London Marathon raises $98m

LONDON: The London Marathon raised a record 73.5 million pounds ($98.28 million) for charity, race organizers said on Wednesday in what they described as the world’s largest annual one-day fundraising event. The collection surpassed the previous world record of 66.4 million pounds, set in 2019, on April 21 when more than 53,000 runners completed the 44th London Marathon. London Marathon said in their final report that they raised 73.5 million pounds after the 2024 event, bringing the cumulative total to more than 1.3 billion pounds since the first edition in 1981. “We salute every single participant who has contributed to this world record-breaking total of 73.5 million pounds for the thousands of charities which provide essential services to so many,” London Marathon Events’ CEO Hugh Brasher said in a statement. The London Marathon’s official online fundraising partner Enthuse also raised a record 30 million pounds on its platform. The next London Marathon will be held on April 27.

Mbappe suffers muscle injury

PARIS: Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe has suffered a muscle injury, the LaLiga club said on Wednesday, casting doubt over the French international’s participation in the weekend derby against Atletico Madrid. Mbappe, signed from Paris St Germain this year, has been in fine form this season, scoring seven goals for Real in nine matches across all competitions. The 25-year-old was substituted in the 80th minute of the 3-2 home win over Deportivo Alaves in LaLiga on Tuesday and gestured to his thigh while leaving the pitch. “Following tests carried out today by Real Madrid’s Medical Services on our player Kylian Mbappe, he has been diagnosed with an injury to the biceps femoris in his left leg,” Real said in a statement. “His progress will be monitored.” Spanish media reported that Mbappe will be ruled out of Sunday’s match against Atletico. Real are second in the LaLiga standings on 17 points, one behind Barcelona who have a game in hand and host second-bottom Getafe later on Wednesday.

Varane announces retirement

PARIS: France’s World Cup-winning defender Raphael Varane announced his retirement from football at the age of 31 on Wednesday, bringing down the curtain on his successful career after suffering a serious knee injury. Varane made 93 appearances for France from 2013-22, playing a key role in their victory at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, as well as their runners-up finish four years later in Qatar. He retired from international football in 2023. He began his club career at Ligue 1 side Lens, before joining Real Madrid in 2011, where he played 360 times and won three La Liga titles and four Champions League trophies in a trophy-laden spell. Varane joined United in 2021, making 95 appearances in all competitions for the English side and helping them win the League Cup in 2023 and FA Cup in 2024, before moving to Serie A club Como in July where he suffered a knee injury on his debut. “I have fallen and risen a thousand times, and this time, it’s the moment to stop and hang my boots up with my final game winning a trophy at Wembley,” Varane wrote in a post on Instagram, referencing United’s FA Cup win in May. “I have no regrets, I wouldn’t change a thing. I have won more than I could have even dreamed of, but beyond the accolades and trophies, I am proud that no matter what, I have stuck to my principles of being sincere and have tried to leave everywhere better than I found it.” Varane added that he would remain at Como in a non-playing role. — Reuters

Rodri suffers knee ligament injury

LONDON: Manchester City’s Spanish midfielder Rodri has suffered a ligament injury in his right knee and will be consulting a specialist in Spain to gauge the full extent of its severity, the Premier League club said on Wednesday. The 28-year-old Spain international limped off the pitch in the first half of City’s 2-2 Premier League draw with Arsenal on Sunday. Following City’s League Cup win over Watford on Tuesday, coach Pep Guardiola said the midfielder will be out for a “long time”. “Manchester City can confirm that Rodri has suffered a ligament injury to his right knee,” City said in a statement. “The midfielder travelled to Spain to seek specialist consultation this week, following initial tests in Manchester. Assessment remains ongoing to ascertain the full extent of the injury and expected prognosis. “Everyone at the club wishes him a speedy recovery.” – Reuters