MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Manchester United have finalized a deal to sign 17-year-old Colombian midfielder Cristian Orozco from Fortaleza CEIF, with the move set to take effect in the summer of 2026 when the player turns 18.
The agreement was confirmed on Thursday by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who reported that the contracts have been signed and approved by Manchester United’s legal team. The transfer fee is reported to be $1 million, and the deal was coordinated by United’s lead scout, Gerardo Guzmán Antonaccio.
“Manchester United have now sealed and signed a deal to bring in 17-year-old Colombian talent Cristian Orozco,” Romano posted on X. “$1m transfer fee from Fortaleza in a deal valid from summer 2026.”
Orozco is the captain of Colombia’s Under-17 national team and has emerged as one of the top young prospects in South America. A defensive midfielder known for his intensity and leadership, he played a pivotal role in guiding Colombia to the final of the Under-17 South American Championships last year. He has also made appearances in Colombia’s domestic league with Fortaleza CEIF. Once he joins, Orozco will become part of Manchester United’s growing investment in youth talent, alongside other recent signings such as Sekou Kone and Chido Obi-Martin
LUBLIN, Poland (BN24) — Crystal Palace made a winning start to their UEFA Conference League debut on Thursday, defeating Dynamo Kyiv 2-0 in Poland and extending their unbeaten run to a club-record 19 matches.
Daniel Muñoz opened the scoring in the first half with a towering header for the Premier League side, who are playing in their first full European campaign. The Colombian wing-back rose above the defense to connect with a cross in Lublin, where Dynamo are hosting their European fixtures due to the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Eddie Nketiah added a second for Palace shortly before the hour mark, turning in a low delivery from Yeremy Pino, who impressed throughout the match. The result secured Palace’s first-ever group stage win in European competition and solidified their status as one of the early favorites in the tournament.
However, the Eagles were forced to finish the match with 10 men after defender Borna Sosa received two yellow cards in quick succession with 15 minutes remaining.
Palace earned their European spot after beating Manchester City in last season’s FA Cup final, but were placed in the Conference League instead of the Europa League following a breach of UEFA’s multi-club ownership regulations.
The London club’s only previous taste of continental football came in a two-legged Intertoto Cup tie in 1998.
Palace will next host AEK Larnaca of Cyprus on October 23. Their group stage opponents also include AZ Alkmaar (Netherlands), Strasbourg (France), Shelbourne (Ireland), and KuPS (Finland), as they aim to make a deep run in their European campaign.
NEW YORK (BN24) — Sean “Diddy” Combs is set to be sentenced Friday in federal court after being convicted of two prostitution-related charges earlier this year. Prosecutors are seeking a prison term of more than 11 years, but legal experts say the hip-hop mogul could face significantly less time.
Combs, 55, was found guilty in July on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, but was acquitted of more serious charges, including sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy, following an eight-week trial. He has remained in custody since his arrest in September 2024.
The sentencing, scheduled for Friday, Oct. 3, will be handed down by U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian. Federal prosecutors have recommended that Combs serve at least 11 years and three months in prison, citing the nature of the charges and the broader context of evidence introduced during trial.
However, Combs’ attorneys have asked for a significantly lighter sentence no more than 14 months, which would account for the time he has already spent behind bars.
Neama Rahmani, a former federal prosecutor, said a sentence of four to five years is more likely. “I don’t think he’s getting the 11 years that the government is recommending,” Rahmani told People. “That is more than the statutory max for the prostitution counts.” Each of the charges carries a maximum sentence of 10 years.
According to Rahmani, the Probation Department recommended a sentence between five and seven years, suggesting a compromise may be likely. “The fact that [Judge Subramanian] kept him detained, even though he was acquitted of the more serious racketeering and sex trafficking counts, leads me to believe that he’s going to impose a sentence,” he said.
Rahmani also noted that judges can take into account other evidence presented at trial, even if it did not result in a conviction. “We’re talking about the drugs. We’re talking about the violence,” he said. “Even though he was acquitted of running a criminal enterprise and forcing these women to have sex through coercion, there’s a lot of bad evidence that came out.”
In a recent court filing, Judge Subramanian denied Combs’ motions for acquittal and a new trial, stating, “The government proved its case many times over.”
Combs’ sentencing comes amid renewed public scrutiny over allegations of abuse from former partner Casandra “Cassie” Ventura. In a letter submitted to the court ahead of sentencing, Ventura urged the judge to consider “the many lives that Sean Combs has upended with his abuse and control,” referencing testimony she gave during the trial.
Combs, once one of the most influential figures in music and entertainment, now faces the possibility of spending several years in federal prison. The sentencing hearing will determine how much longer he will remain behind bars.
AGADIR, Morocco (BN24) — At least two people were killed Wednesday night when police opened fire on protesters attempting to storm a police station in Lqliaa, a town near the coastal city of Agadir, state media reported. These are the first fatalities linked to a wave of youth-led demonstrations that erupted across Morocco last weekend.
The protests, largely organized under the banner of GenZ 212, a grassroots, leaderless movement driven by discontented youth, have spread rapidly through major Moroccan cities, including Rabat, Casablanca, Tangier, and Marrakesh. Protesters are decrying the government’s prioritization of funding new football stadiums for the 2030 FIFA World Cup while public hospitals and social services languish.
Chants such as “Stadiums are here, but where are the hospitals?” have become a rallying cry among the young demonstrators, many of whom are mobilizing through social media. One protester in Oujda, speaking anonymously to BBC Newsday, described local hospitals as unclean and corrupt, likening conditions to a “jail” and alleging that patients must pay bribes to receive care.
Wednesday’s deadly incident marks a turning point in what had been a largely nonviolent movement. According to Morocco’s state-owned news agency, police used live ammunition in “legitimate self-defense” after crowds attempted to overrun the police station in Lqliaa. Earlier in the day, the interior ministry affirmed citizens’ right to protest lawfully, though subsequent events have sharply escalated tensions.
The government’s handling of the unrest has drawn both domestic and international scrutiny. Official figures put Morocco’s overall unemployment rate at 12.8%, but among youth it surges to 35.8%, and stands at 19% for the number of graduates, that have fueled public frustration. Demonstrators argue that the economic crisis is deepening, while government spending on World Cup infrastructure sends the wrong message.
Morocco’s interior ministry reported Thursday that 409 people have been detained nationwide in connection with the unrest. At least 260 police officers and 20 protesters have been injured, while 40 police vehicles and 20 private cars have been destroyed, according to Interior Ministry spokesman Rachid El Khalfi.
In Marrakesh, one of the country’s key tourist hubs, local media reported protesters set fire to a police station. The violent scenes mark a departure from the movement’s otherwise peaceful messaging, which organizers have repeatedly emphasized online. GenZ 212 has disavowed acts of violence and continues to frame its cause as nonpartisan and civic-driven.
The Moroccan government has acknowledged the protests and pledged to open lines of dialogue. In a statement issued Tuesday, the ruling coalition expressed readiness to engage with youth “within institutions and public spaces to find realistic solutions.” It also praised what it described as “the balanced reaction of security authorities in line with relevant legal procedures.”
The unrest in Morocco mirrors similar youth-driven movements seen this year in countries like Nepal, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Madagascar. In some cases, protests have led to major political shifts: Nepal’s prime minister resigned amid demonstrations, while Madagascar’s president dissolved his cabinet earlier this week.
As Morocco prepares to co-host the 2030 World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal, the government faces mounting pressure to reconcile its global ambitions with the local grievances of a generation increasingly disillusioned by a lack of opportunity, economic hardship, and failing infrastructure.
STOCKHOLM (BN24) — Four people have been diagnosed with sepsis following a suspected listeria outbreak at a luxury restaurant in Stockholm, Swedish health authorities said Thursday. The outbreak, linked to Coco & Carmen in the capital’s upscale Östermalm district, has prompted the restaurant to shut down temporarily as investigations continue.
At least 15 individuals have been hospitalized or are under medical observation after eating at the restaurant, with around 85 people reporting symptoms of food poisoning. So far, none of the hospitalized patients have required intensive care, according to regional health officials.
Sepsis, a potentially life-threatening condition triggered by the body’s extreme response to infection, can develop in rare cases of listeriosis, the illness caused by listeria bacteria. While most people infected with listeria experience mild, flu-like symptoms, those with weakened immune systems, the elderly, and pregnant women face a higher risk of severe complications, including meningitis and sepsis.
Maria Rotzén Östlund, an infectious disease specialist with the Stockholm regional authority, told Swedish broadcaster SVT that guests who dined at Coco & Carmen between September 23 and 27 are being contacted as part of an expanding infection tracing effort. The investigation originally targeted the period from September 25 to 27 but was broadened after additional reports emerged.
“Those with ongoing symptoms such as fever, vomiting, or diarrhoea are now recommended to visit a hospital emergency room for assessment,” Rotzén Östlund said.
City officials said approximately 400 people have been contacted through a digital infection-tracking tool to assist in containment efforts. A press release from the region’s health department warned that “a large number of people may have been infected,” and reiterated the heightened risk listeria poses to vulnerable populations.
Coco & Carmen, which markets itself as a high-end culinary destination, announced it had voluntarily closed until further notice. The restaurant said in a statement that it has always met food safety standards and is cooperating fully with authorities. Owners expressed hope of reopening on October 7, pending the outcome of the investigation.
“We take this extremely seriously, and as the well-being of our guests is our top priority, we have voluntarily closed until further notice,” the restaurant said.
Co-owner and chef Joakim Almquist told SVT he was devastated by the incident. “The only thing I can do is sincerely apologise, because I suffer with these people,” he said.
Listeria is a bacterium commonly found in soil, water, and animals. It can contaminate food, especially items stored for extended periods in refrigerated conditions, such as deli meats, soft cheeses, and smoked fish. The incubation period for listeriosis can range from a few days to up to three weeks, making tracing and containment particularly challenging.
The investigation into the source of the contamination at Coco & Carmen is ongoing.
MANCHESTER, England (BN24) – A violent attack at a synagogue in Manchester on the holiest day of the Jewish calendar, Yom Kippur, has left two people dead and a third, believed to be the assailant, fatally shot by police. Greater Manchester Police responded to the incident at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall at approximately 9:31 a.m. Thursday. The attack began when a security guard was stabbed outside the building. Authorities confirmed that, in addition to the security guard, two other people were fatally injured. A third person, believed to be the perpetrator, was shot dead by firearms officers after they were alerted to the incident.
Witnesses reported chaos as a car was driven at pedestrians near the synagogue. The violent events quickly escalated, prompting police to declare a “major incident” and initiate a national emergency response protocol known as “Plato.” Less than seven minutes later, officers fired shots at the suspect, who had been restrained and was believed to have been carrying “suspicious items” on his person. A bomb disposal unit was deployed to the scene as a precautionary measure.
Paramedics arrived at the scene minutes after the police, treating victims for both stab wounds and injuries inflicted by the car. Authorities praised the swift action of bystanders, whose quick response reportedly prevented the attacker from entering the synagogue.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed the suspect’s death, and officers began conducting a thorough investigation into the events. Police urged anyone with footage of the attack to share it with authorities. The incident has raised fears of anti-Semitic violence, especially on such a significant day for the Jewish community.
Political leaders were quick to condemn the attack. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who was attending a European summit in Denmark, expressed his shock and horror over the incident. “I am appalled by this attack. It is an attack not just on the Jewish community, but on our values of tolerance and respect,” Starmer said. He is expected to return to the UK early to chair an emergency Cobra meeting.
King Charles III also issued a statement expressing his shock, emphasizing the significance of the Yom Kippur holiday for Jews worldwide. “My wife and I are deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the horrific attack in Manchester,” he said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this appalling incident.”
Shabana Mahmood, the UK Home Secretary, said she was “horrified” by the attack and pledged that authorities were actively investigating the situation. “My thoughts are with the victims, our brave police, and emergency services,” she wrote on social media.
In the immediate aftermath, local authorities implemented security measures around the area, including road closures and a heightened police presence. Uniformed officers, some armed with machine guns, patrolled the streets surrounding the synagogue as forensic teams combed the site for evidence.
The Community Security Trust (CST), which monitors anti-Semitic incidents in the UK, condemned the attack as “appalling” and noted the vulnerability of Jewish institutions during major religious observances. CST spokesperson Dave Rich likened the significance of Yom Kippur to Christmas Day for Christians, explaining that synagogues across the country are filled with worshippers, making the timing of the attack particularly devastating.
Residents of the Crumpsall neighborhood, many of whom are Jewish, voiced their shock and concern. “It’s terrifying,” one Jewish man told Sky News. “This is the holiest day of the year, and now we’re facing this. It’s hard to believe this is happening in our community.”
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham called the attack “vile” and reassured the public that all efforts would be made to protect the Jewish community. “We stand with Greater Manchester’s Jewish community,” Burnham said on social media, adding that police and local officials would continue to offer support.
The Israeli embassy in London also condemned the attack, calling it “abhorrent and deeply distressing.” Hospitals across Greater Manchester were placed on lockdown, with reports indicating that several major medical centers, including Salford Royal and Fairfield General, had been affected.
While the investigation is ongoing, authorities continue to urge the public to remain vigilant and follow official guidance. The incident has raised further concerns about the safety of Jewish communities in the UK amid rising tensions globally.
A 2-year-old girl has been chosen as Nepal’s new living goddess, a centuries-old tradition revered by both Hindus and Buddhists in the Himalayan nation.
On Tuesday, Aryatara Shakya, aged 2 years and 8 months, was carried by her family from their home in a narrow Kathmandu alley to a temple palace, where she will live as the new Kumari, or “virgin goddess.” She succeeds 11-year-old Trishna Shakya, who relinquished her divine role after serving since 2017. By custom, a Kumari is considered a goddess until she reaches puberty, at which point she is believed to return to mortal life.
Ancient tradition and modern ceremony
The selection of a Kumari is deeply rooted in the Newar community of the Kathmandu Valley. Girls are chosen between ages 2 and 4 from Shakya Buddhist families and must meet strict criteria, including flawless skin, unblemished eyes and teeth, and fearlessness, even in darkness.
On Tuesday, Aryatara was paraded through the streets of the capital during the Hindu festival of Dashain, Nepal’s longest and most important celebration. Devotees lined up to bow before her, touching their foreheads to her feet — the highest sign of respect in Nepalese Hindu tradition. Many offered flowers and money in exchange for her blessing.
“She was just my daughter yesterday, but today she is a goddess,” her father, Ananta Shakya, said. He added that before her birth, his wife dreamed of a goddess, a vision the family believed foretold their daughter’s divine destiny.
The new Kumari will make her first official blessing Thursday, when she is scheduled to receive Nepal’s president.
Life of the goddess
The Kumari lives a sequestered life inside the ornate Kumari Ghar, or temple palace, with limited playmates and only a few appearances each year during festivals such as Indra Jatra, Dashain, and Tihar. She is dressed in red, with her hair tied in topknots and a painted “third eye” on her forehead symbolizing divine vision.
Although her family gains prestige and elevated status, Kumaris face a unique life of isolation. Past Kumaris often struggled to adapt after stepping down, facing difficulties with everyday tasks, attending school, or even marriage. Folklore holds that men who marry former Kumaris risk dying young, a belief that has discouraged many from marriage.
In recent years, however, traditions have softened. Current Kumaris receive private tutoring inside the palace and may even have modern amenities such as a television. Once they leave their divine role, the Nepalese government provides them with a monthly pension of about $110, slightly above the country’s minimum wage.
Outgoing goddess
Former Kumari Trishna Shakya, who served since 2017, quietly exited the temple palace Tuesday through a rear entrance carried on a palanquin by her family and supporters. At age 11, she now returns to the life of an ordinary schoolgirl, though her years as a living goddess will remain an indelible part of her identity.
For Aryatara, her journey as Nepal’s youngest goddess is just beginning, as the nation looks to her for blessings during major religious and cultural milestones in the years ahead.
MONACO (BN24) — Eric Dier converted a 90th-minute penalty to hand Monaco a 2-2 draw with defending European champions Manchester City in a gripping UEFA Champions League group-stage match on Wednesday at Stade Louis II.
Erling Haaland struck twice in the first half to put City in command. Still, a moment of late drama denied Pep Guardiola’s side a second straight win in Group A. Dier was brought down in the area by a high boot from Nico Gonzalez during a set piece. After a prolonged VAR review, Spanish referee Jesus Gil Manzano awarded the penalty. The England international stepped up to send Gianluigi Donnarumma the wrong way, salvaging a vital point for the home side.
Haaland’s brace took his Champions League tally to 52 goals in just 50 appearances, underscoring his status as one of Europe’s most prolific forwards. The Norwegian had opened the scoring after 15 minutes, latching onto a lofted ball from Josko Gvardiol and lobbing Monaco goalkeeper Philipp Koehn with a composed finish.
Monaco, struggling to retain possession against City’s midfield dominance, equalized with their first meaningful attack three minutes later. Dutch defender Jordan Teze received a cutback from Krepin Diatta and rifled a right-footed effort from the edge of the area into the top corner past Donnarumma.
Haaland struck again just before halftime, heading in a pinpoint cross from Nico O’Reilly to restore City’s lead. It was the striker’s 11th goal of the season in all competitions and came on the heels of a weekend Premier League brace in City’s 5-1 win over Burnley.
Monaco, under pressure for large spells and missing summer signing Paul Pogba, who watched from the stands as he builds fitness following injury, fielded a young midfield and struggled to keep City at bay for long periods. But the principality side held firm in the second half and capitalized on a rare late opening.
The match marked the first meeting between the two clubs since their memorable 2017 Round of 16 clash, when Monaco progressed on away goals after a 6-6 aggregate thriller. That tie featured a breakout performance from a teenage Kylian Mbappé and Bernardo Silva, now wearing the captain’s armband for City.
City looked destined for victory until the late penalty swung momentum. While Guardiola’s men move to four points after two group games following their opening win over Napoli, Monaco earn their first point in this season’s competition.
“It’s always frustrating to concede that late, especially when you feel in control,” Guardiola said post-match. “But this is the Champions League, you have to be switched on for the full 90 minutes.”
The result leaves Group A finely balanced as Monaco breathe new life into their campaign and City are reminded that even with Haaland firing, nothing comes easy in Europe’s elite competition.
NEWPORT, R.I. (BN24) — Roger Federer and Juan Martin del Potro headline the list of nominees announced Wednesday for the International Tennis Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026, with two-time Grand Slam champion Svetlana Kuznetsova also earning a place on the ballot.
Federer, who redefined tennis excellence in the 21st century, leads the field. The Swiss icon became the first man to win 20 Grand Slam singles titles, ushering in a golden era for the sport alongside longtime rivals Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. Known for his graceful all-court game, fluid footwork, and seemingly effortless shot-making, Federer captured 103 singles titles and won 1,251 matches, both numbers second only to Jimmy Connors in the Open era.
The former world No. 1 spent a record 237 consecutive weeks atop the ATP rankings, helped Switzerland to its first Davis Cup title in 2014, and won Olympic gold in doubles alongside Stan Wawrinka at the 2008 Beijing Games. Federer’s dominance at the majors included a record 10 consecutive Grand Slam finals between 2005 and 2007, winning eight, and a remarkable run of 36 straight quarterfinals.
Federer played his final tour match at Wimbledon in 2021, just shy of his 40th birthday. He officially retired the following year, bidding farewell at the Laver Cup in a doubles match alongside Nadal, a symbolic sendoff at an event created by his own management company.
Del Potro, a fan favorite known for his thunderous forehand and towering 6-foot-6 frame, also earns nomination recognition. The Argentine stunned Federer in the 2009 US Open final at age 20, ending the Swiss star’s streak of five straight titles in New York. Though injuries repeatedly interrupted his career, del Potro compiled 22 tour-level titles, reached a career-high No. 3 in the rankings, and claimed silver at the 2016 Rio Olympics before helping Argentina win the Davis Cup that same year. His last major appearance came at the 2019 French Open, where he reached the fourth round.
Kuznetsova joins the player nominees after a decorated career that included Grand Slam singles titles at the 2004 US Open and 2009 French Open. The Russian star added two Australian Open doubles titles and was a three-time Billie Jean King Cup champion with Russia. She reached No. 2 in singles and No. 3 in doubles, and collected a total of 34 tour-level titles across both disciplines.
Also nominated in the contributor category are longtime television analyst Mary Carillo and former tennis administrator Marshall Happer. The inductees will be revealed in November, with enshrinement ceremonies set to take place next summer in Newport, Rhode Island.
Federer is one of just eight men in tennis history to win all four Grand Slam titles, capturing eight Wimbledons, six Australian Opens, five US Opens, and one French Open. His final major title came in a dramatic 2009 Wimbledon victory over Andy Roddick, where Federer prevailed 16-14 in the fifth set to surpass Pete Sampras’ then-record of 14 Slams.
He was eventually overtaken by Nadal and Djokovic, who retired and remain active with 22 and 24 Grand Slam titles respectively. Yet, Federer’s legacy remains singular, built not only on success but on style, longevity, and global impact.
Reflecting on the historic rivalry with Nadal and Djokovic, Federer told the AP in 2021, “It really is impossible to grasp. How can you compare? Is it better to win when you’re young or old? On clay or grass? After injury or during dominance? I have no idea. I always say it’s wonderful to be part of that selective group.”
BARCELONA (BN24) — Paris Saint-Germain snatched a dramatic 2-1 victory over Barcelona at the Olympic Stadium on Wednesday, with Goncalo Ramos scoring a 90th-minute winner to give the reigning UEFA Champions League holders a vital group-stage triumph.
Barcelona had taken the lead through Ferran Torres midway through the first half after a flowing move sparked by teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. The winger’s combination with Pedri and a sharp first-time pass from Marcus Rashford allowed Torres to finish clinically past Lucas Chevalier.
PSG, missing a host of stars including Ousmane Dembélé, Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, pulled level before the break when full-back Nuno Mendes surged down the flank and found 19-year-old Senny Mayulu, who finished confidently from inside the box to make it 1-1 in the 38th minute.
In a match filled with intensity and high-quality football from both sides, it was Luis Enrique’s depleted PSG squad who capitalized late. Achraf Hakimi burst behind Barcelona’s high line and squared for Ramos, who timed his run perfectly to stay onside and finish low past Wojciech Szczesny.
Despite the loss, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick’s selection choices drew attention. Torres started over veteran striker Robert Lewandowski, while Ronald Araújo remained on the bench following his red card in last season’s semifinal meeting between these two clubs. Eric Garcia filled in at center back, while Rashford, on loan from Manchester United, continued his strong run of form by registering an assist in his fourth consecutive game.
Luis Enrique, returning to face his former club where he won the treble in 2015, saw his side grow into the match after a fast Barcelona start. The Parisians were under pressure for spells and needed several key saves from Chevalier and interventions from Illia Zabarnyi and Hakimi to stay level before Ramos’ late strike.
The match was another chapter in the long-running rivalry between the two European giants, marked by Barcelona’s famous 6-1 comeback in 2017 and PSG’s subsequent revenge in later years, including high-profile transfers of Neymar and Lionel Messi.
Barça’s Lamine Yamal, who recently finished runner-up to Dembélé in the Ballon d’Or voting, was electric throughout. He tormented Mendes early on and created several key chances, including a dazzling outside-foot pass that nearly led to a second goal. However, Mendes responded with a storming run of his own to help set up the equalizer and later escaped a second yellow for a risky challenge on Yamal.
Barcelona had opportunities to retake the lead. Dani Olmo’s shot was cleared off the line by Hakimi, and substitute Kang-in Lee struck the post for PSG before the decisive moment arrived.
Ramos’ late winner ensures PSG maintain their momentum as they seek to defend their Champions League title, while Barcelona are left to rue missed chances and defensive lapses.
“We’re disappointed, of course,” Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong said. “If you concede at the last minute and lose at home, it’s tough. But this is the Champions League. We have time to improve, and we will.”
The result leaves the group finely poised, with both clubs eyeing knockout qualification and perhaps another showdown in the later stages of the tournament.
