News for 'ESPN'

FIFA World Cup: Who is DR Congo's viral 'statue fan'?

FIFA World Cup: Who is DR Congo's viral 'statue fan'?

Rediff.com23 hours ago

Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, DR Congo's famous 'statue fan', was seen supporting his team during their 1-0 defeat to Colombia in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K clash. Colombia secured their place in the Round of 32 with a hard-fought victory, while DR Congo still has a chance to qualify.

Revealed! The True Origin Of Maradona's $9 million 'Hand of God' Jersey

Revealed! The True Origin Of Maradona's $9 million 'Hand of God' Jersey

Rediff.com1 days ago

Before Diego Maradona's famous blue shirt became a $9.28 million auction item, it may have had a humbler beginning in Tepito, Mexico City's market district.

Visa drama leaves Ghana star out of FIFA World Cup opener

Visa drama leaves Ghana star out of FIFA World Cup opener

Rediff.com7 days ago

Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey was denied entry into Canada for a FIFA World Cup qualifier against Panama due to ongoing criminal proceedings in the UK, where he faces rape and sexual assault charges. Canada's Federal High Court upheld the visa refusal, despite Ghana's government calling the decision "extremely unfair" and questioning the reliance on unproven allegations.

'What problem?' Neymar breaks silence on FIFA World Cup injury scare

'What problem?' Neymar breaks silence on FIFA World Cup injury scare

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Brazilian football star Neymar remains optimistic about his participation in the FIFA World Cup despite a recent calf injury. He dismisses concerns about his fitness, even though he has been benched for his club Santos' last three matches. Brazil's medical staff is taking precautions, and it is unlikely that Neymar will be fit to play in the warm-up games against Panama and Egypt.

FIFA World Cup: Gun Gesture Celebration Sparks Controversy

FIFA World Cup: Gun Gesture Celebration Sparks Controversy

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Iranian footballer Mohammad Mohebi's goal celebration during a World Cup match against New Zealand sparked controversy after some interpreted his hand gesture as a 'gun signal'. Mohebi denied any political intent, stating it was a spontaneous reaction.

Serena's return puts familiar force at centre of Wimbledon

Serena's return puts familiar force at centre of Wimbledon

Rediff.com1 days ago

The 23-time Grand Slam champion has become the undisputed headline act at a tournament at which she has won seven singles titles and six doubles crowns with sister Venus.

FIFA World Cup: Brazil's players celebrate coach Ancelotti's birthday during training

FIFA World Cup: Brazil's players celebrate coach Ancelotti's birthday during training

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Brazil is preparing for their World Cup opener against Morocco without star forward Neymar, who is recovering from a calf injury.

DR Congo Unlikely To Change FIFA World Cup Plans Despite Ebola Warning

DR Congo Unlikely To Change FIFA World Cup Plans Despite Ebola Warning

Rediff.com23 May 2026

The Democratic Republic of Congo plans to continue its preparations for the 2026 World Cup despite a warning from the United States about a potential Ebola outbreak.

Why players trust Shreyas Iyer completely

Why players trust Shreyas Iyer completely

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Shreyas Iyer has emerged as a calm and confident T20 leader, earning praise for his sharp tactics, composed decision-making, and strong support for his players under pressure.

Messi injury scare rocks Argentina before FIFA World Cup 2026

Messi injury scare rocks Argentina before FIFA World Cup 2026

Rediff.com25 May 2026

Lionel Messi sparked injury concerns after he left the field in the 73rd minute of Inter Miami CF's 6-4 victory over Philadelphia Union

Why Kolkata's Messi Statue Is Being Taken Down

Why Kolkata's Messi Statue Is Being Taken Down

Rediff.com28 May 2026

The 70-foot statue of Lionel Messi in Kolkata, West Bengal, is set to be dismantled due to safety concerns after being found unstable in the wind.

Neymar breaks down in tears after FIFA 2026 World Cup call-up

Neymar breaks down in tears after FIFA 2026 World Cup call-up

Rediff.com20 May 2026

Brazilian football star Neymar Jr. shares his emotional response to being included in the FIFA World Cup squad, expressing gratitude for the support he received during his journey.

41-Year-Old Ronaldo Still Breaking Records

41-Year-Old Ronaldo Still Breaking Records

Rediff.com8 May 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo reached a major milestone, scoring his 100th goal in the Saudi Pro League during Al-Nassr's 4-2 victory over Al-Shabab. The Portuguese superstar's goal, along with Joao Felix's hat-trick, helped Al-Nassr maintain their position at the top of the league standings.

Will Indians Get To Watch FIFA World Cup 2026?

Will Indians Get To Watch FIFA World Cup 2026?

Rediff.com21 May 2026

With less than a month to go, football fans have all fingers -- and toes -- crossed, notes Kanika Datta.

Casemiro hails Carrick's impact, backs him for full-time role at Man United

Casemiro hails Carrick's impact, backs him for full-time role at Man United

Rediff.com6 May 2026

Casemiro backs Michael Carrick for the permanent Manchester United job after a strong run that lifted the club to third in the Premier League.

ICC Proposes Expansion of World Test Championship to 12 Teams

ICC Proposes Expansion of World Test Championship to 12 Teams

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

The ICC is considering expanding the World Test Championship to include Zimbabwe, Afghanistan, and Ireland, with a proposal to be presented to the Board of Directors.

Pat Cummins seeks clearance from Cricket Australia for IPL participation

Pat Cummins seeks clearance from Cricket Australia for IPL participation

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

Sunrisers Hyderabad captain Pat Cummins has returned to Australia for a final scan on his injured back to gain clearance for the second phase of the Indian Premier League (IPL). He is expected to rejoin the squad on April 17 if cleared.

Formula One enters a new era. Here's what you need to know

Formula One enters a new era. Here's what you need to know

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

New cars, new engines, change in qualifying, one rookie are among the many updates from the 2026 F1 season.

Former BCCI President I S Bindra Passes Into The Ages

Former BCCI President I S Bindra Passes Into The Ages

Rediff.com26 Jan 2026

Inderjit Singh Bindra served as the BCCI president from 1993 to 1996, and was also the president of the Punjab Cricket Association from 1978 to 2014

Hazlewood 'on track' to start T20 World Cup

Hazlewood 'on track' to start T20 World Cup

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

With their Ashes hero Mitchell Starc retiring from T20 internationals, Xavier Bartlett is set to claim the second pace bowling slot in the group stage of the World Cup.

Messi eyes club ownership after hanging up boots

Messi eyes club ownership after hanging up boots

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

Lionel Messi eyes owning a club after playing days are done

Inderjit Singh Bindra: Architect of Modern Indian Cricket

Inderjit Singh Bindra: Architect of Modern Indian Cricket

Rediff.com27 Jan 2026

As he is laid to rest, Indian cricket bids farewell to one of its greatest administrators -- a visionary who understood that breaking monopolies and building stadiums were about the same thing: Giving millions of cricket-loving Indians the infrastructure worthy of their passion.

Will Sinner be fit for US Open?

Will Sinner be fit for US Open?

Rediff.com21 Aug 2025

Sinner's coach Darren Cahill said the Australian Open and Wimbledon champion was suffering from a virus.

NBA stars among dozens arrested in illegal gambling probe

NBA stars among dozens arrested in illegal gambling probe

Rediff.com24 Oct 2025

Chauncey Billups, an NBA Hall of Fame player and head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers, and Terry Rozier, a guard with the Miami Heat, were among more than 30 people charged on Thursday.

Swift-Kelce engagement gets US Open buzzing

Swift-Kelce engagement gets US Open buzzing

Rediff.com27 Aug 2025

Swift and Kelce, whose announcement earned more than 18 million Instagram likes, headlined the A-listers in the crowd at the men's final last year, where Jannik Sinner ensured a "cruel summer" for another Taylor -- Fritz -- in a three-set defeat.

Nations League: Portugal's win soured after spectator dies

Nations League: Portugal's win soured after spectator dies

Rediff.com9 Jun 2025

'It casts a pall on our victory today.

Fan asked to cover Pak shirt during Ind-Eng 4th Test!

Fan asked to cover Pak shirt during Ind-Eng 4th Test!

Rediff.com28 Jul 2025

Adding another layer of controversy to an already strained India-Pakistan cricket ties, a fan wearing a Pakistan cricket jersey was reportedly asked to cover it up by security officials during the fourth Test between England and India at Old Trafford in Manchester.

'Siraj is India's new bowling leader'

'Siraj is India's new bowling leader'

Rediff.com5 Aug 2025

Siraj, who bowled 185.3 overs in five Tests, ended with 23 wickets and his nine-for in the final Test at the Oval earned India a memorable series levelling six-run win over England.

How Lankan bowler foxed Bangla batters with both hands

How Lankan bowler foxed Bangla batters with both hands

Rediff.com18 Jun 2025

Sri Lanka debutant Rathnayake changes bowling arm to target batter's weakness

'Lord's win a testament to England's adaptability'

'Lord's win a testament to England's adaptability'

Rediff.com21 Jul 2025

England's 22-run victory against India at Lord's was a shining example of the team's ability to break free from their one-dimensional aggressive brand of cricket and adapt as per the need of the hour, pacer Brydon Carse said ahead of fourth Test starting in Manchester on Wednesday.

Women's boxing had its biggest night - here's why

Women's boxing had its biggest night - here's why

Rediff.com14 Jul 2025

The highly anticipated trilogy fight between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano at the weekend was not only a win for the sport but could ultimately prove to be a game-changing moment for women's boxing.

ICC set to relaunch defunct T20 tournament

ICC set to relaunch defunct T20 tournament

Rediff.com20 Jul 2025

'And there are very clear indicators of what fans want. There is enough data to suggest what direction the game is going in.'

CONCACAF chief opposes 64-team World Cup 2030 proposal

CONCACAF chief opposes 64-team World Cup 2030 proposal

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

A 64-team World Cup in 2030 should not be considered, CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani has said, joining some other confederations in opposing a plan presented by CONMEBOL.

Australian Open 2025: Must-Know Dates and Details

Australian Open 2025: Must-Know Dates and Details

Rediff.com24 Dec 2024

Here is what you need to know about the year's Australian Open:

Temba, The Warrior Of Hope in South African Cricket

Temba, The Warrior Of Hope in South African Cricket

Rediff.com15 Jun 2025

For the world, it is another victory of a cricket team, but for all those Black South Africans, who suffered during apartheid, it come as a sweet redemption.

Shuks' Space Flight: 'A Leapfrog Moment For India'

Shuks' Space Flight: 'A Leapfrog Moment For India'

Rediff.com11 Jun 2025

'You can imagine for India what Shuks means not just to the billions of people in India but the entire Indian diaspora around the world.'

Mexican referee seeks Messi's autograph; disciplined!

Mexican referee seeks Messi's autograph; disciplined!

Rediff.com22 Feb 2025

Mexican referee Marco Antonio Ortiz Nava found out the hard way that there are consequences for seeking an autograph from eight-time Ballon d'Or winner and World Cup winner Lionel Messi -- he was hit with a CONCACAF disciplinary sanction.

ESPN acquires Cricinfo

ESPN acquires Cricinfo

Rediff.com11 Jun 2007

Leading broadcaster ESPN has acquired pioneering cricket website Cricinfo.

'Kohli Just Went Overboard'

'Kohli Just Went Overboard'

Rediff.com9 Jan 2025

'Physical contact in Melbourne and the sandpaper incident in Sydney were out of line.'

Commentator fired for Venus 'guerilla' remark suing ESPN

Commentator fired for Venus 'guerilla' remark suing ESPN

Rediff.com15 Feb 2017

Adler, who has since apologised for how he spoke about Williams, has maintained that he was describing the African-American 13th seed's aggressive style of charging as the "guerilla effect" and not comparing her to a "gorilla."