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Decision taken by the ECB’s disciplinary body, in view of Vincent “demonstrating the very highest levels of contrition and remorse” in the decade after being caught up in corruption

Nagraj Gollapudi08-Dec-2023Former New Zealand batter Lou Vincent can resume being involved in domestic cricket or any level below that with immediate effect, after the ECB revised the life ban imposed on him in 2014 for corruption.In a media statement on Friday, the ECB’s Cricket Discipline Commission (CDC) said it was revoking the life ban having received from Vincent “compelling evidence demonstrating the very highest levels of contrition and remorse and the very best efforts to make amends wherever possible”.The CDC’s decision comes in response to a “clemency” appeal by Vincent. In 2014, the ECB had imposed a life ban on Vincent barring him from playing cricket at any level, entering any cricket ground, or coaching the game in a professional capacity after he admitted in an open letter that he was a “cheat”. Vincent had been handed 11 life-bans relating to events that occurred during his time at Sussex in 2008 and seven offences committed at the 2011 Champions League Twenty20.Related

Nearly 17 years later, Lou Vincent receives special 100th ODI cap

Vincent deserves clemency for speaking out, says McCullum

Vincent's letter: 'My name is Lou Vincent and I am a cheat'

Gerard Elias, representing the CDC, said that it had heard not just Vincent before it’s decision to revise the ban but also the ICC, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) and the ECB. Elias said that “cogent and compelling” reasons were needed for the life ban to be downgraded, something Vincent provided. “In particular, this decision was taken in the light of Mr Vincent’s conduct following his sanction,” Elias said, “Namely: full and frank admissions and the fullest disclosures; immediate and total co-operation with cricket and civil authorities in various parts of the world; and, participation in anti-corruption education programmes for NZC and the ECB. I am satisfied that these factors justify an amelioration of the original sanction at this time.”In his first reaction to the relaxation of the life ban, Vincent, who’s now 45, said he was “very fortunate” to be able to return to cricket. “I made a terrible mistake many years ago, which I’ll deeply regret for the rest of my life, and I remain very sorry for the harm I caused,” Vincent said in a statement issued by NZC. “Being able to return to the cricket environment means the world to me and I feel very fortunate to again have that opportunity.”In the years after being banned, Vincent, who last played for New Zealand in 2007, started a new life as a builder in the small town of Raglan, a surfing destination in the Waikato region of New Zealand. Now, one of the things Vincent said he will look forward to is attending cricket matches with his family, something he was barred from during the life ban.

“Being able to return to the cricket environment means the world to me and I feel very fortunate to again have that opportunity.”Lou Vincent

Vincent thanked NZC and the New Zealand Players Association (NZPA), as well as his lawyer Chris Morris, for providing support and paving the way for his return. Heath Mills, the NZPA CEO, said Vincent had played a big hand in educating players in all sports about the evils of match-fixing, something the CDC had recognised. “The penalties have been particularly hard on Lou and he’s shown a lot of humility in owning his mistakes and setting about making amends,” Mills said. “I’m pleased the authorities have recognised his contribution to the fight against match-fixing and, also, his ongoing efforts to educate players and administrators around the world on anti-corruption.”NZC CEO Scott Weenink said though Vincent had “made a mistake… he’s given a lot to the game, not least in helping spread the anti-corruption message over the past decade, and it’s good and right that he can be more involved again.”

Bournemouth are reportedly "confident" of wrapping up a deal for Chelsea goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic, who has agreed to move to the south coast.

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Bournemouth closing in on Petrovic dealHad been target for Galatasaray and SunderlandSpent last season on loan at StrasbourgFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Bournemouth are confident of completing a transfer for Chelsea goalkeeper Petrovic, according to . The Cherries had Kepa Arrizabalaga between the sticks last season on a loan deal but the Spaniard has since made the move to Arsenal, leaving manager Andoni Iraola in need of a new specialist shot-stopper. Petrovic is said to have accepted the move and the final touches will be put on the deal in the coming days.

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Petrovic signed for Chelsea in 2023 after impressing with New England Revolution in Major League Soccer. He made 31 appearances for the Stamford Bridge outfit during the 2023-24 campaign under Mauricio Pochettino but was shipped off for a loan spell at sister club Strasbourg in France last season, helping them finish seventh in Ligue 1 with ten clean sheets.

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Petrovic has had a number of sides interested in him so far this summer. Sunderland were thought to have reached an agreement worth €25 million (£21 million/$29 million) with Chelsea, while Petrovic himself was thought to be more keen on a switch to Super Lig champions Galatasaray. However, the Turkish giants baulked at the asking price and the Serbia international now looks set to join Bournemouth instead.

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Chelsea are expected to give the green light to Petrovic's departure soon, with Robert Sanchez the current first choice goalkeeper in Enzo Maresca's squad. However, Filip Jorgensen was also given chances during the 2024-25 season, making the majority of his appearances in the victorious Conference League campaign.

Nicholas Pooran takes over MI Emirates captaincy from Pollard in the ILT20

ESPNcricinfo staff07-Jan-2024MI Cape Town captain Rashid Khan has been ruled out of the upcoming season of the SA20 as he continues to recover from a back surgery. The ace legspinner was named in the Afghanistan squad on January 6 for the three-match T20I series in India, but is unlikely to play, according to a statement from his cricket board (ACB). Rashid had also missed Afghanistan’s most recent T20I series in the UAE and the Big Bash League (BBL).Kieron Pollard will captain MI Cape Town in Rashid’s injury-enforced absence and will make his debut in the SA20. Pollard was also retained by MI Emirates for the ILT20 in 2024, but with its dates clashing with the SA20’s, Nicholas Pooran will take over MI Emirates captaincy from Pollard. It remains to be seen whether Pollard will join MI Emirates for the last leg of the ILT20 in the UAE.Related

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SA20 2024 kicks off on Wednesday. Here's what to expect

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Jason Holder, Nicholas Pooran, Kyle Mayers turn down WI central contracts

Pooran joins Durban's Super Giants ahead of SA20 auction

Pollard was recently in action for New York Strikers in the Abu Dhabi T10 league, where his side won the final against Deccan Gladiators. Pooran, who is Pollard’s CPL team-mate at Trinbago Knight Riders, had turned down his West Indies central contract in December 2023 to become a free agent. Pooran was unveiled as Durban’s Super Giants’ wildcard pick in September 2023, and is likely to play three matches in the SA20 before linking up with MI Emirates for the second season of the ILT20.MI Cape Town also announced the signing of Sri Lanka fast bowler Nuwan Thushara, who will take Jofra Archer’s place in the upcoming season.The SA20 will run from January 10 to February 10, and the ILT20 from January 19 to February 17. The two leagues will also clash with New Zealand’s Super Smash and the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).

Marcus Rashford's journey to Barcelona was "disrupted" by the Gallagher brothers, as Oasis booked out private travel from Manchester airport.

Forward en route to complete medicalOasis' homecoming shows finished on SundayRashford forced to depart from East Midlands airportFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

reports that the departing Rashford had hoped to travel from Manchester airport by private jet, ahead of his medical in Barcelona. He was unable to book a slot, as Liam Gallagher had a jet on standby, to whisk him back to his home in the south of France. The Gallaghers played the last of their Oasis homecoming gigs in Heaton Park on Sunday night.

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Rashford and his advisors had to drive 80 miles to East Midlands airport. The 27-year-old was eventually able to depart, and arrived in Barcelona shortly after 8 pm on Sunday evening. He is due to undergo a medical on Monday ahead of a season-long loan move from Manchester United, with an option-to-buy clause worth €30m (£26m/$35m).

WHAT SOURCE SAID

A source told : "Marcus’ travel plans were disrupted so it was all a bit stressful but he would have walked to Barcelona to sign for them.

“Noel and Liam can have a laugh that they accidentally put a spanner in the works.”

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Despite the disruption, Rashford remains on course to sign for La Blaugrana. He will likely be unveiled on Tuesday, pending the result of his medical, and could join Hansi Flick's squad for the club's pre-season tour of Asia.

India’s captain said the only thought in his mind when he went in to bat was to stay till the end

Hemant Brar06-Feb-2024When India captain Uday Saharan walked in with his side 8 for 2 in a chase of 245 against South Africa in the first semi-final of the 2024 Under-19 World Cup, he had only one thought in his mind: stay till the end.Shortly afterwards, the score became 32 for 4, from where Saharan and Sachin Dhas added 171 for the fifth wicket to take India closer. Dhas ensured the asking rate was under control for most of the chase, while Saharan was the sponge at the other end.When Dhas fell for 96 off 95 balls, India needed 42 from 47 balls. Saharan stayed almost till the end – he was run-out attempting the winning single – scoring 81 off 124 balls to take India, the defending champions, to their fifth successive final.Related

Saharan, Dhas lead India into ninth final with epic partnership

“There was nothing going on in my mind,” Saharan, who was named the Player of the Match, said. “I had the belief in myself. My only thought was that I would play till the end. I knew it was a matter of one partnership and the match would be ours. So I was just telling myself again and again that I had to take it deep.”Saharan hit only six boundaries in his innings. When asked about the restraint, he said he got it from his father, who also wanted to become a cricketer but could not.”He also used to play in the same manner, taking it deep,” Saharan said. “So I tried to do the same. I knew I could play the big shots at the end if required. I knew as long as I was at the crease, the game was ours.Uday Saharan and Sachin Dhas added 171 for the fifth wicket•ICC/Getty Images”When I walked in, the ball was seaming around. There was bounce as well. So I had to be conscious of that and could not play my shots freely. As the ball got older, it started coming onto the bat better. The odd ball was still bouncing but by then we were set and could handle it.”Saharan and Dhas had put on 215 in India’s last Super Six match, against Nepal. On that occasion, India were batting first. Here, they were chasing in a knockout match. In fact, this was the first time in the tournament they were batting second. So what did Saharan and Dhas discuss?”When I was in the middle, I was telling Sachin – or actually everyone who came in – only one thing: ‘Just stay there till the end. I am here. If you are also here, we will surely get the runs. It will not happen that we are batting and we will not score the runs.’ Outside the boundary line, our coaching staff is so good they never let the mood drop.”Overall, this is the ninth time India have made it to the final of an Under-19 World Cup.”It’s a great feeling winning the semi-final,” Saharan said. “Finally, there was a close game. In a way, it was good practice for us. I am happy that we have reached the final under my captaincy as well .”

“I knew I could play the big shots at the end if required. I knew as long as I was at the crease, the game was ours”India captain Uday Saharan

South Africa captain Juan James felt there were two periods when the game slipped away from them.”They bowled really well and tied us down in the middle,” a dejected James said. “And again, when they were batting and we had them four down for 30-odd, Uday and Sachin played really well. I think that’s probably the two periods where we lost the game.”James also rued his side’s failure to take wickets in the middle overs but said he was proud of the way they fought till the end.”Yeah, it was something we struggled [with] throughout the whole tournament,” he said. “We just didn’t quite manage to get it right.”The thing that stands out the most to me is that we never gave up. Even now, we were fighting till the very end. That’s something that makes me really proud as a captain – seeing everyone fight like that.”

Manchester United have narrowed their striker search to two candidates: Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins and RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko. However, before spending any more money on new players, United will have to get rid of their 'bomb squad', which includes outcasts like Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia.

Watkins and Sesko on Man Utd's radarWill have to offload 'bomb squad'Watkins will cost less than SeskoFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

According to , United have narrowed down their striker search to just two candidates as they look to further bolster their attack this summer after bringing in Matheus Cunha from Wolves and Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford. Watkins seems to be the more likely candidate to join the Old Trafford outfit due to his affordability and experience of playing in the Premier League.

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The Villans demanded £60 million ($81m) for Watkins when Arsenal enquired about the striker back in January but claims that the club could be convinced to let him leave for around £40m to £45m. reported on Monday that United officials have got in touch with Sesko's representatives with a tentative offer.

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But before the Red Devils can make further additions to their roster, they will have to offload players like Garnacho, Sancho, Antony and Malacia. The price they would get from Antony and Garnacho's sales would be enough to fund their pursuit of either Watkins or Sesko.

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Ruben Amorim's side will play their second pre-season friendly of their U.S. tour on Thursday as they take on Bournemouth.

Leeds United are plotting an ambitious move to sign Facundo Buonanotte from Brighton. The Argentine attacking midfielder spent the 2024-25 campaign on loan at Leicester City and had an impressive outing for the Foxes in the Premier League, although the club faced relegation. Leeds boss Daniel Farke is aiming to build a competitive squad so that the club can survive in the top-flight this year.

Leeds want Buonanotte from Brighton Will face competition from top European clubs Farke looking to build a competitive Leeds squad Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

According to the Yorkshire Post (via the ), Leeds have identified Buonanotte as a transfer target for the summer transfer window. The 20-year-old Argentina international had an encouraging campaign during his season-long loan spell at Leicester last year, where he scored five league goals and provided two assists in 31 appearances.   

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Leeds, however, might face stiff competition from several clubs in Europe, including German giants Borussia Dortmund, who are also keen on signing Buonanotte. The youngster, who is predominantly an attacking midfielder, can also operate on the flanks and it is his versatility and flair that have brought the limelight to the player.  

WHAT HAS BEEN SAID

Journalist Ben Jacobs has also provided his verdict on the Buonanotte transfer as he wrote on social media: "Understand Leeds hold a genuine interest [in] Brighton’s Facundo Buonanotte. However, there’s currently low confidence in pulling off an ambitious move. Buonanotte has several suitors, including clubs with Champions League [football to offer]. [Borussia] Dortmund have held talks and are considering a bid."  

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Daniel Farke is looking to build a competitive squad after leading the team back to the Premier League after two years. Other than Buonanotte, the Whites have also shown interest in Liverpool winger Ben Doak.   

Ross Adair, Neil Rock, Ben White in group to play Pakistan and Netherlands tri-series

Matt Roller07-May-2024Josh Little will stay at the IPL until Gujarat Titans’ final game, with Cricket Ireland allowing him to miss their T20I series against Pakistan and tri-series in the Netherlands which form the basis of their preparation for June’s T20 World Cup.Ireland’s selectors named a 15-man provisional squad for the World Cup on Tuesday, which is unchanged from the squad which faced Afghanistan in their most recent T20I series. The same group will face Pakistan in three T20Is, starting in Dublin on Friday, then will play a tri-series with Netherlands and Scotland from May 19-24.Little, who took 4 for 45 in his first appearance of the IPL season on Saturday, left India mid-tournament last year in order to feature in Ireland’s ODI series against Bangladesh, when World Cup qualification was at stake. But he has been allowed to stay for the duration this year and, barring an unlikely play-off charge, will return home after Titans’ final group match on May 16.Ireland T20 squad•ESPNcricinfo LtdPaul Stirling, who replaced Andy Balbirnie as Ireland’s white-ball captain last year, will appear at his eighth successive T20 World Cup. He has played in 21 of Ireland’s 25 previous men’s T20 World Cup matches and is the fifth-highest run-scorer in men’s T20I history.He leads a squad that has only changed slightly from 2022, when Ireland reached the Super 12s by beating West Indies and Scotland in the first round before shocking eventual champions England in the second stage.Three players have been named in the 2024 squad who were not involved 18 months ago: Ross Adair, an attacking batter and the older brother of seamer Mark; Neil Rock, the back-up wicketkeeper-batter to Lorcan Tucker; and Ben White, the legspinner. Stephen Doheny, Fionn Hand, Conor Olphert and Simi Singh all miss out.”The squad is one that we have gradually developed and tested out over the last 18 or so months,” Heinrich Malan, Ireland’s coach, said. “The skillsets we need to cover are there, albeit we have allowed Josh [Little] to continue in the IPL until his side end their campaign, so he will likely join us ahead of the big tournament.Related

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Little's record 6 for 36 puts Ireland 1-0 up

43-year-old Nsubuga in Uganda squad for 2024 T20 World Cup

“We have an intensive block of T20 cricket coming up this month ahead of the T20 World Cup – we have seven games in 15 days as preparation for the tournament. We will not be treating those seven games as warm-ups, though, we’ll be aiming to win as many of those games as possible.”Ireland start their T20 World Cup campaign against India at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium – the temporary stadium near New York City – on June 5 and will face Canada at the same venue two days later. They will then travel to Lauderhill, Florida to face USA and Pakistan on June 14 and 16 respectively.Ireland squad for Pakistan T20Is, Netherlands tri-series and T20 World Cup: Paul Stirling (capt), Mark Adair, Ross Adair, Andy Balbirnie, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Graham Hume, Josh Little*, Barry McCarthy, Neil Rock (wk), Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (wk), Ben White, Craig Young.*Little to join squad before World Cup

David Alaba's agent has dismissed speculation suggesting the Real Madrid star could head to the Saudi Pro League this summer.

Alaba had injury-hit Madrid spellSpeculation he may leaveAgent responds to Saudi linksFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

With Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao back fit, plus the summer signing of Dean Huijsen, speculation has increased that fellow defender Alaba may struggle for game time this season. This has led to links with a Saudi switch but his agent, Pini Zahavi, says these rumours are "false" and no negotiations or offers have been made.

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Zahavi told : "All the reports circulating about Alaba’s move to the Saudi Pro League are false. There have been no negotiations or offers made to the player at this time. Talk about the player being open to a move to Saudi Arabia isn’t true, as there haven’t even been any official offers to negotiate. Everything that’s been circulated is just rumours."

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Alaba has struggled with injuries and form in the past year or so, and even when he has been fit, Antonio Rudiger and Raul Asencio are among those ahead of him in the defensive pecking order. The Austrian is 33 and in the autumn years of his career with one more season left on his contract. The ex-Bayern Munich man may just run down his contract and move to pastures new in 2026 because at this rate, a new deal seems unlikely.

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Veteran Alaba could feature for Madrid against WSG Tirol in their final pre-season friendly on Tuesday before Xabi Alonso's team begin their La Liga campaign the following Tuesday at home to Osasuna.

Play GOAL's global soccer predictions game and turn matchweeks into moments of glory – are you ready for the challenge?

Welcome to GOAL8, the ultimate football prediction game. You’ve joined thousands of fans competing to win a weekly prize of $100,000, simply by picking the correct scores in eight matches.

GOAL8 allows soccer-loving fans to battle it out with friends, family and fellow supporters throughout the 2025-26 season. The weekly game is FREE to play, and it's quick and easy – none of the complications of Fantasy Soccer. Just click a button, enter eight score predictions and you're done. Easy.

HOW IT WORKS

+ Make your predictions – pick the full-time scores for this week’s eight selected matches.

+ Compete for a massive prize – get all eight correct and win $100,000.

+ Compete with friends – show off your football knowledge in our GOAL8 leaderboard.

Here’s how the scoring breaks down:

Correct score: Exactly predict final score – 50 Points

Goal difference: Correct goal difference, but not the exact score – 30 Points

Correct Result: Right outcome, but wrong score – 10 Points

Missed the mark: No correct prediction – 0 Points

GOAL8 will feature games from both domestic and global leagues – from MLS and NWSL to Premier League and La Liga, among others – to give you a chance to flex your knowledge of the game. Whether you're in Portland, Maine or Portland, Oregon – or any point between – private leagues allow you to go head-to-head with fellow fans to prove your skills.

Miss a Gameweek? No problem. The game's open for the entirety of the 2025-26 season, allowing you to play any week you choose. Get started in less than a minute – log in to your GOAL account, and then enter your first eight predictions before the deadline – for round one, 7 a.m. ET on Aug. 16. That's it. You're IN.

GOAL offers our predictions for this week's game below.

Getty Images SportPREMIER LEAGUE: ASTON VILLA 3, NEWCASTLE 1

GOAL verdict: As it stands, Alexander Isak is not going to be in the Newcastle team for opening day, according to an update from manager Eddie Howe. As a result, Villa are going to take advantage of the moment and drive home three points to kick off the campaign. With the addition of new forward Evann Guessand alongside their already stellar attack – featuring Ollie Watkins, Donyell Malen, and Morgan Rogers – this one is Villa's to lose.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportPREMIER LEAGUE: SUNDERLAND 2, WEST HAM 1

GOAL verdict: Sunderland's offseason business has everyone in the Premier League wondering if they could be the shock of the campaign. They've spent north of $130M on transfers. West Ham, meanwhile, lost star attacker Mohammed Kudus to Tottenham and have yet to replace him. They've made some sound signings, particularly in defense and in goal, but without a Kudus replacement, they're going to struggle. Sunderland is going to capitalize on the moment they officially return to the Premier League.

Getty Images SportLA LIGA: LEVANTE 1, ALAVES 0

GOAL verdict: Levante, newly promoted to La Liga, will look to kick things off against an Alaves side who avoided relegation by just two points last season. It will be a close affair, but go with the new boys here. Alaves lost striker Joaquin Panichelli to RC Strasbourg – after a brilliant loan spell with Miranda in La Liga 2 last year, he was expected to be a key player. As it stands, they just don't have the firepower. Levante, meanwhile, brought in eight players this summer as they look to avoid relegation.

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Getty ImagesLA LIGA: VALENCIA 0, REAL SOCIEDAD 0

GOAL verdict: As the La Liga season kicks off, Valencia and Sociedad will both look to begin with three points after underwhelming 2024-25 campaigns. Both ended last season on 46 points, and both missed out on European competition. Valencia lost key defender Cristhian Mosquera to Arsenal, while the Gunners also nabbed midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Sociedad. With both teams shorthanded in different departments, and neither attack particularly improved, this will be a scoreless affair.