logo
Former Premier League star, 34, at the front of sensational bid to return F1 to Africa with brand new track

Former Premier League star, 34, at the front of sensational bid to return F1 to Africa with brand new track

Scottish Sun3 days ago
F1 seems to have already sorted its next street race in a major city
Got it Sor-ted Former Premier League star, 34, at the front of sensational bid to return F1 to Africa with brand new track
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
FORMER Premier League star Marvin Sordell is fronting a sensational bid to bring Formula One to Africa, according to reports.
Sordell, 34, is a co-chief executive and director for Opus Race Promotions, having retired from football in 2019 to then come out of it for non-league side Kettering Town.
Sign up for Scottish Sun
newsletter
Sign up
4
F1 are reportedly in talks over a new race to be held in Nigeria
Credit: Getty
4
The bid is being fronted by ex-Prem star Marvin Sordell
Credit: PA
4
Stefano Domenicali has reportedly been invited to Abuja to review the project
Credit: AFP
Sordell played for both Bolton and Burnley in the Premier League, but is perhaps best known for his time in the Championship for clubs including Watford, Charlton and Burton Albion.
His company has already gained "early support" from the Nigerian government over the prospect of getting the nation to host a grand prix.
According to The Times, the plans include far more than simply hosting a race in the capital city of Abuja.
The pledges made by Opus outline the building of a karting track, hotels, a technology hub, and a motorsport museum, among other infrastructure.
READ MORE IN F1
GRIN AND BEAR IT Tearful Red Bull staff ordered to 'smile more' after Christian Horner axe
Nigeria's chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, invited the promoter to Nigeria in April to present a concept of their grand F1 designs.
The proposal seemed to have left Dikko impressed, because a month later, the promoter was officially appointed to negotiate with F1 and the FIA on behalf of the Nigerian government.
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has also reportedly been invited to Abuja by Opus to review the project.
SunSport have contacted F1 for comment over the claims.
BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK
Domenicali, 60, has repeatedly spoken about his desire to expand the motorsport into new markets.
Africa is a major omission from the modern F1 calendar, with the last race on the continent happening at the Kyalami Circuit in South Africa back in 1993.
Infamous abandoned F1 track that left icon blind in one eye used for completely different sport
The only other nation F1 has been to on the continent is Morocco, all the way back in 1958.
F1 legend Lewis Hamilton has been a major voice pushing for the sport to add a race in Africa.
Both South Africa and Rwanda have been among the front-runners linked with that lucrative possibility.
However, speaking in May, Domenicali ruled out a race happening anytime soon, saying: "Realistically speaking, I don't think we're going to have an outcome in the very short term."
A new European track in Madrid is being added next year in place of Italy's famous Imola circuit.
Meanwhile, Thailand appears on course to be the next new addition to F1.
That's after the government there agreed to a roughly £890million funding plan for a street race in Bangkok, which could debut as early as 2028.
The 2025 F1 season returns in Belgium this weekend after a two-week break following the chaotic British Grand Prix.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Man Utd icon 'deeply regrets' sexist comments after strong backlash and fine
Man Utd icon 'deeply regrets' sexist comments after strong backlash and fine

Metro

time20 minutes ago

  • Metro

Man Utd icon 'deeply regrets' sexist comments after strong backlash and fine

Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez has issued an apology after facing a strong backlash and being hit with a fine for sexist comments he made online. The Mexican striker is considered to be a Manchester United icon, producing 59 goals and 16 assists across 157 games from 2010 to 2015. During Hernandez's five-year spell at Old Trafford, United won two Premier League titles under legendary former manager Sir Alex Ferguson. The 37-year-old, currently playing for Chivas, posted on social media last week that women were 'eradicating masculinity'. Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link so we can send you football news tailored to you. 'Women, you are failing, you are eradicating masculinity, making society hypersensitive,' Hernandez said. 'Don't be afraid to be women, to allow yourselves to be led by a man. You want a man to provide, but for you, cleaning is patriarchal oppression… interesting.' Hernandez's remarks were widely criticised with the footballer fined by theMexico Football Federation and condemned by the country's president. Claudia Sheinbaum, elected last year as the first female president in Mexico's 200-year history, said: 'Chicharito is a very good soccer player. But when it comes to his opinion on women… he still has a lot to learn.' She branded Hernandez's comments as 'very sexist' and added: 'I'm a mother, I'm a grandmother, I'm also a housewife. But I'm also the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. Women can be whatever we want.' Hernandez, Mexico's all-time leading goalscorer who also played for West Ham and had a loan spell at Real Madrid, has now issued an apology. 'Thank you sincerely to everyone that has supported me, to whom with respect, have shared their perspectives with me and pushed me to be a better person,' Hernandez said. 'I deeply regret any confusion or discomfort my recent words have caused; it was never my intention to reduce, hurt, or divide. 'As a father, a man, and a member of this community, my priority is to act with respect, humility, and responsibility. 'I'm listening, reflecting, and committed to expressing myself with greater clarity and sensitivity, especially with such sensitive topics.' The Mexico Football Federation fined Hernandez following an investigation for 'promoting sexist stereotypes'. More Trending His current club Chivas also issued a statement which read: '[The] recent messages posted on social media represent an individual's stance, which are contrary to the principles and values of our institution. 'The club has taken the appropriate action in accordance with its internal regulations.' Hernandez, a divorced father of two, added: 'I believe change begins with oneself. I will take this opportunity to understand, grow, and continue working to be a better version of myself, from a place of honesty, love for my family, my values, and love for all of you. 'Thank you for your understanding, dedication, love, and companionship on this journey.' MORE: Rio Ferdinand urges Man Utd to 'break the bank' with surprise move for Premier League midfielder MORE: Aston Villa respond to Manchester United approach for Ollie Watkins MORE: Rivaldo warns Marcus Rashford he isn't taking Barcelona star's first-team spot

Walsh: Spain 'deserve' to enjoy Euro 2025 final without 'controversy'
Walsh: Spain 'deserve' to enjoy Euro 2025 final without 'controversy'

South Wales Guardian

time20 minutes ago

  • South Wales Guardian

Walsh: Spain 'deserve' to enjoy Euro 2025 final without 'controversy'

England will meet Spain once again on Sunday having lost 1-0 to them in the World Cup final in Australia in 2023 as a result of Olga Carmona's strike. While it marked a first major trophy for La Roja, their celebrations were disrupted after Luis Rubiales kissed striker Jenni Hermoso without consent, leading to a conviction of sexual assault. Contrary to the players' hopes, the victory in 2023 did not have the same impact in Spain as the Lionesses' Euro 2022 win had in England a year before. 'There's a lot of respect between both the teams. The most important thing for them is that they can enjoy this final, there's not the controversy surrounding it,' said Walsh. 'The girls deserve to be there, they deserve it. So first and foremost, as human beings they can actually just go out and enjoy themselves. 'I don't think there was enough spotlight on how incredible they played and how incredible some of them were. 'It was all about the other stuff that had gone on and as a professional, that was disappointing to see. I have a lot of friends in that team, and they deserved more than what they got.' Walsh was playing her domestic football in Spain at the time of the World Cup final, coming up against many of her Barcelona teammates in the clash. Having sandwiched her time with the Spanish giants between spells at Manchester City and Chelsea, she saw firsthand the differences in uptake following England's international success and Spain's. 'Experiencing what it was like in Spain, they could have had more,' added Walsh. 'The way [the WSL] jumped after we won the Euros and everything around it, if you compare it to Spain, it probably wasn't the same and they had won the World Cup.' Her links with the Blaugrana mean she will once more come up against familiar opposition in Basel when England face Spain at St. Jakob Arena with a second consecutive European title up for grabs. 'I speak to Jana Fernandez a lot, we're good friends, and obviously I've got a few friends from Barcelona as well,' she said. 'She was just texting me and saying about our last two games. She said that she's happy for us that we're in the final and said there's a lot of respect between the two teams. 'Moving abroad is difficult because you are on your own. I think that's why I've got so many good friends on the Spanish team because they've always looked after me. 'Irene Paredes always invited me round for dinner with her family and when I wasn't feeling great, I was with Mariona. All those girls really, really spent time to take care of me.' Time to go again. We will face Spain in the #WEURO2025 final. 🤩 But while the good feeling remains towards her former teammates, on Sunday all that will be set aside as attention focuses solely on how to beat Spain. 'It is a rivalry. There's respect between the two teams and they play incredible football, and we know that we do on our day as well,' said Walsh. 'It's going to be a great game and hopefully it's a good one for the fans to watch. After the game, we'll go back to being friends, but right now we're rivals.' And while that rivalry has been put the test in the Nations League twice in 2025, with a win apiece, tournament football brings a new dynamic that both sides have shown they are capable of handling. While the Lionesses have earned a reputation for never giving up, twice coming from behind to win after extra time or penalties, Spain also proved their mettle with 1-0 extra-time victory against Germany. 'We've not given up in any game, so that's the message we've been sending,' said Walsh. 'But also, Spain are an incredible team and we've played them many times and we know what their strengths are. 'It's going to be a difficult game and obviously they went to extra time last night and won, so they've proved that they can also do the same.'

What channel is Hearts v Sunderland on? TV, live stream details for Craig Gordon testimonial at Tynecastle
What channel is Hearts v Sunderland on? TV, live stream details for Craig Gordon testimonial at Tynecastle

Scotsman

time20 minutes ago

  • Scotsman

What channel is Hearts v Sunderland on? TV, live stream details for Craig Gordon testimonial at Tynecastle

Full details ahead of Craig Gordon's testimonial clash between Hearts and Sunderland at Tynecastle this weekend. Sign up to our Football newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Hearts will take a break from Premier Sports Cup action as they celebrate the outstanding career of iconic goalkeeper Craig Gordon with a special testimonial game against Sunderland at Tynecastle this weekend. Revered as one of the club's greatest-ever goalkeepers, the 42-year-old will welcome his former club to Gorgie for a clash in the capital in order to allow Hearts to commemorate his 23-year career, that has included over 300 appearances for the Jambos over two spells at the club, and 81 caps for Scotland. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The team's first pre-season meeting in five years, the Black Cats will make the journey across the border as an English Premier League side following their 2-1 win over Sheffield United in the EFL Championship playoff final in May, and Hearts head coach Derek McInnes admits he is looking forward to the challenge of facing Regis Le Bris' top flight side. 'It's a testimonial for Craig and both clubs are here to honour him,' said McInnes. 'At the start and end it will feel like that for Craig, but once the ball rolls it will feel like a proper game. Scotland v England, a Premier League team coming up and thinking back as a player, you would love to pitch yourself against them. I think it will be a really good test for us.' Want to ensure you catch every minute of the clash at Tynecastle? Here's everything you need know ahead of the game, including how to watch and stream the game live: Craig Gordon will be honoured by Hearts later this month when Sunderland visit Gorgie this weekend. (Pic: SNS) | SNS Group Hearts v Sunderland match details Date and Time: Saturday 26 July 2025. Kick-off at 3pm. Saturday 26 July 2025. Kick-off at 3pm. Venue: Tynecastle, Edinburgh, Scotland. Hearts v Sunderland tickets Home end tickets remain available for the game, priced at £20 for adults, £12 for concessions (O65/FTE/Students) and £5 for children (age 16 and under), with tickets able to be purchased via the following link. Hospitality options are also available, with more information available here. Tickets for the Sunderland away end are sold out. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Other events have been added to Gordon's testimonial calendar, with more information on these events are available here. Hearts v Sunderland TV channel The Jambos clash with Sunderland has not been chosen for live broadcast in the UK and Ireland, and is only available via streaming services. Hearts v Sunderland live stream For those preferring to stream the game on your smart TV, laptop, tablet or mobile phone, the game will available to purchase via Sunderland AFC's official streaming service SAFCTV. Details on how to access the stream and sign up are available here. Sunderland arrive at Hearts following their promotion to the English Premier League via the EFL Championship playoffs in May. Hearts v Sunderland highlights

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store