Three-time Olympic gold medallist Charlotte Dujardin has been handed a one-year international ban and fined 10,000 Swiss Francs (£8,886) by the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) after a video surfaced showing her “excessively” whipping a horse during a training session.

The incident, captured in July, just days before the Paris 2024 Olympics, showed the 39-year-old striking the horse with a long whip around its legs. The FEI deemed her actions a violation of horse welfare principles, prompting a provisional suspension on July 23, which now forms part of her official ban. She will be eligible to compete again from July 2025.

Both British Equestrian and British Dressage have supported the FEI’s decision, extending the suspension to prevent Dujardin from participating in national competitions or training events during the same period.

In a public statement, Dujardin expressed her remorse, acknowledging the impact of her actions:

“I fully respect the verdict issued by the Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI)… My actions in the video do not reflect who I am, and I can only apologise again. I understand the responsibility that comes with my position in the sport, and I will forever aim to do better.”

Dujardin described the episode as one of the most challenging periods of her life, thanking supporters who stood by her.

The FEI clarified that the footage did not reveal additional rule violations, nor have there been further complaints about her conduct since the incident.

The ban affects Dujardin’s eligibility for UK Sport public funding, with her access to financial benefits suspended during the ban. Future funding will be reassessed following the sanction.

Fiorentina midfielder Edoardo Bove has made promising strides in his recovery after collapsing during a Serie A match against Inter Milan on Sunday. The 22-year-old has been moved from intensive care to a coronary care unit, indicating significant progress, according to Fiorentina general manager Alessandro Ferrari.

“Edoardo is doing well, he is recovering, and we are happy,” Ferrari told Italian broadcaster Mediaset ahead of Fiorentina’s Coppa Italia match against Empoli. “We must remain patient and respectful of his recovery.”

Ahead of the match at Stadio Artemio Franchi, Fiorentina players, staff, and fans showed their heartfelt support for Bove. The home crowd unveiled a vibrant tifo featuring Bove’s number four, while the team displayed banners with messages of encouragement.

Empoli’s Emmanuel Ekong and Fiorentina’s Moise Kean both paid tribute to Bove after scoring, raising four fingers in solidarity. The tightly contested match ended in a 2-2 draw, with Empoli advancing to the quarter-finals after a 4-3 penalty shootout victory.

Jadon Sancho celebrated his first goal for Chelsea as the Blues cruised to a commanding 5-1 victory over Southampton at St. Mary’s Stadium. Capitalizing on repeated defensive errors from the Saints, Chelsea climbed to second in the Premier League table, surpassing Arsenal.

The match began with Axel Disasi heading Chelsea into an early lead after Southampton goalkeeper Joe Lumley failed to clear Enzo Fernandez’s near-post corner. The hosts briefly fought back, equalizing through Joe Aribo, who converted a precise cross from Kyle Walker-Peters.

However, another costly mistake by Lumley handed Christopher Nkunku an easy finish into an empty net, restoring Chelsea’s advantage. The Blues extended their lead when Noni Madueke dazzled with his dribbling before slotting the ball into the far corner.

Southampton’s woes deepened as captain Jack Stephens received a red card for pulling Marc Cucurella’s hair, reducing the hosts to 10 men. Chelsea capitalized fully, with Cole Palmer adding a fourth goal after Nkunku’s shot was deflected.

Sancho came off the bench to wrap up the scoring, coolly finishing a one-on-one chance after receiving a perfectly timed through ball from Malo Gusto.

Chelsea dominated throughout, with Palmer, Madueke, Nkunku, and Tosin Adarabioyo all coming close to adding more goals. Despite hitting the woodwork multiple times, their relentless attack overwhelmed Southampton, leaving the Saints rooted at the bottom of the table and deep in relegation trouble.