Today I came across a mildly philosophical sports question on the internet which I’d love to hear your answer to.

Here it is: If football is called football, why do they kick a soccer ball?

Does this question have any legs or do people just call soccer balls footballs?

Reply to this email and let me know!

🏟️ Kenyan marathon world record-holder Ruth Chepng'etich has been banned for three years after testing positive for hydrochlorothiazide, a diuretic which can mask performance-enhancing drugs. After testing positive for the banned substance in March, Chepng'etich could not explain the test result. In July, the 31-year-old wrote to the Athletics Integrity Unit to state that she had taken her housemaid’s medication while ill without realising it contained hydrochlorothiazide. Her world record of 2:09:56, set at the 2023 Chicago marathon, will stand.  

🏏 The Australian men’s cricket team has sealed its ODI series against India with a close two-wicket win in Adelaide. Opener Matt Short led the Aussies’ chase with a career-best 74 before 22-year-old Cooper Connolly and debutant Mitch Owen added a vital 59-run partnership to get Australia home with 22 balls remaining. Spinner Adam Zampa starred with 4-60, while fast bowler Xavier Bartlett dismissed Indian great Virat Kohli for a second duck in a row. The final match will be played in Sydney tomorrow.

🏏 India has secured the fourth and final semi-final spot at the Women’s Cricket World Cup with a 53-run DLS win over New Zealand in Mumbai. Openers Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal combined for a record 212-run stand, with both scoring centuries as India posted 3-340, the highest total of the tournament. The result ends New Zealand’s campaign and sets up a likely semi-final clash between India and unbeaten Australia next week.

🏀 NBA coach Chauncey Billups (Portland Trailblazers) and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier have been arrested as part of two major sports betting and poker scandals. Billups is accused of helping fix high-stakes poker games, while Rozier allegedly shared insider information to manipulate bets on NBA games. Both face fraud and money laundering charges, have been put on leave from their teams, and are set to appear in court this week. At a news conference Thursday morning (local time), FBI director Kash Patel said the betting appeared to have been linked to major U.S. organised crime families. 

Grand finale season can’t afford to be taken out by a cold

Whether you’re playing, coaching, or cheering from the sidelines, staying well is non-negotiable. The Blackmores Immune Rapi-Melt is packed with nutrients like vitamin C, zinc and selenium to support immune system health – no pills, no water, just a quick citrus-flavoured melt that fits into your day. 

Take it in the car, on the field, or during your warm-up. It’s a simple way to help your immune system stay ready when it matters most.

Always read the label and follow the directions for use. 

Talking points: Australia and Wales are set to face off for the first time in a women’s international football friendly. Australia are ranked 15th in the world while Wales is ranked 32nd. Sam Kerr, the Matildas’ all-time leading goal-scorer, is back in the squad for the first time since injuring her knee in January 2024. It will mark her first appearance for Australia under new coach Joe Montemurro as the side prepares to host the Asian Cup in 2026. 

How to watch: The match kicks off at 12:00am on Sunday (AEDT). You can watch it on Paramount+. 

Talking points: The ‘Ashes’ of Rugby League are back for the first time since 2003. Australia’s Kangaroos will take on England’s Lions in the first of a three-match series on Sunday morning at the iconic Wembley Stadium in London. Australia is are favourite with a stacked lineup made up of the best of the NRL, including Reece Walsh, Nathan Cleary, and Harry Grant. Meanwhile, England will field a side made up of star players from both the NRL and England’s Super League. 

How to watch: The match kicks off at 12:30am on Sunday (AEDT). You can watch it on Channel 9, Kayo, or Foxtel. 

Talking points: Oscar Piastri finished fifth last week at the United States Grand Prix, and his lead over McLaren teammate Lando Norris in the world championship standings has been cut to just 14 points. With five races remaining in the season, and third-placed Max Verstappen finding some late-season form, the pressure continues to pile on the young Australian. Will Piastri find some form in Mexico, or is his lead in jeopardy? Only time will tell. 

How to watch: The Mexico GP begins at 7:00am on Monday (AEDT). You can watch it on Foxtel or Kayo. 

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