Aryna Sabalenka has called for an urgent meeting with the Grand Slams after leading players in men’s and women’s tennis wrote to the four Majors to demand better player welfare and a larger share of the revenue generated by tournaments. The letter, which was written in March, was signed by 20 top tennis players, including Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner and Coco Gauff.

In the letter, players also asked to be consulted on any changes tournament chiefs were considering if those changes would have a direct impact on them. And the stars also wanted events to contribute towards welfare programmes such as pensions.

According to AFP, a first meeting between players and the Grand Slams took place at the French Open in May, with Sabalenka, Sinner, Casper Ruud, Gauff, Alex de Minaur and Madison Keys in attendance.

More discussions were held at Wimbledon a few weeks later, with former WTA chief Larry Scott advising the players.

But communication then reportedly stalled over the summer as the Majors told players they would need to resolve other matters first.

And discussing the situation during the WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia, Sabalenka told the aforementioned news outlet: “I think it’s the time right now to sit at a table and come to a conclusion that everyone will be happy with.”

Meanwhile, Iga Swiatek explained: “For sure it would be great if the Grand Slams wanted to talk to us, because that’s how it’s supposed to be and I don’t really get why there’s no more open conversation.

“It’s not only about prize money, but also about the pension, the health plan and just having more smooth cooperation and communication in the future. So I think for sure it’s a setback and for sure the players are not happy with it.”

And Jessica Pegula, who is a member of the WTA Player Council, added: “We’re just trying to be a united voice.

“I think it’s the first time we’ve actually been able to come together with both Tours. And so that’s a testament to just everybody being really open-minded and wanting to come together on making our sport better and better for the players.”

A spokesperson for the All England Club responded by explaining that the organisation is “always open to having constructive discussions to achieve the best possible outcome.”

They remarked that “regular dialogue” has taken place with players and their representatives, and insisted that “conversations will continue.”

Wrexham star James McClean has revealed that his team-mates are often taken aback but respectful when he explains his decision not to wear a poppy. The former Republic of Ireland international’s career has been overshadowed by controversy due to his steadfast refusal to have the remembrance symbol on his kit.

McClean, who grew up on the Creggan estate in Derry, which was home to approximately half of the 13 unarmed civilians killed by British soldiers on Bloody Sunday in 1972, has repeatedly clarified his stance. He has said that he cannot wear the poppy as it symbolises all conflicts the UK has participated in, leading to frequent abuse and even death threats. Despite this, McClean says his fellow players are generally understanding once he explains his position.

The issue frequently resurfaces in the lead-up to Remembrance Day, and McClean has now confessed he wishes the controversy that has haunted him since his time at Sunderland in 2012 would simply disappear. In a recent interview with Westlife singer Nicky Byrne, the 36-year-old expressed his frustration at constantly having to justify his beliefs.

It comes after he previously disclosed that his wife feared he could be shot dead live on television due to the intense hostility directed towards him. “Somehow it just keeps coming around,” McClean told Nicky Byrne HQ.

“People don’t seem to grasp what I’m saying. Maybe I’m speaking a language that no one understands because it just seems to go in one ear and out the other ear. How many times can you explain yourself?

“People say, ‘Oh, here we go again.’ Well, just let it go then. Trust me, there’s nothing I would want more than to put it to bed and let it go. I just think there are people that don’t want to understand. You can’t make people like that understand. It’s just sheer ignorance.

“A lot [of team-mates] have asked about it over the years, which I appreciate. When you explain it to them, you can see that they’re actually taken aback and they’re like, ‘Oh right, I understand.’ They’re open to learning, they’re open to listening and for an explanation.”

McClean isn’t the only footballer to decline wearing the poppy, with Arsenal women’s star Katie McCabe, who also plays for the Republic of Ireland, choosing not to wear one during her side’s 4-1 victory over Leicester on Sunday. McClean made headlines this week after confessing to aiming a punch at a Cardiff supporter before Wrexham’s recent clash with their Welsh rivals.

The incident unfolded in the players’ car park outside the Racecourse Ground ahead of the Carabao Cup tie on October 28, which he insists was an act of self-defence. Although he didn’t specifically mention that confrontation, McClean told Byrne that he typically uses abuse from rival fans to boost his performance during matches.

“Everyone’s big and brave at football grounds, with the hooligan mentality,” he said. “They get their bravado out at football grounds, because they have the big invisible wall that surrounds the pitch. It is what it is and I can’t control it. I know what’s coming every single week when I step onto the pitch, especially at away grounds.

“I’m a target for abuse. The way I see it is that you can either sink or swim. You can use that as motivation or you can sink under it, so I use it for motivation. There’s nothing more satisfying when you win a game and you get to give it back.”

He added: “That’s an absolutely great feeling because you can just see the pure rage and hatred on their faces and it’s. When you get the win, it makes it much sweeter.”

Andorran side Pas de la Casa were dramatically expelled from their nation’s top division just one hour before kick-off. The club has been banished from the Primera Division after failing to register sufficient players to meet the mandatory minimum of 16 due to work permit and residency complications.

The dramatic decision followed officials discovering “irregularities” involving nine squad members. Local reports claim that three were professional players, whilst a further six possessed student permits. Consequently, Pas de la Casa have been demoted to the second tier just 60 minutes before their scheduled top-flight clash with Santa Coloma.

Whilst the club retains the right to challenge this ruling, they currently find themselves in complete disarray.

An official statement from the Andorran Football Federation declared: “The Andorran Football Federation (FAF) informs that, in accordance with the resolution of the file issued by the Competition Committee at the meeting of November 4, 2025, FC Pas de la Casa is excluded from the competition in the 2025-2026 Multisegur Insurance League with the automatic loss of the category.

“This resolution is based on the breach of article 47 of the FAF General Regulations, which states the following: Clubs must register a minimum of sixteen player licenses, who must be active throughout the season up to a maximum of twenty-five players for each of the teams that play in the senior categories of the First and Second Divisions. In the case of Second Division clubs, provided that they have a youth team, the minimum may be fourteen players.

“This number includes any type of license (amateur or professional). Failure to comply with this article will be considered a very serious offense in accordance with the provisions of the FAF’s jurisdictional, sporting, competitive, disciplinary and ethical regime.

“For the disciplines of seven-a-side football, futsal and grassroots football, the number of players to register will be that established in the competition rules, in the relevant committees or in the corresponding rules of the game.’ The sanction will allow FC Pas de la Casa to participate in the Second Division of Andorran football (Lliga Grup Pirineu) during the 2026-2027 season like any other club in the category. FC Pas de la Casa has 3 working days to submit the file to the Appeal Committee.”

Just last month, Pas de la Casa issued a statement suggesting their desperate circumstances, while expressing hope that a resolution could be reached.

The statement read: “FC Pas de la Casa would like to express its support for the Andorran Football Federation in these complex times for our sport. We are aware that the recent measures have generated concern in different clubs and, in particular, have had a significant impact on our entity.

“From the club, we adhere to the position of the FAF and trust that the dialogue between the competent institutions and the agents involved will soon allow a solution to be found that guarantees the stability and continuity of football activity in our country.

“In the meantime, we reiterate our commitment to respect and collaboration to contribute to a fair and constructive future for all Andorran football.”