Tom Burrows

'It’s David against Goliath' I went behind the scenes at RC Lens last week, who are trying to do the unthinkable and pip Paris Saint-Germain to the Ligue 1 title Includes interviews with their owner, head coach and captain #FiersDEtreLensois #RCL nytimes.com/athletic/70176…

Exclusive: Liverpool owner Fenway Sports Group has shelved plans to buy a second football club. Around 25 clubs analysed in depth over past two years with strong focus on Spain, Portugal and France. But multi-club project now regarded as “dormant”. nytimes.com/athletic/71317…

🔹 What happens to the trophy and winners' medals? 🔹 Could Senegal players have to return prize money? 🔹 Might the government want its gifts of land returned? 🔹 Are bookmakers paying out on Morocco winning? After the decision to strip Senegal of the AFCON title and award it to Morocco, we answer some of the more unusual questions arising out of that decision. ✍️ @TBurrows16 🔗 nytimes.com/athletic/71286…

Paris Saint-Germain’s demolition of Chelsea over two legs suggests they’re peaking at the perfect time Their injury crisis is easing, Barcola is in fine form, while Kvaratskhelia was a constant menace last night My piece on #PSG from Stamford Bridge nytimes.com/athletic/71272…

La Marseillaise from the travelling PSG fans What a night for them They’ll face either Liverpool or Galatasaray in the quarter final

Chelsea 0-3 PSG. 2-8 on aggregate. Brilliant finish from Senny Mayulu And a lot of Chelsea fans start heading for the exit They've been thoroughly outclassed tonight

At Stamford Bridge tonight where Chelsea fans are reminding PSG supporters who won the Club World Cup in the summer Massive uphill battle ahead for Liam Rosenior’s side For PSG, Luis Enrique brings Kvaratskhelia back into the starting side after 2 goals off the bench last week

The result of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final has been reversed, with Morocco now standing as 3-0 winners after a stunning decision from the competition organisers. The Confederation of African Football released a statement on Tuesday evening saying that Senegal had been declared to have forfeited the game, which they had won 1-0 on January 18. CAF said the decision came after an appeal from the Royal Moroccan Football Federation following that match, which Senegal won in extra time after walking off the field during normal time in protest at a refereeing decision. Full story from @bosherL here ⬇️ 🔗 nytimes.com/athletic/71267…

Chelsea captain Reece James has sustained a hamstring injury which could keep him out for several weeks. Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior is expected to provide an update when he addresses the media on Monday afternoon. More from @SJohnsonSport and @MarioCortegana ⬇️ nytimes.com/athletic/71207…

Liam Rosenior has criticised referee Paul Tierney for interfering with Chelsea’s pre-match team huddle around the centre circle before their 1-0 defeat against Newcastle at Stamford Bridge. In surreal scenes shortly before kick-off on Saturday, the Chelsea players repeated their new ritual of huddling around the match ball and around Tierney, who declined to leave the centre circle as TV cameras panned around, with Cole Palmer jokingly hugging the official before captain Reece James appeared to tell his teammate to stop. After the match, which was settled in Newcastle’s favour by Anthony Gordon’s goal in the 18th minute, an exasperated Rosenior was in no mood to laugh about the incident. More from @liam_twomey ⬇️ 🔗 nytimes.com/athletic/71185…

Big celebrations in the away end #NUFC First league for Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge in 14 years - since that Papiss Cisse wonder goal #CFC disappointing and look defensively fragile

Paul Tierney gets caught in the middle of the Chelsea huddle 😂❓

At Stamford Bridge this evening for #CHENEW ‘Reece James - One Of Our Own’ Tifo from the Chelsea fans, after he signed a new six year contract this week

🚨 EXCL: Reece James commits future to Chelsea by signing new 6yr contract. 26yo’s previous deal 2028; fresh agreement runs until June 2032. Deal aligns England right-back with #CFC incentivised wage structure. W/ @SJohnsonSport @reallycerys @TheAthleticFC nytimes.com/athletic/71118…

President of host nation (USA) says participating nation Iran would be risking “life and safety” by attending World Cup. Less than 48 hours after FIFA president Infantino claimed Trump had, “of course” reiterated Iran would be welcome. @TheAthleticFC nytimes.com/athletic/71117…

Amelia, forever in our hearts. Forever Yellow. 💛

ever seen your team go into the 88th minute 2-0 up and still lose the game? Yeah me neither, until yesterday nytimes.com/athletic/70971…

There will be more routes to reach the Premier League from next season after an English Football League (EFL) vote was passed to expand the Championship play-offs from four teams to six. The team finishing eighth in the Championship will get the chance to win promotion to the top flight under the expanded play-off structure from 2026-27. More from @PJBuckingham ⬇️ 🔗 nytimes.com/athletic/70875…

Liverpool-bound defender Jeremy Jacquet is set to undergo shoulder surgery and is expected to miss the remainder of the season for Rennes. Provided the operation goes to plan, however, Liverpool expect Jacquet to be available for the start of pre-season in early July. More from @JamesPearceLFC and @TBurrows16 ⬇️ 🔗 nytimes.com/athletic/70830…