Thompson's remarkable career was marked by an unwavering dedication to his sport, with him training 20 times a week throughout the 1980s. This tireless work ethic enabled him to dominate the decathlon event, breaking the world record four times and remaining unbeaten for nine years.

One of the most enduring images of Thompson's career is that of him training on Christmas Day, a habit he adopted after learning that his German rival, Jürgen Hingsen, also trained on holidays. This level of commitment was unmatched by many of his contemporaries and helped to cement his status as one of the greatest athletes of all time.

Thompson's achievements were widely celebrated by the British public, with him being voted the BBC's Sports Personality of the Year in 1982. However, he remains one of only two male multi-event Olympic track and field champions who have not received a knighthood, alongside Sebastian Coe.

Despite his lack of recognition from the establishment, Thompson has remained humble and grounded throughout his life. He insists that a knighthood would not change his life in any significant way and is content with the rewards he has already achieved through his sport.

Thompson's attitude towards fame and recognition is perhaps best illustrated by his reaction to being asked about his lack of a knighthood. He says that it is "not within your control and therefore, does not worry him.

The controversy surrounding Thompson's second Olympic gold medal in 1984 may have contributed to the lack of recognition he received. However, he has never been one to dwell on such matters and has instead focused on his continued involvement in athletics.

Despite no longer being an active competitor, Thompson still trains regularly and maintains a strong connection to the sport that defined his life. His commitment to athletics is a testament to his enduring passion for the sport and his refusal to let go of the things that brought him so much success.

Thompson's decision to wear a T-shirt with a joke about Princess Anne has sparked controversy over his potential knighthood.

The backlash was swift and severe, but Thompson seems unfazed by it all. He reflects on those times, saying they were indeed different from today. Would I do it now? That is the question, he ponders before answering himself. No, of course I wouldn't.

Thompson also disputes the notion that Princess Anne was offended by his joke. The thing was she wasn't offended. She was fine with it. It's a faux outrage, he explains.

Despite this controversy, Thompson's remarkable accomplishments and dedication to his country remain unchanged. His life story is one of overcoming adversity, as a powerful documentary made clear two years ago.

Thompson's childhood was marked by hardship. His Scottish mother worked multiple jobs to provide for him, often relying on food banks for support. Tragedy struck when his Nigerian father was shot and killed at the age of 13.

Yet Thompson never allowed these challenges to derail his path. He continued to excel in athletics, driven by a passion that remains strong to this day.

In recent news, Thompson has achieved another milestone, becoming the first British athlete to hold a national record for 50 years. This achievement is all the more impressive considering it was set back in September 1976.

This record-breaking moment came when Thompson won a decathlon in Talence, France, surpassing Peter Gabbett's previous record by four points. So was this the moment he knew he would be great? Truthfully, no, he replies.

Thompson attributes his early success to a particular moment, his first decathlon at just 17 years old. He recalls waking up on the second day of competition with a newfound confidence in his abilities. I literally remember thinking: 'Oh man, you're going to be really good at this,' he says.

This experience was all the more significant given the lack of financial support for young athletes at that time. Thompson remembers receiving help from Tom McNab, who arranged for Adidas to send him some shoes. This gesture made a lasting impression on him, and he recalls thinking: Oh, they believe in me.

After achieving a remarkable academic record in A-Level biology, geography and general science, Thompson's athletic prowess began to make waves on the international stage.

At the Montreal Olympics, he may not have finished at the top of the podium, but his 18th-place finish marked a significant milestone in his career. Just two months later, Thompson set a new British record, further cementing his reputation as a rising star.

Despite his growing success, Thompson faced significant financial challenges early on in his career. As a decathlete, he was often overlooked and underpaid compared to other athletes. It wasn't until the release of Daley Thompson's Decathlon, a popular computer game, that his bank account began to swell.

The game's massive popularity brought Thompson a much-needed influx of cash, with sales exceeding one million copies worldwide. However, it also had an unintended consequence, the game was notoriously difficult and often resulted in broken joysticks and keyboards.

When asked about the game's notorious reputation for causing hardware destruction, Thompson laughed good-naturedly. You're the first to mention that," he said, chuckling. Literally, there hasn't been a day since 1984 when someone hasn't come up and said: 'You owe me a keyboard'.

Thompson's amusement is palpable as he reminisces about the game's impact on his life. He recalls receiving constant requests for compensation from fans who claimed their hardware had been damaged by playing the game.

In contrast to Thompson's gaming legacy, his friend Sebastian Coe has had less success in being immortalized in a video game. According to Thompson, this is because Coe was perceived as "boring.

Thompson's modest living arrangements are a reflection of his down-to-earth personality and priorities. Despite being one of the greatest athletes in history, he still resides in a small flat, far from the luxurious lifestyle often associated with international sports stars.

A photograph that has become synonymous with Thompson's dominance is Steve Powell's iconic image from the 1982 European Championships, where he stands triumphantly over his vanquished competitors. However, Thompson reveals that this image would never adorn his own walls, as he prefers to focus on the present and future rather than dwell on past achievements.

Thompson's approach to collecting memorabilia is also refreshingly humble. He has given away all of his gold medals and trophies to friends and training partners, leaving nothing for himself. This decision may raise eyebrows among those who have followed his illustrious career, but it speaks volumes about his character and values.

According to Thompson, his reluctance to cling to the past stems from a desire to stay relevant and engaged in the present moment. He believes that many people he knows struggle with this issue, becoming mired in nostalgia for past glories rather than embracing new challenges and opportunities.

In contrast, Thompson remains deeply focused on moving forward, always seeking out the next great challenge or competition. His mindset is characterized by a relentless drive to improve and adapt, which has served him so well throughout his illustrious career.

Despite this focus on the future, Thompson does occasionally find himself drawn back into conversations about his past achievements, particularly when discussing his legendary rivalry with German athlete Hingsen. The two athletes often meet up a few times a year, during which time Thompson likes to engage in good-natured banter with his old rival.

When comparing their respective performances over the years, it's striking to note that both Thompson and Hingsen possess virtually identical personal best scores across the decathlon events. Yet, despite Hingsen's impressive credentials, including two world records, he was never able to surpass Thompson when it truly mattered.

Thompson attributes his success in these high-pressure situations to a combination of physical ability and mental toughness. He believes that while both athletes may be similarly gifted, he consistently managed to perform at a higher level under the spotlight of competition.

In fact, Thompson has even confessed to employing clever mind games during competitions against Hingsen. By deliberately raising the bar in the high jump event or throwing the shot put further than necessary, he would often succeed in getting inside his rival's head and gaining an psychological edge.

Thompson's competitive spirit was not limited to his athletic pursuits. He would often engage in playful mind games with his rivals, trying to get inside their heads and gain a psychological edge. This included deliberately raising the bar in high jump events or throwing the shot put further than necessary.

However, Thompson wasn't alone in this behavior. His rival, Hingsen, had also been known to employ similar tactics. During the 1984 Olympics, Coe approached Hingsen while he was sitting on a bench with a towel around his neck and said, He's an animal, isn't he?" Hingsen responded by pulling the towel up and down in a nonchalant manner.

Thompson admits that he feels a bit bad for Hingsen. He believes that if it weren't for their epic decathlon battles, Hingsen would be considered one of Germany's best athletes. Instead, he was often subjected to ridicule from his teammates and fans.

Despite the intense rivalry between them, Thompson and Hingsen have maintained a close friendship over the years. In fact, Thompson values this friendship almost as much as the medals he won during his competitive days. He believes that having long-term friends brings a different kind of joy and is deeper than any athletic achievement.

Some people believe that Thompson's decathlon personal best score could have been even higher if he hadn't used the 1500m event as a victory procession. However, his time of 4 minutes and 20 seconds is still respectable, especially considering it was achieved during an era when athletes were not as focused on speed.

Thompson has continued to stay active in his post-athletic career. He worked as the fitness coach for Wimbledon's Crazy Gang during the mid-1990s, a team that included Robbie Earle and Mick Harford. During this time, he would often challenge his players to see if they could keep up with him on the track.

One notable example of Thompson's competitive spirit is when he trained his players in Battersea Park. He would push himself to stay ahead of them, even at an advanced age. His 1500m time was a benchmark for his players, and none of them were able to get within 20 seconds of it.

Even now, Thompson remains committed to his fitness routine. He works out four or five times a week and looks significantly younger than his years. On Saturday mornings, he can be found training a group of athletes in their 40s, 50s, and 60s at Battersea Park.

Thompson's enduring legacy is not just about his athletic achievements but also about the friendships he has formed along the way. He has managed to maintain close relationships with his former rivals, including Coe and Hingsen, which is a testament to his character and sportsmanship.

Daley Thompson's Saturday morning training sessions are a sight to behold, as he and his friends brave all weather conditions to get in a workout. The routine typically includes sit-ups, press-ups, and running up small hills, but the camaraderie is what makes it truly special.

On Christmas Day, the group gathers once again, this time climbing over the fence to join Thompson for an impromptu session. However, he insists on keeping his part of the workout within the confines of his home, instead opting to shout through the bars to keep everyone involved and engaged in the exercise routine.

The Guardian Sport: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/oct/02/daley-thompson-interview-athletics-olympics

The result was a fair reflection of an evenly contested and entertaining game, with both teams showcasing their skills on the pitch. The tie left Manchester City with two points from their opening two fixtures, while Real Madrid also picked up two points.

The match took place amidst a backdrop of controversy surrounding the club's men's team, who were recently found guilty of 115 charges by the Premier League. Despite this, the women's team has managed to maintain its focus on the pitch, with coach Andrée Jeglertz stressing that the situation has not affected them.

As supporters gathered at the stadium, opinions were divided about how much the off-field drama had impacted the women's team. Some fans appeared relaxed and unconcerned by the developments, while others looked troubled and eager to forget their worries for a few hours through the game.

In conversation with some of these fans before kick-off, it was clear that many were struggling to separate the men's team issues from the performance of the women's team. One elderly supporter, who wished to remain anonymous, offered a matter-of-fact assessment of the situation, saying "we've been through rough times before, we'll come through rough times again".

The atmosphere at the match was complex, with some fans acknowledging the turmoil surrounding Manchester City while others seemed to be trying to separate it from their team's performance on the field. A small group of supporters brought an inflatable banana into the stadium and chanted defiantly about the team going down despite its financial resources.

Meanwhile, fans who were more familiar with Women's Super League matches continued to cheer on their team with traditional chants and songs. These regular supporters seemed focused on encouraging the players, praising individual skills and performances during the game.

The match itself was a closely contested draw against Real Madrid, with Kylian Mbappé and Khadija Shaw being mentioned in passing by young fans who were excited to see them play. The home team's performance was likely influenced by the tumultuous week that had preceded it.

As the match continued, chants from the stands occasionally referenced the news, but for the most part fans stuck to their usual repertoire of songs and cheers aimed at boosting the players' morale.

The visitors' early pressure was evident in the first minute when a mistake by Carlotta Wamser almost led to a goal for Real Madrid. However, Felicia Schröder's shot flew narrowly wide and bounced off the stanchion, causing the net to ripple from the wrong side.

Real Madrid were already ahead at this point, courtesy of Linda Caicedo's low finish into the bottom corner after a burst of pace. Despite City's occasional moments of nice play, the Spanish team looked sharp in the opening 45 minutes and appeared intent on taking the lead.

City's performance turned around significantly after the break, with their play becoming more urgent and incisive. Yui Hasegawa had an opportunity to score when she was in space inside the box, but her volleyed chance went wide.

Good pressing from City led to Hasegawa winning the ball in midfield and feeding Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw in the area. Shaw then turned and clinically fired into the corner of the net with great technique, scoring her first Champions League goal of the season.

The introductions of Beth Mead, Sam Coffey, and Grace Clinton from City's bench seemed to further strengthen the hosts as they began to dominate territory and create more scoring opportunities for themselves.

In the second half, Real Madrid was again presented with a let-off when Hasegawa's volley sailed just wide of the goalpost from a corner kick that had been partially cleared by the home team.

The visitors had also threatened to break the deadlock in the previous moments, but Yamashita was on hand to make crucial saves, first deflecting Caicedo's attempt and later thwarting Irune Dorado's close-range shot.

The Guardian Sport: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/oct/01/manchester-city-real-madrid-womens-champions-league-league-stage-match-report

The match got off to a promising start for Norway, who have been riding high after reaching the World Cup quarter-finals. They were on top early on, thanks to the creativity of their captain Martin Ødegaard, who orchestrated their attack with ease.

Ødegaard was instrumental in creating Norway's opening goal, which came courtesy of Oscar Bobb, a Fulham player and one of five Premier League regulars in the starting lineup. Bobb slotted home a crisp shot after being set up by Ødegaard.

Norway's dominance lasted only until the first half, when Daniel James cancelled out Bobb's opener to level the scores for Wales. The second half saw an early change in momentum as Torbjørn Heggem was sent off just 17 seconds into play for a foul on James.

The Norwegian side struggled to cope with their reduced numbers, and it wasn't long before they were punished for their mistake. Williams scored from a free-kick awarded after Heggem's red card, giving Wales the lead and ultimately securing them the win.

Wales' resurgence continued as Lewis Koumas returned to the starting lineup, one of five changes from their previous match against Denmark. The promoted player who sparked the hosts' equaliser was Liam Cullen, who swiftly gained possession after Fulham midfielder Berge hesitated in claiming a pass from Fredrik Aursnes.

Cullen and Koumas then pushed forward, with Sorba Thomas consistently threatening on the flank. Thomas's low cross into the box found its mark, beating David Møller Wolfe to the ball as Wales secured their first goal of the campaign.

Haaland's reaction was telling, with his hands clasped together in frustration. Despite this setback, Norway appeared slightly complacent, and Wales seized the opportunity to respond positively.

Thomas had a chance to score himself when on goal, but he elected to pass the ball across for James instead of shooting. This decision allowed Møller Wolfe to intervene, while Kristoffer Ajer from Brentford diverted Thomas's subsequent cross wide for a corner.

Ben Cabango, tasked with marking Cristiano Ronaldo and Haaland in their previous match, was grateful when Berge's cross cannoned off him and into the hands of Ward after the Swansea defender got his feet tangled up in front of goal.

Wales' Neco Williams scored a stunning free-kick in the second half to give his team a crucial lead against Norway, who had been reduced to 10 men after a red card was shown to Heggem just minutes into the period.

Norway's defense struggled to get out of their own half quickly enough at the start of the second half, allowing Wales to capitalize on their mistake. James seized upon a hopeful clearance from Davies and soared past his marker before being brought down by Heggem, who appeared to be caught out after a mix-up with Møller Wolfe.

The Spanish referee, Alejandro Hernández, had no hesitation in showing Heggem a red card for the foul, awarding Wales a free-kick on the edge of the box. The Norwegian defense was caught off guard as Williams lined up his shot, and Ørjan Nyland found himself out of position as he tried to shuttle across his goal line.

Williams' right-foot strike proved to be too powerful for Nyland, who could only watch in frustration as the ball sailed into the bottom corner of the net. The Norwegian goalkeeper had been caught off guard by Williams' speed and accuracy, leaving him with little chance of making a save.

The free-kick was a masterclass in technique from Williams, who showed no signs of nerves as he struck the ball with precision and power. The goal gave Wales a crucial lead, which they would go on to hold onto for the rest of the match.

As Norway struggled to contain Wales' attacks, Haaland had his first chance in the 58th minute but failed to make clean contact with a header after meeting Møller Wolfe's cross from the left flank.

The Norwegian team was further weakened when they lost another player, but it didn't seem to affect their attacking play. Thomas continued to cause problems for Norway's back line with his precise crosses, one of which led to Jordan James attempting to flick the ball with his boot and Ajer swinging wildly at it. With 15 minutes remaining, Solbakken made a crucial substitution.

Wales had another opportunity to extend their lead but Josh Sheehan sent a weak shot straight at Nyland after Thomas released him in on goal with some fine craftsmanship. Haaland was again left disappointed as he headed Pedersen's cross straight at Ward, marking the end of Norway's fightback and securing Wales' crucial win.

The Guardian Sport: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/oct/01/wales-norway-nations-league-league-a-group-4-match-report

The Rugby Football Union used to host a Christmas party for executives, coaches, staff, and journalists, with Eddie Jones often making an appearance. However, there was one year when he didn't attend, and Steve Borthwick, who was then the forwards coach, showed up despite looking like he'd rather be elsewhere.

Borthwick's work ethic is well-documented, with sources describing him as "astonishingly diligent in his analysis of the game. However, those same people also mention that he struggles with the more human aspects of being a head coach.

On the other hand, Borthwick has shown moments of compassion and empathy, such as inviting the 2023 World Cup squad's families to a training session and offering support to Jamie George and Maro Itoje during difficult times.

Despite his reputation for being data-driven, Borthwick is also seen as a bold selector, willing to take risks and make tough decisions. This has led to him being viewed as more unconventional than his predecessor, Eddie Jones.

However, this complexity is not reflected in the way he leads England's team, which often seems overly reliant on his game plan. The players themselves have defended Borthwick, but their best performances have come when they've taken matters into their own hands and broken free from the constraints of his system.

The RFU has sent mixed signals about Borthwick's future, initially issuing a vote of confidence after England's historic defeat to Italy, only to later strengthen his position following an internal review. More recently, it was announced that his contract is being extended.

As the World Cup draws closer, there are growing concerns that England's team identity remains unclear, with Borthwick's leadership style and approach continuing to be a topic of debate within the rugby community.

The statistics surrounding England's performance under Borthwick's leadership are a mixed bag, making it challenging to assess their true standing as a team.

With 28 victories from 48 matches, Borthwick's winning percentage stands at 58%, marginally lower than that of his predecessor Stuart Lancaster. However, this figure alone does not provide a comprehensive picture of England's progress under his tenure.

One notable aspect of Borthwick's term is the record of unwanted achievements. England has suffered some significant defeats, including their heaviest home loss to France and first losses to Fiji and Italy.

At the same time, there have been periods of impressive form, such as a 12-match winning streak that showcased the team's capabilities and left Twickenham in a frenzy. However, the absence of a statement victory away from home remains a concern.

Despite his initial reluctance to take on the role, Borthwick has demonstrated resilience and composure under pressure. His leadership was put to the test when England lost to Fiji at home, but he managed to hold his nerve and guide the team towards a respectable finish in the World Cup.

Borthwick's draw in France was indeed straightforward, but it is also true that he had previously downplayed England's abilities, stating they were not good at anything soon after taking over. This self-deprecating comment has been echoed by some of his players, who have praised his analytical approach to the game.

In many ways, Borthwick's short-term tenure leading up to a World Cup campaign is an ideal situation for him, given that his coaching credentials are not in question. His expertise and experience will likely be crucial in guiding England through the next phase of their journey.

The praise from players such as Jonny May has been effusive, with some comparing Borthwick's approach to that of Alan Turing, renowned for his analytical mind and innovative thinking.

Borthwick's tenure as England coach remains marked by inconsistency, with some questioning whether he is truly in control of the team's direction.

Critics argue that Borthwick's approach to coaching is overly reliant on trends and fads, rather than developing a clear and innovative strategy. This perception is shared by Rassie Erasmus, who has described Borthwick as a coach who thinks like a machine and chases after the latest ideas.

The 2024 Six Nations championship was meant to be a turning point for English rugby under Borthwick's leadership, but it ultimately proved to be a mixed bag. While there were some promising performances, including a thrilling win over Ireland, other results were disappointing, such as the narrow defeat in France.

One of the few positives from the tournament was the emergence of Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, who made his debut against Italy and showed great promise on the wing. However, this bright spot was soon overshadowed by a disastrous loss to Scotland at Murrayfield, where England's attacking play was criticized for being too simplistic.

In the aftermath of that defeat, Borthwick took his team on a training camp in York, where they spent several days working on their attacking structures and trying to address some of the issues that had been plaguing them. This break proved to be beneficial, as England went on to win their next match against Ireland.

However, the momentum gained from this win was short-lived, as Borthwick's team suffered two narrow defeats in New Zealand. While these losses could have been seen as setbacks, there were still some grounds for optimism, with many feeling that England were finally starting to round a corner and develop a more cohesive game plan.

The departure of Aled Walters and Felix Jones from the backroom staff soon after these matches added to the sense of uncertainty surrounding Borthwick's team. With three defeats in a row at the start of the autumn campaign, the pressure on him began to mount, but he managed to survive this crisis thanks in part to the distraction caused by controversy over the RFU chief executive's salary and bonus package.

England's winning streak came to an abrupt end, but it was not just their performance on the pitch that had changed - the law tweaks around the aerial contest had levelled the playing field for the rest of the teams.

When England struggled to cope with these changes, they were unable to maintain their momentum and suffered four consecutive losses in the Six Nations. This reversal in fortunes has put Steve Borthwick's position under scrutiny once again.

The team's narrow defeat at the start of the 2025 Six Nations was followed by a series of setbacks that left many questioning his leadership. However, England managed to break their duck with a win against France on home soil and went on to enjoy a remarkable 12-match winning streak.

This period of success saw England post impressive victories, including a resounding 68-14 triumph over Wales and an autumn clean sweep. The team's ability to adapt to the new laws was crucial in this winning streak, which has been hailed as one of the most prosperous periods of Borthwick's tenure.

However, when their rivals caught up with the law tweaks, England struggled to cope and lost four consecutive matches in the Six Nations. This reversal has put pressure on Borthwick once again, with many wondering if he can turn things around before next year's World Cup.

Despite the setbacks, there are still those who believe in Borthwick's ability as a coach. Well-placed sources have described him as a world-class forwards coach, highlighting his expertise in this area. However, this praise also suggests that he may not be up to the top job of head coach.

When asked about England's indiscipline on the pitch, Borthwick hit out at what he called the negativity committee". This response suggests that he is still feeling the heat from critics and is trying to deflect attention away from his team's problems.

The team's players have been vocal in their support for Borthwick, with many praising his coaching methods. However, there are also reports of a generational divide within the camp, with some players questioning his approach to the game.

A heavy defeat by South Africa this summer has done little to ease the pressure on Borthwick and his team. Wins over Fiji and Argentina have been small consolation, but it remains to be seen if they can build on these successes and turn their season around before next year's World Cup.

The departures of Steve Borthwick's key staff members raise questions about his leadership style and ability to delegate responsibility. Walters' decision to leave England for Ireland was likely influenced by personal reasons, but Jones' departure is more puzzling given the circumstances.

Jones' exit follows a pattern of Borthwick appointing assistants with little international coaching experience, including Nick Evans, Byron McGuigan, Tom Harrison, Lee Blackett, Kevin Sinfield and Joe El-Abd. This has sparked debate about whether Borthwick struggles to let go of control when it comes to coaching.

On the other hand, Borthwick has demonstrated a willingness to delegate in certain situations. The appointment of Walters as attack coach was seen as a clever move, given his ability to connect with players and create a positive team atmosphere. Similarly, George's selection as captain shows an understanding of the importance of leadership and communication skills.

However, when these individuals leave their roles or are moved on, it creates a void that can be difficult to fill. The departures of key staff members raise questions about Borthwick's ability to build a cohesive team and maintain consistency in his coaching approach.

The recent performance against Argentina was a prime example of England's inconsistent form. They produced an impressive display for 40 minutes before fading, leaving the impression that their identity is still unclear ahead of next year's World Cup.

Borthwick may need to revisit his approach if England fail to build momentum over the coming months. The fly-half Smith has recently suggested that a thorough review would be necessary if results do not improve.

The sense of liberation and freedom displayed by England in defeat against Argentina must be the blueprint for future success, particularly in terms of creating a positive team atmosphere and connecting with supporters.

The extension of Steve Borthwick's contract through to the next Six Nations may have provided temporary relief for the England Rugby Union, but it has not altered the precarious nature of his tenure as head coach. The verdict on Borthwick's future remains tied to the outcome of the World Cup in Australia.

Borthwick's fate will ultimately be determined by whether he can lead England to success at the tournament, assuming they qualify. If the team fails to impress, speculation about his replacement will likely intensify.

The Guardian Sport: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/oct/01/borthwicks-england-reign-remains-full-of-contradictions-with-world-cup-a-year-away

The issue came to light after an independent commission found the club guilty on most of the 115 charges brought against them, including arranging "sham contracts with commercial partners as part of a scheme to disguise secret funding of over £830m.

However, the prime minister's comments about Manchester City have sparked controversy, with some accusing him of being out of touch with the issue. The remarks were branded completely out of touch" and "extraordinary by the opposition party.

Downing Street has since clarified the prime minister's position on the matter, stating that he believes no one is above the rules and that those responsible for wrongdoing should face the consequences. The government's stance comes as Manchester City prepares to submit an appeal against the independent panel's findings.

The club has until Friday to file its appeal, which sources suggest will include claims that key sponsorship deals were funded by the Abu Dhabi government rather than the club's owners.

The Premier League has accused Manchester City of breaching its rules for nearly a decade, sparking a heated debate about the club's future.

Burnham, who was mayor until June, downplayed his involvement in the process, saying it should be handled independently by the Premier League. He emphasized that the situation is contested" by Manchester City and urged caution against jumping to conclusions.

The mayor expressed concern about the potential consequences of the owners selling up, describing them as a vital partner in Manchester's development. Burnham acknowledged his limitations in intervening further, citing the need for impartiality in the process.

Manchester City's case will center on sponsorship deals allegedly funded by the Abu Dhabi government rather than the club's owners. This claim is expected to be a key component of their appeal against any potential sanctions.

The Premier League has not commented directly on the alleged involvement of the Abu Dhabi government, but its statement underscores the gravity of Manchester City's alleged breaches.

The controversy surrounding Manchester City's alleged breaches has sparked a heated debate about the role of politics in football governance.

Critics argue that the government's involvement is undermining the independence of the Premier League's investigation and potentially influencing its outcome.

Shadow minister for sport Louie French expressed concern that the government should not be seen as taking sides, urging it to allow the independent commission to conduct its inquiry without external pressure or influence.

French also questioned whether Burnham's public support for Manchester City's owners was a sign of political favoritism, pointing out that fans of other clubs deserve equal treatment under the rules.

Meanwhile, Lib Dem MP Anna Sabine has called on Prime Minister Burnham to remember his responsibilities to all constituents, not just those in Manchester.

The Premier League's decision to charge Manchester City with serious breaches of financial rules has sparked widespread outrage in the football community, with some questioning whether the club is being treated fairly.

Manchester City have consistently denied any wrongdoing and maintain their innocence regarding the accusations made against them. The independent panel that found the club guilty will now hold a sanctions hearing to determine the punishment, which could include a hefty fine or points deduction.

The Independent Football Regulator (IFR) has stepped in to address concerns about the suitability of Manchester City's owners, directors, and executives. According to its chairman, David Kogan, the IFR will use its powers to assess these individuals and make decisions accordingly, taking into account the findings made by the Premier League.

The case has raised serious issues about the integrity of football governance, with many calling for a swift resolution to bring an end to the uncertainty surrounding Manchester City's future.

BBC Sport: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cj3v4vn3ydw1o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss

The independent commission that reviewed the case found City guilty of all charges related to breaches of the league's financial regulations from 2009-10 to 2017-18. The club has consistently denied any wrongdoing and plans to appeal by Friday, with their intention to do so already announced publicly.

The independent commission's report revealed that Manchester City artificially inflated revenue through sponsorship agreements that were allegedly "sham deals. These agreements were facilitated by the club's owners, who used complex arrangements to disguise the true extent of certain liabilities.

Dame Meg Hillier, chair of the Treasury Committee, has written to HMRC to ask if they have requested access to redacted documents within the commission's report. The committee is responsible for overseeing policies and administration of HMRC, and Dame Hillier wants reassurance that HMRC understands the significance of this case and its implications.

Manchester City plans to argue in their appeal that key sponsorship deals were actually funded by the Abu Dhabi government, rather than the club's owners. This claim could potentially alter the course of the investigation and raise further questions about the role of external parties in the club's financial dealings.

The financial dealings of Manchester City are under intense scrutiny as a new claim emerges about the source of funds used by the club. According to sources, the Abu Dhabi government may have been involved in directing money to sponsors, contradicting earlier statements made by the club's owners.

This revelation could potentially alter the course of an ongoing investigation into the club's financial dealings and raise questions about the role of external parties in its finances. The independent commission that previously reviewed the matter had rejected this argument as untrue, describing it as a post-factum explanation intended to obscure the truth.

The claim is significant because it challenges the earlier assertion made by Manchester City that its owners, Abu Dhabi United Group, were solely responsible for providing funds to the club. The independent commission's findings had already sparked controversy, with the club arguing that there were clear material errors in the decision-making process.

Manchester City's chairman, Khaldoon Al Mubarak, has referred to irrefutable evidence supporting the club's claims of innocence. However, the latest development suggests that a more complex picture may be emerging about the involvement of external parties in the club's finances.

The Abu Dhabi government's potential role in providing funds to Manchester City is significant because it involves state-owned bodies and raises questions about the application of Premier League rules governing sponsorship deals.

The controversy surrounding Manchester City's financial dealings has taken a new turn as Etihad Airways, the club's principal sponsor, considers taking legal action against the Premier League.

Etihad has denied any wrongdoing, stating that it categorically rejects any finding, conclusion or implication" that suggests the airline was involved in improper commercial arrangements. The UAE national carrier is owned by L'Imad, a sovereign wealth fund chaired by the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, who is also the son of the UAE president.

The Premier League has declined to comment on the matter when approached by BBC Sport. This lack of response adds to the uncertainty surrounding Manchester City's situation and raises further questions about the application of Premier League rules governing sponsorships.

The Etihad Airways' stance highlights the complex web of interests involved in this case, with state-owned bodies potentially playing a significant role.

BBC Sport: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cjkg7g93y5yno?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss

Government officials are reportedly unhappy that they were not informed about the upcoming release of the report, which was made public just days after Andy Burnham's keynote speech at the Labour party conference. The Premier League responded by publishing a redacted version of the commission's findings.

Burnham has since weighed in on the matter, expressing his concerns if City's owners were forced to sell their stake in the club as a result of the report's findings. However, he emphasized that he cannot intervene further in the process, which remains subject to appeal.

The ultimate decision regarding Manchester City's disciplinary fate rests with an independent commission, pending its final judgment. The Independent Football Regulator may also assess the owners' suitability to remain running the club, but neither the Premier League nor government will have a direct role in this process.

Manchester City's appeal against a financial ruling is expected to focus on evidence showing their sponsorship deals were actually funded by the Abu Dhabi government.

The club claims this evidence will prove that they did not breach Premier League rules on financial fair play, as previously determined by an independent commission.

This argument was rejected by the commission as untrue, with paragraph 77 of the judgment stating that City's explanation for their sponsorship deals was a post-event fabrication aimed at concealing the true nature of the Disguised Funding Scheme.

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester and Everton FC chairman, has expressed his own criticisms of the Premier League's handling of financial rule breaches, including the prosecution of his club three years ago.

Burnham had previously written to Premier League chair Alison Brittain in November 2023, accusing the league of an abuse of process" in its treatment of Everton and suggesting that the club was being unfairly targeted.

The Premier League has expressed discontent over a series of actions taken by Andy Burnham's office in 2023. Specifically, they were unhappy about the public posting on X of two letters of complaint sent to the league by Burnham, but not the subsequent responses from Premier League chair Alison Brittain that explained the competition's financial regulations governance process.

Burnham's recent comments expressing sympathy for Manchester City have also raised concerns within the Premier League. His statements, which cautioned against jumping to conclusions and praised the club's owners for their investment in the city, seem to be at odds with his previous criticism of the league.

The situation has significant implications for David Kogan, chief executive of the Investment Association (IFR), who has stated that he will not tolerate any form of political interference. As the City case unfolds, it is likely to test Kogan's resolve and the IFR's powers in a high-profile setting.

Burnham's past working relationship with Manchester City's owner, Abu Dhabi United Group, also raises questions about potential conflicts of interest. The club's owners have significant ties to the UK, given the £25bn annual trade between the two countries, which could further complicate the situation.

The Independent Football Association (IFR) has confirmed it is monitoring the situation surrounding Manchester City's ownership, stating its powers include assessing the suitability of owners, directors, and executives in cases where there is clear evidence of wrongdoing.

City's owners are unlikely to be affected by the new licensing system set to be introduced next season, as this focuses on financial sustainability rather than honesty and integrity.

The Guardian Sport: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/oct/01/andy-burnhams-manchester-city-comments-stir-fresh-tensions-with-premier-league