Manchester City were found guilty of most of the 115 Premier League charges. There is little appetite to strip eight titles, but a panel will decide sanctions. Manchester City have been found guilty of the majority of the 115 charges brought against them for breaching Premier League financial rules, but there is little appetite within the competition to strip the club of the eight trophies it won during the period under investigation, BBC Sport has been told. The charges covered the years between 2009 and 2018, an era in which City won the Premier League title three times. The question of whether those titles should be removed has become one of the central talking points of the case. On social media, supporters of rival clubs are pushing for such an outcome. Sources indicate, however, that neither the Premier League as an organisation nor its member clubs have shown enthusiasm for retrospectively removing past titles. That does not settle the matter. Any sanction will be decided by an independent panel, which has yet to hold a "sanction hearing." Stripping titles cannot be ruled out, but a points deduction, a substantial fine or even expulsion from the Premier League are considered the more likely penalties. What the rules allow Premier League regulations do not specifically list the removal of titles as a punishment. The stated options are a fine, a points deduction or expulsion. Crucially, though, the rules also permit a disciplinary commission panel to impose a penalty "as it shall think fit." In theory, that discretion could stretch to retrospectively applied points deductions or the stripping of trophies. Supporters of a heavier sanction argue that the scale of the wrongdoing justifies it. Their case rests on the claim that the titles were won unfairly, and that any misrepresentation of revenue and costs handed City a decisive competitive advantage over rivals. If the verdict is upheld after any appeal, that argument is expected to intensify. The charges centred on accusations that City inflated sponsorship revenue from companies connected to the club and made further "off the books" payments to get around football's financial regulations. The club has consistently denied any wrongdoing throughout the process. Mourinho's claim The prospect of a reallocated title was raised publicly almost two years ago by Jose Mourinho. The former Manchester United manager suggested that his old club could be awarded the 2018 Premier League title then held by City, saying he still believed there was a chance to win the league and, if so, that he should be paid his bonus and given his medal. Under Mourinho, United finished as runners-up to City in 2018, trailing by 19 points in what was his final full season at Old Trafford. At the time the remark was seen as provocative. With City now found guilty of most of the charges, it has taken on fresh significance. The club's rise to sustained success followed the 2008 takeover by Abu Dhabi billionaire Sheikh Mansour, which transformed City into one of the wealthiest and most decorated sides in English football. The guilty findings now cast a shadow over the trophies collected in the years that followed. Asterisks or reallocation? With the era under scrutiny, several outcomes are being weighed. The panel could leave the record untouched, apply an asterisk to the titles won during the period in question, mark them as blank, or, as Mourinho implied, reallocate them to the teams that finished as runners-up. Each option carries its own complications, and the panel is not bound to the punishments explicitly named in the rulebook because of the discretion built into the regulations. That breadth is what keeps the possibility of stripped titles alive, even as the prevailing expectation points toward financial penalties or a points-based sanction. For now, no decision has been reached. The sanction hearing remains outstanding, and any ruling could be followed by an appeal, meaning a final resolution may still be some way off. What is settled is the guilty verdict on the bulk of the charges; what is not is the price City will ultimately pay, and whether the record books of the past decade will be rewritten. Manchester City, Premier League, 115 charges, titles stripped, financial rules, Sheikh Mansour, Jose Mourinho, sanction hearing

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Plan a trip to Gangtok and North Sikkim: Rumtek's monasteries, Gurudongmar and Tsomgo lakes, Yumthang Valley, permit rules, when to go and how to arrive. Perched on a Himalayan ridge at around 1,650 metres, Gangtok is the tidy, prayer-flag-strewn capital of Sikkim and the launch pad for one of India's most dramatic mountain circuits. From here the land climbs fast - past Buddhist monasteries and terraced hillsides toward glacial lakes and valleys that sit just short of the Tibetan border. It is a region of two moods: the café culture and mountain views of the capital, and the raw, high-altitude wilderness of the north that demands paperwork, patience and a good driver. What makes it special Sikkim folds an enormous amount into a small state. In Gangtok you can watch the world's third-highest peak, Kangchenjunga, glow at dawn from Tashi Viewpoint, then wander the pedestrianised, flower-lined MG Marg an hour later. Push north and the scenery turns alpine and otherworldly - hot springs, rhododendron forests and a sacred lake at over 5,000 metres. Because Sikkim shares sensitive frontiers with China, Nepal and Bhutan, much of the north is a protected zone, which has kept it uncrowded and unusually clean; Sikkim is also India's first fully organic state. Monasteries and mountain lakes Start with the monasteries around the capital. Rumtek, about 24 km out, is the grand seat of the Karma Kagyu school, with a golden stupa and monks in maroon robes; Enchey and the tranquil Do Drul Chorten sit closer to town, and the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology holds one of the world's finest collections of Tibetan manuscripts and thangkas. For lakes, the day trip east to Tsomgo (Changu) Lake is a classic - a glacial oval that freezes in winter, with yaks along the shore and the Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir and Nathula Pass beyond (Nathula requires an extra permit and is not always open). The headline act, though, is North Sikkim. Base yourself in the villages of Lachung and Lachen, then rise before dawn for the pilgrimage to Gurudongmar Lake, one of the highest lakes on earth, its water an impossible turquoise beneath snow peaks. Nearby Yumthang Valley - the "Valley of Flowers" - erupts with rhododendrons in spring, while Zero Point marks the end of the civilian road in a bowl of glaciers. Sorting out the permits This is the part to plan around. Indian nationals need a permit to visit North Sikkim (Lachen, Lachung, Gurudongmar, Yumthang) as well as Tsomgo Lake and Nathula; these are arranged through a registered Sikkim travel agent, usually as part of a booked tour, and require passport-size photos and government-issued photo ID. Foreign nationals need an Inner Line Permit / Protected Area Permit, must travel in a group of two or more through an authorised operator, and are currently barred from a few of the most sensitive spots such as Gurudongmar and Nathula - so check your exact eligibility before committing. Carry several photocopies of your ID and spare photos; checkposts along the way will ask. Best time to visit March to May is prime: clear-ish skies, warm valley days and rhododendrons in full bloom around Yumthang. October and November bring the crispest mountain views and reliable roads after the rains. Avoid the monsoon (roughly June to September), when landslides regularly close the north-Sikkim roads for hours or days. Winter is beautiful but bitterly cold, and high passes and lakes may be snowbound or shut. Getting there The usual gateway is the plains of northern West Bengal. The nearest major railhead is New Jalpaiguri (NJP) at Siliguri, and the main airport is Bagdogra (IXB); the smaller Pakyong Airport sits closer to Gangtok but has limited flights. From Bagdogra or NJP it's a scenic four-to-five-hour drive up to Gangtok by taxi or shared jeep. From Gangtok, all North Sikkim trips are done by hired 4x4 with a local driver - you cannot self-drive into the permit zones. Where to stay Gangtok has the widest choice, from heritage-style hotels near MG Marg to family-run guesthouses on the ridge with Kangchenjunga views. In the north, accommodation in Lachen and Lachung is simpler - homestays and small lodges, often with wood stoves and shared dining - and is typically bundled into your tour package. Book the northern leg well ahead in peak season, as bed and permit numbers are limited. Local tips Acclimatise. Spend a night in Gangtok and ease into altitude before the pre-dawn Gurudongmar run, and keep water and a light snack handy. Eat local while you're at it: steaming plates of momos, hearty thukpa noodle soup, fermented greens (gundruk), pork phagshapa, and a warming mug of tongba, the local millet brew. And build in a buffer day - in these mountains, weather and roads, not the clock, set the schedule. Gangtok travel guide, North Sikkim itinerary, Gurudongmar Lake, Yumthang Valley, Sikkim permits, Rumtek Monastery, Tsomgo Lake, Lachung Lachen

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Plan a Bali trip across Ubud's rice terraces and temples and the surf towns of the south, with things to do, timing, transport and local tips. Bali packs two very different holidays onto one small Indonesian island. Inland, around the town of Ubud, you get emerald rice terraces, river gorges, craft villages and Hindu temples wrapped in incense and gamelan music. An hour south, the coast switches to surf breaks, beach clubs and sunset bars. Most first-timers try to do both, and the island is compact enough that you can. This guide splits Bali into its highland and coastal halves so you can plan a trip that fits your pace. What Ubud is really like Ubud is Bali's cultural heart, a market town in the central foothills surrounded by working rice fields. It is greener, cooler and quieter than the coast, though its centre now hums with cafes and yoga studios. The famous sculpted paddies at Tegallalang lie just north of town; go early to beat both the heat and the crowds, and expect small donation boxes maintained by farmers along the walking paths. For a longer, less-visited walk, the Campuhan Ridge is a breezy grass spine you can loop in an hour or two. Ubud is also a base for temples and river country. The Tirta Empul water temple lets visitors join the ritual purification in its spring-fed pools, while Goa Gajah, the "Elephant Cave," is an atmospheric carved grotto on the edge of town. Nature draws people north to the Tegenungan and Kanto Lampo waterfalls and, further afield, to the volcanic caldera and lake views at Mount Batur, a popular pre-dawn hiking spot. The southern beach towns Bali's southern peninsula is where the sand and nightlife live, and each town has a distinct character. Canggu is the current favourite for younger travellers and remote workers, with black-sand surf beaches, scooter traffic and coffee shops. Neighbouring Seminyak is more polished, known for boutiques and beach clubs strung along the sand. Further south, Uluwatu sits on dramatic limestone cliffs above world-class surf breaks; its clifftop temple hosts a nightly Kecak fire dance at sunset. For families and first-time visitors who want calm water, Sanur and Nusa Dua on the east and south coasts are gentler and more resort-oriented. Don't miss Tanah Lot, the sea temple perched on a rock offshore west of the airport, best seen when the tide and the setting sun line up. It gets busy, so arrive with time to spare. What to eat Balinese food rewards the curious. Look for babi guling (spit-roast suckling pig) and ayam betutu (slow-cooked spiced chicken), both regional specialities you'll find at simple warungs. Nasi campur, a plate of rice with several small sides, is the everyday staple and a great low-cost meal. Vegetarians do well with gado-gado, a vegetable salad in peanut sauce, and lawar mixes. In Ubud especially, the plant-based and "health food" scene is strong if you want a break from fried rice. Best time to visit Bali has two seasons rather than four. The dry season, roughly April to October, brings the most reliable sunshine and is peak time for beaches and volcano hikes; July and August are the busiest and priciest. The wet season, around November to March, sees hot, humid days broken by heavy afternoon downpours, but mornings are often clear and the countryside is at its lushest and cheapest. The shoulder months of April, May and September tend to offer a good balance of decent weather and thinner crowds. Note the annual Nyepi "Day of Silence," a Hindu new year when the whole island shuts down for 24 hours, including the airport. Getting there and getting around Most visitors fly into Ngurah Rai International Airport near Denpasar, the island's only major airport. There are direct and one-stop connections from Indian hubs such as Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru, usually routing through Singapore, Kuala Lumpur or Jakarta, as well as flights from across Asia and Australia. Indian passport holders should check the current visa-on-arrival rules before travelling. On the ground, Bali has no train network. Many travellers rent a scooter, but traffic is chaotic and an international driving permit plus a helmet are essential; if you're not a confident rider, hire a car with a driver for day trips, which is inexpensive and easy to arrange. Ride-hailing apps operate but face restrictions in some tourist zones. Local tips Dress modestly at temples: a sarong and sash are required, and most sites lend or rent them at the entrance. Carry small cash for parking, donations and warungs, as card acceptance is patchy outside resorts. Finally, resist the urge to base yourself in one spot and day-trip everywhere; splitting your nights between Ubud and one southern town cuts hours of driving and gives you both sides of Bali properly. Bali travel guide, Ubud rice terraces, Tegallalang, Tanah Lot temple, Canggu Seminyak, best time to visit Bali, how to get to Bali, Bali things to do

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A first-timer's Paris guide: what to see, when to go, how to arrive and where to stay, from the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre to café-lined side streets. Paris rewards walkers. The French capital packs its headline sights into a compact, river-split centre, so a first visit is less about racing between attractions and more about drifting between them - a museum, a garden, a pavement café, a bridge over the Seine. Here is how to plan a first trip that covers the icons without exhausting you. Why Paris Paris is a city you already half-know before you arrive: the iron lattice of the Eiffel Tower, the glass pyramid of the Louvre, the flying buttresses of Notre-Dame on its island in the river. Seeing them in person is the point, but the quieter pleasures are what make the trip. This is a place built for strolling - the Seine cuts it into a Right Bank and a Left Bank, the wide boulevards fan out from grand squares, and almost every neighbourhood has a bakery worth queuing at. Come for the landmarks; stay for the everyday rhythm of markets, riverbanks and terrace tables. Top things to see and do Start with the Eiffel Tower. You can climb or lift up its stages, but the best photographs are from a distance - the lawns of the Champ de Mars below, or the terrace at Trocadéro across the river, especially at dusk when the tower sparkles on the hour after dark. Give the Louvre a focused half-day rather than a full one; it is vast, and trying to see everything is a fast route to museum fatigue. Pick a wing, find the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo, then let yourself wander. For a gentler art fix, the Musée d'Orsay, in a former railway station, holds the great Impressionists - Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh - under one glorious clock-faced roof. Walk the Île de la Cité to see Notre-Dame and the jewel-box Sainte-Chapelle with its walls of stained glass. Climb the hill of Montmartre to the white domes of Sacré-Cœur and the artists' square of Place du Tertre. Stroll the Champs-Élysées up to the Arc de Triomphe, and set aside an hour to simply sit in the Jardin du Luxembourg or the Tuileries and watch Paris go by. Best time to visit Late spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October) are the sweet spots: mild weather, long daylight and gardens in bloom or turning gold. Summer is warm and lively but busy, with long queues at the big sights and many locals away in August. Winter is cold and grey but atmospheric and quieter, with fewer crowds and lower demand for rooms. Whenever you go, book the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre online in advance to skip the worst of the lines. Getting there Most long-haul travellers, including those flying from India, arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) northeast of the city; some budget and European flights use Orly (ORY) to the south. Both connect to the centre by train, bus and taxi - the RER B suburban train runs from CDG to central stations such as Gare du Nord and Châtelet. If you are already in Europe, the high-speed rail network makes Paris easy to reach: Eurostar links it to London in a little over two hours, and TGV lines fan out to cities across France and beyond. Once you are in, the Métro is your best friend - dense, frequent and cheap, with a carnet or travel pass covering most trips. Much of the historic core, though, is genuinely walkable. Where to stay For a first visit, base yourself centrally so you can walk home after dinner. Le Marais (3rd and 4th) is full of medieval lanes, boutiques and lively cafés. Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the Latin Quarter (5th and 6th) offer classic Left Bank charm near the Luxembourg gardens. Around the Opéra and the 1st you are steps from the Louvre and the department stores, while Montmartre (18th) trades some convenience for village-like character and views. Local tips Eat like a Parisian by starting the day with a warm, flaky croissant from a neighbourhood *boulangerie*, and try a proper sit-down lunch of *steak-frites* or a bowl of onion soup. A simple *bonjour* on entering a shop goes a long way with staff. Buy picnic supplies - a baguette, cheese, fruit - and eat by the river or in a park; it is one of the city's great free pleasures. And don't over-schedule: leave time to get pleasantly lost, because in Paris the wrong turn is usually the best part of the day. Paris travel guide, Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, first-timer Paris itinerary, best time to visit Paris, how to get to Paris, where to stay in Paris, things to do in Paris

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Plan a trip to Las Vegas and the desert Southwest: the Strip, downtown Fremont, easy day trips and the red-rock national parks within a few hours' drive. Las Vegas is a city built on spectacle, but it is also the front door to some of the most dramatic desert scenery on Earth. Rising from the Mojave in southern Nevada, it pairs a four-mile ribbon of casino resorts with a starkly beautiful backcountry of red sandstone, slot canyons and mile-deep gorges. Come for the lights and the shows, then rent a car and let the Strip fade in your mirror. Within a couple of hours you can trade blackjack tables for switchback trails, and that combination - glitz and wilderness, side by side - is what makes this corner of the American Southwest such a rewarding trip. Why go Few places pack this much variety into a small radius. The Strip delivers world-class dining, live music, magic and stage productions, and enough people-watching to fill a week. But the real surprise is how quickly the desert takes over. Las Vegas works equally well as a pure city break, a family stopover or the launch pad for a road trip through the Southwest's national parks. It is also one of the most accessible gateways in the region, with a busy international airport just minutes from the action. Top things to see and do On the Strip itself, walk the stretch between the Bellagio and the Venetian in the evening, when the Bellagio's dancing fountains put on their free water-and-light show and the resorts glow against the dark mountains. Ride the observation wheel at the LINQ for a slow, panoramic look at the valley. For a grittier, more nostalgic flavour of old Vegas, head downtown to Fremont Street, where a canopy of LED lights arches over street performers and vintage neon signs - many of them preserved just off the strip at the Neon Museum's outdoor "boneyard." Then go beyond the neon. Red Rock Canyon, barely half an hour west of the Strip, offers a scenic loop drive and trails through crimson Aztec sandstone. To the northeast, the fiery formations of Valley of Fire State Park look almost Martian at golden hour. Push a little farther and you reach the big names: Zion National Park in Utah, with its towering canyon walls and the famous Narrows river hike; and the South and West rims of the Grand Canyon, a genuinely humbling sight. The Hoover Dam and Lake Mead sit closer, an easy half-day out. Best time to visit Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the sweet spots: warm, clear days ideal for both strolling the Strip and hiking the canyons. Summers are intense - desert temperatures regularly climb past 40°C, which makes midday trail time genuinely dangerous, so save outdoor plans for early morning. Winter is mild and pleasant in the city, though higher-elevation parks like Zion and the Grand Canyon's rims can see snow and road closures. Whatever the season, carry far more water than you think you need once you leave town. Getting there Harry Reid International Airport, immediately south of the Strip, is the main gateway, with direct and one-stop connections from major hubs worldwide; travellers from India typically connect through a US or European city. From the airport, ride-share and taxis reach the resorts in minutes, and the Strip is walkable end to end, supplemented by a monorail and buses. For everything beyond the city, a rental car is close to essential - the parks and day-trip sights are spread across open desert with little public transport, so factor a hire vehicle into your plans. Where to stay Most visitors base themselves on the Strip, where mega-resorts cluster around themes and price points - from the Italianate Venetian to the fountains of the Bellagio. Staying central puts the shows, restaurants and casinos on your doorstep. Downtown, around Fremont Street, is cheaper, more compact and has an old-school character worth a night or two. If you are prioritising the national parks, consider a night in a gateway town such as Springdale, just outside Zion, to catch the canyon at dawn before the crowds. Local tips Eat beyond the buffet: the city has become a serious food destination, and even a casual meal - a plate of tacos in the Arts District, or dim sum in Chinatown just west of the Strip along Spring Mountain Road - beats the tourist traps. Pace your walking, too; the Strip's resorts look close together but are deceptively far apart, so plan on more time between them than the map suggests. And if you drive out to the parks, download offline maps before you go - mobile signal vanishes fast once the desert opens up around you. Las Vegas travel guide, Las Vegas Strip, Nevada day trips, desert national parks, Zion National Park, Red Rock Canyon, Grand Canyon from Las Vegas, Fremont Street

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Plan a Bangkok trip with this practical guide to its temples, floating markets, street food, best seasons, transport and neighbourhood tips. Bangkok rarely eases you in. Thailand's capital hits with heat, incense, sizzling woks and tuk-tuk horns all at once, then rewards you the moment you stop fighting the chaos. This is a city where a 200-year-old temple sits beside a glass shopping mall, where a bowl of noodles from a plastic stool can outshine a fine-dining meal, and where the Chao Phraya River still works as the city's main highway. For travellers from India and beyond, it is one of Asia's easiest, cheapest and most rewarding first stops. Here is how to make sense of it. What makes Bangkok worth the trip Bangkok packs several cities into one. There is the old royal quarter of Rattanakosin, dense with gilded temples; the tangle of canals (khlongs) in Thonburi across the river; the neon and rooftop bars of Sukhumvit; and the backpacker energy of Khao San Road. What ties it together is a genuinely world-class food culture that spills onto every pavement, and a warmth of welcome that makes solo travellers and families feel equally at home. You can go temple-hopping at dawn, shop a sprawling weekend market by noon and watch the sun set from a riverboat, all in a day. Top temples and sights Start with the big three in Rattanakosin. The Grand Palace and the adjoining Wat Phra Kaew, home of the revered Emerald Buddha, are the ceremonial heart of the country; dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered, as the guards strictly enforce it. A short walk away, Wat Pho houses the enormous reclining Buddha and is also the birthplace of traditional Thai massage. Across the river, the porcelain-studded spire of Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, is Bangkok's most photogenic landmark, especially in golden light from the opposite bank. Beyond the temples, ride the free Chao Phraya cross-river ferries, wander the flower market at Pak Khlong Talat, and set aside a Saturday or Sunday for Chatuchak Weekend Market, one of the largest markets on earth with thousands of stalls. Floating markets and street food For floating markets, Damnoen Saduak is the famous, photogenic one about 90 minutes southwest of the city, while Amphawa, further out, is more of a local weekend affair with evening firefly boat trips. Both are best reached on an early start to beat crowds and heat. Back in town, the real feast is on the street. Chase down a bowl of boat noodles (kuay teow reua) in the Victory Monument alleys, pad thai near the old town, spicy som tam green papaya salad, grilled moo ping pork skewers with sticky rice, and mango with sweet coconut sticky rice for dessert. Bangkok's Chinatown (Yaowarat) turns into an open-air kitchen after dark, its lanes crowded with seafood grills, dim sum and dessert carts. Eat where the queues are longest and the turnover is fast. Best time to visit Bangkok is hot year-round, but the most comfortable stretch is the cool, dry season from roughly November to February, when humidity drops and days are bright. March to May is the hottest period, when temperatures soar and sightseeing is best done early or late. The monsoon runs from about June to October, bringing short, heavy downpours that rarely last all day and the bonus of fewer crowds and lower room rates. If you can, time a visit around the Thai New Year water festival of Songkran in mid-April for a citywide water fight, or the November Loy Krathong festival of floating lanterns. Getting there and around Bangkok has two airports: Suvarnabhumi (BKK), which handles most long-haul and international flights, and Don Mueang (DMK), a hub for low-cost carriers. Direct flights connect Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai and Kolkata, and many nationalities including Indian passport holders can enter on visa-on-arrival or a short visa-free stay, so check the current rules before booking. In the city, skip the traffic by using the elevated BTS Skytrain and underground MRT, both cheap, air-conditioned and easy. Grab the Chao Phraya Express boat along the river to reach the old town, and use the ride-hailing app Grab or metered taxis for everything else. Where to stay and local tips For first-timers, staying near a BTS or MRT station saves hours. Sukhumvit offers modern hotels, malls and nightlife; Silom suits business and easy transit; Riverside near the Chao Phraya is scenic and close to the temples; and Old Town/Banglamphu puts you within walking distance of the sights. Two tips: always agree a tuk-tuk fare before getting in, and be wary of strangers who claim a temple is "closed today" and offer a cheap tour instead - it is a common scam. And carry small notes, since the best street food stalls rarely have change for large bills. Bangkok travel guide, Bangkok temples, floating markets Bangkok, Bangkok street food, Wat Arun, Chatuchak market, best time to visit Bangkok, Bangkok BTS Skytrain

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Unbeaten Canada meet an inconsistent Chile in an international friendly at 06:00 on September 27, 2026. A look at both sides' recent form and their sole prior meeting. Canada and Chile meet in an international friendly at 06:00 on September 27, 2026, with the North American side arriving unbeaten and their South American opponents looking to steady an inconsistent run of results. The fixture gives both coaching staffs a chance to test their systems and assess how their tactical setups are working ahead of competitive commitments. Canada, representing CONCACAF, comes into the match on a run of five games without defeat. Over that stretch the team has recorded two wins and three draws. The sequence began with a draw, followed by a victory, then two consecutive draws, before Canada closed the run with a win in its most recent outing. That consistency points to a side that has kept its defensive shape and stayed organised at the back. Chile, by contrast, has been harder to read. The South American team has played two recent matches, taking one win and then a loss in its latest fixture. The stop-start pattern reflects a side still searching for rhythm and for a better link between its lines. One prior meeting There is little history between the two nations. Canada and Chile have faced each other only once, and that game ended in a draw. Neither side has beaten the other, leaving the head-to-head record level going into this encounter. The single previous result underlines how evenly matched the two teams have been when their contrasting styles have met. Because this is a friendly, both teams are expected to play in an open manner while keeping their tactical focus on the midfield. That approach suits a fixture where the priority is evaluation rather than points, allowing each coach to look at combinations and movement without the pressure of a competitive result. Contrasting approaches Canada carries a psychological edge from its five-match unbeaten sequence, which gives the team a solid platform to build from. That confidence supports a plan built around quick transitions, using pace to move the ball forward once possession is won. Chile needs to rediscover its winning form quickly after the recent setback. The South American side is likely to concentrate on ball control and on stepping up pressure on the opposition defence, aiming to sharpen an attack that has lacked a decisive edge. Finding more end product in the final third is the clearest task facing the visitors. With Canada settled and unbeaten and Chile still working to find consistency, the friendly offers a useful measuring stick for both. For Canada, it is a test of whether its defensive stability holds against a South American opponent. For Chile, it is an opportunity to break a stuttering run and rebuild momentum. The 06:00 kick-off on September 27 will show how far each side has progressed in its current cycle. Canada vs Chile, international friendly, Canada soccer, Chile national team, CONCACAF, football friendlies, September 27 2026, match preview

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Torn between Bali and Phuket for your Southeast Asia beach trip? Compare beaches, food, culture, cost and travel time to pick the right island for you. Two islands dominate every Southeast Asia beach shortlist, and for good reason. Bali, in Indonesia, and Phuket, in southern Thailand, both deliver warm water, cheap luxury and postcard sunsets. But they are not interchangeable. One leans spiritual, green and slow; the other is louder, brighter and easier to reach. This guide sets them side by side so you can book the right flight the first time. The two islands at a glance Bali is a Hindu island in a mostly Muslim country, and that identity shapes everything: daily flower offerings on doorsteps, cliff temples like Uluwatu and Tanah Lot, and terraced rice fields at Tegallalang and Jatiluwih. The coast splits in personality - surf and nightlife in Canggu and Seminyak, calm and culture inland at Ubud, dramatic cliffs and hidden coves on the Bukit Peninsula. Phuket is Thailand's largest island and feels more built-up but more convenient. Patong is the neon-and-nightclub heart; Kata and Karon are gentler beach strips for families; the old Sino-Portuguese quarter of Phuket Town, with its pastel shophouses on Thalang Road, is the cultural surprise most visitors miss. The Andaman Sea here is the real prize - turquoise, calm and dotted with islands. Beaches, water and day trips For sheer beach quality, Phuket often edges it. The water is clearer and calmer, and the nearby islands are world-famous: Phi Phi, the James Bond island of Phang Nga Bay, and the Similan Islands for divers. A longtail boat from Rawai or a speedboat tour puts limestone karsts and snorkelling reefs within an hour. Bali's beaches are more variable - black volcanic sand in the north, golden crescents at Nusa Dua, and serious surf breaks at Uluwatu and Padang Padang. The standout day trips are the offshore Nusa islands (Nusa Penida's Kelingking cliff is Instagram's favourite viewpoint) and, for the fit, a pre-dawn hike up Mount Batur to watch sunrise over the caldera. Food you should not miss Eat cheaply and adventurously in both. In Bali, seek out babi guling (spit-roast suckling pig), the shredded-chicken salad ayam betutu, and a beachside dinner of grilled seafood at Jimbaran Bay. Warungs - small family kitchens - serve the best nasi campur for the price of a coffee back home. Phuket is a certified UNESCO City of Gastronomy, and it shows. Beyond the pad thai and green curry you already know, try Hokkien-style mee, the turmeric-heavy southern dish kua kling, and moo hong (slow-braised pork belly) in Phuket Town. Hit the Sunday walking street market on Thalang Road for a plate-by-plate feast. Best time to visit Both islands are tropical, so you are really choosing between dry and wet seasons. Bali's dry season, roughly April to October, brings reliable sunshine and is peak time; the wetter months bring short, heavy afternoon downpours rather than all-day rain, plus lower prices. Phuket flips this slightly. Its dry, calm season runs roughly November to April - ideal for island-hopping and diving, when the Andaman is glassy. The monsoon months churn up bigger surf and stronger currents, so heed the coloured warning flags on the beaches and don't swim when red flags fly. Getting there and getting around For travellers from India, Phuket usually wins on access: direct and one-stop flights from several Indian cities, plus a visa-on-arrival or visa-exemption arrangement that keeps arrivals simple. Bali (Ngurah Rai airport near Denpasar) is generally reached with one connection through a regional hub, and Indonesia offers a visa on arrival for many nationalities. On the ground, neither island has a useful train or metro. In Bali, hire a private driver for the day or use ride-hailing apps like Gojek and Grab; the scooter is king but traffic around Canggu and Kuta is genuinely chaotic. In Phuket, metered taxis are scarce, so Grab and pre-booked transfers save both money and arguments. So which one? Choose Bali if you want culture woven into your beach days - temples, rice terraces, yoga in Ubud and a surf-and-café scene. Choose Phuket if your priority is clear water, easy island-hopping, big nightlife and the shortest flight. Many seasoned travellers do both on separate trips, and honestly, that's the right answer. Local tips In Bali, dress modestly at temples - a sarong is required and usually provided, and never step over a canang sari offering on the pavement. Carry small cash for warungs and parking. In Phuket, always agree a longtail boat price before you step aboard, and pick your beach by flag colour, not by the crowd - a busy shore is no guarantee it's safe to swim. Bali vs Phuket, Southeast Asia beach holiday, Bali travel guide, Phuket travel guide, best beaches Indonesia Thailand, island holiday from India, Uluwatu temple

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Plan a first trip to Rome with this practical guide to the Colosseum, Vatican City, best neighbourhoods to eat like a local, when to go and how to arrive. Few cities layer three thousand years of history as casually as Rome. Emperors, popes and Vespa-riding office workers share the same cobblestones, and a single afternoon can carry you from a gladiators' arena to a Renaissance fresco to a marble-topped counter serving the city's best espresso. For a first-timer flying in from India or anywhere else, the trick is not to see everything but to slow down, walk a lot, and eat where Romans eat. This guide covers the landmarks worth your queue time, the neighbourhoods worth your appetite, and the practicalities that make a short visit feel unhurried. Why go Rome rewards curiosity more than checklists. The headline sights - the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Pantheon, St Peter's Basilica - are genuinely as extraordinary as their reputations. But the city's real pleasure is incidental: stumbling onto the Trevi Fountain at night, finding a tiny piazza with a single trattoria, or watching golden light hit the honey-coloured walls of Trastevere. It is also remarkably walkable. Most of the historic centre sits within a compact loop, so you can string together ancient, Baroque and everyday Rome on foot in a single day. Top things to see and do Start with the Colosseum, the vast first-century amphitheatre that once held tens of thousands of spectators; a combined ticket usually covers the adjacent Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, the cradle of the city where you can walk the ruins of temples, senate houses and imperial palaces. Book online in advance and go early to beat both crowds and midday heat. Cross the river to Vatican City, the world's smallest sovereign state. The Vatican Museums lead you through kilometres of galleries to Michelangelo's ceiling in the Sistine Chapel, then out toward St Peter's Basilica and its enormous square. Dress modestly - covered shoulders and knees - as it is an active religious site. Between the big two, wander the free wonders: the perfectly preserved dome of the Pantheon, the coin-tossing crowds at the Trevi Fountain, the sweeping staircase of the Spanish Steps, and the Baroque theatre of Piazza Navona. For a quieter afternoon, climb the Gianicolo (Janiculum) Hill for the finest panorama of the rooftops and domes. Eating like a local Roman food is simple, punchy and proudly regional. Order the four classic pastas: cacio e pepe (pecorino and black pepper), carbonara (egg, guanciale, cheese - never cream), amatriciana (tomato and guanciale) and gricia. Try supplì, fried rice-and-mozzarella croquettes, from a hole-in-the-wall, and carciofi alla romana (braised artichokes) in season. For street food, grab pizza al taglio, sold by weight and cut with scissors. Neighbourhoods matter: Trastevere and the old Jewish Ghetto (try the crisp fried artichokes there) are full of family-run trattorias, while Testaccio, built around a former slaughterhouse district, is the heartland of no-nonsense Roman cooking. Stand at the bar for your morning cornetto and cappuccino the way locals do - it is cheaper and more authentic than sitting. Best time to visit Spring (roughly April to early June) and autumn (September to October) are ideal: warm days, softer light and gardens in bloom or turning. July and August are hot and busy, with many family-run spots closing for summer holidays. Winter is cool and can be damp, but sees the thinnest crowds at major sights and a festive atmosphere around Christmas. Whenever you go, pack comfortable shoes - Rome's cobblestones punish flimsy footwear. Getting there and around Rome's main gateway is Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport, well connected to major Indian and international hubs, with the smaller Ciampino handling many budget flights. From Fiumicino, the Leonardo Express train runs directly to Roma Termini, the central station and transport hub. Within the city, walking is often fastest, backed up by a compact Metro (lines A and B intersect at Termini), trams and buses. Buy a rechargeable transit ticket and validate it on boarding. Taxis and ride apps fill the gaps late at night. Local tips Carry a refillable bottle: Rome's cast-iron street fountains, the nasoni, pour cold, clean drinking water for free across the city. Eat where you don't see photos of the food or a host waving you in - those tourist-trap trattorias near the big sights rarely match a neighbourhood osteria a few streets away. And build in nothing days: Rome is best when you let a piazza, a scoop of gelato and a long lunch decide the pace for you. Rome travel guide, Colosseum tips, Vatican City visit, what to eat in Rome, best time to visit Rome, Rome for first-timers, Trastevere food, Roman Forum

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Plan a trip to the Rann of Kutch: the shimmering white salt desert, the Rann Utsav tent city, Kalo Dungar views, handicraft villages and Kutchi food. Few landscapes feel as unreal as the Great Rann of Kutch. After the monsoon retreats, this vast seasonal salt marsh in Gujarat's far west dries into a blinding sheet of white crust that seems to merge with the sky. Come the cool months, it hosts the Rann Utsav, a sprawling desert festival that turns the emptiness into a stage for music, crafts and full-moon nights. Here is how to make sense of it and plan a trip that goes beyond the postcard. What makes the White Rann unmissable The Rann is not sand but salt: a flat, cracked expanse left behind when seawater and monsoon flooding evaporate. Stand near Dhordo, the gateway village, and the horizon disappears entirely. The magic peaks around the full moon, when the crust glows silver-blue and the flats mirror the sky. Sunrise and sunset paint the salt in pink and gold, and the sheer scale of the nothingness is the point: there is no other view in India quite like it. It is a landscape you feel as much as photograph. Beyond the salt: crafts, camels and Kalo Dungar Kutch is one of India's richest pockets of living handicraft, so pair the flats with the region's villages. Base yourself near Bhuj and drive out to artisan hamlets such as Nirona, known for Rogan painting (a rare cloth art practised by a single family for generations) and copper-bell making, and Ajrakhpur, famous for natural-dye Ajrakh block printing. Hodka and Ludiya show off intricate Kutchi embroidery and mud-and-mirror bhunga huts. For a different vantage, climb Kalo Dungar (Black Hill), the highest point in Kutch, for a panoramic view over the white desert meeting the sky. The Chhari Dhand wetland and the surrounding grasslands draw flamingos, cranes and other birds in season. Back in Bhuj, the Aina Mahal palace and the old walled bazaar reward a slow wander. Sunset camel-cart rides across the flats are a classic, if touristy, way to reach the salt. When to plan your visit The Rann is a winter destination. The salt desert is at its most walkable and photogenic in the cooler, drier months roughly from late autumn through early spring, which is also when the Rann Utsav tent city operates. Summers are punishingly hot, and during the monsoon the flats flood and become inaccessible. Aim your trip around a full-moon night if you can, when the moonlit salt is at its most spectacular. Note that visiting the White Rann viewpoint near the international border requires a permit, easily arranged at the checkpost or online, so carry photo ID. Getting to Kutch The regional hub is Bhuj, about 80 km from the White Rann at Dhordo. Bhuj has an airport with flights from major Indian cities and a railway station connected to Ahmedabad and Mumbai. Many travellers fly or take the overnight train to Ahmedabad, then drive or take a bus roughly 6-8 hours west to Bhuj. From Bhuj, the salt desert is a comfortable day trip by taxi or a hired car, and having your own vehicle makes the scattered craft villages far easier to string together. Roads are generally good, but distances between sights are long, so plan for driving time. Where to base yourself During festival season the Dhordo tent city offers Swiss-style tents right at the edge of the flats, from simple to plush, making it the closest and most convenient base for sunrise on the salt. Book well ahead, as it fills fast. For a year-round option or a quieter, more local feel, stay at a heritage homestay or resort near Bhuj or in the Banni grasslands, where several artisan communities run guesthouses in traditional bhunga huts. Bhuj town itself has the widest range of ordinary hotels and works well as a hub for exploring the wider region. Local tips worth knowing Eat Kutchi: try dabeli, the region's tangy-sweet spiced-potato bun topped with peanuts and pomegranate, and hearty Gujarati thalis with bajra rotla, kadhi and jaggery. Much of Kutch is vegetarian, and alcohol is prohibited across Gujarat, so plan accordingly. Buy crafts directly from the makers in the villages rather than city shops; you will pay fairer prices and support the artisans who keep these traditions alive. The desert is cold after dark and dazzlingly bright by day, so pack layers, sunglasses and sunscreen. Finally, treat the salt flats with care: stay on marked paths near the viewpoint, carry water, and take your rubbish back with you. Rann of Kutch, Rann Utsav, white salt desert Gujarat, Great Rann of Kutch, Dhordo tent city, Kutch travel guide, Kalo Dungar, Bhuj Gujarat

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Plan a trip to Mysuru, Karnataka: the illuminated Amba Vilas Palace, Chamundi Hill, silk and sandalwood markets, and the grand Dussehra season. Some Indian cities shout; Mysuru hums. The former seat of the Wadiyar dynasty in southern Karnataka carries its royal past lightly, in avenues lined with rain trees, in the scent of sandalwood drifting from workshops, and in a skyline crowned by the domes of Amba Vilas Palace. Clean, walkable and far calmer than Bengaluru three hours to the north, Mysuru rewards travellers who slow down - and it reaches full theatrical pitch during Dussehra, when the whole city turns into a stage of lights and processions. Why go to Mysuru Mysuru is heritage you can actually move through. This was a princely state that poured its wealth into palaces, gardens, art schools and civic institutions, and much of that survives in daily use rather than behind glass. It is also a city of makers: mysore silk woven with real gold zari, sandalwood carving, and Mysore agarbathi (incense) that scents homes across India. Add a mild plateau climate, a compact centre and a famously relaxed pace, and you have one of South India's most livable short-stay destinations - equally good as a standalone trip or a base for Coorg, Nagarhole and the Nilgiris. Top things to see and do Start at Amba Vilas Palace, usually just called Mysore Palace, an Indo-Saracenic confection of domes, arches and stained glass rebuilt in the early 20th century. Time your visit for a Sunday evening or a public holiday, when tens of thousands of bulbs outline the entire structure and it glows like a jewellery box. Inside, look up at the Kalyana Mantapa's peacock-motif glass ceiling and the ornate Durbar Hall. Climb - or drive - up Chamundi Hill, which rises about 1,000 metres over the city and is topped by the Sri Chamundeshwari Temple, dedicated to the goddess who gives Mysuru its name. Roughly a thousand stone steps lead up past the giant monolithic Nandi bull, a favourite half-way pause. The summit gives sweeping views over the city grid below. Back in town, dive into Devaraja Market, a warren of stalls piled with marigolds, bananas, kumkum powder in rainbow pyramids and fragrant heaps of jasmine. Photographers love the light here in the early morning. Then set aside time for St Philomena's Church, one of India's tallest, with soaring neo-Gothic spires, and the Jaganmohan Palace art gallery for its collection of Raja Ravi Varma paintings. Families should add the leafy Karanji Lake with its aviary and the fountains of Brindavan Gardens below the Krishnaraja Sagar dam, a short drive out of town. Don't leave without eating. Mysuru is the birthplace of the buttery Mysore masala dosa and the melt-in-the-mouth sweet Mysore pak - try the latter at a traditional sweet shop near the market. Filter coffee here is a ritual, not a beverage. Best time to visit The sweet spot is roughly October to February, when days are pleasant and evenings cool. The headline event is Dussehra (Nadahabba), the state festival celebrated over ten days around September-October. It culminates in the Jumboo Savari, a grand procession in which a caparisoned elephant carries the golden idol of goddess Chamundeshwari through the streets, followed by a torchlight parade. If you want the illuminated palace at its most spectacular, this is the season - but book accommodation well ahead, as the city fills up. Monsoon months bring greenery and fewer crowds but occasional heavy showers; peak summer can be hot and glaring. Getting there Mysuru is exceptionally easy to reach. Frequent trains connect it with Bengaluru, including comfortable fast services, and the road via the Bengaluru-Mysuru expressway has cut driving time considerably. The nearest major airport is in Bengaluru, from where you can take a train, bus or taxi; Mysuru's own small airport has limited domestic connections. Within the city, autorickshaws and app cabs are plentiful, and the historic core is genuinely walkable. Where to stay For atmosphere, several former royal properties and heritage hotels sit in leafy grounds near the palace and racecourse - grand staircases, high ceilings and colonial-era charm. Mid-range travellers will find plenty of comfortable hotels around the palace and the Devaraja Market area, keeping the main sights within walking or a short auto ride. Budget lodges cluster near the railway and bus stations. Wherever you stay, aim to be reasonably central so you can catch the palace lights on foot in the evening. Local tips Buy silk and sandalwood from government-run emporiums or established shops if you want assured quality; genuine Mysore silk carries a silk-mark tag, and real sandalwood is expensive for a reason. Carry socks for temple visits, since floors get hot underfoot. Finally, tackle Chamundi Hill early: start the temple climb at dawn to beat both the heat and the queues, then reward yourself with a filter coffee on the way back down. Mysuru travel guide, Mysore Palace, Chamundi Hill, Mysuru Dussehra, Karnataka tourism, Devaraja Market, Mysore silk, things to do in Mysuru

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The UN Population Fund reports a 123% jump in early and forced marriage cases in Gaza in the second quarter of 2026, warning of eroded social structures. Reports of violence against women and girls in the Gaza Strip have climbed steeply, with a marked jump in early and forced marriages, according to a set of recent findings from the UN Population Fund (UNFPA). One study, drawing on data gathered by 10 separate organisations, concluded that the drawn-out emergency in the territory has produced circumstances where women and girls confront mounting dangers of gender-based violence. The same report flagged what it called a "severe escalation" in cases of early and forced marriage during the second quarter of 2026. The UNFPA said reported incidents of such marriages rose 123% compared with the first quarter. Early or child marriage, as recorded in the findings, involved girls between the ages of 12 and 17. Both forced marriage and child marriage fall under the UN's definition of gender-based violence. The agency acknowledged that pinning down exact numbers is difficult, given the conditions on the ground. Even so, Nestor Owomuhangi, the UNFPA representative to Palestine, described the pattern as deeply alarming. He said three years of extreme hardship - during which tens of thousands have died and repeated waves of displacement have swept the population - have dismantled the community's foundations, leaving what he characterised as a total absence of any functioning system. Testimony from the camps A second report compiled accounts from 230 women sheltering in overcrowded displacement sites in Gaza City and Khan Younis. The testimony is stark. One woman staying in a school converted into a shelter described how survivors of rape are frequently wed to the men who attacked them, a move families make to head off disgrace. She said that when assaults come to light inside the schools, marriage ceremonies and celebrations follow there the very next day. Another account recalled the period of famine the previous year, when a father handed over his 14-year-old daughter in marriage in return for two sacks of flour, allowing him to feed himself and his remaining children. Six women across different camps recounted similar transactions - arrangements the report noted would have been inconceivable before hostilities between Israel and Hamas erupted in 2023. Collapsed services and closed schools The conditions behind these accounts remain severe. Food markets have started operating again, yet many families cannot pay for what is on sale, and deep poverty and hunger persist alongside dependence on aid handouts. Almost the entire population of more than two million people has been forced from home, with most now sheltering in makeshift tent settlements or damaged structures. Around 1.2 million Palestinians are living in tents or improvised shelters. Public services have largely broken down, and Israeli air strikes have carried on despite the ceasefire. Education has been badly disrupted. Before the war, girls in Gaza both outnumbered and outscored boys at every stage of schooling beyond primary level. Extended closures have since pushed many children out of the classroom altogether. Boys face pressure to take on informal work to help support their households, while for girls the central concern has become personal safety. Living packed together among strangers, without privacy, in a socially conservative setting, women and girls report rising sexual harassment and abuse. Many families now regard marrying off their daughters as a means of shielding them and safeguarding their reputation. The UNFPA findings were based on research conducted in late 2025 and early 2026. Gaza violence against women, UNFPA report, forced marriage Gaza, gender-based violence, child marriage Gaza, Gaza displacement camps, Nestor Owomuhangi, Palestine humanitarian crisis

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