Malolo stun Nadroga at home – FBC News
Malolo have pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the Skipper Cup season, defeating defending champions Nadroga 23–22 in a thrilling quarterfinal clash at Lawaqa Park. The visitors took control early on, storming to a 20–10 halftime lead through a mix of strong forward play and clinical finishing out wide. Nadroga mounted a fierce comeback in the second spell, with Fijian Drua fullback Ilaisa Droasese contributing 12 points, but it wasn’t enough to deny Malolo their most famous win to date. Article continues after advertisement The victory not only ends Nadroga’s title defence on home soil but also sends Malolo into the Skipper Cup semifinals for the first time in the team’s history. Mataiasi Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
A long-range stunner and Rolfo’s first for Man Utd – WCL goals of the week
Chelsea’s Johanna Rytting Kaneryd and Manchester United’s Fridolina Rolfo shine in week two of the league phase of the Women’s Champions League.
Liverpool are waiting for the real Alexander Isak – here’s why he’s almost here
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 Liverpool waited for Alexander Isak. All summer in a saga that was tiresome long before it was eventually over. But they have carried on waiting since then. They have had their record signing in the No 9 shirt, seen him on the pitch for 311 minutes, spread over six appearances. But not the real Isak. He has been semi-fit, substitute and substituted, but not the lithe, lacerating and lethal force that prompted Liverpool to pay some £125m for him. Now, Arne Slot believes, they could see the player who broke transfer records and, in his Newcastle days, often served as the elegant destroyer of defences. “I think now he has had his five, six weeks of pre-season which is normal for every player – especially if you have been out for three or four months,” said Slot; the unspoken element being that Isak was sidelined not by injury but by choice, by going on strike to force a move from Newcastle, by depriving himself of sharpness in the process. “Fitness-wise he is close to the level he should be and we can judge him in a fair way from now on.” If the verdicts so far have not been entirely flattering, Slot feels more telling assessments can begin; starting with Manchester United’s visit to Anfield on Sunday. “I used the word ‘judge’ but I don’t mean judge,” he added. “The outside world can from now on say we have the one we signed, that is better so the first five or six weeks. Of course we had the player we signed but he was not completely ready yet. He was just getting fitter and fitter but had to do this in a Premier League game. This is not normal for a player.” Which, once again, reflects some of the choices Isak made during a tug of war. In theory, Liverpool won it. Newcastle felt losers at the time but Nick Woltemade, their last-minute Isak replacement, already has four goals. The Swede’s lone strike for Liverpool came in the Carabao Cup against a Southampton side then languishing 19th in the Championship. Isak also has an assist, for Cody Gakpo at Chelsea, that was either brilliant or fortunate, depending upon interpretation. He has played in three consecutive defeats, the worst run of Slot’s reign. Whereas Hugo Ekitike, Liverpool’s other striking signing, made a flying start, Isak’s impact has been negligible. open image in gallery Alexander Isak’s lone Liverpool goal came against Southampton in the Carabao Cup (Liverpool FC via Getty Images) Some 216 players have had a shot on target in the Premier League this season. They do not include the £125m forward. He has at least worked goalkeepers in the Champions League, but without delivering the decisive impact. Sweden have also suffered from the Isak impasse in the summer, going goalless in the back-to-back defeats to Switzerland and Kosovo that imperil their hopes of reaching the World Cup. Perhaps, had he been sharper sooner, that would have been different. Slot has other concerns but Liverpool’s campaign is more than two months old and their flagship buy is just about ready to begin in earnest. “His pre-season has maybe finished now,” said the Dutchman. “Ideally you would use him earlier in a friendly match so we had to build him up playing Premier League matches and I think you have to be on top of your game to make a difference at this level. You can play at this level if you are maybe 80 or 90 or 95 percent but if you want to make a difference at the highest level of football then you need to be 100 percent. It goes for every player and I think I can safely say he is 100 percent now.” open image in gallery Isak is ready to go, according to his boss (PA Wire) And so, finally, he could see what he paid so much for. Top of Slot’s wish list is the most obvious element of all. “Goals,” he said. “That is the most simple thing.” Isak ranked in the top three scorers in the Premier League last season, averaging one every 119 minutes. Over three seasons at Newcastle, he scored from almost one every other shot on target. “If you are a No 9 at Liverpool, you need to score goals but that is what he has always done in his life,” added Slot. “The only thing he needs to be is fit.” And fit enough to close defenders down. “To be the leader in pressing from our front three, there we can improve as well, that is something he needs to do but Hugo the same,” his manager said. Ekitike adds to the intrigue of the Isak equation. Many a manager has two specialist strikers; few have two of such calibre and cost. Because Isak has not been ready to complete games, because Ekitike has served a ban, thus far Slot has alternated between them. When the Swede came on against Galatasaray, the Frenchman moved to the left. “Yeah, for
Kativerata focused on grooming young talent – FBC News
Source: FNRL Fiji Bati head coach Wise Kativerata is looking to use today’s opening Pacific Bowl Championship clash against the Cook Islands as a key opportunity to blood new talent and assess the team’s depth early in the campaign. Kativerata says this year’s tournament presents the perfect stage for several debutants to make their mark, beginning with today’s encounter before turning focus to their next match against Papua New Guinea. “This year we’ve got Cook Islands first, plus I’m looking at grooming a few young boys coming in. I want to see how they handle Cook Islands before leading towards the game before PNG.” The Fiji Bati coach says team preparations have been steady and the side is eager to deliver a strong performance in their first hit-out of the tournament. “It’s the second week, so nothing has changed. I’m looking forward to seeing the new boys coming into the game.” Fiji takes on the Cook Islands at 5pm this afternoon in Port Moresby, kicking off their Pacific Bowl campaign. The match will air LIVE on FBC Sports. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Football gossip: Guehi, Wharton, Branthwaite, Semenyo, Neymar, Dimarco, Lucumi, Ter Stegen, Tonali
Liverpool receive a setback with their plans to sign Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi on a free next summer, Manchester United eye January move for Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, while Spurs and Liverpool are keen on Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo. Crystal Palace are planning to sell England defender Marc Guehi in January and Liverpool are no longer the frontrunners to sign the 25-year-old, with Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich all interested. (The I paper – subscription required), external England midfielder and Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, 21, is Manchester United’s top transfer target for January, although he could cost around £70m. (Teamtalk), external Liverpool and Chelsea were both rebuffed by Everton in the summer after expressing their interest in 23-year-old England centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite. (Mail – subscription required), external Tottenham and Liverpool are both keen on Bournemouth and Ghana winger Antoine Semenyo, 25. (Talksport), external Inter Milan have dismissed rumours they are set to sign Brazil forward Neymar, 33, in January, after his contract expires at Santos. (Corriere dello Sport – in Italian), external Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim is a huge admirer of Italy and Inter Milan left-back Federico Dimarco, 27, but the player is keen to remain at the San Siro for the time being. (Tuttosport – in Italian), external
Six UFC stars who switched to boxing as Silva vs Weidman is added to Jake Paul vs Gervonta Davis undercard
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 Anderson Silva and Chris Weidman are ready to settle their feud once and for all on the undercard of Jake Paul’s exhibition bout with Gervonta Davis. The two UFC icons met twice in 2013, with Weidman emerging victorious on both occasions in very different circumstances. His first win saw him end Silva’s seven-year middleweight reign with a stunning second-round knockout. The rematch ended in the same round, but only after Silva suffered a broken leg when Weidman checked a kick. They will now meet again but this time it will be over six rounds inside a boxing ring. Silva and Weidman are far from the only UFC stars to try their hand at boxing. Let’s look at how six other fighters fared when they switched the Octagon for the squared circle. Subscribe to DAZN now to watch over 185 fights a year open image in gallery (Getty Images) Mike Perry Mike Perry made a promising start to his MMA career by winning his first nine bouts. However, he struggled to kick on as he looked to move into title contention and lost seven of his last 10 fights to end with an overall record of 14-8. After finishing with the UFC in 2021, Perry opted to try other combat sports. He first went into bare-knuckle boxing and won his first five contests, beating the likes of Michael Page, Luke Rockhold and Eddie Alvarez. This set up the opportunity for him to box Jake Paul in July 2024. Perry had lost by knockout to Kenneth McNeil in his only previous boxing match nine years earlier, and he came up well short against Paul. Perry was dominated from the outset before eventually being stopped in the sixth round. He has since returned to bare-knuckle fighting and scored a knockout win over fellow ex-UFC star Jeremy Stephens earlier this month. Tyron Woodley We move swiftly on to another fighter who has shared the ring with Jake Paul – twice. Tyron Woodley reached the top of the mountain in the UFC when he knocked out Robbie Lawler for the welterweight title inside the first round in 2016. 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. He held onto his belt for almost three years before being outpointed by Kamaru Usman. That loss sparked a downturn in Woodley’s career as he suffered four straight defeats before walking away from the UFC in early 2021. Just months later, Paul came calling and Woodley accepted the challenge. Woodley and Paul slugged it out over eight rounds in August 2021, with the latter just getting the nod via split decision. After a close first battle, the rematch was arranged for December 2021. This time, Paul got a far more conclusive victory as he landed a huge overhand right in the sixth round that left Woodley unconscious on the canvas. Four years on, Woodley has not set foot in a boxing ring again, and at 43, it seems his fighting days are over. open image in gallery Tyron Woodley was knocked out by Jake Paul in the sixth round of their rematch (AFP via Getty Images) Nate Diaz We may as well move on to another ex-Jake Paul opponent, Nate Diaz. Diaz famously had two fights with Conor McGregor in 2016, pulling off a stunning upset in their first meeting before losing on points in the rematch. Inactivity plagued his final days with the UFC as he only had four more fights in six years after his second clash against McGregor. After rounding off his time in the Octagon with a submission win over Tony Ferguson, Diaz turned to boxing and landed a fight with Jake Paul in August 2023. The veteran southpaw gave a good account of himself but suffered a knockdown on his way to a lopsided points defeat. The following year he renewed his rivalry with Jorge Masvidal. The pair had faced one another back at UFC 244 in 2019, with Masvidal winning after the doctor called a halt to the contest at the end of the third round. Diaz exacted revenge in their boxing rematch, though, edging a majority decision. Diaz has not fought again since, but a rubber match with Masvidal cannot be ruled out. open image in gallery (USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con) Tony Ferguson Tony Ferguson fought Diaz in the latter stages of his UFC career when he was no longer the force he once was. But, at the peak of his powers, Ferguson was one of the best fighters on the UFC
Graham Potter: Former West Ham boss in talks to take Sweden job
The Englishman led them from the fourth tier of Swedish football to its top division, and also helped them win the Swedish Cup in 2017. Potter then managed Swansea City and Brighton before joining Chelsea in 2022, but was sacked from his role at Stamford Bridge after seven months. Former Denmark striker and Blackburn Rovers boss Tomasson was fired from his Sweden post after a 1-0 defeat at home to Kosovo in Monday’s World Cup qualifier. Despite a stellar forward line of Liverpool’s Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres of Arsenal, the Swedes drew with Slovenia and lost to both Switzerland and Kosovo in their opening three group games. But, having won their Uefa Nations League group, they are still on course for a play-off spot to give them another chance of reaching next summer’s World Cup in North America.
Byrne says selection tougher as Flying Fijians depth grows – FBC News
FIJI Water Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne FIJI Water Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne says team selection for the November Test series has never been more challenging and is a reflection of Fiji’s growing depth and the competition for the national jerseys. Byrne admits every squad announcement comes with mixed emotions, with some players celebrating their call-up while others are left disappointed despite impressive form. He says the level of talent available both locally and abroad has made each decision harder, with the coaching team weighing up not just performance, but also flexibility and long-term potential. Article continues after advertisement “Sometimes people ask me, why didn’t you pick that player versus that player? Well, you could have picked that player —that’s the depth we have.” Byrne adds that Fiji’s player pool continues to expand, with as many as eight Under-20 stars now entering the French market. Byrne believes that growth will only strengthen Fiji’s future, even if it makes selection tougher now a challenge he welcomes as the team builds toward the next Rugby World Cup. The Flying Fijians will open their November tour against England on 9th November at Twickenham Stadium, kicking off at 5.40am. They meet France in Marseille in France on the 15th before facing Spain in Malaga on the 22nd of next month. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Home Office was told last week that Maccabi Tel Aviv fans could face ban for Aston Villa match, police say
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 The Home Office was told last week that supporters of Israel’s Maccabi Tel Aviv could be barred from a Europa League match at Aston Villa, police have revealed, as a major row over the ban escalated. Sir Keir Starmer will do “everything in his power” to overturn the ban, according his spokesperson, after he condemned the move as the “wrong decision” in a major government intervention. News that Israeli fans would not be able to attend the club’s fixture in Birmingham on 6 November due to fears of violence has been met with outrage from Jewish communities. The move by council leaders in Birmingham was branded a “national disgrace” by Tory leader Kemi Badenoch and a “shameful decision” by Israeli foreign minister Gideon Sa’ar. The government is now expecting West Midlands Police to come forward with proposals for what resources it would need for all fans to attend the football match safely, The Independent understands, ahead of a council Safety Advisory Group (SAG) meeting next week. However, ministers face fresh questions after it emerged the Home Office was briefed about the safety fears – and possible restrictions on fans visiting Villa Park – as early as last week by specialists from the UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU). Senior officers at the unit backed the ban, saying it was “important that we respect and support the structures in place for making these decisions”. open image in gallery The decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv’s fans from their match with Aston Villa has been met with outrage from Jewish communities (AP) Ms Badenoch said the home secretary had “serious questions to answer” for not taking immediate action, adding: “This is a weak government that fails to act when required. “Now we learn the home secretary, Shabana Mahmood, knew Jewish football fans were being banned from a UK stadium, and did nothing.” West Midlands Police said they had classified the Aston Villa vs Maccabi Tel Aviv fixture as high risk based on “current intelligence and previous incidents, including violent clashes and hate crime offences that occurred during the 2024 Uefa Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv in Amsterdam”. Violent clashes between pro-Palestinian demonstrators and Israeli fans erupted around the Europa League match between Dutch club Ajax and Maccabi in Amsterdam last year. Five men were given prison sentences and more than 60 people were detained in the riots, which prompted accusations of deliberate antisemitic attacks. Sir Keir and his top ministers were pulling out all the stops to “find a way through” that would allow travelling Maccabi fans to attend the game, his spokesperson said. open image in gallery Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer blasted the ban as the ‘wrong decision’ (PA) However, Birmingham City Council insisted the decision to ban Maccabi fans would not be reviewed unless there was a change in the risk assessment provided by West Midlands Police. In an update on Friday evening, a council spokesperson said: “The SAG has made a decision based on a risk assessment provided by West Midlands Police. “If there is a change in the assessment of risk in the forthcoming match between Aston Villa Football Club and Maccabi Tel Aviv, then the SAG will commit to review its decision as appropriate.” Conversations aimed at overturning the ban include Home Office offers of support to police in Birmingham, and a phone call between communities secretary Steve Reed and Birmingham City Council. Meanwhile, culture secretary Lisa Nandy is “meeting officials to discuss what more can be done to try to find a way through to resolve this, and what more can be done to allow fans to attend the game safely”, a No 10 spokesperson said. The prime minister was left “angered by the decision”, his spokesperson said, adding: “While of course this is an operational decision, we are perfectly entitled to speak out on fundamental principles of fairness like this.” Sir Keir first slammed the decision in a post on X, formerly Twitter, adding: “We will not tolerate antisemitism on our streets. “The role of the police is to ensure all football fans can enjoy the game, without fear of violence or intimidation.” open image in gallery Supporters of Maccabi Tel Aviv holding flags at Dam Square ahead of the 2024 match in Amsterdam, which erupted in violence on both sides (ANP/AFP/Getty) West Midlands police and crime commissioner Simon Foster was among those to call for an “immediate review” of the ban. Uefa, which runs the Europa League, also urged UK authorities to make sure Maccabi Tel Aviv fans could attend the match in Birmingham. Emily Damari, a British-Israeli who was held captive by Hamas for more than a year before being released in January, and who supports football teams Maccabi Tel Aviv and Tottenham Hotspur, said the decision to ban Israeli fans attending a match against Aston Villa was “outrageous”. She said: “I am shocked to my core with this outrageous decision to ban me, my family and my friends from attending an Aston Villa game in the UK. “Football
Manuela Zinsberger: Arsenal goalkeeper suffers ACL injury
Arsenal have confirmed goalkeeper Manuela Zinsberger has suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. The Austria international sustained the injury during a training session before the Gunners’ 2-0 victory over Benfica in the Women’s Champions League on Thursday. Arsenal said Zinsberger “will undergo surgery in due course and is expected to be sidelined for the remainder of the 2025-26 season”. The 29-year-old, who joined Arsenal from Bayern Munich in 2019, has yet to feature for the club this season, with Daphne van Domselaar claiming the number one spot. Zinsberger played a crucial role in her side’s Women’s Champions League triumph last season, making eight appearances in the competition. “Manuela is being closely supported by our medical team at Sobha Realty Training Centre, and everyone at Arsenal looks forward to seeing her return to action as soon as possible,” the club added in a statement.