Resignations

• Multiple head coaches across Asia, including South Korea's Hong Myung-bo, have resigned following underwhelming performances and early eliminations from the World Cup. • The wave of resignations, stretching from Seoul to Riyadh, reflects widespread dissatisfaction with the continent's collective failure to advance in the tournament. • This mass exodus of leadership highlights the immense pressure on Asian national teams to improve their global standing and meet rising fan expectations.

Exclusive: Allies of Labour’s Makerfield candidate concerned rapid collapse of Starmer government would increase instability Andy Burnham’s campaign has been forced to talk ministers out of resigning as early as this weekend to avoid Keir Starmer’s government descending into chaos amid fallout from the Makerfield byelection, the Guardian can reveal.As they prepare for a potential change of leader in the event he beats Reform on Thursday, Burnham’s team is increasingly concerned a rapid collapse of Starmer’s administration would mean further instability for the country. Continue reading...

Russian pavilion to stay closed as outcry over Israel’s inclusion also grows – but nesting seagull provides some light reliefThe 61st Venice Biennale vernissage began on Tuesday under grey clouds and rain showers, as political tension, parties and protest dominated proceedings at one of the art world’s biggest events.Lubaina Himid, the British entrant, who has spent a career creating work that picks at her country’s colonial past, took over the UK’s pavilion with her large-scale paintings and sound collage that recalls a “perfect British summer’s day”. Continue reading...