Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Russia across Hockey, Soccer, Basketball.
The International Ice Hockey Federation has prolonged Russia's ban through the 2027 men's World Championship in Germany, while Belarus faces a similar exclusion, and the IOC has lifted restrictions on Russian athletes, leaving participation decisions to sport federations.
The International Ice Hockey Federation announced that Russia will be excluded from four major world championships in 2027, continuing sanctions imposed after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The decision also postpones a vote on the women's world championship until November.
With the new PWHL campaign approaching, both the Minnesota Frost and Montréal Victoire are banking on standout netminders. Minnesota’s tandem has evolved into a clear starter, while Montréal’s recent champion leans on a veteran whose hockey IQ defines her game.
The International Ice Hockey Federation has confirmed that Russian and Belarusian clubs will remain barred from its flagship events during the 2026‑27 season, while the IOC considers a partial reinstatement.
The International Ice Hockey Federation has maintained Russia's exclusion from major tournaments through 2027, with a separate eligibility review for the women's world championship scheduled for November 2026. Meanwhile, Belarus has been granted limited participation in select events.
A look at the origins and meanings behind some of the most memorable nicknames in football history, from legendary monikers to quirky epithets.
Petar Aleksić, a decorated coach with nearly three decades of European basketball experience, has been appointed assistant coach for the Ole Miss men's basketball program, bringing a wealth of international knowledge and proven leadership.
Europe has historically dominated the World Cup, with six of the last eight tournaments being won by European sides. This pattern reflects more than just recent success; it is the product of deep‑rooted traditions that have shaped the sport on the continent for decades. Soccer’s appeal lies in its simplicity and low cost. A ball, a patch of grass and a handful of friends are enough to spark a match, which is why the game has spread to every corner of the globe. Yet those very qualities are wrapped in European rituals, from club histories to national narratives that date back centuries. At the centre of this ecosystem is FIFA, the Zurich‑based governing body that wields enormous influence over the sport’s commercial engine. The organization has mastered the art of turning a global tournament into a revenue‑generating spectacle, charging premium prices for broadcasting and sponsorship rights. The rest of the world often fields semi‑promising up‑and‑comers, aging veterans and opportunistic players who hope to make an impact on the biggest stage. While talent exists everywhere, the structural advantages held by European football ecosystems remain difficult to replicate. Commercialization is a double‑edged sword. Brands from across the globe, including Apple, Tesla and Shopify, have begun to associate themselves with the sport, but the financial barriers to entry remain high. Fans are willing to pay the steep costs because the tournament’s mystique endures. Sports are perpetual novelties; they are constantly discussed, endlessly marketed and never lacking in audience. The World Cup, despite its staggering price tags, continues to attract a global viewership that fuels further investment. Europe’s strategy moving forward is to double down on the advantages it already possesses — infrastructure, talent pipelines and a culture that prizes the beautiful game. This plan aims to keep the continent at the forefront of international competition. Canada does not enjoy the same historical foothold in soccer, and it currently lacks a coherent plan to exploit the sport’s global growth. Instead, the nation’s most reliable sporting advantage is hockey, a game that is not only deeply embedded in the culture but also the only completely self‑sustaining sport in the country. Figures such as Sidney Crosby illustrate the enduring legacy of Canadian hockey, while emerging talents like Macklin Celebrini signal a continued pipeline of world‑class players. In contrast, soccer’s global icons — including Lionel Messi — highlight a different kind of international stardom that Canada has yet to tap. The article argues that rather than chasing a sport in which it has no entrenched advantage, Canada should concentrate resources on hockey, leveraging its domestic strengths and the commercial appeal that the sport already commands.
In a recent street soccer tournament in Russia, Alex Ovechkin traded his hockey gear for a themed jersey, showcasing his skills, signing fans’ memorabilia and reflecting on the upcoming World Cup.
The Philadelphia Flyers are shaping their roster through offseason conditioning, contract negotiations and loan assignments, setting the stage for a competitive 2025‑26 campaign.
Tab Ramos, a former U.S. men's national team player, has publicly criticized U.S. Soccer president Cindy Parlow Cone and the broader leadership structure, urging accountability after the team's disappointing World Cup performance.
A celebrated World Cup winner faces a setback as his commercial link with a Russian bookmaker triggers political backlash and resignations within the national set‑up.
Matvei Michkov is gearing up for his third NHL season with the Philadelphia Flyers, focusing on strength, skill and preparation, and expressing enthusiasm about LeBron James joining the 76ers.
After a promising draft season and solid KHL numbers, goaltender Pyotr Andreyanov is focused on improvement and a future with CSKA Moskva.
The Razorbacks finalize a 15‑player roster that blends high‑profile freshmen, experienced returnees and international projects, promising a deeper eight‑man rotation for the upcoming season.
Andrea Pirlo, the 2006 World Cup champion and ex‑Juventus playmaker, removed himself from consideration for the Italy senior men’s national team coach role after criticism of his ties to the Russian betting company Fonbet, which has been associated with pro‑Kremlin events.
After a heated public debate over his partnership with Russian betting firm Fonbet, Andrea Pirlo withdraws from the Italy head coach race, thanking Paolo Maldini and Leonardo while the federation weighs alternatives like Guardiola and Ancelotti.
Andrea Pirlo has stepped back from the national team coaching race after criticism of his association with the Russian betting firm Fonbet, a relationship that has drawn political scrutiny and raised questions about the future of Italy’s football administration.
Andrea Pirlo has stepped back from the running to become Italy’s national team coach after a controversy erupted over his role as a global ambassador for the Russian betting company Fonbet. Politicians, diplomats and sports figures have weighed in, highlighting the intersection of sport, commerce and geopolitics.
After Italian politicians questioned his ties to a Russian betting firm, Andrea Pirlo confirmed he will no longer be considered for the Italy national team coaching position.
The prospective appointment of Andrea Pirlo as Italy’s head coach has ignited a political row, driven by his ties to the Russian betting firm Fonbet and a recent Moscow appearance amid Ukraine’s aerial attacks.
The essay draws a striking line between the Canadian series Heated Rivalry and Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick, using shared themes of queer panic, deep connection, and the symbolism of a lakeside cottage to explore how both works imagine liberation.
Footballer Harry Kane was awarded the Member of the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II in 2018, a moment highlighted by Prince William’s public praise and a Buckingham Palace ceremony in March 2019.
The Blue Jackets’ 2025 draft pick, Pyotr Andreyanov, brings a 6‑foot‑2 frame, elite statistics from Russian leagues, and high expectations for a future role in Columbus.