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Image source: Getty Images21 Apr 2026, 18 05 BST111 CommentsUpdated in 12 minutesEngland and Real Madrid player Jude Bellingham bought a 1.2% share of cricket team Birmingham Phoenix. The Edgbaston based side was one of eight Hundred franchises that were put up for sale. American investment group Knighthead Capital Management who own Bellingham’s former club Birmingham City bought a 49.9% stake for PS40m. Warwickshire retains their 51% stake. Bellingham has taken 0.6% from each side, meaning Warwickshire will still have 50.4% control. The deal, worth around PS1m, is expected to be confirmed on Wednesday. Bellingham, 22, played junior cricket in Worcestershire for Hagley Cricket Club. Asked last year who he would like to swap places with in a sportsperson, he replied England Test Captain Ben Stokes. Legendary NFL quarterback Brady also belongs to the Knighthead group.

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Image source: Getty ImagesByDale JohnsonFootball Issues Correspondent59 minutes ago395 CommentsChampionship Clubs have rejected the chance to introduce a video assistant referee (VAR) system for next season. Football Video Support (FVS), a variant of VAR that requires fewer resources and allows each coach to review two games per game, could’ve been brought in by August. Goal Line Technology will remain in the second tier. A cost-based study will be conducted before a vote is held in June on whether to extend it to League One. In recent months several managers have called for the introduction of VAR. Norwich manager Philippe Clement stated that there are “moments when I miss VAR in order to get the right decision” after his team conceded a penalty against Ipswich this month. Former Bristol City manager Gerhard Struber stated in January that there are “many indications, evaluations, and the decisions with VAR are better and fairer”. VAR is currently used in the second divisions of Spain, Italy, and Germany. The TV rights deal collapsed and it was scrapped for financial reasons. Slot claims VAR has been against Liverpool – Is he correct?6 days agoWe’ve complied with the financial rules – West Brom13 AprWhat is Football Video Support (FVS?) Football Video Support (FVS), has been tested for two years. It is designed for leagues with fewer cameras and officials. There is no VAR. Instead, a replay operator shows the match referee the camera angles on the pitchside monitor. The manager keeps the challenge if it is successful. Mark Bullingham, Football Association chief executive, said earlier this year that FVS “reduces the amount of times when there is a VAR intervention and effectively puts onus on the coach”. The referee only went to the monitor twice in the last two rounds in the Premier League. With FVS, that number could increase to four times a game – or even more if a manager’s challenge is upheld. Pacific FC and Supra du Quebec had a 2-2 score in injury time after the referee let a tackle from the home team’s Joshua Belluz go unpunished. Supra du Quebec challenged the straight red card for Belluz. It was not a foul that warranted a red card, but the referee needed to take the appropriate disciplinary action once he saw the monitor. Belluz received a yellow card, and as he had already been cautioned, he was dismissed. Supra du Quebec had lost their challenge but they used it tactfully to get a player dismissed. Then, they scored the winning goal during the extra time that was caused by the review. Related topicsChampionshipFootball

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Image source, Getty ImagesByAadam PatelFootball Reporter1 hour ago87 comments”Did i ever think that I would be playing for Liverpool in Premier League? When I was called upon, I wanted to do my very best. Freddie Woodman played four Premier League matches in eight years with Newcastle, but he was also loaned out to six other teams during that time. He joined Preston in 2022 after leaving Newcastle at the end his contract. Woodman, 29, admitted that being a third choice keeper is difficult. “I’m new to this position. When the opportunity arose, I was a little unsure if I should take it on. As a third option, I am still learning the job. “I quickly realized that my game time would be limited, and that I’d probably be called on for 10, 20 minutes. When that time came, I wanted to be ready. “So, during the eight months that I train, I think about those 10 minutes or those 20 minutes where you might be nervous, but can rely on the preparation you’ve done. That’s what I did. “I’ve learned that being third choice is more important than I thought it would be. “You’re trying to build a relationship with your teammates, so if Dom (Szoboszlai) wants to do more free-kicks I want to help him. I will be there for Mo [Salah] if he wants to shoot more. “So, it’s about trying to find another role within the team. And realising how crucial it is. “Joy to Liverpool fans, but a big summer for Slot1 day agoDerby Bow caps superb weekend for FamilyAsked about his ability to put himself last on a daily bases, Woodman replied: “It is easy here.” You know that Mo Salah will come to you and say he wants to shoot more. It’s a dream for every child… “And to develop a relationship with Robbo, Curtis Jones, Cody Gakpo, Virgil van Dijk ]… I saw these guys as superstars last season. You come in and realize that they are just normal guys and good people. It’s been nice to build these relationships. “After Sunday’s match, Liverpool boss Arne slot praised Woodman who made a save to deny Iliman Ndiaye, after coming on. “He said that I had worked hard all season and didn’t get much credit. Woodman said, “I’m happy about that.” “He was happy for me, and for me, to shake his hands after the match, realising that I felt like i’d done my best, is a lovely moment. Woodman is expected to play at Anfield against his boyhood team Crystal Palace this weekend. Alisson is still out with a serious hamstring injury, and Mamardashvili will be on the sidelines for a while. “It would feel unreal and incredible to play another Premier League game for Liverpool,” said Woodman. “I grew supporting Palace. I was a Ball Boy there and played against [them] in the Carabao Cup this season. I hope Giorgi is fine and that Ali, the best goalkeeper on the planet, returns fit. “We’ll have to wait and see what happens Saturday. I will do my thing this week and prepare like I’m playing. “Woodman made his top-flight Liverpool debut on Saturday, capping a fantastic weekend for him and his family. His father Andy, a former goalkeeper who now manages Bromley, celebrated the club’s first ever promotion to League One. Woodman said, “I was enjoying the Merseyside Derby at the new stadium when I was thrown into it at full speed. It was a great weekend for my family.” “Yeah it was a bit nerve-racking. The nerves are what drive you to do your best and not let anyone down. “You come on, and you think of the eight months you’ve spent working every day to get this one moment. When you are called upon, all you want to do is be reliable. “That’s how it feels and to be honest, i was happy to get to the finish line. But to win the game the way we did (with Van Dijk’s 100th-minute head) was incredible. “Related topicsLiverpoolPremier LeagueFootballMore on this storyLatest Liverpool news, analysis and fan viewsAsk about Liverpool – what do you want to know?

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Image source: Getty ImagesByChris AdamsBBC Sport Journalist1 hour ago50 commentsMany senior players are still uncertain about their futures, even though there are only five weeks left in the season. The only player without a contract is Estonian goalkeeper Karl Hein (24), who made his one senior appearance for Arsenal in a League Cup match in 2022. Hein is currently on loan at Werder Bremen, after similar stints at Reading and Real Valladolid. For more on Arsenal, visit our club page Aston Villa. Unai Emery does not have any immediate contract concerns, as all of his first team squad are contracted until at least the year 2027. Ross Barkley’s contract was said to be up this summer, but it is believed that the former England midfielder, 32, signed a three year deal when he moved from Luton Town to Aston Villa in July 2024. For more on Aston Villa visit our club pageBournemouthHead Coach Andoni Iraola will leave Vitality Stadium within a few short weeks. Marco Rose will be desperate to keep Marcos Senesi in Dorset. The impressive Argentine has started all league games this season except one – which he was banned for – but he has already turned down three new offers. Juventus and a number of Premier League clubs are reportedly interested in the 28-year-old Argentine. Third-choice keeper Fraser Forster, 38, has not featured for Bournemouth since signing a six-month deal in January.For more on Bournemouth, head to our club pageImage source, Getty ImagesBrentfordBrentford boss Keith Andrews can avoid having to replace a considerable amount of Premier League experience this summer by triggering a trio of extensions. Brentford’s Jamaican left-back Rico Henry has been a star in the Bees’ bid for Europe. The club can extend his stay by an additional year. They also have the option to extend the stays of Mathias Jensen (30) and Josh Dasilva (27), who was given a temporary deal in October to recover from three injury-ravaged years. James Milner, the 40-year-old who is now the most prolific Premier League appearance maker, has not decided his future. However, he remains influential. Adam Webster and Joel Veltman could also become free-agents. Webster, who has been sidelined by a serious ACL tear since July 2025 and has expressed publicly his desire to stay, could also become free agents. Solly March, a 31-year-old winger who has been plagued by serious knee injuries for a long time, has also struggled to get game time over the past three seasons. Lewis Dunk’s contract was due to be up this summer, but BBC Sport understands the 34-year-old has triggered a one-year extension.For more on Brighton, head to our club pageImage source, Getty ImagesBurnleyBurnley’s relegation to the Championship will be confirmed if they lose to Manchester City on Wednesday. Martin Dubravka has played every minute in this season’s league and his experience could be invaluable to the second tier. Axel Tuanzebe (28), a DR Congo defender who is heading to the World Cup, and veteran striker Ashley Barnes (36), a bit-partist in his second stint at the club, as well as Vaclav Hladky (35), a third-choice keeper, could become free agents by June. Burnley have the option to extend the contract for another year of midfielder Josh Laurent. For more information on Burnley, visit our club page. ChelseaGiven BlueCo’s policy to tie players down to extremely long contracts, perhaps it’s no surprise that there are no senior Chelsea players who find themselves free agents this summer. Daichi kamada from Japan, and Jefferson Lerma from Colombia, both played regularly in the midfield during this season. However, both players will be unattached by the World Cup. The Eagles do have a year-long option on Lerma. Nathaniel Clyne (35), an ex-England defender in his second stint at Selhurst Park has been used sparingly. For more information on Crystal Palace, visit our club page.EvertonDavid moyes has the option of extending Idrissa Gueye’s contract by a year, and given the 36-year old Senegal midfielder’s recent performances, this would seem to be a prudent decision. Vitalii Mykolenko (26), a Ukrainian, is also believed to have a one-year contract extension option. Michael Keane (33), meanwhile, has been in excellent form as he fights to secure his future. Seamus Coleman, the club captain, has played only 11 Premier League minutes during his 17th season with the first team. Tyler Onyango, a 23-year-old who is currently on loan at Stockport County, has suffered a hamstring strain. He will likely become a free agent. For more information on Everton visit our club page.FulhamHarry Wilson, 29, missed out on his third major tournament for Wales but he’s been one of the leagues most eye catching players this year. Cottagers top scorer Harry Wilson almost joined Leeds United last summer on deadline day. However, with 10 goals and 6 assists this season, clubs nearer to the top of the division could come calling. Marco Silva, who is out of contract himself, has the option to extend Ryan Sessegnon’s contract by one year. Raul Jimenez has scored nine goals in his World Cup campaign for Mexico. Fulham have also retained one-year options for Luke Harris, a 21-year-old midfielder currently on loan with Wycombe Wanderers and goalkeeper Steven Benda (27), who is on loan with Feyenoord. For more information on Fulham, visit our club page. Image source, Getty ImagesLeeds UnitedAfter two consecutive wins, it appears that Leeds will avoid the drop. Daniel Farke, therefore, will need to tie up some loose ends regarding his goalkeepers. Karl Darlow’s contract expires in June. The same goes for Illan Meslier’s and Alex Cairns’s. For more information on Leeds, visit our club page.LiverpoolFrance’s Ibrahima Konate is a centre-back who won the title last season with the Reds. After Sunday’s Merseyside Derby, the 26 year old told the BBC that an agreement on a contract was “close”. Andy Robertson, 32 has won two titles and the Champions League in the last three years since joining the club in 2017. He will leave this summer. BBC Sport reports that Tottenham are in advanced negotiations with the Scotland left back, whom they tried to sign last January. For more information on Liverpool, visit our club page. Image source, Getty ImagesManchester CityClub captain and legend Bernardo Silva, 31 will end his glorious career this summer at Etihad Stadium after winning 18 trophies in nine seasons. The Portugal playmaker is a class act, and will receive many offers. John Stones, the English centre-back who has been a key part of City’s recent successes, could also leave. For more information on Manchester City, visit our club pageManchester UnitedHaving scored four goals and shown improved form since announcing he would be leaving this summer in January, some urged United to reconsider its decision to keep Brazil midfielder Casemiro. However, that ship has already sailed. Tyrell Malacia, a left-back from the Netherlands, and Jadon Sancho (an English winger), both 26 years old, are expected to leave Old Trafford. Sancho, who spent For more information on Manchester Fabian Schar ( Goalkeeper Stefan Ortega Scotland keeper Angus Gunn, 30, could also become a free agent, while experienced Ivory Coast centre-back Willy Boly, 35, has played just one League Cup game since signing a one-year extension last June.For more on Nottingham Forest, head to our club pageSunderlandBurkina Faso winger Bertrand Traore, 30, and left-back Dennis Cirkin, 24, could depart. Traore has Dan Neil, 24, The Mali captain Ben Davies, the club The Hammers were about His future is now unclear Wolverhampton For more on Wolves Robert Lewandowski Juventus forward Dusan Vlahovic, 26, currently out with a calf problem, has 90 Serie A goals to his name and the Serb’s contract talks seem to have stalled.Germany winger Julian Brandt, 29, is leaving Borussia Dortmund having made more than 300 appearances, while his compatriot Leon Goretzka, 31, is ending his stay at Bundesliga rivals Bayern Munich.Spain right-back Oscar Mingueza, 26, is yet to sign new terms at Celta Vigo, Morocco left-back Souffian El Karouani, 25, has an impressive 16 assists for Utrecht this season, while former Chelsea centre-back Malang Saar, 27, is out of contract at Ligue 1 title challengers Lens this season, although the French club have a one-year option.Other former Premier League stars who may find themselves looking for a new club include Saar’s Lens team-mate Allan Saint-Maximin, 29, Al-Ittihad’s Brazil midfielder Fabinho, 32, and Real Madrid centre-back Antonio Rudiger, 33, although reports in Spain indicate the German will sign a one-year extension.Additional reporting by Shamoon Hafez, Alex Howell, Nizaar Kinsella, Nick Mashiter and Simon StoneRelated topicsNottingham ForestManchester UnitedLiverpoolSunderlandFulhamWest Ham UnitedBrentfordChelseaAston VillaBrighton & Hove AlbionBurnleyPremier LeagueManchester CityCrystal PalaceTottenham HotspurBournemouthArsenalEvertonNewcastle UnitedFootballWolverhampton WanderersLeeds United

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Image source: Getty ImagesByElizabethBotcherbyBBC Sports journalist21 minutes agoUsain Bolt, the sprinting legend, has advised rising Australian star Gout Gout to not forget track and field as distractions and the spotlight intensify. Gout, 18 years old, won the 200m title in the Australian Athletics Championships in a time 19.67 seconds. He beat Erriyon Knighon’s (19.69) world under-20 record and Bolt’s (19.93) time from 2004. Gout also won the under-20 100m title. He went under 20 seconds at last season’s championships, with a wind assisted 19.84, and previously set a record for a 16-year old over 200m. “I hope he has a good team to guide him, and keep him focused on the track and field. The rest will always be there.” If you mess up in track and field, it all goes away. “Gout will make his Diamond League debut at the 200m in Oslo, Norway on 10 June. He has indicated that he will not compete in the Commonwealth Games Glasgow in order to focus on the World Under-20 Championships held in Oregon in August.