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Luis Rubiales is fighting to clear his name and remain in his job as president of the Spanish FA (Rfef) amid increasing pressure and criticism after his conduct across the Women’s World Cup final. After kissing Spain’ Jenni Hermoso, with the player insisting it was without consent and not welcomed, the fallout has seen the Spanish federation widely criticised for their lack of immediate response and Rubiales’ insistence he is in the right. Meanwhile, manager of the women’s team Jorge Vilda has been sacked, adding a further layer to the ongoing discussion and subsequent changes at the head of the federation. Follow all the latest updates regarding Spain’s women’s team, Rubiales and Vilda below.

Ryan Christie believes the Scotland squad has the “perfect” mix as it looks to take a giant step toward Euro 2024 against Cyprus. Steve Clarke’s side have won their first four qualifiers to sit top of Group A, eight points ahead of Georgia and Norway and nine ahead of Spain, albeit the Spanish have only played two fixtures. After thrilling wins, most notably away to Norway and at home to Spain, the Scots are looking to at least extend their unbeaten run to nine games in Larnaca on Friday, hoping to eventually reach a second successive European Championship finals. Scotland then host England in a 150th anniversary match at Hampden and can qualify that night if results in the other group games go their way. Talking about the team spirit and confidence in the camp, Bournemouth midfielder Christie, 28, said: “It is probably the perfect mix. I’ve never had it so perfect in any other club I have been a part of in my career. “You can see it when everybody meets up and has a brilliant laugh with each other, but when game time rolls around or when we’re on the training pitch everybody’s completely locked in. “So it’s just a nice feeling. I think it also helps when everybody’s meeting up and everyone’s just kind of sliding in again back to normal and ready to go again. It definitely helps and hopefully that will help on Friday. “I think the togetherness is always spoken about a lot, but the belief and confidence we have within ourselves as a group now has never been higher. Obviously qualifying for the last Euros and when we had that kind of slip qualifying for the World Cup, we were desperate to bounce back from that. To be fair ever since that we’ve been right back on track. “The group of boys we’ve got now, from experience right down to the young boys pushing in, everybody’s pushing in the same direction and starting to show.” We need to now keep qualifying for these tournaments because we've got a good enough squad to do it Ryan Christie Christie believes the squad has benefited from the experience of qualifying for Euro 2020, the first time Scotland have reached the finals of a major tournament since 1998. The former Inverness and Celtic player, who will win his 40th cap if selected in Larnaca, added: “Obviously qualifying for the last one, and I’m sure you guys (in the media) felt it too, was just like a massive weight off the shoulders, if anything. “And up to that point, it felt like almost we were jinxed not to qualify for anything. “So to get rid of that feeling was nice. It’s definitely gone. And now we need to now keep qualifying for these tournaments because we’ve got a good enough squad to do it. “We know that so we put that pressure on ourselves from within. I think before the last Euros we qualified for there was a pressure externally as well for us. It feels like everybody’s together.” Christie scored the first of his five Scotland goals in a 2-1 win over Cyprus in Nicosia in November 2019. “Very good memories,” he said of that contest. “My memories are that it was tough to be honest. That’s my first memory. “It’s easy for the onlookers or supporters to overlook Cyprus but, especially when you’re playing away from home against these guys, they make it so hard. “That last game was a tough one. So we expect the same on Friday.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Topsy Ojo backs Steve Borthwick’s England to come good at World Cup Rory McIlroy vows to take ‘sensible’ approach to pre-Ryder Cup stag do Charlie Nicholas urges Scotland to capitalise on Euro qualification chance

Manchester United are “taking seriously” allegations of domestic abuse made against forward Antony. The 23-year-old was dropped by Brazil after accusations of physical aggression on a number of occasions since January towards his former girlfriend Gabriela Cavallin. Antony, who has made 31 appearances since Cavallin made a complaint to Greater Manchester Police (GMP) in January, has denied the claims. “Manchester United acknowledges the allegations made against Antony and notes that the police are conducting enquiries,” said a club statement. “Pending further information, the club will be making no further comments. “As a club, we are taking this matter seriously, with consideration of the impact of these allegations and subsequent reporting will have on survivors of abuse.” United have not said whether Antony remains available for selection. In an interview with Brazilian website UOL – which also published photographs and screenshots of messages between the pair – Cavallin claims she was attacked by Antony “with a headbutt” in a Manchester hotel room on January 15, leaving her with a cut head which needed treatment from a doctor. Cavallin, a social media influencer, also alleges she was punched in the chest by Antony, which she claims caused damage to a silicone breast implant which required corrective surgery back in Brazil. Another alleged incident is claimed to have taken place at a house on May 8, with Cavallin saying she suffered a cut finger while trying to protect herself, accusing Antony of throwing a glass cup towards her as well as then taking her passport. Cavallin is said to have filed a report to Sao Paulo Civil Police concerning allegations of physical and verbal abuse by Antony while on holiday in Brazil during June 2022, when she was pregnant, as well as making a separate complaint to GMP. Writing on Instagram earlier this week, Antony, who signed for United from Ajax in an £85.5million deal in September 2022, dismissed the claims as “false accusations”. “From the beginning I have treated this matter with seriousness and respect, providing the necessary clarifications before the police authority,” he wrote. “However, I can calmly state that the accusations are false and that the evidence already produced and the other evidence that will be produced demonstrate that I am innocent of the accusations made. “My relationship with Gabriela was tumultuous, with verbal insults from both sides, but I never committed any physical aggression. “Therefore, I come to vehemently deny the accusations made and inform you that I remain at the entire disposal of the Brazilian authorities to clarify whatever is necessary. “I trust that the ongoing police investigations will demonstrate the truth about my innocence.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Bukayo Saka keen to improve after winning England men’s player of the year again Fund for footballers suffering from dementia launched by PFA and Premier League Brendan Rodgers says Jordan Henderson criticism coming from ‘morality officers’

Team USA bounced back from its shock defeat to Lithuania with a statement trouncing of Italy, 100-63, to reach the FIBA Basketball World Cup semifinals.

Manchester United’s valuation on the New York Stock Exchange plummeted by more than £500million in the wake of a report that the Glazers have decided not to sell. Nine months ago the owners announced a full sale was among the options being considered as part of a strategic review at the Old Trafford club. Sheikh Jassim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe made offers to buy United, yet the interminable potential takeover process rumbles on as fans continue to protest against the Glazers. Hopes of a full sale were seemingly dashed when the Mail on Sunday reported that the owners are taking the club off the market and will try to sell again in 2025. That report led to more than £500m being knocked off United’s share price on Tuesday. After the New York Stock Exchange reopened following the Labor Day holiday, the price plummeted from 23.66 US dollars (£18.83) to 19.35 US dollars (£15.40) by close. United’s market capitalisation – the company’s worth on the stock market – was left at 3.15billion US dollars (£2.5billion) after the 18.22 per cent drop. Earlier this year the Glazer family reportedly valued United at £6bn. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

What the papers say Manchester City are reportedly leading a long line of suitors for Brighton striker Evan Ferguson. According to the i, any move would be viewed as future-proofing the side should Erling Haaland elect to depart the club once his contract expires in 2027. The Telegraph says Manchester United have commenced contract extension talks with defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka. The 25-year-old is in the final year of his current deal, but manager Erik ten Hag is believed to be impressed with the right-back’s progression in recent months. Reports from the Daily Mail indicate Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq are still pushing to sign Everton winger Demarai Gray before the transfer deadline window closes on Thursday. Social media round-up Players to watch Kylian Mbappe: The Paris St Germain forward is open to joining Liverpool next summer, according to L’Equipe. Jorginho: Italian outlet Tutto Mercato says the 31-year-old midfielder is set to rebuff interest from Fenerbahce to stay at Arsenal. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

For Eddie Nketiah, it is a story of Arsenal royalty and Chelsea rejects. A first senior call-up for the record scorer in the history of the England Under-21s capped a fine start to the season and came after a reunion. Nketiah and Declan Rice were players who thought their dreams had died, south Londoners who were released by Chelsea as teenagers. Now they could be teammates for club and country: one is currently Arsenal’s first-choice forward, the other their £105m record signing. “It is funny how life works sometimes,” Nketiah reflected. “We have done the full 360 to be back together. I was there from the ages of nine and it came as a shock to me because I was doing well at the time. Obviously Declan was of that age group as well and had a similar experience.” Rice was the first to taste disappointment; two years later, Nketiah was deemed too small. Each could seem a costly mistake; then it was a crushing blow to them. “I think it gives you an awakening and just knowing that things can change like that: that you can lose everything you have worked for,” he said. “It gives you that extra bit of motivation and resilience when times are hard. I’m able to dig a level deeper than maybe some people can or don’t want to go into.” Arsenal helped him dig, rebuilding his confidence with the aid of their two greatest goalscorers of all time. Ian Wright became a mentor. Thierry Henry coached him in the academy. His best advice to Nketiah was motivational, not tactical. “Probably just to believe in yourself,” said the younger forward. “He came in and saw the quality I had when I was 16 or 17 and said that I just needed to believe in myself, whatever anyone else said. That is what is going to drive you, to motivate you.” They may seem simple words but the stature of the man delivering them meant they had added meaning. “He knows what he’s talking about, so it’s not a bad feeling,” Nketiah said. As a player, he may share more similarities with Wright than the World Cup winner but there is an echo of Henry whenever he dons the Arsenal kit. The No 14 shirt used to be the Frenchman’s. “Thierry wearing it has made it a lot more special,” Nketiah said. “When the number was available and offered to me, it was something that I embraced. I’m not here to try and recreate Thierry’s moments. I’m here to put my own stamp on it and create my own special memories in the shirt.” Which, at times, he has done: January’s 90th-minute winner against Manchester United was an indication of the merits of a predator. Nketiah has taken advantage of Gabriel Jesus’ absence to start three of four league games this season. And yet the shirt number can have another meaning: Nketiah has often seemed roughly the 14th man, the perennial substitute. Two-thirds of his Premier League appearances have come off the bench. When he was loaned to Leeds in 2019-20, 15 of his 17 Championship outings under Marcelo Bielsa came as a replacement. Much as Nketiah wants to start, the temptation is to wonder if his excellence as a substitute helps account for Gareth Southgate’s decision to select him: in a squad where Harry Kane’s pre-eminence among the strikers is established, England may want a game-changer in reserve. A perennial starter for his club, like Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, has less experience of being sent on in the dying minutes of major matches. That status as the regular reserve may account for his Under-21 scoring record: without playing enough club football, he was less likely to be promoted to the senior set-up and so ended up with 16 goals in 17 caps. Meanwhile, this month marks six years since his Arsenal debut: he has been overtaken by Bukayo Saka, two years his junior but with 28 full caps to his name. Nketiah, meanwhile, was courted by Ghana. The England call-up came at an opportune time, when Nketiah was at home, surrounded by family and a friend. “When I got the text it was surreal. I am usually a calm guy but I did lose a little bit of composure for a 10 seconds or so,” he said. “My parents were really emotional. They sacrificed a lot for me to get here and it was really nice to see that happiness and pride on their faces.” His father used to drive him to every game and booked flights to watch him on tour. His mother would stay up late, washing his kit. His sisters would finish school, come home and put him on a train to first Chelsea’s Cobham training ground and then Arsenal’s Hale End academy. The journey was not a simple or straightforward one but Nketiah is now on the brink of an England debut. Read More Eddie Nketiah ready to make “own story” for Gareth Southgate’s England in upcoming internationals Mikel Arteta hails Eddie Nketiah’s fight to play for England after first call-up England can benefit from Harry Kane’s move to Bayern Munich – Gareth Southgate

Levi Colwill’s amazing year shows few signs of slowing as the defender looks to make his England debut and prove his worth to Gareth Southgate with Euro 2024 on the horizon. An impressive season-long loan with Brighton was followed by helping England Under-21s become European champions over the summer. Colwill returned to Chelsea and was rewarded with an improved six-year deal, before going onto make his debut in their season opener. The 20-year-old has been an ever-present under new Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino and his eye-catching displays earned a first formal England call-up. “It has been an amazing year,” Colwill said. “There have been a lot of ups and still been downs, and a load of stuff that I have had to overcome. But it’s all part of my career and you’re going to get that. “A hundred per cent it’s all worth it in the end. You’ve got to keep working hard, that’s what I have done so far but now it’s about keep going.” Colwill cited the initial lack of game time under Graham Potter and Brighton successor Roberto De Zerbi as examples of down moments he overcame. But the success that followed on the south coast saw him brought in to train with the England senior squad in June, even travelling with them for the qualifier in Malta, before heading off on Under-21s duty. “Coming and training in June was a big blessing,” Colwill said. “I enjoyed it so much and then obviously getting formally called up now is amazing. “When I got the text I called dad straight away. I think he was getting emotional, to be honest. Dream come true. “Everyone was so welcoming and it made a big difference for me. “Now I have settled in a bit, I am ready to kick on and hopefully prepare for the upcoming week.” Colwill is hoping to make his debut against Ukraine in Saturday’s Euro 2024 qualifier in Poland, or in the Hampden Park friendly against Scotland three days later. The 20-year-old allayed fitness concerns ahead of that double-header after sitting out training on Tuesday, pointing to a tough previous week and the fact he is “a young boy still growing”. Asked if making it into next summer’s Euros squad is a target, he said: “Of course. Playing for Chelsea – one of the biggest clubs in the world – it’s got to be my aim to hopefully be in the England team come the Euros. “Obviously it’s still a long time until that comes so I’ve just got to keep working hard, pushing myself and let’s see what happens next.” England have yet to mathematically seal qualification for Euro 2024, but it has long looked a case of when rather than if their place in Germany is wrapped up. The uncapped Colwill already appears to have a strong chance of being involved – an opportunity that will only be bolstered by Chelsea boss Pochettino. Adam Lallana, who the defender calls a key influence in his career, made his England debut at Southampton under the Argentinian, who his former Brighton team-mates had praised to the hilt. Colwill took that on board when committing his future to Chelsea, where he is excited to develop under a manager with a fine track record of maximising English talent. “I think the big thing for me was the first day I came in, him just putting an arm around me and showing me that he respects me as a person and also a player,” he said of Pochettino. “That allows me to work my hardest and want to play my best for him. “Just working under him in general, I know I’m going to improve. I can guarantee that because he’s such a good manager and he will push me. He won’t let me have any off days and that’s what I need. “Someone like me, if someone lets me go to sleep I might just have a good day or a bad day. But I need someone there to give me that kick up my bum and say ‘keep going’ and that’s what he does.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live On this day in 2012: Teenager Jonnie Peacock wins Paralympic 100m gold in London US Open Wrap: Novak Djokovic adds yet another milestone with semi-final berth England new boy Eddie Nketiah motivated by ‘magnificent’ Thierry Henry

HONG KONG China's internet giant Tencent Holdings said that it will unveil an artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot on

Alabama hosts Texas in by far the biggest college football game of Week 2 and the Crimson Tide are clearly not above playing some mindgames.

ESPN has been blacked out for Spectrum users since Labor Day, making college football fans miss out. With the blackout not ending soon, what does this mean?

Ethan Ampadu believes Wales will feel the benefit of his settled life at Leeds and the end of his wanderlust. Ampadu holds no regrets over leaving Chelsea this summer and heading to Elland Road after loan spells at RB Leipzig, Sheffield United, Venezia and Spezia – at the last three clubs he suffered relegation. The 22-year-old joined Chelsea at the age of 16 in 2017 and was their longest serving player until his July departure, despite making just 12 senior appearances there in six years. “It comes down to you as an individual,” Ampadu said about his Stamford Bridge exit. “If you want to stay then you voice that opinion, but I felt it was the right time to leave.” Ampadu has become a popular figure with Leeds fans in the early weeks of the Sky Bet Championship campaign, despite an indifferent start under Daniel Farke, and is the only man to play every minute for the Yorkshire club this term. Utilised during his 44-cap Wales career either in central defence or midfield, Ampadu is relishing the opportunity to play in the middle of the park at Leeds. I've enjoyed the step I've taken and I'm excited to see what comes from it Ethan Ampadu on his Leeds move A rich history is associated with that role over the years with Billy Bremner, David Batty, Gary McAllister and Kalvin Phillips among his central-midfield predecessors at Elland Road. Ampadu said: “It’s not just the position I play but the history of the club in general, where the club belongs. “We know on the outside where everyone wants us to be and within ourselves what we need to do to get where we want to be. “You obviously feel the pressure in the club, but it’s more of an exciting pressure of knowing what you can achieve. “I feel good and I’m enjoying being settled. I gave my all in each of the loans and I was focused on developing and becoming a better player. “But maybe in the back of your mind when you know you are settled somewhere and you’re not on loan, there are little things you can improve on. “If you are playing in one position, you can work on the finer little details within that position to take you to the next level. “The results have not really gone our way so far. But our performances have given us the belief for the games coming up after the international break that we can do really well.” Wales host South Korea in a Cardiff friendly on Thursday before meeting Latvia in a crunch Euro 2024 qualifier in Riga next Monday. Rob Page’s side are in desperate need for points to book a top-two automatic qualifying spot after defeats by Armenia and Turkey in June. “We’ve had time to reflect,” said Ampadu. “Everyone knows when you see a Wales team and how we performed in those games, well, that’s not us. “Put that aside, we have to learn from it. It’s about reminding ourselves of those standards and what has got us success in the past. “I’m sure that’s the baseline for us in these games coming up.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live England could still use ‘magician’ Marcus Smith at full-back – Kevin Sinfield Jonny May confronted Steve Borthwick after initial omission from England squad Novak Djokovic thrives in New York heat to beat Taylor Fritz in straight sets