Category: Sports

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PSG cruises, Liverpool wins late yet again, Bayern and Inter also start well in Champions League


Title holder Paris Saint-Germain roared to victory in the Champions League on Wednesday, and Liverpool found yet another late winning goal in its stunning start to the season.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk soared to score with a header in the second minute of stoppage time to seal a 3-2 win over Atletico Madrid when it seemed his team was going to waste a two-goal lead seized after just six minutes.

Bayern Munich and Inter Milan both won rematches of past finals — against Chelsea and Ajax, respectively — to start their eight-game league-phase programs, and newcomers Bodo/Glimt and Pafos impressed with hard-earned draws on the road.

PSG cruised to a 4-0 win at home over Atalanta and had the luxury of a penalty miss by Bradley Barcola not mattering much in the end.

“It’s a joy to see such a performance. I think our fans can be happy,” PSG coach Luis Enrique said.

Liverpool seemed to be sailing with early goals from Andy Robertson and a typically fine strike by Mohamed Salah but was pegged back by Marcos Llorente’s goals in first-half stoppage time and the 81st.

Llorente also scored twice at Anfield in 2020 when Atletico eliminated the then-defending champion in the round of 16.

Bayern held off Chelsea 3-1 with two goals from Harry Kane, whose England teammate Cole Palmer scored an impressive goal for the visitors. It was a very belated revenge for Bayern losing the 2012 final to Chelsea in its home stadium.

Inter got two powerful headed goals from Marcus Thuram in its 2-0 win at Ajax, which beat the Italians in the 1972 European Cup final.

Norway’s champion Bodo/Glimt had a second-half penalty kick saved and trailed by two goals late at Slavia Prague, before rallying to level at 2-2 in the 90th.

Pafos grinded out a 0-0 draw at Olympiakos after playing with 10 men from the 26th minute. Journeyman Brazilian midfielder Bruno Felipe was sent off for a second yellow-card foul.

Russian-owned Pafos is the first Cypriot team in the Champions League main phase since 2017, and Bodo/Glimt ended Norway’s 18-year absence.

The Ballon d’Or trophy is surely staying in Paris after the annual awards ceremony in the city on Monday.

PSG has campaigned for its currently injured striker Ousmane Dembélé to get the prize for his standout season, though full-backs Nuno Mendes and Achraf Hakimi also would be worthy winners.

Both were attacking threats against Atalanta — which is adapting to life without inspirational coach Gian Piero Gasperini, now at Roma — and Mendes scored in the 51st to make the score 3-0.

The standout goal was Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s rising shot after a dancing run minutes before halftime.

Liverpool has won all four of its Premier League games this season with winning goals after the 80th minute, and twice in the last minute of stoppage time.

So when Atletico Madrid leveled late at Anfield, there was ample time for coach Arne Slot’s team to find the goal it needed. Dominik Szoboszlai swung in a corner from the right, and Virgil van Dijk wrestled away from his marker and steered a strong header back inside the near post.

Slot acknowledged “we should have made it easier for ourselves.”

The new kids on the Champions League block are fast learners.

Three of the four debutants — an unusually high number this season — have played so far, all on the road and all are unbeaten. Belgian champion Union Saint-Gilloise started it Tuesday winning 3-1 at PSV Eindhoven.

Bodo/Glimt and Pafos did not panic when events went against them Wednesday.

The champion of Norway trailed by two goals at Slavia Prague, having had Kasper Høgh’s 54th-minute penalty kick saved, before cutting the deficit in the 78th.

A stunning volley in the 90th by substitute Sondre Brunstad Fet rattled the crossbar and bounced down over the goalline to earn a point preserved by goalkeeper Nikita Haikin’s smart save deep in stoppage time.

Pafos lost both of its Brazilian veterans before halftime, with 38-year-old David Luiz lasting just 33 minutes before going off injured in his first start for the club.

The fourth debutant, Kairat Almaty, plays Thursday at Sporting Lisbon. That meant a 7,000-kilometer (4,350-mile) trip for players and fans from eastern Kazakhstan across four time zones to Portugal’s capital — one of the longest possible in European soccer.

The Champions League stretches into a third day just for the opening round which is completed Thursday with six more games, including 2023 winner Manchester City welcoming back Kevin De Bruyne with Napoli. Barcelona goes to Newcastle without the injured Lamine Yamal.

A stoppage-time comeback by Juventus to draw 4-4 with Borussia Dortmund was the standout game of the first six played Tuesday while Kylian Mbappé converted two penalties and 10-man Real Madrid came back to beat visiting Marseille 2-1. (JapanToday)

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Former World Boxing Champion Hatton dead at 46

Former world boxing champion Ricky Hatton has died aged 46, Britain’s Press Association news agency reported Sunday.

Hatton was found dead at his home in Hyde, northwest England. Greater Manchester Police said they were not treating the death as suspicious.

A police spokesman said: “Officers were called by a member of the public to attend Bowlacre Road, Hyde, Tameside, at 6:45 am (0545 GMT) today (Sunday) where they found the body of a 46-year-old man. There are not currently believed to be any suspicious circumstances.”

Hatton won world titles at light-welterweight and welterweight and his aggressive style made him one of the most popular British boxers of his generation.

Notable opponents including Kostya Tszyu, Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao.

Hatton was frank about the mental health problems he endured following his retirement from the ring.

In July, he announced he would make a return to boxing in a professional bout against Eisa Al Dah in Dubai in December.

Britain’s former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury paid tribute to Hatton.

“Rip to the legend Ricky Hatton may he rip,” Fury posted on Instagram.

“There will only ever be 1 Ricky Hatton. Can’t believe this so young.”

Another former world champion, Britain’s Amir Khan, described Hatton on X as a “mentor, warrior and one of Britain’s greatest boxers”.

Khan added: “As fighters, we tell ourselves we’re strong — we train, we sweat, we take hits, we get up. But sometimes the hardest fight happens in silence, in the mind.

“Mental health isn’t weakness. It’s part of being human. And we must talk about it. We must reach out. We must lean on each other.

“Ricky, thank you for everything. For your fights, your moments of glory, your grit. Thank you for pushing us, showing us what’s possible.

Matchroom Boxing said: “(We are) saddened to hear the news of Ricky Hatton’s passing. Our thoughts and condolences are with Ricky’s friends and family at this tragic time. There’s only one Ricky Hatton.” (Channels)

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Kipyegon sparkles in 1,500 meters; Tinch wins hurdles gold

Faith Kipyegon cemented her status as an athletics legend on Tuesday by winning her fourth world 1,500 meters title while Cordell Tinch’s decision to return to the sport paid off with 110 meters hurdles gold.

The 31-year-old Kipyegon had bad news for those who entertained hopes of winning the 5,000 meters later in the week — the Kenyan is going to try and achieve the double as she did in Budapest in 2023.

Tinch was also at those championships two years ago but bowed out in the semifinals, with Grant Holloway going onto win his third world gold.

On Tuesday the roles were reversed as Holloway bowed out in the semis and 25-year-old Tinch took his crown.

Not bad for someone who stepped away from the sport and five years ago was selling mobile phones and then worked in a paper factory.

Sadly their golden moments were not shared by a full house, with just 37,000 in the National Stadium and that despite Japan having several athletes in action, including two in the high jump final.

Just as on Monday so it was on Tuesday — New Zealand and Canada won a gold apiece.

Despite deafening patriotic cheers for Yuto Seko and Ryoichi Akamatsu, they had pulled on their tracksuits and were mere spectators long before New Zealand’s Olympic high jump champion Hamish Kerr had added world championships gold to his collection.

Canada’s Ethan Katzberg retained the men’s hammer title, emulating his teammate Camryn Rogers in the women’s event on Monday.

The mild-mannered Olympic champion, 23, recorded a new championship best, throwing 84.70 meters in the second round.

Some had thought the women’s 1,500 meters might see a new generation take over in the shape of Kipyegon’s 22-year-old teammate Nelly Chepchirchir.

However, Kipyegon put that theory firmly in its place, and just as at the COVID-delayed Tokyo Olympics she will be bringing something gold back to her daughter.

“This sport drives me,” said Kipyegon, who also set a new world record over the distance in Oregon in July. “I won here in 2021 (at the Olympics) just after becoming a mother, so being back here, winning again, means I can show a new gold medal to my daughter.”

Tinch’s road back to the track was sparked by a jest made at his expense by his stepfather in 2020, but as being the new world champion sank in he had no regrets about the sabbatical.

“If I hadn’t taken that break from the track, I wouldn’t be a world champion now,” said Tinch. “Everything I learned at that time away from the sport made me the man I am and a world champion.”

Kerr is an entertainer and played to the crowd throughout the final, cupping his hands to his ears on the two occasions he went over on the third and final attempt.

Once he had sealed victory, the Kiwi ran down the infield almost as fast as compatriot Geordie Beamish’s finishing winning burst in the 3,000 meters steeplechase on Monday.

“Geordie (Beamish) gave me a kick in my ass after his win last night so I had to win too,” said the 29-year-old.

Katzberg said he had felt the pressure after Rogers’s victory.

“I can’t ask for much more,” he said. “Camryn (Rogers put the pressure on me to perform tonight. It was an incredible performance from her, so for Canada to win the men’s hammer tonight as well is amazing.”

As they absorbed their victories Tinch’s teenaged teammate, 800 meters runner Cooper Lutkenhaus, left the scene but with lessons learned.

At 16 years 8 months and 28 days old he became the youngest runner to represent the United States at a world championships. But he finished seventh in his heat.

“I did not feel any pressure and I really wanted to come out here and give everything,” he said. “Being 16 on the world stage is very exciting. My parents and my family still see me as a 16-year-old kid.”

Lutkenhaus added he could now go out in Tokyo and have some fun, although reality is also biting.

“I still have homework to do on this trip,” he admitted.

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone meanwhile showed she could threaten the women’s 400 meters record set four decades ago by Marita Koch.

The American, running this event instead of her speciality, the 400 meters hurdles, practically strolled over the line in her semifinal in 48.29 seconds. Koch’s record is 47.60 seconds. All eyes will be on Thursday’s final. (JapanToday)

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Arsenal, Real Madrid win Champions League openers; Juve snatches dramatic draw

Arsenal won 2-0 away to Athletic Bilbao as the league phase of this season’s Champions League kicked off on Tuesday, with two Kylian Mbappe penalties giving Real Madrid a narrow win over Marseille while Juventus and Borussia Dortmund drew an eight-goal thriller.

Tottenham Hotspur also won on the tournament’s opening night which saw outsiders Union Saint-Gilloise and Qarabag claim first ever victories in the Champions League proper.

Arsenal are eager to make a big impression again in Europe’s elite club competition, following their defeat by eventual champions Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals last season.

They got off to an ideal start in the Basque Country, with Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard scoring late goals to settle the game.

The Brazilian had only just come on when he ran through to open the scoring in the 72nd minute at San Mames. Arsenal then went on to seal the victory late on as Trossard — another substitute — scored with the aid of a deflection.

“We started to grow throughout the game. In the second half we were more fluent, dominant, and the finishers made the impact for us to win the game,” said Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta.

Real Madrid came from behind to beat Marseille 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu, despite playing the closing stages of the game down to 10 men.

Marseille, winners of the inaugural Champions League in 1993, stunned the home crowd by taking the lead through Timothy Weah midway through the first half.

The record 15-time European champions grabbed an equaliser before the interval when Mbappe converted from the spot for the first time after Rodrygo was fouled in the area.

Xabi Alonso’s side lost Trent Alexander-Arnold to injury early on and were reduced to 10 men in the second half when his replacement, Dani Carvajal, was sent off following a VAR check for a head butt on Marseille goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli.

But the home side still snatched all three points thanks to another Mbappe penalty late on after Facundo Medina was harshly penalised for handball.

“For me it’s a penalty, but I understand there are people who don’t (think so), we’re all lost with this rule,” Mbappe, who reached 50 goals for the club, told broadcaster Movistar.

Thomas Frank’s Spurs, who qualified for the Champions League after winning last season’s Europa League, edged Villarreal 1-0 in North London.

The match was decided by a farcical early own goal from Villarreal goalkeeper Luiz Junior, who contrived to let Lucas Bergvall’s cross trickle into the net.

The victory maintained Tottenham’s impressive form under new boss Frank. “It was a very even game that we just edged,” he told broadcaster Amazon Prime.

Juventus against Dortmund in Turin was a repeat of the 1997 final won by the Germans, and the fixture more than lived up to its billing, finishing in a spectacular 4-4 draw.

Remarkably the first half ended goalless, with the breakthrough coming seven minutes after half-time when Karim Adeyemi put the visitors ahead from a fine low strike.

Kenan Yildiz equalised with a stunning effort high into the top corner just after the hour mark, only for Felix Nmecha to put Dortmund back in front in style.

Dusan Vlahovic made it 2-2, but Yan Couto restored the Bundesliga side’s advantage and they appeared to have sewn up the points when Ramy Bensebaini converted a penalty in the 86th minute.

However, Vlahovic pulled one back in the 94th minute and then crossed for Lloyd Kelly to head home in the sixth minute of stoppage time, rounding off an extraordinary evening.

There was similar drama in Lisbon, where Benfica seemed to be cruising at home to Qarabag after Enzo Barrenechea and Vangelis Pavlidis scored early goals.

However, Leandro Andrade pulled one back for the club from Azerbaijan before Camilo Duran equalised and Oleksiy Kashchuk turned and fired in from inside the area four minutes from time to make it 3-2.

It is the first time Qarabag have ever won a match in the Champions League proper.

Union Saint-Gilloise qualified after winning a first Belgian title in 90 years and they recorded a 3-1 victory away to PSV Eindhoven.

Promise David, Anouar Ait El Hadj and Kevin Mac Allister scored their goals in the Netherlands before Ruben van Bommel pulled one back. (JapanToday)

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Sabalenka beats Anisimova to retain US Open title

World No 1 Aryna Sabalenka, on Saturday, successfully defended her US Open title with a thrilling 6-4 7-6 (7-3) win over Amanda Anisimova in New York, United States.

Sabalenka sealed a hard-fought victory against Anisimova at Flushing Meadows, making her the first woman to win the tournament in consecutive years since Serena Williams in 2014.

The Belarusian picked up the fourth Grand Slam title of her career as a result, all on hard courts – having now added two New York triumphs to her pair of Australian Open trophies.

Both women were looking to bury recent scar tissue, with Anisimova back in a major final 56 days after her Wimbledon whitewash, while Sabalenka suffered heart-breaking defeats at the Australian Open and French Open – forced to apologise after an ungracious press conference towards winner Coco Gauff at the latter.

Sabalenka also lost to Anisimova in the semi-finals at Wimbledon, putting her in the strange position of being by a distance the best player in the world but without a major trophy in 2025, but she quelled a fightback from her opponent to secure the silverware.

The set was threatening to run away from Anisimova in a similar fashion to Wimbledon, but she told herself above all this tournament to be brave and she powered winners into opposite corners to finally get on the board.

Having won one game, she quickly made that three in a row, the crowd greeting every winner with a huge cheer.

The American was dominating both the winner and error count and it was the latter that climbed again as Sabalenka responded with four games in a row to take the opening set.

Anisimova, who was struggling with the roof lighting on her ball toss, was too inconsistent to apply any solid pressure.

Anisimova slammed a ball down in frustration when a backhand pass from Sabalenka gave her another break in the third game of the second set and, although she fought back to level, the eighth seed’s serve was too much of a liability.

Sabalenka forged ahead again to lead 5-3 and soon found herself serving for the title.

Perhaps it was inevitable that it would not be straightforward. Anisimova somehow dug out a backhand lob that Sabalenka dumped into the net to give herself a chance to level and more huge hitting made it 5-5.

If there was a moment for the demons to resurface, it was now, but Sabalenka took the set to a tie-break, where she has been untouchable this season, and this time finished the job.

Anisimova’s final tally of 29 unforced errors, including seven double faults, was ultimately too many, but the American, who started the year ranked outside the top 30, will have the consolation of being a top-four player on Monday.

Reacting to her win, Sabalenka, who fell to her knees after clinching victory with an unreturnable serve and jumped up and down with her coaches in the stands in a scene of utter joy, said, “I want to thank everyone who came here, who flew in to be there in my box.

“I’m going to reach a lot more finals and I don’t care where you are in the world I want you in my box.”

Also speaking after her loss, Anisimova, who was left in tears yet again after the heartbreak of her 6-0 6-0 drubbing in the Wimbledon final two months ago, said, “It’s been a great summer, losing in two finals in a row is great but it’s also super hard.

“I didn’t fight hard enough for my dreams today.”

She later admitted having problems seeing the ball with the glare of the roof causing her issues when serving.

“I haven’t played on the court during the day with the roof closed. It was literally white, and I couldn’t see the ball when I was serving the whole match.

“It started from the warm-up. I was like, ‘this is really going to be a problem for me’. I didn’t know what to do.

“There was no way of adjusting, because I could not see the ball when I was serving, and that was a huge shock to my system, because I knew if I can’t hold my serve, it was going to be very tough to stay in the match,” she said. (Punch)

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‎Alcaraz beats Sinner to win US Open, reclaims No.1 ranking

Carlos Alcaraz beat Jannik Sinner in four sets on Sunday to win the US Open as loud boos — mixed with a smattering of cheers — greeted President Donald Trump at the final in New York.
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‎The 22-year-old Alcaraz won 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 to capture his second US Open crown and sixth Grand Slam title, avenging his lone defeat in a major final by Sinner at Wimbledon in July.
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‎Alcaraz will reclaim the world number one ranking from Sinner, returning to top spot for the first time since September 2023 after ending the Italian’s 27-match winning run at hard-court Grand Slams.
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‎”I tried my best today. I couldn’t do more,” said Sinner, who was also defeated by Alcaraz in an epic French Open final in June.
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‎Sinner’s defeat extends the longest drought without a successful men’s title defence of any Grand Slam in the Open era.
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‎No man has retained the US Open crown since Roger Federer won five in a row from 2004 to 2008.
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‎Anticipation for the third straight Grand Slam final between the sport’s top two players assumed an even greater dimension with the presence of Trump.

‎It was the latest in a series of visits to major sporting events for the US leader after his trip to the NFL’s Super Bowl in February and the FIFA Club World Cup final in July.
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‎He appeared before the playing of the Star-Spangled Banner, waving to the crowd, which greeted him with a mix of cheers and boos. He was given a frostier reception later in the match though when shown again on the stadium’s big screens.
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‎A constellation of showbiz and sports icons turned out as well, with rock star Bruce Springsteen, fashion icon Tommy Hilfiger, actor Michael Douglas and basketball superstar Stephen Curry all on hand.

‎The start of the final was pushed back 30 minutes to allow fans additional time to enter Arthur Ashe Stadium as a result of tighter security measures in effect due to Trump’s attendance.
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‎Even then the 23,000-capacity venue was no more than three-quarters full when Alcaraz broke Sinner in the opening game of the match.
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‎As he did in the Wimbledon final, Alcaraz pinned Sinner on the back front early and broke a second time for a 5-2 lead before serving out to love.
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‎With hundreds of spectators still waiting to get in at the start of the second set, Alcaraz sought to hammer home his advantage.
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‎He created a break point but Sinner hung on and stalled Alcaraz’s momentum, belatedly ramping up his game and surging 3-1 ahead as the Spaniard suffered a brief dip on serve.

‎Sinner levelled the contest at a set apiece but Alcaraz stormed back with another break early in the third, wriggling out of a tight spot on serve with the help of a sensational baseline smash that sliced away from his rival for a 3-0 edge.
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‎He padded his lead with another break and quickly wrapped up the set, keeping his foot down to corner Sinner again to begin the fourth set.
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‎This time Sinner saved two break points but Alcaraz made another charge in the fifth game, delivering the decisive blow for an advantage he never relinquished as the Spaniard became only the fourth man to win multiple majors on hard court, grass and clay. (Punch)
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Sanwo-Olu congratulates Team Lagos for winning 9th national youth games

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has lauded Team Lagos for their record-breaking performance at the 9th National Youth Games, which ended on Saturday in Asaba, Delta State.

The state emerged as champions with a total of 110 medals, including 52 golds, 32 silvers, and 26 bronzes, confirming its dominance in youth sports nationwide.

“I am immensely proud of Team Lagos for their outstanding performance at the 9th National Youth Games in Asaba, where they finished first on the medals table with a total of 110 medals; 52 gold medals, 32 silver, and 26 bronze,” he said.

The governor emphasised that this achievement reflects not only the talent of the athletes but also Lagos State’s growing commitment to sports development.

“Our young athletes, together with their coaches and the Lagos State Sports Commission, have made history and demonstrated the strength of Lagos in sports,” Sanwo-Olu added.

He also expressed excitement about plans to formally recognise the team’s achievement.

“In the coming days, I look forward to hosting the team to celebrate this remarkable achievement.

“Congratulations, Team Lagos. We are very proud of you all,” the governor concluded.

Team Lagos’ success came amid stiff competition, with the host state, Delta, finishing second with 37 gold, 38 silver, and 39 bronze medals, displacing Edo State from the runner-up position.

At the closing ceremony of the games at Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, commended the winners while also praising all young athletes for their efforts.

He urged the National Sports Commission to urgently tackle the problem of age cheating in youth sports to protect the credibility and fairness of the National Youth Games.

Oborevwori presented the trophies to Team Lagos, celebrating their haul and highlighting the importance of sustained investment in youth sports development across Nigeria.

The 9th National Youth Games in Asaba has now cemented Team Lagos’ reputation as a powerhouse in Nigerian youth sports, showcasing the state’s depth of talent and the effectiveness of its sports development programmes. (Punch)

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Germany fall 2-0 to Slovakia in World Cup qualifying opener

Germany fell to a shocking 2-0 defeat against Slovakia in their World Cup qualifying opener in Bratislava on Thursday, their first-ever away loss in a qualifier for the tournament.

Ranked 52 in the world, Slovakia frequently carved up their heavily fancied opponents and took the lead after 42 minutes through David Hancko.

Slovakia doubled their lead at 55 minutes when David Strelec dribbled in from the right to blast past a flat-footed Antonio Rudiger.

Germany defender Jonathan Tah said his side were the worst team “in all phases” of the match and “we deserved to lose today.”

“There was something missing today, something beyond fatigue. It wasn’t something they did which surprised us — we need to take a look at ourselves and do better in the next game.”

The Germans were toothless up front and disorganised at the back, losing to Slovakia in a competitive fixture for the first time in their history.

The loss, Germany’s third in a row, is their first away defeat in a World Cup qualifier and just their fourth in total after defeats to Portugal in 1985, England in 2001, and North Macedonia in 2021.

The result will turn up the heat on coach Julian Nagelsmann and Germany just under a year out from next year’s tournament.

The four-time winners have crashed out at the group stage of the past two World Cups.

Credited with improving Germany after a decade of poor performances at major tournaments, Nagelsmann was bullish pre-match, speaking of his “healthy desire to win the World Cup.”

Already thin up front without Kai Havertz, Jamal Musiala, and Tim Kleindienst, Germany were hit with another injury withdrawal just before kickoff, with starting striker Niclas Fuellkrug ruled out with a calf injury.

Nick Woltemade was named in Fuellkrug’s place up front, just days after his big-money move to Newcastle United.

The visitors were overrun in the first half, with Leo Sauer repeatedly running into acres of space behind the sluggish German center-backs.

Slovakia failed to convert their chances and looked set to enter halftime unrewarded until Hancko blasted the hosts in front.

The hosts picked Florian Wirtz’s pocket in midfield and went on the attack, Hancko finding Strelec down the left.

Strelec cut back for Hancko, who shed the lethargic Rudiger and cut a left-footed finish past a helpless Oliver Baumann.

Moments after halftime, Germany’s Leon Goretzka shot directly at Slovakia goalie Martin Dubravka when one-on-one with the Burnley shot-stopper.

Things returned to normal service afterwards , however and Slovakia got a second 10 minutes into the second period when Strelec danced his way down the right and smashed the ball home past Rudiger.

The Germans dominated possession but created few chances in attack and will need to improve quickly ahead of Sunday’s next qualifier at home in Cologne against Northern Ireland. (Punch)

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Levy exits role as Tottenham executive chairman

Daniel Levy’s near 25-year reign as executive chairman of Tottenham is over.

Spurs’ official announcement said he had “stepped down”, but BBC Sport understands the decision was taken out of Levy’s hands.

Well-placed sources said the ownership agreed for him to leave his position amid a belief that change would lead to greater sporting success.

Levy was appointed in March 2001 and leaves after the club won the Europa League in May to end a 17-year wait for a trophy.

The 63-year-old was the Premier League’s longest-serving chairman and earned an estimated £50m-plus during his time in charge, but he was also the target of regular protests from Spurs fans, especially last season.

Levy will go with immediate effect and there will be no notice period, with the timing of his departure after the summer transfer window a deliberate move.

However, one source familiar with Levy told BBC Sport the former chairman had to operate with “one hand tied behind his back” during his tenure, and had to diversify revenue streams as a result.

They said they felt there’d been insufficient investment in Spurs for the past 25 years, and the question was whether that would really change.

“I am incredibly proud of the work I have done together with the executive team and all our employees,” said Levy, who had a reputation in football for being a shrewd operator and tough negotiator.

“I am incredibly proud of the work I have done together with the executive team and all our employees,” said Levy, who had a reputation in football for being a shrewd operator and tough negotiator.

“We have built this club into a global heavyweight competing at the highest level. More than that, we have built a community.

“I was lucky enough to work with some of the greatest people in this sport, from the team at Lilywhite House and Hotspur Way to all the players and managers over the years.

“I wish to thank all the fans that have supported me over the years. It hasn’t always been an easy journey but significant progress has been made. I will continue to support this club passionately.”

Tottenham’s European trophy success last season came against the backdrop of a difficult Premier League campaign in which the team finished 17th under head coach Ange Postecoglou, who was sacked in the summer and replaced by Thomas Frank.

There were a number of protests aimed at Levy last season, with prominent banners at the home defeat by Leicester in January carrying the messages “Our game is about glory, Levy’s game is about greed” and “24 years, 16 managers, 1 trophy – time for change”.

There were also regular chants of “Levy out” during the campaign.

During his tenure, Levy oversaw the switch from White Hart Lane to the £1bn state-of-the-art Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, which the club made their new home in 2019.

Spurs also reached the Champions League final under former manager Mauricio Pochettino in 2019 but missed out on the trophy following a 2-0 defeat by Liverpool. (BBC)

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Iheanacho will love Celtic, says Rodgers

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers believes new signing Kelechi Iheanacho will thrive at the club and endear himself to supporters after signing the Nigeria striker on a free transfer, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The 28-year-old agreed a one-year deal with the Scottish champions after parting ways with Sevilla just a day earlier. His arrival came hours before the Europa League signing deadline and followed criticism from fans over the club’s failure to bring in a striker on transfer deadline day.

Rodgers, who previously worked with Iheanacho during their time together at Leicester City, backed the forward to make an immediate impact.

“He is such a talented player, with great ability, athleticism and work-rate,” Rodgers told Celtic’s website.

“He has great experience and he is right in his peak years, so he can be a great signing for us. I am sure he will make a big contribution to the team.”

The move also came against the backdrop of discontent from the Affiliation of Celtic Supporters Clubs, who condemned the decision to sell Adam Idah to Swansea City without lining up a replacement. The group accused the club hierarchy of “failure to strengthen the squad” and “disarray witnessed on the final evening of the transfer window”.

Rodgers, however, was adamant that Iheanacho represents the quality required to strengthen his attack. “He will love being at Celtic and I believe our fans will love what he brings,” he added.

Iheanacho began his professional career at Manchester City, where he won the League Cup, before making more than 200 appearances for Leicester, helping the Foxes lift the FA Cup in 2021.

He was part of the Nigeria squad that finished runners-up at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and has been capped 59 times by his country.

After leaving Leicester last summer, the forward joined Sevilla but ended last season on loan at Middlesbrough in the English Championship. (Punch)