining Spurs’ pre-season tour to explore transfer opportunities, with summer addition Guglielmo Vicario the new No.1. Kane, meanwhile, is described as “invested” in the team by his latest boss but Bayern Munich’s interest, in particular, isn’t going anywhere. While Postecoglou tries to integrate the England captain into yet another Spurs vision, it’s perhaps Daniel Levy’s approach which is hampering how fast his newest appointment can put matters on track. On the one hand, there’s a reputation and an expectation to acknowledge: Levy, when conducting transfer business for Spurs, is known to be tough to deal with, standing firm on valuations and expecting others to match them if they want a player. On most occasions, that might well be the right, or at least a beneficial, approach. But perhaps this time, this summer, with this player’s situation, rapidly concluding negotiations would by far outweigh the benefits of standing firm on payment terms, or holding out for the extra few percent. Recent reports suggested a £10m difference between the clubs; while not an insignificant figure, consider the difference between getting £90m now and absolutely nothing just ten months down the line. And more than that, consider the year-long delay in allowing Postecoglou to bring in the type of striker he wants to lead the line and work with and have others play off, run off, link with, create for: not just removing Spurs’ own ability to pay for that striker, but holding up the start date on integrating them into the system. Keeping Kane and hoping he’ll recant and sign an extension is an obvious attraction, but given the lack of ability to compete at the top or have a cohesive, consistent approach to improvement over the last few years - throughout the club, not just on the pitch - it would appear to be optimistic in the extreme for Levy and the board to focus on that possibility. Meanwhile, a late-summer sale would only mean that at best Spurs get perhaps a couple of goals or games out of Kane, but then face time pressures to find a replacement - and don’t have a longer-tearm starting striker for the first games of the season, and even when one is signed, he has missed out on a crucial pre-season of bedding in. And so to what Postecoglou can control, rather than what he cannot. A long list of club and country positions have shown his capacity for organisation, for commanding the respect of his squad and for producing at-times excellent football, without sacrificing an ability to be pragmatic when called for. Aside from the aforementioned Vicario and the loans-turned-permanent deal for Pedro Porro and Dejan Kulusevski, Postecoglou has been gifted Micky van de Ven at the back and James Maddison in attack. Manor Solomon adds depth, but well over £150m of total outlays have not been offset by sales - just Harry Winks and Lucas Moura have departed, the latter on a free. Getting the best out of Maddison will be a crucial aspect of the new Spurs, be it as a No10 or in a more fluid, floating role. Too often, too long it has been a case of relying on Kane and Son Heung-min, and the latter endured a torrid campaign in 2022/23. Adding aggression, work rate, organisation and far, far better mental resilience when matters get tough after the whistle goes will all have been high on Postecoglou’s must-do list this summer. All of that can be done with or without Kane, and the evidence of it should be seen very quickly into the new term compared to some of the debacles under Antonio Conte and those who, briefly, followed. But when it comes to the regular winning of matches, rather than the not losing of them, that requires understanding. That requires time. That requires cohesion, fine-tuning and a consistent message to a consistent group. Spurs’ own approach this summer hasn’t removed enough of that original uncertainty for them to be absolutely sure yet what path they are following and what they want to become. It makes them an incredibly interesting side to watch heading into 23/24, but they - as much as anyone else - might still be unsure exactly what they’ll be getting. Read More The ‘incredible’ Micky Van de Ven trait that Tottenham want to weaponise Inside Trent Alexander-Arnold’s new role: ‘With great power comes great responsibility’ Fantasy Premier League: 30 players you must consider for 2023/24 season Defender Micky van de Ven joins Tottenham from Wolfsburg on six-year deal Dejan Kulusevski vows to ‘do everything’ to keep Harry Kane at Tottenham Postecoglou aims ‘deadline’ dig at Bayern over Kane transfer saga
2023-08-10 17:59

The broadest look yet at Clarence Thomas' luxury travel bankrolled by wealthy friends reveals private jet and helicopter rides and VIP sporting event tickets
The list of gifts and hospitality Justice Clarence Thomas has received from wealthy friends is more extensive than previously known, according to a new ProPublica report.
2023-08-10 17:56

After stocking up on big-name players, Saudi Arabia's ambitious soccer league starts Friday
The Saudi Pro League kicks off Friday after a spending spree on new players grabbed the soccer world’s attention
2023-08-10 17:48