An unnamed Premier League player complained to club officials after being featured on the front cover of his club’s matchday programme during the Rainbow Laces period for two consecutive seasons, according to reporting in The Athletic. The player’s objection was described as one of personal representation rather than opposition to equality initiatives. The disclosure comes as the Premier League prepares to launch a revised inclusion drive, With Pride, running Feb. 6-13, which follows the league’s split last year with LGBT charity Stonewall and the end of the long-running Rainbow Laces campaign. Under the new approach, symbolic obligations on players will be scaled back: team captains will not be required to wear rainbow armbands and players will not be mandated to wear pride-themed warm-up jackets or rainbow boot laces. League officials said inclusion messaging will instead be delivered through stadium screens, pitch-side advertising and match presentation infrastructure. The shift follows a turbulent season in which incidents such as Sam Morsy refusing to wear an armband, Marc Guehi writing religious messages on an armband and Noussair Mazraoui declining a pride-themed jacket exposed tensions between individual beliefs and league-led symbolism.

STAVELY, Alberta — Three junior players from the Southern Alberta Mustangs were killed on Monday, Feb. 2, when the car they were in collided with a northbound semi-truck hauling gravel at the Highway 2 and 55 Avenue intersection north of Stavely. Victims were identified as JJ Wright, 18, and Cameron Casorso, 18, both from Kamloops, B.C., and 17-year-old Caden Fine of Birmingham, Alabama. All three were declared dead at the scene; the truck driver, a 40-year-old Stavely resident, sustained minor injuries. Alberta RCMP continue an investigation and a collision reconstructionist attended the scene. Alberta Transportation said it will conduct a standard post-incident review of signage, lighting, collision history and operational factors at the intersection; records cited in local reports show seven collisions there between 2014 and 2025, including a fatal crash last September. The Mustangs, who play in the U.S. Premier Hockey League’s Alberta division, and surrounding towns have installed memorials, lowered flags and organised a benefit game and fundraisers for the families. Messages of condolence have poured in from political leaders and the broader hockey community.

The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has published a new edition of the Laws of Cricket, detailing 73 amendments that will take effect from October 1, 2026. Key sport-wide changes include permitting laminated (Type D) bats in open-age recreational cricket to ease rising English-willow costs and improve sustainability; standardising three ball-size categories for men's, women's and junior cricket; and mandating completion of the final over in multi-day matches even if a wicket falls. The update also tightens and clarifies several contentious areas: overthrows are now defined as deliberate throws aimed at the stumps, ball control standards for run-outs and stumpings are raised, the ‘bunny hop’ boundary catch is restricted to a single airborne touch, wicketkeeper positioning is relaxed during a bowler’s run-up (but must be behind the stumps at release), and the conditions for declaring a ball ‘finally settled’ have been broadened. MCC said extensive testing supported the changes and left implementation details in some areas to national governing bodies; the ICC’s Cricket Committee will discuss the revisions for inclusion in international playing conditions.

King Charles has granted Scotland a one-off bank holiday on Monday 15 June 2026 to mark the national men’s team’s first match at the FIFA World Cup since 1998. The royal proclamation, issued under the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971, followed a formal request from First Minister John Swinney asking that the day after Scotland’s opening fixture against Haiti (scheduled for Sunday 14 June, 2am UK time) be recognised. The declaration applies only to Scotland and does not create a UK-wide holiday. Officials have noted that while the date is formally a bank holiday, employers — including banks and private businesses — are not legally required to give staff a paid day off, so entitlement will depend on contracts and employer decisions. The decision comes as Scotland returns to an expanded 48-team tournament running from 11 June to 19 July 2026, with matches staged across the United States, Mexico and Canada. Scotland are in a challenging group alongside Brazil and Morocco. The move was welcomed by Scottish ministers and fans as a recognition of a long-awaited World Cup return.

Gavin McKenna, an 18-year-old Penn State freshman and the consensus top prospect for the 2026 NHL draft, has been charged in State College, Pennsylvania, after an alleged altercation on Jan. 31. State College police filed a criminal complaint on Feb. 4 charging McKenna with first‑degree felony aggravated assault — defined in Pennsylvania as attempting to cause serious bodily injury or causing injury with extreme indifference — plus misdemeanor simple assault and two summary counts for disorderly conduct and harassment. Authorities say the victim, a 21‑year‑old man, suffered serious facial injuries that required corrective surgery. McKenna was arraigned, posted $20,000 bail and is awaiting a preliminary hearing scheduled for Feb. 11. The incident reportedly occurred hours after Penn State’s outdoor game at Beaver Stadium, where McKenna recorded a goal and two assists. Penn State Athletic officials and McKenna’s representatives have declined extended comment. A felony conviction would carry a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison under Pennsylvania law. The charges have prompted scrutiny from NHL teams, college officials and sponsors as the legal process unfolds.

Scotland named a largely Glasgow-based XV for their Guinness Six Nations opener against Italy in Rome on Saturday, with a few surprise calls from head coach Gregor Townsend. Bristol’s Tom Jordan starts at full-back in place of Blair Kinghorn, who is omitted from the matchday 23, while Jamie Dobie earns his first Six Nations start on the wing and Duhan van der Merwe is left out entirely. Sione Tuipulotu captains the side with Finn Russell as vice-captain and Ben White at scrum-half. The pack is unchanged in strength: Pierre Schoeman, Ewan Ashman (passed fit), and Zander Fagerson in the front row; Scott Cummings and Grant Gilchrist in the second row; and Matt Fagerson, Rory Darge (vice-captain) and Jack Dempsey in the back row. Townsend has selected a 5-3 forwards-backs bench split, with Darcy Graham among the replacements. Assistant coach Lee Radford reported a clean bill of health for key players (Dempsey, Dobie, Cherry, Ashman) though Liam McConnell withdrew with a rib injury. With heavy rain forecast at the Stadio Olimpico, Scotland expect an aerial, physical contest and have tailored selection and tactics accordingly.

The Australian Rugby League Commission on Feb. 4-5 confirmed four rule changes for the 2026 NRL season, most notable an expanded interchange structure. Teams may now name six players on the interchange bench (players 14–19 inclusive) though only four can be used in a match, with a cap of eight interchanges across 80 minutes. The package also restricts trainers’ entry to the field to prescribed circumstances, removes a seven-tackle restart after an attacking knock-on in-goal (no “zero-tackle” reward), and restarts the tackle count for certain infringements beyond the 20-metre line (replacing a 40m threshold). A proposed kick-off change — which would have allowed the non-scoring team to choose to kick or receive after a try — was deferred for trial later in the season after stakeholder concerns. League officials and coaches say the tweaks boost tactical options and entertainment value; the NRL warned clubs will need to manage workloads as fringe players may be used as in-game insurance and could be asked to back up between grade levels on the same day.

Tony Pigott, a former England seamer and influential figure in county cricket, has died aged 67, the England and Sussex game said on Tuesday. Pigott, who had previously battled oesophageal cancer, suffered a heart attack and passed away on Sunday, according to reports. A product of Sussex, he took more than 1,000 wickets across first‑class and List A cricket, famously taking a hat‑trick on his first‑class debut and earning a late Test call‑up in 1984 that forced him to postpone his own wedding. He took two wickets in his solitary Test in Christchurch. After an 18‑year playing career (Sussex and later Surrey), Pigott held coaching and administrative roles, including Sussex CEO following a boardroom takeover, and later worked as a pitch inspector, match referee and ECB pitch liaison officer. Tributes poured in from former players and officials, including Chris Adams and Ian Gould, who praised his transformative impact on Sussex and the county game.

New Zealand’s men’s T20 World Cup preparations have been disrupted by a viral illness that has struck key batters Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway, the side’s head coach Rob Walter said on Feb. 5. Both players will miss a warm-up against the United States in Mumbai as they recover, while top-order batter Finn Allen is being rested as he continues to manage a shoulder complaint. All-rounder Michael Bracewell, who missed New Zealand’s recent series against India with a calf problem, is expected to be available for the tournament’s early matches. The Black Caps have also seen Jimmy Neesham fall ill and paceman Lockie Ferguson return from injury after showing encouraging form. Walter expressed optimism that the squad would be fit for their opening World Cup match against Afghanistan in Chennai, but acknowledged the challenges of touring and late fitness uncertainties. The setbacks come as New Zealand seek their first T20 World Cup title and try to build momentum in the subcontinent conditions ahead of the tournament fixtures.

World champion Lando Norris and other drivers have warned that sweeping technical rule changes for the 2026 Formula 1 season will produce more unpredictable, “chaotic” racing as teams and drivers adapt. At a Barcelona shakedown held in late January–early February 2026, drivers tested smaller, lighter cars with active aero and a much larger electrical share of power. A new ‘boost button’ gives short bursts of electrical energy but batteries—designed to hold a similar capacity despite a threefold increase in permitted electrical output and the removal of the MGU‑H—can deplete rapidly, producing large speed differentials (reports cite up to a 350 kW drop when depleted). Drivers say energy management, aggressive downshifting, lift‑and‑coast techniques and turbo lag will become central to racecraft, potentially producing more overtakes and yo‑yoing of positions but increasing cockpit workload. Further three‑day pre‑season tests are due in Bahrain from Feb. 11, 2026, where teams expect to refine battery and deployment strategies ahead of the season.

World No.1 Australia’s Diamonds opened a three-Test netball series against No.3 Jamaica in Adelaide on Feb. 5, 2026, the sides’ final international meeting before the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow later this year. Coach Stacey Marinkovich has named a strong squad with Thunderbirds premiership star Matilda Garrett promoted to start at goal defence after replacing injured defender Sunday Aryang, who suffered an anterior cruciate ligament tear in October. Jamaica have rested a number of experienced shooters, including Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard and Romelda Aiken-George, giving their bench players a chance to stake claims. The series continues in Perth on Sunday and concludes in Melbourne the following Wednesday. Australia will use the three Tests to sharpen combinations and gather scouting information ahead of the multi-nation Games, while Jamaica will assess squad depth in the absence of some frontline stars. Matches are attracting domestic broadcast interest and will provide selectors with performance data for squad selection and tactical planning ahead of the summer’s major tournament.

Australia captain Pat Cummins has been ruled out of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup after scans showed his recurring back problem needs additional rest. Announced in early February 2026, Cummins — who aggravated a longstanding lumbar issue by returning for a decisive Ashes Test in Adelaide — will take several weeks off to allow the bone to settle, with medical staff advising a cautious build-up. The tournament begins on Feb. 7; Australia open their campaign on Feb. 11 against Ireland. Ben Dwarshuis has been named as his replacement and a trio of less-experienced quicks, including Xavier Bartlett and Nathan Ellis, are expected to take on more responsibility as Josh Hazlewood continues to manage a hamstring problem and Mitchell Starc has retired from T20 internationals. Cummins remains hopeful of featuring for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL, which starts March 26, but has said any participation will be “guided by my back.” Australia face a congested international calendar over the next 18 months — including tours to South Africa and India and a packed Test schedule — which has shaped the decision to prioritise long-term fitness over short-term returns.

Free agent Jesse Lingard, 33, has emerged as a target for Dutch club Feyenoord after being released by Seoul FC when his contract expired in December. Lingard made 67 appearances for Seoul, scoring 19 goals and providing 10 assists, and has been training individually since leaving the K League. Clubs in England, Italy and the Netherlands — including West Ham, Wolves and Genoa — have held discussions, but reports on Feb. 4-5, 2026 say Feyenoord, coached by Lingard’s former Manchester United team-mate Robin van Persie, have made contact. The move has gained urgency after a serious knee ligament injury to van Persie’s son and Feyenoord forward Shaqueel, leaving the squad short up front. Lingard, who last played in England for Nottingham Forest in 2022-23 and enjoyed a notable loan spell at West Ham in 2021, hopes to decide on his next club within days. He has said he is open to moves across Europe, the Middle East and elsewhere.

Long-serving presenters Richard Keys and Andy Gray are set to leave Qatari broadcaster beIN Sports at the end of the 2025-26 season, according to reports. The pair, aged 68 and 70 respectively, have fronted beIN's Premier League coverage since joining the network in 2013 after high-profile departures from Sky Sports in 2011. Their contracts are said to expire in May and neither is expected to sign new deals; reports add there has been no falling-out and the exits are amicable. Insiders suggest the decision reflects both the presenters’ ages and broader shifts in sports media toward social-media-driven formats, influencers and fan channels. Neither presenter is currently scheduled to present beIN’s World Cup coverage this summer in Canada, Mexico and the United States, though that could change. beIN Sports has not publicly commented. Keys and Gray’s long association with top-flight football broadcasts, and the lingering memory of the 2011 microphone incident that ended their Sky careers, mean their departure will mark the end of a familiar era for many viewers across beIN’s territories, which cover Turkey and the Middle East and North Africa.

Portland pulled off a major upset Wednesday night, beating No. 6 Gonzaga 87-80 at the Chiles Center in Portland, Ore., snapping Gonzaga’s 15-game winning streak. Freshman guard Joel Foxwell led the Pilots with 27 points and eight assists, while James O’Donnell added 16. Portland, a 21.5-point underdog, shot 59% from the field and hit 44% of its 3s. Gonzaga’s Graham Ike finished with 24 points and 10 rebounds but could not overcome his team’s off shooting (40% FG). The loss was Gonzaga’s second of the season (22-2, 10-1 WCC) and ended a 20-game Bulldog winning streak in the series; Portland improved to 11-14 (4-8 WCC). The Pilots’ home crowd stormed the court after the final horn. Portland coach Shantay Legans, who had recently suffered an Achilles injury, navigated the sideline despite his ailment. Gonzaga will try to regroup when it visits Oregon State on Saturday; the Bulldogs are coping with injuries to forward Braden Huff and the recent return of Ike.

DALLAS — The Dallas Stars beat the St. Louis Blues 5-4 on Wednesday, Feb. 4, as captain Jamie Benn scored twice, including the game-winner with 23 seconds remaining, to send Dallas into the Olympic break on a six-game winning streak. Jason Robertson opened the scoring and recorded his 200th NHL career goal — his 32nd of the season — becoming the first player from the 2017 draft class to reach the milestone. Matt Duchene also had a goal and an assist, and goalie Jake Oettinger made 14 saves for his sixth straight win. For St. Louis, Jordan Kyrou had a goal and an assist, Pavel Buchnevich scored on the power play, Jimmy Snuggerud extended a rookie point streak to six games, and Alexey Toropchenko tied the game late in the third before Benn’s decisive play. Blues goalie Jordan Binnington stopped 23 shots. The result extends Dallas’s season-long best streak and leaves St. Louis with just one victory in its last nine games. Both teams resume NHL play after the Olympics against the Seattle Kraken later in February.

The Utah Jazz (15-35) visit the Indiana Pacers (13-37) in Indianapolis on Tuesday, Feb. 3, tipping off at 7 p.m. ET at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Utah is riding a six-game losing streak and has gone 5-18 on the road, while Indiana is 10-17 at home. Betting markets list the Pacers as a 3.5-point favorite with an over/under of 236.5; DraftKings shows moneyline prices of Utah +137 and Indiana -164. SportsLine’s projection model simulated the matchup 10,000 times, backing the Under on 236.5 and projecting Lauri Markkanen to average about 24.6 points and Pascal Siakam about 25.2, while generating an against-the-spread pick that hits near 70% in simulations. Statistically, Utah gives up 127.0 points per game and has been outscored by nine points on average; the Pacers average 110.7 points. Key injuries include Utah’s Keyonte George (ankle), Georges Niang (foot), Walker Kessler (out for season, shoulder) and Jusuf Nurkic (rest). Indiana is missing Obi Toppin (foot) and Tyrese Haliburton (out for season, Achilles).

Manchester City have signalled a structured shift as the club prepares for a post-Pep Guardiola era, BBC Sport reported on Feb. 4, 2026. The January transfer window saw marquee arrivals Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi sign long-term deals, underlining City’s continued pull in the market despite speculation around Guardiola’s future. The club has also seen on-field changes with the departures of Kevin De Bruyne, Kyle Walker and Ederson, and off-field evolution as sporting director Txiki Begiristain handed responsibilities to Hugo Viana. Guardiola, who signed a two-year contract extension in November 2024, has around 18 months remaining on his deal; sources tell BBC Sport there is “tangible uncertainty” over whether he will complete the final year or agree fresh terms. City insiders say recruitment is no longer wholly dependent on Guardiola’s presence, pointing to the club’s financial muscle, infrastructure and assurances of competing for major trophies as decisive factors for recruits. A final decision on Guardiola’s future is expected towards or after the end of this season, leaving City to manage a phased transition while maintaining elite ambitions.

Oklahoma State upset No. 16 BYU 99-92 at Gallagher-Iba Arena on Wednesday night (Feb. 4, 2026), handing the Cougars a fourth loss in five games and delivering a marquee victory for the Cowboys. Senior guard Anthony Roy scored 30 points to lead Oklahoma State, while BYU freshman AJ Dybantsa poured in a game-high 36 points (13 of 20 shooting) in his fourth 30-plus outing of the season. BYU committed 16 turnovers, and Oklahoma State converted those miscues into a 21-8 advantage in points off turnovers. The win is Oklahoma State’s first Quad 1 victory and is expected to boost their NCAA Tournament profile and Bracketology projections — early models suggest the Cowboys could move into an 11-seed range. The victory prompted a court-storming at home as Oklahoma State seeks momentum before a road trip to No. 1 Arizona. BYU (17-5, 5-4 Big 12) remains in contention nationally but is grappling with recent defensive lapses; Oklahoma State improved to 16-6 (4-5 Big 12) with a signature resume-building result.

An official State of Origin match is set to be played in New Zealand in 2027, with Auckland’s Eden Park reported to host Game 2 of the series. Negotiations between the NRL and the New Zealand government were reportedly concluded in January after talks that began late in 2025; Code Sports and local media have said the government bid about NZ$5 million to secure the fixture. The game would be the first official Origin match staged outside Australia since an exhibition in Long Beach in 1987 and follows the NRL’s recent practice of holding one neutral-venue game each series. Organisers have discussed a 9.30pm local kickoff (7.30pm AEDT) to suit Australian audiences. Former Kiwi international Gary Freeman and other figures have welcomed the move, saying it could boost attendances, grassroots participation and broadcast audiences in New Zealand. The decision comes amid government efforts to expand events and tourism and ongoing debate about NRL expansion and the sport’s regional growth.