How European humiliation further toxifies Crystal Palace’s Conference League campaign
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more When the wind tore through Crystal Palace’s latest message of defiance against Uefa, knocking over a handful of the ultras propping the flailing banner up, it felt almost symbolic. That after a summer of perceived injustice, they are fighting a battle against something far bigger that cannot be won. A first European home night (proper) in the club’s history, there was still a slight air of animosity on what should have been a solely euphoric occasion. “We are the boys who will win your little game” was the statement branded onto a bright red banner that stretched across the width of the Holmesdale before kick-off – another shot fired at Uefa following their European demotion. Yet the spectacular tifo that accompanied it, now a fixture of matchdays at Selhurst Park, spoke to a change of tone among the Palace faithful. No longer were they focussing on ill-feeling. Ambition was prevailing. The tifo, funded and created by the fans, depicted Palace’s European tour on a map you’d find atop a war table, showing where they intend to strike on the continent. The final point of attack was no longer Uefa’s HQ of Nyon. Leipzig, the stage of the Conference League final, is the intended destination. open image in gallery Crystal Palace fans displayed a tifo showing their potential route to the Conference League final (REUTERS) Oliver Glasner’s men did not inspire to the same ferocity of the artwork. A bouncing Selhurst Park could not lift what was a flat Palace performance against AEK Larnaca, a Cypriot team of far inferior quality, despite Glasner fielding a near-full-strength team. Instead of a statement of intent for more silverware, Palace slumped to humiliation. The Austrian made just three changes from the side that fought back to draw with Bournemouth on the weekend but struggled to break down their opposition. Opportunities were sparse for much of the first half, Jean-Philippe Mateta coming the closest with two efforts approaching the break. It wouldn’t be his night. The hosts were promptly punished for a lack of creativity after the restart. Sloppy play from young centre-back Jaydee Canvot gifted an opportunity to Larnaca’s Marcus Rohden, who with an overload of luminescent shirts slipped through Riad Bajic to pummel home for a shock opener. The ball crashed into the back of the net before Dean Henderson could even hit the deck. open image in gallery Riad Bajic celebrates his goal against Crystal Palace (Adam Davy/PA) (PA Wire) Falling behind, combined with incessant time-wasting from the resilient visitors, soured the atmosphere in SE25. Groans, as well as X-rated chants against Uefa and Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis – the common Palace enemies – grew louder. Frustration had brought back the feeling of anti-establishment, something which dominated Palace’s Conference League play-off. Palace were now fighting to get back into a game they expected to control outright and as chances came and went, desperation intensified. Just like against the Cherries, six yards proved a troublesome distance for Mateta, this time denied by the heroics of Larnaca stopper Zlatan Alomerovic to keep his side ahead. Jefferson Lerma later saw his header go agonisingly wide before Eddie Nketiah, in space and with the goal at his mercy, completely missed his half volley with 10 minutes to play. Every whistle, every Larnaca injury, it all infuriated the home crowd. The game ticked into added time with the unfancied visitors clinging on for dear life, but it just wouldn’t land right for Palace. As Alomerovic climbed to clutch a looping deflected cross, a cheer as loud as heard for the goal sounded out from the some-500 travelling Cypriots in the away end. Their side were about to beat the FA Cup champions. One more painful near miss, Daichi Kamada failing to get the telling touch at the back post to convert a last-gasp equaliser, was all but the final act. In a competition Palace feel they shouldn’t be in yet also believe they’re capable of winning, they’ve been dealt their first real shock of the season. The final whistle came with a chorus of boos, but a saving grace for Palace – particularly the upper brass – is that this particular European evening likely won’t end in further punishment, at least beyond the sleepless night that may come from the result. In their play-off first-leg clash against Fredrikstad back in August, anti-Uefa fury was at its height. Just 10 days earlier, Palace’s fate of Europa League demotion had been sealed by a failed appeal in the Court of Arbitration for Sport. That evening at Selhurst Park, the fans brandished the words “Uefa Mafia” on a version of the European governing body’s logo with a Euro symbol replacing the map of Europe, just like the one seen at the Community Shield. It resulted in a €10,000 fine for the club, with Palace found in breach of bringing Uefa into disrepute and transmitting a provocative message that is not fit for a sports event under Articles 16(2)(e) and 11(2)(d) of their regulations regulations. open image in gallery Palace
‘Broke’ SAFA to cut Hugo Broos’ salary?
The South African Football Association (SAFA) is reportedly on the brink of bankruptcy, which could lead to salary cuts for high earners, including Bafana Bafana’s head coach, Hugo Broos. The association has proposed salary reductions ranging from 5% to 25% for these individuals. Mxolisi Sibam, the chairperson of SAFA’s finance committee, said that the association’s annual turnover is R250 million, with more than 25% of that amount allocated to staff salaries. Hugo Broos among top earners paid by Safa “We will propose that we reduce their salaries by a percentage ranging from 25% to 5%. However, this will be compensated by the introduction of bonuses, which are quite generous. In good years, they could receive a bonus of 2.5% of their annual salary. But there is a condition: for us to start paying these bonuses, SAFA must earn revenue of R350 million, excluding any prize money from competitions,” Sibam said as per SABC. Hugo Broos, who has helped Bafana Bafana qualify for their first World Cup since 2002, might face a salary cut just six months before his contract ends. The Belgian coach is expected to retire after next year’s tournament. SAFA’s financial difficulties could affect the national teams, including Banyana Banyana and the junior teams. In December, Bafana will participate in the Africa Cup of Nations, but there has been no mention of bonuses. Sibam noted that the issue of underfunding national teams is not solely a SAFA problem; it reflects a larger issue within the country. He emphasised the need for the private sector to view football as an enabler. With financial problems emerging at Safa, it remains to be seen if Hugo Broos will still be Bafana Bafana coach after the Afcon. Should Safa bosses earn 50% less ?
Tuicuvu replaces Masi in Northern tour – FBC News
(L-R) Iosefo-Masi and Setareki Tuicuvu France-based utility back Setareki Tuicuvu has been called into the FIJI Water Flying Fijians’ 32-man squad for the November Autumn Test series, replacing Iosefo Masi. Head coach Mick Byrne confirmed the change was made on Wednesday after medical scans revealed Masi is likely to regain full fitness only towards the end of the tour. The former Drua centre was initially included in the squad with hopes he would recover in time for the early matches, but further assessment ruled him out of contention. Article continues after advertisement FIJI Water Flying Fijians’ Head coach Mick Byrne [file photo] “Masi was in there. We’ve had to make a change on Wednesday. So Setariki Tuicuvu will come into the squad. Masi got an MRI. We were hopeful because he’d started doing some work and rehabbing. And we were hopeful that given that, again, the test matches were a couple of weeks away, that he’d get enough time in his rehab time to come good. But an updated MRI shows that he’s, you know, he may be right by the end of the tour.” Byrne says while this is disappointing for Masi, it’s a great opportunity for Tuicuvu, who was initially in the original squad. Tuicuvu wasn’t able to travel due to medical reasons, but has now been given the green light. Meanwhile, Lyon confirmed Masi sustained a left hamstring injury, ruling him out for eight weeks on the 30th of last month after their match against Pau. The Flying Fijians will meet England in their first match at 5.40am on the 9th of next month. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
World champion ‘still hopeful’ of facing long-time rival Canelo: ‘Always a possibility’
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more David Benavidez still hopes to one day meet Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez inside the ring, even after the Mexican superstar lost all four of his super middleweight belts to Terence Crawford. Speculation has linked Benavidez, American-born but of Mexican heritage, to Canelo over the last few years, but no bout materialised between the two. Undefeated in 30 fights, Benavidez held the WBC belt at super middleweight on two occasions, only to relinquish his title both times. The second time he was forced to vacate after failing to make weight for his 2020 contest with Roamer Alexis Angulo, and although he continued to campaign at 168lbs for three more years, Benavidez moved up to light heavyweight after it became apparent that despite his interim WBC belt, he would not be fighting Canelo. Subscribe to DAZN now to watch over 185 fights a year However, the current WBC champion at 175lbs believes a fight with Canelo could always be made, as long as the Mexican is still active. Benavidez told talkSPORT: “No I haven’t given up complete hope in that fight. I feel like until he retires and he’s out of the sport of boxing, there’s always going to be a possibility of that fight being made. “And for good reason because at the end of the day, what other fight is there left for Canelo? And now it seems like I got the cards in my hands, he doesn’t have any belt at 168 and I have a belt at 175 and I’m planning to get all the belts at 175.” Upgraded from interim WBC champ to full title holder earlier this year, Benavidez makes the first defence of his belt against Brit Anthony Yarde on Saturday, November 22, live on DAZN PPV. Canelo previously fought at light heavyweight in 2019 and 2022, beating Sergey Kovalev to take the WBO world championship, before losing to Dmitry Bivol three years later. Benavidez has his eyes on multiple fights, with Bivol a target of his own. Bivol defeated Artur Beterbiev in February 2025, exacting revenge for the defeat he suffered in their first fight four months earlier. Both fighters pledged to run it back for a trilogy bout with undisputed status on the line, but injury for Bivol has halted those plans. The WBC decided to strip Bivol of the WBC title, elevating Benavidez to full champion status in April. Enjoy 185+ fights a year on DAZN, the Global Home of Boxing Never miss a fight from top promoters. Watch on your devices anywhere, anytime. Buy Now ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. Enjoy 185+ fights a year on DAZN, the Global Home of Boxing Never miss a fight from top promoters. Watch on your devices anywhere, anytime. Buy Now ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. DAZN is the home of combat sports, broadcasting over 185 fights a year from the world’s best promoters, including Matchroom, Queensberry, Golden Boy, Misfits, PFL, BKFC, GLORY and more. An Annual Saver subscription is a one-off cost of £119.99 / $224.99 (for 12 months access), that’s just 64p / $1.21 per fight. There is also a Monthly Flex Pass option (cancel any time) at £24.99 / $29.99 per month. A subscription includes weekly magazine shows, comprehensive fight library, exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes documentaries, and podcasts and vodcasts. For pricing in your country, more information and to sign up, click here.
New Zealand internationals Layla Sae and Liana Mikaele-Tu’u join Harlequins
Mikaele-Tu’u, 23, will join up with Rhys Jones’ side on Monday, so is not available for Friday’s Premiership Women’s Rugby opener against Loughborough Lightning. Sae, 25, is due to arrive at the club from Hurricanes Poua on 10 November, before Quins’ visit to Exeter Chiefs. Sae has 19 international caps while Mikaele-Tu’u has 35 and was part of the Black Ferns’ World Cup-winning squad in 2021.
NBA gambling live updates: Chauncey Billups and Terry Rozier arrested as FBI details Mafia-linked probes
Gambling ring connected to NY mafia used x-ray tables to rig poker games, FBI says Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more NBA stars Terry Rozier and Damon Jones, as well as Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncy Billups were all arrested early Thursday as part of sweeping FBI investigations into sports-rigging and illegal gambling – which was in part connected to the Mafia. Speaking Thursday morning, FBI director Kash Patel said that 34 people had been arrested in “over 11 states” and that the money involved in the alleged NBA gambling ring was “tens of millions of dollars in fraud and theft and robbery.” The number included 13 members of the Bonnano, Gambino and Genovese crime families – part of the infamous Cosa Nostra Mafia. US Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr, for the Eastern District of New York, called the operations “one of the most brazen sports corruption schemes since online sports betting became widely legalized in the United States.” “Your winning streak has ended … and you can bet on that,” he said. Rozier, a guard for the Miami Heat, was apprehended at a hotel in Orlando, Florida, months after he was cleared by an NBA internal investigation regarding suspicious betting on his gameplay in 2023. Billups was arrested in Oregon. Nocella said Jones and Rozier had used “non-public information” as part of sports game rigging operations, including when specific players would be sitting out future games, or when they would pull themselves out early. Recap: What we learned about the ‘historic’ FBI sports gambling investigations FBI director Kash Patel on Thursday hailed the “historic” investigations into sports-rigging and illegal gambling – which was in part connected to the Mafia. Here’s a recap of the Thursday press conference: A total of 34 people in “over 11 states” were arrested in connection to illegal gambling and sports rigging operations Among those arrested were NBA stars Damon Jones and Terry Rozier, and Portland Trail Blazers head coach Cauncey Billups 13 members of the Bonnano, Gambino and Genovese crime families – part of the infamous Cosa Nostra – were also arrested One investigation centered on illegal betting on various NBA games, where players used “non-public information” to inform bets Another probed underground poker games, where “high-tech cheating technology” was used to steal millions from unwitting victims Read more Mike Bedigan23 October 2025 16:25 Hakeem Jeffries responds to FBI indictment House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries said that FBI indictment announced Thursday had “shocked” many NBA fans. “It’s a stunning development,” he told CNN. “The indictment seems very wide-ranging. Of course every single one of the individuals charged are entitled to the presumption of innocence. “But it was a development that shocked the conscience of a lot of folks, particularly those who follow the NBA closely.” Mike Bedigan23 October 2025 17:10 Federal indictment reveals hilarious mobster nicknames The FBI indictment into the illegal gambling rings includes many of the alleged members’ nicknames. From “Big Bruce” to “Pookie,” the hilarious highlights include: Nelson “Spanish G” Alvarez Ammar “Flappy” Awawdeh Matthew “The Wrestler” Daddino Eric “Spook” Earnest Thomas “The Juice” Gelardo “Black Tony” Goodson Shane “Sugar” Hennen Osman Hoti, also known as “Albanian Bruce” or “Big Bruce” Zhen Hu, also known as “Stanley” Anthony “Doc” Shnayderman Sophia “Pookie” Wei Mike Bedigan23 October 2025 17:01 Sport’s biggest betting scandals: From Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter to Phil Mickelson, Ivan Toney and more The NBA has been rocked by two high-profile arrests as part of FBI investigations into illegal gambling. Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups were both arrested early Thursday – Rozier was apprehended at a hotel in Orlando, Florida, while Billups was arrested in Oregon. Mike Bedigan23 October 2025 16:50 Full list of names charged in connection to rigged poker games Here is the full list of names allegedly connected to the rigged poker games, which authorities described as “technologically sophisticated: Chauncey Billups — Portland Trail Blazers head coach and NBA Hall of Famer Damon Jones — former NBA player Ernest Aiello — reputed member of the Bonanno crime family Joseph Lanni – reputed member of the Gambino crime family Thomas Gelardo — reputed member of the Lucchese crime family Saul Becher — a professional poker player Lee Fama — another professional poker player Nelson Alvarez Louis Apicella Ammar Awawdeh Matthew Daddino Eric Earnest John Gallo Marco Garzon Jamie Gilet Tony Goodson Kenny Han Shane Hennen Osman Hoti Horatio Hu Zhen Hu John Mazzola Curtis Meeks Nicholas Minucci Michael Renzulli Anthony Ruggiero Jr. Anthony Shnayderman Robert Stroud Seth Trustman Sophia Wei Julius Ziliani Mike Bedigan23 October 2025 16:42 Terry Rozier will fight allegations, his lawyer says Terry Rozier’s lawyer says the NBA star will fight the charges against him and that prosecutors were late to inform him that he would be arrested. “They characterized Terry as a subject, not a target, but at 6 a.m. this morning they called to tell me FBI agents were trying to arrest him in a hotel,” Jim Trusty told The Atlantic. “It is unfortunate that instead of allowing him to self surrender
Countdown on for the race that stops a nation – FBC News
[Source: Just Horse Racing] The countdown is on to Australia’s biggest racing spectacle the 2025 Melbourne Cup set to thunder down the Flemington straight in a fortnight. Dubbed “the race that stops a nation,” the Melbourne Cup is more than just a horse race, it’s a tradition that unites Australians and racing fans worldwide for a few unforgettable minutes of drama, colour and glory. This year’s edition, a Group 1 contest run over 3200 metres, will once again see the world’s finest stayers battle it out for a staggering $10 million in prize money. Article continues after advertisement From office sweepstakes to backyard barbecues, all eyes will turn to Flemington as punters hope to back the next champion. The Melbourne Cup was last run on Tuesday, November 5th 2024 was won by Knight’s Choice. The Melbourne Cup will be held on the 4th of next month with the main race starting at 4pm. You can watch the LIVE coverage on FBC Sports. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Parker vs Wardley: New Zealander ‘at a different level’ to British opponent
New Zealand’s former world heavyweight champion Joseph Parker says he will prove he is at a “different level” to British opponent Fabio Wardley. The two face each other at London’s O2 Arena on Saturday with the winner expected to face undisputed world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk next. Listen to Joseph Parker v Fabio Wardley on BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Sounds and the BBC Sport website & app on Saturday 25 October. READ MORE: Wardley v Parker to be live on BBC
NBA star and head coach both arrested in FBI gambling probe that could rock the sport
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more An NBA star and head coach were both arrested early Thursday as part of a sweeping FBI investigation into illegal sports betting. Miami Heat star Terry Rozier was apprehended at a hotel in Orlando, Florida. Chauncey Billups, head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers was also picked up by law enforcement. The arrests come months after Rozier was cleared by an internal NBA investigation. Billups’ arrest is not related to games he coached, according to law enforcement sources. An FBI press conference on the investigation is being held at 10 a.m. with director Kash Patel and prosecutors from the Eastern District of New York. Unusual betting patterns around a 2023 game, which Rozier played with the Charlotte Hornets, had sparked the investigation. Bookmakers in multiple states reported suspicious interest in his statistics, resulting in a surge of bets on his points, rebounds and assists. open image in gallery Miami Heat star Terry Rozier was apprehended at a hotel in Orlando, Florida. His arrest comes months after he was cleared by an internal NBA probe (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) open image in gallery Prior to his coaching role at the Blazers, Billups enjoyed a storied player career, and is a five time NBA All-Star and former NBA champion with the Detroit Pistons in 2004 (Getty Images) In that game, Rozier scored five points, four rebounds and two assists within 10 minutes, but then left the court complaining of a foot injury, and did not return, causing outrage from online betters. Despite this, the NBA did not that he had violated any league rules. “In March 2023, the NBA was alerted to unusual betting activity related to Terry Rozier’s performance in a game between Charlotte and New Orleans,” NBA spokesman Mike Bass said earlier this year, though added that the league was aware of the federal investigation. open image in gallery Billups was inducted into the Pro Basketball Hall of Fame in 2024 (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) Rozier was linked to the same probe that led to former Toronto Raptors player, Jontay Porter, being banned for life from the NBA, and eventually pleading guilty to committing wire fraud in a criminal prosecution. Prior to his coaching role at the Blazers, Billups enjoyed a storied player career, and is a five time NBA All-Star and former NBA champion with the Detroit Pistons in 2004. He was inducted into the Pro Basketball Hall of Fame in 2024. More follows …
Wows Kids Fiji thankful to boxing community for support – FBC News
In an effort to raise awareness for children battling cancer, Zeg Kings Boxing Promotion today formalized a partnership through a memorandum of understanding signed between Wows Kids Fiji and Zeg Investment. This marks another collaboration between Wows Kids Fiji and Zeg Investment, one of Kings Boxing’s key sponsors, as the two organizations have previously worked together on similar initiatives. Wows Kids Fiji Manager of Operations, Mere Williams, said the organization is pleased to be part of the partnership and looks forward to sharing its mission through boxing, a sport that continues to grow in popularity across Fiji. Article continues after advertisement She acknowledged the support of Kings Boxing and Zeg Investment in joining the fight against childhood cancer and expressed optimism about the opportunities ahead. “This is another area that supports our efforts in terms of raising awareness about childhood cancer. It’s a different community that will come in, the boxing community.” The Kings Boxing “This is Boxing” Promotion will be held next weekend at the Vodafone Arena in Suva, bringing together sports and social impact in support of a meaningful cause. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.