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Kevin Wekesa’s Climate Call from the Rugby PitchKevin Wekesa, a 25‑year‑old Kenyan rugby sevens Olympian, argues that climate change is already affecting sport at the grassroots level. He notes that while most climate voices come from North America and Europe, Kenyan athletes are confronting rising heat, cracked pitches, and erratic weather daily.Founding Play Green and Tackling Plastic in Kenyan RugbyIn 2024, ahead of his debut at the Paris Olympics, Wekesa founded Play Green, an organisation that connects sport with climate action. The programme supplies schools with rugby equipment, promotes reusable water bottles, and campaigns to ban single‑use plastic in Kenyan clubs and upcoming events such as the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.Quantifying the Impact: 1,000 Plastic Bottles Saved Weekly and 6,200 Trees Planted1,000 single‑use plastic bottles saved each week by the men’s and women’s national sevens teams.6,200+ fruit trees planted across 40+ schools, providing shade, nutrition, and carbon sequestration.Workshops delivered in 10 schools during May, with plans to expand further.Why Kenyan Sport and Communities Are Feeling Climate InjusticesPlay Green’s education focus highlights that Kenyan children, despite a low per‑capita carbon footprint, face disproportionate climate impacts—drought, floods, heatwaves, and food insecurity. By turning students into active participants—planting trees, conserving water, and sharing climate knowledge—Wekesa aims to shift the narrative from victimhood to empowerment.Future Outlook: Scaling Play Green Across Africa and Influencing PolicyWekesa is meeting with Inger Andersen, executive director of the United Nations Environment Programme, to embed plastic‑reduction policies in the 2027 AFCON. He envisions a cascade effect: eliminating plastic in Kenyan rugby clubs, inspiring other sports, and eventually shaping national environmental legislation.

The Quest for a Winless, Point‑Free Season While point deductions are a common way for clubs to end a campaign on zero, a far smaller group have hit the rock bottom purely by losing every single fixture. The Guardian’s Q&A; explores which sides have actually finished a full season with 0 points on the books. Record‑Breaking Zero‑Point Campaigns Across the Globe Antigua Barracuda – 2013 United Soccer League (USL) season: 26 matches, 0 wins, 0 draws, 0 points. The club operated on a shoestring, with unpaid players and long minivan trips to games. Woodford United – Southern League Division One Central, 2012‑13: 42 league defeats, 0 points. Budget cuts forced youth coaches to field a makeshift squad, resulting in a record 185 goals conceded. Longford AFC – Gloucestershire Northern Senior League Division Two, 2015‑16: 30 losses, 0 points. Even a cameo from former England star Stuart Pearce could not spark a goal. Gibraltar Phoenix – Gibraltar Premier Division, 2013‑14: 14 games, 0 points in the league’s inaugural UEFA‑recognised season. Grêmio Barueri – Campeonato Paulista, 2016: 19 matches, 0 points despite playing in a 31,000‑seat stadium. Glasgow Women FC – Scottish Women’s Premier League, 2022‑23: 22 defeats, 0 points, 6 goals scored. Billericay Town Women – Women’s National League Southern Premier Division, 2022‑23: 0 points in a similar fate. Yeni Malatyaspor – Turkish TFF First League, 2022‑23: 38 straight losses, 0 points amid financial collapse. Numbers That Define the Infamy The raw statistics underline the severity of these campaigns. The longest winless streak recorded in the list is 42 matches (Woodford United), while the highest goals‑against tally sits at 185 in the same season. In the United States, the 26‑game USL season of Antigua Barracuda remains the only professional league where a club finished with a perfect loss record. What Zero‑Point Seasons Reveal About Club Viability Across continents, the common thread is financial distress. Unpaid wages, inadequate travel budgets, and stadiums that outsize the fanbase all contributed to on‑field collapse. These seasons often trigger relegation, loss of league licences, or outright dissolution, highlighting how fragile lower‑tier football ecosystems can be. Will Modern Football Prevent Another Point‑Free Year? Governance reforms—stricter licensing, financial fair‑play checks, and emergency funding mechanisms—aim to stop clubs from reaching such extremes. However, as long as revenue gaps persist between elite and grassroots levels, the risk of another zero‑point season remains, especially in leagues with limited oversight.

The Geopolitical Oil Shock: Winners and Losers in Africa's Energy MarketThe outbreak of war between the United States and Israel and Iran has triggered what the International Energy Agency (IEA) describes as the most severe oil supply shock in history. This geopolitical escalation has fundamentally altered the economic landscape of the African continent, creating a dichotomy between resource-rich nations enjoying windfalls and import-dependent states grappling with spiralling inflation.The Human Cost of the Strait of Hormuz CrisisThe immediate impact of the conflict is most visible in the daily lives of ordinary citizens in import-dependent nations. In Kenya, motorcycle taxi driver Eric Wainaina has seen his livelihood decimated. Before the war, he covered up to 180km a day; now, rising fuel costs have cut his daily range in half, slashing his monthly income by 50 percent.Reduced Mobility: Wainaina can no longer work six days a week due to high petrol prices.Fare Adjustments: To survive, he has had to significantly increase fares, yet he is seeing fewer than 10 customers a day compared to the usual 20 to 30.Living Standards: Wainaina warns that his family may be forced to move to ancestral land in the rural hinterlands to survive.The crisis has pushed Kenya to seek a loan of up to $600m from the World Bank to shield its economy. The price of diesel in the country has surged by 24 percent to approximately $1.60 per litre, a cost that is rapidly becoming unsustainable for businesses and commuters alike.Quantifying the Energy DivideThe economic fallout is not uniform across the continent. While importers suffer, exporters are reaping significant financial rewards.Nigeria's Windfall: As Africa's largest oil producer, Nigeria has benefited immensely. Vanguard reports that Nigerian oil companies have earned a $4bn windfall, with Bonny Light crude prices rising by 66 percent from about $70.14 to an average of $116.84 per barrel.Global Production Drop: Goldman Sachs estimates the disruption in the Strait of Hormuz has reduced global oil production by 14.5 million barrels per day, equivalent to a 57 percent decline.Resource Scarcity: Nations with few energy reserves are facing mounting deficits, while oil-rich nations are seeing increased cash flow for infrastructure investments.Africa's Structural Refining DeficitThe disparity in impact highlights a deeper structural issue within the African energy sector. Despite holding roughly 12 percent of the world's oil reserves, the continent imports more than 70 percent of its refined fuel. The Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) warns of an 86-million-tonne fuel shortfall by 2040.This reliance on imported refined products leaves nations like Kenya exposed to global market volatility. The continent struggles with insufficient refining capacity, often exporting low-value crude while importing high-value refined products, a paradox that exacerbates the economic pain of supply shocks.Navigating Geopolitical VolatilityLooking ahead, the future for African nations will likely depend on their ability to diversify energy sources and manage diplomatic relationships. While Gulf states have committed $175bn to renewable energy projects in Africa, and China remains a major green energy investor, the immediate future remains tied to hydrocarbon markets.Analysts suggest that despite the hardships caused by the Iran war, African nations are unlikely to sever ties with the West. With the renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and bilateral health strategies with the US, countries are expected to continue balancing their energy needs against their diplomatic and economic alliances.

The Asian Cup 2027 Draw: A Clash of Titans and a New Era for Saudi ArabiaThe Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has officially finalized the groups for the 2027 Asian Cup, set to take place in Saudi Arabia from January 7 to February 5. The draw, which faced significant delays due to geopolitical tensions, has produced some of the most anticipated matchups in recent tournament history. With 24 teams competing, the stage is set for a battle of regional powerhouses, particularly in Group F, where the tournament's history and future dominance collide.Group F: The Ultimate Group of DeathThe most scrutinized group in the tournament is Group F, which features a fascinating juxtaposition of past and present Asian football supremacy. Japan, the most successful nation in the tournament's history with four titles, has been drawn against Qatar, the current kings of Asian football who have won the last two editions (2019 and 2023). Joining them are Indonesia and Thailand, two nations currently experiencing a renaissance in Asian football.Japan: Consistent qualifiers and technical leaders in Asian football.Qatar: Defending champions with a squad built for longevity and tactical depth.Indonesia & Thailand: Rising forces looking to upset the established order.Qatar coach Julen Lopetegui acknowledged the difficulty of the draw, stating, “Japan is one of the leaders in Asian football, always. They have quality players, and we have to believe in ourselves.” This group promises to be a litmus test for both teams' ability to maintain their dominance in a highly competitive environment.Saudi Arabia's Ambitious Hosting StrategyFor the host nation, Saudi Arabia, the draw presents a realistic path to the latter stages. They have been placed in an all-West Asia group alongside Kuwait, Oman, and Palestine. This grouping allows them to leverage home advantage and familiarity with the regional opponents. Saudi Arabia is eager to end a 31-year trophy drought, having last won the Asian Cup in 1996.Under the guidance of new coach Giorgios Donis, Saudi Arabia aims to build on their successful hosting of the FIFA World Cup 2034. Donis expressed confidence in the team's potential, saying, “When we reach the Asian Cup in our country, we will be ready to reach the final and to win the title.”Format and Geopolitical DelaysThe tournament structure remains unchanged from previous editions, with the top two teams from each of the six groups of four advancing to the round of 16, along with the four best third-placed teams. However, the tournament faces external challenges. The draw was postponed from April 11 to May 9 due to the US-Israel war on Iran, and the final field is still incomplete because the Lebanon-Yemen match was postponed to June.Outlook for the TournamentThe 2027 Asian Cup is shaping up to be one of the most competitive editions yet. The inclusion of Australia in Group D alongside Iraq and Tajikistan, and the presence of South Korea in Group E, ensures that every group contains high-stakes narratives. The tournament will be a crucial test for Asian football's evolution, particularly as the region prepares for the increased global attention that comes with the 2034 World Cup.

The Controversy Over Wrexham AFC's Pitch Upgrades Wrexham AFC, the football club part-owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac, used taxpayer funds to re-lay its pitch, even though initial grant documents assessing the state investment did not make reference to it. The Grant and Pitch Upgrade Details The club has been awarded £18m in grants, with the first £3.8m tranche in February 2022. However, legally required state aid documents relating to that initial grant made no reference to the pitch works. The club spent £1.7m upgrading the pitch last summer with undersoil heating, new drainage, and stitching with plastic fibres. A month later, on 17 September 2025, the council signed a contract that detailed how the club could use the full £18m – including pitch works that had already been completed. The Financial Impact Analysis The retrospective addition of the pitch works to the 2025 grant funding agreement suggests Wrexham AFC was given unusual leeway in deciding how to spend taxpayer money for its own benefit, without legally binding controls in place. By 2025, Reynolds and Mac had led promotion to the lucrative Championship, and had attracted large sponsorship deals and millions of pounds of new investment from the US billionaire Allyn family. Shortly after the grant, the private equity group Apollo also invested millions. The Impact on Football Finance Stefan Borson, a football finance expert, questioned why the council had pushed ahead with the rest of the grant in 2025, given the significant change in the club’s financial circumstances. “During summer 2025, the club spent £2m improving its pitch, presumably with a view to helping its players achieve a sporting advantage,” Borson said. “The fact that the grant funding agreement was not entered into in 2022 means that the change in financial status of the club could have led to a rethink as to the scale of the grant commitment.” The Future Outlook The controversy raises questions about the use of taxpayer funds for private benefit and the need for stricter controls on grant funding for football clubs.

The Absence of Iranian Officials Representatives from Iran's football federation were not present at the largest formal meeting of Asia's football leaders before the World Cup. The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Congress, held in Vancouver, Canada, was attended by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, but there was no discussion about Iran's participation in the tournament or potential changes to their game schedule due to the US-Israeli conflict. Concerns Over Visa Issues and Participation Concerns were raised that visa issues could affect the Iranian delegation's ability to travel to both the confederation meeting and the overall FIFA Congress. The 48-team tournament is being hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, starting on June 11. It was not clear if visa issues prevented Iranian representatives from attending the AFC Congress. Iran's World Cup Schedule and Preparations Iran are placed in Group G with Belgium, New Zealand, and Egypt. Team Melli's planned training camp would be in Tucson, Arizona, and they are scheduled to open their World Cup campaign on June 15 against New Zealand in Inglewood, California. Iran will play Belgium on June 21 and face Egypt in the final group match in Seattle on June 26. FIFA's Stance on Iran's Participation FIFA has consistently said Iran will stick to the World Cup game schedule decided last December. Despite the current conflicts, Infantino emphasized the importance of football in bringing people together: 'Now even more, we need to find ways to build these famous bridges, or maybe to build football fields instead. And to build competitions where people can join and come together.'

Tougher Discipline Ahead of the World Cup Footballers covering their mouths during a confrontation with an opponent or any other player on the pitch will be given a red card under a new rule approved by the International Football Association ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌Board (IFAB). The Event Details The board held a special meeting in Vancouver on Tuesday to pass FIFA-approved amendments to address inappropriate behaviour ahead of the World Cup in North America. “At the discretion of the competition organiser, any player covering their mouth in a confrontational situation with an opponent may be sanctioned with a red card,” IFAB said. The Data Analysis 48 teams competing in the World Cup will be informed of these amendments in the coming weeks. Another new amendment permits officials to issue red cards to players who leave the field in protest of a referee’s decision. The Impact Analysis This change follows a UEFA Champions League match where Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni made racially abusive comments directed at Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior while pulling his jersey up over his mouth to hide what he was saying. FIFA President Gianni Infantino pushed for the changes after a heated Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final when Senegal’s team walked off the field. The Prediction These new red card rules are not mandatory, but they give competition organisers like FIFA the option to use them. The World Cup kicks off June 11 with Mexico facing South Africa in Mexico City.

The Rise of Chiamaka Nnadozie At 25, Chiamaka Nnadozie has become a legendary figure in African goalkeeping, alongside Cameroon’s Thomas N’Kono and Morocco’s Zaki Badou. She made her World Cup finals debut for Nigeria at 18 and has since won the Confederation of African Football’s (Caf’s) Golden Gloves award three times consecutively in 2023, 2024, and 2025. Wafcon Disappointment and Determination Nnadozie and Nigeria were set to defend their Wafcon title in Morocco but were dismayed when Caf postponed the tournament. “We, the players, are not happy about it,” she says bluntly. “We don’t know the reason behind it … we were all prepared.” The Power of Music and Team Spirit Music plays a significant role in Nnadozie's life and football career. During last year’s Wafcon campaign, she carried a boombox with Afrobeat music from artists like Wizkid and Burna Boy. “If I’m not carrying that boombox, the players will beat me up,” she jokes. Brighton’s Future and WSL Ambitions Nnadozie, now with Brighton, is optimistic about the club’s prospects in the Women’s Super League. Despite being sixth in the league, she believes in her teammates and cites their recent 3-2 win over Manchester City as a positive indicator. “We know we need to work harder, but we’ll get there,” she says. The Growth of Women’s Football in Africa Nnadozie remains positive about the growth of women’s football in Africa, with Wafcon expanding to a 16-team event. She emphasizes the need for continued support and resources, stating, “Women’s football [in Africa] is growing … [but] there’s this thing they always used to say: the universe isn’t on a budget. We can always ask for more.”

The Incident that Changed the Game Zakaria Hawsawi's reckless head-butt in the AFC Champions League Elite final led to his red card and potentially damaged his team's chances. The incident occurred in front of the referee and Al-Ahli fans, who feared their team's title hopes had slipped away. The Final Showdown The final between Saudi Arabia's Al-Ahli and Japan's Machida Zelvia ended 1-0 in extra time, with Firas al-Buraikan scoring the winning goal. The match highlighted the contrasting styles and resources of the two teams, with Al-Ahli benefiting from the backing of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. The Format Conundrum The AFC Champions League's format has raised concerns, with the knockout stages being held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This has led to criticism that the tournament favors teams playing at home, with Al-Ahli not having to play an away game in the knockout stage. The old system, with two-legged ties played home and away, has been scrapped, but the reasons behind this decision remain unclear. The Impact on Asian Football The tournament's outcome has sparked debate about the state of football in Asia, with Japan's media pointing to their national team's progress as evidence of a healthier football ecosystem. The contrast between Al-Ahli's star-studded lineup and Machida's more modest squad has also raised questions about the role of money in Asian football. The Future of the Tournament As the AFC Champions League continues to evolve, it remains to be seen whether the tournament's format will be adjusted to promote more competitive matches and a fairer playing field for all teams. For now, Al-Ahli celebrates their second successive title, while Machida Zelvia will look to build on their impressive run.