Diamond League to

increase prize money

PARIS: The Diamond League athletics circuit said on Wednesday it will increase its prize money to record levels from next season. The new overall figure is $9.24 million, almost a third higher than during the Covid-19 period of 2021-2024. Between $30,000-$100,000 will be on offer for each discipline at each meeting for the 2025 campaign. “The Wanda Diamond League remains committed to rewarding the athletes more, whilst at the same time ensuring the long term sustainability of the series,” Diamond League chief executive Petr Stastny said in a statement. “We provide the world’s best athletes the opportunity to compete at the highest possible level. “Having competitors from around 100 countries every year allows for TV audiences in 150 countries and territories, making our series a truly universal and global league,” Stastny added. — AFP

Eriksen will wait

to settle Man Utd

LONDON: Christian Eriksen will wait to settle his Manchester United future after speculation that the Denmark midfielder could leave Old Trafford. Eriksen was one of Erik ten Hag’s first signings as United manager in 2022, but the 32-year-old had a diminished role last season.

The former Tottenham star, who suffered a cardiac arrest at the 2021 European Championship, was linked with a move to his old team Ajax, as well as Belgian side Anderlecht, during a close-season of transfer rumors. But Eriksen remained with United after the transfer deadline passed and has made a positive impact since returning to the starting line-up. He made his first start of the season in Saturday’s 3-0 win at Southampton, which he followed up with a brace in the 7-0 rout of Barnsley in the League Cup third round on Tuesday. — AFP

Carroll signs for

fourth-tier Bordeaux

BORDEAUX: Former England striker Andy Carroll, who played for Newcastle, Liverpool and West Ham has signed for fourth division Bordeaux, the six-time Ligue 1 champions announced on Wednesday. The 35-year-old, who has been with Ligue 2 side Amiens since 2023 passed his medical on Tuesday before signing his contract. “Welcome Andy Carroll. The club is thrilled to welcome the England international forward,” Bordeaux posted on X. “Loads of experience at the top level with nearly 450 professional matches, bolstering the attacking options for Bordeaux!” Carroll, who took part in his first training session with his new team-mates at Le Haillan on Wednesday, was capped nine times by England, scoring twice. — AFP

Ponting named Punjab

Kings head coach

NEW DELHI: Former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting was named as the head coach of Punjab Kings on Wednesday for the next four seasons of the money-spinning Indian Premier League tournament. The announcement was made some two months after Ponting and Delhi Capitals parted ways, ending his seven-year stint at the franchise. “We are delighted to have Ricky on to guide and build our team for the next four seasons,” Punjab Kings CEO Satish Menon said in a statement. “His ability to develop cricketing and leadership skills will play a crucial role in our success.” — AFP