The recent FIFA World Cup drew significant criticism due to the large number of teams, as it was the first time the tournament was expanded to 48 participants, including a record 10 African nations. The tournament increased from the previous format of 32 teams, where 48 countries were divided into 12 groups of four in the group stage.
In the first phase, the two best teams from each group, along with the eight best third-placed teams, advanced to the inaugural round of 32-team playoffs. Many experts, particularly from European countries, expressed concerns that such a 'bloated structure' would diminish the quality of the competition.
In contrast, the International Cricket Council (ICC) is developing a complex format for the One Day International World Cup (ODI World Cup) to be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. This format, according to the author, continues to limit the development of Associate Nations.
Although the number of teams has been increased from 10 to 12 compared to the previous edition in India in 2023, the structure places Associate Nations in a highly disadvantageous position. According to an ICC press release, a 'Super Series' will be held before the World Cup, featuring teams ranked 12th, 13th, and 14th.
Only the top team from this series will advance to two groups of six teams, where 30 matches are scheduled. Then, the top three teams from each group will move to the 'Super 7' round, where they will play a round-robin system. The seventh team in the 'Super 7' will be the best fourth-placed team from the two groups. The top four teams after the completion of the 'Super 7' qualify for the semi-finals.
The author notes that the 2023 format, similar to the 1992 format, was significantly simpler: each of the 10 teams played each other once to reach the semi-finals. There is a possibility that India and Pakistan, who are ICC's 'money spinners', could meet up to three times: in the group stage, in the 'Super 7', and potentially in the final.
While the ICC actively promotes the T20 World Cup as a 'platform for the growth of a wider universe of participating cricket nations' by increasing the number of teams in the second stage from eight to ten, this ambition is not evident regarding the ODI World Cup, which remains the ICC's main men's tournament. The main problem for cricket hindering its relevance in a world where fans have many choices is the complexity of its formats and tournament structures.
Despite the shortcomings of FIFA, and the World Cup in Mexico, USA, and Canada attracted attention to them, they are recognized as masters of simplicity in execution. The author believes that the ICC could learn some lessons from FIFA's experience.
The Lions club announced the signing of several new players before the start of the Currie Cup on Sunday, as well as with an eye towards the upcoming United Rugby Championship (URC) season, according to the union on Thursday.
Among the new footballers are Springbok national player Siikumbuzo Notshe and playmaker Boeta Chamberlain. Siikumbuzo Notshe, a 33-year-old player, is returning to South Africa after playing for the French Top 14 club Montauban, where he played 43 matches over the last two seasons.
Hyron Andrews, Dan Casenda, and J.P. du Prez are also returning to the country. Defender Andrews previously played for the English club Sale Sharks, starting a short-term loan there in 2024, and remained in Manchester for three years. Du Prez, another defender, is returning after a short period in Japan, where he joined Red Hurricanes Osaka from Glasgow Warriors, and before that played for Sale Sharks, leaving the country for the first time in 2020.
Winger Casenda is more closely linked to South Africa, as he has been playing for the Welsh side Ospreys since 2023. The Lions also attracted talented playmaker Boeta Chamberlain, who previously played for Bulls and Sharks, and spent a season of 13 matches at Red Bull Newcastle in England last year.
The Doornfontein team strengthened its midfield by adding former Springbok junior Asad Musa, aged 22. His arrival may indicate the possible retirement of Morne van den Berg, Nico Stein, or Hassim Pedda in the union.
The Lions Currie Cup team will begin its campaign on Sunday against Free State Cheetahs in Bloemfontein (match starts at 13:00). The first URC match is scheduled for Saturday, September 25, against Leinster at the newly named 10Bet Ellis Park stadium.
On Wednesday, July 15, England midfielder Jude Bellingham became the center of attention due to an incident that occurred shortly after the referee's final whistle.
A video that quickly gained popularity online shows Bellingham shaking hands with another Argentine player on the field, reflecting on the game's outcome. After this, the Argentine players began celebrating their victory, which Valentín Barco also joined. Bellingham, who had been standing still for a while, suddenly looked angry and walked towards the group of players.
Then, the English midfielder hit Barco on the head. In response, the Argentine pushed him back. Other players quickly intervened, preventing further escalation of the situation.
Bellingham, who scored six goals in this World Cup, could not exert the same influence against Argentina in the semi-final match. Nevertheless, internet users noted that Barco allegedly made sharp remarks throughout the entire match.
This incident was not the only one in which Bellingham was involved that night. Earlier in the evening, the English player was also involved in a tense conversation with Argentina captain Messi. After the match, he stated that they 'actually discussed the foul.' He added: 'But it was something bad. I'm sure everyone will do their job and exaggerate. But no, it's really nothing. I thought there was a foul earlier, and he said: 'Well, what about the one on me?' and I kind of said: 'You are strong enough to take it,' you know what I mean?' Concluding his words, he noted: 'It is a privilege to play against Messi. There was nothing against him. I am obviously on the losing side, which is very upsetting, but it is a privilege to play against him.'
The Sharks team has announced a new three-year partnership with Volkswagen, which will support the club during both training and matches. Furthermore, for the team undergoing rehabilitation, a new kit is being prepared as part of a new era, following the resumption of a partnership with one of rugby's leading sports brands—Reebok.
Previously, in the second half of the 1990s, Reebok was the apparel partner for the Sharks. Both parties hope that the renewal of cooperation will bring similar successes that the team demonstrated during that period, pioneering both on and off the field. Reebok and Sharks plan to launch a new collection of fan apparel designed for both sport and casual wear.
Sharks Chief Growth Officer, Michael Leslie, highlighted the significance of Reebok's return for the club. He stated that the team aims to transform the Sharks into a globally recognized brand in sports and lifestyle, and this requires partners who share that ambition. Leslie emphasized that fans are at the center of all efforts, and the club is committed to providing merchandise that reflects their journey, honors the legacy, and represents the emerging 'New Wave.'
In light of the new era, Currie Cup coach Mike Walls has assembled a strong squad to face the Pumas on Friday evening in Mbombela. Walls explained that the campaign's goal is to give young players a chance to shine and allow more experienced athletes to regain form, thereby preparing the players for participation in the United Rugby Championship under head coach JP Pietersen.
Key players for match day include Kerron van Vuuren (former Sharks hooker, returned after playing in the USA and France), winger Tim Swiel, who previously played for the Sharks and Stormers, wing Christie Grobbelaar, midfielder Ross Braude from Canada, experienced lock Johan Momsen, who played in America and the New Zealand NPC, forward Cam Dawson from Cheetahs, as well as URC players Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, Marnus Potgieter, Ceano Everson, and Thomas Dyer, who is the captain.
Walls added that the Currie Cup squad includes more experience and depth, and the team has done thorough work by attracting players he believes will add value in terms of leadership, game time, and experience. He also noted that this group comprises players with experience in the Currie Cup and the United Rugby Championship, alongside young athletes striving for success in the competition.
The match against the Pumas at Mbombela stadium is scheduled for Friday evening, starting at 17:00. The Sharks' starting fifteen includes Chijiendu Okonta, Christie Grobbelaar, Marnus Potgieter, Janco Purchase, Lyle Matthews, Tim Swiel, Ross Braude, Thomas Dyer (captain), Jannes Potgieter, Willem van den Hever, Deon Slabbert, Johan Momsen, Simphiwe Ngobese, Kerron van Vuuren, and Cameron Dawson. Reserves include Jacques Marais, Jaco du Toit, Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, Sipho Nonyalela, Hanu Pieterse, Ceano Everson, Chris Horak, and Matthew Fortuin.
