The public has watched with growing astonishment at the 16 year old darts prodigy who has beaten players forty years his senior to progress in one of the biggest tournaments in the world. We discuss the impact Luke Littler has had on the sport already and how his success could change darts in the years to come. Jane Dougall is joined by semi-professional darts player Deta Hedman, who has known Luke since he was just ten years old, and darts journalist Chris Hammer from Sporting Life, who believes the teenager’s achievements aren’t a flash in the pan and that he will go on to emulate the success of other sports people like snooker's Ronnie O’Sullivan.We also hear from PDC Chief Executive Matt Porter who talks about the challenges of the world championships for someone as young as Luke and how he’s been coping with the pressure of playing in front of the Alexandra Palace crowd. Presenter: Jane Dougall Panel: Deta Hedman, Matt Porter, Chris Hammer Producer: Jonathan McKeith

Whether it’s the Saudi Pro League's £750m spending spree, the unopposed bid for the 2034 men’s World Cup or the growing influence in golf, tennis, boxing and F1, the scale of Saudi Arabia’s sporting ambitions seem boundless. But the more money that’s spent, the greater the concerns over human rights, the environment and the very integrity of sport. BBC sports editor Dan Roan has been to Saudi Arabia to interview Saudi sports minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal and several other key figures in Saudi sport.We also hear from Amnesty International and tennis great Martina Navratilova.Panel: Sarah Mulkerrins, Dan Roan, Ian Herbert, Mohamed QoutbProducer: Sam Sheringham

As the Israel-Gaza war intensifies, we examine the stance taken by football and some of its key protagonists. Following the row over the decision not to light the Wembley arch in Israeli colours - and fans being urged not to bring Palestinian flags into stadiums - what considerations are clubs, players and governing bodies having to make when responding to an international crisis? And what geopolitical forces are influencing those decisions? Does football and its star players have a moral obligation to use their power and influence in global affairs – or should it stay out of politics all together? Panel: Sarah Mulkerrins, Prof Simon Chadwick, Jacob Steinberg & Bassil Mikdadi

England captain Leah Williamson and star Beth Mead were among more than 25 players to miss the Women's World Cup due to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) damage, drawing attention to an injury that's threatening to derail the progress of the women's game. Women's health expert Dr Emma Ross from The Well HQ explains some of the reasons why women are six times more likely to have a non-contact ACL injury than men, while orthopaedic surgeon Nev Davies details how the Power Up To Play grassroots warm-up routine could reduce the risk of ACL injury. We hear from Birmingham City's Siobhan Wilson, who is currently recovering from an ACL injury – and football’s global players’ union Fifpro on what needs to change to support women in football. Panel: Katie Smith, Elizabeth Conway, Emma Ross, Nev Davies Producer: Sam Sheringham

Katie Smith is joined by Spanish football expert Guillem Balague and reporter Antia Andre from RNE radio to react to the news that most of the Spain women's team have agreed to end their boycott. The deal was reached at 05:00 local time on Wednesday after more than seven hours of meetings. They discuss how the decision was reached following government intervention and whether it will bring lasting change for women in Spanish football and society. The players began the boycott after then RFEF president Luis Rubiales kissed forward Jenni Hermoso following Spain's triumph over England in the Women's World Cup final last month. The kiss, which Hermoso said was not consensual, led to Rubiales' resignation, while Spain manager Jorge Vilda was sacked. Presenter: Katie Smith Producer: Sam Sheringham Photo: Ivana Andrés of Spain lifts the Women's World Cup trophy and players celebrate the winning of the tournament during the ceremony after the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Final game between England and Spain at Stadium Australia on August 20, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Daniela Porcelli/ISI Photos/Getty Images)

On the eve of the Women's World Cup, we discuss Karen Carney's landmark review into domestic women's football. Carney joins the podcast panel to outline her plan to drive investment and growth by creating two fully professional leagues, better grassroots facilities, a regular TV slot - and much more. Carney warns that unless her proposals are acted upon "the moment of the Lionessess in 2022 could be lost and the team deserves more than that." Panel: Katie Smith, Emma Sanders, Karen Carney, Siobhan Chamberlain Producer: Sam Sheringham Image: Georgia Stanway of England celebrates after scoring their team's second goal with teammates Chloe Kelly, Rachel Daly and Fran Kirby during the Women's International Friendly match between England and USA at Wembley Stadium on October 07, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Harriet Lander - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)

As Wimbledon becomes the latest major sporting event to be disrupted by protestors we discuss what impact protest has on sport and explore the cause of the activists. Sarah Mulkerrins is joined by BBC sports editor Dan Roan, Managing Director of Silverstone Stuart Pringle and historian Dr Fern Riddell - expert on the Suffragette movement - to discuss the impact of recent protests on sporting events. We also hear clips from Nesta McGregor’s interview with Lord Coe and Gary Lineker. Panel: Sarah Mulkerrins, Dan Roan, historian Dr Fern Riddell. Producer: Jonathan McKeith

A long-awaited independent report has painted a sorry picture of deep-rooted discrimination in English cricket and challenged its governing body to adopt recommendations to transform the culture and structure of the game. We hear shocking evidence from the chair of The Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket (ICEC) Cindy Butts, an apology from Richard Thompson, chairman of the England & Wales Cricket Board and the thoughts of England Test captain Ben Stokes. Panel: Sarah Mulkerrins, Dan Roan, Former umpire John Holder, Isabelle Westbury Producer: Sam Sheringham

A special edition reacting to the shock merger between the PGA Tour, DP World Tour and Saudi Arabian-backed circuit LIV golf. The surprise announcement comes after a year of unprecedented disruption in the men's game following the launch of LIV. It means pending litigation between the tours will be halted and they will move forward as part of the same enterprise. Panel: Sarah Mulkerrins, Iain Carter & Zane Scotland Producer: Sam Sheringham

Erling Haaland sits down with BBC sports editor Dan Roan before he and his Manchester City teammates play the final two matches in their hunt for the treble. The Norway striker has scored 52 goals in an unforgettable first season in English football, breaking the record for the number of goals scored in a Premier League season in the process. He discusses the realities of being one of the most famous footballers in the world and admits that Manchester City signed him to win the Champions League. Producer: Jordan Elgott

Will global outrage at the racial abuse of Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr prompt change? We analyse the week’s events, ask whether football’s anti-racism protocols are strong enough and assess whether this episode can be a line in the sand moment for kicking racism out of football. Hear from La Liga chief Javier Tebas, former Real Madrid president Ramón Calderón, FIFPRO's Jonas Baer-Hoffmann and England manager Gareth Southgate. Panel: Sarah Mulkerrins, Nesta McGregor, Piara Powar, Juan Castro Producer: Sam Sheringham

The biggest leagues in Europe may have taken a break this week – but it’s been a busy time for the powerbrokers shaping the future of the world’s most popular sport. Are the Premier League really willing to give more money to the football pyramid? And will they apply more scrutiny to foreign owners? Plus, find out why the expansion of the European Club Association could strengthen the influence of Paris Saint-Germain and the state of Qatar. Panel: Jane Dougall, Dan Roan, Miguel Delaney, Kevin Miles, Simon Stone Producer: Sam Sheringham

Manchester to Leicester. Nottingham to Blackpool. Liverpool to Newcastle. Just a small sample of the routes Premier League clubs have travelled by plane rather than road or rail despite the increased damage to the environment. In this week’s podcast, a BBC Sport investigation reveals that Premier League clubs have taken more than 80 private charter flights between matches in the past two months – with some spending less than 30 minutes in the air. We also reveal the frequent use of positioning flights – which are often empty - to get the planes to the players. So are these flights an unjustifiable extravagance in the face of our global climate emergency – or a necessary evil at the elite end of sport where marginal gains and player welfare come first? We hear the views of former Chelsea winger Pat Nevin, Forest Green chairman Dale Vince, football physio Matt Konopinski and Dr Sally Cairns, an aviation specialist from the Centre for Research into Energy Demand Solutions. Panel: Nesta McGregor, Dan Roan, David Lockwood, Pat Nevin, Sally Cairns Producer: Sam Sheringham

It’s one of the highlights of the racing calendar but the build-up to this year’s Cheltenham festival has been dominated by controversy over one piece of a rider’s kit: the whip. So, are new restrictions over its use a necessary step to protect horse welfare and improve the sport’s image? Or, are they an over-the-top reaction to a non-existent problem that’s forcing riders to reinvent their techniques at the peak of the jump racing season? Ex Gold Cup-winning jockey Andrew Thornton argues that whip use is "not a welfare issue", while Roly Owers, the CEO of World Horse Welfare, insists that the whip should only be used for safety and training, not to encourage a horse. Panel: Nesta McGregor, John Hunt, Andrew Thornton & Roly Owers. Producer: Sam Sheringham

Note: This episode contains issues surrounding mental health. If you, or someone you know, have been affected by any issues raised in this podcast, support and information is available at BBC Action Line. Even the most active of us know how tough it can be to even slide a toe out of bed on a cold morning, never mind put our kit on to go for a run or get to the gym. Perhaps it can be a little intimidating too? If you’re running alone you want to feel safe and comfortable. If you’re working out in the gym, you might not want to be in a weights section dominated by men. Perhaps you’re menopausal or coming back from pregnancy and don’t want to be surrounded by lots of other people while you sweat away. Of course this isn’t the case for everyone, but it’s just some of the reasons why women might falter when trying to create healthy habits in an active lifestyle. Plus with so many online platforms and influencers to turn to in the world of health and fitness, how do you know what’s right for you? In this episode of Women’s Sport Matters, Katie Smith goes to Muscle Works, a body-building gym in Orpington to look at why and how we exercise. Katie’s joined by Kat Merchant, England World Cup winning rugby union star, now turned online trainer, who tells us how she helps clients find confidence in whatever activity they enjoy, and how she’s overcome online trolls commenting on her body. Sabrina Pace-Humphreys helped to set up the charity Black Trail Runners following the pandemic, creating a safe community for black people to learn about and enjoy the beauty of trail running in this country. She reveals her battles against rural racism, alcoholism and depression and tells us how running saved her life. Meanwhile Doctor Candice Lingam-Willgoss, senior lecturer in sport and fitness at the Open University, gives insight into how and why we may find creating routine and exercise habits difficult. Plus BBC Sport’s Becky Grey details the safety issues that many elite and recreational runners feel when out running alone. We also hear from online fitness influencer Alexia Clark who has over two million followers on social media. We discuss the benefits and pitfalls of influencers online. Panel: Kat Merchant, Sabrina Pace-Humphreys, Candice Lingam-Willgoss, Becky Grey, Alexia Clark Producer: Jonathan McKeith

There won’t be many of us out there who play sports or who keep active and have avoided injury. Perhaps a little niggle, something that’s forced you to go and see a physio or rest up; or perhaps it was something more serious, a break or a fracture, where you’ve been out on the sidelines for months. Women in particular are more likely than men to suffer a sports related injury. But break your leg, dislocate your shoulder or pull a muscle and you’ll be given a timeframe of recovery. What about the mind though as you go through that? That will have been affected too. How long will you have to wait until you’re back healthy and will it be the same when you return? How might your body change in that time and could your confidence be impacted too? On this episode of Women’s Sport Matters, Katie Smith asks the question - how connected are mind and muscle when it comes to injury? And which heals quicker? Katie is joined by four time Paralympic champion Kadeena Cox who re-lives her unique journey from able-bodied athlete to para-athlete and the physical and mental challenges she’s faced since being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2014. Meanwhile England and Manchester City defender Esme Morgan reveals how her own unrealistic expectations of how quickly she could recover from breaking her leg made her feel like ‘a failure’. Esme studies sports science alongside her football and explains how it’s made her more aware of how her body and mind connect - and also made her a bit of a nightmare for the physios at City (her words not ours)! Plus Doctor Caroline Heaney, Senior lecturer in Sport and Fitness at the Open University and sport psychologist, explains why women are four and a half times more likely to suffer a non-contact anterior cruciate ligament injury than their male counterparts. Dr Heaney also explains why it’s crucial for physiotherapists to be able to deal with both the physical and psychological when it comes to injuries. Panel: Kadeena Cox, Esme Morgan, Dr Caroline Heaney Producer: Jonathan McKeith

There is no end to the talent line of brilliant black players in English football – but why are so few of them going on to become managers or executives in the game? As new research from the Black Footballers Partnership claims the career ladder for black players is "missing rungs", we hear from the Premier League’s only black manager Patrick Vieira, QPR director of football Les Ferdinand and former England striker Jermain Defoe on his quest to become a head coach. We also talk to Tony Burnett, chief executive of anti-discrimination group Kick It Out, who is calling for government legislation to force clubs to meet diversity targets. Presenters: Delyth Lloyd & Alex Howell Producer: Sam Sheringham

How does tailored sportswear empower women and improve athletic performance? In this episode we explore how women’s sportswear is changing - and where we’re seeing that. Women’s dress codes in sport have often been determined by ‘traditions’ that are both outdated and gendered. However, in the past year we’ve seen Wimbledon relax their all-white dress code for women to help ease anxiety around their menstrual cycles. Meanwhile Manchester City women are one of a number of football clubs to have also ditched their traditional white shorts. Plus in a year that contains the netball and football World Cups, why is it still easier to find unisex boots than those designed specifically for women? And should sports bras and fittings be a mandatory part of the kit given to sportswomen to compete in? Katie Smith is joined by England netballer Ellie Cardwell who used her own experience of poor-fitting sports bras and body image issues to start making social media reviews of the different types of bras on offer. Doctor Jessica Pinchbeck, Senior Lecturer in Sport and Fitness at the Open University, explains why it’s essential to wear appropriate kit and the dangers that may come with not doing that or treating female athletes like small men. Meanwhile co-founder of IDA Sport, Laura Youngson, tells the story of how playing football on Mount Kilimanjaro led her to begin creating football boots designed for women and how research is helping to reduce injuries and give women a range of options that have previously only been available to men. We also hear from Tonje Lerstad, part of the Norwegian Beach Handball team who were fined for wearing bike shorts instead of bikini bottoms during a European Championship match in Bulgaria in 2021. Panel: Ellie Cardwell, Dr Jessica Pinchbeck, Laura Youngson, Tonje Lerstad. Producer: Jonathan McKeith

‘If men had periods menstruation would become an inevitable boast-worthy, masculine event: men would brag about how long and how much’ - Gloria Steinem, 1978 The majority of women experience a period every month and that’s no exception for female athletes. So why do we still know so little about periods? In the first episode of a new series, Women’s Sport Matters, Katie Smith explores how the menstrual cycle affects performance and some of the myths around periods in sport. What do we know? What do we think we know? And is there a link between periods and a rise in anterior cruciate ligament knee injuries in female footballers? Bristol Bears’ back-rower Daisie Mayes tells us how she’s been forced off the field in tears from the pain of her period and how she’s coping with endometriosis and playing elite level rugby. We hear from former British distance runner, Pippa Woolven, on the work she’s doing to make more people aware of the dangers of Relative Energy Deficiency In Sport (RED-S) - a condition brought on by overtraining and under-fuelling and can stop women from having periods. Open University Senior Lecturer in Sport and Fitness, Simon Rea, and Dr Emma Ross from the Well HQ tell us about the latest research into whether periods can boost athletic ability. Meanwhile Women’s sports reporter at the Telegraph, Fi Tomas, tells us about her experiences sharing the stories of athletes and normalising the menstrual cycle in mainstream media. PANEL: Daisie Mayes, Pippa Woolven, Simon Rea, Dr Emma Ross, Fi Tomas.

One year on from the start of the Ukraine war, we explore the moral and financial dilemma facing Wimbledon and the Lawn Tennis Association as they come under increasing pressure to fall into line with the rest of tennis and lift their ban on players from Russia and Belarus. We hear from Ukrainian tennis player turned soldier Sergiy Stakhovsky and the presenter of the BBC’s Ukrainecast podcast Vitaly Shevchenko as we discuss the importance of sporting sanctions and the debate over athletes from Russia and Belarus at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Panel: Nesta McGregor, Russell Fuller, Alex Capstick Producer: Sam Sheringham

As the world’s richest football league charges its champions with serial rule-breaking, we assess how the case could alter the landscape of English football. What could it mean for the regulation of the game and the growing number of clubs owned by nation states? We hear from the general secretary of the Man City Supporters Club and ask a leading sports lawyer what to expect from a legal fight that could shape the future of the domestic game. City said they were "surprised" by the charges and are supported by a "body of irrefutable evidence". This podcast was updated on 10th February to correct a factual error made by a contributor. Panel: Jane Dougall, Dan Roan, David Conn, Kieran Maguire Producer: Sam Sheringham

A radical new ruling banning tackling above the waist in amateur rugby has sent shockwaves through the sport. But is it a necessary change to address the epidemic of serious head injuries, or a radical departure that alters the essence of rugby and could prompt a mass exodus from the game? We take you to a grassroots rugby club still reeling from the ruling - and hear from influential scientist Ross Tucker whose research has prompted the change. And we get the view of England men's most-capped player Ben Youngs on a directive that’s divided rugby. Panel: Delyth Lloyd, Dan Roan, Chris Jones Producer: Sam Sheringham

In his first interview since the 2022 World Cup, Gareth Southgate reveals how close he came to quitting as England manager. Speaking to BBC sports editor Dan Roan, Southgate says he wrestled with his future in the build-up to Qatar because of “concern” that criticism was “divisive and inhibits performance”. He says he has no regrets about his tactics in the quarter-final defeat to France and explains why he’s decided to stay on for another crack at silverware in Euro 2024. The BBC’s chief football writer Phil McNulty joins Delyth Lloyd, Nesta McGregor and Dan Roan to discuss the interview and debate Southgate’s past, present and future. Producer: Sam Sheringham

It’s one of the only major global sports that doesn’t have separate categories for men and women. And yet all the drivers on the F1 starting grid are men. We’ll be asking whether the causes of motor racing’s gender divide are social, physical or financial. And we’ll hear from two leading female drivers – Jamie Chadwick and Michelle Gatting - about the barriers they face on the road to the top. Panel: Delyth Lloyd, Matt Warwick & Kate Beavan Producer: Sam Sheringham

Former England winger Claire Rafferty talks to The Sports Desk podcast about her struggles with bulimia and a culture of "fat clubs" and body shaming in English football. With new research suggesting more than a third of top English players show symptoms of disordered eating, we’ll be asking what more needs to be done to protect and educate players. We're joined by psychology lecturer Dr Carolyn Plateau, leading sports dietitian Renee McGregor, Carly Perry from the School of Sport and Health Sciences at the University of Central Lancashire and Dr Alex Culvin from global players’ union Fifpro. WARNING: Some listeners may find the material in the podcast upsetting. Support is available at bbc.co.uk/actionline Panel: Sarah Mulkerrins, Jo Currie, Carolyn Plateau, Renee McGregor Producer: Sam Sheringham

With Cristiano Ronaldo signing for Al-Nassr the Sports Desk podcast asks what it could mean for Saudi Arabia’s hopes of hosting the World Cup? The 37-year-old has signed a a two and a half year contract to effectively end his playing career in the Saudi Pro League, where he’ll reportedly receive the biggest football salary in history at more than £177m per year. His new employers believe his arrival will "inspire” their “league, nation and future generations”, but could he also bring them a World Cup? Panel: Sarah Mulkerrins, Dan Roan & Matt Slater Guests: Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, Felix Jakens, John Zerafa Producer: Craig Lowe

The World Cup in Qatar has been one of the most controversial and politicised tournaments in history. As the tournament draws to a close, the Sports Desk team ask whether it has managed to leave the world of football more united - or divided. We hear from broadcaster Gary Lineker, Piara Powar, director of anti-discrimination group Fare, Nasser Al-Khater – chief executive of the Qatar World Cup, as well as some of the migrant workers who helped make the tournament possible. Panel: Nesta McGregor, Dan Roan, Ian Herbert and Mohamed El Gharbawy. Producers: Jake Katborg & Sam Sheringham

With the start of the men’s Fifa World Cup just days away, the Sports Desk are in Doha to ask whether with all the off-field issues surrounding the tournament, can we really just focus on the football? They hear from Lise Klaveness, President of the Football Association of Norway and an outspoken critic of the decision to host the tournament in Qatar. Also from former Fifa president Sepp Blatter on why he thinks it was a mistake to take the tournament to the country, and from England and Wales fans on their concerns around going to the World Cup. Panel: Dan Roan, Nesta McGregor, Alex Capstick and Ahmed Hashim. Producer: Jake Katborg

With reports that Liverpool is up for sale, we’re asking what could the future hold for one of the world’s biggest football clubs. The owners of the nineteen time League Champions and six times European Winners have confirmed they would "consider new shareholders" after the Athletic broke the news that Fenway Sports Group (FSG) have put the club up for sale. In a statement, FSG say they remain “fully committed to the success of Liverpool, both on and off the pitch" but they stopped short of saying the club is not up for sale. Panel: Sarah Mulkerrins, Nesta McGregor, Simon Hughes. Guests: Simon Chadwick and Neil Atkinson. Producer: Craig Lowe

With rising inflation and an increased cost of living, how does sport survive in the current climate. If people are cutting back on recreational sport, will that have an adverse effect on the nation’s long-term health? And how do professional clubs without billionaire owners keep going? Swim England CEO Jane Nickerson, boxing club founder Mark Reynolds and Cornish Pirates finance director Rebecca Thomas join the regular Sports Desk panel to ask what sport needs to do to survive the cost of living crisis. Panel: Sarah Mulkerrins Nesta McGregor Laura Scott Producer: Jake Katborg

With the average tenure of a Premier League manager decreasing, what can be done to stop the constant change. Can someone perform to the best of their ability with the threat of losing their job hanging over them? Should managers be given a minimum period to prove themselves, or should there be a transfer-window of sorts for managers – both to stop clubs from dismissing managers after a handful of games….or to disrupt those at other clubs. Panel: Sarah Mulkerrins, Nesta McGregor, Phil McNulty Producer: Jake Katborg

It’s been a devastating month for top-flight rugby in England. First Worcester and now Wasps – the inaugural champions of the professional era – succumbing to financial meltdown. Their downfall has not only left players, coaches and staff looking for work, but also fans and communities bereft. We hear from Wasps and England lock Elliott Stooke - as well as the man who oversaw the club’s two European Cup triumphs. Plus, as envious glances are cast towards the thriving rugby set-up across the channel, we speak to the president of French top 14 side Brive. Panel: Sarah Mulkerrins, Nesta McGregor, Sara Orchard Producer: Sam Sheringham

Can the Rugby League World Cup provide a much-needed catalyst to help the sport grow beyond its heartlands? The Sports Desk panel are joined by St Helens owner Eamonn McManus to discuss the future of the sport. We hear from the man in charge of the tournament as well as players from the England men’s, women’s and wheelchair teams. We find out about the Jamaican team with its roots in Yorkshire. Plus, can a radical shake-up of the domestic game proposed by global media giant IMG help secure the sport’s future? Panel: Jane Dougall, Dan Roan, Nesta McGregor, Eamonn McManus Producer: Sam Sheringham

With half the clubs in the Premier League now owned or part-owned by Americans – and more likely to follow - we ask what the growing US influence could mean for our national sport. The American vice-chairman of Leeds United Paraag Marathe tells us about his love for the "jeopardy" of English football. Former Liverpool defender John Scales, now an ambassador for pressure group Fair Game, says more needs to be done to protect the traditions and heritage of the game. And leading football economist Stefan Szymanski predicts how the tensions between Americanisation and football traditionalists could play out in the future. Panel: Sarah Mulkerrins, Dan Roan, Matt Slater Producer: Sam Sheringham

A domestic shake-up aimed at taking England’s men to No.1 in all three formats of cricket has sparked a furious response from the county game. In an exclusive broadcast interview, the new man in charge of English cricket Richard Thompson tells us why fewer domestic matches can help safeguard the future of the game and counter the threat of overseas T20 leagues. We hear from one of the leading critics of the proposals – Leicestershire CEO Sean Jarvis - and from England white-ball captain Jos Buttler as he prepares to lead his team in the Twenty20 World Cup. Panel: Sarah Mulkerrins, Dan Roan, Elizabeth Ammon Producer: Sam Sheringham

Beyond the perfect groundstrokes, snappy outfits and winning smile, what do we know about one of the sporting icons of the 21st century? We speak to two men who’ve followed Federer’s career from close quarters – his former Swiss Davis Cup team-mate Marc Rosset and his biographer Rene Stauffer. You’ll also hear tributes to Federer from rivals Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray as one of the greatest eras in tennis history draws to a close. Panel: Sarah Mulkerrins, Nesta McGregor, Russell Fuller & Rene Stauffer Producer: Sam Sheringham

Crushing tackles and full-on collisions are part of the spectacle of modern day rugby – but at what cost to players’ health? With a new season underway, we’ll be taking a closer look at the concussion cloud hanging over the sport. We hear from former Wales flanker Alix Popham, who was diagnosed with early-onset dementia at the age of 40 and is among of group of former players suing the game’s authorities for negligence. Dr Eanna Falvey, chief medical officer of World Rugby, outlines the sport’s latest measures to protect its players. But with growing concern across the rugby community, does the sport need to adapt to safeguard its future? Presenters: Sarah Mulkerrins, Dan Roan, Chris Jones Producer: Sam Sheringham

As Serena Williams bids farewell at the US Open, we examine the legacy of the African-American girl from Compton, California, who changed the sport of tennis forever. From racial equality and equal pay to fashion and motherhood, we look at Serena’s influence on and off the court and hear how she inspired a diverse new generation of players. We hear about the fun-loving, playful Serena from her former fitness coach and close friend Mackie Shilstone and discuss what the future holds for one of the most important sportspeople of all time. Panel: Delyth Lloyd, Russell Fuller, Courtney Nguyen Producer: Sam Sheringham

With the second season of The Hundred underway now and after Moeen Ali questioned the future of the 50 over game we’re asking is there too much cricket and does something have to give? Presenters: Delyth Lloyd and Henry Moeran Guests: George Dobell from the cricketer magazine, England players Stuart Broad and Alice Davidson-Richards and Daryl Mitchell, chief operating officer of the Professional Cricketers Association.

Following England’s Euro 2022 win we’re asking how that victory can provide real change for the women's game? Sarah Mulkerrins is joined by BBC commentator Vicki Sparks, former England captain Faye White and Fern Whelan, who is the PFA’s first executive for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in women's football. We also hear from FA Chair Debbie Hewitt, Premier League chief executive Richard Masters, Eve Ralph from her game too and Manchester City women managing director Gavin Makel. The panel and guests chat about opportunities for girls to play at school, changing attitudes to the game, increasing representation and how to grow the WSL.

Activists, athletes and organisers debate the impact of the Commonwealth Games. In a Birmingham café, influential voices from the city join The Sports Desk panel to discuss the Commonwealth Games. Aftab Rahman from Legacy West Midlands says the Games have not done enough to embrace Birmingham’s diverse communities. Geoff Thompson, deputy chair of the Birmingham 2022 organising committee, argues that the Games will showcase the best of Birmingham and benefit the city. And former Dominica high jumper Brendan Williams argues that the Commonwealth movement can be a unifying force between nations despite its colonial roots. We also hear from team England boxer Delicious Orie and gymnast Joe Fraser, who will be competing in their home city and activists Mukhtar Dhar and Bishop Desmond Jaddoo. Presenters: Jane Dougall, Dan Roan and Nesta McGregor Producer: Sam Sheringham

From Danny Boyle’s opening ceremony, through Super Saturday and a record-breaking Paralympics, 2012 was a golden summer of national pride and sporting success. But to what end? A decade on from London 2012 – with nearly a third of UK adults and children classed as inactive – we explore whether the Olympics and Paralympics really delivered a sporting legacy for our country. We hear from sprinter Desiree Henry, rowing legend Dame Katherine Grainger, London 2012 chief Sebastian Coe, Sport England chair Chris Boardman and Paralympic icon Tanni Grey-Thompson as we assess why it takes more than magic moments and star athletes to get people into sport and exercise. Panel: Delyth Lloyd, Dan Roan, Dame Katherine Grainger and Matt Rogan. Producer: Sam Sheringham

Despite dominating athletics for generations, the USA hasn’t taken track and field to its heart. So can this week’s world championships on home soil drive a surge in interest ahead of the LA 2028 Olympics or will they struggle to make waves beyond the traditional stronghold in Oregon? We hear from world athletics chief Seb Coe, track superstar Michael Johnson, three athletes who came through the US college system and the man in charge of Oregon 2022. Panel: Sarah Mulkerrins, Nesta McGregor, Ed Harry, Rachel Bachman Producer: Sam Sheringham

After a professional cycling team was raided by police on the eve of the Tour de France we’re asking can the sport ever clean up its image? Team Bahrain Victorious were raided twice in the week building up to road cycling’s most iconic race - the Tour de France. Authorities visited 14 locations in six countries as part of the same doping investigation launched by French Police into the team during last year’s race. Bahrain Victorious maintain they have done nothing wrong and say they will "co-operate in all procedures". Panel: Sarah Mulkerrins, Nesta McGregor, Matt Warwick, Tom Cary, Olivier Banuls, Karl Lima. Producer: Craig Lowe

It promises to be a summer like no other for women’s football: a home Euros, sell-out crowds and an England team tipped by many to go all the way. However, with attendances in the Women’s Super League declining, can the tournament really have a lasting impact on interest and participation? And could the Football Association have been more ambitious with its choice of stadiums for the showpiece? We take you to the girls’ football club that launched the career of one of England's star players, hear from the FA director of women’s football Baroness Sue Campbell and take a trip down memory lane with England’s first ever female captain Sheila Parker. Panel: Sarah Mulkerrins, Dan Roan, Nesta McGregor, Suzy Wrack, Siobhan Chamberlain Producer: Sam Sheringham

After her meteoric rise to US Open success and global stardom in 2021, it’s been a bumpy ride back down to earth for British tennis star Emma Raducanu. While a string of injuries have been largely to blame for defeats and retirements on the court, we assess how far her frequent changes of coach and corporate demands have affected her readiness for life at the top end of tennis. On the eve of Wimbledon, we hear from Tracy Austin and Jelena Ostapenko, who both tasted Grand Slam success at a young age and Raducanu’s super-agent Max Eisenbud. Panel: Sarah Mulkerrins, Nesta McGregor, Russell Fuller, Mike Dickson Producer: Sam Sheringham

As the damning Whyte Review reveals a culture of abuse and fear in British Gymnastics, we’ll be asking what the sport can do to restore its reputation. With many other sports reeling from welfare scandals, we’ll discuss how far coaches should go to push elite athletes, especially when they are children? We hear from Paralympic icon Tanni Grey-Thompson and former GB gymnasts Jennifer McIlveen and Hannah Whelan. Panel: Sarah Mulkerrins, Natalie Pirks & Laura Scott Producer: Sam Sheringham

Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or just a casual observer, it’s hard to ignore the rise of crypto products within the game. We cut through the jargon and explore whether cryptocurrency, fan tokens and NFTs are a vital new revenue source for cash-strapped clubs or a means for them to squeeze even more money out of fans? We’ll hear from the company producing fan tokens for some of Europe’s biggest clubs, a consumer group calling for greater regulation in the crypto space – and from the American tech firm behind Michael Owen’s controversial NFT scheme. Panel: Sarah Mulkerrins, Nesta McGregor, Joe Tidy, Joey D'Urso Producer: Sam Sheringham

From the crowd trouble at Wembley during the Euro 2020 final to attacks on players during end-of-season pitch invasions, fan disorder has been a constant theme this season. So what are the causes of the unrest and what can be done to ensure we don’t see similar scenes next season? We hear from Maheta Molango, CEO of the Professional Footballers’ Association, who is calling for rapid action before a player is seriously injured, and England manager Gareth Southgate. Peter Houghton, director of operations at the Football Safety Officers’ Association, joins the panel to explain the challenges facing stewards and police and Michael Brunskill from the Football Supporters’ Association calls for more education on the laws around pitch invasions. Panel: Jane Dougall, Laura Scott, Nesta McGregor, Peter Houghton Producer: Sam Sheringham

On this week’s podcast, will the decision of Blackpool striker Jake Daniels to come out as gay help football become a more inclusive space or merely highlight the prejudices that still pervade the sport? We speak to Matt Morton, the gay player-manager cited by Daniels as an inspiration, and the co-founder of England’s LGBT supporters’ group Di Cunningham. And with homophobic chanting still being heard at Premier League grounds this season we ask whether the game’s authorities should be doing more to tackle this form of abuse. Panel: Sarah Mulkerrins, Dan Roan, Nesta McGregor, Mike Minay Producer: Sam Sheringham

With Manchester City and Liverpool firmly established as the Premier League's dominant teams, we’ll be analysing the mental battle between their managers Pep Guardiola and Jürgen Klopp. We’ll look back at how serial winners Sir Alex Ferguson and José Mourinho used mind games to get inside the heads of opponents. And sports psychologist Michael Caulfield, who has worked with Gareth Southgate, Dean Smith and Steve Bruce, explains why “every sentence counts” when top coaches address the media at the business end of the season. Panel: Sarah Mulkerrins, Nesta McGregor, Phil McNulty, Mark Ogden Producer: Sam Sheringham

In a special, extended edition of The Sports Desk, Sarah Mulkerrins, Dan Roan and Jane Dougall explore and explain the issues surrounding transgender women competing in women’s sport. With the governing bodies of cycling and swimming reviewing their transgender policies and widespread calls for more leadership from the International Olympic Committee, what happens next as sport wrestles with a complex balance of inclusion, sporting fairness and safety? We’ll hear from two elite GB runners, who want clear regulations to protect women’s sport and a separate “open category” to include men and trans athletes. Transgender racing driver Charlie Martin tells the story of her transition and calls the exclusion of trans women in sport “inhuman” and “criminal”. Sports scientist Ross Tucker says the International Olympic Committee have prioritised inclusion “at the expense of the integrity of women’s sport”, while Loughborough University sports scientist Joanna Harper says “definitive answers” on any athletic advantages for trans women are 20 years away. Lastly, Magali Martowicz, Head of Human Rights at the IOC, defends their guidance that there should be “no assumption” that trans women have an advantage and that sports bodies should decide their own policies on a “case by case” basis. Panel: Sarah Mulkerrins, Dan Roan, Jane Dougall Producer: Sam Sheringham

We discuss how far women’s boxing has come as Katie Taylor prepares to defend her world titles against Amanda Serrano at Madison Square Garden. The bout is the first time a women’s fight has headlined at the iconic venue in New York. We hear from Katie Taylor, Amanda Serrano, promoter Eddie Hearn and the unified super-featherweight world champion Mikaela Mayer. Panellists: Sarah Mulkerrins, Nesta McGregor, Ade Adedoyin and Stacey Copeland. Producer: Craig Lowe

As US authorities step up their hunt for Daniel Kinahan and the Kinahan organised crime group, world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury insists he has no involvement with the man who used to be his adviser. But with the wider boxing world scrambling to distance itself from Kinahan ahead of Fury’s Wembley showdown with Dillian Whyte, how much damage has already been done to the sport’s reputation? Panellists: Sarah Mulkerrins, Nesta McGregor, Laura Scott, Matt Christie, Nicola Tallant Producer: Sam Sheringham

This season marks 150 years of the men’s FA Cup, an institution of the English game. But has it taken a back seat in recent years as the Premier League and Champions League flex their financial muscle? We hear from former Aston Villa and Ipswich manager Paul Lambert on the tricky balancing act clubs have to juggle when it comes to competing in multiple competitions. We get the view from fans of the clubs taking part in this weekend's semi-finals - and ask if the Cup’s significance is based on nostalgia. And is it all about money - what commercial clout does the FA Cup have on a domestic and global scale? Panel: Sarah Mulkerrins, Nesta McGregor, Henry Winter Producer: Chris Hedley

Whether it’s through sponsors on the players’ shirts or advertising around the big games, the betting industry and football have never been closer. Yet with the government’s imminent white paper expected to loosen that grip, we assess the pros and cons of football’s relationship with gambling. Does sponsorship and advertising glamorise a dangerous vice that can foster addiction and ruin lives? Or is it merely reflective of a popular modern pastime that millions enjoy? Would a total ban pave the way for more ethical brands to invest in the game - or leave a hole in the finances of football’s cash-strapped clubs? Panel: Sarah Mulkerrins, Dan Roan, Nesta McGregor, Alistair Magowan Producer: Sam Sheringham

With the spotlight on Qatar for the World Cup draw, we assess whether football can bring progress in a country blighted by human rights concerns. We hear from a migrant worker on the tough conditions endured while building World Cup stadia and bring you a rare interview with the man in charge of delivering the tournament, Hassan Al-Thawadi. Plus, what should we expect from the players themselves? Should they use their platforms to address human rights concerns or focus on the football? Listen to the views of England captain Harry Kane and Croatia midfielder Lovro Majer. Panel: Sarah Mulkerrins, Dan Roan, Mani Djazmi Producer: Sam Sheringham

Greg Norman’s Saudi-backed super league has shaken the world of golf and sent former World No.1 Phil Mickelson into exile. So is it a chance to grow the game and give players more freedom or a cynical venture motivated by greed? Leading players such as Rory McIlroy and Dustin Johnson have distanced themselves from the controversial project. But with a record $25 million purse for each tournament – could some yet be tempted to get involved and risk a life-time ban from the sport’s iconic events? We hear from Greg Norman, DP World Tour coach Zane Scotland, golf writer Alex Miceli and sports lawyer Oli Hunt. Panel: Sarah Mulkerrins, Nesta McGregor & Iain Carter Producer: Sam Sheringham

It’s become a trope in sports psychology to say that athletes are the only people who die twice – once at the end of their lives and once when they stop playing the sport that has come to define them. We discuss the challenges of retirement with former England rugby player Leon Lloyd, who helps athletes manage the transition into life after sport. Former England cricketer Ryan Sidebottom reveals the mental health struggles that have followed his 20-year career as a cricketer. And how Hal Robson-Kanu went from Welsh footballing icon to turmeric entrepreneur. Panel: Delyth Lloyd, Dan Roan, Nesta McGregor & Leon Lloyd Producer: Sam Sheringham

Roman Abramovich has been sanctioned by the UK government as part of its response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. With Chelsea FC among his frozen assets, we analyse what the future holds for the club on and off the field. Who will buy the club and for what price? Will the managers and players of the men’s and women’s teams stay? And what lessons can English football learn from the Russian billionaire’s demise? Panel: Jane Dougall, Dan Roan, Alistair Magowan, Kieran Maguire Producer: Sam Sheringham

Whether it’s the inspiring leadership of former boxers Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko – or the courage of tennis player Sergiy Stakhovsky - Ukrainian sports stars are joining the fight against Russia. Stakhovsky, who has left his family in Hungary to enlist on the front line, speaks to us as he patrols the streets of Kyiv. We hear from British tennis star Andy Murray on why he’s donating all his prize money from 2022 to help children in Ukraine and a Brazilian footballer who made a daring escape from the war-torn country with the mother-in-law of a famous influencer. Panel: Jane Dougall, Nesta McGregor, Adam Crafton Producer: Sam Sheringham

Reaction to the news that Roman Abramovich is selling Chelsea after 19 trophy-laden years. What does his departure mean for the London club, English football and its relationship with overseas money? The Russian billionaire's decision follows the threat of possible sanctions in the wake of his country's invasion of Ukraine. The 55-year-old is alleged to have ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin, which he has always denied. He also denies doing anything to warrant sanctions. We also reflect on a week in which the war in Ukraine saw Russia increasingly isolated as a sporting nation. Panel: Delyth Lloyd, Dan Roan, Nesta McGregor, Barney Ronay Producer: Sam Sheringham

With revenues of $1 billion and a global audience approaching half a billion, esports is one of the fastest growing sectors in the media and entertainment industries. But is it right to put competitive video gaming on an equal footing with more traditional sports? It’s a debate that’s entered the mainstream with esports set to feature at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham as a pilot event this summer – and 24 esport medals up for grabs in the Asian Games later this year. We hear from Commonwealth Games CEO Katie Sadleir on why esports can help capture a new audience and from former GB swimmer Sharron Davies, who thinks computer gamers have no place at the event. Plus, a FIFA pro gamer tells us why esports can benefit your physical and mental health. Panel: Delyth Lloyd, Dan Roan, Nesta McGregor & Steffan Powell Producer: Sam Sheringham

15-year-old Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva came to the Winter Olympics in Beijing with the weight of a nation on her shoulders, but now has the eyes of the world on her instead. Valieva was allowed to compete despite the revelation that she failed a drugs test just weeks before the start of the Games. We’ll hear from the chief executive of the US Anti-Doping Agency Travis Tygart, and Rob Koehler from Global Athlete, to look at the fallout from another Olympic doping scandal. They’ll ask whether there should be a minimum age for athletes and what this has done for the Olympic image. Panel: Sarah Mulkerrins, Nesta McGregor, Riath Al-Samarrai Producer: Jake Katborg

The year 2021 was a record-breaking one for women’s sport, with The Hundred and the Women’s Super League drawing in millions of new viewers. But with boxer Katie Taylor set to headline Madison Square Garden - plus a home Euros and Commonwealth Games - could 2022 be even bigger? We’ll be assessing the reasons for the growth but also the hurdles still to be cleared in the drive for parity with men. We’ll hear from Taylor and fight promoters Eddie Hearn and Jake Paul, plus cricketer and gender equality Phoebe Graham and England’s record goalscorer Ellen White. Panel: Sarah Mulkerrins, Nesta McGregor, Jo Currie, Molly McElwee Producer: Sam Sheringham

In this special bonus edition, we bring you an exclusive broadcast interview with the Danish footballer Christian Eriksen, eight months on from the shocking incident that nearly cost him his life. The cardiac arrest suffered by Eriksen during the Euros last summer was among the most distressing incidents the sport has ever witnessed. But with the world watching on, the Denmark star survived - and 8 months on, has now been handed the chance of a remarkable return - with Brentford. And it was at the club’s west London training ground that Eriksen opened up about his extraordinary ordeal with the BBC Sports editor Dan Roan. Presenters: Sarah Mulkerrins, Dan Roan, Nesta McGregor Producer: Sam Sheringham

Dave Ryding says his historic World Cup gold medal has broken the ceiling for future skiing generations in Great Britain. But was it a one-off or the mark of system geared up for sustained success? We’ll hear how a combination of increased funding, nationality switches and talent searches are turning Team GB into genuine contenders in several Olympic snow events in Beijing. We hear from snowboarding medal hope Charlotte Bankes and the head of GB snowsport Vicky Gosling. Plus, freestyle skier Gus Kenworthy speaks out against alleged human rights abuses in China. Panel: Sarah Mulkerrins, Laura Scott, Sean Ingle Producer: Sam Sheringham

When it comes to Manchester United, the fall has been almost as dramatic as the rise. But could a change of leadership herald a change in fortunes for one of the world’s biggest clubs? With Richard Arnold replacing the much-maligned Ed Woodward as United chief executive, we analyse the task facing him as he looks to revive the team’s fortunes, renovate a decaying stadium and navigate the toxic relationship between the club’s American owners and their fans. We hear from former Manchester United chief executive Peter Kenyon, Ian Stirling from Manchester United Supporters Trust and football finance expert Kieran Maguire. Panel: Delyth Lloyd, Dan Roan, Simon Stone & Oliver Holt Producer: Sam Sheringham

As England’s Test cricket team return home from Australia we reflect on how the side can come back from such a crushing Ashes defeat. We’ll hear from Kent all-rounder Darren Stevens, who some have targeted as the example of why the domestic game is to blame. And as voices call for a slimming down of the county game we speak to Leicestershire County Cricket CEO Sean Jarvis. We also take a look at player development with former England batter and batting coach Mark Ramprakash and we will try to learn lessons from New Zealand, to see how the World Test champions manage to compete in all formats of the game. Panel: Sarah Mulkerrins, Patrick Gearey, Nick Hoult & Andrew Miller Producer: Chris Hedley

With the Winter Olympic Games in Beijing starting next month, we discuss how alleged human rights abuses in China have prompted diplomatic boycotts by countries including the USA and UK. We hear from US basketball star Enes Kanter Freedom, one of China’s most outspoken critics, who is calling for athletes to boycott the Games. Former figure skater Jessica Shuran Yu says the treatment of tennis star Peng Shuai triggered memories of the abuse she says she received while training in China. And we also hear from UK Sport chair Dame Katherine Grainger on GB medal hopes for the Games and from the BBC’s China correspondent Stephen McDonell on the final Olympic preparations. China denies human rights abuses and says the Peng Shuai controversy has been "maliciously hyped up". Panel: Sarah Mulkerrins, Dan Roan, Alex Capstick Producer: Sam Sheringham

A special bonus edition of The Sports Desk reacting to Novak Djokovic winning his appeal against the cancellation of his visa, seemingly paving the way for him to defend his Australian Open title in Melbourne next week. Sarah Mulkerrins and Dan Roan are joined by BBC tennis correspondent Russell Fuller and New York Times tennis writer Ben Rothenberg to discuss the decision by a Melbourne judge and its implications for tennis and wider sport. We also hear from former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli and Djokovic’s younger brother Djordje. Producer: Sam Sheringham

It was an evocative sight for football fans up and down the country – supporters at Stamford Bridge and Old Trafford legally standing to cheer on their teams for the first time in 27 years. Ahead of the proposed rollout of safe standing next season, we’ll be asking the man in charge of the project about its benefits and potential pitfalls. We’ll hear from two parents of Hillsborough victims who are split on the return of standing areas – and from a Borussia Dortmund fan who has spent 40 years supporting his team from the largest standing terrace in Europe. Panel: Sarah Mulkerrins, Dan Roan, Nesta McGregor, Laura Scott Producer: Sam Sheringham

Refereeing has never been easy but the signs are that it’s getting harder than ever. With more than 90% of grassroots referees reporting some form of abuse, hundreds are choosing to walk away from the sport they love. Others are going on strike in protest, while some leagues have withdrawn refs from games for their own protection. Two grassroots referees tell us why they continue to give up their weekends despite the challenges, former Premier League official Mark Halsey calls for tougher penalties for abusers – and we find out what the UK can learn from how other countries have tackled the problem. Panel: Sarah Mulkerrins, Dan Roan, Nesta McGregor & Sam Cunningham Producer: Sam Sheringham

A title race going down to the wire, a roll call of young, marketable drivers with huge global followings and an audience that’s getting younger and more diverse. Right now, Formula 1 is the envy of other sports. We assess how a sport often maligned as boring and predictable has reinvented itself through social media, esports, streaming and Netflix. We speak to Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, F1 boss Stefano Domenicali and find out how the sport is finally making its mark in America. Panel: Sarah Mulkerrins, Dan Roan, Nesta McGregor, Andrew Benson Producer: Sam Sheringham

A landmark new ruling in rugby union will allow players to switch allegiance to another country where they have ancestry. Is it a model other sports should follow in an increasingly globalised world, or does nation-swapping undermine the whole principle of international sport? We hear from former New Zealand fullback Charles Piutau who now hopes to play for Tonga, and the chief executive of World Rugby Alan Gilpin. We also find out how athletics has tightened its rules after years of controversial country switches. Panel: Sarah Mulkerrins, Dan Roan, Nesta McGregor, Chris Jones Producer: Sam Sheringham

By any measure, these are turbulent times for English football. The collapse of historic clubs like Bury and Macclesfield, the foiled Super League plot and the Saudi-backed takeover of Newcastle United are all symptoms – many say - of a sport losing touch with its fans. We’re joined by Tracey Crouch, whose fan-led review contains potentially game-changing proposals for the way football clubs are financed and run. We also speak to Brentford’s Stewart Purvis, the only fan-elected director of a Premier League club as we ask whether stricter ownership rules and more fan engagement will help the game rediscover its soul or risk damaging its global appeal. Panel: Sarah Mulkerrins, Dan Roan, Nesta McGregor, Henry Winter Producer: Sam Sheringham

With just one year to go until the World Cup in Qatar, we find out more about how a tournament in the wealthy middle-east state will look and feel. Hear from Amnesty International on their claims that migrant workers in Qatar are being exploited – and the role David Beckham can play in shining a light on human rights. Plus, a Qatari football expert tells us why the World Cup can be a vehicle for lasting change both on and off the field. Panel: Sarah Mulkerrins, Dan Roan, Nesta McGregor, Ian Herbert Producer: Sam Sheringham

The allegations of institutional racism at Yorkshire CCC by spin bowler Azeem Rafiq and the club's handling of the investigation has plunged one of England's most historic sporting clubs into crisis. As new chairman Lord Patel tries to pick up the pieces, we’ll hear from two more players who say they were racially abused at the club. We hear the views of Pakistan-born England cricketer Owais Shah and ask the game’s governing body how it can regain the trust of Britain’s South Asian communities. Panellists: Sarah Mulkerrins, Dan Roan, Nesta McGregor and Ankur Desai Producer: Sam Sheringham

“We’ve got to be careful that managers don’t get attacked” – the words of former Stoke and Crystal Palace manager Tony Pulis in a highly charged interview on The Sports Desk. Pulis’ warning comes in the wake of Nuno Espirito Santo’s sacking by Spurs after fans vented their fury at the manager during the club’s defeat to Manchester United. And Steve Bruce has hinted he may retire because of the abuse he suffered before leaving Newcastle United, and the toll it had taken on him and his family. Sarah Mulkerrins and Dan Roan are joined by the BBC's chief football writer Phil McNulty to assess whether the pressures on the people in charge of our favourite teams are reaching breaking point. They also speak to Richard Bevan, CEO of the League Managers Association, who outlines measures to help protect managers. Producer: Sam Sheringham

Who bears most responsibility for making football more environmentally friendly? Nesta McGregor and Sarah Mulkerrins are joined by the BBC's Katie Gornall and David Goldblatt, author of The Ball is Round: A Global History of Football, which focused in no small part on the effect of football on the environment. We hear from UEFA Director of Sustainability Michele Uva and Sampdoria's Norwegian midfielder and environmental campaigner Morten Thorsby. He wears the number 2 on his shirt representing the 2015 Paris Agreement goal of limiting global warming to below 2°C. Producer: Joel Hammer

To mark Black History Month, we speak to two iconic black sportsmen. Former Arsenal and England striker Ian Wright is joined by his son and grandson Shaun and D’Margio Wright-Phillips to discuss black role models and the ongoing fight against racism in football. Siya Kolisi, South Africa’s World Cup-winning rugby captain, talks about growing up in poverty, gender-based violence and why he wants to use his platform to bring about change in his homeland. We also hear the story of Walter Tull, the first black officer to command white troops in the British Army and one of English football's first black players. Presenters: Sarah Mulkerrins, Nesta McGregor & Dan Roan Producer: Sam Sheringham

One week on from perhaps the most controversial takeover in English football history, many questions remained unanswered. How will Saudi Arabia capitalise on their investment in a Premier League team? How can Newcastle United go about making sure that money equals trophies? And what does the latest state-backed buyout mean for the game in this country? Hear from geopolitics expert Simon Chadwick and former Manchester City technical director Mike Rigg, plus a Newcastle fan who is cutting ties with her club because of the Saudi involvement. Panel: Sarah Mulkerrins, Dan Roan, Nesta McGregor, Alistair Magowan Producer: Sam Sheringham

After the firing of North Carolina coach Paul Riley over sexual misconduct allegations we focus on a growing crisis in women’s football. We hear from a US women’s star who played under Riley, who denies the allegations, and a whistleblower who exposed a similar case in Canadian football. And with allegations emerging this week in Australia and Venezuela, we ask football’s governing body Fifa whether more needs to be done to keep women safe. Warning: This podcast contains sensitive material that some listeners may find upsetting.

Whether it’s a big defender leaping to head the ball clear, or a striker diving full-length to score, heading has always been a big part of football. But should it come with a health warning? With studies showing that footballers are 3 and a half times more likely to die of dementia, we’ll ask whether the risks of heading a football really justify the rewards. Former England captain Terry Butcher explains why he thinks heading should be phased out of football. We hear from Dr Michael Grey, a leading expert in dementia and football, and report from the first UK adult match with restrictions on heading the ball. Panel: Sarah Mulkerrins, Dan Roan, Nesta McGregor, Fiona Tomas Producer: Sam Sheringham

In an exclusive interview, Fifa’s head of global development Arsene Wenger tells the Sports Desk why his controversial plan for a men’s World Cup every two years is good for football and the welfare of its leading players. Wenger talks about the "chaos" of the current match schedule, proposes fewer international breaks and says he is prepared to "gamble" on a restructure that would see "the best play the best" more often. We hear what fan groups in Europe and Africa think of the former Arsenal manager’s plan and assess why a similar proposal for the women’s World Cup is proving equally divisive. Presenters: Sarah Mulkerrins, Dan Roan, Nesta McGregor, Tim Vickery. Producer: Sam Sheringham

Emma Raducanu's US Open triumph caps a golden summer for British sport with young, multicultural talent leading the way. But with levels of physical activity plummeting during the pandemic, how can elite success translate to greater participation on the ground? And how can sport use its new role models to reach communities it hasn’t reached before? We hear from tennis coach Judy Murray and double Olympic medallist Lutalo Muhammad before showcasing one of the great success stories in grassroots sport. Panellists: Sarah Mulkerrins, Dan Roan, Nesta McGregor and Sean Ingle Producer: Sam Sheringham

It’s a divisive issue across society – and sport is no exception. The Covid-19 vaccination – recommended by governments and medics across the world – but rejected by vast numbers of leading athletes. Sarah Mulkerrins, Dan Roan and Ben Rumsby hear from Newcastle goalkeeper Karl Darlow, who caught Covid while unvaccinated and spent three days on a hospital drip. BBC tennis correspondent Russell Fuller reveals why tennis players are split down the middle over the merits of the jab. Plus, how unvaccinated athletes in some US sports are becoming second-class citizens in their own dressing-rooms. Producer: Sam Sheringham

From synthetic fuel to Extreme E, motorsport is getting greener, but is it enough? Delyth Lloyd and Nesta McGregor are joined by the BBC’s chief environment correspondent Justin Rowlatt and chief F1 writer Andrew Benson to discuss the environmental challenges facing a sport seen by many as “a carnival of carbon”. We hear from Formula 1 world champions Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button plus Ross Brawn, who’s leading Formula 1’s drive towards sustainable fuels that he claims could benefit the whole car industry. And rising star Jamie Chadwick on driving in the Extreme E racing series that’s using electric cars to highlight environmental problems in remote corners of the globe. Producer: Sam Sheringham

The Paralympic Games were launched this week in Tokyo with the bold intention of changing the lives of the 1.2 billion people around the world who live with some form of disability. But when disabled people are hidden from sight in many corners of the globe, can the legacy of these Paralympics really stretch beyond a fortnight of wonder in Japan? We hear from Oksana Masters, a US Para-cyclist, rower and cross-country skier who has won medals at the summer and winter Games, and teenaged Ugandan swimmer Husnah Kukundakwe who is breaking boundaries in her homeland. We also hear the views of GB Paralympic legend Tanni Grey-Thompson as we assess the potential for Tokyo 2020 to achieve lasting change.

As the world reels from the Taliban’s return to power, we examine the consequences for sport and inclusivity in Afghanistan. The founder of the country’s women’s football team Khalida Popal tells us about fears for her players’ safety. We’ll hear why the Taliban ideology could threaten the Afghan cricketing fairytale. And why the dreams of the country’s Paralympians appear to be over.

As Argentina great Lionel Messi swaps Barcelona for Paris-Saint Germain, we explore the changing face of European football. With the Manchester clubs and Chelsea also flexing their financial muscles while others reel from the economic impact of Covid-19, we assess the long-term implications for the sport and its fans. We hear from Paris Saint-Germain’s Qatari president, the chief executive of the Premier League and a football finance expert from Deloitte’s Sports Business Group.

It was the story that rocked the Olympics: gymnastics icon Simone Biles stepping away from the canvas to focus on her mental health. But has the American’s honesty given more sports stars the courage to speak out on a subject that had long seemed taboo? With both cricketer Ben Stokes and swimmer Adam Peaty taking time off for their mental wellbeing, we're joined by sports psychologist Dr Martin Turner to discuss the methods he uses to help sports stars cope with acute pressure and adversity. We hear from a former teammate of Biles on the unique demands of gymnastics and we bring you a moving interview with British diving medallist Jack Laugher, who reveals the mental anguish that nearly made him quit the sport.

World records have been tumbling on the track in recent months, but how much of that is down to new super shoes and has technology gone too far? Sarah Mulkerrins, Nesta McGregor and Dan Roan are joined by The Times Chief Sports Correspondent Matt Lawton, former Team GB athlete Mara Yamauchi and Mike Caine, Professor of Sports Technology and Innovation at Loughborough university.

Whether it is the pandemic or the heat, from doping to the hostility of some locals to the event, there’s plenty of issues and concerns about the Tokyo Olympics. Yet for all of those worries the Games are sure to provide extraordinary sporting drama as the world’s very best battle it out to become the elite of the elite. So will this be an Olympic Games to remember, or one we regret ever took place? Sarah Mulkerrins, Dan Roan and Nesta McGregor are joined by the BBC's Alex Capstick and academic and author Jules Boykoff.

With titanium drivers and high-tech modern balls, Bryson DeChambeau and golf's other big hitters are making older courses like St Andrews look like pitch and putts. So, does the combination of power and technology favoured by many modern players threaten the very ethos of golf or is this just the natural evolution of the sport? Sarah Mulkerrins and Nesta McGregor are joined by BBC golf correspondent Iain Carter and Golfweek's Beth Ann Nichols to discuss the issue. We also hear from Tiger Woods, former Europe Ryder Cup captain Bernard Gallacher and Martin Slumbers, the Chief Executive of the R&A, who along with the USGA in America are considering changes to clubs and balls.

Goals galore, fans back in stadiums and England v Italy in the final at Wembley. What’s not to like about Euro 2020? Dig beneath the surface however and the legacy of the tournament becomes a little more problematic. The ban on LGBT+ rainbow symbols in certain host cities, players with head injuries returning to the field of play and the link between travelling football fans and the spread of Covid-19, to name but a few. Sarah Mulkerrins, Dan Roan and Nesta McGregor are joined by leading sports writer Paul Hayward to dissect these issues and put them to the president of Uefa Aleksander Ceferin.

From Roger Federer and the Williams sisters to Cristiano Ronaldo and Phil Mickelson, it seems age is just a number for sport’s growing band of golden oldies. In this week’s podcast, Sarah, Dan and Nesta explore the reasons behind this remarkable trend with former Olympian and sports scientist Greg Whyte. We're joined by New York Times tennis writer Ben Rothenberg at Wimbledon where the average age of players is higher than ever. We assess the controversial diet of 43-year-old NFL superstar Tom Brady. And we talk motherhood and medals with British distance runner Jo Pavey, who’s still pounding the track at the age of 47.

With just one month to go until 11,000 athletes descend on Tokyo for the Olympic Games, we’ll be weighing up the risks and rewards of staging the world’s biggest sports event in the middle of a global pandemic. Japanese infectious diseases expert Kentaro Iwata voices his strong concerns about the wisdom of allowing fans at Olympic venues. British Olympic Association chief executive Andy Anson outlines the measures to keep Team GB safe as they enter 'the toughest environment in sport'. Plus, we hear from two members of Australia’s softball team, who are already in Tokyo and just can’t wait for their shot at Olympic gold.

The stage could not have been bigger – a moment seen by millions. A 29-year-old footballer suffered a cardiac arrest in the middle of a match at the European Championship. Doctors rushed to his side and – after a harrowing period when time seemed to stand still - shocked his heart back into life. But as Christian Eriksen recovers in hospital, others grieve the hundreds of young people lost every year to a previously undiagnosed heart problem often brought on by sport. On this week’s podcast, we speak to sports cardiologist Dr Rob Cooper about the shortage of life-saving defibrillators in grassroots sport, we hear from a club in Kent that has lost three players to sudden cardiac death – and from cricketer James Taylor, who has found new happiness and purpose in life, five years on from the sudden cardiac episode that ended his career.

Could England's Euros campaign be overshadowed by the controversy over the players taking the knee to highlight racial injustice? Sarah Mulkerrins, Dan Roan, Nesta McGregor and the Independent's chief football writer Miguel Delaney explore and explain the arguments around England's pre-match gesture. FA CEO Mark Bullingham condemns the booing as "incredibly disappointing" and plans video messaging at Wembley but Conservative MP Tom Hunt thinks England should find a new way to get their anti-racism message across.

BBC Sport’s Dan Roan, Sarah Mulkerrins and Nesta McGregor introduce a new podcast exploring the biggest sports news stories and the deeper, human issues that lie behind them.