Pressure built on FIFA president Gianni Infantino on Thursday over his cancelled plan to bring private finance into football's World Cup, with European governing body UEFA reiterating a threat to boycott tournaments. The 56-year-old Swiss official has also been criticised by South American body CONMEBOL. But he did get backing from the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Infantino received the "full support" of senior FIFA directors at an emergency meeting in Morocco on Wednesday but UEFA released a blunt statement in response.UEFA's initial threat issued last Thursday to boycott FIFA competitions is said to have been pivotal in forcing Infantino to shelve the private investment deal.Calls for him to step down had grown since he abandoned it last Saturday.FIFA said it could raise up to $4.2 billion based on a valuation of $20 billion for a new commercial subsidiary, called the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), which it proposed would run events such as the World Cup and Club World Cup.Although the abandonment of the proposal was one of UEFA's conditions for it to withdraw its threat, it said that not all of its demands had been met."UEFA's associations were very clear about the conditions attached to their non participation in FIFA competitions," read its statement"First, the proposals to sell off the major competitions had to be withdrawn and secondly, assurances have to be made that such attempts to disfigure the game in this way will never be made again."These conditions have not been met."Whilst UEFA welcomed the withdrawal of the plan last Saturday, it had slammed Infantino and his "shabby, backroom, opaque deal".Its tone had not changed in Thursday's statement."UEFA made it abundantly clear in its statement on Saturday that it has lost confidence in Gianni Infantino's presidency. That position holds," it said.Several UEFA member associations have withdrawn support for Infantino's bid to be re-elected to a fourth and final term in Rabat next March.A prominent critic, Norwegian football chief Lise Klaveness, is likely to pour more fuel on the fire when she holds a press conference on Friday.<h2>‘Abuse of power’</h2>Infantino was also criticised by usually supportive South American governing body CONMEBOL."The Council also unanimously expresses its concern regarding the repeated unilateral actions taken without resorting to dialogue or to the institutional mechanisms established to address situations of this nature," read its statement.CONMEBOL, though, said regarding Infantino's future it would not countenance anything other than a straight contest -- if a challenger comes forward by November 18 when nominations close -- in Rabat.There is a mechanism whereby an extraordinary FIFA congress can be called and a vote of no confidence in Infantino held.North and Central American football's governing body CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) have both been critical of Infantino, but were yet to react to the latest developments.CONCACAF -- whose president Victor Montagliani is seen as a potential challenger -- had called for "a comprehensive reckoning with this presidency".FIFPRO, the players union, piled into Infantino over the plan calling it "a profound abuse of presidential power"."FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) is gone," it said in a statement."The abuse of power that produced it is not."Support did come Infantino's way on Thursday, however, as CAF "unanimously reconfirmed its support" for the FIFA president in a statement released following a meeting of its members.Several CAF members had already expressed their support for the Swiss official, who has been in power for 10 years. South Africa's sports minister Gayton McKenzie had urged African football to resist what he called the "public lynching" of Infantino.CONMEBOL said it was a shame the hugely successful staging of the World Cup -- the first with 48 teams and spread over three countries -- had had its thunder stolen by the events over the past week."The CONMEBOL Council calls for preserving the unity of the football family," it said.

The 56-year-old Swiss official has also been criticised by South American body CONMEBOL. But he did get backing from the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Infantino received the "full support" of senior FIFA directors at an emergency meeting in Morocco on Wednesday.

Pressure built on FIFA president Gianni Infantino on Thursday over his cancelled plan to bring private finance into football's World Cup, with European governing body UEFA reiterating a threat to boycott tournaments. The 56-year-old Swiss official has also been criticised by South American body CONMEBOL. But he did get backing from the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Infantino received the "full support" of senior FIFA directors at an emergency meeting in Morocco on Wednesday but UEFA released a blunt statement in response. UEFA's initial threat issued last Thursday to boycott FIFA competitions is said to have been pivotal in forcing Infantino to shelve the private investment deal. Calls for him to step down had grown since he abandoned it last Saturday. FIFA said it could raise up to $4.2 billion based on a valuation of $20 billion for a new commercial subsidiary, called the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), which it proposed would run events such as the World Cup and Club World Cup. Although the abandonment of the proposal was one of UEFA's conditions for it to withdraw its threat, it said that not all of its demands had been met. "UEFA's associations were very clear about the conditions attached to their non participation in FIFA competitions," read its statement "First, the proposals to sell off the major competitions had to be withdrawn and secondly, assurances have to be made that such attempts to disfigure the game in this way will never be made again. "These conditions have not been met." Whilst UEFA welcomed the withdrawal of the plan last Saturday, it had slammed Infantino and his "shabby, backroom, opaque deal". Its tone had not changed in Thursday's statement. "UEFA made it abundantly clear in its statement on Saturday that it has lost confidence in Gianni Infantino's presidency. That position holds," it said. Several UEFA member associations have withdrawn support for Infantino's bid to be re-elected to a fourth and final term in Rabat next March. A prominent critic, Norwegian football chief Lise Klaveness, is likely to pour more fuel on the fire when she holds a press conference on Friday. ‘Abuse of power’ Infantino was also criticised by usually supportive South American governing body CONMEBOL. "The Council also unanimously expresses its concern regarding the repeated unilateral actions taken without resorting to dialogue or to the institutional mechanisms established to address situations of this nature," read its statement. CONMEBOL, though, said regarding Infantino's future it would not countenance anything other than a straight contest -- if a challenger comes forward by November 18 when nominations close -- in Rabat. There is a mechanism whereby an extraordinary FIFA congress can be called and a vote of no confidence in Infantino held. North and Central American football's governing body CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) have both been critical of Infantino, but were yet to react to the latest developments. CONCACAF -- whose president Victor Montagliani is seen as a potential challenger -- had called for "a comprehensive reckoning with this presidency". FIFPRO, the players union, piled into Infantino over the plan calling it "a profound abuse of presidential power". "FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) is gone," it said in a statement. "The abuse of power that produced it is not." Support did come Infantino's way on Thursday, however, as CAF "unanimously reconfirmed its support" for the FIFA president in a statement released following a meeting of its members. Several CAF members had already expressed their support for the Swiss official, who has been in power for 10 years. South Africa's sports minister Gayton McKenzie had urged African football to resist what he called the "public lynching" of Infantino. CONMEBOL said it was a shame the hugely successful staging of the World Cup -- the first with 48 teams and spread over three countries -- had had its thunder stolen by the events over the past week. "The CONMEBOL Council calls for preserving the unity of the football family," it said.

The 56-year-old Swiss official has also been criticised by South American body CONMEBOL. But he did get backing from the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Infantino received the "full support" of senior FIFA directors at an emergency meeting in Morocco on Wednesday.

Pressure continues to mount on FIFA chief Infantino as UEFA maintains boycott threat, CONMEBOL criticises

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has received the "full support" of senior directors on Wednesday but world football's governing body apologised for the controversy of the now-shelved plan to open the World Cup to private investment. Facing a barrage of criticism following the aborted plan, FIFA's leadership acknowledged "errors", while nonetheless backing under-fire Infantino following a crisis meeting in Morocco. Infantino has come under increasing pressure, even from within his organisation, over his handling of the proposal, and calls for him to step down had grown since he abandoned it last Saturday.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/police-scotland-probe-missing-pakistan-uganda-athletes-cwg-2026-1785944293902">Scottish police probes missing athletes from Pakistan and Uganda after CWG 2026</a>In a statement Wednesday, FIFA's leadership acknowledged "that errors were also made after the proposal was leaked to media".FIFA floated the plan, saying it could raise up to $4.2 billion based on a valuation of $20 billion for a new commercial subsidiary, called the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), which it proposed would run events such as the World Cup and Club World Cup.It said that, if approved, the project could provide each of FIFA's 211 member associations with a one-off payment of $20 million in early 2027, and increase their funding allocation for the 2027-2030 cycle from $8 million to $20 million.Instead of acting as a sweetener it produced a furious backlash, with European football's governing body UEFA resorting on Thursday to the nuclear option of boycotting the sport's jewel in the crown, the World Cup.By Saturday, Infantino held his hands up and withdrew the plan."Our purpose has always been -- and will always be -- to unite and improve," said Infantino.After Wednesday's meeting in Rabat, the FIFA Secretary General and members of the FIFA Management Board in attendance said in a statement they "reaffirmed their full support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino, as the only official elected by the 211 FIFA Member Associations"."The meeting also addressed the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal, where mistakes made were acknowledged," the statement said."It was agreed that it was not the intention for the FIFA Council and FIFA Member Associations to feel excluded from the process and that the process should have been handled differently."It was further acknowledged that errors were also made after the proposal was leaked to media."In a separate letter to the FIFA Council and FIFA Member Associations, an apology was made for these errors together with a commitment to ensure they do not happen again."<h2>‘Off the table’</h2>One of those believed to be at the meeting was FIFA's secretary-general Mattias Grafstrom, whose internal email to staff criticising the plan was leaked on Tuesday."A review will now be conducted, and a report will be presented to the FIFA Council at its next scheduled meeting," the FIFA statement said."As previously communicated, the FFE proposal, which would have been subject to the approval of the FIFA Member Associations and the FIFA Council, is now off the table."Later Wednesday, Infantino -- a 56-year-old Swiss lawyer who was in Morocco to celebrate last week's Feast of the Enthronement -- attended the Women's Africa Cup of Nations match between Zambia and Malawi in Rabat.The FIFA chief was spotted alongside the president of the Moroccan football federation at the entrance to Al Medina Stadium, an AFP photographer observed.Morocco is to co-host the 2030 World Cup and Moroccan Football chief Fouzi Lekjaa is one of the few to have publicly supported Infantino since the humiliating climbdown.Lekjaa last Saturday had praised his "wise" move to scrap the plan in the interests of "unity and cohesion".He reiterated his backing for Infantino for "all the initiatives aimed at the development of world football" during his 10 years in charge.Infantino had been basking in the warm afterglow of a highly successful World Cup -- the largest ever with 48 teams and co-hosted by three countries, Canada, Mexico and the US.His wish to serve a fourth and final term looked likely to be rubber-stamped in Rabat next March -- no other candidate had come forward to challenge him.However, Tuesday last week all that faded.UEFA termed the proposal to privatise the World Cup a "shabby, back room, opaque deal" hatched by Infantino."The current FIFA leadership has not only lost UEFA's confidence but also that of many other members of the football family," UEFA said in a statement.North and Central American football's governing body CONCACAF went further still and called for "a comprehensive reckoning with this presidency" while slamming Infantino's "poor governance and leadership".On Wednesday, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, whose country co-hosted the 2026 World Cup, said he no longer had confidence in Infantino's ability to lead FIFA.

In a statement Wednesday, FIFA's leadership acknowledged "that errors were also made after the proposal was leaked to media".

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has received the "full support" of senior directors on Wednesday but world football's governing body apologised for the controversy of the now-shelved plan to open the World Cup to private investment. Facing a barrage of criticism following the aborted plan, FIFA's leadership acknowledged "errors", while nonetheless backing under-fire Infantino following a crisis meeting in Morocco. Infantino has come under increasing pressure, even from within his organisation, over his handling of the proposal, and calls for him to step down had grown since he abandoned it last Saturday. Also Read - Scottish police probes missing athletes from Pakistan and Uganda after CWG 2026 In a statement Wednesday, FIFA's leadership acknowledged "that errors were also made after the proposal was leaked to media". FIFA floated the plan, saying it could raise up to $4.2 billion based on a valuation of $20 billion for a new commercial subsidiary, called the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), which it proposed would run events such as the World Cup and Club World Cup. It said that, if approved, the project could provide each of FIFA's 211 member associations with a one-off payment of $20 million in early 2027, and increase their funding allocation for the 2027-2030 cycle from $8 million to $20 million. Instead of acting as a sweetener it produced a furious backlash, with European football's governing body UEFA resorting on Thursday to the nuclear option of boycotting the sport's jewel in the crown, the World Cup. By Saturday, Infantino held his hands up and withdrew the plan. "Our purpose has always been -- and will always be -- to unite and improve," said Infantino. After Wednesday's meeting in Rabat, the FIFA Secretary General and members of the FIFA Management Board in attendance said in a statement they "reaffirmed their full support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino, as the only official elected by the 211 FIFA Member Associations". "The meeting also addressed the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal, where mistakes made were acknowledged," the statement said. "It was agreed that it was not the intention for the FIFA Council and FIFA Member Associations to feel excluded from the process and that the process should have been handled differently. "It was further acknowledged that errors were also made after the proposal was leaked to media. "In a separate letter to the FIFA Council and FIFA Member Associations, an apology was made for these errors together with a commitment to ensure they do not happen again." ‘Off the table’ One of those believed to be at the meeting was FIFA's secretary-general Mattias Grafstrom, whose internal email to staff criticising the plan was leaked on Tuesday. "A review will now be conducted, and a report will be presented to the FIFA Council at its next scheduled meeting," the FIFA statement said. "As previously communicated, the FFE proposal, which would have been subject to the approval of the FIFA Member Associations and the FIFA Council, is now off the table." Later Wednesday, Infantino -- a 56-year-old Swiss lawyer who was in Morocco to celebrate last week's Feast of the Enthronement -- attended the Women's Africa Cup of Nations match between Zambia and Malawi in Rabat. The FIFA chief was spotted alongside the president of the Moroccan football federation at the entrance to Al Medina Stadium, an AFP photographer observed. Morocco is to co-host the 2030 World Cup and Moroccan Football chief Fouzi Lekjaa is one of the few to have publicly supported Infantino since the humiliating climbdown. Lekjaa last Saturday had praised his "wise" move to scrap the plan in the interests of "unity and cohesion". He reiterated his backing for Infantino for "all the initiatives aimed at the development of world football" during his 10 years in charge. Infantino had been basking in the warm afterglow of a highly successful World Cup -- the largest ever with 48 teams and co-hosted by three countries, Canada, Mexico and the US. His wish to serve a fourth and final term looked likely to be rubber-stamped in Rabat next March -- no other candidate had come forward to challenge him. However, Tuesday last week all that faded. UEFA termed the proposal to privatise the World Cup a "shabby, back room, opaque deal" hatched by Infantino. "The current FIFA leadership has not only lost UEFA's confidence but also that of many other members of the football family," UEFA said in a statement. North and Central American football's governing body CONCACAF went further still and called for "a comprehensive reckoning with this presidency" while slamming Infantino's "poor governance and leadership". On Wednesday, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, whose country co-hosted the 2026 World Cup, said he no longer had confidence in Infantino's ability to lead FIFA.

In a statement Wednesday, FIFA's leadership acknowledged "that errors were also made after the proposal was leaked to media".

FIFA leadership apologise for privatisation plan, back Infantino post acknowledging error

Pakistan's spinners put their team on course for a series-levelling victory as the West Indies stumbled to 103 for six -- a lead of just 60 runs -– on an eventful third day of the second and final Test in Trinidad on Tuesday (Aug 4). Abdullah Shafique's unbeaten 160 ensured the visitors did not completely squander an excellent overnight platform in eventually getting to a first-innings total of 387. Sajid Khan then made his second meaningful contribution of the day in taking four second-innings wickets, while Ali Usman claimed two, including home captain Roston Chase caught-and-bowled off the final ball of the day.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sunil-gavaskar-tribute-ajinkya-rahane-retirement-captaincy-credit-1785856782228">Gavaskar slams lack of credit for Rahane: ‘A selfless leader with no enemies’</a>First-innings top-scorer Justin Greaves will carry the fight for the West Indies into the fourth morning with uncertainty over the availability to bat of regular opener Brandon King.On a deteriorating pitch offering sharp turn and variable bounce, West Indies left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican was as much in his element as 18 months earlier against these same opponents in Multan.Here, his haul of six for 112, including three wickets in four balls to wrap up the Pakistan innings on the stroke of tea, would have been a portent of things to come.Yet having started the day in the comfortable position of 266 for two and within sight of the West Indies first-innings total of 344, it took an error of judgement from Pakistan captain Babar Azam to trigger a gradual slide as the visitors' last eight wickets fell for 106 runs.Having put the West Indies bowlers to the sword with delightful, confident strokeplay on the second afternoon, Babar was a picture of strokeless paralysis at the start of the day, as if the prospect of a first Test century in almost four years had gotten the better of him.He managed to eke out a couple of runs to add to his overnight 86 before taking off for a non-existent single and, sent back by Shafique, dived desperately but in vain as the direct hit at the striker's end by King from point found Babar short of his ground.West Indian delight at Babar's dismissal was transformed to concern over the welfare of King, who remained prone on the outfield after effecting the dismissal.After several minutes of assessment of his situation he was stretchered off with what was later diagnosed to be back spasms.That unexpected breakthrough triggered a mini-slide as three wickets fell for five runs, fast bowler Shamar Joseph and Warrican claiming a wicket each.Khan offered a measure of stability with Shafique, the pair putting on 59 for the seventh wicket before another pacer, Jayden Seales, removed the lower-order batsman for 30.With the door open to a vulnerable tail, Warrican wasted no time in wrapping up the innings, taking three wickets in four balls with Shafique stranded at the non-striker's end and leaving Pakistan to rue opportunities missed to earn a much more significant lead.<h2>'Excellent' Warrican</h2>Shafique's innings occupied more than seven-and-half hours during which he faced 323 deliveries, striking 15 fours and three sixes."Jomel was really excellent for us today, staying at the stumps and finishing off the innings well," said West Indies bowling coach Ravi Rampaul."At this stage though, and given the way the pitch is playing, if we can somehow push the lead to 150 we would have a chance."Khan was at his most rampant in the final session, accounting for Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Amir Jangoo swiftly before adding Shai Hope and nightwatchman Seales to his list of victims.Chase surveyed the carnage from the other end only to succumb to the constant pressure himself, the reaction of the home skipper to his demise almost a mirror of Babar's disconsolate trek to the pavilion more than seven hours earlier.Usman also posed a constant threat, the left-arm spinner having earlier removed Kavem Hodge, whose 34 is the top score so far in an innings in danger of going into complete freefall.

Sajid Khan then made his second meaningful contribution of the day in taking four second-innings wickets, while Ali Usman claimed two, including home captain Roston Chase caught-and-bowled off the final ball of the day.

Pakistan's spinners put their team on course for a series-levelling victory as the West Indies stumbled to 103 for six -- a lead of just 60 runs -– on an eventful third day of the second and final Test in Trinidad on Tuesday (Aug 4). Abdullah Shafique's unbeaten 160 ensured the visitors did not completely squander an excellent overnight platform in eventually getting to a first-innings total of 387. Sajid Khan then made his second meaningful contribution of the day in taking four second-innings wickets, while Ali Usman claimed two, including home captain Roston Chase caught-and-bowled off the final ball of the day. Also Read - Gavaskar slams lack of credit for Rahane: ‘A selfless leader with no enemies’ First-innings top-scorer Justin Greaves will carry the fight for the West Indies into the fourth morning with uncertainty over the availability to bat of regular opener Brandon King. On a deteriorating pitch offering sharp turn and variable bounce, West Indies left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican was as much in his element as 18 months earlier against these same opponents in Multan. Here, his haul of six for 112, including three wickets in four balls to wrap up the Pakistan innings on the stroke of tea, would have been a portent of things to come. Yet having started the day in the comfortable position of 266 for two and within sight of the West Indies first-innings total of 344, it took an error of judgement from Pakistan captain Babar Azam to trigger a gradual slide as the visitors' last eight wickets fell for 106 runs. Having put the West Indies bowlers to the sword with delightful, confident strokeplay on the second afternoon, Babar was a picture of strokeless paralysis at the start of the day, as if the prospect of a first Test century in almost four years had gotten the better of him. He managed to eke out a couple of runs to add to his overnight 86 before taking off for a non-existent single and, sent back by Shafique, dived desperately but in vain as the direct hit at the striker's end by King from point found Babar short of his ground. West Indian delight at Babar's dismissal was transformed to concern over the welfare of King, who remained prone on the outfield after effecting the dismissal. After several minutes of assessment of his situation he was stretchered off with what was later diagnosed to be back spasms. That unexpected breakthrough triggered a mini-slide as three wickets fell for five runs, fast bowler Shamar Joseph and Warrican claiming a wicket each. Khan offered a measure of stability with Shafique, the pair putting on 59 for the seventh wicket before another pacer, Jayden Seales, removed the lower-order batsman for 30. With the door open to a vulnerable tail, Warrican wasted no time in wrapping up the innings, taking three wickets in four balls with Shafique stranded at the non-striker's end and leaving Pakistan to rue opportunities missed to earn a much more significant lead. 'Excellent' Warrican Shafique's innings occupied more than seven-and-half hours during which he faced 323 deliveries, striking 15 fours and three sixes. "Jomel was really excellent for us today, staying at the stumps and finishing off the innings well," said West Indies bowling coach Ravi Rampaul. "At this stage though, and given the way the pitch is playing, if we can somehow push the lead to 150 we would have a chance." Khan was at his most rampant in the final session, accounting for Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Amir Jangoo swiftly before adding Shai Hope and nightwatchman Seales to his list of victims. Chase surveyed the carnage from the other end only to succumb to the constant pressure himself, the reaction of the home skipper to his demise almost a mirror of Babar's disconsolate trek to the pavilion more than seven hours earlier. Usman also posed a constant threat, the left-arm spinner having earlier removed Kavem Hodge, whose 34 is the top score so far in an innings in danger of going into complete freefall.

Sajid Khan then made his second meaningful contribution of the day in taking four second-innings wickets, while Ali Usman claimed two, including home captain Roston Chase caught-and-bowled off the final ball of the day.

WI vs PAK, 2nd Test: Spinner Sajid Khan helps Pakistan turn screw for series-levelling win against hosts

Abdullah Shafique struck his sixth Test century and Babar Azam closed in on a hundred as Pakistan reached 266-2 in reply to West Indies' 344 on day two of the second Test in Trinidad on Monday (Aug 3). Just days after flying into the Caribbean as an emergency replacement, Shafique ended the day unbeaten on 107 off 185 balls with 10 fours and two sixes decorating his authoritative innings at Queen's Park Oval. Babar, the only visitor to emerge with any credit from a disastrous second innings of the first Test when he finished unbeaten on 58, was again unbowed on 86.His calm, classy innings has so far occupied 126 deliveries, embellished by 10 fours and one six.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/you-created-magic-within-group-rohit-sharma-pays-tribute-to-t-dilip-after-india-exit-1785772460387">'You created magic within group': Rohit Sharma pays tribute to T Dilip after India exit</a>Putting aside those batting woes of a 90-run loss at the Brian Lara Stadium a few miles away, captain Babar and the recalled Shafique made the most of ideal batting conditions and pleasant weather, gathering runs in style in an unbroken third-wicket stand of 168.Recalled after Shan Masood's finger injury, Shafique looked at ease in the unfamiliar position of number three when he replaced Imam-ul-Haq, who was dismissed by Shamar Joseph.It was his first opportunity since losing his place after the South Africa series at home last October.He put on 64 attractive runs with Azan Awais, the opener flaying 10 fours in a 71-ball 55 before being adjudged lbw on television review to left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican.Babar got into stride almost immediately and with the West Indies hampered by the unavailability of first Test match-winner Justin Greaves with a leg injury and captain Roston Chase ineffective with his off-spinners because of a lacerated finger, the tourists' task was made that bit easier.<h2>Shafique grabs opportunity</h2>Yet nothing could take away from the excellence of their strokeplay and the manner in which they dominated an attack that had them on their knees six days earlier when they crashed to 71 for nine, eventually being dismissed for 120 in the last innings of the first Test."Their partnership has been quite remarkable and that's just the thing we have been missing in the last two-three Test matches," said delighted batting coach and former Pakistan international batsman Asad Shafique."Abdullah has been scoring heavily in domestic competition and he has taken this opportunity with both hands. For me, the hallmark of his innings was the way he put away the bad deliveries and respected the good ones."Babar, who continues to face severe criticism for what is seen as a rather passive style of leadership, was in his element with bat in hand though, playing a vital guiding role in ensuring that Shafique stayed focused.When Shafique reached his century shortly before stumps, pulling a short ball to the midwicket boundary, Babar celebrated warmly with the 26-year-old.Earlier, West Indies extended their first innings by 109 runs in the elongated morning session but that effort was put into context by the ease with the Pakistani top-order gathered runs in reply.All-rounder Greaves and overnight partner Chase pushed their sixth-wicket stand to 96 before the summoning of the second new ball, unexpectedly in the hands of spinner Ali Usman, brought the breakthrough when Greaves, on 73, sliced an ambitious heave to point.Fast-medium bowler Ubaid Shah then bowled Chase for 70 and despite more typically stubborn resistance from Kemar Roach, Sajid Khan claimed the last three wickets, the off-spinner finishing with the best figures of four for 85.

Putting aside those batting woes of a 90-run loss at the Brian Lara Stadium a few miles away, captain Babar and the recalled Shafique made the most of ideal batting conditions and pleasant weather, gathering runs in style in an unbroken third-wicket stand of 168.

Abdullah Shafique struck his sixth Test century and Babar Azam closed in on a hundred as Pakistan reached 266-2 in reply to West Indies' 344 on day two of the second Test in Trinidad on Monday (Aug 3). Just days after flying into the Caribbean as an emergency replacement, Shafique ended the day unbeaten on 107 off 185 balls with 10 fours and two sixes decorating his authoritative innings at Queen's Park Oval. Babar, the only visitor to emerge with any credit from a disastrous second innings of the first Test when he finished unbeaten on 58, was again unbowed on 86. His calm, classy innings has so far occupied 126 deliveries, embellished by 10 fours and one six. Also Read - 'You created magic within group': Rohit Sharma pays tribute to T Dilip after India exit Putting aside those batting woes of a 90-run loss at the Brian Lara Stadium a few miles away, captain Babar and the recalled Shafique made the most of ideal batting conditions and pleasant weather, gathering runs in style in an unbroken third-wicket stand of 168. Recalled after Shan Masood's finger injury, Shafique looked at ease in the unfamiliar position of number three when he replaced Imam-ul-Haq, who was dismissed by Shamar Joseph. It was his first opportunity since losing his place after the South Africa series at home last October. He put on 64 attractive runs with Azan Awais, the opener flaying 10 fours in a 71-ball 55 before being adjudged lbw on television review to left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican. Babar got into stride almost immediately and with the West Indies hampered by the unavailability of first Test match-winner Justin Greaves with a leg injury and captain Roston Chase ineffective with his off-spinners because of a lacerated finger, the tourists' task was made that bit easier. Shafique grabs opportunity Yet nothing could take away from the excellence of their strokeplay and the manner in which they dominated an attack that had them on their knees six days earlier when they crashed to 71 for nine, eventually being dismissed for 120 in the last innings of the first Test. "Their partnership has been quite remarkable and that's just the thing we have been missing in the last two-three Test matches," said delighted batting coach and former Pakistan international batsman Asad Shafique. "Abdullah has been scoring heavily in domestic competition and he has taken this opportunity with both hands. For me, the hallmark of his innings was the way he put away the bad deliveries and respected the good ones." Babar, who continues to face severe criticism for what is seen as a rather passive style of leadership, was in his element with bat in hand though, playing a vital guiding role in ensuring that Shafique stayed focused. When Shafique reached his century shortly before stumps, pulling a short ball to the midwicket boundary, Babar celebrated warmly with the 26-year-old. Earlier, West Indies extended their first innings by 109 runs in the elongated morning session but that effort was put into context by the ease with the Pakistani top-order gathered runs in reply. All-rounder Greaves and overnight partner Chase pushed their sixth-wicket stand to 96 before the summoning of the second new ball, unexpectedly in the hands of spinner Ali Usman, brought the breakthrough when Greaves, on 73, sliced an ambitious heave to point. Fast-medium bowler Ubaid Shah then bowled Chase for 70 and despite more typically stubborn resistance from Kemar Roach, Sajid Khan claimed the last three wickets, the off-spinner finishing with the best figures of four for 85.

Putting aside those batting woes of a 90-run loss at the Brian Lara Stadium a few miles away, captain Babar and the recalled Shafique made the most of ideal batting conditions and pleasant weather, gathering runs in style in an unbroken third-wicket stand of 168.

WI vs PAK, 2nd Test: Shafique and skipper Babar lead fightback with unbroken 168-run stand on Day 2

Justin Greaves made an unbeaten 64 to steer West Indies to 239-5 at stumps on a rain-shortened opening day of the second and final Test against Pakistan in Trinidad on Sunday (Aug 2). After a match-winning display with the ball in the first Test last week, Greaves displayed what has now become his trademark ease and composure at the crease in a battling knock at Queen's Park Oval. His only error of judgement came just after reaching the half-century mark when opposing captain Babar Azam put down a straightforward chance at leg-slip off spinner Sajid Khan.Greaves at that time was almost hobbling after a left leg injury sustained while completing a sharp run that necessitated lengthy treatment on the field.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/jasprit-bumrah-ruled-out-india-vs-sri-lanka-test-series-2026-knee-injury-1785670932278">BCCI opts for caution as injured Bumrah set to miss Sri Lanka Test series</a>His sixth-wicket partnership with Roston Chase (36 not out) was worth 66 runs at the close of play and Greaves will be hoping for a return to his usual athletic mobility when he resumes the innings with his captain on the second morning.He had come to the crease in mid-afternoon at 91 for three as Kavem Hodge became Khan's first wicket. When Amir Jangoo fell to a leg-side catch to give debutant pacer Ubaid Shah his first Test wicket with the first ball of a new spell, Pakistan sensed the chance to break the back of the West Indies resistance.However Greaves and Shai Hope provided a measure of stability in a 53-run stand until seamer Mohammad Ali, the most impressive of the bowlers on the day, bowled Hope off the inside-edge for 29 to leave the innings in the balance at 173 for five.<h2>Pakistan omit Abbas</h2>Earlier, Pakistan's bewildering decision-making - on and off the field of play - highlighted a rain-affected morning session.Mohammad Abbas, the tourists' best bowler by some distance from the 90-run defeat in the first Test, was dropped despite a match haul of eight for 85, including five for 22 in the second innings.A second Pakistani debutant, Awais Zafar, got his chance due to the finger injury sustained by former captain Shan Masood while compiling a determined century in the first Test.Pakistan's think-tank seemed convinced of the wisdom of playing an additional slow bowler on a surface devoid of grass, drafting in Khan as an off-spinning option alongside left-arm orthodox bowler Ali Usman, who went wicketless on debut in the first Test.Khan's first notable act in the match was to take the catch at long-leg which sent Tagenarine Chanderpaul to the pavilion for 15 as he failed to control a hook shot off Mohammad Ali after a brisk opening stand of 49 with Brandon King."We needed those partnerships at the end of the day and it was good to see those guys (Greaves, Hope and Chase) making those contributions," said King in summing up the day's effort."It would be nice if we get more of the same from them tomorrow and Justin and Roston can go on to get hundreds."As easily as the runs flowed, especially off King's bat, in the early exchanges after Chase opted to bat first, both could have been dismissed earlier with more attacking tactics as they each benefited from edges at catchable height through the vacant third slip position.Mohammad Ali was even pleading with Babar for additional support in the slip cordon following the third of those fortunate escapes.King's luck ran out though following the 90-minute rain break as Usman snared him for his first Test wicket, leg-before for 46.&nbsp;

His sixth-wicket partnership with Roston Chase (36 not out) was worth 66 runs at the close of play and Greaves will be hoping for a return to his usual athletic mobility when he resumes the innings with his captain on the second morning.

Justin Greaves made an unbeaten 64 to steer West Indies to 239-5 at stumps on a rain-shortened opening day of the second and final Test against Pakistan in Trinidad on Sunday (Aug 2). After a match-winning display with the ball in the first Test last week, Greaves displayed what has now become his trademark ease and composure at the crease in a battling knock at Queen's Park Oval. His only error of judgement came just after reaching the half-century mark when opposing captain Babar Azam put down a straightforward chance at leg-slip off spinner Sajid Khan. Greaves at that time was almost hobbling after a left leg injury sustained while completing a sharp run that necessitated lengthy treatment on the field. Also Read - BCCI opts for caution as injured Bumrah set to miss Sri Lanka Test series His sixth-wicket partnership with Roston Chase (36 not out) was worth 66 runs at the close of play and Greaves will be hoping for a return to his usual athletic mobility when he resumes the innings with his captain on the second morning. He had come to the crease in mid-afternoon at 91 for three as Kavem Hodge became Khan's first wicket. When Amir Jangoo fell to a leg-side catch to give debutant pacer Ubaid Shah his first Test wicket with the first ball of a new spell, Pakistan sensed the chance to break the back of the West Indies resistance. However Greaves and Shai Hope provided a measure of stability in a 53-run stand until seamer Mohammad Ali, the most impressive of the bowlers on the day, bowled Hope off the inside-edge for 29 to leave the innings in the balance at 173 for five. Pakistan omit Abbas Earlier, Pakistan's bewildering decision-making - on and off the field of play - highlighted a rain-affected morning session. Mohammad Abbas, the tourists' best bowler by some distance from the 90-run defeat in the first Test, was dropped despite a match haul of eight for 85, including five for 22 in the second innings. A second Pakistani debutant, Awais Zafar, got his chance due to the finger injury sustained by former captain Shan Masood while compiling a determined century in the first Test. Pakistan's think-tank seemed convinced of the wisdom of playing an additional slow bowler on a surface devoid of grass, drafting in Khan as an off-spinning option alongside left-arm orthodox bowler Ali Usman, who went wicketless on debut in the first Test. Khan's first notable act in the match was to take the catch at long-leg which sent Tagenarine Chanderpaul to the pavilion for 15 as he failed to control a hook shot off Mohammad Ali after a brisk opening stand of 49 with Brandon King. "We needed those partnerships at the end of the day and it was good to see those guys (Greaves, Hope and Chase) making those contributions," said King in summing up the day's effort. "It would be nice if we get more of the same from them tomorrow and Justin and Roston can go on to get hundreds." As easily as the runs flowed, especially off King's bat, in the early exchanges after Chase opted to bat first, both could have been dismissed earlier with more attacking tactics as they each benefited from edges at catchable height through the vacant third slip position. Mohammad Ali was even pleading with Babar for additional support in the slip cordon following the third of those fortunate escapes. King's luck ran out though following the 90-minute rain break as Usman snared him for his first Test wicket, leg-before for 46.

His sixth-wicket partnership with Roston Chase (36 not out) was worth 66 runs at the close of play and Greaves will be hoping for a return to his usual athletic mobility when he resumes the innings with his captain on the second morning.

PAK vs WI, 2nd Test: Justin Greaves 64 not out steers hosts to safety on rain-shortened opening day

Christopher Nolan's adaptation of "The Odyssey" has not only lured legions of fans to cinemas, but sparked huge interest in the UK in Homer's epic poem and other Greek and Roman mythology works.&nbsp;Some involved in Classics academia hope the blockbuster's box office success and wider cultural impact will also prompt more young people to study the subject.&nbsp;The movie's mid-month release has helped hike UK print edition sales of "The Odyssey" by 1,400 percent in the four weeks to July 25 compared to the same period last year, according to market researchers NielsenIQ.&nbsp;A 2017 translation by British-American classicist Emily Wilson of the millennia-old mythological tale has been flying off the shelves at a similarly increased rate.&nbsp;Britain's biggest bookstore chain Waterstones saw sales of Wilson's work rise over 1,000 percent compared to 2025 and were "increasing every week" alongside purchases of "all other available translations," a spokeswoman said.&nbsp;Meanwhile NielsenIQ noted many related works -- including "The Iliad", Madeline Miller's "Circe" and Margaret Atwood's "The Penelopiad" -- had also seen "significant" sales uplifts.&nbsp;Actor and writer Stephen Fry's "The Odyssey" currently tops the history bestsellers on Amazon's UK website. Two of his other Classics books -- "Mythos" and "Troy" -- occupy the second and fifth spots respectively on the online giant's list.&nbsp;Audiobooks are also sharing in the boom, with Spotify reporting that searches for "The Odyssey" translations have skyrocketed by 310 percent.<h2>- 'Buzz' -</h2>"People are drawn to these stories," University of Exeter Classics lecturer Richard Kendall told AFP, hailing the sales spike as "fantastic".&nbsp;"And that's not just writers who continually return to the Greeks and Romans -- the history, the myths, the characters, the events -- that's also readers. These are ripping good yarns."&nbsp;Kendall, the first expert-in-residence earlier this year at Britain's The Classical Association, cautioned against viewing the renewed literary interest just in cinema-related isolation.&nbsp;"If this is a gimmick, it's been a gimmick that's been lasting for over 2,000 years at this point," he said.&nbsp;"It's wonderful that this has created so much popularity. People are reading more, but this is just this iteration ... People will always return to these stories."&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/the-odyssey-movie-review-christopher-nolan-crafts-a-visual-masterpiece-that-strips-the-glory-from-war-1784272833406">The Odyssey movie review: Christopher Nolan crafts a visual masterpiece that strips the glory from war</a>&nbsp;Nonetheless, at University College London (UCL) -- where British-American director Nolan reportedly studied Homer as an English undergraduate -- there are hopes for an increase in enrolments.&nbsp;"The buzz around the film has been tremendous, and we're hoping to see a bounce in student numbers in the next few years," Phiroze Vasunia, head of its Greek and Latin Department, told AFP.&nbsp;He noted there had been "an exceptional level of interest in Classics and in ancient studies" in recent years, coinciding with the growing fanfare around Nolan's movie.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/dyk-christopher-nolan-is-a-satyajit-ray-fan-the-odyssey-director-calls-him-the-greatest-indian-filmmaker-1785148378715">DYK Christopher Nolan is a Satyajit Ray fan?'</a><h2>- Critics -</h2>Based on Homer's poem written originally in Greek around the 7th or 8th century BC, the film tracks hero Odysseus as he faces obstacle after obstacle on his trek home from the Trojan War.&nbsp;It stars Matt Damon and Anne Hathaway as Odysseus and his wife Penelope, with Tom Holland portraying their son Telemachus.&nbsp;Nolan's first movie since 2023 Oscar-winner "Oppenheimer", it has wowed audiences and critics, topping the US box office for two straight weeks and already taking $640 million worldwide.&nbsp;But not everyone has been won over by the modern adaptation of one of humanity's oldest stories.&nbsp;Wilson -- behind an acclaimed translation which Nolan has praised -- generated headlines this week after penning a scathing critique of his screenplay.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/the-odyssey-effect-christopher-nolan-s-directorial-puts-morocco-in-the-global-spotlight-boosts-tourism-hopes-1784530798289">The Odyssey: Nolan's film puts Morocco in global spotlight, boosts tourism hopes</a>&nbsp;She argued it "lacks psychological, emotional, political and ethical depth".&nbsp;"I would be ashamed to have written any part of this," Wilson argued in the London Review of Books, adding it "lacks many of the elements that make the poem great".&nbsp;High-profile British historian Mary Beard was similarly unconvinced, though like Wilson she welcomed the interest in Homer.&nbsp;Writing in The Times, Beard bemoaned that the poem's "erotic puzzles, the teasing ironies, the intriguing questions about truth and falsehood" had been replaced with "a rather ponderous Hollywood message about civilisational decline".

Christopher Nolan’s cinematic adaptation of The Odyssey hasn't just drawn huge crowds to theaters—it has ignited a massive resurgence of interest in Homer's epic and classical mythology across the UK. 

Christopher Nolan's adaptation of "The Odyssey" has not only lured legions of fans to cinemas, but sparked huge interest in the UK in Homer's epic poem and other Greek and Roman mythology works. Some involved in Classics academia hope the blockbuster's box office success and wider cultural impact will also prompt more young people to study the subject. The movie's mid-month release has helped hike UK print edition sales of "The Odyssey" by 1,400 percent in the four weeks to July 25 compared to the same period last year, according to market researchers NielsenIQ. A 2017 translation by British-American classicist Emily Wilson of the millennia-old mythological tale has been flying off the shelves at a similarly increased rate. Britain's biggest bookstore chain Waterstones saw sales of Wilson's work rise over 1,000 percent compared to 2025 and were "increasing every week" alongside purchases of "all other available translations," a spokeswoman said. Meanwhile NielsenIQ noted many related works -- including "The Iliad", Madeline Miller's "Circe" and Margaret Atwood's "The Penelopiad" -- had also seen "significant" sales uplifts. Actor and writer Stephen Fry's "The Odyssey" currently tops the history bestsellers on Amazon's UK website. Two of his other Classics books -- "Mythos" and "Troy" -- occupy the second and fifth spots respectively on the online giant's list. Audiobooks are also sharing in the boom, with Spotify reporting that searches for "The Odyssey" translations have skyrocketed by 310 percent. - 'Buzz' - "People are drawn to these stories," University of Exeter Classics lecturer Richard Kendall told AFP, hailing the sales spike as "fantastic". "And that's not just writers who continually return to the Greeks and Romans -- the history, the myths, the characters, the events -- that's also readers. These are ripping good yarns." Kendall, the first expert-in-residence earlier this year at Britain's The Classical Association, cautioned against viewing the renewed literary interest just in cinema-related isolation. "If this is a gimmick, it's been a gimmick that's been lasting for over 2,000 years at this point," he said. "It's wonderful that this has created so much popularity. People are reading more, but this is just this iteration ... People will always return to these stories." Also read: The Odyssey movie review: Christopher Nolan crafts a visual masterpiece that strips the glory from war Nonetheless, at University College London (UCL) -- where British-American director Nolan reportedly studied Homer as an English undergraduate -- there are hopes for an increase in enrolments. "The buzz around the film has been tremendous, and we're hoping to see a bounce in student numbers in the next few years," Phiroze Vasunia, head of its Greek and Latin Department, told AFP. He noted there had been "an exceptional level of interest in Classics and in ancient studies" in recent years, coinciding with the growing fanfare around Nolan's movie. Also read: DYK Christopher Nolan is a Satyajit Ray fan?' - Critics - Based on Homer's poem written originally in Greek around the 7th or 8th century BC, the film tracks hero Odysseus as he faces obstacle after obstacle on his trek home from the Trojan War. It stars Matt Damon and Anne Hathaway as Odysseus and his wife Penelope, with Tom Holland portraying their son Telemachus. Nolan's first movie since 2023 Oscar-winner "Oppenheimer", it has wowed audiences and critics, topping the US box office for two straight weeks and already taking $640 million worldwide. But not everyone has been won over by the modern adaptation of one of humanity's oldest stories. Wilson -- behind an acclaimed translation which Nolan has praised -- generated headlines this week after penning a scathing critique of his screenplay. Also read: The Odyssey: Nolan's film puts Morocco in global spotlight, boosts tourism hopes She argued it "lacks psychological, emotional, political and ethical depth". "I would be ashamed to have written any part of this," Wilson argued in the London Review of Books, adding it "lacks many of the elements that make the poem great". High-profile British historian Mary Beard was similarly unconvinced, though like Wilson she welcomed the interest in Homer. Writing in The Times, Beard bemoaned that the poem's "erotic puzzles, the teasing ironies, the intriguing questions about truth and falsehood" had been replaced with "a rather ponderous Hollywood message about civilisational decline".

Christopher Nolan’s cinematic adaptation of The Odyssey hasn't just drawn huge crowds to theaters—it has ignited a massive resurgence of interest in Homer's epic and classical mythology across the UK.&nbsp;

The Nolan Effect: The Odyssey drives bookshops’ mythology boom

A strengthening El Nino that could shatter all-time records is "adding fuel to a planet already on fire" and pushing the world into "uncharted territory," UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned Friday."Two months ago, I warned that El Nino was arriving on our doorstep," Guterres told the world body. "Now it is inside the house -- and turning up the heat."The El Nino weather pattern warms surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean, triggering worldwide changes in winds, atmospheric pressure and rainfall patterns, and pushing warmer overall global temperatures.Human-caused climate change can amplify El Nino's impacts because a warmer ocean and atmosphere increase the availability of energy and moisture for extreme weather events, such as heat waves and heavy rainfall."We have already endured a summer of extremes -- record-shattering heat domes; apocalyptic wildfires raging in Spain, France and far beyond; thousands of lives lost in the scorching conditions," said Guterres. "But according to the latest science, this is only a warm-up act."Pacific waters driving the El Nino have never been this warm this early, he said, with a new forecast by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) finding sea-surface temperatures now averaging 3C (5.4F) above normal.The WMO's outlook shows that through October, nearly every land mass on Earth is expected to be hotter than normal."Taken together, that risks shattering every seasonal record -- and driving even more severe effects worldwide," said Guterres. "We are in uncharted territory."The risks go beyond heat alone, he added. India's monsoon is running well below average, while hotter and drier conditions are forecast from Central America and the Caribbean to parts of South America, South Asia, the Southwest Pacific, Europe and Africa."The verdict is clear: the climate crisis is in overdrive," said Guterres, outlining action required on four fronts.First, protect people from heat with city- and country-wide heat plans and early warning systems, including expanded access to sustainable cooling.Second, make work safer, with governments setting heat standards so vulnerable workers — in the garment industry, for example — aren't risking their lives.Third, build protection from extreme heat into the design of cities, homes, schools and hospitals, and factor it into plans and budgets.Fourth and most fundamentally, "the world must stop fueling the crisis," said Guterres, and roll back fossil fuels that are driving planet-wide heating rather than treating each disaster as an isolated tragedy.Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Pacific waters driving the El Nino have never been this warm this early, he said, with a new forecast by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) finding sea-surface temperatures now averaging 3C (5.4F) above normal.

A strengthening El Nino that could shatter all-time records is "adding fuel to a planet already on fire" and pushing the world into "uncharted territory," UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned Friday. "Two months ago, I warned that El Nino was arriving on our doorstep," Guterres told the world body. "Now it is inside the house -- and turning up the heat." The El Nino weather pattern warms surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean, triggering worldwide changes in winds, atmospheric pressure and rainfall patterns, and pushing warmer overall global temperatures. Human-caused climate change can amplify El Nino's impacts because a warmer ocean and atmosphere increase the availability of energy and moisture for extreme weather events, such as heat waves and heavy rainfall. "We have already endured a summer of extremes -- record-shattering heat domes; apocalyptic wildfires raging in Spain, France and far beyond; thousands of lives lost in the scorching conditions," said Guterres. "But according to the latest science, this is only a warm-up act." Pacific waters driving the El Nino have never been this warm this early, he said, with a new forecast by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) finding sea-surface temperatures now averaging 3C (5.4F) above normal. The WMO's outlook shows that through October, nearly every land mass on Earth is expected to be hotter than normal. "Taken together, that risks shattering every seasonal record -- and driving even more severe effects worldwide," said Guterres. "We are in uncharted territory." The risks go beyond heat alone, he added. India's monsoon is running well below average, while hotter and drier conditions are forecast from Central America and the Caribbean to parts of South America, South Asia, the Southwest Pacific, Europe and Africa. "The verdict is clear: the climate crisis is in overdrive," said Guterres, outlining action required on four fronts. First, protect people from heat with city- and country-wide heat plans and early warning systems, including expanded access to sustainable cooling. Second, make work safer, with governments setting heat standards so vulnerable workers — in the garment industry, for example — aren't risking their lives. Third, build protection from extreme heat into the design of cities, homes, schools and hospitals, and factor it into plans and budgets. Fourth and most fundamentally, "the world must stop fueling the crisis," said Guterres, and roll back fossil fuels that are driving planet-wide heating rather than treating each disaster as an isolated tragedy. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Pacific waters driving the El Nino have never been this warm this early, he said, with a new forecast by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) finding sea-surface temperatures now averaging 3C (5.4F) above normal.

‘Adding fuel to planet already on fire’: UN Chief warns El Nino strengthening

LeBron James has signed a contract to play for the Philadelphia 76ers, the team announced Monday, with managing owner Josh Harris "thrilled" about chances for their first NBA title since 1983. James announced on Friday he would play for the Sixers on a two-year deal worth $8 million, ending a weeks-long mystery over the 41-year-old superstar's future, but the 76ers had no comment throughout the weekend."I am thrilled to welcome LeBron James to the Philadelphia 76ers," ownership managing partner Harris said in a statement. "One of the greatest players in NBA history and one of the best athletes ever, his accomplishments are iconic."Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/andrea-pirlo-drops-out-of-italy-head-coach-race-amid-russian-betting-company-row-1785155277900">Andrea Pirlo drops out of Italy head coach race amid Russian betting company row</a>James, the NBA's all-time scoring leader set to begin his record 24th campaign in October, is a four-time NBA champion and four-time NBA Most Valuable Player.After winning two titles with Miami, another with hometown club Cleveland and his most recent with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020, James could become the first NBA player to win crowns with four different teams.James, a three-time Olympic champion and 22-time NBA All-Star, joins a Sixers roster filled with NBA stars in hopes of bringing Philadelphia an NBA title for the first time since Julius Erving led the club to the crown 43 years ago."I cannot wait to see LeBron alongside Jaylen Brown, VJ Edgecombe, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and our talented roster as we work to deliver a championship for Philly," Harris said."To LeBron and his family: we are grateful you chose the 76ers, and look forward to this next chapter of your legendary career. Welcome to the 76ers!"James has career averages of 26.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, 7.4 assists and 1.5 steals over 1,622 games.<h2>'Ultimate competitor'</h2>Philadelphia 76ers president of basketball operations Mike Gansey, an Ohio high school rival of James on the court, expects the legend will boost the club and the community."There's no doubt LeBron is one of the greatest players to ever play the game of basketball and there are no words to measure the impact he'll have on this organization," Gansey said."I've had the pleasure of knowing LeBron since high school and have seen the high-level impact he has produced at every stop of his basketball journey. He is a consummate professional, the ultimate competitor, and a tireless worker."But he's also an incredible person with natural leadership traits, a family man, and someone who possesses unwavering commitment to community and those around him. We couldn't be happier that he's officially here."The 76ers posted a photo on social media of a James jersey, keeping his tradition number 23 with his new club, hanging in a locker with a crown on a shelf inside it, a nod toward "King James" being with the Sixers.James has taken teams into the NBA playoffs 19 times, matching a league record, with post-season averages of 28.2 points, 8.9 rebounds, 7.2 assists, 1.7 steals and 1.0 blocked shots over 302 games.In June, James announced he was leaving the Lakers and numerous clubs were seen as contenders to become his new home, including Miami, Cleveland, Golden State and Minnesota as well as the 76ers.Philadelphia swung a deal with Boston three weeks ago for Brown, sending Paul George to the Celtics, and together with center Embiid and top guards Maxey and Edgecombe they provided a lineup too good for James to pass up in his quest for a fifth NBA title."I believe I can help make the Philadelphia 76ers a championship team and I am so excited to energize a new fan base and start this incredible journey one last time," James posted on X Friday.

James, the NBA's all-time scoring leader set to begin his record 24th campaign in October, is a four-time NBA champion and four-time NBA Most Valuable Player.

LeBron James has signed a contract to play for the Philadelphia 76ers, the team announced Monday, with managing owner Josh Harris "thrilled" about chances for their first NBA title since 1983. James announced on Friday he would play for the Sixers on a two-year deal worth $8 million, ending a weeks-long mystery over the 41-year-old superstar's future, but the 76ers had no comment throughout the weekend. "I am thrilled to welcome LeBron James to the Philadelphia 76ers," ownership managing partner Harris said in a statement. "One of the greatest players in NBA history and one of the best athletes ever, his accomplishments are iconic." Also Read - Andrea Pirlo drops out of Italy head coach race amid Russian betting company row James, the NBA's all-time scoring leader set to begin his record 24th campaign in October, is a four-time NBA champion and four-time NBA Most Valuable Player. After winning two titles with Miami, another with hometown club Cleveland and his most recent with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020, James could become the first NBA player to win crowns with four different teams. James, a three-time Olympic champion and 22-time NBA All-Star, joins a Sixers roster filled with NBA stars in hopes of bringing Philadelphia an NBA title for the first time since Julius Erving led the club to the crown 43 years ago. "I cannot wait to see LeBron alongside Jaylen Brown, VJ Edgecombe, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and our talented roster as we work to deliver a championship for Philly," Harris said. "To LeBron and his family: we are grateful you chose the 76ers, and look forward to this next chapter of your legendary career. Welcome to the 76ers!" James has career averages of 26.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, 7.4 assists and 1.5 steals over 1,622 games. 'Ultimate competitor' Philadelphia 76ers president of basketball operations Mike Gansey, an Ohio high school rival of James on the court, expects the legend will boost the club and the community. "There's no doubt LeBron is one of the greatest players to ever play the game of basketball and there are no words to measure the impact he'll have on this organization," Gansey said. "I've had the pleasure of knowing LeBron since high school and have seen the high-level impact he has produced at every stop of his basketball journey. He is a consummate professional, the ultimate competitor, and a tireless worker. "But he's also an incredible person with natural leadership traits, a family man, and someone who possesses unwavering commitment to community and those around him. We couldn't be happier that he's officially here." The 76ers posted a photo on social media of a James jersey, keeping his tradition number 23 with his new club, hanging in a locker with a crown on a shelf inside it, a nod toward "King James" being with the Sixers. James has taken teams into the NBA playoffs 19 times, matching a league record, with post-season averages of 28.2 points, 8.9 rebounds, 7.2 assists, 1.7 steals and 1.0 blocked shots over 302 games. In June, James announced he was leaving the Lakers and numerous clubs were seen as contenders to become his new home, including Miami, Cleveland, Golden State and Minnesota as well as the 76ers. Philadelphia swung a deal with Boston three weeks ago for Brown, sending Paul George to the Celtics, and together with center Embiid and top guards Maxey and Edgecombe they provided a lineup too good for James to pass up in his quest for a fifth NBA title. "I believe I can help make the Philadelphia 76ers a championship team and I am so excited to energize a new fan base and start this incredible journey one last time," James posted on X Friday.

James, the NBA's all-time scoring leader set to begin his record 24th campaign in October, is a four-time NBA champion and four-time NBA Most Valuable Player.

LeBron James in 76ers: Philly 'thrilled' about first NBA title chances since 1983 after signing legend

Tadej Pogacar ticked off a "big goal" as he claimed his record-equalling fifth Tour de France title as Mathieu van der Poel won a sensational 21st and final stage around Paris on Sunday. Two-time world champion Pogacar joined Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault and Miguel Indurain as the most successful riders in Tour history."I'm really incredibly proud to be a fifth time winner of the biggest race in the world," Pogacar told France Televisions.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/formula-1-world-champion-lando-norris-storms-to-first-win-of-2026-season-at-hungarian-grand-prix-1785086374685">Formula 1: World champion Lando Norris storms to first win of 2026 season at Hungarian Grand Prix</a>"It was a big goal to get five and, I'm not going to lie, it's one goal achieved."Pogacar had all but secured his historic title during the previous two mountain stages that finished on the iconic Alpe d'Huez climb.The 27-year-old Slovenian won five stages and had been in yellow since his victory in the Pyrenean sixth stage.He now has 26 stage victories in total, putting him fourth in the all-time list behind only Mark Cavendish (35), Merckx (34) and Hinault (28).He also surpassed both Indurain and Chris Froome for total days spent in yellow with 70, and trails now only Hinault (75) and Merckx (96).He is the youngest rider to have won five Tours, more than a year younger than Merckx was in achieving the same feat, and is the first person to finish on the podium seven years running.He is also the only rider to have been on the podium in nine consecutive Grand Tours.And the Slovenian played his part in a stunning final stage, which was shortened to 88.7km due to wildfires raging in the southwest.Van der Poel and Pogacar escaped together on the final climb up Montmartre with 10km to ride and then fought to the finish with a chasing group of sprinters closing in.As Pogacar's strength sapped inside the last 700 metres, and with the chasers just seconds behind, Van der Poel struck out alone.The cobbled classics specialist held on to win by half a bike length in a photo finish from his Alpecin Premier Tech teammate Jasper Philipsen, with Mads Pedersen in third."(For) a year I was thinking about this, and I was sick last year and had to watch this stage on television," said Van der Poel."I was already thinking about this moment, and the way it went, it's a dream."It was super hard to be up there with the best rider in the world, all my respect for Tadej."<h2>Historic Tour</h2>It was Van der Poel's second stage victory in the 113th edition of the Tour and his fourth in total.Olympic champion Remco Evenepoel finished second overall, almost six and a half minutes back, with Mexican Isaac Del Toro in third.It was a successful Tour for Dane Pedersen, who won the sprinters' green jersey competition.Richard Carapaz of Ecuador triumphed in the polkadot King of the Mountains jersey category, and Del Toro finished in the best young rider's white jersey.Carapaz, who won two mountain stages, was also voted as the Tour's most combative rider.French great Julian Alaphilippe, a two-time world champion, announced that he had competed in his final Tour.The 34-year-old famously held the coveted yellow jersey for 14 days in 2019 before losing it two days before reaching Paris.It was a historic Tour in many ways.It was only the third time in 113 editions after 1926 and 1999 that no Frenchman has won a stage.But even more remarkable is that it is the first time in 302 Grand Tours -- including the Giro d'Italia and Vuelta a Espana -- that no rider from either France, Italy or Spain has won a stage.By contrast riders from Slovenia, Mexico, Ecuador and Denmark won stages -- showing just how much cycling has expanded beyond its traditional western European founding base.The entire peloton set a new record for the fastest ever road stage.The 11th from Vichy to Nevers was ridden at an average speed of 50.9kph, beating the old record of 50.35kph from 1990.By finishing third, Del Toro became the first Mexican to finish on a Tour podium, while fourth-placed Paul Seixas at 19 was the youngest rider in the Grande Boucle since Adrien Cento in 1937.

Pogacar had all but secured his historic title during the previous two mountain stages that finished on the iconic Alpe d'Huez climb.

Tadej Pogacar ticked off a "big goal" as he claimed his record-equalling fifth Tour de France title as Mathieu van der Poel won a sensational 21st and final stage around Paris on Sunday. Two-time world champion Pogacar joined Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault and Miguel Indurain as the most successful riders in Tour history. "I'm really incredibly proud to be a fifth time winner of the biggest race in the world," Pogacar told France Televisions. Also Read - Formula 1: World champion Lando Norris storms to first win of 2026 season at Hungarian Grand Prix "It was a big goal to get five and, I'm not going to lie, it's one goal achieved." Pogacar had all but secured his historic title during the previous two mountain stages that finished on the iconic Alpe d'Huez climb. The 27-year-old Slovenian won five stages and had been in yellow since his victory in the Pyrenean sixth stage. He now has 26 stage victories in total, putting him fourth in the all-time list behind only Mark Cavendish (35), Merckx (34) and Hinault (28). He also surpassed both Indurain and Chris Froome for total days spent in yellow with 70, and trails now only Hinault (75) and Merckx (96). He is the youngest rider to have won five Tours, more than a year younger than Merckx was in achieving the same feat, and is the first person to finish on the podium seven years running. He is also the only rider to have been on the podium in nine consecutive Grand Tours. And the Slovenian played his part in a stunning final stage, which was shortened to 88.7km due to wildfires raging in the southwest. Van der Poel and Pogacar escaped together on the final climb up Montmartre with 10km to ride and then fought to the finish with a chasing group of sprinters closing in. As Pogacar's strength sapped inside the last 700 metres, and with the chasers just seconds behind, Van der Poel struck out alone. The cobbled classics specialist held on to win by half a bike length in a photo finish from his Alpecin Premier Tech teammate Jasper Philipsen, with Mads Pedersen in third. "(For) a year I was thinking about this, and I was sick last year and had to watch this stage on television," said Van der Poel. "I was already thinking about this moment, and the way it went, it's a dream. "It was super hard to be up there with the best rider in the world, all my respect for Tadej." Historic Tour It was Van der Poel's second stage victory in the 113th edition of the Tour and his fourth in total. Olympic champion Remco Evenepoel finished second overall, almost six and a half minutes back, with Mexican Isaac Del Toro in third. It was a successful Tour for Dane Pedersen, who won the sprinters' green jersey competition. Richard Carapaz of Ecuador triumphed in the polkadot King of the Mountains jersey category, and Del Toro finished in the best young rider's white jersey. Carapaz, who won two mountain stages, was also voted as the Tour's most combative rider. French great Julian Alaphilippe, a two-time world champion, announced that he had competed in his final Tour. The 34-year-old famously held the coveted yellow jersey for 14 days in 2019 before losing it two days before reaching Paris. It was a historic Tour in many ways. It was only the third time in 113 editions after 1926 and 1999 that no Frenchman has won a stage. But even more remarkable is that it is the first time in 302 Grand Tours -- including the Giro d'Italia and Vuelta a Espana -- that no rider from either France, Italy or Spain has won a stage. By contrast riders from Slovenia, Mexico, Ecuador and Denmark won stages -- showing just how much cycling has expanded beyond its traditional western European founding base. The entire peloton set a new record for the fastest ever road stage. The 11th from Vichy to Nevers was ridden at an average speed of 50.9kph, beating the old record of 50.35kph from 1990. By finishing third, Del Toro became the first Mexican to finish on a Tour podium, while fourth-placed Paul Seixas at 19 was the youngest rider in the Grande Boucle since Adrien Cento in 1937.

Pogacar had all but secured his historic title during the previous two mountain stages that finished on the iconic Alpe d'Huez climb.

Two-time world champ Tadej Pogacar wins record-equalling fifth Tour de France

The European Union on Wednesday gave the conditional green light for Paramount Skydance's $110 billion takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery.&nbsp;After there were concerns about the deal's impact on film distribution in Europe, Brussels said Paramount must terminate its stake in United International Pictures -- a joint venture with Universal -- in the European Economic Area (EEA), which includes 27 EU states.&nbsp;European regulators said in a statement that for a period of 10 years, Paramount should also not directly or indirectly "enter into any agreement or understanding with Universal to jointly co-distribute films in the EEA".&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/paramount-and-warner-bros-110b-merger-paused-here-s-what-has-happened-1784600744765">Paramount and Warner Bros $110B merger paused, here's what has happened</a>&nbsp;The EU said it did not have fears about the deal's impact on film production because enough studios remain as competitors in Europe, pointing to major US players like Disney, smaller US ones like Amazon MGM, and European studios.&nbsp;"These commitments fully address the competition concerns identified by the (European) Commission by ensuring that the films of the merged entity will not be distributed jointly with those of Universal or Disney," the EU said."Under the supervision of the commission, an independent trustee will monitor their implementation," it added.Paramount's bid still faces hurdles across the Atlantic after a federal judge in California ordered the companies to temporarily pause their merger this week.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/paramount-warner-bros-merger-court-hears-multi-state-challenge-against-111b-deal-1784343023354">Paramount-Warner Bros merger: Court hears multi-state challenge against $111B deal</a><h2>- Eyes on US courts -</h2>&nbsp;The takeover saga has been a drama worthy of a Hollywood film itself.&nbsp;Netflix abandoned its effort to buy Warner Bros. Discovery in February after Paramount Skydance won a tense bidding war.&nbsp;The combined company would control a vast array of assets, including CNN, Warner Bros. Pictures and the HBO Max streaming service.&nbsp;Politics has been part of the drama from the beginning as US President Donald Trump has made it clear he is interested in what the merger will mean for broadcaster CNN, which often draws his ire.&nbsp;The US judge's order on Monday came after 12 states led by California sued to block the deal after the justice department last month approved the merger.&nbsp;Washington's green light was not a surprise for many since Paramount CEO David Ellison is the son of Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, a close ally of Trump.&nbsp;There will be a US hearing on August 3 regarding a preliminary injunction, which would prevent the transaction being closed before a final decision.

European regulators said in a statement that for a period of 10 years, Paramount should also not directly or indirectly “enter into any agreement or understanding with Universal to jointly co-distribute films in the EEA”

The European Union on Wednesday gave the conditional green light for Paramount Skydance's $110 billion takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery. After there were concerns about the deal's impact on film distribution in Europe, Brussels said Paramount must terminate its stake in United International Pictures -- a joint venture with Universal -- in the European Economic Area (EEA), which includes 27 EU states. European regulators said in a statement that for a period of 10 years, Paramount should also not directly or indirectly "enter into any agreement or understanding with Universal to jointly co-distribute films in the EEA". Also read: Paramount and Warner Bros $110B merger paused, here's what has happened The EU said it did not have fears about the deal's impact on film production because enough studios remain as competitors in Europe, pointing to major US players like Disney, smaller US ones like Amazon MGM, and European studios. "These commitments fully address the competition concerns identified by the (European) Commission by ensuring that the films of the merged entity will not be distributed jointly with those of Universal or Disney," the EU said. "Under the supervision of the commission, an independent trustee will monitor their implementation," it added. Paramount's bid still faces hurdles across the Atlantic after a federal judge in California ordered the companies to temporarily pause their merger this week. Also read: Paramount-Warner Bros merger: Court hears multi-state challenge against $111B deal - Eyes on US courts - The takeover saga has been a drama worthy of a Hollywood film itself. Netflix abandoned its effort to buy Warner Bros. Discovery in February after Paramount Skydance won a tense bidding war. The combined company would control a vast array of assets, including CNN, Warner Bros. Pictures and the HBO Max streaming service. Politics has been part of the drama from the beginning as US President Donald Trump has made it clear he is interested in what the merger will mean for broadcaster CNN, which often draws his ire. The US judge's order on Monday came after 12 states led by California sued to block the deal after the justice department last month approved the merger. Washington's green light was not a surprise for many since Paramount CEO David Ellison is the son of Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, a close ally of Trump. There will be a US hearing on August 3 regarding a preliminary injunction, which would prevent the transaction being closed before a final decision.

European regulators said in a statement that for a period of 10 years, Paramount should also not directly or indirectly “enter into any agreement or understanding with Universal to jointly co-distribute films in the EEA”

Paramount and Warner Bros's $110 million gets EU nod as US court puts a pause on the deal

Luis Suarez scored twice and Preston Plambeck grabbed a late winner as Inter Miami, without Lionel Messi, &nbsp;beat Chicago Fire 3-2 on Wednesday to spoil Robert Lewandowski's Major League Soccer debut. Uruguayan veteran Suarez captained Miami with Messi and fellow Argentine Rodrigo de Paul missing four days after Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain in the World Cup final. The 37-year-old Poland striker Lewandowski was making his MLS debut having signed from Barcelona after they were crowned Spanish champions.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/glasgow-2026-commonwealth-games-opening-ceremony-date-time-performers-all-you-need-to-know-1784726628268">Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games opening ceremony: All you need to know</a>Prolific goalscorer Lewandowski, who also starred for Bayern Munich from 2014-2022 and has more than 700 goals for club and country, started for Chicago and played 63 minutes.But it was 20-year-old Plambeck, a product of Miami's youth system, who emerged as the unlikely hero, coming off the bench to score the 87th-minute winner.Lewandowski had an attempt blocked in the 14th minute, but the Fire got on the board four minutes later through a calamitous own goal.Miami goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novo, starting in place of Canada World Cup keeper Dayne St. Clair, took a swing at a routine pass back from Ian Fray only to miss and see it roll into the net.Suarez levelled from the penalty spot in the 27th minute and put Miami ahead in the 51st, firing home after being set-up by a brilliant backheel from German Berterame.Chicago's South African Puso Dithejane made it 2-2 in the 67th minute only for Plambeck to have the final say by volleying home the rebound for his first Miami goal after goalkeeper Chris Brady had parried Suarez's close-range shot.

Prolific goalscorer Lewandowski, who also starred for Bayern Munich from 2014-2022 and has more than 700 goals for club and country.

Luis Suarez scored twice and Preston Plambeck grabbed a late winner as Inter Miami, without Lionel Messi, beat Chicago Fire 3-2 on Wednesday to spoil Robert Lewandowski's Major League Soccer debut. Uruguayan veteran Suarez captained Miami with Messi and fellow Argentine Rodrigo de Paul missing four days after Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain in the World Cup final. The 37-year-old Poland striker Lewandowski was making his MLS debut having signed from Barcelona after they were crowned Spanish champions. Also Read - Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games opening ceremony: All you need to know Prolific goalscorer Lewandowski, who also starred for Bayern Munich from 2014-2022 and has more than 700 goals for club and country, started for Chicago and played 63 minutes. But it was 20-year-old Plambeck, a product of Miami's youth system, who emerged as the unlikely hero, coming off the bench to score the 87th-minute winner. Lewandowski had an attempt blocked in the 14th minute, but the Fire got on the board four minutes later through a calamitous own goal. Miami goalkeeper Rocco Rios Novo, starting in place of Canada World Cup keeper Dayne St. Clair, took a swing at a routine pass back from Ian Fray only to miss and see it roll into the net. Suarez levelled from the penalty spot in the 27th minute and put Miami ahead in the 51st, firing home after being set-up by a brilliant backheel from German Berterame. Chicago's South African Puso Dithejane made it 2-2 in the 67th minute only for Plambeck to have the final say by volleying home the rebound for his first Miami goal after goalkeeper Chris Brady had parried Suarez's close-range shot.

Prolific goalscorer Lewandowski, who also starred for Bayern Munich from 2014-2022 and has more than 700 goals for club and country.

Messi's Inter Miami spoil Lewandowski's MLS debut for Chicago Fire with 2-1 win

The body of a teenage girl found in the trunk of US singer D4vd's car had decomposed to the point it was "unrecognizable," a police detective testified in a Los Angeles court on Tuesday.&nbsp;The 21-year-old D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, faces several charges including murder in the horrifying death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez.&nbsp;Her body was discovered in Burke's Tesla last September within days of what would have been her 15th birthday.&nbsp;Los Angeles Police Detective Joshua Byers testified during the preliminary hearing's first day, saying that when law enforcement opened the trunk of Burke's car in a tow yard, he recognized the "very distinctive smell" of a corpse.&nbsp;Grim photographs of the girl's dismembered remains were shown to the court, with a large black bag containing her head and torso.&nbsp;When asked whether he was able to recognize any facial features, Byers said: "No, there was a quite a bit of decomposition to where skin slippage...made it unrecognizable."Her arms and legs were found in a separate bag where "there was insect activity. There was maggots. There was various stages of flies," Byers told the court.&nbsp;Burke, who attended the court hearing wearing an orange prison jumpsuit, did not flinch when the pictures were shown.&nbsp;Prosecutors said the singer met the girl when she was just 11 years old, and started a sexual relationship when she was 13.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/d4vd-case-singer-charged-with-murder-of-teen-celeste-rivas-hernandez-1776706288235">D4vd case: Singer charged with murder of teen Celeste Rivas Hernandez</a>&nbsp;Body camera footage played during the hearing Tuesday showed Burke telling sheriff deputies: "She told me she was 18. Everybody saying she was 13."&nbsp;The victim's mother had reported her missing in 2024 when she was just 13 years old.Prosecutors alleged in charging papers that Burke killed her after she threatened to make their long-standing and illegal sexual relationship public, jeopardizing his singing career.Prosecutors also called to the stand Burke's former financial manager, Benjamin Greger, to illustrate his financial motive to protect his music career.&nbsp;Also read<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/d4vd-case-everything-happened-since-his-arrest-and-when-his-next-hearing-is-1783231964815">: D4vd case: Everything happened since his arrest, and when his next hearing is</a>&nbsp;Greger testified that his former employer made between $10 million and $11 million in gross income between 2023 and 2025 from his music.&nbsp;Burke has denied one count each of murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under the age of 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains. He could face life imprisonment or the death penalty if convicted.&nbsp;Los Angeles county prosecutor Nathan Hochman said the preliminary hearing, in which a judge will determine whether the case proceeds to trial, will last "three to five days.""We believe we will more than accomplish the evidentiary burden of probable cause at this point to hold David to answer on these three felony charges," Hochman told the press.

The 21-year-old D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, faces several charges including murder in the horrifying death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez.

The body of a teenage girl found in the trunk of US singer D4vd's car had decomposed to the point it was "unrecognizable," a police detective testified in a Los Angeles court on Tuesday. The 21-year-old D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, faces several charges including murder in the horrifying death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Her body was discovered in Burke's Tesla last September within days of what would have been her 15th birthday. Los Angeles Police Detective Joshua Byers testified during the preliminary hearing's first day, saying that when law enforcement opened the trunk of Burke's car in a tow yard, he recognized the "very distinctive smell" of a corpse. Grim photographs of the girl's dismembered remains were shown to the court, with a large black bag containing her head and torso. When asked whether he was able to recognize any facial features, Byers said: "No, there was a quite a bit of decomposition to where skin slippage...made it unrecognizable." Her arms and legs were found in a separate bag where "there was insect activity. There was maggots. There was various stages of flies," Byers told the court. Burke, who attended the court hearing wearing an orange prison jumpsuit, did not flinch when the pictures were shown. Prosecutors said the singer met the girl when she was just 11 years old, and started a sexual relationship when she was 13. Also read: D4vd case: Singer charged with murder of teen Celeste Rivas Hernandez Body camera footage played during the hearing Tuesday showed Burke telling sheriff deputies: "She told me she was 18. Everybody saying she was 13." The victim's mother had reported her missing in 2024 when she was just 13 years old. Prosecutors alleged in charging papers that Burke killed her after she threatened to make their long-standing and illegal sexual relationship public, jeopardizing his singing career. Prosecutors also called to the stand Burke's former financial manager, Benjamin Greger, to illustrate his financial motive to protect his music career. Also read: D4vd case: Everything happened since his arrest, and when his next hearing is Greger testified that his former employer made between $10 million and $11 million in gross income between 2023 and 2025 from his music. Burke has denied one count each of murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under the age of 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains. He could face life imprisonment or the death penalty if convicted. Los Angeles county prosecutor Nathan Hochman said the preliminary hearing, in which a judge will determine whether the case proceeds to trial, will last "three to five days." "We believe we will more than accomplish the evidentiary burden of probable cause at this point to hold David to answer on these three felony charges," Hochman told the press.

The 21-year-old D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, faces several charges including murder in the horrifying death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez.

Decomposed body in singer D4vd's car was 'unrecognizable,' court hears

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