International arbitral body settling sports disputes since 1984
Nine EU countries have asked the European Commission to block Erasmus+ and other funding for the IOC and several international federations after the IOC provisionally lifted its suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee. The governments argue returning Russian athletes ignores Ukrainian competitors who cannot train on equal terms and propose limiting the bodies' role in EU sports forums.
Argentina has named Lionel Messi among 55 players in its preliminary World Cup squad, with ongoing questions over his availability. Gianluca Prestianni faces a worldwide ban extension that could affect Argentina’s opening games; the World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19, with Algeria, Austria and Jordan in Argentina’s group.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport has upheld Ukraine’s complaint that Russia’s chess federation controlled chess in Ukrainian regions seized since 2022. FIDE has suspended Russia’s membership with immediate effect; Russian adults compete under FIDE’s flag, while juniors may play under a neutral flag. The decision follows CAS rulings and continues amid ongoing tensions in the chess world.
Vondrousova has been suspended for four years after refusing a doping control test at her home in December 2025. An independent tribunal has found no compelling justification for the refusal, and the sanction runs until June 21, 2030. ITIA emphasizes that testing can occur outside the hour window if notified and located, and reiterates the seriousness of refusals.
The Milan prosecutor’s office has summoned Alessandro Bastoni, a 27-year-old Italy defender, in connection with an inquiry into an alleged escort ring. Investigators allege he paid for sex with a 17-year-old in June 2020. Wiretaps quote a PR representative and Bastoni’s responses; his camp says he did not engage in sexual relations with minors. Other players are under scrutiny in the wider probe.
Aston Villa has spent €12m to sign Brian Madjo from Metz; FIFA registration rules have prevented the player from being registered, with a CAS appeal hearing held and a ruling expected as UEFA and Premier League deadlines loom.
Belgium has rallied from a 2-0 deficit to beat Senegal 3-2 in extra time, with Lukaku and Tielemans scoring late to force extra time and Tielemans sealing the win from the spot in the 125th minute. The turnaround sets up a clash with the United States in Seattle.
Senegal has dismissed head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw and his technical staff following a World Cup last-32 exit. The federation says the move is in the best interests of Senegalese football after a disappointing campaign that saw the team go out to Belgium in the last 32 after leading 2-0. The decision follows prior reporting of changes in medical and coaching staff and comes amid controversy around Afcon 2025.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport has increased Samuel Bensoussan’s ban from one year and 11 months to three years for involvement in fixing matches in lower-tier tennis events. ITIA says investigations linked him to a Belgian crime syndicate that corrupted at least 181 players and affected 375 matches. Bensoussan’s ranking peaked at 405 in 2018 and he has not played since 2019.