Verstappen takes pole in Melbourne ahead of Russell

Max Verstappen held off a surprise Mercedes charge in Australian Grand Prix Qualifying to beat George Russell and Lewis Hamilton to pole position. The reigning world champion became an overwhelming favourite for pole when his Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez crashed out in Q1, but in challenging cool and windy conditions at Albert Park, Mercedes posed an unexpected challenge.

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Fabio Paratici to take immediate leave of absence from Tottenham

Fabio Paratici has stepped back from his role as Tottenham Hotspur managing director of football pending the outcome of his appeal against a worldwide ban from football. The 50-year-old’s departure follows FIFA’s decision on Wednesday to extend his Italian FA (FIGC) ban for alleged financial malpractice.

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Djokovic set for US Open return as Senate lifts Covid restrictions

Novak Djokovic will be allowed to play at the US Open this year, after the Senate voted to end Covid-19 measures. The former world No 1 has not played tennis in the United States since losing the 2021 US Open final because of Covid measures introduced by the government during the height of the pandemic.

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Tottenham ‘urgently seeking further clarification’ from FIFA over ban of Fabio Paratici

Tottenham are urgently seeking clarification from FIFA over the decision to hand managing director of football Fabio Paratici a worldwide ban from football. Paratici, who was initially handed a 30-month ban from Italian football in January relating to alleged financial mismanagement at Juventus, had that extended to worldwide activities by FIFA on Wednesday.

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McTominay double sees Scotland stun Spain

Scott McTominay scored a double as Scotland secured a famous victory over Spain to take control of their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign. The Manchester United midfielder, who netted twice in Saturday’s 3-0 victory over Cyprus, fired in the opener at Hampden Park after just seven minutes leaving the Spaniards with an up hill battle.

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