With a deal already edging closer to signing Jorrel Hato from Ajax, Chelsea have also now reportedly made their first contact to sign a fresh attacking reinforcement.

Chelsea closing in on Hato

As ever, Chelsea have welcomed several fresh faces this summer. As Enzo Maresca gears up for his second season in charge, he now has the likes of Joao Pedro, Liam Delap and Jamie Gittens at his disposal in what remains a squad filled to the brim with quality in depth.

The Blues haven’t quite wrapped up their summer business just yet, however. After showing the door to Noni Madueke, who joined London rivals Arsenal, and Saudi-bound Joao Felix, those at Stamford Bridge still have money to spend and have turned towards Hato as a result.

The 19-year-old left-back now looks destined to become the latest young talent to arrive in West London, as Chelsea continue to build one of the youngest squads in the Premier League.

Hato’s tender age is unlikely to stand in the way of first-team opportunities, though. The Dutchman already has plenty of experience on that front and even graced the Europa League for Ajax last season.

One of many to have praised Hato, Statman Dave recently told BBC Radio 5 Live’s Big Transfer Talk: “When you look at his stats over the season, we are starting to see a player who is very composed and creative. He could potentially go on a similar path to Trent Alexander-Arnold – that is the player I would liken him to in Europe.”

Better signing than Simons: Chelsea poised to bid for "electric" £40m star

With Xavi Simons set to sign for Chelsea, are the Blues about to bring in an even better attacker from a PL rival described as “electric”?

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Alas, it’s not just their backline that Chelsea still want to improve. The Blues have also reportedly made their first move to sign a Serie A star.

Chelsea make first approach to sign Weah

According to SpazioJ, Chelsea have made their first approach to sign Timothy Weah from Juventus, only for the American to turn down a summer switch to Stamford Bridge.

It’s not the first time that the winger has turned down the chance to join a Premier League club, either. Earlier this summer, reports emerged that he had handed Nottingham Forest the same answer that he has now given Chelsea and Tottenham. Just where his future now lies as a result is the big question.

Juventus are still willing to sell Weah for around €20m (£17m) ahead of next season, but it remains to be seen whether the likes of Chelsea come calling with a second attempt to convince the 25-year-old.

After scoring six goals and providing five assists in all competitions last season, former Juventus boss Thiago Motta took the chance to praise Weah – telling reporters: “I see him very well, the first thing for a full-back is to defend, be aggressive, win duels, and he is winning a lot of them. He is aggressive, he can still improve, I am very happy with what I see, and on top of that, he also manages to score goals.”

Alice Capsey will join England Women’s T20I squad for their tour of South Africa after earning a belated call-up to cover for injury.Capsey, who was initially left out of the touring party amid an extended form slump with the bat, has left WBBL side Melbourne Renegades to join her England team-mates in South Africa today.England said her recall was due to “a couple of minor injury concerns within the squad” but would not elaborate, adding only that all squad members were taking part in a light training session on Monday amid “a couple of niggles, nothing major”.Capsey made a top score of 19 in three innings at last month’s T20 World Cup, where England failed to reach the knockouts. Since then, she has scored 72 runs in eight innings at the WBBL, where she is currently the third-highest wicket-taker with 13 at an average of 13.23 and economy rate of 7.21, including a best of 5 for 25 in a losing cause against Perth Scorchers.Capsey and the injured Dani Gibson were the only members of the T20 World Cup squad not included in the original group bound for South Africa, with middle-order batter Paige Scholfield and fast bowler Lauren Filer called up after missing out on the World Cup. Scholfield made her England debut on the tour of Ireland in September.South Africa host England in three T20Is from November 24 in East London, followed by three ODIs and ending with a Test in Bloemfontein.

A couple of years ago, Kobbie Mainoo was seen as the latest talent to emerge out of the Manchester United academy, potentially cementing his place in the first-team squad.

The excitement around his performance was understandable, especially after he popped up with key goals, including a late winner against Wolves, before scoring in the FA Cup final back in 2023/24.

However, last year was an injury-hit campaign for the youngster, only making 25 appearances in the Premier League, with just 19 of which coming from a starting position.

Mainoo has also had to face competition from the likes of Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro for the starting role, but has rapidly dropped down Ruben Amorim’s pecking order at Old Trafford.

Things could be about to get a lot worse for the 20-year-old in the months ahead, especially considering the hierarchy are targeting added reinforcements in such an area in the coming weeks.

The latest on United’s hunt for a new midfielder

A new name has entered the mix for United over the last couple of days, with Stuttgart talent Angelo Stiller a player the Red Devils are considering, according to recent reports.

The German, who made 47 appearances across all competitions last season, could be available for around £50m this summer – a potential bargain if they don’t land one other target.

Another player has been firmly in their sights over the last few weeks, with Crystal Palace talent Adam Wharton one option the club are considering, according to one report.

They claim that Amorim’s side have made an approach for the 21-year-old, who helped the Eagles win the FA Cup and Community Shield under Oliver Glasner.

It’s also been confirmed that the player has been valued at around £100m this summer, a potential hefty fee, given he’s only made 36 appearances in England’s top-flight.

Why United’s latest target is a bigger talent than Baleba

It’s no secret that United have been pursuing a move for Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba this summer, even holding talks to land the 21-year-old.

At one stage, it appeared as though a move for the Cameroonian was rapidly progressing, with the player himself open to a switch to move to Old Trafford before the September 1st deadline.

However, a deal has somewhat evaporated over the last couple of days, leading to the Red Devils accepting the Seagulls’ stance that the youngster is not for sale this summer.

As a result, the hierarchy have had to look down other avenues, leading to the recent rumours to land German star Stiller after his rapid rise in the Bundesliga in recent months.

Whilst he would be a superb addition, a move for Wharton must now be the priority, potentially being an expensive pickup, but one that would be worth every penny if he carries on his current trajectory.

In his short career, he’s already picked up two more trophies than Baleba, getting a taste for success – something which the Red Devils desperately need in the near future.

When comparing their respective stats from the recent campaign, the Englishman managed to massively outperform the Cameroonian in key areas – showcasing why he’d be a bigger talent for Amorim’s side.

Games played

20

34

Goals & assists

2

4

Progressive passes

7.6

3.9

Key passes made

1.8

0.7

Passes into final third

5.3

3.6

Interceptions made

1.6

1.5

Clearances made

1.9

1.4

Carries into final third

1.6

1.5

Recoveries made

7.1

6.6

Wharton, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by HLTCO, notched more passes into the final third and more key passes completed – having the tools to provide the players ahead of him with chances in front of goal.

He also made more recoveries per 90 and registered more interceptions per 90, outperforming Baleba in such an area – highlighting the defensive quality he possesses.

Given the similarities in the fees touted for the aforementioned duo, either player would be an expensive addition – further showcasing the ambition shown by the board this summer.

The nature of the money involved makes it pivotal that the club make the right decision about whom to sign, with Wharton showcasing that he would be a better addition ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

It would be extremely harsh on Mainoo, with any deal massively disrupting his progress in the side, but unfortunately, the world of football is a cutthroat industry, with the academy graduate needing to try and force himself back into the manager’s plans.

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Morgan Gibbs-White has been a player hugely linked with Tottenham Hotspur throughout this summer window, with Thomas Frank desperately wanting to land the Nottingham Forest star.

The 25-year-old, who registered 15 combined goals and assists in the Premier League last season, looked set to move to North London at one stage – but a deal fell through at the 11th hour.

Despite triggering the £60m release clause in his deal at the City Ground, it quickly emerged that the Reds were unhappy with the move, claiming the Lilywhites had made an illegal approach for his services.

Owner Evangelos Marinakis threatened legal action against Daniel Levy, which saw a deal evaporate, leading to the player signing a new three-year deal in the East Midlands.

Undoubtedly, missing out on the Englishman’s signature will be a bitter blow to the boss and the fans, but other targets have since been drawn up in an attempt to improve the current issue.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new talent this summer

Jack Grealish is a player who has been on Spurs’ radar over recent days, with talks even being held with Manchester City to land the 29-year-old on a temporary basis.

However, they could be set to miss out on the former Aston Villa star, with Everton seemingly taking the lead in the race for his signature before the September 1st deadline.

They haven’t had to look far for other targets, turning their attention towards Grealish’s teammate James McAtee, according to TBR Football’s latest update.

They claim that the Lilywhites have already held talks with Pep Guardiola’s side over a move for the 22-year-old, who’s said to be valued at £40m this summer.

However, it also states they aren’t alone in their hunt for the attacking midfielder, with Nottingham Forest also keen on adding the youngster to their ranks in the coming weeks.

Why Spurs’ latest target would be their answer to Gibbs-White

Current boss Frank has previously stated his admiration for Gibbs-White, which could make missing out on his signature a disappointment ahead of the new season.

However, it should be taken as a positive, with the hierarchy evidently wanting to back the new manager in his quest for success during his first year in charge.

Such funds could easily go towards other additions, desperately needing reinforcements in such an area after James Maddison suffered an ACL injury in the pre-season clash against Newcastle United.

It’s vital that the club get the right option to help push Frank’s side towards an upwards trajectory, needing to evaluate all the players currently on their radar.

However, McAtee should be a star at the top of the list, with the youngster already highlighting the talent he possesses despite his limited action and his tender age.

When comparing his stats to those of Gibbs-White, he’s managed to match or better him in numerous key areas from the 2024/25 campaign, potentially being the Lilywhites’ own version of the Forest talisman.

McAtee, who’s been labelled “exceptional” by boss Guardiola, posted a higher shot on target accuracy rate, along with a better goal and assist rate per 90, arguably being a more effective option in front of goal.

He also achieved a better pass completion rate, whilst making more carries into the final third, which could make him a bigger threat to the opposition with the ball at his feet – bolstering the quality Frank has at his disposal in attacking areas.

The City star’s dominance is further reflected in his higher tally of crosses completed per 90, and average touches in the opposition box – able to provide the goods for others, whilst getting on the end of players who set him up in front of goal.

£40m may appear to be a hefty sum for a player with just 15 league appearances last season, but he’s already showcased he’s better than Gibbs-White in various key areas.

If he can continue on the current track he’s on, he will develop into a much bigger star than the Forest number ten, with missing out on his signature potentially a blessing in disguise.

Frank's own Mbappe: Spurs to make huge £52m bid for "world-class" talent

Tottenham Hotspur have made their move to land a new elite-level forward for Thomas Frank.

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Aug 7, 2025

MatériaMais Notícias

O Santos encaminhou proposta pela compra do terreno do CT Rei Pelé ao Governo Federal. O clube estimou gastar cerca de R$ 53,6 milhões na aquisição, de acordo com apuração do LANCE!. As cifras são menores do que a determinação inicial da União, que detém a posse do local.

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Formas de pagamento, amortização dos valores e como eles impactam no orçamento alvinegro também foram fatores planejados pela diretoria. O centro de treinamento está cedido ao Peixe desde 1996 e pertence à Secretaria de Patrimônio da União (SPU), órgãodo Ministério da Economia responsável pela gestão do Patrimônio da União.

> Renato Augusto, Everton Ribeiro, Fábio… Veja 50 jogadores que podem assinar pré-contrato em julho

QUAL É A PROPOSTA DO SANTOS

A SPU realizou análise e avaliou o terreno em R$ 71,5 milhões, segundo informado pelo órgão à reportagem. Estas cifras foram divulgadas inicialmente pelo jornal “A Tribuna”. O Santos, no entanto, entende que tem direito a um ‘desconto’ de 25% do montante, chegando aos R$ 53,6 milhões ofertados.

A redução do valor inicial se dá porque, em troca da cessão do espaço, o clube precisaria promover contribuições sociais. A direção alvinegra calculou que, com as benfeitorias, reformas e gastos ao longo dos 27 anos de administração do CT Rei Pelé, os 25% a menos resultam em uma proposta justa.

O Alvinegro pretende efetuar o pagamento dos R$ 53,6 milhões durante 240 meses (20 anos). Porém, o Peixe acredita que pode cumprir o acordo em curto prazo, amortizando a dívida com a venda de jogadores.

COMO AS FINANÇAS SERÃO AFETADAS

O Santos estima para futuros orçamentos que terá uma receita anual de aproximadamente R$ 80 milhões a R$ 100 milhões com a venda de atletas. A proposta apresentada prevê que 10% destas arrecadações sejam utilizados para o pagamento do terreno do CT, reduzindo a dívida em cerca de R$ 8 milhões a R$ 10 milhões por ano, em média.

As despesas com o futebol profissional, a princípio, não serão afetadas, de acordo com o planejamento. É possível que sejam necessários cortes de gastos pontuais para adquirir o local, mas a diretoria entende que investimento em patrimônio é benéfico ao clube.

+ Ex-presidente Jair Bolsonaro ‘ajudou’ Santos a avançar com a compra: entenda

O ANDAMENTO DA PROPOSTA

Em nota ao L!, a Secretaria de Patrimônio da União atualizou como está a tramitação da oferta enviada pelo Santos:

“- A proposta já foi avaliada. A SPU recepcionou o laudo de avaliação, estando no momento em trâmite administrativo;

– O processo do imóvel está sendo submetido à autorização de alienação por parte da Unidade Central da SPU, onde serão definidas as condições de alienação em edital de venda;

– O valor considerado pela SPU para a venda do terreno em questão é de R$ 71.500.000,00″

The terms of a “secret” release clause in Harry Kane’s contract at Bayern Munich have been revealed, with it possible that the former Tottenham striker could return to the Premier League in 2026. In order for that to happen, two key conditions must be met – with any suitors in English football likely to be keeping a close eye on events in Germany.

England captain finally lifted trophy curse

Kane, having become Spurs’ all-time leading scorer, stepped out of his comfort zone in 2023 when heading to the Allianz Arena. He had to be patient in pursuit of elusive major honours, but broke his trophy curse when becoming a Bundesliga title winner in 2024-25.

AdvertisementGettyGoal numbers: Kane's record for Bayern

He has since gone on to savour Supercup glory, with his remarkable tally of goals for Bayern standing at 98 through 103 appearances. The 32-year-old has been in red-hot form this season, netting two hat-tricks already, and appears set to make more history.

Shearer's record in Kane's thoughts?

Kane has, however, been generating exit talk in Bavaria. There have been rumours of interest from Barcelona, while a return to England would allow the prolific No.9 to chase down Alan Shearer’s all-time Premier League goals record.

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GettyFee & how to trigger: Kane could leave Munich

According to , there is a £57 million ($77m) clause in Kane’s contract that can be triggered in the summer of 2026. In order for that cut-price fee to become active, the ex-Spurs star must inform Bayern of his intention to leave before the end of the winter window in January.

Sunderland fans will already be planning their journeys down to Burnley on the weekend as the Black Cats’ second Premier League fixture of the new season edges ever closer.

While the Wearside outfit kicked straight into gear in the top-flight with a 3-0 triumph over West Ham United, the Clarets succumbed to a disappointing 3-0 defeat away at Tottenham Hotspur, resulting in both newly promoted sides occupying very different parts of the early table heading into Saturday’s showdown.

Even if Regis Le Bris’ men do follow up their opening day success with a win on the road, expect them to be busy in the transfer department right up until September’s deadline, as a new attacking target now appears on their agenda.

Sunderland gifted chance to sign £17m star

After all, another couple of new signings to add on to their 12 incomings this summer isn’t going to hurt anyone.

The ambitious Black Cats are continuing to be linked with a whole host of exciting names, with FC Copenhagen centre-back Gabriel Pereira reportedly catching their eye at around the £9m mark, on top of Abdul Fatawu also being on their radar in attack.

Unfortunately, Sunderland may well deem a £30m move for the Leicester City winger to be too much money to cough up, despite their excessive spending in the market. Thankfully, this alternative target could do the job instead.

Indeed, as per French outlet RMC, ex-Norwich City forward Jonathan Rowe looks to be leaving Marseille now this summer, owing to a recent altercation with teammate Adrien Rabiot resulting in the Ligue 1 club saying he can depart.

Both players in question have been put up for sale subsequently, with Rowe allegedly available for a fee around the £17m mark, which has piqued Sunderland’s interest – albeit with Serie A side Bologna seemingly at the front of the queue, as Fabrizio Romano has revealed on X.

For significantly less than Fatawu’s asking price, Sunderland could secure themselves a big upgrade on the Ghanaian forward by swooping in for Rowe, irrespective of his bad behaviour under Roberto De Zerbi.

How Rowe compares to Sunderland target Fatawu

Of course, Fatawu is a shining star in his own right for Leicester, with the entertaining 21-year-old up to an impressive seven goals and 15 assists for Marti Cifuentes’ men.

But, it would be deemed an almighty risk to fork out £30m on the Foxes’ number seven all the same, especially if Rowe is waiting in the wings ready to be picked up for £13m less.

Norwich

56

13 + 5

Marseille

31

3 + 4

England U21s

10

3 + 0

Fatawu only has two assists to show for his Premier League troubles at the King Power Stadium. Whereas, Rowe has turned into a competent performer in the French top-flight with Marseille – away from his blistering exploits with Norwich where he bagged a stunning 13 goals from 56 games – despite his time at the Stade Velodrome now turning sour.

Three goals and four assists had come Rowe’s way in the Marseille first-team picture before the recent ill-timed development, with a hope on the former Canaries youth product’s end that he can enter into the Premier League with Sunderland shortly and take the tough division by storm, having matured out in France, away from his boyhood side.

Rowe would surely slot into Le Bris’ team effortlessly, with the England U21 regular showing off his direct, forward-thinking mentality with this sumptuous strike last season in Ligue 1 action, which was the same gung-ho philosophy that saw the Black Cats wipe the floor with Graham Potter’s Hammers.

On the other hand, Fatawu is more known for his unselfish approach – as seen when he created a mammoth 32 big chances in league action during Leicester’s promotion up to the Premier League – with a worrying zero goals next to his name in the demanding English top-flight.

In another reality, Le Bris and Co. do swoop in for Fatawu, as the Frenchman is handed another youthful project.

However, if Sunderland want instant success and another player who can make them a dangerous prospect at the very top, the Premier League newcomers should attempt to land the “scintillating” winger – as he was previously labelled by pundit Carlton Palmer – before the window slams shut.

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Manchester United are now preparing a £130m double swoop for a “world-class” goalkeeper and a “generational” midfielder, according to a report.

Man Utd ramping up pursuit of new goalkeeper and midfielder

Ruben Amorim made it clear he was happy with his side’s performance in their opening Premier League match, despite suffering a 1-0 defeat at home against Arsenal, with the manager saying: “I am proud of the players. I said so many times that the players need to adapt. Intensity, the way they are sprinting. They fought for every duel. They were so brave playing one against one. They were really brave, and I am happy with that.”

However, the difference between the two sides was Riccardo Calafiori’s first-half goal, which came from a Declan Rice corner that Altay Bayindir dealt with poorly, according to both Roy Keane and Micah Richards.

With Andre Onana also suffering widespread criticism since his arrival at Old Trafford, it is little wonder that Amorim is now looking to bring in a new goalkeeper, alongside a midfielder, with Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba known to be well-liked.

However, the Red Devils have halted their pursuit of Baleba, and they have now moved on to an alternative target, according to a report from Spain, which suggests chiefs are prepared to spend big on a midfielder and goalkeeper.

The report states Man United are now willing to shell out a combined €150m (£130m) to get deals for Paris Saint-Germain’s Gianluigi Donnarumma and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton over the line.

The addition of Wharton would ideally provide Bruno Fernandes with more attacking freedom, while signing a new goalkeeper is deemed a top priority for Amorim, following Bayindir’s costly error against the Gunners on Sunday.

Wharton and Donnarumma could be statement signings for Man Utd

Despite being unable to pick up a positive result in the opener against Arsenal, there were some positive signs for Man United, with new signings Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha looking particularly lively.

However, United’s goalkeeper ultimately cost them once again, underlining how vital it is to bring in a replacement before the deadline, and Donnarumma could be a real upgrade, having been lauded as “world-class” by Carlo Ancelotti in the past.

The 26-year-old is proven at the top level, having featured 15 times for PSG en-route to their Champions League final triumph last season, and he should undoubtedly be United’s priority target.

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The Red Devils are feeling more than optimistic…

Posts 1 BySean Markus Clifford Aug 18, 2025

While Wharton is yet to play in Europe’s elite competition, the Englishman is Premier League proven, much like previous arrivals Mbeumo and Cunha, and he clearly has a lot of potential, having been lauded as a “generational talent” by members of the media.

تحدث رودريجو جوس، لاعب الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي ريال مدريد عن علاقته بـ زين الدين زيدان وثنائية مانشستر سيتي الشهيرة وأول هاتريك له في دوري أبطال أوروبا.

وأجرى الدولي البرازيلي حوارًا مطولًا مع صحيفة “آس” الإسبانية تحدث من خلاله حول كارلو أنشيلوتي وعلاقته القوية به ومنتخب البرازيلي وأسرار كثيرة من كواليس انتقاله إلى الفريق الملكي.

وقال رودريجو، عن مباراة مانشستر سيتي الشهيرة: “كان أصعب يوم في حياتي، وكان أيضًا أفضل يوم في حياتي، ويوم العديد من مشجعي ريال مدريد الذين ما زالوا يكتبون لي ليشكروني على هذين الهدفين في دقيقتين، كان الأمر جنونيًا”.

وأكمل: “عند التعادل 1/1، أعلن المذيع الداخلي عن 6 دقائق من الوقت بدل الضائع، وكان الهدف بمثابة التأهل لنا، جنون الجماهير في البرنابيو واحتفلوا بعدد الدقائق كما لو كان هدفًا، هذا أخافهم (يقصد مانشستر سيتي) وفكرت لحظة وقلت في نفسي هل يمكنني تسجيل هدف آخر؟، وفعلت ذلك برأسي، انظروا، كان بإمكاني تسجيل هدف آخر قبل الوقت الإضافي لكن أنقذها إيدرسون، كانت ستُكتب أعظم هاتريك في التاريخ، في اليوم السابق، أخبرت والدي أنني سأسجل ثلاثة أهداف، وفعلت ذلك بالفعل، كان الأمر في رأسي، كان الأمر جنونيًا للغاية”.

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وعن أول مباراة شارك بها بقميص ريال مديد على برنابيو: “نعم، كان الأمر مميزًا للغاية، أتذكره كأنه كان بالأمس، لن أنسى أبدًا عندما اتصل بي زيدان ليخبرني أنني سألعب مباراتي الأولى في البرنابيو، لم أتخيل أبدًا أن يحدث ذلك بهذه السرعة، لطالما حلمت به ولكن عندما يحين الوقت، أشعر بتوتر شديد، أتذكر أن كاسيميرو مرر لي الكرة وسيطرت عليها جيدًا وراوغت وسددت وسكنت الكرة الشباك، كانت بداية مثالية”.

وعن تسجيل هاتريك في أول مباراة له في دوري أبطال أوروبا قال رودريجو: “كنتُ أعتقد أن بيننا رابط مميز، لطالما أحببت هذه البطولة، ثلاثية مثالية (هاتريك) أمام جماهيرنا، كانت البداية رائعة بهذه الطريقة”.

وعن اللعب تحت قيادة زين الدين زيدان: “كان شخصًا عاديًا لكنه أبهرني، نظرت إليه وقلت زيدان يتحدث معي! في الثامنة عشرة من عمري كان كل شيء جديدًا بالنسبة لي، وكان كل شيء مثيرًا للإعجاب، استغرق الأمر مني بعض الوقت لأعتاد عليه وأتقبل أنه مجرد مدربي، وهذا كل شيء، تحدث معي كثيرًا وساعدني وأحببت الوقت الذي قضيته معه”.

UK prime minister weighs in on England’s clash in Lahore after cross-party group of politicians raise concerns

ESPNcricinfo staff07-Jan-2025Keir Starmer, the UK prime minister, has called on the ICC to “deliver on their own rules” when it comes to women’s rights in Afghanistan*, as he weighed into the row over England’s scheduled Champions Trophy clash with the country’s cricketers next month.England are due to face Afghanistan in Lahore on February 26 in their second match of the tournament, and the ECB is under pressure to take action after receiving a letter from the Labour MP Tonia Antoniazzi, signed by a cross-party group of more than 160 politicians, including Jeremy Corbyn, Lord Kinnock and Nigel Farage.The letter raised concerns over the “insidious dystopia” and “sex apartheid” in Afghanistan, where women’s sport has effectively been outlawed since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021. The men’s cricket team has played England twice in this period, solely at ICC global events, including a famous victory in their most recent meeting at the 2023 ODI World Cup.”We strongly urge the England men’s team players and officials to speak out against the horrific treatment of women and girls in Afghanistan under the Taliban,” the letter, addressed to Richard Gould, the ECB’s chief executive, continued.”We also urge the ECB to consider a boycott of the upcoming match against Afghanistan … to send a clear signal that such grotesque abuses will not be tolerated. We must stand against sex apartheid and we implore the ECB to deliver a firm message of solidarity and hope to Afghan women and girls that their suffering has not been overlooked.”Responding to the letter, Gould rejected calls for a boycott, saying that the Taliban regime’s clampdown on women’s rights is a matter that requires a “co-ordinated, ICC-led, response” rather than unilateral action from individual countries.That stance has now received support from Downing Street.”The ICC should clearly deliver on their own rules and make sure that they’re supporting women’s cricket as the ECB do,” the prime minister’s spokesman said. “That’s why we support the fact that the ECB are making representations to the ICC on this issue.”The erosion of women’s and girls’ rights by the Taliban is clearly appalling. We’ll work with the ECB on this issue, we’re in contact with them. Ultimately this is a matter for the ICC in relation to the Champions Trophy.”The situation echoes the dilemma that England’s cricketers faced at the 2003 World Cup, when Nasser Hussain’s team were urged to boycott their group-stage match with Zimbabwe, then led by Robert Mugabe – a decision that was ultimately left to the players, and resulted in a points forfeiture that scuppered their qualification for the tournament’s latter stages.Gould’s response to Antoniazzi confirmed that the ECB has no intention of engaging in a bilateral series with Afghanistan while the Taliban regime is in power, but insisted that their participation at ICC events was a matter for the governing body as a whole, and not for individual members.”The ECB strongly condemns the treatment of women and girls in Afghanistan under the Taliban regime,” Gould wrote. “The ICC constitution mandates that all member nations are committed to the growth and development of women’s cricket. In line with this commitment, the ECB has maintained its position of not scheduling any bilateral cricket matches against Afghanistan,” he continued.”While there has not been a consensus on further international action within the ICC, the ECB will continue to actively advocate for such measures. A coordinated, ICC-wide approach would be significantly more impactful than unilateral actions by individual members.”We acknowledge and respect the diverse perspectives on this global issue,” Gould added. “We understand the concerns raised by those who believe a boycott of men’s cricket could inadvertently support the Taliban’s efforts to suppress freedoms and isolate Afghan society.”It’s crucial to recognise the importance of cricket as a source of hope and positivity for many Afghans, including those displaced from the country. The ECB is committed to finding a solution that upholds the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan while also considering the broader impact on the Afghan people.”We will continue to engage in constructive dialogue with the UK government, other stakeholders, the ICC, and other international cricket boards to explore all possible avenues for meaningful change.”*1900 GMT – This story was updated with Starmer’s response