Chelsea agree sponsorship deal with AI company IFS — and more

Chelsea agree a deal with IFS, an AI technology company, to be their shirt sponsor until the end of the season.

AFC Bournemouth future of Marcos Senesi remains open under Andoni Iraola

AFC Bournemouth face an important decision as Marcos Senesi moves closer to the final months of his current deal, with uncertainty surrounding the defender’s long term future on the south coast. The Argentine centre back is approaching the end of his contract, which expires after the 2025/26 campaign, placing both club and player at a crossroads ahead of a crucial period.

Since January, Senesi has been able to discuss pre contract agreements with clubs outside England, a development that naturally increases speculation around his next step. For AFC Bournemouth, retaining an experienced defender remains a priority as Andoni Iraola continues shaping a squad capable of competing consistently in the Premier League. Senesi has been a regular presence when fit, valued for his composure on the ball and defensive awareness within Iraola’s system.

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Andoni Iraola provides update

Speaking about the situation, Andoni Iraola made clear that discussions are ongoing and that no outcome has been finalised. The AFC Bournemouth head coach addressed the uncertainty directly, stating, “Yes, I think the situation is still open,” Iraola said on Senesi’s future.

His comments reflect a calm, measured approach to contract negotiations, acknowledging that decisions of this nature often evolve over time. Iraola added further context, saying, “I think it’s not easy. We have references from all the seasons, and sometimes they decide to re-sign, sometimes not. But I don’t think Marcos has taken any decision.”

Those remarks underline a sense of patience from all parties involved. While there is no immediate resolution, AFC Bournemouth appear relaxed about allowing conversations to progress naturally rather than forcing a quick conclusion.

What comes next for Marcos Senesi

From a football perspective, Marcos Senesi remains focused on contributing on the pitch while his future is assessed behind the scenes. Under Andoni Iraola, AFC Bournemouth have aimed to maintain defensive organisation alongside an energetic pressing style, and Senesi’s experience continues to play a role in that structure.

For supporters, the coming months may prove decisive. Players entering the final stages of their contracts often weigh personal ambitions, squad direction and long term stability before committing to a new deal. AFC Bournemouth will hope continuity prevails, particularly as Iraola looks to build a consistent core within his squad.

Whether Marcos Senesi chooses to extend his stay or explore opportunities abroad, Iraola’s comments suggest the door remains open and discussions remain respectful. As the season progresses, clarity is expected, yet for now the situation stays finely balanced, reflecting the realities of modern football negotiations.

The change has finally arrived.

Goals from Branimir Hrgota and Dennis Srbeny proved decisive for Heiko Vogel’s side, who climbed off the foot of the table and sent a clear message that they remain firmly in the fight to stay up.

The hosts made the perfect start in what was a must-win encounter. Just four minutes in, a long throw from Jannik Dehm caused havoc in the penalty area, evading everyone before finding the head of Hrgota, who calmly nodded home to give Fürth an early lead. Buoyed by the opener, Vogel’s men threatened again moments later when Sayfallah Ltaief found space, but his effort was fired straight at Jonas Kersken.

However, just before the 20-minute mark, Arminia delivered a sucker punch - something that has haunted Fürth all season. Tim Handwerker’s corner was met by Robin Knoche, who rose highest to head home with the visitors’ first real opportunity of the evening. The equaliser knocked the early tempo out of the contest, with both sides retreating into their shells. Clear-cut chances were scarce for the remainder of the half as the teams went into the break level at 1-1.

Fürth began the second half with the same urgency they showed in the first. Within minutes of the restart, they regained the lead. Substitute Noel Futkeu burst in behind the Arminia backline and drilled a low ball across goal, laying it on a plate for Dennis Srbeny, who made no mistake with a first-time finish.

Mitch Kniat responded with a series of changes in the final half hour, but Arminia struggled to find rhythm or penetration. A week on from their impressive display in Magdeburg, they looked a shadow of that side here, unable to truly test the league’s leakiest defence. Fürth, roared on by the home crowd, defended with determination and discipline.

The visitors’ best opportunity came in stoppage time when Roberts Uldrikis controlled a delivery from Maximilian Bauer and spun for a shot on the turn, but Silas Prüfrock reacted sharply to tip the effort over the bar and preserve the lead.

The final whistle sparked relief around the Sportpark Ronhof. Vogel’s men halted a run of two consecutive defeats and climb into 17th place for the time being, tightening an already congested relegation battle and increasing the pressure on those above them.

For Bielefeld, it was a frustrating evening. Their four-match unbeaten run comes to an end, and with games still to be played by their rivals, they risk being pulled back into a survival fight they will have hoped to avoid.