American football star Travis Kelce described on Wednesday his secretive early July wedding to pop sensation Taylor Swift as "the best night of my life." "I appreciate everybody who came out and celebrated and, you know, had fun with us," the Kansas City Chiefs player told a briefing."That's pretty much all I'm taking away from that night. It was a crazy night. It was full of a lot of celebration."Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lakers-sold-bob-iger-josh-kushner-record-12-5-billion-1786555463848">NBA: Lakers sold to former Disney CEO Bob Iger, Josh Kushner for record $12.5bn</a>The couple, both 36, tied the knot over two days of celebrations at Madison Square Garden in New York on July 2 and 3."It's kind of cool to be able to, you know, live out my childhood dream of being in that venue and, you know, the mecca of all sports venues, being able to get married in there," the three-time Super Bowl winner told a briefing.The event remains shrouded in mystery, as no images have been released. The wedding was only subsequently confirmed by a statement from Swift's spokeswoman and a message on the giant screens of the storied concert hall and sports venue.Little is known, other than that the ceremony was officiated by comedian/actor Adam Sandler, the couple were dressed by Jonathan Anderson for Christian Dior, and Swift wore Louboutin shoes.A thousand people attended including many celebrities, requiring nearby streets to be blocked off and a heavy police presence.New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani revealed that the newlyweds paid the city $160,000 to cover the resulting costs.Journalist George Stephanopoulos said it was "so personal and so intimate," despite venue's cavernous size.The head of the AMC cinema chain, Adam Aron, posted on X and then deleted a message describing the couple's vows as "long, entertaining, personal, charming, emotional, irreverent and endearing."The couple made their relationship public two years ago and got engaged in August 2025.

The couple, both 36, tied the knot over two days of celebrations at Madison Square Garden in New York on July 2 and 3. The event remains shrouded in mystery, as no images have been released.

American football star Travis Kelce described on Wednesday his secretive early July wedding to pop sensation Taylor Swift as "the best night of my life." "I appreciate everybody who came out and celebrated and, you know, had fun with us," the Kansas City Chiefs player told a briefing. "That's pretty much all I'm taking away from that night. It was a crazy night. It was full of a lot of celebration." Also Read - NBA: Lakers sold to former Disney CEO Bob Iger, Josh Kushner for record $12.5bn The couple, both 36, tied the knot over two days of celebrations at Madison Square Garden in New York on July 2 and 3. "It's kind of cool to be able to, you know, live out my childhood dream of being in that venue and, you know, the mecca of all sports venues, being able to get married in there," the three-time Super Bowl winner told a briefing. The event remains shrouded in mystery, as no images have been released. The wedding was only subsequently confirmed by a statement from Swift's spokeswoman and a message on the giant screens of the storied concert hall and sports venue. Little is known, other than that the ceremony was officiated by comedian/actor Adam Sandler, the couple were dressed by Jonathan Anderson for Christian Dior, and Swift wore Louboutin shoes. A thousand people attended including many celebrities, requiring nearby streets to be blocked off and a heavy police presence. New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani revealed that the newlyweds paid the city $160,000 to cover the resulting costs. Journalist George Stephanopoulos said it was "so personal and so intimate," despite venue's cavernous size. The head of the AMC cinema chain, Adam Aron, posted on X and then deleted a message describing the couple's vows as "long, entertaining, personal, charming, emotional, irreverent and endearing." The couple made their relationship public two years ago and got engaged in August 2025.

The couple, both 36, tied the knot over two days of celebrations at Madison Square Garden in New York on July 2 and 3. The event remains shrouded in mystery, as no images have been released.

'My childhood dream': NFL star Travis Kelce opens up on wedding with popstar Taylor Swift

The Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most successful teams in NBA history, are being sold to former Disney CEO Bob Iger and investor Joshua Kushner in a deal valued at $12.5 billion, ESPN reported Wednesday. The sale, which would mark a record-breaking valuation for a North American sports franchise, comes only about a year after billionaire Mark Walter agreed to buy a controlling interest in the team in a then-record $10 billion deal.&nbsp;Kushner is the brother of Jared Kushner, US President Donald Trump's son-in-law.&nbsp;"As lifelong NBA fans, we are deeply honoured for the opportunity to become stewards of the Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most iconic sports franchises in the world," Kushner and Iger said in a statement to ESPN. "We have immense respect for the leadership and vision of Jerry and Jeanie Buss. Our long-term commitment is to build on that foundation, compete at the highest level, and serve this extraordinary team, its fans and the city of Los Angeles."&nbsp;Walter's purchase, reported in June last year, ended the Buss family's 46-year reign over the NBA giants.&nbsp;The Lakers have won 17 NBA championships, second only to the Boston Celtics.&nbsp;The team has been home to some of the league's biggest superstars, including Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shaquille O'Neal and the late Kobe Bryant. LeBron James, the NBA all-time scoring leader, just left the squad for the Philadelphia 76ers after spending eight years and winning one title with the Lakers.&nbsp;The team is now moving forward with a lineup spearheaded by Slovenian superstar Luka Doncic.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/jets-cb-qwan-tez-stiggers-carted-off-field-after-losing-consciousness-coach-shares-health-update-1786505903243">Jets CB Qwan’tez Stiggers carted off field after losing consciousness; coach shares health update</a>&nbsp;The sale still requires approval from the NBA's board of governors.&nbsp;Jeanie Buss had continued to serve as the Lakers' governor after the club was sold to Walter in a deal that further expanded the sports portfolio of his TWG Global holding company.&nbsp;The company's sports holdings include Major League Baseball's Los Angeles Dodgers and a stake in English Premier League club Chelsea.&nbsp;TWG also owns the Billie Jean King Cup tennis tournament and the Cadillac Formula One team.&nbsp;However, Walter is currently under federal investigation for possible tax fraud involving his insurance businesses.&nbsp;"Owning the Los Angeles Lakers has been one of the great honours of my life -- an extraordinary investment, but what I will carry with me is the community, the fans, and a city that treats this team as family," Walter said in a statement. "I am grateful to Jeanie Buss, the Buss family, the players, and the staff for welcoming me into this chapter.&nbsp;"The Lakers belong to Los Angeles, and I have every confidence the best is still ahead."&nbsp;Walter's acquisition of the Lakers had marked the end of an era in the NBA, whose modern popularity owes much to the franchise's 1980s heyday.&nbsp;The Lakers were bought in 1979 by charismatic tycoon Jerry Buss, who quickly helped turn the team into a sporting powerhouse as well as a globally recognised brand.

The LA Lakers are being sold to former Disney CEO Bob Iger and Joshua Kushner for a record $12.5 billion, breaking all sports franchise sale records. 

The Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most successful teams in NBA history, are being sold to former Disney CEO Bob Iger and investor Joshua Kushner in a deal valued at $12.5 billion, ESPN reported Wednesday. The sale, which would mark a record-breaking valuation for a North American sports franchise, comes only about a year after billionaire Mark Walter agreed to buy a controlling interest in the team in a then-record $10 billion deal. Kushner is the brother of Jared Kushner, US President Donald Trump's son-in-law. "As lifelong NBA fans, we are deeply honoured for the opportunity to become stewards of the Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most iconic sports franchises in the world," Kushner and Iger said in a statement to ESPN. "We have immense respect for the leadership and vision of Jerry and Jeanie Buss. Our long-term commitment is to build on that foundation, compete at the highest level, and serve this extraordinary team, its fans and the city of Los Angeles." Walter's purchase, reported in June last year, ended the Buss family's 46-year reign over the NBA giants. The Lakers have won 17 NBA championships, second only to the Boston Celtics. The team has been home to some of the league's biggest superstars, including Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shaquille O'Neal and the late Kobe Bryant. LeBron James, the NBA all-time scoring leader, just left the squad for the Philadelphia 76ers after spending eight years and winning one title with the Lakers. The team is now moving forward with a lineup spearheaded by Slovenian superstar Luka Doncic. Also read| Jets CB Qwan’tez Stiggers carted off field after losing consciousness; coach shares health update The sale still requires approval from the NBA's board of governors. Jeanie Buss had continued to serve as the Lakers' governor after the club was sold to Walter in a deal that further expanded the sports portfolio of his TWG Global holding company. The company's sports holdings include Major League Baseball's Los Angeles Dodgers and a stake in English Premier League club Chelsea. TWG also owns the Billie Jean King Cup tennis tournament and the Cadillac Formula One team. However, Walter is currently under federal investigation for possible tax fraud involving his insurance businesses. "Owning the Los Angeles Lakers has been one of the great honours of my life -- an extraordinary investment, but what I will carry with me is the community, the fans, and a city that treats this team as family," Walter said in a statement. "I am grateful to Jeanie Buss, the Buss family, the players, and the staff for welcoming me into this chapter. "The Lakers belong to Los Angeles, and I have every confidence the best is still ahead." Walter's acquisition of the Lakers had marked the end of an era in the NBA, whose modern popularity owes much to the franchise's 1980s heyday. The Lakers were bought in 1979 by charismatic tycoon Jerry Buss, who quickly helped turn the team into a sporting powerhouse as well as a globally recognised brand.

The LA Lakers are being sold to former Disney CEO Bob Iger and Joshua Kushner for a record $12.5 billion, breaking all sports franchise sale records.&nbsp;

NBA: Los Angeles Lakers sold to former Disney CEO Bob Iger, Josh Kushner for record $12.5 billion

Cristiano Ronaldo and his long-time partner Georgina Rodriguez married on Tuesday in a ceremony in the Portuguese resort of Cascais, said the football superstar's representatives. The wedding capped a decade-long relationship and came after days of intense media speculation in Portugal over the location and timing of the ceremony.Ronaldo, 41, shared a photo of the couple's hands with their wedding bands and the caption: "C (heart) G" on his Instagram account.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/omar-artan-somali-referee-uefa-super-cup-psg-aston-villa-1786457067243">Somali referee Omar Artan 'proud' to officiate Super Cup after World Cup snub</a>The couple's five children attended the "private and intimate" ceremony, the Brunswick Group, which handles the player's public relations, told AFP.The couple tied the knot exactly one year after Rodriguez, a 32-year-old influencer, announced their engagement on Instagram.

<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Db6URBZAWgg/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Db6URBZAWgg/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Db6URBZAWgg/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Cristiano Ronaldo (@cristiano)</a></div></blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>

Ronaldo, who played for Portugal at the World Cup this summer where they exited in the last 16, currently plays for Saudi club Al Nassr.The former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus forward won the Ballon d'Or for the world's best player five times.Rodriguez boosted her own profile by starring in a Netflix show called "I am Georgina", which chronicles the family's life between football, fashion and travel.Portuguese media had speculated that the wedding could take place in Sintra, outside Lisbon, or in Funchal on the Atlantic island of Madeira, Ronaldo's birthplace.Reports that the ceremony would be held in Funchal last weekend drew hundreds of people to the city's cathedral hoping to see the couple.The cathedral had previously told AFP it had no wedding ceremony scheduled for Ronaldo, while adding that hosting such an event would have been "an honour".The couple ultimately opted for Cascais, an elite seaside resort around 30 kilometres (19 miles) west of Lisbon, where they own a villa.They met in 2016 when Rodriguez was working in a Gucci store in Madrid, with Rodriguez describing it as "love at first sight".In an interview with Vogue Arabia in 2025, she said she almost immediately felt "a sense of peace and an inexplicable energy" when she was with Ronaldo, "as if we had known each other forever".Together, they have amassed more than 750 million followers across social media platforms and have built one of the world's most recognisable celebrity partnerships, extending far beyond football.The couple have a portfolio of investments that include fashion brands and a chain of hotels.

The wedding capped a decade-long relationship and came after days of intense media speculation in Portugal over the location and timing of the ceremony. Ronaldo, 41, shared a photo of the couple's hands with their wedding bands and the caption: "C (heart) G" on his Instagram account.

Cristiano Ronaldo and his long-time partner Georgina Rodriguez married on Tuesday in a ceremony in the Portuguese resort of Cascais, said the football superstar's representatives. The wedding capped a decade-long relationship and came after days of intense media speculation in Portugal over the location and timing of the ceremony. Ronaldo, 41, shared a photo of the couple's hands with their wedding bands and the caption: "C (heart) G" on his Instagram account. Also Read - Somali referee Omar Artan 'proud' to officiate Super Cup after World Cup snub The couple's five children attended the "private and intimate" ceremony, the Brunswick Group, which handles the player's public relations, told AFP. The couple tied the knot exactly one year after Rodriguez, a 32-year-old influencer, announced their engagement on Instagram.

The wedding capped a decade-long relationship and came after days of intense media speculation in Portugal over the location and timing of the ceremony. Ronaldo, 41, shared a photo of the couple's hands with their wedding bands and the caption: "C (heart) G" on his Instagram account.

Portugese star Cristiano Ronaldo ties knot with long-time partner Georgina Rodriguez

US President Donald Trump on Monday backed FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who is in hot water over allegations of a workplace affair and criticism of a failed private investment scheme."FIFA would be making a terrible mistake if, for any reason, they even considered replacing President Gianni Infantino," Trump said in a Truth Social post, calling the Italian-Swiss lawyer "fantastic" and saying he "presided over the most successful World Cup, by four times, ever presented.""If he is gone, it will never be as successful or profitable again!"Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/jose-mourinho-manchester-united-2013-sir-alex-ferguson-chelsea-1786359930223">'Special One' Jose Mourinho admits he almost joined Manchester United in 2013</a>Trump's backing of Infantino contrasts with the response of US Soccer, which issued a statement critiquing the FIFA leader alongside Canada Soccer and football organizations in Central America and the Caribbean.Infantino, who faces reelection next March, has denied allegations of wrongdoing, and FIFA for their part has backed its beseiged president, calling the backlash "a concerted and ongoing effort by some to undermine" the organization.Other football organizations, including the Confederation of African Football and South American governing body CONMEBOL, share Trump's position in supporting Infantino.

Trump's backing of Infantino contrasts with the response of US Soccer, which issued a statement critiquing the FIFA leader alongside Canada Soccer and football organizations in Central America and the Caribbean.

US President Donald Trump on Monday backed FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who is in hot water over allegations of a workplace affair and criticism of a failed private investment scheme. "FIFA would be making a terrible mistake if, for any reason, they even considered replacing President Gianni Infantino," Trump said in a Truth Social post, calling the Italian-Swiss lawyer "fantastic" and saying he "presided over the most successful World Cup, by four times, ever presented." "If he is gone, it will never be as successful or profitable again!" Also Read - 'Special One' Jose Mourinho admits he almost joined Manchester United in 2013 Trump's backing of Infantino contrasts with the response of US Soccer, which issued a statement critiquing the FIFA leader alongside Canada Soccer and football organizations in Central America and the Caribbean. Infantino, who faces reelection next March, has denied allegations of wrongdoing, and FIFA for their part has backed its beseiged president, calling the backlash "a concerted and ongoing effort by some to undermine" the organization. Other football organizations, including the Confederation of African Football and South American governing body CONMEBOL, share Trump's position in supporting Infantino.

Trump's backing of Infantino contrasts with the response of US Soccer, which issued a statement critiquing the FIFA leader alongside Canada Soccer and football organizations in Central America and the Caribbean.

US President Donald Trump backs FIFA chief Gianni Infantino amid ongoing crisis

Standing on the ferry as it waits to dock on the Greek island of Ithaca, Giorgia Ongarato is only too keen to talk about the Odyssey -- the epic poem that inspired Christopher Nolan's blockbuster film The Odyssey.&nbsp;The Italian lawyer said it was her dream to come to Ithaca, widely believed to be the same island as the home of Odysseus in the poem.&nbsp;Dressed in a T-shirt emblazoned with the word Odyssey in ancient Greek alongside a line from the poem, she enthused: "I studied Greek when I was a child, and I studied the Odyssey."&nbsp;While she stressed that the film was not her entry point into the tale of the hero battling his way back home from the Trojan war, the 50-year-old said she was also a fan of the film -- describing it as "wonderful".&nbsp;The island's businesses and officials now expect the film to inspire many more to follow in her footsteps. Ithaca, in the Ionian Sea off the west coast of mainland Greece is far from the country's tourist hubs, and despite limpid waters and spectacular bays, it has never been a regular stop for travellers.&nbsp;Its interior is rugged, carpeted with olive and cypress trees, and strikingly calm even at the height of the tourist season.&nbsp;Although the movie has undoubtedly piqued the interest of many, it has also been slightly controversial in Greece -- although some Greek locations were used, not a single scene in the blockbuster was actually shot on Ithaca.<h2>Homeric monuments abound&nbsp;</h2>That decision has left some crestfallen on the island of roughly 3,000 inhabitants -- where the film has been shown twice in open-air screenings since its July 16 worldwide release.Xhimi Xoxha, who runs a restaurant in Ithaca's capital of Vathi, said he was content that the movie was already "generating publicity for the island". He predicted the positive effects would continue.&nbsp;While Ithaca mayor Dionysis Stanitsas agreed that the publicity was "tremendous", he could not hide his disappointment that the island itself did not feature.&nbsp;"We had reached out to the production team and asked that some scenes be filmed here on the island," he said. "Unfortunately, that wasn't feasible."&nbsp;He is, however, counting on rising demand next year, and the island was already fully booked for this season by the time the film came out. "As more people see it, they will begin planning trips to visit the island," he said.&nbsp;Visitors will not find a palace of Odysseus or any spectacular archaeological site likely to confirm the existence of the Homeric hero.&nbsp;But village squares and the town hall are dotted with statues of Odysseus and Homer.And there are other pointers to the island's rich literary heritage.&nbsp;In the small sun-drenched port, boats bob in the green water bearing names like "Telemachus" (son of Odysseus) and "Calypso" (a goddess and nymph who imprisoned him).&nbsp;Trinket shops offer busts of Homer and Penelope, Odysseus's wife.&nbsp;T-shirts can be found amid the jumble featuring the Cyclops Polyphemus -- one of the many monsters vanquished by Odysseus.&nbsp;And the truly devoted can splash out for a wall plate decorated with a Trojan Horse.Archaeologist Spyros Couvaras is among those expecting a dramatic upsurge in visitors, saying it was clear that visitors wanted more than just sand and sea -- they wanted the history and the mythology.&nbsp;None of those are in short supply here.&nbsp;A short distance from the shops and restaurants of the port, holidaymakers stretch out on deck chairs under parasols at Dexia beach, enveloped by the grating sound of cicadas.According to legend, this is where Odysseus landed after years of voyaging.&nbsp;Couvaras said the "driving force" of the renewed interest was undoubtedly the movie."But behind Nolan's film stands Homer," he said.

Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey has renewed the interest of fans in not just Homer's original poem, which inspired the film, but also in the Greek island of Ithaca.

Standing on the ferry as it waits to dock on the Greek island of Ithaca, Giorgia Ongarato is only too keen to talk about the Odyssey -- the epic poem that inspired Christopher Nolan's blockbuster film The Odyssey. The Italian lawyer said it was her dream to come to Ithaca, widely believed to be the same island as the home of Odysseus in the poem. Dressed in a T-shirt emblazoned with the word Odyssey in ancient Greek alongside a line from the poem, she enthused: "I studied Greek when I was a child, and I studied the Odyssey." While she stressed that the film was not her entry point into the tale of the hero battling his way back home from the Trojan war, the 50-year-old said she was also a fan of the film -- describing it as "wonderful". The island's businesses and officials now expect the film to inspire many more to follow in her footsteps. Ithaca, in the Ionian Sea off the west coast of mainland Greece is far from the country's tourist hubs, and despite limpid waters and spectacular bays, it has never been a regular stop for travellers. Its interior is rugged, carpeted with olive and cypress trees, and strikingly calm even at the height of the tourist season. Although the movie has undoubtedly piqued the interest of many, it has also been slightly controversial in Greece -- although some Greek locations were used, not a single scene in the blockbuster was actually shot on Ithaca. Homeric monuments abound That decision has left some crestfallen on the island of roughly 3,000 inhabitants -- where the film has been shown twice in open-air screenings since its July 16 worldwide release. Xhimi Xoxha, who runs a restaurant in Ithaca's capital of Vathi, said he was content that the movie was already "generating publicity for the island". He predicted the positive effects would continue. While Ithaca mayor Dionysis Stanitsas agreed that the publicity was "tremendous", he could not hide his disappointment that the island itself did not feature. "We had reached out to the production team and asked that some scenes be filmed here on the island," he said. "Unfortunately, that wasn't feasible." He is, however, counting on rising demand next year, and the island was already fully booked for this season by the time the film came out. "As more people see it, they will begin planning trips to visit the island," he said. Visitors will not find a palace of Odysseus or any spectacular archaeological site likely to confirm the existence of the Homeric hero. But village squares and the town hall are dotted with statues of Odysseus and Homer. And there are other pointers to the island's rich literary heritage. In the small sun-drenched port, boats bob in the green water bearing names like "Telemachus" (son of Odysseus) and "Calypso" (a goddess and nymph who imprisoned him). Trinket shops offer busts of Homer and Penelope, Odysseus's wife. T-shirts can be found amid the jumble featuring the Cyclops Polyphemus -- one of the many monsters vanquished by Odysseus. And the truly devoted can splash out for a wall plate decorated with a Trojan Horse. Archaeologist Spyros Couvaras is among those expecting a dramatic upsurge in visitors, saying it was clear that visitors wanted more than just sand and sea -- they wanted the history and the mythology. None of those are in short supply here. A short distance from the shops and restaurants of the port, holidaymakers stretch out on deck chairs under parasols at Dexia beach, enveloped by the grating sound of cicadas. According to legend, this is where Odysseus landed after years of voyaging. Couvaras said the "driving force" of the renewed interest was undoubtedly the movie. "But behind Nolan's film stands Homer," he said.

Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey has renewed the interest of fans in not just Homer's original poem, which inspired the film, but also in the Greek island of Ithaca.

Ithaca bets on hometown hero Odysseus for tourism boom

Jon Rahm captured his third consecutive LIV Golf season crown on Sunday while Chile's Joaquin Niemann took a wire-to-wire victory at LIV Golf New York for a record ninth series title. Niemann fired a two-under par 69 to finish 72 holes on 16-under 268 and defeat American Harold Varner III by three strokes at Trump National Bedminster in New Jersey.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/diego-maradona-hand-of-god-ball-auction-10-million-us-1786263632650">Diego Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ ball expected to fetch $10 million at US auction</a>"The more they push me the better golfer I became from every experience," Niemann said."I was just hoping to be able to hit the shots I did and make the putts that I did coming down the stretch. I put the credit on myself."England's Lee Westwood and Scott Vincent of Zimbabwe shared third, both seven off the pace.Rahm finished tied for 41st after firing a closing 76 Sunday, but clinched the season trophy with an unassailable 219-point lead over Bryson DeChambeau going into the finale in two weeks at Indianapolis.Rahm, whose 2025 season crown came despite no victories, won this year at Hong Kong in March and Mexico City in April. He also had runner-up efforts in Riyadh, Adelaide, South Africa and Andalucia."It has been a great year," Rahm said. "A little sour taste in my mouth because of how badly I played this week but it has been something to be proud of."And after last year not getting a win and possibly having a question mark over the season-long race to win twice effectively and win it again, definitely feels good."Rahm was proud of his early season performances, with two wins, three seconds and a fifth in the first six tournaments of 2026."Proud of earlier in the season. I think to start off as well as I did with a few second-places and not getting in the way," Rahm said."Then going to Hong Kong and getting it done when I needed to, having a lead and then losing it and then birdieing four in a row in the last few holes was probably the most proud moment."Niemann, who opened with a bogey at the first hole but birdied the par-three seventh, sank a 56-foot birdie putt at the 13th hole and a long eagle putt at the 15th to seize a four-stroke edge on Varner.A bogey at 17 only trimmed his victory margin.Crushers, with DeChambeau as captain, won the LIV Golf New York team title on six-over par, defeating Legion XIII and Torque by two strokes.

Rahm finished tied for 41st after firing a closing 76 Sunday, but clinched the season trophy with an unassailable 219-point lead over Bryson DeChambeau going into the finale in two weeks at Indianapolis.

Jon Rahm captured his third consecutive LIV Golf season crown on Sunday while Chile's Joaquin Niemann took a wire-to-wire victory at LIV Golf New York for a record ninth series title. Niemann fired a two-under par 69 to finish 72 holes on 16-under 268 and defeat American Harold Varner III by three strokes at Trump National Bedminster in New Jersey. Also Read - Diego Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ ball expected to fetch $10 million at US auction "The more they push me the better golfer I became from every experience," Niemann said. "I was just hoping to be able to hit the shots I did and make the putts that I did coming down the stretch. I put the credit on myself." England's Lee Westwood and Scott Vincent of Zimbabwe shared third, both seven off the pace. Rahm finished tied for 41st after firing a closing 76 Sunday, but clinched the season trophy with an unassailable 219-point lead over Bryson DeChambeau going into the finale in two weeks at Indianapolis. Rahm, whose 2025 season crown came despite no victories, won this year at Hong Kong in March and Mexico City in April. He also had runner-up efforts in Riyadh, Adelaide, South Africa and Andalucia. "It has been a great year," Rahm said. "A little sour taste in my mouth because of how badly I played this week but it has been something to be proud of. "And after last year not getting a win and possibly having a question mark over the season-long race to win twice effectively and win it again, definitely feels good." Rahm was proud of his early season performances, with two wins, three seconds and a fifth in the first six tournaments of 2026. "Proud of earlier in the season. I think to start off as well as I did with a few second-places and not getting in the way," Rahm said. "Then going to Hong Kong and getting it done when I needed to, having a lead and then losing it and then birdieing four in a row in the last few holes was probably the most proud moment." Niemann, who opened with a bogey at the first hole but birdied the par-three seventh, sank a 56-foot birdie putt at the 13th hole and a long eagle putt at the 15th to seize a four-stroke edge on Varner. A bogey at 17 only trimmed his victory margin. Crushers, with DeChambeau as captain, won the LIV Golf New York team title on six-over par, defeating Legion XIII and Torque by two strokes.

Rahm finished tied for 41st after firing a closing 76 Sunday, but clinched the season trophy with an unassailable 219-point lead over Bryson DeChambeau going into the finale in two weeks at Indianapolis.

Jon Rahm wins third consecutive LIV Golf season crown

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

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

Rajasthan News in Hindi: In-depth coverage of Rajasthan Crime, Political News, Education, Rajasthan Weather Update and Latest Rajasthan News on Zee News Rajasthan.

Afp