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The UK government has rejected a call from the Offshore Energies UK trade body to boost North Sea oil and gas production, despite warnings that the UK will become increasingly reliant on imports at a time of rising global instability.The industry group has urged the government to take action to slow the decline of the North Sea as a provider of energy, citing concerns that consumers will be left more exposed to global volatility and higher emissions if domestic production is not increased.The warning comes as the war in the Middle East has triggered the biggest oil and gas supply shock in the history of the market, causing UK gas prices to more than double in under a month.A government spokesperson said that issuing new licences to explore new fields cannot guarantee energy security and will not reduce bills, adding that the only way to truly protect against price spikes is to get off the rollercoaster of fossil fuel markets.The decline of the North Sea oil and gas basin means that the UK's reliance on gas imports is likely to increase sharply from about 14% last year to more than a quarter of its gas supply by 2030, and almost half by 2035.David Whitehouse, the chief executive of Offshore Energies UK, argued that energy security means backing homegrown oil and gas alongside renewables, and that a stable new tax regime for the industry is essential to reduce reliance on volatile imports and protect skilled jobs.

The conflict in Iran has sparked concerns about a potential global food crisis due to a looming shortage of fertiliser, a crucial component in food production. The Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route, has been disrupted, impacting the export of fertilisers from Gulf countries.On March 2, Ebrahim Jabari, a senior adviser to the commander-in-chief of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), announced that the Strait of Hormuz was 'closed', causing oil prices to soar above $100 per barrel. However, experts warn that a parallel crisis is emerging - a considerable threat to global food security due to a shortage of fertiliser.Nearly half of the world's traded urea, the most widely used fertiliser, and large volumes of other fertilisers are exported from Gulf countries via the Strait of Hormuz. Recent disruptions to gas supplies and shipping have already forced fertiliser plants in the Gulf and beyond to shut or cut their output.Countries such as India, Brazil, and China are heavily dependent on Gulf fertiliser exports, with India sourcing over 40% of its urea and phosphate fertilisers from the region. A prolonged fertiliser shortage and hike in fertiliser prices could lead to reduced crop yields, affecting food security worldwide.The urea export prices from the Middle East have surged by about 40%, rising from just less than $500 to a little more than $700 per metric tonne. The price is currently close to 60% higher than this time last year.According to one shipping services company, 20% of the world's fertiliser originates in the Gulf, while 46% of global urea supply comes from the Gulf. Qatar Fertiliser Company (QAFCO), considered the world's largest urea supplier, alone supplies 14% of the world's urea.Analysis by Kpler, a data and analytics company, shows that as much as one-third of global fertiliser trade could be disrupted if the closure of the Strait of Hormuz persists. This could lead to nitrogen fertiliser prices doubling and phosphate prices climbing by about 50%.

Galatasaray's star striker, Victor Osimhen, made a valiant effort to play through a broken arm during the team's 4-0 loss to Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League. This courageous attempt was aimed at preventing his side from being eliminated 4-1 on aggregate.The Nigerian international took a knock on his right arm during the first half at Anfield and, despite the injury, remained on the pitch until halftime. However, he could not resume play after the interval due to a suspected fracture.Following the match, a hospital examination confirmed a fracture of the right forearm, and a cast was applied. A decision regarding a possible surgical procedure will be made in the coming days after further tests.The loss to Liverpool has set up a quarterfinal matchup against Paris Saint-Germain, the trophy holder. Osimhen's availability for the remainder of the season is now in doubt, which could impact both Galatasaray's and Nigeria's prospects.Osimhen, known as one of the brightest talents in the game, had previously missed out on a place at this summer's FIFA World Cup 2026 after Nigeria was eliminated in a playoff by DR Congo.

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has commended the decision to award its country the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title, which was initially stripped from Senegal. The FRMF welcomed the decision, stating it reaffirms the primacy of competition regulations and reinforces the conditions necessary for the proper conduct of international tournaments.The Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced on Tuesday that its Appeal Board had awarded the tournament to Morocco, the defeated finalists, on January 18. The final, which Senegal won 1-0 in extra time, was delayed for 14 minutes when the Senegalese players and staff returned to the dressing room in protest against the awarding of an injury-time penalty to Morocco in the second half.The FRMF maintained a clear and consistent position throughout the process, focusing on the strict application of governing regulations. Following its appeal, CAF confirmed that the applicable regulations were not properly enforced. Morocco appealed to CAF to overturn the result immediately after the final, which descended into chaos during and after the protest, and led to a pitch invasion, resulting in 18 Senegalese fans being handed prison sentences.The Senegal Football Federation (FSF) immediately responded to CAF's ruling by saying it would take its own appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Senegal's government alleged corruption following the decision and called for an independent international investigation into the matter.

The Senegalese Football Federation has instructed its lawyers to lodge an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) after the national team was stripped of its Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title. CAF reversed Senegal's win, awarding the title to Morocco two months after the final.The continent's showpiece football final, in Rabat on January 18, descended into chaos when several Senegalese players walked off the pitch in protest after the hosts were awarded a penalty late in second-half stoppage time. Senegal's players were coaxed back onto the pitch by captain Sadio Mane, but Morocco missed the penalty. Pape Gueye went on to score the goal in extra time that gave Senegal a 1-0 victory.CAF said that, having studied an appeal by Morocco, “the Senegal national team is declared to have forfeited the match” and the result was “officially recorded as 3-0” in favour of Morocco.CAF President Patrice Motsepe defended the decision, stating that “the decisions of our Disciplinary Board and Appeals Board are viewed with respect ⁠and integrity.” However, Senegal's government called for an independent international investigation of the decision, alleging corruption within CAF.Motsepe admitted that African football remains plagued by trust issues and questions over its integrity, but assured that “not a single country in Africa will be treated in a manner that is more preferential, or more advantageous, or more favourable than any other country on the African continent.”

US President Donald Trump has claimed he is having 'productive' conversations with Iran, leading to a five-day pause in US strikes on Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure. However, Tehran denies these talks exist, casting doubt on the situation.If real, these talks would be a welcome de-escalatory step, but they also indicate that Trump's threat of war risked severe consequences that could damage more than just the intended target.Meanwhile, Israel is advancing measures in the West Bank that shift its occupation to annexation. The Israeli cabinet approved land registration in roughly half of the West Bank, which could lead to large-scale dispossession of Palestinians. This move is illegal under international law, according to the Israeli liberal advocacy organization Peace Now.Settlers have been reported to have imposed a reign of terror in the West Bank, with Israeli forces seemingly turning a blind eye. The Guardian reported coordinated settler attacks across Palestinian villages, including arson and violent assaults.The article suggests that Israel's moves may be driven by a desire to consolidate territorial control while US support is still available. With many Americans questioning the cost of the alliance, Israel may be trying to lock in favorable outcomes before the situation changes.

Viktor Gyökeres has articulated the hurt and defiance within the Arsenal dressing room following their 2-0 Carabao Cup final defeat by Manchester City and promised to use it as fuel in the club's pursuit of other trophies this season.Arsenal produced their worst performance of the season in the final, with nearly every player falling below their standard – with the possible exception of William Saliba. The period from the beginning of the second half until Nico O'Reilly scored his second goal in the 64th minute proved particularly difficult, as City established complete dominance, leaving Arsenal pinned back and struggling to mount any meaningful attack.The recovery mission has already begun, with some at the club hoping the international break will provide a timely change of environment and focus. For Gyökeres, there is also the matter of Thursday's World Cup playoff with Sweden against Ukraine in Valencia. If his country advances, they will face Poland or Albania next Tuesday for a place at the finals.Despite the setback, Arsenal remains nine points clear of City at the top of the Premier League, albeit having played one game more, and has progressed to the Champions League quarter-finals, where they will face Sporting. Their next domestic challenge comes in the FA Cup quarter-final at Southampton on the following Saturday."Of course, we don't feel great right now but it's not like we have a game in three days," Gyökeres said. "For sure, we will go again and be even more motivated for those games."The turning point at Wembley came when Arsenal's backup goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga – who Mikel Arteta started ahead of first-choice David Raya – dropped a cross to allow O'Reilly to score his first goal, although City had already established firm control of possession."We created some chances at the beginning of the game and then I think it was maybe 10 minutes from the break where they got the momentum," Gyökeres reflected. "I think they had the ball … maybe they didn't create so many dangerous chances but they had the ball a long time and it looked the same in the second half."Normally, when it's two top teams it can be like that [with the first goal being crucial]. In the moment of the game where they scored … yeah, it was difficult to get going afterwards."

The Tyne-Wear derby between Newcastle United and Sunderland AFC ended in a 2-1 victory for the visiting team, but the match was overshadowed by reports of racist abuse directed at Sunderland's Lutsharel Geertruida by home fans.The incident occurred early in the second half, prompting referee Anthony Taylor to temporarily halt play in accordance with the Premier League's on-field anti-discrimination protocol. Granit Xhaka, Sunderland's captain, informed Taylor of the alleged abuse, which led to a discussion with both managers and the player involved.The Premier League has launched a full investigation into the incident, with Northumbria Police making one arrest during pre-match skirmishes between rival fans. Newcastle United has condemned the abuse and vowed to work with authorities to identify and hold accountable those responsible.In a statement, Newcastle United said: "We are aware of a report of racism made by a visiting player against someone in the crowd during our Premier League match against Sunderland. Our stance is clear – we do not tolerate discrimination of any form. We will work with the authorities to fully investigate and will ensure any individuals are identified and held accountable."Sunderland AFC also released a statement, expressing their support for Geertruida and condemning the racist abuse: "Sunderland AFC is aware of the reported incident of racist abuse directed at Lutsharel Geertruida during today's fixture at St. James' Park. We stand with Lutsharel, who has our complete backing, and we commend him for displaying bravery and leadership by reporting this incident to the match officials."The incident has highlighted the ongoing issue of racism in football and the need for clubs and authorities to take a strong stance against such behavior.

Transitioning from the bright lights of the Stade de France to the familiar surroundings of the Crumbie Stand presents a unique mental challenge for international rugby players. For England's Ollie Chessum, however, the return to domestic competition proved fruitful as he delivered another tireless performance in Leicester's 33-19 victory over Bristol.The result not only elevates the Tigers to third place in the Premiership standings but also secured what could prove to be a crucial bonus point when playoff calculations are finalized. Bristol, who had been seeking bonus points of their own, ultimately left empty-handed and remain in fifth place following a match that maintained intensity from start to finish.The significance of this fixture was evident as Chessum and Joe Heyes were asked to immediately return to action following their Six Nations commitments, with Jack van Poortvliet also coming off the bench. This selection strategy proved effective, bolstered by another influential display from fly-half Billy Searle. The final try exemplified the Tigers' growing confidence under pressure.Even head coach Geoff Parling was urging his players to take calculated risks, shouting at Freddie Steward to kick the ball from deep rather than risk turnovers. When his players backed themselves from their own half, the decision paid dividends."I've been trying for a long time to get them to play what they see and that's what they did," Parling stated afterward, while also praising Chessum's contribution. "The Six Nations is physical but there's also an emotional toll. It's always a challenge for those guys when they come back after being away for eight weeks. Ollie was outstanding. He's a big emotional leader for us."Two decisive tries within a three-minute spell midway through the first half proved pivotal. When Leicester enters the "killing zone," they appear increasingly dangerous, as demonstrated by the close-range power of Joaquín Moro and Hanro Liebenberg, which left the Bears, missing rested Ellis Genge and dealing with injuries, with no answer.Bristol, however, proved difficult to contain for extended periods. Their industrious captain Fitz Harding, the league's top tackler this season, rewarded sustained pressure with a try, while Kalaveti Ravouvou continued his habit of scoring against the Tigers, escaping past Steward and Chessum to touch down down the right wing.The Bears' other first-half highlight came from hooker Gabriel Oghre, whose cultured left boot produced a magnificent 45-metre touchfinder from a defensive lineout. Oghre's versatility raises questions about why he isn't discussed more frequently among England's hooker options.While romantic backstories don't typically secure tight victories, the return of Scotland international flanker Hamish Watson on loan from Edinburgh added emotional significance. After 14 years north of the border, the 34-year-old relished the opportunity to run out to the traditional strains of Smoke on the Water at his boyhood club.Bristol continued to press, with Harding burrowing over for his second try, bringing Jimmy Williams' conversion to make it 20-19. Leicester needed to respond, and almost did when Searle launched an attack that might have yielded a spectacular try had Moro held the final pass.Though Izaia Perese soon crossed for Leicester's third try, the Tigers couldn't fully relax until the final moments. Steward's cross-kick initiated a daring raid up the right touchline, culminating in Hamer-Webb's exuberant dive over the line to seal the victory."We wanted to take Leicester out of their comfort zone and we did that at times," lamented Bristol's director of rugby Pat Lam. "We just need to finish more of our opportunities. You have to be at your best to win here and we weren't at our best."With seven regular-season rounds remaining, the stakes continue to rise. Bristol will host Harlequins at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, while Leicester faces Gloucester at Villa Park in the latest edition of the Slater Cup.