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Adeyemi faces consequences: “Naive and stupid”

Lesley Summerville
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Adeyemi faces consequences: “Naive and stupid”

Following his penalty order for illegal possession of weapons, Karim Adeyemi must also expect sanctions from the DFB. However, Rudi Völler wants to “give the BVB offensive player a hug.”

In the Karim Adeyemi case, Rudi Völler has stood behind the national player, but at the same time announced consequences. After Monday evening’s 6-0 victory over Slovakia, which secured the German team’s ticket to the 2026 World Cup, the DFB’s sporting director expressed a mixture of criticism and support for Adeyemi.

“First of all, we wanted to stand behind the boy” and “still be critical” with him, Völler explained on ZDF. “But of course we don’t want to condemn him either. At that age, we also made many mistakes, though not like that, of course. You have to punish him now and then, but also give him a hug.” Völler left open what kind of sanction Adeyemi might face: “I don’t want to jump to conclusions, that will come later.”

Adeyemi had already received a penalty order for illegal possession of weapons at the end of October and had been sentenced to a total fine of €450,000 – which, however, only became public knowledge around two weeks later. A knuckle duster and a taser were reportedly found in his possession. “It’s naive and stupid to order something online when you don’t know 100% what’s in it,” explained Völler, who immediately confronted the 23-year-old Dortmund player together with national coach Julian Nagelsmann.

“He tried to explain it to some extent”

“The day after the game in Luxembourg, Lars Ricken called me and told us about it. Julian and I then grabbed Karim and wanted to hear his version. He tried to explain it to some extent,” reported the sporting director. “He was probably hoping it wouldn’t come out.” When asked whether the DFB had been caught off guard by the issue, he replied: “Yes.”

So far, Adeyemi has not done anything wrong in the national team. “Nothing has happened,” emphasized Völler, who also took issue with the “culture of outrage in Germany”: “Everyone is always quick to complain – without wanting to gloss over” Adeyemi’s misconduct.

Völler announced that the whole issue would now be “calmly dealt with” together with BVB. “Dortmund have him under control.” Adeyemi had missed the Luxembourg game due to a yellow card suspension and did not play against Slovakia.

6-0 after 35 minutes: Only Mané outshines Jackson in Senegal’s rout

Andrew Jackson
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6-0 after 35 minutes: Only Mané outshines Jackson in Senegal’s rout

Senegal has already secured its place in the World Cup and is therefore using the international break in November to prepare for the big event. In Antalya, Turkey, they did so impressively on Tuesday against an overwhelmed Kenya.

While the battle for the coveted World Cup tickets was still raging in Europe, Senegal was already able to rehearse for the final tournament in the USA, Canada, and Mexico next year in November. The Senegalese won their qualifying group B in Africa undefeated, with 24 points ahead of the Democratic Republic of Congo (22).

Senegal lost the first of two tough tests last Saturday in London, with favorites Brazil proving too strong in front of almost 60,000 spectators at the Emirates Stadium (0-2). The second match took place on Tuesday in Antalya, Turkey, against Kenya. The latter had clearly missed out on World Cup qualification – and now had no chance against Senegal either.

In contrast to the England game, Pape Thiaw opted for PSG striker Mbaye and Munich loanee Jackson alongside former Bayern striker Mané up front this time. The latter’s desire to impress his national coach was evident from the first 15 minutes: Within six minutes, Jackson scored an impressive brace (9th, 15th), which West Ham’s Diouf added to with another goal (12th).

Senegal’s record goalscorer turns it on

Then Mané, who now plays for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, put on his big show: Senegal’s record goalscorer (52 goals in 121 international appearances) scored a hat trick before the break. He followed up his first goal in the 17th minute with two more by the 35th minute – the interim 5-0 coming from a penalty (31st minute).

Shortly after the break, Mbaye, who had previously “only” appeared twice as a provider, also got on the scoresheet (48th minute). The final score of 8-0 was ultimately down to Samsunspor striker Ndiaye (80th minute) – Mané and Jackson had long since left the pitch.

After this successful test, which should also give them a boost of confidence, the whole of Senegal is eagerly awaiting December 5, when the World Cup groups will be drawn in the US capital Washington D.C.

Bayer worried: How badly has Grimaldo been injured?

Jeffrey Gooding
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Bayer worried: How badly has Grimaldo been injured?

Alejandro Grimaldo was missing from Spain’s squad against Turkey on Tuesday. Leverkusen’s key player is injured, but it is unclear how badly. Bayer must at least worry about their leader’s availability in Wolfsburg.

Bayer 04 is worried about Alejandro Grimaldo. The Spaniard was missing from the Spanish squad on Tuesday evening in the 2-2 draw with Turkey. The 30-year-old is injured, which is why he did not appear on the match report, unlike on Saturday in the game in Georgia (4-0).

The left-back, who plays as a playmaker for Bayer this season under coach Kasper Hjulmand when his team has possession, is complaining of muscle problems, which is why initial examinations were carried out in Spain on Tuesday morning. Following these, the decision was made that Grimaldo would not be available for the game against Turkey.

Grimaldo’s absence would hit Bayer extremely hard

The extent of Grimaldo’s injury is not yet known, but there is inevitably a question mark over his participation in Saturday’s Bundesliga match against VfL Wolfsburg. His absence would be devastating news for Hjulmand. Grimaldo is not only an outstanding free kick taker and Bayer’s top scorer, who cannot be easily replaced, but also plays an essential role in Leverkusen’s game as a playmaker and catalyst.

Due to his importance to the Werkself and the absence of several Bayer professionals, Grimaldo has played an extremely large number of games this season. The strain pushed him to his limits, which is why the left-footed player had to sit out the 0-3 defeat at FC Bayern Munich on matchday 9.

Grimaldo had already raised the “orange flag” in Munich

Grimaldo had raised the “orange flag,” as Hjulmand put it, who wanted to avoid injury to his key player by giving the ever-present a break. However, the model professional then played four days later in the 1-0 Champions League win at Benfica Lisbon and the following Saturday in the 6-0 win against 1. FC Heidenheim. But now the technician has been struck down.

Ahead of the upcoming busy weeks, in which the next opponents after Wolfsburg are Manchester City (away) and Borussia Dortmund twice (first at home in the league, then away in the DFB Cup), Bayer 04 now hopes that the final diagnosis, which is likely to be made after Grimaldo’s return to Leverkusen, will be as favorable as possible.

Contract until 2028: Gladbach makes Polanski permanent

Sotd Editor
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Contract until 2028: Gladbach makes Polanski permanent

After the recent upswing, the announcement of the news was only a matter of time: Borussia Mönchengladbach has permanently installed Eugen Polanski as head coach and given him a contract until 2028.
Eugen Polanski has made the most of his probationary period and, as of Tuesday, can call himself head coach of Borussia Mönchengladbach. The Foals promoted the 39-year-old after three competitive wins in a row. Gerardo Seoane had held the position until mid-September.

“We are very pleased that we were able to reach an agreement with Eugen in open, constructive, and appreciative discussions,” said Borussia’s Head of Sports Rouven Schröder. “He impressed us from the start with his qualities in terms of content and character, and we are confident that with him as head coach, we can continue the positive development of recent weeks.”

Polanski’s interim tenure had gotten off to a slow start in this regard, with two points from five games. But then, as was the case with the 4-6 comeback after trailing 0-6 against Eintracht Frankfurt, the comeback began. A 3-1 win against Karlsruher SC in the DFB Cup was followed by a 4-0 win against FC St. Pauli and the recent 3-1 win in the derby against 1. FC Köln in the Bundesliga. The Foals are currently 12th in the Bundesliga table. “I have never made any secret of what this job at my home club means to me. Being head coach at Borussia gives me immense pleasure and fills me with pride. The trust placed in me by those responsible is a great incentive and confirmation of the work done by the entire team,” says Polanski.

Under Polanski, the team’s effectiveness increased significantly.

After the derby victory over Cologne, at the latest, everything pointed to a promotion for the home-grown player. Polanski, who moved from Concordia Viersen to Borussia at the age of eight, later turned professional and made his Bundesliga debut in the 2004/2005 season, succeeded in stabilizing the team in all areas.

The switch to a back three gave the team more security. In midfield, the coach found the right mix of organization, running and tackling strength, and quality play. And the team’s attacking power also increased significantly. In the last three competitive games, the Foals scored ten goals. Haris Tabakovic, now supported by a second striker, has emerged as a goal scorer.
From the outset, Polanski enjoyed the full confidence of the team, the club, and the fans. With the onset of sporting success, all the conditions were finally in place to make the former midfielder the permanent solution in the coaching position.

Gladbach’s U23 team needs a successor

Because Polanski is no longer available to “his” Gladbach U23 team, the club must find a new coach for this position. In mid-September, Sascha Eickel, who is actually the sporting director of the U19 and U23 teams, temporarily took over the role. One scenario is the promotion of U19 coach Oliver Kirch to the new coach of the U23s. However, the reorganization of the coaching positions in the youth sector may be postponed until the winter break, as the last match days for the U23s and U19s before the turn of the year are already scheduled for early December.

Heidelberg makes a statement: Home win keeps hopes alive

Jason Maverick
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Heidelberg makes a statement: Home win keeps hopes alive

MLP Academics Heidelberg sent a strong signal in the decisive Champions League duel against Promitheas Patras. With a convincing performance, Danny Jansson’s team secured the chance to reach the next round on the last match day on its own merits.

Heidelberg got off to a flying start in front of their home crowd: Marcus Weathers opened with a three-pointer, and a 7-0 run forced Patras to react early. Despite a 9-0 run by the visitors and early turnovers (already eleven in the second quarter), the Academics remained stable, led 21-17 after ten minutes and went into the break with a 38-37 lead for the first time this BCL season.

After the break, Heidelberg consistently exploited Patras’ rebounding weaknesses and went on a 10-2 run to take a 48-39 lead. The arena went wild when Marcel Kessen hit two three-pointers in a row and Weathers spectacularly blocked a shot into the stands. A buzzer-beating three-pointer by McClain to make it 61-52 after the third quarter provided additional momentum. In the final quarter, a thunderous dunk by Osun Osunniyi provided another early energy boost, before Williamson made it 74-56 with two consecutive three-pointers, effectively sealing the game.
In the end, the score was a clear 82-62, with Kessen the top scorer with 17 points and eight rebounds. Thanks to their head-to-head victory over Patras, Heidelberg now has everything in its own hands on the last matchday of the group stage when it comes to advancing to the next round.

EA SPORTS slows down: F1 26 will not be a standalone game

Lesley Summerville
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EA SPORTS slows down: F1 26 will not be a standalone game

EA SPORTS and Codemasters are breaking with an old tradition next year: there will be no standalone F1 game in 2026 – a paid expansion will bring the new season to screens.

Since 2009, developer Codemasters has produced and released a new Formula 1 game every year – alongside EA SPORTS since 2021. In 2026, this tradition will be broken: the Vancouver-based publisher has announced that it will not be releasing a standalone game for the premier class of motorsport next year.

The upcoming season will be covered in the form of a paid expansion for the current title, F1 25. According to the announcement, the series will return in 2027 with a new game that will “mark the beginning of a new and more comprehensive F1 experience.”

In its statement, EA SPORTS emphasizes the commercial success of F1 25, but also its critical acclaim. The racing game has been praised by “players, media, content creators, and Formula 1 drivers” alike. In fact, most of the feedback on F1 25 has been positive—mostly without exuberant cheers.

Is the new practice at EA SPORTS rubbing off?

The creators themselves are concerned: “F1 25 was an incredible success, driven by the passion of the fans and the energy of the sport. Given the momentum of Formula 1 on and off the track, now is the perfect time for us to look ahead and plan for the future,” says Lee Mather, Senior Creative Director at Codemasters.

“We are fully committed to the F1 franchise. Our multi-year plan extends this year’s excitement with the 2026 expansion and reimagines the F1 experience for 2027 to offer even more to players of all skill levels around the world,” Mather continues.

It will be exciting to see whether this new practice could rub off on other sports titles at EA SPORTS: Madden NFL, NHL—and above all, FC. A paradigm shift in the financial concept of soccer simulation would make big waves in the scene.

Despite lack of titles: Ferrari is the most valuable Formula 1 team

Sotd Editor
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Despite lack of titles: Ferrari is the most valuable Formula 1 team

According to a new ranking, Ferrari is currently the most valuable Formula 1 racing team—world champion McLaren is “only” in third place, with Haas bringing up the rear.

Although Ferrari has not won a Formula 1 world championship title since 2008, the Scuderia is currently the most valuable Formula 1 team. This was the result of an analysis by Sportico, which evaluated all ten current racing teams in the premier class.

Ferrari tops this ranking with a valuation of $6.4 billion (equivalent to around €5.5 billion), followed by Mercedes with $5.88 billion (€5.1 billion) and world champion McLaren with $4.73 billion (€4.1 billion).

Although Red Bull has been the most successful team in the premier class over the past five years, the Bulls are “only” in fourth place with a valuation of $4.32 billion (€3.7 billion).

The gap to the “midfield teams” in the rankings is similar to that in the real world championship. Aston Martin, for example, is in fifth place with a valuation of $3 billion (€2.6 billion), already more than a billion behind Red Bull.

Close behind are Alpine ($2.14 billion), Williams ($2.08 billion), Racing Bulls ($2.05 billion), Sauber ($1.88 billion), and Haas, which still has a valuation of $1.68 billion despite coming in last. “To determine the enterprise value of the ten teams in Formula 1, Sportico calculated each team’s revenue based on publicly available financial reports from annual reports, Companies House, the UK commercial register, and the Italian business register.”

“In cases where detailed information was not available, we used our own estimates. We conducted interviews with individuals familiar with the teams’ finances, including sports bankers, lawyers, and investors who have dealt with Formula 1 teams, as well as executives or owners of seven teams.“

”This information has been verified by several teams and industry experts,” it says.

Formula 1 world champion: John Elkann’s statements are “demoralizing”

T0m@dmin1
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Formula 1 world champion: John Elkann’s statements are “demoralizing”

Damon Hill believes that Ferrari president John Elkann’s recent criticism of drivers was unhelpful—it is perfectly normal for Formula 1 drivers to be “critical.”

Ferrari president John Elkann is facing further backlash after publicly criticizing drivers. Damon Hill, 1996 Formula 1 world champion, told Mirror Sport that he cannot imagine Elkann’s statements being beneficial.
“I saw the interview. I was a little surprised by what I heard, and I think many others were too,” Hill said. Elkann had told Sky that Ferrari had drivers “who should concentrate more on driving and talk less.”

“I don’t know what happened,” said Hill, who emphasized that he was not aware of any statements by Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc that would justify Elkann’s criticism. The long-time Williams driver explains that as a Formula 1 driver, you are always “critical.”

“They are part of the team, but the drivers are, in a sense, the end users of the product,” Hill reminds us, explaining, “It’s unlikely that they’re going to say everything is wonderful when it’s obviously not.”

Hill says he does not find Elkann’s statements “humiliating,” but “it can be a little demoralizing.” Saying such things “in public” can “undermine” the drivers, explains the 22-time Grand Prix winner.

“But ultimately, the Ferrari boss pays them,” Hill also knows, explaining: “If they’ve said the wrong things, you’ll get some backlash now and then.” Nevertheless, he personally does not believe that Elkann’s statements are helpful in the current situation.

Previously, Hill’s former Jordan teammate Ralf Schumacher, for example, had also criticized Elkann. With three races to go before the end of the 2025 Formula 1 season, Ferrari is still winless and only in fourth place in the world championship.

If this remains the case, it would be the Scuderia’s first Formula 1 season without a win since 2021 and even the first time since 2020 that it would miss out on the top 3 in the Constructors’ World Championship.

McLaren dilemma: Why Claire Williams is defending the team

Sotd Editor
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McLaren dilemma: Why Claire Williams is defending the team

Claire Williams comments on the heated rivalry between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri – the former team principal explains why management is so difficult

Former Williams team boss Claire Williams has defended McLaren’s approach to managing its drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. The Woking-based team has famously decided not to categorically favor either driver in the battle for the drivers’ championship.

Instead, the team is letting Norris and Piastri race against each other on the track – under the strict rule that they are not allowed to crash into each other’s cars. Although the drivers have largely adhered to these so-called “papaya rules,” there have been some tense moments, such as at the Singapore Grand Prix and in Canada, where there were collisions.

“It’s not an easy task,” Williams explains to talkSPORT. “I think McLaren has two pretty relaxed drivers in Lando and Oscar. But equally, they are both extremely competitive.”

Plans don’t always work out

“Both have fought hard to get where they are today in Formula 1. And for many years, both have dreamed of becoming world champions,” the Briton continued. “They are now fighting that battle on the racetrack. But managing that is anything but easy.”

Williams emphasizes the unpredictability of racing, which can throw even the best strategies off course: “You can make the best plans before every Grand Prix. You talk to the drivers to keep everything clean and settle things on the track.”

“Racing is a crazy business. You never know what will happen when the lights go out. It’s not easy to control, and we can all look at it on Monday and ask, ‘Why did they make that decision? Why did they do that?’“

McLaren is doing its best

”But all I can say is that McLaren at the command post always has the best intentions and tries to do what’s best for its drivers on Sunday afternoon.”

With three races left in the season, the situation is coming to a head: Norris leads the standings by 24 points ahead of Piastri. But it’s not just the internal duel that’s causing excitement, as a charging Max Verstappen has already reduced the gap to Piastri to 25 points.

Alpine changes design again for the last three races of the season

Phil Laffertey
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Alpine changes design again for the last three races of the season

The Alpine A525 will get a new paint job for the last three races of the season – Sauber has also unveiled a special design for Las Vegas

The Alpine A525 will take to the track with a slightly modified look for the last three races of the 2025 Formula 1 season.
The Enstone-based team announced on Tuesday that the car design will feature a little more pink starting with this weekend’s race in Las Vegas. The sidepods of the car, which were previously blue, will be given a new color for the last three races of the season. Alpine already competed with a modified car design in the last three races in Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi last year.

However, while the entire A524 was painted pink at that time, this time some blue elements will remain. Alpine is in tenth and last place in the World Championship with 22 points ahead of the last three races of the year. The gap to Sauber in ninth place is already 40 points.

The Swiss team will also be competing in Las Vegas with a special livery. Under the name “Final Lap,” Sauber unveiled a design on Tuesday that is intended to symbolize “the team’s upward trend in the 2025 season.”

Sauber is currently in second-to-last place in the championship, but Nico Hülkenberg did finish on the podium once at Silverstone. In addition, the gap to the Racing Bulls in sixth place is only 20 points, so a jump up the championship standings is still possible in the last three races.

Unlike Alpine, the Sauber special design will only be used on the weekend in Las Vegas. The color scheme of the C45 will not change, but the green car will feature a checkered flag design element that runs from the front wing to the rear wing across the entire car.

For Sauber, the title “Final Lap” has another symbolic meaning, as the team will be dropping its current name at the end of the year. From 2026, the Hinwil-based team will officially compete as an Audi works team.

Williams had already unveiled a special design for the Las Vegas Grand Prix ahead of Alpine and Sauber.

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