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☆ Nike shouldn't mess with England flag, UK PM says after new soccer kit design
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-22 | by ( Jenni Reid | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Racks of England's new Nike designed football shirt, with the controversial St George's cross, are displayed for sale in a central London store on March 22, 2024. LONDON — U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Friday said Nike was wrong to "mess with" the design of the flag on the England soccer team's new shirt, as a controversy that began on social media broadened into the political sphere. They feature a small version of the St. George's Cross — which appears on the England flag in red on a white background — on the collar in different shades including purple and blue. The design was criticized by a large number of people on social media who said a national flag should not be altered, while others argued the debate was being overblown. The hashtag #BoycottNike was shared by a significant number of accounts on social media platform X.Sunak on Friday said he "prefers the original," the BBC reported.

Persons: Rishi Sunak, Nike, BoycottNike, Sunak Organizations: Nike, St, LONDON, England soccer, England Football, England, BBC Locations: London, U.S

☆ Las Vegas Grand Prix: ‘Viva Las Vegas,’ sings Max Verstappen as he wins thrilling race
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-19 | by ( Aimee Lewis | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

Unlike in many of the season’s previous races, however, Verstappen did not cruise to victory. Starting second on the grid, it wasn’t until lap 37 that the Dutchman passed Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc to take the race lead. Verstappen said afterwards that the race was “definitely a lot of fun.”“It was a tough one. I tried to go for it at the start,” he told reporters of his attempt to pass Leclerc at Turn 1. Perez, however, did secure second place in the drivers’ championship to ensure Red Bull will end the season with a one-two in the drivers’ championship for the first time.

Persons: Max Verstappen, Red Bull, Elvis Presley, Verstappen, Mike Blake, Reuters Verstappen, Sebastian Vettel, Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, Leclerc, George Russell, ”, ” Leclerc, Sergio Perez, Perez, Red, David Beckham, Jakub Porzycki, Russell, Brad Pitt, Justin Bieber, “, “ I’m Organizations: CNN, Las Vegas, Vegas, Sin City, Prix, Red Bull, Reuters, Mercedes, Hamilton, England Locations: Sin, Vegas, Austin, Miami, Turn

☆ Vatican confirms ban on Catholics becoming Freemasons
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-15 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Pope Francis gestures as he leaves after the weekly general audience, in Saint Peter's Square at the Vatican, November 15, 2023. REUTERS/Remo Casilli Acquire Licensing RightsVATICAN CITY, Nov 15 (Reuters) - The Vatican has confirmed a ban on Catholics becoming Freemasons, a centuries-old secretive society that the Catholic Church has long viewed with hostility and has an estimated global membership of up to six million. "Active membership in Freemasonry by a member of the faithful is prohibited, because of the irreconcilability between Catholic doctrine and Freemasonry," the Vatican's doctrinal office said in a letter published by Vatican media on Wednesday. The letter on Freemasons cited a 1983 declaration, signed by the late Pope Benedict XVI, at the time the Vatican's doctrine chief, stating that Catholics "in Masonic associations are in a state of grave sin and may not receive Holy Communion". The group says it has 180,000 male members, with two parallel female lodges in England having another 5,000 members, and estimates global Freemasonry membership at around six million.

Persons: Pope Francis, Remo Casilli, Pope Benedict XVI, Queen Elizabeth's, Prince Philip, Winston Churchill, Peter Sellers, Alf Ramsey, Rudyard Kipling, Arthur Conan Doyle, Alvise Armellini, Nick Macfie Organizations: Vatican, REUTERS, CITY, Freemasons, Catholic Church, United, Lodge of, Thomson Locations: Saint Peter's, Philippines, Lodge of England, England

☆ Kohli's record 50th ton helps India set New Zealand 398-run target
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-15 | by ( Sudipto Ganguly | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The venue, where India won their last 50-overs World Cup title, has hosted four day-night contests so far at this tournament with three of those being won by the team batting first. Australia were the only team to win batting second at the ground after Glenn Maxwell hit an unbeaten double hundred. India have looked invincible so far, winning all nine of their round robin matches including a four-wicket victory over the Black Caps in Dharamsala. New Zealand, however, defeated India at the same stage of the 2019 edition. Reporting by Sudipto Ganguly; editing by Peter Rutherford and Christian RadnedgeOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: India's Virat Kohli, Devon Conway, Tim Southee REUTERS, Adnan Abidi, Virat Kohli, Kohli's, Sachin Tendulkar, Lockie Ferguson, Kohli, Tendulkar, David Beckham, Tim Southee, Shreyas, Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Gill, Glenn Maxwell, Sudipto Ganguly, Peter Rutherford Organizations: Cricket, ICC Cricket, New Zealand, Wankhede, Rights, England, India, Black, Christian, Thomson Locations: India, New, Mumbai, Rights MUMBAI, Australia, Dharamsala . New Zealand, South Africa, Eden, Ahmedabad

☆ Vatican Confirms Ban on Catholics Becoming Freemasons
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-15 | by ( Nov. | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +2 min

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - The Vatican has confirmed a ban on Catholics becoming Freemasons, a centuries-old secretive society that the Catholic Church has long viewed with hostility and has an estimated global membership of up to six million. "Active membership in Freemasonry by a member of the faithful is prohibited, because of the irreconcilability between Catholic doctrine and Freemasonry," the Vatican's doctrinal office said in a letter published by Vatican media on Wednesday. The same office said last week that transgender people can be baptized, serve as godparents and act as witnesses at Catholic weddings. The letter on Freemasons cited a 1983 declaration, signed by the late Pope Benedict XVI, at the time the Vatican's doctrine chief, stating that Catholics "in Masonic associations are in a state of grave sin and may not receive Holy Communion". The group says it has 180,000 male members, with two parallel female lodges in England having another 5,000 members, and estimates global Freemasonry membership at around six million.

Persons: Pope Francis, Pope Benedict XVI, Queen Elizabeth's, Prince Philip, Winston Churchill, Peter Sellers, Alf Ramsey, Rudyard Kipling, Arthur Conan Doyle, Alvise Armellini, Nick Macfie Organizations: VATICAN CITY, Vatican, Freemasons, Catholic Church, United, Lodge of Locations: Philippines, Lodge of England, England

MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Bobby Charlton, an English soccer icon who survived a plane crash that decimated a Manchester United team destined for greatness to become the heartbeat of his country's 1966 World Cup-winning team, has died. “Sir Bobby was a hero to millions, not just in Manchester, or the United Kingdom, but wherever football is played around the world,” United said. “There was always one great hope — the return to greatness of my beloved club,” Charlton said. The biggest prize of his club career arrived in 1968 as United became the first English club to become champion of Europe. But Charlton is perhaps best known for being part of the England team that won the World Cup.

Persons: — Bobby Charlton, Charlton, Wayne Rooney, “ Sir Bobby, ” United, “, Sir Bobby, Alex Ferguson, ” “ Bobby Charlton, ” Ferguson, George Best, Denis Law, United, Busby, ”, Bill Foulkes, Rooney, Ryan Giggs, —, David Beckham, Ferguson, Queen Elizabeth II, ” Robert Charlton, Bobby, Jack, ” Charlton, Robert —, Charlton’s, Matt Busby groaning, Duncan Edwards, Eusebio, Bobby Charlton, Nobby Stiles, Marcus Rashford, Norma, ___ Organizations: Manchester United, United, England, ”, Portugal, West Germany, Wigan, Irish, Waterford, Best, Charlton, Leeds, Red Star Belgrade, FA, Benfica Locations: MANCHESTER, England, United, Manchester, United Kingdom, Munich, Preston, Old Trafford, United’s, Ashington, Germany, Europe, Portugal

☆ David Beckham on Netflix: What the new documentary reveals about the soccer icon
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-04 | by ( Issy Ronald | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

CNN —One of the most recognizable people in the world, David Beckham has a well-trodden story: a former England soccer captain, married to a Spice Girl and now the owner of Major League Soccer club Inter Miami. But, as it turns out, Victoria Beckham is “not into football” and never will be, she says in the documentary, despite marrying one of the sport’s most recognizable figures. David and Victoria Beckham pictured in April 2004. Bruno Vincent/Getty Images“I don’t know how we got through it in all honesty,” Beckham said haltingly in the documentary. David Beckham enjoys beekeepingAfter retiring from football, Beckham has become a co-owner of Inter Miami and found some other ways to occupy his time too, including beekeeping and cooking.

Persons: David Beckham, “ Brand Beckham, David, Victoria Beckham, Fisher Stevens, “, ”, Victoria, Mel C, Beckham, Bruno Vincent, ” Beckham, haltingly, Diego Simeone, David Gardner, –, Cruz, Jennifer Lopez, …, “ You’ve, Anthony Harvey, Shutterstock, Lopez Organizations: CNN, England soccer, Major League Soccer, Inter Miami, Netflix, ”, Manchester United, British, “, Real, Getty, Argentina, England Locations: England, Beckham, Real Madrid, Victoria, ”, Beyoncé

Soccer Football - FIFA Women's World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 - Final - Fans in London watch Spain v England - BOXPARK Wembley, London, Britain - August 20, 2023 England fans react after England lose the world cup final Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge Acquire Licensing RightsLONDON, Aug 20 (Reuters) - England soccer fans went home in bitter disappointment on Sunday after losing the Women's World Cup final 1-0 to Spain, but in defeat many of them also found inspiration and hope for future generations in the sport. "They might have not won, and it's so sad, but they've done so much for women's football, and that's what matters," said Jennifer Maidment, a 25-year-old student who watched the game in London. The scale of the national excitement reflected the growing public profile of women's soccer in England, where the team's run to the final built on their victory at the European Championship last year. "We never had any role models as girls when we were younger, so to have role models now is amazing. For older generations, the progress since the first England women's international match in 1972 was clear.

Persons: Andrew Couldridge, Jennifer Maidment, Kaitlin Howard, Pat Davies, Ben Makori, Hannah Ellison, William James Our Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA, England, Wembley, of England, European, Woking Football Club, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, London, Spain, Britain, England, Sydney

☆ UK GDP jump offers little relief to BoE
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-11 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The larger-than-forecast 0.5% rise in GDP in June meant that output grew 0.2% in the second quarter compared to the previous three months. That’s a modest acceleration but not enough to force the Bank of England to hike rates again in September. Jeremy Hunt, Britain’s finance minister, was quick to claim credit for the GDP numbers. Less rational is the sharp jump in sterling and UK bond yields, fuelled by market expectations that the BoE will now have to raise rates in September. Sure, June GDP numbers were strong but they were flattered by the absence of the bank holiday that had depressed May’s figures.

Persons: That’s, Jeremy Hunt, BoE, Francesco Guerrera, Aimee Donnellan, Streisand Neto Organizations: Reuters, England soccer, Bank of, Conservative, Twitter, Siemens, Thomson Locations: Bank of England, Britain

☆ Dele Alli: Soccer star says he was molested during chaotic childhood. Two decades later he entered rehab.
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-13 | by ( Thomas Schlachter | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

“If God created people, it was them,” Alli told Neville of his adopted family. I decided to go to a modern day rehab facility for addiction, mental health and trauma” said Alli. It’s something people don’t want to do, going into rehab, it definitely sounds scary. The former Spurs star added that he had only checked out of rehab three weeks prior to appearing on Neville’s podcast. If you are outside of the US, please check CALM’s list of international services offering mental health support.

Persons: Dele Alli, ” Alli, Gary Neville, “, ”, Alli, we’ve, Neville, they’ve, Dan Istitene, can’t, Everton, ” Everton, “ It’s Organizations: CNN, England, Manchester United, Daily Mail, Turkish Süper Lig, Beşiktaş, Everton, English Premier League, Premier League, Turkish, Seskim, Tottenham Hotspur, Spurs, Tottenham, English Football Association, PFA, ’ Association, Chance, The FA Locations: Africa, Turkey

☆ BBC chairman resigns after controversy involving loan deal for former PM Boris Johnson
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-28 | by ( Peter Wilkinson | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

London CNN —The embattled chairman of the British Broadcasting Corporaration (BBC), Richard Sharp, resigned on Friday after a report found he failed to disclose his involvement in facilitating a loan of almost $1 million to former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Sharp claimed the breach was “inadvertent and not material,” but said he was resigning to “prioritise the interests of the BBC.” He had previously denied involvement in the arrangement, or the existence of a conflict of interest as the loan happened before his appointment as head of the public broadcaster. Adam Heppinstall’s report however found Sharp “failed to disclose potential perceived conflicts of interest” to the cross-party panel of MPs which advised ministers on who to appoint. “There may well have been a risk of a perception that Mr Sharp would not be independent from the former Prime Minister, if appointed,” the report said. The former England soccer captain was later reinstated after his fellow presenters refused to go on air without him, and the corporation announced a review into what freelancers outside of its news arm (such as Lineker) can and cannot say on social media.

☆ An elite soccer player criticized Elon Musk as 'some crazy dude' after Twitter took away his blue checkmark
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-21 | by ( Pete Syme | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Twitter removed the blue checkmarks on Thursday for all users who didn't subscribe to Twitter Blue. That included several of the English Premier League's elite soccer players, who hit back at Elon Musk. Elite soccer players from England's Premier League took aim at Elon Musk after their blue checkmarks were taken away on Thursday. Twitter Blue led to several trolls impersonating high-profile accounts, while those who've paid for the blue checkmark have been mocked. Meanwhile, Gary Lineker — a former England soccer player who now hosts the BBC's "Match of the Day" — said he had subscribed to Twitter Blue.

☆ Oh Canada, is this the year the Stanley Cup comes home?
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-15 | by ( Steve Keating | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

Not since the Montreal Canadiens beat the Los Angeles Kings in 1993 has the Stanley Cup been paraded through a Canadian city, an ego-deflating run of failure that has scarred a generation of fans. After winning the Stanley Cup in 1967, Maple Leafs defenceman Larry Hillman allegedly jinxed the team, saying they would not win it again until the club settled a contract dispute and paid him the $2,400 plus interest he believed he was owed. The Maple Leafs' big misfortune is playing in the same division as the Boston Bruins, who this season set NHL records for wins (65) and points (135), and the Tampa Bay Lightning, Stanley Cup finalists for the last three years. These two teams are once again hurdles that must be cleared on the way to a Stanley Cup. When the playoffs open on Monday, the Oilers will be the first of the Canadian teams to hit the ice, hosting the Los Angeles Kings in Game One of their best-of-seven series.

☆ Britain's BBC battles mutiny in its sports department after social media clash
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-13 | by ( Hannah Ward-Glenton | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Gary Lineker's tweets and the BBC's response caused public backlash and a weekend of disrupted sports programing as fellow presenters walked out in protest. LONDON — The BBC, Britain's public service broadcaster, is trying to navigate itself out of crisis mode following a mutiny within its sports department regarding social media usage. The BBC suspended Lineker, who is employed by the broadcaster on a freelance basis, on Friday. "We consider [Lineker's] recent social media activity to be a breach of our guidelines," a BBC statement read. The BBC's response led to walkouts among Lineker's colleagues, which disrupted sports programing across Saturday and Sunday.

☆ Lineker row grows as another BBC soccer presenter pulls out
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-11 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Other presenters have also pulled out of BBC appearances after former England soccer captain Lineker, who presents the flagship "Match of the Day" soccer highlights programme, was taken off air by the BBC on Friday. Jason Mohammad, who presents the BBC's "Final Score", also said on Saturday that he has pulled out of his programme. "As you know, Final Score is a TV show very close to my heart," Mohammad wrote on Twitter. Presenter Kelly Sommers, who has appeared on a number of BBC shows, wrote on Twitter on Saturday: "just to confirm I won't be on BBC television today." The BBC said that neither "Football Focus" nor "Final Score" would air on Saturday.

LONDON, March 10 (Reuters) - Former England soccer captain Gary Lineker will step back from his role at the BBC following his criticism of the country's migration policy that has sparked a furious row between the government and the corporation's highest paid presenter. Lineker recently likened the government's language on asylum seekers to that used by Germany in the 1930s. Lineker has hosted Match of the Day for more than 20 years and the charismatic 62-year-old has never been afraid to voice his opinions about political issues. The BBC said it considered Lineker's recent social media activity to be a breach of its guidelines. Reporting by James Davey; writing by Kate Holton; editing by Muvija MOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Reaction to Lineker being pulled from presenting by the BBC
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-10 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

But the decision to take Gary Lineker off air is indefensible. LABOUR PARTY LEADER KEIR STARMER"The BBC is not acting impartially by caving in to Tory MPs who are complaining about Gary Lineker." FORMER LABOUR LEADER JEREMY CORBYN"Well done Gary Lineker for standing up for refugees. FORMER CULTURE SECRETARY NADINE DORRIES"News that Gary Lineker has been stood down for investigation is welcome and shows BBC are serious about impartiality." "The perception out there is going to be that Gary Lineker, a much-loved television presenter, was taken off air after government pressure on a particular issue."

The row overshadowed a migration deal struck between British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and French President Emmanuel Macron, with the BBC accused of bowing to political pressure. "Gary Lineker off air is an assault on free speech in the face of political pressure," the opposition Labour party said, calling for the BBC to re-think its decision. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport said: "Individual cases are a matter for the BBC." MOTD commentator Steve Wilson later tweeted that the show's commentators had also pulled out from Saturday's broadcast, leaving BBC management reliant on World Feed commentary. But the BBC said it considered his recent social media activity to be a breach of its guidelines.

☆ Britain denies plan to expel asylum seekers breaks law
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-08 | by ( Andrew Macaskill | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

"We are confident that we are complying with the law, domestic and international," she told the BBC. Under the government's plans, almost all asylum seekers who reach Britain in small boats will be detained without bail before they are deported to their home country or, if this is not safe, another destination such as Rwanda. They will also lose the right to challenge their deportation while in Britain, and once deported will be automatically banned from returning. Last year, a record 45,000 people came to Britain in small boats across the Channel, mainly from France. If everyone who arrived in small boats last year were detained, this would be equal to about half of Britain's total prison population.

☆ Queen guitarist Brian May, Lionesses top king's U.K. New Year's honors list
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-31 | by ( Associated Press | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +3 min

Those at the forefront of the U.K.’s response to Russia’s war in Ukraine joined Queen guitarist Brian May and a fashion designer dubbed “the mother of the miniskirt” on the country’s New Year’s Honors list on Friday. May, who is also an animal welfare campaigner, was appointed a knight bachelor for his services to music and charity. England captain Leah Williamson received an OBE, while teammates Lucy Bronze, Beth Mead and Ellen White were all made MBEs. U.K. monarchs have awarded honors as part of orders of chivalry since the Middle Ages. Britain’s chief rabbi, Ephraim Mirvis, who received a knighthood, was among several Jewish community leaders to be recognized.

☆ Raheem Sterling: England star leaves Qatar after intruders break into family home
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-05 | by ( Cnn Sport Staff | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —England soccer star Raheem Sterling is returning home from the World Cup in Qatar after intruders broke into his family home. Surrey Police told CNN on Monday that it is investigating a report of a burglary at an address in Oxshott, Leatherhead after the occupants returned home from an international trip. “Officers attended the address later that night and returned to speak to the occupants this morning,” said a police statement. England faces France in the World Cup quarterfinals on Saturday. The Chelsea forward played in England’s first two games in the group stages of the World Cup and scored in the team’s 6-2 victory against Iran.

CNN —England soccer star Raheem Sterling is returning home from the World Cup in Qatar after armed intruders broke into his home while his family were inside, a person with knowledge of the situation told CNN. The incident happened on Saturday evening, the individual told CNN, and Sterling is said to be “shaken” and “concerned” about the well-being of his children after the break-in. “Police were contacted just before 9pm on Saturday December 3rd after the occupants of the property came home and discovered a number of items including jewellery and watches had been stolen,” a spokesperson from Surrey Police told CNN. We’re obviously mindful of him being allowed space and privacy respected so we don’t want to talk in too much detail. The Chelsea forward played in England’s first two games in the group stages of the World Cup and scored in the team’s 6-2 victory against Iran.

☆ England soccer fans have been warned not to dress up as medieval Christian crusaders in Qatar, the first Islamic country to host the World Cup, report says
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-25 | by ( Bethany Dawson | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

England fans have been banned from dressing up as Christian crusaders at World Cup matches. It has been ruled that fans outfitted as crusader knights, including chain mail and carrying plastic swords, is "offensive" to Muslims, The Times reports. The Times reports that two English fans dressed as crusaders were turned away from the England game against Iran on Monday. The announcement came hours before England plays the USA at the 60,000-seater Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, north of Doha, at 2 p.m EST. Dressing as a medieval knight sporting the flag of St George has become popular among football fans attending England games in recent years.

☆ UK comedian faked shredding money over Beckham's Qatar World Cup deal
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-21 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

LONDON, Nov 21 (Reuters) - A British comedian who appeared to shred 10,000 pounds in banknotes in protest at the former England soccer captain David Beckham's decision to take on a role as an ambassador for Qatar at the World Cup said on Monday he faked the stunt. Beckham, who played for Manchester United and Real Madrid as a midfielder, is working for Qatar, which has been criticised for its treatment of foreign workers, LGBTQ+ rights and restrictive social laws. Joe Lycett said last week he would donate the money to charity if Beckham agreed to cut ties with the World Cup host or he would shred the money before the tournament began. On Sunday, he appeared to put the money into a woodchipper but now said he never actually shredded the cash and money has instead been donated to a LGBTQ+ charity. Homosexuality is illegal in Qatar and the country's organisers of the World Cup have warned visitors against public displays of affection but say that everyone, no matter their sexual orientation or background, is welcome at the event.

☆ UK comedian shreds 10,000 pounds over David Beckham Qatar World Cup deal
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-20 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

LONDON, Nov 20 (Reuters) - A British comedian shredded 10,000 pounds ($11,900) in bank notes after giving the former England soccer captain David Beckham an ultimatum to pull out of his role as an ambassador for Qatar at the World Cup. Beckham, who played for Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder, is working for Qatar, which has been criticised for its treatment of foreign workers, LGBTQ+ rights and restrictive social laws. Joe Lycett said last week he would donate the money to charity if Beckham agreed to cut ties with the World Cup host or he would shred the money before the tournament began. Lycett earlier said Beckham was a "a gay icon" who was working for Qatar, which is "one of the worst places in the world to be gay". Homosexuality is illegal in Qatar and the country's organisers of the World Cup have warned visitors against public displays of affection but say that everyone, no matter their sexual orientation or background, is welcome at the event.

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