European Leagues

$66,000 Jackpot: Semenya wins appeal against testosterone limits

Two-time Olympic gold medalist Caster Semenya won an appeal to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) Tuesday against World Athletics’ rules regulating testosterone levels in elite female athletes.

In its 4–3 decision, the ECHR said that World Athletics’ rules discriminated against the 32-year-old South African runner, who was assigned female at birth and has identified as female her entire life, but whose body produces high levels of testosterone due to a condition known as differences in sex development (DSD).

World Athletics justified their ban of women with higher testosterone levels by citing a scientific study. Now the authors say it was only “exploratory.”

World Athletics, the body that regulates international track and field competitions formerly known as the IAAF, issued a rule in 2019 requiring participants in the women’s 400-meter, 800-meter, and 1500-meter races to have a low level of testosterone in their bodies and to undergo six months of hormone therapy if their natural testosterone levels are high. World Athletics expanded and made the rules stricter this year, according to the Associated Press.

Semenya, who won the Olympic gold medal in the 800-meter race in 2012 and 2016, has speculated that the rules were made to exclude her from competition. She refused to artificially reduce her natural testosterone levels, forcing her to sit out the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.

In 2019, she lost an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport challenging the rules. The following year, she lost a second appeal to Switzerland’s Federal Supreme Court.

“I refuse to let World Athletics drug me or stop me from being who I am,” she said in 2020.

As CNN reports, Semenya submitted a third appeal to the ECHR in February 2021, accusing the Swiss Supreme Court of failing to uphold her human rights by dismissing her 2020 appeal.

In its Tuesday ruling, the ECHR found that Semenya “had not been afforded sufficient institutional and procedural safeguards in Switzerland to allow her to have her complaints examined effectively, especially since her complaints concerned substantiated and credible claims of discrimination as a result of her increased testosterone level caused by differences of sex development (DSD).”

The ECHR ruled that due to “the high personal stakes involved for [Semenya] – namely, participating in athletics competitions at international level, and therefore practicing her profession,” her appeal to the Swiss Supreme Court “should have led to a thorough institutional and procedural review” of World Athletics’ rules.

According to the AP, the Swiss government has been ordered to pay Semenya 60,000 euros ($66,000) for costs and expenses related to her appeal.

In a statement, World Athletics said that it maintains “that the DSD [differences in sex development] regulations are a necessary, reasonable and proportionate means of protecting fair competition in the female category as the Court of Arbitration for Sport and Swiss Federal Tribunal both found, after a detailed and expert assessment of the evidence.”

Because Semenya’s most recent appeal was against Switzerland rather than World Athletics, the organization said that it would “liaise with the Swiss Government on the next steps and, given the strong dissenting views in the decision, we will be encouraging them to seek referral of the case to the ECHR Grand Chamber for a final and definitive decision.”

World Athletics added that its current DSD regulations would remain in place, forcing athletes like Semenya to choose between medicating to reduce their natural testosterone levels and not competing.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Champions League Semi-Final Highlights: PSG Edge Arsenal In Tense First Leg At The Emirates

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) made a bold statement in North London as they secured a gritty 1-0 win over Arsenal FC in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final clash. It was a disciplined and tactically sharp performance from the Ligue 1 champions, who now hold a slender advantage ahead of the second leg in Paris.

Key Match Highlights

⚽ Ousmane Dembélé Strikes Early

Back in the lineup after being dropped in the previous clash for disciplinary reasons, Ousmane Dembélé wasted no time announcing his return. The French winger found the net in just the 5th minute, converting a cut-back from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Although Dembélé’s strike was scuffed, it caught Aaron Ramsdale off guard and proved to be the difference.

Kvaratskhelia’s Electric Display

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, a constant menace on the left flank, showcased his flair with a dazzling solo run that split through the Arsenal defense. Despite strong appeals, the Georgian was denied a penalty after going down in the box. Nonetheless, his creativity and pace set the tone for PSG’s early dominance.

Arsenal vs PSG- sportsmarketinternational.com

⚖ Arsenal Find Their Rhythm

After a shaky start, Arsenal FC began to gain traction midway through the first half. Midfielder Mikel Merino, playing in a box-to-box role, drove forward with purpose and tested PSG’s midfield structure. One of his penetrating runs ended with a contentious penalty shout, but Rúben Neves timed his tackle to perfection—confirmed upon VAR review.

VAR Drama Denies Arsenal Equalizer

The hosts came out stronger after the break. A hopeful cross met Merino in the air, and he powered a header past Gianluigi Donnarumma—only to have the goal disallowed for offside after a lengthy VAR check. Arsenal’s best chance of the night followed when Leandro Trossard unleashed a low drive, but Donnarumma got down swiftly to parry it wide.

PSG’s Late-Game Discipline

In the final 20 minutes, PSG shifted gears into containment mode. The visitors absorbed Arsenal’s pressure with composure and nearly doubled their lead on the counter. Bradley Barcola squandered a clear chance by dragging his shot wide, while Gonçalo Ramos rattled the crossbar with a late thunderous strike—serving Arsenal a final warning.

Final Score

Arsenal FC 0–1 Paris Saint-Germain
Emirates Stadium, London

What It Means

PSG now carry a narrow but crucial away win back to Paris, where they’ve been formidable all season.
This result marks PSG’s first-ever victory over Arsenal in European competition.
Arsenal FC, despite the defeat, remain firmly in the tie. A single goal in Paris could change everything.

Looking Ahead

The second leg at the Parc Des Princes is poised to be a tactical showdown. With a Champions League final berth at stake, Mikel Arteta will demand a sharper, more clinical performance from his side. On the other hand, Luis Enrique will look to manage the advantage while unleashing PSG’s fearsome attacking trio on the counter.

Premier League

Ivan Toney Expected to Leave Brentford This Summer — Arsenal and Chelsea in the Race

Ivan Toney’s time at Brentford appears to be nearing its end, with multiple sources confirming the striker is expected to leave the West London club during the upcoming summer transfer window. Both Arsenal and Chelsea are reportedly monitoring the situation closely as they seek to bolster their attacking options for the 2025–26 season.

A Proven Premier League Goalscorer

Toney, 29, has been a consistent performer since Brentford’s promotion to the Premier League. Known for his physicality, aerial dominance, and penalty precision, he has attracted interest from top-tier clubs thanks to his ability to lead the line and deliver goals under pressure.

Despite serving a suspension earlier in his career for betting violations, Toney has returned with form and focus. With one year left on his contract, this summer represents Brentford’s last opportunity to secure a significant transfer fee.

Arsenal and Chelsea in the Mix

Arsenal:

Mikel Arteta is reportedly a long-time admirer of Toney’s profile. With questions lingering over Gabriel Jesus’s injury record and Kai Havertz’s natural role, Toney could offer Arsenal a more traditional No. 9 — something they’ve lacked in recent title runs.

Chelsea:

Chelsea’s ongoing search for a clinical striker has been well-documented. Nicolas Jackson has shown flashes, but inconsistency in front of goal has cost the Blues points. Toney would offer Premier League experience, leadership, and reliability, potentially becoming a focal point in Mauricio Pochettino’s evolving system — if Pochettino remains in charge.

Brentford’s Perspective

Brentford boss Thomas Frank has been transparent in recent interviews, stating the club won’t stand in Toney’s way should the right offer come in. The Bees are reportedly valuing Toney at around £50–60 million, though that fee could drop depending on the bidding dynamics and contract situation.

What It Means for the Market

Toney’s move could spark a domino effect in the striker market. Clubs like Manchester United, Tottenham, and even West Ham may pivot their striker strategies depending on his destination.

A bidding war could push up the fee, and personal terms — including a likely wage increase and ambitions for European football — will play a key role in the decision.

Conclusion

Ivan Toney’s expected departure from Brentford signals one of the Premier League’s most intriguing transfer battles of the summer. With both Arsenal and Chelsea looking to sharpen their front lines, the race for Toney’s signature is heating up — and it may just come down to ambition, Champions League football, and timing.

Stay with Sports Market International for the latest on this developing story

Premier League

Dream Move Off: Manchester United Not Pursuing Victor Osimhen, Says David Ornstein

Victor-Osimhen || Sports market international

The Long-Standing Speculation Linking Victor Osimhen With A High-Profile Move To Manchester United Has Come To An End—At Least For Now.
Trusted Journalist David Ornstein Has Firmly Dismissed The Rumours, Stating That The Super Eagles Striker Is Not Part Of The Red Devils’ Summer Transfer Plans.

Despite Earlier Reports Suggesting That United Had Reached An “Agreement In Principle” And Were Preparing To Activate Osimhen’s €75 Million (£64.2M) Release Clause, The Club Appears To Have Shifted Its Focus Elsewhere.
Instead, They Are Expected To Rely On Internal Options Like Young Danish Striker Rasmus Højlund Or Explore Alternative Targets.

No Old Trafford Dream For Osimhen

Osimhen, Currently On Loan At Galatasaray From Napoli, Has Had A Sensational Season, Netting 30 Goals In 34 Appearances.
His Prolific Form Ignited Excitement Among Fans And Pundits, With Many Touting Him As The Ideal Solution To Manchester United’s Attacking Struggles.

However, Ornstein’s Recent Comments—Shared In A Video On Social Media—Have Poured Cold Water On Those Hopes.

David Ornstein -Sports Market International

“He Is Not On Manchester United’s Agenda,” Ornstein Clarified.
“If They Are To Look At Other Options, It Certainly Won’t Be Osimhen.”

United Shifting Gears Amid Uncertainty

The Red Devils’ Cautious Stance May Be Influenced By Their Uncertain Prospects For European Competition Next Season.
With Financial Considerations In Mind, The Club Seems Reluctant To Commit To Major Deals Or High-Wage Signings.

Højlund, Who Has Managed Just Three Goals In The Premier League And Eight Across All Competitions This Season, Still Remains Central To United’s Long-Term Plans.
There’s Also Talk Of Internal Promotions Rather Than Marquee Signings.

A Summer Of Change For Nigerian Stars

While A Move To Old Trafford Is Off The Table, Osimhen’s Future Remains One Of The Most Watched Stories This Transfer Window.
He Leads The List Of Super Eagles Players Expected To Secure Major Transfers This Summer.

Fellow Nigerian Wilfred Ndidi Is Also Reportedly Set To Leave Leicester City And Join Osimhen In Turkey.

For Now, Manchester United Will Look Elsewhere As They Aim To Reshape Their Frontline Ahead Of The 2025/26 Season.
And While Osimhen May Not Be Old Trafford-Bound, His Stock Continues To Rise Across Europe