Australia has submitted an EOI to host the 2031 men's Asian Cup, while Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and the Kyrgyz Republic have launched a joint bid for the continental showpiece.

Australia have submitted an expression of interest (EOI) to host the 2031 men's Asian Cup, while Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan have launched a joint bid for the continental showpiece.

Soccer fans in England and Wales might be allowed to spend more time in pubs if their teams go far at the Women’s European Championship being held in Switzerland in July. The British government is launching a four-week consultation to discuss whether pubs can extend their opening hours from 11 p.

South Africa are sweating on the fitness of powerful middle-order batter Heinrich Klaasen for their Champions Trophy Group B fixture against Australia on Tuesday as captain Temba Bavuma vowed not to take their injury-hit opponents lightly.

The Tasman Sea spans 1,200 miles (2,000 km) between Australia and New Zealand, the largest Western powers in the South Pacific Ocean. Australia’s government said Thursday that three Chinese warships were sailing unusually close to its shores on an undeclared mission.

South Africa are sweating on the fitness of powerful middle-order batter Heinrich Klaasen for their Champions Trophy Group B fixture against Australia on Tuesday as captain Temba Bavuma vowed not to take their injury-hit opponents lightly.

New Zealand raised fresh concerns Monday over nearby live-fire drills conducted by Chinese warships armed with “extremely capable” weapons, an unprecedented show of firepower last week that analysts say are part of Beijing’s ongoing plan to build a blue-water navy with global reach.

There’s no suggestion China broke any laws, but analysts say the episode highlights escalating regional tensions over China’s influence.