Rich McKay doesn't anticipate many rules proposals for 2026
The Scouting Combine marks the unofficial start of rule-change season, with meetings and discussions about potential tweaks to the way the game of pro football is played. The chair of the Competition Committee believes there won’t be many suggested revisions in the latest annual cycle.
Via Judy Battista of NFL Media, Rich McKay said Sunday that he doesn’t expect many proposals for 2026.
“The game is in a good place,” McKay said.
Some would disagree with that assessment. Maybe “good” is the right word for it, because the goal should be “great.”
There’s always room for improvement. True improvement, not airing grievances (like the nutty two-point play from Rams-Seahawks) or acting on petty jealousies (like the 2025 assault on the tush push after the Eagles used it to fuel a Super Bowl win that suddenly isn’t a problem because the Eagles didn’t go back-to-back).
The catch rule went from resolved to chaotic in the latter weeks of the season; work clearly needs to be done there. Also, officiating continues to be an issue, with an obvious necessity to make it better.
Full-time officials. Expanded replay, with more clear and obvious mistakes subject to review. Improved replay, with greater consistency, transparency, and predictability.
If anything, the absence of clutter from stray, self-serving team proposals provides an opportunity to focus on the important things. The hard things. Identifying specific and effective ways to make better the things that need to be made better.
Few would say officiating doesn’t need to be made better. Few would say the replay function doesn’t need to be made better.
As explained during the Super Bowl pregame show, the NFL’s approach to replay is to move slowly. Evolution, not revolution. Even if the making of gradual, steady change adds to the confusion that arises when something isn’t reviewable.
As more and more plays are subject to replay, the shrinking universe of untouchable plays becomes more glaring. At some point, the Competition Committee and/or the owners should say this: “Everything is reviewable, and we’ll carve out a small and specific handful of truly subjective situations that aren’t.”
Here are the things that shouldn’t be reviewable. First, pass interference calls and non-calls (unless they come up with a way to do it far better than the disastrous one-year experiment from 2019). Second, holding and other blocking non-calls away from the point of attack. That’s it.
Basically, whenever clear and obvious evidence is available to overturn an officiating mistake made in real time, it should be embraced and not shunned or delayed.
Then there’s the replay system itself. As the shadowy and unpredictable replay assist system expands, it becomes more and more appropriate to do something we’ve been advocating for years: Put one member of the officiating crew in the booth with the ability to assist the on-field officials in making calls. Not as part of an after-the-fact review, but as part of the initial effort to get it right.
It’s a perfect job for experienced officials who can no longer perform effectively the physical aspects of the job. Their knowledge and experience is wasted when they retire from officiating. Or when a network comes along and offers a skilled referee more money than the NFL will pay.
If, for example, someone like Terry McAulay was the one who spotted the backward pass when reviewing the incomplete pass that was actually a backward pass and a two-point conversion in Rams-Seahawks and called the league to raise the issue, that person should be working not for Prime Video or NBC but for the league.
The core impediment is money. The NFL won’t pay what needs to be paid to make officiating as good as it can be. Full-time officials will cost a lot, especially since the officials would have to be willing to give up their other jobs. Keeping folks like Dean Blandino, McAulay, and Gene Steratore from leaving will cost a lot.
Some would say the cost isn’t justified, because there’s no tangible corresponding benefit. But the benefit comes from the perception that the NFL is doing everything it can to construct the best possible process for getting as many calls right as possible.
Then there’s the problem of transparency. When the word “Orwellian” is used on the league-owned (at the time) TV network to describe the replay process after the controversial overtime interception in the Bills-Broncos playoff game, that’s a fairly clear sign that the current procedure has far too much secrecy. If lesser football operations like the UFL and the ACC can embrace the ability to let fans see how the sausage is made, the NFL needs to put a window into the kitchen, too.
So that’s the message. If there won’t be a lot of rules proposals in the 2026 offseason, it shouldn’t be viewed a redshirt year for the Competition Committee. It should be regarded as an opportunity to make real progress on lingering flaws that could take the NFL from “a good place” and carry it straight to hell in a handbasket.
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/rich-mckay-doesnt-anticipate-many-113901917.html
Fixture update: Three matches rearranged
Fixture update: Three matches rearranged
Three Leeds United Women’s fixtures have been rescheduled following postponement, with the exception of the away clash against Doncaster Rovers Belles.
The game against Chester-le-Street Town Ladies at the Bannister Prentice Stadium will now kick-off at 2pm Sunday 1st March 2026.The game against York City Ladies at the Bannister Prentice Stadium will now kick-off at 7.45pm Wednesday 18th March 2026.The game against Wythenshawe Women at the Bannister Prentice Stadium will now kick-off at 2pm Sunday 15th April 2026.
Information surrounding the away clash to Doncaster will be provided in due course. For more information about remaining Leeds United Women’s fixtures please click here.
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/fixture-three-matches-rearranged-113900128.html
Wales to face Fiji at Cardiff City Stadium
Cardiff City Stadium has been the home of the Wales men’s national football team [Huw Evans Picture Agency]
The Wales rugby men’s side will face Fiji at the Cardiff City Stadium when they kick off the inaugural Nations Championship in July.
It will be the first time the Welsh men’s national side will play an international at the home of Cardiff City football club, with the game scheduled for Saturday, 4 July.
Fiji are considered the home side for the game but will be staging matches outside their own country during the tournament.
“Although our match against Wales won’t be played in Fiji, we’re determined to make each fixture feel every bit like a home game,” said Fiji Rugby Union CEO Koli Sewabu.
“Fans can expect a vibrant, festival-like atmosphere, a true celebration of Fijian rugby culture both on and off the pitch.”
Wales play three away games in the summer campaign against Fiji, Argentina and South Africa in World Rugby’s new biennial competition.
South Africa have confirmed the game against Wales will be in Durban on 18 July, while the destination of the Argentina match has yet to be announced, although it is expected to be in San Juan on 11 July.
Cardiff City Stadium hosted Welsh rugby’s “Judgement Day” in 2024, a Welsh regional derby double-header played on the same day in the United Rugby Championship (URC).
Cardiff Rugby also played at the ground between 2009 and 2012, before returning to the Arms Park, while the European Challenge Cup club final was held at the Cardiff City Stadium in 2011.
Wales head coach Steve Tandy said: “We’re excited for the Nations Championship and the new competition format for our summer and autumn games.
“To start with an away fixture for us at Cardiff City stadium against Fiji is going to be incredible. We know they like a fast, free-flowing game and I’m sure it’ll be an exciting match for fans.”
The stadium, which was opened in 2009, has become the home of the Wales football team and has a capacity of 33,280, compared to just under 74,000 at the Principality Stadium.
“We’re very pleased to be welcoming Fiji Rugby to Cardiff City Stadium this summer and look forward to what will no doubt be another memorable occasion at the home of Cardiff City Football Club,” said Cardiff City head of operations, Wayne Nash.
“Cardiff City Stadium has hosted countless international-standard sporting and musical events since we opened our doors in 2009 and I’ve no doubt we’re set for another highlight when the Flying Fijians come to town to play Wales.”
Football Association of Wales (FAW) chief executive Noel Mooney has also raised the prospect of the Wales football team playing at the Principality Stadium before the European Championships in 2028, with the ground hosting six matches in the tournament, including the opening game.
Why is Fiji and Wales not being played at the Principality Stadium?
The Fiji fixture is not Wales’ game to organise.
Wales traditionally play their home matches at the Principality Stadium but this contest is considered an away match with Fiji being the hosts.
Similarly, the invitational Barbarians will be the “home” side when they face Wales at the Allianz Stadium in Twickenham on Saturday, 27 June.
Fiji are set to play their Nations Championship home matches at venues outside their own country, given the logistical difficulties of travel to the Pacific Islands and the ability to maximise revenue at larger grounds elsewhere.
Fiji face England in the second round of fixtures, before finishing the July group stages against Scotland.
The Principality Stadium is also continuing the tradition of hosting a number of non-rugby events this summer, so is unavailable to stage matches in late June and early July.
There are no official events yet listed in the Principality Stadium calendar for July, but rock group Metallica are holding a concert in Cardiff on Sunday, 28 June, 12 days after Take That have played in the Welsh capital.
Wales will host Japan, New Zealand and Australia at the Principality Stadium in November in the second half of the Nations Championship.
Wales to face Barbarians in double-header in JuneTandy ‘needs help’ – Wales’ hunt for defence coach
What is the Nations Championship?
The new biennial 12-team event will consist of the Six Nations teams as the northern hemisphere representatives, with South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Argentina, Fiji and Japan as their opposition.
It comprises six rounds of matches across the summer and autumn Test windows before three double-header fixture days on 27-29 November at Allianz Stadium in Twickenham to rank nations and crown champions.
The results from the ‘finals weekend’ will also contribute to a parallel contest, to decide which hemisphere prevails overall.
There is an ambition to take future finals to new destinations.
It has been speculated that a host in the Middle East in 2028, and in the United States in 2030, would strike a balance between maximising revenues and spreading the game into new markets.
Wales cling to optimism despite another record loss
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/wales-face-fiji-cardiff-city-103041129.html
Boiler Alert Podcast – In Tribute to Rondale Moore
Oct 23, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Rondale Moore (4) makes a catch against the Los Angeles Chargers during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
On this episode of the podcast Ryan and I talk about the life and legacy of Rondale Moore, the Purdue Boilermaker who passed away over the weekend. This was not fun to record and I think you can tell in my voice that I was struggling. He was just so young at just 25 years old. I never heard anyone say a bad thing about Moore and I think you’ve seen that over the last couple days as tributes to him continue to come in. He was one of the good ones and the world is a little less bright without him.
There is still the business of the IU game to talk about and discuss and Ryan and I do our best to cover that in the second half of the podcast today. Everyone played well for the Boilermakers but we want to shout out Omer Mayer, Fletcher Loyer, and Trey Kaufman-Renn on this episode. Plus, we look at the Big Ten standings and the AP poll.
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/boiler-alert-podcast-tribute-rondale-113730734.html
Bitshiabu remains dissatisfied at RB Leipzig amid Leverkusen links
Bitshiabu remains dissatisfied at RB Leipzig amid Leverkusen links
A summer move could be on the cards for unsettled RB Leipzig centre-back El Chadaille Bitshiabu.
According to Sky Germany, the 20-year-old is unhappy with his lack of playing time this season.
Bitshiabu featured in three matches while Castello Lukeba was sidelined through injury, but was subsequently benched again, with Leipzig coach Ole Werner opting to deploy Nicolas Seiwald out of position in central defence instead. This has reportedly only added to the Frenchman’s frustration.
RB Leipzig are said to have blocked interest from Bayer Leverkusen during the winter transfer window, although El Chadaille Bitshiabu was open to a move.
Unless his situation changes, the Frenchman is expected to push for a transfer again in the summer, with the Daily Mail also naming Manchester United and AFC Bournemouth as suitors.
The defender remains under contract with Leipzig until the summer of 2029.
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/bitshiabu-remains-dissatisfied-rb-leipzig-113700632.html
Inter Milan Vs Bodo/Glimt – 65,000 Spectators Expected At San Siro As Nerazzurri Target Comeback
Inter Milan Vs Bodo/Glimt – 65,000 Spectators Expected At San Siro As Nerazzurri Target Comeback
San Siro sets the stage for Tuesday’s ‘make or break’ UEFA Champions League showdown between Inter Milan and Bodo/Glimt.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport via FCInterNews, around 65,000 spectators will support the home side in this high-stakes fixture.
Inter lost the first leg of this knockout playoff tie last week, suffering a dismal 3-1 defeat at the Aspmyra Stadion.
However, Bodo/Glimt’s progression is anything but a foregone conclusion, with the Nerazzurri seeking revenge at the iconic Giuseppe Meazza.
65,000 Supporters Expected at San Siro for Inter Milan vs Bodo/Glimt Clash
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 23: General view outside the stadium prior to the coppa Italia Semi Final match between FC Internazionale and AC Milan at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza San Siro on April 23, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Home manager Cristian Chivu can rely on the electric San Siro atmosphere, with around 65,000 fans expected to roar the Nerazzurri on in their quest for a dramatic comeback.
Meanwhile, approximately 3,000 traveling supporters will create a lively presence in the away section.
Inter will be desperate to overturn a two-goal deficit, though they’ll have to do without star center-forward Lautaro Martinez.
Indeed, the Argentine superstar suffered a calf injury in Norway last week and is expected to remain on the sidelines for at least two more weeks.
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/inter-milan-vs-bodo-glimt-113500301.html
Barcelona on the verge of signing Spanish starlet for youth team
Barcelona on the verge of signing Spanish starlet for youth team
Barcelona have moved quickly to secure one of the most exciting young prospects in Catalan football.
Journalist Carlos Monfort has confirmed that Alex Gonzalez has already arrived at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper and is preparing to sign his contract with the club.
The teenage winger, full name Alex Gonzalez Yanes, joins from CF Damm and will immediately become part of Barcelona’s Juvenil A squad.
The journalist reports that he arrived at the training ground accompanied by his agent, Alexander Amor, who is the son of former Barcelona figure Guillermo Amor.
The deal is finalised
The deal has been finalised swiftly, with Gonzalez scheduled to undergo medical tests today. Once completed, he will begin training with his new teammates.
Barcelona will pay only a symbolic fee related to training compensation, underlining the club’s belief that they have secured significant potential at minimal cost.
While much of the current sporting department’s scouting focus has been directed towards international markets, Gonzalez’s performances at the domestic level were impossible to ignore.
Alex Gonzalez is set to join Barcelona. (Picture credit: Instagram/@alexxgonzalezz07)
His numbers speak loudly for a player of his age. In 22 appearances this season, he has scored 12 goals, which is a strong return for a wide player.
On the pitch, Gonzalez is described as a quick, direct and fearless left winger. His explosiveness over the first few metres makes him difficult to contain, especially in one-versus-one situations.
He consistently attacks full-backs, drives forward with intent and looks to create danger every time he receives the ball.
This signing reinforces Barcelona’s long-standing commitment to youth development.
Even while monitoring international prospects, the club remains deeply connected to grassroots football in Catalonia.
Gonzalez now steps into an environment known for developing elite talent. The next phase of his journey begins immediately and the club clearly believe he has the tools to grow within their system.
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/barcelona-verge-signing-spanish-starlet-113500405.html
Spurs boss & captain praise Arsenal after 4-1 thrashing
Spurs boss & captain praise Arsenal after 4-1 thrashing
Spurs boss Igor Tudor and team captain Micky van de Ven have conceded that Arsenal were simply the better side on Sunday, with Tudor praising the Gunners as among the world’s best.
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Former Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank had a bit of a reputation for being a fan of his team’s local rivals during his time in the job, regularly praising Arsenal as one of the best teams in the world.
The situation all came to a head when Frank was spotted inadvertently holding an Arsenal coffee cup. In the weeks afterwards, Gunners fans regularly chanted that the Spurs manager was an Arsenal Silver Member.
Fortunately for Spurs fans, Frank was sacked before Arsenal could really rub it in at the north London derby. But following another 4-1 defeat to the Gunners on Sunday, new boss Igor Tudor was just as complimentary of their rivals.
Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
“We didn’t need this game, for sure,” Tudor said. “Arsenal are probably the best team in the world now, in this moment. It was not easy.”
Spurs captain Micky van de Ven was similarly quick to admit that they were second best on Sunday, answering a question about Tottenham’s performance by immediately praising Arsenal.
“I think Arsenal, to be honest, today overall was the better team,” van de Ven said. “But first half we were still in the game at 1-1, and everything can happen. Then two minutes after the second half [started] they scored straight away the 2-1, and then after that it was really difficult.
“But yeah, today they were just the better team and I think they created way more than us.”
Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
Spurs fans may now have to live with the idea that they’ve got another Arsenal fan in the dugout, but the good news is they’re unlikely to see Tudor’s side face the Gunners again in the future.
Tudor has only been appointed until the end of the season, and Spurs can’t face Arsenal again in the Premier League, FA Cup, or League Cup this campaign.
That only leaves the Champions League, but Arsenal finishing first and Spurs finishing fourth in the League Phase means the two teams can’t meet until the semi-final at the earliest, if not the final – depending on the draw this Friday.
It’s unlikely both Arsenal and Spurs will get that far, to put it politely.
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/spurs-boss-captain-praise-arsenal-113500528.html
Ex-Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers poses with gun wearing traditional Saudi dress in bizarre video
Brendan Rodgers has featured in a promotional video celebrating Saudi Arabia’s national holiday while wearing full traditional dress and holding a gun, as he sang the praises of the country.
Rodgers left Celtic in October and took charge of Saudi Pro League side Al Qadsiah two months later.
Al Qadsiah earned promotion to the top flight last season and have acquired some European talent in the form of Italy striker Mateo Retegui and ex-Porto midfielder Otavio, as well as their renowned manager with Liverpool on his CV. The club has big ambitions and will be moving to a new stadium later this year.
Rodgers have overseen a 13-match unbeaten run since his arrival and Al Qadsiah are now in the title race, five points behind leaders Al-Nassr, who boast Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane and Joao Felix in their ranks.
In the video posted on the club’s social media accounts, Rodgers celebrates Founding Day, a holiday that commemorates the first Saudi state in 1727.
“I want to give my sincere congratulations to all of the people of Saudi Arabia, Saudi has a real rich heritage and a really exciting future ahead” 🇸🇦
Sheikh Brendan on #FoundingDay 🎙️#AlQadsiahpic.twitter.com/Iw689uzoeh
— AlQadsiah Saudi Club (@AlQadsiahEN) February 22, 2026
“I want to give my sincere congratulations to all of the people of Saudi Arabia, Saudi has a real rich heritage and a really exciting future ahead,” he says.
When “Sheikh Brendan” is told he looks “sharp”, he says: “It probably looks a lot cooler on other people but I think today is about respecting Founding Day here in Saudi Arabia and of course I will always respectfully wear it.”
Rodgers said Saudi’s place in the world of football is growing, ahead of plans to host the 2034 World Cup.
“The progress is year on year. From watching the league a few years ago, to participating in the league now, I’m pretty sure over the coming years it’s only going to get better and improve.
“I’ve been really impressed by the standard of the league, there are some fantastic players, outstanding coaches, and that will continue over the coming years.”
Asked to describe Saudi Arabia, Rodgers said: “I would have nothing but real positive feeling speaking about Saudi Arabia. When you change country and culture to live in, there’s always questions. But I have to say, my first two months here, the people are so kind, so friendly, so helpful.
“The quality of life has been so nice in my few months here. Clearly the weather helps. BUt I feel very safe and secure in the country. I’ve travelled all around through the football, so I would say to anyone, try it. It’s been a wonderful experience for me so far, and anyone coming out here would be really, really surprised.”
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/ex-liverpool-manager-brendan-rodgers-113203704.html
Dana White pours cold water on Khamzat Chimaev moving to light heavyweight
The quest to become a two-division UFC champion has been a storyline frequently reported in recent years.
It was once a rare occurrence with only a handful of fighters accomplishing the feat. Randy Couture and B.J. Penn were the first to do it. Eight years would pass before Conor McGregor joined the club. Georges St-Pierre, Daniel Cormier, Amanda Nunes and Henry Cejudo earned the accomplishment shortly after McGregor.
Over the last four years, four other fighters have joined the growing list: Alex Pereira, Jon Jones, Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev.
Middleweight titleholder Khamzat Chimaev wants to move up to the light heavyweight division seeking to earn a second UFC division title. UFC CEO Dana White shot down the idea during the UFC Houston Post-Fight Press Conference.
“I’d like to see him defend his title at a weight first,” White said. “I’d like to see him defend his title before he talks about jumping around, you know? You’re going to keep going up in weight divisions without defending? Yeah, I’d rather see him defend.”
Chimaev won the 185-pound undisputed championship at UFC 319 last August, dominating former titleholder Dricus du Plessis on the way to a unanimous decision win. Chimaev has competed in the welterweight division and the middleweight division during his UFC career.
On Feb. 20th, “Borz” posted simply “205” on X.
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/dana-white-pours-cold-water-104516579.html
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