No retrospective action will be taken after the controversial Olympic boxing tournament held last summer in Paris but ensuring fairness for female athletes going forward has the “overwhelming support” of International Olympic Committee (IOC) members, President Kirsty Coventry said.

The tournament drew criticism after Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-Ting won gold medals despite being disqualified from the previous year’s World Championships over alleged gender eligibility violations.

World Boxing – now officially recognized by the IOC as the sport’s international governing body – has since introduced mandatory sex testing.

It said Khelif will not be eligible to compete in the women’s category unless she complies. Khelif has maintained that she was born female, has always lived as a woman and has competed as one throughout her career.

The IOC faced criticism for its handling of the controversy in Paris and for a perceived failure to lead on the issue more broadly.

Now Coventry, in one of her first acts as president, said there was unanimous backing from IOC members to establish a broad consensus and announced a working group would be formed to focus on protecting female sport.

She insisted, however, that nothing the group develops would affect events in Paris.

“It was very, very clear from the members that we have to protect the female category. First and foremost, we have to do that to ensure fairness,” Coventry said at a briefing Thursday.

“There was overwhelming support from all of the members … that we should protect the female category.

“It was agreed by the members that the IOC should take a leading role in this, and that we should be the ones to bring together the experts, bring together the international federations and ensure that we find consensus.

“We understand that there will be differences depending on the sports, but it was fully agreed that as members and as the IOC, we should make the effort to place emphasis on the protection of the female category.

“We’re not going to be doing anything retrospectively. We’re going to be looking forward. From the members that were here, the sentiment was, ‘What are we learning from the past, and how are we going to leverage that and move that forward to the future?’”

Many sports, including athletics, cycling and swimming, have tightened their rules at the global level to bar competitors who have undergone any stage of male puberty from the female category.

In March, World Athletics approved swab tests to determine biological sex and eligibility for its elite female category.

Coventry added that World Athletics would be one of the global federations with “a seat at the table” in the discussions.

“Every sport is slightly different, but it was pretty much unanimously felt that the IOC should take a leading role in bringing everyone together to try and find a broad consensus, so that really is what will be guiding the working group,” she added.

Coventry, who officially became IOC president on Monday, said the working group’s membership and terms of reference would be decided in the coming weeks but said it was too soon to set timelines for when any recommendations might be brought forward.

U.S. President Donald Trump said earlier this year he would deny visas to transgender athletes seeking to compete in female categories at the Los Angeles Olympic Games in 2028.

A U.K. Supreme Court ruling earlier this year, which clarified wording in the 2010 Equality Act, has led several sports governing bodies to amend their transgender inclusion policies, including the Football Association and the England and Wales Cricket Board.

Coventry said members had also called for a review of when and how future Olympic Games hosting decisions are made, noting a desire for greater IOC involvement in the process.

She said the review would not affect ongoing discussions with countries interested in hosting future events.

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With Wimbledon kicking off Monday, the sport’s freshest Grand Slam champions are Carlos Alcaraz, the 22-year-old Spaniard, and Coco Gauff, the 21-year-old American.

Both sit at No. 2 in the rankings and are riding high after thrilling French Open victories over the world’s top-ranked players.

Young, charismatic and equally at ease under the spotlight both on and off the court, Alcaraz and Gauff are ushering in a new era of tennis.

Alongside No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and former No. 1 Iga Swiatek in the women’s game, plus men’s No. 1 Jannik Sinner, they represent a vibrant future for a sport that has recently bid farewell to legends like Serena Williams, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal – and is watching closely to see how long Novak Djokovic will remain in the hunt for major titles.

“Tennis is just in such a great, great place right now. We are so fortunate to have not only Coco, not only Carlos, but a deep bench of young stars that are just propelling the growth of our sport,” U.S. Open tournament director Stacey Allaster said. “I’ve been around a long time, and when we have lost great, iconic champions in the past, there’s generally been a little bit of a dip. We have had the exact opposite during this transition. … I always like to say the champions of today are standing on the shoulders of the champions of the past. These champions have jumped off the shoulders of the past champions.”

One key for a sport, especially an individual one, to gain attention and grow popularity is to have rivalries that demand buy-in.

Alcaraz vs. Sinner clearly provides that, much in the way Federer vs. Nadal or Nadal vs. Djokovic did.

The five-set, 5.5-hour men’s final at Roland Garros was as full of momentum swings, terrific tennis and athleticism as anything those greats conjured.

“The level,” two-time reigning Wimbledon champion Alcaraz said, “was insane.”

The way he and Sinner, 23, are currently divvying up the biggest prizes – they’ve split the past six major trophies and eight of the past 11 – is certainly reminiscent of the Big Three’s dominance, albeit over a much smaller sample size so far.

“Having these two guys fighting for big trophies – I think we have to be very happy about it in the sport of tennis,” said Juan Carlos Ferrero, Alcaraz’s main coach. “For them, for sure it’s something that they raise their level every time that they go on the court. They know they have to play unbelievable tennis to beat the other guy, and it’s something that is going to help for sure each player to raise the level even more.”

It sure does seem as though Gauff vs. Sabalenka could provide that sort of dynamic and buzz, too.

Consider that, like Alcaraz and Sinner, they occupy the top two spots in the rankings. And consider that, like those other two, both own multiple major titles.

Gauff’s two Slam triumphs came via three-set victories over Sabalenka in the finals.

Plus, their latest meeting, at Roland Garros less than a month ago, came with some added spice because of Sabalenka’s post-match comments that were seen as less than fully gracious toward Gauff.

It became such a thing that Sabalenka felt the need to issue a pair of apologies – one privately via writing to Gauff, and one publicly in an interview at her next tournament.

Add that sort of off-court intrigue to the on-court interest, and if there are rematches at the All England Club a couple of weeks from now, no one who is invested in tennis will be displeased.

“There’s incredible momentum and wind in our sails as we think about the sport, in total,” said Lew Sherr, who is about to leave his role as CEO of the U.S. Tennis Association. “We’ve had five consecutive years of participation growth … and that certainly is being, in part, fueled by the great talent and inspiring players we have at the professional level, and also is feeding record attendance, record interest, record viewership. Those things go hand in hand. We have not missed a beat.”

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Fenerbahçe Beko sealed a dominant season with a championship flourish, overpowering Beşiktaş Fibabanka 84-68 in Game 5 of the Türkiye Sigorta Basketball Süper Lig Finals to win the series 4-1 and lift their 12th league title.

The sold-out Ülker Sports and Event Hall erupted as the yellow-navy juggernaut completed a season sweep – EuroLeague, Turkish Cup, and now, the domestic crown.

Night of dominance

After falling behind 13-0 early, Fenerbahçe responded with poise and purpose.

A late three by Nicolo Melli gave them a 21-18 edge to close the first quarter. From there, they never looked back.

With Errick McCollum leading the charge and Nigel Hayes-Davis stretching the margin, Fenerbahçe widened the gap to double digits by halftime (48-40).

In the third quarter, MVP Khem Birch flexed his strength inside, sparking a 7-2 run that forced Beşiktaş into timeout.

Marko Guduric’s poise, Melih Mahmutoğlu’s leadership, and relentless team defense crushed Beşiktaş’s comeback hopes.

By the final buzzer, the scoreboard and the celebration were all yellow and navy.

Unity and farewell

Following the win, silver medals were handed to Beşiktaş captain Yiğit Arslan by TBF Vice President Harun Erdenay.

Then, Youth and Sports Minister Osman Aşkın Bak and TBF President Hidayet Türkoğlu presented the championship trophy to Fenerbahçe’s long-time captain Melih Mahmutoğlu.

In a touching gesture, Mahmutoğlu called up teammate Marko Guduric, and the two raised the trophy together – a moment that ignited jubilant chants in the arena.

Fenerbahçe used the post-game stage to honor two key figures marking their exits: Serbian guard Marko Guduric, who had two memorable stints at the club, and Italian executive Maurizio Gherardini, a behind-the-scenes architect of Fener’s golden era since 2014.

Guduric, emotional with his wife and children by his side, saluted fans as they returned the favor with thunderous ovations. “We made history,” he said. “This will always be home.”

Fenerbahçe President Ali Koç and Beşiktaş President Serdal Adalı shared the sidelines, reflecting mutual respect between two storied clubs on Turkish basketball’s biggest stage.

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The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup was expected to be a coronation for Europe’s elite.

Instead, it has become a samba spectacle, with four unbeaten Brazilian clubs having stormed through the group stage, toppling European heavyweights, reigniting South America’s pride, and thrusting Brazil’s footballing legacy back into the global spotlight.

Unbeaten and unapologetic

In a tournament expanded to 32 teams and staged across the U.S., Brazilian sides have done more than compete – they’ve dominated.

Flamengo, Botafogo, Palmeiras and Fluminense went undefeated in eight matches, combining for six wins and two draws.

They scored 14 goals, conceded just four, and topped all their respective groups. But it’s not just the numbers that stand out – it’s the statement they’ve made.

At the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Botafogo stunned UEFA champions Paris Saint-Germain with a gutsy 1-0 win.

Igor Jesus, whose tournament heroics have since drawn the attention of Nottingham Forest, struck the lone goal while Botafogo’s backline frustrated PSG’s high-priced stars. “No one has defended better against us this season,” admitted PSG coach Luis Enrique.

Flamengo delivered a powerful message of their own by overwhelming Chelsea 3-1, exorcising the demons of their 2019 Club World Cup final loss to Liverpool.

It was the first time a Brazilian club had beaten a European opponent by two goals in this competition since 2000.

Meanwhile, Palmeiras, under Abel Ferreira, displayed clinical control in a 0-0 draw with Porto and a 2-0 win over Al Ahly.

Their methodical, possession-heavy approach suffocated their opponents and dictated tempo from start to finish.

Even Fluminense, the 2023 Copa Libertadores winners, proved resilient.

They held Borussia Dortmund to a goalless draw and clawed back from behind to defeat South Korea’s Ulsan Hyundai.

While not as polished as their compatriots, their grit has added another layer to Brazil’s unbeaten run.

Europe feels the heat

European teams, for all their pedigree, financial firepower and star-studded squads, have not looked invincible.

Real Madrid and Manchester City remain title favorites, while Bayern Munich’s ruthlessness – evident in a 31-1 shot dominance over Auckland City – still intimidates.

Yet, vulnerabilities have emerged.

PSG and Chelsea were both undone by Brazilian intensity and tactical clarity.

Dortmund and Porto struggled to break down disciplined Brazilian setups.

Add in the sweltering U.S. summer heat and it’s clear the European clubs are no longer untouchable.

Dortmund coach Niko Kovac has already warned of squad rotations to combat fatigue in the knockout rounds.

Is glory within reach?

The idea of a Brazilian club lifting the trophy no longer feels far-fetched.

It’s tangible and plausible.

Brazil’s representatives have paired tactical discipline with flair.

Flamengo’s attacking duo of Giorgian de Arrascaeta and Gonzalo Plata have dazzled defenses.

Palmeiras, with their slow-burn style, have demonstrated maturity and patience. Botafogo’s defensive rigidity offers a solid spine, and Fluminense’s fighting spirit keeps them in the conversation.

Historically, Brazil’s clubs know this stage well.

Built on history, fueled by youth

Santos, powered by Pele, conquered the Intercontinental Cup in the 1960s.

Sao Paulo, Corinthians and Flamengo have all lifted world titles since.

That heritage still breathes in today’s squads. With rising stars like Palmeiras’ Estevao and Vitor Roque joining seasoned names, the mix of youth and experience is proving a potent blend.

There is, of course, risk ahead.

The knockouts bring new obstacles, with the likes of Bayern and Madrid lurking.

The single-elimination format, possible extra time and penalties add chaos. And the departure of top talent post-tournament, like Igor Jesus, could stretch Brazilian squads thin.

Yet, the fire is undeniable.

Flamengo and Palmeiras appear best positioned to make a deep run, with Botafogo quietly growing in confidence.

Fluminense, while less consistent, cannot be counted out.

Critics have argued that teams like Porto and Dortmund haven’t been at their peak, and European depth could yet prove decisive. But the gap has closed.

Balance of power tilts, slightly

Beyond results, the bigger question is whether we’re witnessing a shift in global football’s hierarchy.

Europe’s dominance has long been cemented by superior infrastructure, commercialization and tactics.

But the Club World Cup has shown that passion, preparation and pedigree can still rattle the old order.

Brazil continues to churn out elite talent – 14% of the 508 players in the group stage were Brazilian – and while many of its stars still head to Europe early, the domestic league is proving it can develop and keep quality.

Brazil’s soul lives on

The ghosts of Pele, Ronaldo (R9), and Ronaldinho hover over this tournament.

Their legacies – built on joy, creativity, and competitive fire – are reflected in every step Flamengo takes, every ball Estevao touches, every roar from Brazilian fans shaking U.S. stadiums. The “jogo bonito” is not dead – it’s just wearing new boots.

And now, Brazil wants more than nostalgia.

It wants the trophy.

Hosting the 2029 edition is already in the country’s sights.

But first, there’s unfinished business in 2025. Can Brazil win it all at MetLife Stadium on July 13? Maybe. But even if they fall short, they’ve already reshaped the narrative.

As Fluminense coach Renato Gaucho reminded reporters: “Football is 11 against 11. Money doesn’t always win.” Maybe heart does.

While Russia faced swift bans from international sport over its invasion of Ukraine, Israeli clubs continue to compete globally despite ongoing military operations in Gaza and Iran – a silence that Turkish sports lawyer Anıl Dinçer calls “a glaring double standard” and a troubling inconsistency at the heart of global sports governance.

Dinçer, an expert in sports law, compared the handling of Israel’s military actions with the rapid global sanctions imposed on Russia after its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. “Russia was hit with sweeping bans – teams expelled, federations blocked, players allowed to leave. With Israel, we get silence,” he told Anadolu Agency (AA).

“FIFA acted swiftly against Russia. Why not Israel?” Dinçer asked. “The sporting world is watching – and waiting.”

War unfolding on and off the field

Following Israeli strikes on Iranian soil – and its continuing assault on Gaza – Dinçer said global football has again been dragged into geopolitical tensions. He noted that while foreign players in both Israel and Iran face growing uncertainty, FIFA has yet to offer provisions like temporary transfers or contract protections.

“If the war escalates, FIFA may allow one-season loan transfers, as it did for players in Russia,” Dinçer said. “But right now, there’s no move – not even a discussion.”

Dinçer stressed that Israel’s violations of international humanitarian law have spanned years but have never triggered the kind of sporting penalties imposed on Russia.

“We’re seeing systematic human rights violations. Yet no sports sanctions. Why the hesitation?” he asked.

In 2022, FIFA and UEFA swiftly suspended the Russian national teams and clubs. But today, despite similar – or worse – actions from Israel, no such steps have been taken.

“This is a textbook case of selective enforcement,” Dinçer said. “The message it sends is damaging – to athletes, to fans, and to the integrity of the game.”

FIFPro’s unanswered pleas

Dinçer also revealed that the International Federation of Professional Footballers (FIFPro) has made three formal requests – in 2013, 2024, and 2025 – asking FIFA to penalize Israel for its actions.

Yet FIFA has refused to convene its congress to discuss them.

“These aren’t just ignored – they’re buried,” Dinçer said. “FIFA acts like the requests don’t exist.”

Beyond football, Dinçer framed the issue as a broader ethical failure. FIFA’s core principles – fair play, equality, and justice – are undermined, he said, by selective inaction.

“As a lawyer and as a human being, I find this deeply troubling,” he said. “FIFA is failing not just legally, but morally.”

He warned that any further delay in addressing the situation, especially as the 2024–25 season approaches, will deepen public mistrust in global sports governance.

Dinçer concluded with a sharp caution: if governing bodies continue to ignore Israeli actions, they risk shattering their credibility.

“Every decision they fail to take chips away at their legitimacy,” he said. “Football can’t afford another scandal rooted in silence.”

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The racing sequences in Brad Pitt’s new Formula One film deliver striking realism, but the story leans heavily on Hollywood flair, blending motorsport history with creative license.

“We just drew from history – a little of this, a little of that – and had Lewis Hamilton keep us on track,” Pitt said at the film’s New York premiere ahead of its global release.

Apple’s senior vice president of services, Eddy Cue – a longtime Formula One enthusiast and Ferrari board member – added after a media screening, “There’s not a single event in the film that hasn’t happened in a real race.”

That doesn’t mean those moments could unfold today – or that they serve as anything more than dramatic inspiration.

The Apple Original Films blockbuster, with scenes shot during Grand Prix weekends, is a redemption story, with Pitt playing aging driver Sonny Hayes on an unlikely comeback alongside a young hotshot at a struggling team.

Seven-time world champion Hamilton provided advice and is credited as a co-producer on a movie scripted for audiences unfamiliar with the sport.

Pitt’s age – 61 in real life – has been called out as unrealistic for a modern driver. But as Hamilton, 40, said when filming started in 2023: “Brad looks like he’s aging backward.”

The oldest current F1 driver is Spaniard Fernando Alonso, who will turn 44 next month. But in the 1950s, when physical demands were lower but dangers greater, Philippe Etancelin and Louis Chiron raced at 55. Luigi Fagioli won at 53.

F1 comebacks today tend to follow short absences – one or two years at most – but that wasn’t always the case.

Dutch driver Jan Lammers raced from 1979 to 1982, then spent more than a decade away, during which he won Le Mans and raced at Daytona, before returning in 1992. Italian Luca Badoer also had a 10-year gap between starts before a short-lived comeback in 2009.

Last to First

Drivers have gone from last to first in barely believable circumstances, made bold strategy calls, and won with underdog teams rarely seen as contenders.

The 2011 Canadian Grand Prix lasted more than four hours, featured six safety car deployments, and was won by Jenson Button, who at one point was at the back of the field and had two collisions, including one with McLaren teammate Hamilton.

Button made five pit stops, plus a drive-through penalty, and picked up a puncture in a race halted for two hours.

Hayes’ backstory includes racing Ayrton Senna before a crash so violent he was flung from the car still strapped to his seat, modeled on Northern Ireland’s Martin Donnelly, who crashed at Jerez during practice for the 1990 Spanish Grand Prix and was left motionless on the track.

He survived, miraculously, but never returned to F1.

Drivers have escaped blazing crashes – Frenchman Romain Grosjean after his car erupted in a fireball at the 2020 Bahrain Grand Prix, and Niki Lauda, who suffered serious burns in a 1976 Nurburgring crash.

Lauda returned to racing just six weeks later.

There are nods to the “Crashgate” scandal, when Brazilian Nelson Piquet Jr. crashed deliberately at the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix, triggering a safety car that helped teammate Alonso win.

A female technical director? Not yet. But women have run teams and serve as strategists, race engineers and pit lane mechanics – although the movie takes considerable creative liberties on that front.

For longtime fans, there’s an Easter egg: a glimpse of the Monza banking in homage to the 1966 film Grand Prix. F1 director Joseph Kosinski said that classic, along with Steve McQueen’s 1971 film Le Mans, served as inspiration.

“Those movies are now almost 60 years old, but you can still watch them and marvel at the cinematography and the feeling of being there,” he said.

“The whole practical nature of this film was inspired by those classics.”

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