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The Historic Achievement Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been voted the NBA Most Valuable Player for the second consecutive season, ESPN reported Sunday morning. The official announcement of the winner is set to come at Sunday at 7.30pm. Entering Exclusive Company Gilgeous-Alexander will become the 14th player in league history to win back-to-back MVPs. He will be the first since Nikola Jokić in 2020-21 and 2021-22 and the first guard to win consecutive MVPs since Stephen Curry in 2014-15 and 2015-16. Career Highlights and Statistics Signed to a four-year, $273.3m super maximum contract extension in the offseason, the Canadian averaged 31.1 points, 6.6 assists and 4.3 rebounds in 68 regular-season games this season. The 27-year-old is averaging 25.3 points, 5.3 assists and 4.7 boards in 530 career games (521 starts) with the Los Angeles Clippers (2018-19) and Thunder. Impact on the League and Future Outlook Gilgeous-Alexander’s award will extend a streak of players born outside the US winning MVP. The last US-born player to win the award was James Harden in 2018. The guard led the Thunder to their first NBA championship last year. Aiming for back-to-back titles, Oklahoma City will open play in the Western Conference final on Monday against the San Antonio Spurs.

Iran announced a 30‑player preliminary squad for the 2026 World Cup on May 17, 2026, notably leaving out veteran striker Sardar Azmoun.Political Fallout Triggers Azmoun's ExclusionAzmoun was reportedly expelled after posting a photo with Dubai’s ruler Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, which Iranian officials deemed disloyal amid regional tensions. The move follows a Fars News Agency report citing an “informed source” within the national team.Numbers Behind the Decision57 goals in 91 appearances for IranSquad size: 30 players, to be trimmed to 26 by June 1Training camp in Turkiye starts Monday, with friendlies scheduledImplications for Iran’s World Cup CampaignWith Mehdi Taremi now leading the attack, the team must adjust tactics ahead of Group G matches against New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt. The exclusion highlights the intersection of sport and politics, potentially affecting morale and public perception.Looking Ahead: Squad Finalisation and Visa HurdlesCoach Amir Ghalenoei emphasized technical criteria in selections, while federation president Mehdi Taj confirmed visa applications are pending, with fingerprinting to occur in Turkiye. The final 26‑man roster will be set before the tournament kickoff on June 11.

The Lead FIFA Secretary-General Mattias Grafstrom says he held a constructive and positive meeting with Iran's football chief, Mehdi Taj, expressing confidence about the country's participation at the World Cup. FIFA's Constructive Meeting with Iran “We've had an excellent meeting and constructive meeting together with the Iran football association,” Grafstrom told the Reuters news agency on Saturday. “We're working closely together and looking very much forward to welcoming them in the FIFA World Cup.” Iran's World Cup Participation in Question Iran are scheduled to play all three of their group matches in the United States, but the team's participation in the June 11 to July 19 tournament has been in question since the US and Israel began attacking Iran on February 28, sparking a regional conflict. The Data Analysis Iran's squad will leave Tehran for a training camp in Turkiye on Monday before moving on to their US base at the Kino Sports Complex in Tucson, Arizona, in early June. Iran are scheduled to get their World Cup campaign under way against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15. They are also due to play Belgium and Egypt in Group G. The Impact Analysis More questions have arisen after the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) President Taj was refused entry to Canada for the FIFA Congress in Vancouver this month. An FFIRI delegation led by Taj turned back upon arrival at Toronto's main airport, citing their treatment by Canadian immigration, and missed a pre-World Cup FIFA gathering in Vancouver. The Prediction Taj said the FFIRI had a good meeting with Grafstrom and other FIFA officials. “I am pleased that they listened to Iran's points, all 10 points that we had raised, and they offered solutions for each of them. I hope, God willing, that our national team can go to the World Cup without any problems and achieve very good results there,” he said.

The Lead: A Weekend of Sporting DramaSports fans are in for a treat as this weekend features some of the most anticipated events in the sporting calendar. The FA Cup final between Manchester City and Chelsea takes center stage at Wembley, while the US PGA tournament and crucial football matches across various leagues add to the excitement.The Event Details: FA Cup Final ShowdownThe FA Cup final between Manchester City and Chelsea promises to be a captivating encounter. For Manchester City, victory would keep alive their hopes of a domestic treble, having already won the League Cup and still hunting Arsenal in the title race. For Chelsea, it represents an opportunity to end a difficult season on a high note, winning their first domestic trophy in eight years and breaking a Wembley final losing streak that includes three consecutive defeats between 2020 and 2022.The Event Details: Scottish Premiership Title RaceNorth of the border, Celtic and Hearts face off in what could be one of the most significant matches in Scottish football history. Hearts have led the Scottish Premiership for most of the season but Celtic are just one point behind and know victory would deliver a 14th title in 15 seasons. The match has added extra spice as it's essentially a one-game shootout for the title, with Hearts needing to avoid defeat to end a 66-year wait to win the championship.The Event Details: USPGA TournamentIn golf, the USPGA tournament at Aronimink is reaching a critical stage with Scottie Scheffler, the world No. 1, and former champion Martin Kaymer setting the pace. Jordan Spieth is seeking a career grand slam while Masters champion Rory McIlroy has struggled, making for an intriguing third round of competition.The Impact Analysis: Premier League ImplicationsWhile the FA Cup final captures the headlines, the Premier League season is reaching its climax with six matches on Sunday that could have significant implications for the final standings. Manchester United's match against Nottingham Forest could see Michael Carrick appointed as permanent head coach if they secure third place. Meanwhile, Arsenal's upcoming match against Burnley on Monday has huge implications for the title race, with the Gunners looking to close the gap on Manchester City.The Impact Analysis: Women's Football FocusThe Women's Super League concludes its season with all 12 clubs playing for pride on the final day. Key fixtures include Brighton facing Tottenham before their first Women's FA Cup final, Chelsea meeting Manchester United in a match that could see them finish above Arsenal, and Liverpool versus Arsenal with their final positions in the table up for grabs. Chelsea will also be bidding farewell to Sam Kerr, who recently became the club's all-time top scorer in the WSL before leaving when her contract expires this summer.The Prediction: What to Watch ForLooking ahead, the FA Cup final is likely to be a tight affair given Manchester City's recent cup final upsets and Chelsea's need for redemption. In the Scottish Premiership, Hearts will be desperate to secure their first title since 1960, while Celtic will be aiming to maintain their dominance. In golf, expect Scheffler to maintain his form as he pursues another major victory. The Premier League matches will provide valuable preparation for next season's campaigns, with several teams using these final games to build momentum.

The Philippine government has formally committed to surrendering fugitive Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa to the International Criminal Court (ICC) following a dramatic confrontation at the Senate building that ended in gunfire and his escape.Senate Standoff and ICC Warrant UnsealedJustice Secretary Fredderick Vida confirmed on Friday that Manila has received the ICC’s arrest warrant for Senator Ronald dela Rosa, 64, and considers it valid. The former national police chief, instrumental in President Rodrigo Duterte's drug war, fortified himself in the Senate building after law enforcement agents attempted to arrest him on Monday.The situation escalated rapidly, with more than a dozen gunshots ringing out as armed soldiers charged the legislative building two days later. Although it remains unclear who fired the shots, the Senate president confirmed by Thursday that dela Rosa was no longer inside the building. With his whereabouts unknown, authorities have warned that any attempt to help him flee the country would be treated as a "mockery of justice."The Scale of the Alleged CrimesDela Rosa faces charges of crimes against humanity, similar to those against Duterte, who has been held in ICC custody in The Hague since March 2025. The former police chief is named as one of eight co-perpetrators in the case and is accused of serving as Duterte's top enforcer.The ICC estimates that the former president's "war on drugs" campaign, which ran from 2016 to 2019, resulted in the deaths of between 12,000 and 30,000 people through extrajudicial killings.A Test of Judicial SovereigntyThis incident marks a significant test of the Philippines' relationship with international justice. While Vida stated that the government will "definitely submit" to the ICC's request, the process is contingent on the Philippine Supreme Court resolving the senator's petition against the warrant's legality.The standoff highlights the deep political divisions within the nation, as dela Rosa attempted to cast a deciding vote in a leadership contest that would have handed power to a Duterte ally. His disappearance has effectively paralyzed a key legislative vote, raising questions about the stability of the current administration.The Path to ExtraditionIn an interview aired on Thursday, dela Rosa pledged to "exhaust all available remedies" to block his transfer to the ICC. The immediate future now hinges on the Supreme Court's ruling. If the court rules against the warrant, dela Rosa may remain free; however, if the court upholds the ICC's authority, extradition proceedings are likely to begin immediately, bringing a controversial chapter of Philippine history to a head.

Defence Minister Condemns Yamal’s Flag GestureIsrael Katz, Israel’s defence minister, blasted Lamine Yamal after the 18‑year‑old waved a large Palestinian flag from an open‑top bus during Barcelona’s victory parade, labeling the act as "inciting hate" while Israeli forces combat Hamas.Flag Wave During Barcelona Victory ParadeThe flag was displayed on Monday, May 12, 2026, as Barcelona celebrated clinching the Spanish league title. Yamal posted photos of himself holding the flag on Instagram, sparking immediate backlash from Israeli officials.Scale of Public Turnout and Political BackdropApproximately 750,000 spectators lined the streets for the parade, according to local authorities.The Gaza conflict has already claimed more than 72,000 Palestinian lives, fueling worldwide criticism of Israel.Spain is one of five nations boycotting this year’s Eurovision Song Contest in protest of Israel’s participation.Repercussions Across Sports and International RelationsThe incident adds to a growing pattern of sports‑related protests, from disrupted cycling events in the Spanish Vuelta to calls for boycotts of Israeli‑backed teams. It highlights the increasing pressure on athletes to navigate geopolitical tensions while representing their clubs and countries.What Lies Ahead for Yamal and Spanish FootballYamal is slated to feature for Spain at the 2026 World Cup in North America. How the Spanish federation and sponsors respond could set a precedent for handling political expression on the field, potentially influencing future disciplinary policies across European football.

The Scheduling CrisisItalian football is facing another embarrassment to add to the country's failure to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup. With just three days to go until the start of the penultimate round of Serie A fixtures, Italy's top-flight league, half the teams do not know when their matches will be played.The Rome Derby DilemmaThe Rome derby is at the core of the issue as it was originally slated to kick off at 12:30pm (10:30 GMT) on Sunday, along with four other matches involving teams competing for a Champions League berth. Because the race for the final three Champions League spots – behind newly crowned champion Inter Milan – is so tight, the games featuring Napoli, Juventus, AC Milan, Roma and Como all have to be played simultaneously to ensure fairness.The Tennis ConflictHowever, the Italian Open men's singles tennis final is scheduled for 5pm (15:00 GMT) at Rome's Foro Italico, in the same complex as the Stadio Olimpico and, because of fears of public safety, local authorities have ordered the derby to be moved to Monday evening. Because of the disruption that would cause to thousands of fans of the 10 teams involved, the Lega Serie A proposed an alternative: kicking off at 12pm (10:00 GMT) and pushing back the start of the tennis to 5:30pm (15:30 GMT).The League's ResponseThat was rejected by Roman authorities, and so the Italian league's governing body lodged a formal appeal with the Regional Administrative Tribunal (TAR) on Wednesday night. Lazio coach Maurizio Sarri was asked about the matter on Wednesday, after his team's loss to Inter in the Italian Cup final, and he blamed the Lega Serie A, adding that he would not even turn up at the stadium if the derby was played on Sunday.The Tight Race for European SpotsFive points separate Napoli, in second, and sixth-place Como. Napoli is on 70 points, Juventus 68, Milan and Roma 67 and Como 65. They are all playing against teams with little to play for but pride, with Napoli visiting already relegated Pisa, while Juventus, Milan and Como play Fiorentina, Genoa and Parma respectively — with those three sides already safe from relegation. Lazio is out of the race for the European spots.Broader Implications for Italian FootballAt the other end of the table, Lecce – which occupies the last position of safety – is one point above 18th-place Cremonese and visits Sassuolo. Cremonese travels to Udinese. Italy's national team became the first former winners to miss out on qualification for three consecutive World Cup finals when they were eliminated by Bosnia and Herzegovina in a playoff on March 31. The defeat has led to calls for widespread change to the way Italian football is structured and managed, including the Italian sport minister calling for the football federation's president to stand down.

The Lead Manchester City secured a crucial 3-0 victory against Crystal Palace, with Phil Foden providing the spark that ignited their performance. The win takes Pep Guardiola's side back to within two points of Arsenal, with both teams having played 36 games in the Premier League title race. Foden's Return to Form The good news for Pep Guardiola is that a much-changed team delivered the required result, with Phil Foden once again displaying the magic that can make him a force. The 25-year-old, who had been struggling with form for several months, provided a sublime performance that included a crucial assist for the opening goal and was close to adding another. His intervention was particularly important as City had looked sluggish in the early stages, lacking zip in their movement and imagination. Key Match Moments City took the lead through Antoine Semenyo after a brilliant backheel from Foden put him in position. Omar Marmoush doubled the score before Savinho sealed the victory with a goal in the 84th minute. The match was not without its challenges for City, with Jean-Philippe Mateta's early strike being ruled out due to Brennan Johnson being offside, and Crystal Palace creating intermittent threats throughout the match. Team Changes and Impact Guardiola made six changes from the previous match against Brentford, including the return of Josko Gvardiol from a long-term injury. The Croat was part of a rearguard that had to be alert when Palace threatened early on. Rayan Aït-Nouri was another of Guardiola's fresh personnel, lined up on the left as one of the two attackers ahead of Bernardo Silva and Foden in midfield. Crystal Palace also made changes, with Oliver Glasner fielding an understrength team with an eye on their upcoming Conference League final. Implications for the Title Race The victory keeps Manchester City's title hopes alive, but their fate is largely out of their hands as Arsenal host Burnley on Monday. The chances of Arsenal dropping points to the relegated visitors appear slim, meaning City will need to keep winning and hope for a favor from either Burnley or Palace, who host Arsenal on the season's final day. City may also be FA Cup holders or losing finalists by the time they next play, depending on the result of their match against Chelsea at Wembley on Saturday.

The Foxconn Breach: Major Electronics Manufacturer Targeted Electronics manufacturing giant Foxconn, which produces devices and components for Apple, Google, Nvidia, and Sony among other tech giants, confirmed on Monday that it was hit by a cyberattack affecting some of its facilities. The ransomware group Nitrogen claimed responsibility for the breach, asserting they had stolen over 11 million files including confidential information from Foxconn's major customers. Ransomware Attack Details and Nitrogen's Double Extortion Strategy The attack, which impacted Foxconn's facilities in North America, was claimed by the Nitrogen ransomware group through their dark web leak site. As proof of their breach, the hackers published several images appearing to show product schematics, guidelines, and bank statements. Nitrogen operates as a double-extortion ransomware group, meaning they not only encrypt files to make them inaccessible but also steal data first, creating two avenues for monetizing their crimes through either ransom payments or data leaks. Scope of Data Theft and Potential Financial Implications The hackers claim to have accessed sensitive information from multiple major tech companies, including Apple, Dell, Google, Intel, and Nvidia. While Foxconn has not disclosed specific financial figures related to the attack, such breaches typically result in significant costs including remediation, potential regulatory fines, and reputational damage. The stolen data, if authentic and leaked, could potentially impact product development cycles and competitive positioning for the affected companies. Industry-Wide Cybersecurity Concerns Amplified This attack highlights the growing vulnerability of critical manufacturing infrastructure in the tech industry. As supply chains become increasingly interconnected, a breach at a major manufacturer like Foxconn can have cascading effects across multiple companies and sectors. The incident underscores the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures not just at individual companies but throughout the entire supply chain ecosystem. Future Outlook for Foxconn and Affected Tech Giants While Foxconn reports that affected factories are resuming normal production, the long-term implications of this breach remain to be seen. Companies like Apple, Google, and Nvidia will likely need to assess whether their proprietary information has been compromised and take appropriate security measures. This incident may accelerate investments in cybersecurity across the tech manufacturing sector and potentially lead to new regulatory requirements for protecting sensitive supply chain data.