Leicestershire are on the brink of relegation from Division One of the County Championship after being deducted 27 points for breaching pitch regulations in their victory over Glamorgan in August.

The points penalty imposed by the independent Cricket Discipline Panel (CDP) midway through their penultimate match of the season meant the Foxes have dropped to the bottom of the table.

In his interview with the Cricket Regulator before the tribunal hearing, Leicestershire’s head groundsman Callum Lewin said there were “circumstances leading up to the game that were just out of my control”.

They included an “unscheduled Bollywood filming event” taking place at Uptonsteel Grace Road four days before the start of the match, while Lewin also referenced the exceptionally hot weather in the build-up as another possible reason for the pitch being dry.

The pitch was rated as “poor” in the match referee’s report.

Leicestershire’s punishment consists of the loss of all 19 points earned in the win over Glamorgan, an extra eight-point penalty and a £5,000 fine. A further eight-point deduction has been suspended for a year.

They can appeal the sanction within 10 working days.

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In a statement,, external the club said it “notes the Cricket Discipline Panel’s decision” and was “reviewing its position and considering all available options”.

If the Foxes fail to beat Hampshire in their ongoing home game, their return to Division Two will be confirmed.

But they face a tough task to do so after Hampshire closed day two on 255-3 in their second innings – a lead of 225.

Just above the relegation places, the survival chances of both Glamorgan and Essex have been increased by Leicestershire’s loss of points.

The Foxes’ battle to avoid the drop in their first season back in Division One after a 22-year exile had been boosted by the 42-run win over Glamorgan three weeks earlier.

Before that, they had won just one match on their top-flight return after winning promotion as Division Two title winners last season.

Paez is a record breaker and a headline maker.

He became the youngest debutant and goalscorer in Ecuadorian top-flight history at the age of 15 before making his debut in the Copa Libertadores, South America’s equivalent of the Champions League, later that same season.

Later in 2023, aged 16 years and 131 days, he made his second appearance for Ecuador, becoming the second-youngest South American international to feature in World Cup qualifying after Diego Maradona.

A month later, he became the youngest South American to score in a World Cup qualifier in a 2-1 win away to Bolivia.

It was understandable, therefore, that Chelsea believed the attacker, who had two international goals and 18 caps when they agreed to sign him, was destined for big things.

Chelsea allowed him to train regularly with the first team before he was officially eligible to join the club following his 18th birthday.

They also provided security for Paez, his family and the family of international team-mate Moises Caicedo after violence broke out in Ecuador in early 2024.

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A few months later, Paez was filmed in a New York strip club while away on international duty.

He initially impressed on loan at Chelsea‘s sister club Strasbourg by winning September’s Young Player of the Month award in the French top flight, but then came in for criticism from then-manager Liam Rosenior.

“We expect more, clearly,” Rosenior said later that season. “I’m tired of using the excuse of the player’s youth.”

Despite Strasbourg’s links to Chelsea through their shared ownership, the loan was cut short after one goal in 21 appearances. Instead, he joined Argentine giants River Plate on a two-year loan spell.

Sources in Argentina expressed similar concerns about his attitude when asked by BBC Sport. They point to a disappointing display in the 1-0 Superclasico defeat by fierce rivals Boca Juniors at the Monumental in April.

Shortly afterwards, Paez was named by club president Stefano Di Carlo as one of 15 players training away from River Plate’s first team, although other sources felt he could have been given more opportunities.

His loan ended by mutual consent after Paez scored once in 14 appearances in 461 minutes for River Plate.

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Ahead of the international break, concern has been expressed in Ecuador, having built him up as the country’s next great attacking talent.

Michel Deller, the owner of Independiente, told Hincha Amarillo: “He’s like a son to us. We care about him deeply.

“He’s a good kid who’s had a tough time and has made decisions that have complicated his life.

“We are always hopeful he’ll show his exceptional talent one again but right now, it’s up to him to decide what to do with his life.”

These concerns are not dismissed completely by Chelsea or Paez’s environment. However, there is a belief they are grossly overstated, highlighting he is owed time to grow as a player and person.

London City Lionesses defender Jana Fernandez has signed a new contract, keeping her at the club until 2029.

The 24-year-old has become a key player for Eder Maestre’s side since joining from Barcelona a year ago.

She played in every Women’s Super League match for London City last season as they finished sixth in their debut campaign in the top flight.

Her performances at right-back earned her the fans’ votes for club player of the season.

“I’m absolutely delighted to sign a new contract here at London City,” said Fernandez.

“When I arrived in England one year ago I joined this club with dreams for the future.

“Potential, excitement and progress are three words I associate with the club and I’m pleased to commit my future. I feel at home and settled here.

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“We are building something special together, as players, staff and fans, and I can’t wait to play my part.”

Before her move to England, Fernandez spent her career at Barcelona, graduating from their academy and becoming a five-time league champion.

She also won the Champions League and Copa de la Reina three times.

Fernandez was part of the Spain team that finished runners-up to England at Euro 2025.

She has been joined at London City by former Barcelona team-mates Alexia Putellas – the two-time Ballon d’Or winner – and Mapi Leon.

Under US billionaire owner Michele Kang, London City hope to break into the WSL’s traditional top three and qualify for the Champions League.

Having attracted big names in the summer, it was crucial London City retained their other talent, and they have been able to do that with Fernandez and England winger Freya Godfrey committing their futures in recent months.

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