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BAHAMAS BLANKS CUBA IN PANAMA

By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

CENTRE fielder Pheron Charlton came through with the winning run and Tyreek Sherman held the batters at bat on the mound as The Bahamas blanked Cuba 1-0.

The yesterday closed out play for The Bahamas in the round robin of the Under23 Pan American Games Qualifier in Panama, but

it wasn’t enough to get a berth in the playoffs. It was the second straight win for Team Bahamas after losing their first two games. The win came after Team Bahamas enjoyed a one day break on Wednesday after knocking off Aruba 7-2 on Tuesday. However, the team’s first two losses to Puerto Rico 9-1 on day one on Sunday and 7-2 to the United States Virgin Islands on Monday, may have prevented The

JOHNSON SENDS UB TO 2-1 VICTORY OVER UIC

JOSHUA Johnson donned the captain’s arm band for the first time as a Mingoe and scored twice to power the University of The Bahamas Mingoes men’s soccer team to a 2-1 victory over United International College Eagle Rays in Hollywood, Florida yesterday. Johnson, who places centre back, was impressed with the way the team played and made the most of his leadership role.

“I was glad we were able

to fight it through to the end,” Johnson said. “As the captain I was glad I was able to step up and score two goals for the team when we badly needed it and come out with the win internationally.” Playing at Dowdy Field, UB put the Eagle Rays on their back feet early with some chances on goal. UB won a corner in the 31st minute and midfielder Kevin Thomas elected to UB - SEE PAGE THREE

THE Bahamas Catholic Board of Education’s (CBOE) Primary School 2025 basketball season will get underway today at Loyola Hall on Gladstone Road. The official opening ceremony at 4.30pm followed by four games.

NOTES - SEE PAGE THREE

Bahamas from getting into the semifinals. Team Bahamas, consisting of collegiate and semi-professional players, finished tied with Cuba at 2-1 in the standings of Group B in the tournament. But Cuba scored sufficient runs in their previous games to get the edge over The Bahamas. Cuba joins Puerto Rico out of their group. Mexico was the top qualifier out of Group A with the other spot coming

from either Guatemala or Panama.

Manager Ken Adderley said the team lived up to his expectations with a powerhouse performance on the defensive end, along with their stellar pitching, which got the job done against Cuba.

It was the third time The Bahamas has now defeated Cuba in international baseball, the first at the 3rd World University Baseball Championship in La

HIELD HEADS TO COLOMBIA AIMING TO STAY UNDEFEATED

By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

AS he attempts to remain undefeated in 13 professional fights, Bahamian Carl ‘King Flashy 242’ Hield will defend his World Boxing Association’s FedeLatin and his National Boxing Association’s titles on October 17 in Santa Marta, Colombia.

Hield, the 39-year-old journeyman, will fight Colombian Saider Vizcaino for the pair of super welterweight titles. If he’s successful, Hield said he will be on the road to fighting for the World Boxing Council’s Intercontinental title, hopefully here in the Bahamas.

“I was supposed to fight for the title in Venezuela, but it was postponed and now it’s being staged in Colombia,” Hield said, “It’s a bigger venue and stage for the Bahamian public to see some top notch boxing.”

Although the previous fight in Venezuela was called off because of the political unrest in the country Hield said he’s been actively training and is now pleased to get a chance to fight Vizcaino, 33, who is currently 12-6-1 and is coming off two consecutives losses.

“After the fight was called off in Venezuela, Hield said he returned home and was able to get his daughter settled into school. But he remained resolute to stay active for the new date.

“I’ve been working and working and working waiting for the new date to come up,” Hield said. “Two days ago, I got the new date for the fight.”

While he continued to work out, Hield said there’s a bigger picture he’s pursuing and that is to get a world title shot. Hopefully the winning streak can continue and he can secure the fight in the new year. HIELD

Habana, Cuba, from August 6-16, when Neil Forsythe pitched a complete game in a 2-1 victory and the other at the 2024 Caribbean Baseball Cup U-15 Bahamas when The Bahamas won 12-8, but eventually lost 1-0 to Cuba in the gold medal game.

Adderley, who was assisted by the coaching staff that included Jeff “Sangy” Francis, Trea Adderley and Orville Saint, said their only problem

was that they needed to play the way they did from the beginning of the tournament.

“If we were doing things together as a group, we would have won this tournament,” he insisted.

As the Bahamas Baseball Federation gets set to host the 7th Caribbean Baseball Cup from December 1-9th st the Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium, Adderley said they just have to keep

PANAMA - SEE PAGE TWO

PITCHER PRAISES TEAM EFFORT DEFENSIVELY

the nucleus of the team together and work on the fundamentals of the game and they will be alright.

Charlton, a senior at Florida Memorial University, got hit by a pitch and eventually scored The Bahamas’ first and the only run of the game on an error in the bottom of the first inning.

The Bahamas had a golden opportunity to score again in the sixth with runners on first and third with no outs, but they couldn’t capitalise.

However, they came up with the defence on the other end to avoid Cuba from making their comeback.

Sherman, a member of Sterling College, got the starting nod and pitched to the seventh inning. After he gave up a lead off single to Cuba, Yechiel Saint, a senior at Presbyterian University, came in relief and he got the first two outs on strike outs before the final batter flew out to end the game.

Despite not advancing, the players were all excited about beating Cuba.

“I think the guys did well, especially defensively. I felt that was what kept us in the game,” said Tyreek Sherman, the starting pitcher. “Offensively, the run was all we needed, so I’m happy with that.

“Obviously you want to score more, but that one run gave us the chance to win. I’m happy and I’m just thankful that I was able to do my thing and there were no injuries. Two and two. We competed every game and that’s all that matters.” Saint, who came in relief in the seventh to seal the deal, thanked God for allowing the team to prevail.

“Baseball is the only sport where defense is the point of attack, so you just have to be confident in your teammates,” Saint said. He said as long as they have the faith and trust in God, anything is possible, including winning over Cuba, one of the powerhouse nations in the region in baseball. from page one

Hield: This puts me step closer to world title shot

“This opportunity is just putting me a step closer to getting the world title shot,” he said. “So I’m just trying to stay active and wait for the call for the big shot.”

Hield, who is being assisted by Ronn Rodgers of the Strikers Boxing Club, thanked his sponsors

Beer Pressure, Production Gurus, Rigger242, R&R Sports Management and Rolling Type Importanters Limited for their tremendous support.

“I want to give a shout out to all of the fighters in Strikers Boxing Gym because I was here preparing and training with them before I went off to my training camp,” Hield said.

“I am back home for another week and working out with them again before I head off for my last two weeks in a training camp in Colombia before the fight.”

Despite the setback, Hield said he’s been working on his comeback because of something that is “major” ahead of him. He declined to

reveal any further details until after his success in Colombia.

“I’m still on route to getting the world title shot,” Hield said. “I just want to go into this fight and do what I’ve been doing in training camp, go into the fight and get the W.

“If the knock out comes, it comes. But my mindset is to get the win and keep

getting myself closer to getting the world title shot. I’m just staying ready so when the opportunity prepares itself, I will be ready.”

Hield, who continues to dedicate his career to his deceased mother, Hield, who would have celebrated her birthday yesterday, said he hasn’t taken his foot off the gas. He is eager to get back into the ring and put

on a display for the Bahamian public.

“I just want to do this for her because she always wanted me to make myself great,” Hield said.

“She wanted me to make myself a legend so that whenever I pass away, I will be remembered as a great fighter.”

So far, he has not let her down.

Johnson at the double for UB

take the kick. He kicked the ball to the far post and Johnson leapt and headed the ball in the back of the net to put his squad up 1-0. The score remained 1-0 until the Eagle Rays won a penalty and evened the game at 1-1 in the 81st minute.

It became an offensive one as both teams were looking for the brace.

Only UB got that brace as they won a free kick in the 86th minute. Newcomer Lamond Cross sent it into the Eagle Rays’ 18-yard box to a leaping Johnson who headed the ball into the goal once more to give his team the 2-1 brace.

UB held on to secure the win.

They face off against each other at the Amelia Soccer Park in Hialeah, Florida tomorrow. Kick-off is 10am.

SEASON TO END NOVEMBER

Mingoes make Taxmen pay in 96-50 triumph

By JONATHAN BURROWS Tribune Sports Reporter jburrows@tribunemedia.net

THE University of the Bahamas (UB) Mingoes men’s basketball team tipped off its season yesterday with an opening showcase game at the Kendal GL Issacs gymnasium. The Mingoes played the Bahamas Customs Taxmen beating them in a blowout win 96-50.

From tip-off, the Mingoes were locked in on both ends of the court, displaying great defence that generated turnovers and easy transition baskets, coupled with efficient scoring.

The Taxmen struggled to find a consistent offensive rhythm, appearing shorthanded with only seven players present. By halftime, the Mingoes had built a commanding lead, and in the second half, they never let up.

“We knew after the first quarter that we had a pretty easy win, we really wanted our guys to execute some of the things we do in practice,” said Mingoes head coach Bacchus Rolle.

“It was an easy win but not very impressive in my mind, because we really didn’t do the things we wanted to do offensively, we had some defensive steals and quick fast break points but when the games get tighter we have to be

able to execute in the halfcourt set and when we tried to do that we had some problems like turnovers and miscues but all in all the guys gave a pretty good effort,” he added.

The UB Mingoes team this season appeared to have taken the route of building a foundation with young players to eventually build together into a completely sound team.

“The expectation this season is to rebuild the

program into what it was and that’s why we went with a young team, so that they can grow together and bond together over the next three to four years and our standard is still to win and win doing the things that it takes to build this team as one of the power house teams from the University of the Bahamas much like the days gone by,” said Rolle.

“For me, I don’t see wins as the most points

on the scoreboard, I see it as graduating these guys, I like my guys to flow through the program and graduate so that they can become productive citizens in our country,” he added.

Looking forward, the Mingoes hope to build on this momentum as they settle into their regular schedule. The Mingoes’ next game will be against the Police CrimeStoppers on October 16.

CLARK: COLLIER MADE VALID POINTS - BUT COMMISSIONER HASN’T CONTACTED HER

By MICHAEL MAROT AP Sports Writer

CAITLIN Clark says she hasn’t spoken to WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert this week.

But she is ready to add her name to the growing list of players criticising the league’s leadership.

The Indiana Fever guard spoke publicly Thursday for the first time since All-Star weekend and acknowledged Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier made “valid” points when she took her complaints about WNBA executives public.

“I think what people need to understand, we need great leadership in this time, across all levels,” Clark said. “This is straight up, the most important moment in this league’s history. This league’s been around 25 years, and this is a moment we have to capitalise on. Phee said it all with what she said, and I think the points she made were very valid.”

Collier criticised the league’s top brass for fining players and coaches who speak out about officiating and other WNBA matters. Her comments came two days after the top-seeded Lynx were eliminated from the playoffs without Collier, who suffered an ankle injury on a no-call play near the end of Game 3, or coach Cheryl Reeve, who was suspended and fined after storming the court and contesting the no-call.

While other players and coaches have joined the chorus, Clark had remained silent until Thursday as she continued to recover from what turned out to be a season-ending right groin injury. Her rehab was complicated by what she called the worst sprained ankle she’s ever suffered as she started to practice.

In fact, she’s still not 100%. Clark said she hopes to return to playing fiveon-five by late October and will spend part of the

US WILL INCREASE

By MATTHEW LEE

STAFFING

offseason focusing on USA Basketball responsibilities.

“I think when I get a few years down in my career, this is a moment and a season I’ll look back on and be like, ‘This is why I am who I am today,’” she said. “It’s obviously challenging to think that way right now, but I truly believe that. It was pretty hard sitting on the bench. I’m not going to lie. There were certainly hard days.”

On Tuesday, Collier also recounted a private conversation she said she had with Engelbert in February. Collier said the commissioner told her Clark and other players “should be on their knees” in gratitude for the platform the league has given them. Collier said the commissioner singled out Clark’s endorsement deals, saying she wouldn’t have them if not for the WNBA.

Engelbert released a statement a few hours later in which she said she has the “utmost respect” for Collier but was “disheartened” by

AT EMBASSIES

how her conversations had been characterised.

Clark said Thursday she had neither heard Collier’s story previously or spoken with Engelbert since the reports came out.

Her Fever teammates also got the chance to speak on the league’s issues at the end-of-season media availability. With a new collective bargaining agreement still to be worked out, more complaints about the officiating and a leaguewide increase in injuries, there was plenty to talk about.

“I’m tired of our league, they need to step up and be better,” outspoken guard Sophie Cunningham said, explaining she thinks there’s a good chance of a lockout in the spring and that she’s heard from NBA players who are upset too.

“Our leadership from top to bottom needs to be held accountable. I think that there are a lot of people in the position of power in the WNBA, who they might be really great business people,

but they don’t know (expletive) about basketball and that’s got to change.”

She added: “The game’s not fun to watch because everyone’s just trying to kill each other because that’s how you’re going to survive or otherwise you get injured.” Cunningham knows. She and Clark were two of four Fever players who went down with season-ending injuries this season and then watched their teammates win their first playoff series in a decade before pushing second-seeded Las Vegas to a fifth and final game and then into overtime without their other two AllStars, center Aliyah Boston and guard Kelsey Mitchell. Boston fouled out and Mitchell was taken to a hospital after suffering cramps so severe she couldn’t feel her legs or feet.

“I’m feeling fine,” Mitchell said. “I don’t think I could play in a real game for another ... I mean, realistically, just take some

time to rest. But I probably should take some time to kind of reset because I lost a lot of fluid. I just kind of felt scared because my legs were so numb and so paralyzed, so to speak, that I couldn’t feel my feet.”

Fever executives said one of their top offseason priorities was re-signing Mitchell, Indiana’s top scorer.

But before looking ahead to next season, the WNBA and its players must figure out how to resolve the growing complaints — and the looming labour strife.

“We are in the biggest moment in WNBA history. There’s no denying that. Everybody knows that, everybody that’s in a place of power has a true responsibility, even myself, we have a responsibility to make sure this game is in a great place going forward with the CBA and, you know, caring for players and building this league to make sure its in a great spot for many years to come.”

AND CONSULATES TO HANDLE VISAS FOR WORLD CUP FANS

in activity or speech that the Republican administration says run counter to its positions.

Those policies include enhanced checking of applicants’ social media accounts and other public statements. World Cup travelers coming to the US from the mainly European and Asian countries that are part of the Visa Waiver Program will not likely require an interview. But fans from countries not enrolled in the program and who do not already hold valid tourist or business visas will need to apply, a process that requires an in-person interview and enhanced security screening. The State Department said it “is prepared to meet the demand while maintaining rigorous vetting requirements”. In roughly 80% of countries that have either qualified for the World Cup or may qualify, visa

interview appointments can be scheduled within two months or less, the department said. To deal with the anticipated boost in demand and improve the speed of processing, the department said that in the coming months, it would “send hundreds of staff to designated countries” to interview fans who do not already have a valid a US visa.

Volleyball is back at DW Davis

THE New Providence Volleyball Association’s (NPVA) Night League 2025-26 season kicks off this Sunday at the DW Davis Gymnasium with a marquee men’s matchup.

The opening day program begins at 4 pm with an award ceremony, followed by a rematch of last year’s men’s championship series featuring the reigning men’s champion Avengers vs Technicians.

“We’re excited that the volleyball season is back and we hope to build on the momentum from this summer’s Caribbean Volleyball Championships here in New Providence just a few weeks ago.” said Rhandi Elliott, President of the NPVA.

This season welcomes the return of several teams

to the league, including the University of The Bahamas Mingoes, as well as the long-anticipated return of a junior team, composed primarily of high-school players from across New Providence.

“Giving our younger athletes the chance to face high-level competition consistently will help to accelerate their development and is exactly what’s needed to grow the sport, not only here in Nassau, but throughout the entire Bahamas.” said Elliott.

Rounding out the opening week will be two matches on Monday featuring the UB Mingoes vs. the Lady Warhawks, followed by the Warhawks squaring off against the junior team, the Titans. Wednesday’s

matches include the defending women’s champion Panthers vs the Aces and Intruders vs Technicians B in the Men’s division.

The NPVA is encouraging both longtime supporters and first-time fans to come out and enjoy the high level of play on display in a family friendly environment.

Throughout the season, matches are normally scheduled for Sundays, Wednesdays, and Friday evenings, with all games played at D.W Davis Junior High School’s gym.

Stay connected: For schedules, results, highlights, and behindthe-scenes coverage all season long, please visit the NPVA’s social media pages.

PGA president Don Rea finally apologises for Ryder Cup behaviour

By DOUG FERGUSON

AP Golf Writer

PGA of America president Don Rea Jr, who initially compared vitriolic comments at the Ryder Cup with what could be heard at a youth soccer game, finally apologised yesterday in an email to the 30,000-plus golf professionals he was elected to serve.

Europe built a record lead after two days and held on for a 15-13 victory — its six in the last eight Ryder Cups — but the event was marred by a gallery that made it personal and profane.

The PGA of America has been reeling from its lack of response to behaviour at Bethpage Black, which began as early as Friday morning when a small section of fans chanted, “(Expletive) you, Rory,” upon seeing Rory McIlroy’s image on a video screen from the practice range.

It only got worse, with vulgar language directed at European players, video of a beer being slapped out of someone’s hand toward McIlroy’s wife, and a comedian hired to lead cheers on the first tee getting involved in the expletive-laden chant toward McIlroy.

Rea said in a BBC interview Sunday morning, “You’ve got 50,000 people here that are really excited, and heck, you could go to a youth soccer game and get some people who say the wrong things.”

He went on to say the behaviour was distracting American players because they had to spend energy helping to control the crowd.

The Associated Press obtained his letter sent to PGA of America members that began, “Let me begin with what we must own. While the competition was spirited — especially

with the US team’s rally on Sunday afternoon — some fan behaviour clearly crossed the line.”

“It was disrespectful, inappropriate, and not representative of who we are as the PGA of America or as PGA of America golf professionals,” Rea wrote. “We condemn that behaviour unequivocally.”

The abuse was such that McIlroy began pushing back, telling one spectator to “shut the (expletive) up” during a foursomes match Saturday morning. McIlroy and Shane Lowry each gave it back to the gallery during their fourballs victory that afternoon.

Rea also said during his BBC interview when asked directly about the abuse hurled toward McIlroy, “I haven’t heard some of that. I’m sure it happened. It happens when we’re over in Rome on the other side, and Rory understands. Things like that are going to happen.”

Matt Fitzpatrick said about the Rome reference, “It’s pretty offensive to European fans the fact that he said that, really.” Lowry said the level of abuse directed at McIlroy’s wife was “astonishing”.

Derek Sprague, the CEO at the PGA of America, went on Golf Channel on Tuesday to say spectators crossed the line and that he planned to apologise personally to McIlroy and his wife, Erica, who formerly worked at the PGA.

“Rory might have been a target because of how good he is, but the entire European team should not have been subjected to that,” Sprague said on Golf Channel. “I feel badly and I plan on apologising to them.”

Rea also took heat for an awkward trophy presentation on Sunday in which he mentioned Europe had retained the cup, instead of winning it.

And then he posted on his Linkedin page Tuesday, “I’m personally taking some criticism right now and that comes with the role and just like when I was an umpire I expect it. However to the students and PGA members that follow me, know this, I am not bothered.”

He linked to a sermon he gave three years ago and concluded, “The truth is still the truth. New level. New devil.”

“What makes our sport great is that we own our bogeys. We certainly own this one,” Rea said in his letter to PGA members.

“Our CEO Derek Sprague has apologised on our behalf to Erica and Rory McIlroy and to everyone with Ryder Cup Europe. I would also like to personally apologise to them and all of you for not representing our association in the best light with some of my comments in the media during the event.

“While it wasn’t my intention, some of my comments were seen in a negative light which reflects poorly on not only myself but also on the PGA of America and for that I truly apologise.”

He ended the email, “God Bless and as always Go USA!”

The PGA of America announced in 2013 it would bring the Ryder Cup to Bethpage Black, the proud, public golf course on Long Island that had a reputation for its raw comments directed at players. Ted Bishop was the PGA president and Pete Bevacqua — now the athletic director at Notre Dame — was the CEO at the time of the announcement.

Bishop was forced out as president in 2014 with a month left on his two-year term for a social media post when he angrily referred to Ian Poulter as a “lil girl.”

Saving penalties is as easy as 1-2-3

By KAREL JANICEK Associated Press

ROMA missed three attempts at an equalizing penalty, Celtic had an equaliser ruled out after a “baffling” VAR decision and Nottingham Forest remained winless under Ange Postecoglou after a dispiriting loss in the Europa League on Thursday.

Aston Villa seems to have firmly shaken off its earlyseason struggles, though, as captain John McGinn scored again in a 2-0 win over Feyenoord for the English team’s third straight victory in all competitions.

Celtic was left to rue a strange VAR decision as it lost 2-0 to Braga after an earlier equalizer was ruled out for handball, even though replays seemed to clearly show that Kelechi Iheanacho had scored the goal without any use of his arm. The VAR took several minutes to review the incident before upholding the referee’s initial decision to disallow the goal, which Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers lamented as “baffling”.

An even stranger scene took place in Rome, where the home team lost 1-0 to Lille even though it was given three tries to equalize from the penalty spot late in the game. The first two efforts from Artem Dovbyk were both saved by goalkeeper Berke Özer — only for the referee to order the penalty to be retaken each time because of encroachment.

Roma then switched penalty takers to Matías Soulé, but Özer saved that one as well, diving to his right to punch the ball away in the

85th minute — nearly four minutes after Dovbyk had made his first attempt. Hákon Arnar Haraldsson had put Lille ahead with an angled shot in the sixth minute at Stadio Olimpico, which was enough for the French club to earn a second win in two games. Pressure grows on Postecoglou

Nottingham Forest lost 3-2 to Danish club Midtjylland in its first home game in a European competition in almost 30 years, leaving recently hired manager Ange Postecoglou without a win after six games in charge.

Some Forest fans seemed to be running out of patience with the Australian, chanting for him to be sacked during the final minutes of the game.

Midtjylland led 3-1 after substitute Valdemar Andreasen scored in the 88th minute, before Chris Wood reduced the deficit from the spot in stoppage time.

Rangers also lost 2-1 at Sturm Graz, while Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv fell to a 3-1 “home” defeat to Dinamo Zagreb in a game played in Serbia. Dinamo fans were banned from the game by UEFA after a “thorough risk analysis”.

Villa wins again McGinn scored on a fast counter in the 79th minute to seal the win for Aston Villa after Emiliano Buendía had put the team ahead from the edge of the area on the hour mark.

Until the goal, the hosts wasted a number of decent chances.

Still, it was a fitting return for Villa to Feyenoord’s De Kuip Stadium where the club triumphed 1-0 over Bayern Munich in 1982 to become the European champion.

after Riccardo Orsolini scored for the hosts on a rebound before Junior Adamu equalised from the spot. Milan Smit scored two late goals as Go Ahead Eagles came from behind to beat Panathinaikos 2-1 in Athens.

Crystal Palace shines in European debut Crystal Palace marked its first game in a major European competition by beating Dynamo Kyiv 2-0 in the Conference League. The victory extended the London team’s unbeaten run to a club record 19 games, stretching back to April.

Daniel Muñoz headed in Yéremy Pino’s cross and substitute Eddie Nketiah doubled the advantage in the 58th. Palace finished the game with 10 men after midfielder Borna Sosa received his second yellow card in the 76th minute, but it was another impressive performance for Oliver Glasner’s side which remains the last unbeaten team in the Premier League after beating defending champion Liverpool 2-1 on Saturday.

In other early games, a precise strike by Giovani Lo Celso from the edge of the area and an own goal from Spanish defender Son gave Real Betis a 2-0 win away at Ludogorets.

Fenerbahce forward Kerem Aktürko lu scored when one-on-one with goalkeeper Yehvann Diouf early in the game and added the second with a deflected shot en route to a 2-1 win over Nice.

Bologna drew 1-1 at home against Freiburg

McGinn has now scored in each of Villa’s three wins — against Bologna in the Europa League and Fulham in the Premier League — after the team opened the season with two losses and three draws domestically.

The FA cup winner was demoted to to the thirdtier Conference League for breaching UEFA rules on club ownership.

Also, Rayo Vallecano celebrated its return to Europe after 25 years with a 2-0 win over newcomer Shkëndija from North Macedonia.

The Conference League uses the same 36-team league format as the Champions League and the Europa League. But teams play only six, not eight different opponents during the league phase.

INFANTINO CALLS TO PROMOTE PEACE AND TAKES NO ACTION AGAINST ISRAEL

By GRAHAM DUNBAR AP Sports Writer

FACING growing global calls to suspend Israeli teams from soccer, FIFA president Gianni Infantino said on Thursday the governing body must promote peace and unity and could not solve political issues. In a febrile period for soccer politics, Infantino led a meeting of FIFA’s ruling council in Zurich which did not have Israel formally on the agenda before 2026 World Cup qualifying games resume next week.

He later met privately at FIFA headquarters with the leader of the Palestinian soccer federation, Jibril Rajoub, and praised his organisation “for their resilience at this time.”

The strongest push against Israeli teams by European soccer leaders during the two-year conflict in Gaza was paused after a peace proposal on Monday in the White House by US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Infantino stressed to his 37-member council “the importance of promoting peace and unity, particularly in the context of the ongoing situation in Gaza,” FIFA said in a news release that did not refer directly to Israel.

“FIFA cannot solve geopolitical problems,” Infantino said in the statement, “but it can and must promote football around the world by harnessing its unifying, educational,

cultural and humanitarian values.”

FIFA did not schedule a news conference and Infantino was not made available for interviews.

The Israel men’s team should now travel to play World Cup qualifiers against Norway in Oslo on October 11 and Italy in Udine three days later.

Norway was among European soccer federations urging UEFA to call a vote of its executive committee ahead of the FIFA meeting in Zurich on suspending Israeli teams from international competitions. Turkey’s soccer body directly called on UEFA and FIFA to suspend Israel.

Any vote of the 20-member UEFA panel seemed likely to pass, people familiar with the

discussions told The Associated Press, despite opposition from some members including Israel and Germany.

FIFA and Infantino — who has built close ties to Trump ahead of the U.S. co-hosting the World Cup next year with Canada and Mexico — were never likely to follow any UEFA vote. That prospect became even more distant last week when the U.S. State Department said it would work to protect Israel’s status in soccer.

Qatar’s role

The Trump-Netanyahu peace proposal on Monday also was quickly welcomed by governments in the Middle East including Qatar, a key supporter of the Palestinian people.

Qatar’s prime minister received an apology from Netanyahu, by telephone from the White House, for a September 9 military strike on Doha that targeted Hamas officials. Qatar also has close commercial and sports political ties to UEFA, whose President Aleksander Ceferin attended the FIFA meeting Thursday. Also there was Nasser al-Khelaifi, the influential head of the 700-member European Club Association network of teams and president of Paris Saint-Germain, the Qatar-owned Champions League titleholder. AlKhelaifi also is a member of Qatar’s government.

FIFA-Palestinians meeting Before going to FIFA, Rajoub had been in

Switzerland and met Wednesday with International Olympic Committee president Kirsty Coventry in Lausanne. A post on Infantino’s Instagram account said he and Rajoub met to “discuss the ongoing situation in the Middle East region”. There was no mention of progress at FIFA in two investigations it set up last year after a formal request by the Palestinian soccer body to suspend Israel. FIFA requested a disciplinary investigation into possible discrimination by the Israeli soccer federation and a separate governance panel is looking into “the participation in Israeli competitions of Israeli football teams allegedly based in the territory of Palestine.”

How does Jazz get over being left out? He plays MLB then wins the next game

By MIKE FITZPATRICK AP Baseball Writer

LEFT out of the starting lineup for the New York Yankees’ playoff opener, Jazz Chisholm Jr was understandably unhappy.

Any accomplished player would be. Chisholm just has a different way of blowing off steam.

“I played `MLB: The Show’ and mercy-ruled someone,” he said. “That’s how I get my stress off.”

Back at second base Wednesday night, Chisholm played a huge part in saving the Yankees’ season as they beat the rival Boston Red Sox 4-3 in Game 2 of their AL Wild Card Series.

And this one was no video game.

“Anything to help us win,” Chisholm said. “All that was clear before I came to the field today. After I left the field yesterday, it is win the next game. It is win or go home for us. It is all about winning.”

The dynamic Chisholm raced all the way home from first base on Austin Wells’ tiebreaking single in the eighth inning and made a couple of critical defensive plays that helped the Yankees push the best-of-three playoff to a decisive Game 3 on Thursday night.

“It’s what you expect. He’s a game-changer. He showed his maturity,” New York captain Aaron Judge said. “He showed up at the park today and had the biggest plays for us.”

Afterward, manager Aaron Boone said Chisholm will start Thursday night against rookie left-hander Connelly Early.

A left-handed hitter, Chisholm began Game 1 on the bench with the Yankees facing ace lefty Garrett Crochet. The two-time All-Star entered on defense in the eighth and flied out against left-handed closer Aroldis Chapman with the bases loaded for the second out of the ninth, failing to drive in a run.

That was Chisholm’s only plate appearance in a 3-1 loss that left New York on the brink of elimination.

After the game, Chisholm seemed upset about not starting. His back was turned to reporters while he answered several questions at his locker. Chisholm said Boone texted him Monday night to let him know he wouldn’t be in the Game 1 lineup.

“I did see that,” Boone said Wednesday afternoon. “Every player is not going to agree with every decision that I make. I try

and help make them understand my thought process and what I am thinking. I did that with Jazz. He is a guy that wears his emotions on his sleeve. So, wasn’t necessarily how I handled it, but I don’t need him to put a happy face on. I need him to go out and play his butt off for us tonight. That’s what I expect to happen.”

Boone said the two had a conversation the day before about the potential move, and he thinks Chisholm understood.

“Jazz and I are good. No concerns that he was going to go out there and get it done,” Boone said after Game 2. “He loves to play. He feels a responsibility to us, his teammates. And, you know, he and I have always been good. Despite what you may think happened yesterday, like, yeah, he’s a gamer, and he likes the stage.”

Amed Rosario played second base in Chisholm’s place Tuesday and batted fifth. A right-handed hitter, Rosario was 6 for 9 with a home run and a double in his career against Crochet before

going 0 for 3 in the playoff opener.

Chisholm is 0 for 4 with three strikeouts and a walk against Crochet.

“There is never a problem between me and Aaron Boone. He’s been my manager all year, and I’ve stood behind him all year,” Chisholm said after Wednesday night’s win. “We always have disagreements. I mean, I played third base this year, and we had a little bit of a disagreement in that.

“But at the end of the day, I always stand with Booney because he always understands where I come from. He knows I am a passionate player. He knows I wear my feelings on my sleeve. He knows I am there to compete.”

New York also put two other dangerous left-handed hitters on the bench against Crochet in Ben Rice and Ryan McMahon. Neither got in the game.

With right-hander Brayan Bello on the mound Wednesday night for the Red Sox, Chisholm was back at second base and batting

A PROBLEM WITH MANAGER’

By JONATHAN BURROWS Tribune Sports Reporter

Chisolm Jr was reinstated to the Yankees lineup in game two and made his presence felt in dramatic fashion. The Yankees beat the Red Sox 4-3, forcing a decisive game three in the AL Wild Card Series. In game two, Jazz made a diving stop on a grounder by Masataka Yoshida, keeping the ball in field and preventing a run that could have changed the momentum of the game. At the plate, Jazz worked a seven-pitch, two-out walk against Red Sox reliever Garret Whitlock in the eighth inning setting himself up for a key moment. The next batter, Austin Wells, laced a single to the right allowing Jazz to score running from first base all the way home in 9.2 seconds sliding headfirst into home plate for the score giving the Yankees the go-ahead run in a 4-3 game.

“Any ball that an outfielder moves to his left or right, I have to score, in my head. That’s all I was thinking,” Jazz said. Jazz also addressed the benching and the relationship with Yankees manager Aaron Boone.

“There was never a problem between me and Aaron Boone,” he said. “He’s been my manager all year… he knows I’m a passionate player. He knows I wear my feelings on my sleeve, and he knows I’m there to compete.”

After being benched in game one and delivering in game two, Jazz remained in the starting lineup yesterday as the Yankees blanked the Red Sox in game three with a 4-0 win to take the series.

While Jazz did not have a monster box score night, his presence in the lineup was part of the team’s continued pressure. Over the postseason so far, Jazz has seven at-bats, two hits, and two runs scored, with a batting average of .286 and an OPS of .661. The Yankees will now move on to face the Toronto Blue Jays.

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sixth. Rice was at first base and hit a two-run homer on the first postseason pitch he saw. McMahon played third and went 1 for 3 with a walk. With the score tied in the seventh, Chisholm saved at least one run with a diving stop to his right of an infield single by pinch-hitter Masataka Yoshida. Chisholm also made a tough play to start an inning-ending double play with two on in the third. There were two outs in the eighth when he worked the count full and drew a walk. Chisholm was running on another 3-2 pitch when Wells pulled a line drive that landed just inside the rightfield line and caromed off the low retaining wall in foul territory. Right fielder Nate Eaton made a strong, accurate throw to