planning a journey tonight. but are planning a journey tonight. but eventually the wind will come down overnight, there will be further showers around and temperature similar to what we have tonight. storm noa is out in the north sea for thursday and weakening significantly, leaving us with these fairly blustery conditions, sunny spells and showers, but across parts of scotland, northern and eastern parts of england, the showers could merge, still bringing the threat of thunderstorms and hail storms mixed in as well. heading into friday we have another area of low pressure working on bringing some wet weather to parts of england and wales, and the further north you are, the more likely you are to have a mix of sunshine and showers all the while, while temperatures will continue to be a little bit below par for the time of year, so a little bit on the cool side with high temperatures on friday between 11 and 12 degrees for most of us. as we get into the weekend, we will start to see south—westerly winds working off the atlantic, pushing much milder air

across the uk. and so through the weekend, the weather gets brighter and drier, more in the way of sunshine, and into next week for the first time this year, we are likely to see temperatures reach the low 20s, so it is going to feel a lot warmer. so, the wind gradually coming down through the night, but more showers on the way tomorrow. thanks chris. that's it. i'll be back with the news at ten. the news continues here on bbc one as wejoin our colleagues across the nations and regions for the news where you are. bye for now. hello and welcome to sportsday live from the bbc sport centre. i'm paul scott and here's what we've got coming up. the uk and the republic of ireland submit theirjoint bid to host euro 2028, but 2 of the proposed stadiums aren't even built yet. football is part of our way of life

so important to our country and so we our supporting the bid for both the uk and ireland. chelsea look to put their premier league problems to one side, as they travel to real madrid in the last 8 of the champions league. and we take a look at the leading runners and riders ahead of day one of the grand national meeting at aintree. from the bbc sports centre, this is sportsday. welcome to the programme. let's begin with football because the uk and the republic of ireland have submitted theirjoint bid to host euro 2028. ten stadiums have been included in the bid — wembley which hosted the euro 2020 final is one of those named. it's one of five venues in england ready to go. newcastle's st james park, villa park, manchester city's etihad stadium and the tottenham hotspur stadium are all also included. the principality stadium in cardiff will be used in wales.

whilst scotland will be represented by hampden park. and the aviva stadium in dublin is also part of the bid. the final two stadiums — are yet to be built. everton�*s bramley moore dock will be used — that's expected to be ready next year. whilst casement park in belfast will also be redeveloped — that stadium hasn't been used since 2013. there were 1a stadiums put forward in the initial shortlist — but old trafford, croke park, the london stadium and the stadium of light have been omitted. for more on all of this, let's cross to our sports correspondent, joe wilson. joe, that's a comprehensive list — have organisers got the right mix? probably some happy cities this evening and probably some unhappy ones as well. i evening and probably some unhappy ones as well-— ones as well. i think when we look at the stadiums _ ones as well. i think when we look at the stadiums that _ ones as well. i think when we look at the stadiums that have - ones as well. i think when we look at the stadiums that have been . at the stadiums that have been chosen, to a certain extent they are obvious when you think about

wimbley, we think about tottenham, the principality, hamden, all of the stadiums that we have gotten used to seeing, of the top level of their exports, notjust football. but what has really had led to them being on the shortlist, of course capacity is one thing, i will review an interesting statement that comes with bid today. state—of—the—art venues will provide the platform for the biggest biggest and most commercially successful ua for euros ever. that is what the uk and ireland bid promises. so let's think of those words, state—of—the—art. then we think about 0ld of those words, state—of—the—art. then we think about old trafford with its capacity of over 74,000. in terms of the stadiums available to the bed, it will be second behind wimbley. but it is not on that list. is it state—of—the—art? i wonder if even really die—hard manchester united fans would be able to say hand on heart that they consider their stadiums to be state of the heart. the fact that it is not on there is perhaps a reflection in the eyes of some supporters of the legacy of the previous error and we

know how hard manchester united is trying to get new ownership, new direction. broader point. —— era. all of the country say that they are behind the bid. but let's remember last time that happened with wembley stadium, the last final of the bands euros. appalling seeds of disorder. it is a direct quote from the official review at that man zero final. so in that context, can the uk but what they were specific reference to wembley, be trusted to host this tournament. is that response from lucy fraser, the uk government culture secretary. we will make sure that this is a fantastic competition. of course we learned _ fantastic competition. of course we learned every time from any issues that take _ learned every time from any issues that take place, we have the infrastructure, the stadium and most importantly we have the fence. lucy mentionin: importantly we have the fence. lucy mentioning there _ importantly we have the fence. llcy mentioning there that we have the stadiums, two in that bid have not

been built yet. what is the thinking behind that choice. you been built yet. what is the thinking behind that choice.— behind that choice. you have everton's _ behind that choice. you have everton's new _ behind that choice. you have everton's new stadium - behind that choice. you have everton's new stadium which behind that choice. you have - everton's new stadium which will be believe will actually be completed sometime next year, again coming back to state—of—the—art facilities. which the bid is considering to be paramount in their thought. but the belfast stadium is really interesting. you can see the law chick —— logic. if this is to be a tournament spread out throughout the uk, how significant, but casement park, which is essentially derelict, which has been used for other things have been selected. where northern ireland played a match is currently is not big enough. he needs to be 30 thousands of the bid is going for the redevelopment of this derelict stadium in belfast, trouble is there is no clear indication of whether finance will come from to do that redevelopment. estimates i have seen

something around the 140 pound million nature. so i think a lot of that focus will goat specifically on belfast in the redevelopment of that value —— a venue in particular. well the only other bid submitted to host euro 2028 is turkey. it's the 6th consecutive time the country has bid to host the european championship. i asked koray palaz — manager of turkish second tier side afyonspor — why he thinks the bid will be successful this time around. i think it is fair to understand that turkey as a nation is ready for such a big tournament. if you look at the previous applications, the previous bids, rather, you will see the infrastructure, the stadium, the transportation, the accommodation, etc, was not ready. however i have been living in turkey for the last

12-13 been living in turkey for the last 12—13 years and i have seen how much it has developed as a football nation. in terms of the investment that they have done into stadiums and the training grounds and the facilities that come along. so i would say turkey is probably much more stronger position now than it was in the previous six bids. also bearin was in the previous six bids. also bear in mind turkey notjust in 2028 but in 2032, we have bids. i think finally we will get one.— finally we will get one. obviously turkey dealing — finally we will get one. obviously turkey dealing with _ finally we will get one. obviously turkey dealing with the - finally we will get one. obviously | turkey dealing with the aftermath finally we will get one. obviously . turkey dealing with the aftermath of the tragic earthquake recently. is there a concern that that may play a factor in their decision—making process? i factor in their decision-making rocess? ., ~' ., factor in their decision-making rocess? ., ~ ., ~' factor in their decision-making rocess? ., ~ ., ~ ., process? i would like to think not because it _ process? i would like to think not because it is _ process? i would like to think not because it is a _ process? i would like to think not because it is a national _ process? i would like to think not because it is a national tragedy . process? i would like to think not l because it is a national tragedy and it could happen in any part of the world. to say that this will be a

major decision making factor, i think it would be a wrong way to start looking at things, like i said this could happen anywhere. it has affected all humankind, devastated, but looking on the plus side of things this is may be a way of forgetting those bad times which we ran into 2—3 months ago. but i would not like to think their decision—making would be based on such a national tragedy. staying with football and from the euros to the women's world cup. the lionesses�* defeat yesterday to australia may have ended their unbeaten run under sarina wiegman, but they will head to australia and new zealand this summer among the favourites. with 99 days to go until the tournament starts, organisors are promising a month to remember. we are going to host the best ever women's world cup. the biggest, the most teams that we have ever had.

the stadiums are going to be full. it is going to be a celebration that brings australian and new zealand communities together. looking at 1.5 million people that will attend stadiums across australia and new zealand. looking on broadcast numbers in 2019, the last women's world cup, over 1.2 billion people that tuned in. we are looking at 2 billion people that would tuned into this broke up in australia we have equal pay between our men and women, an issue that we have very strong feelings about. we have been in dialogue about fifa about prize money for players. we are happy to see that they have agreed to increase player payments from 30 million in 2019 to 110 million in this women's world cup. fifa has also agreed by the next women's world cup which will be played in 2027 that prize money will be equal in we are very happy with that result. .

in we are very happy with that result. , ., ., ., staying with football and when you're struggling for form, the one thing you probably don't want is a trip to the european champions. but that's exactly what chelsea face this evening when they travel to real madrid in the first leg of their champions league quarterfinal. they're down in 11th place in the premier league, but as reginaldo rosario reports, there's reason to hope it could provide some welcome respite. even in the worst moment the champions league has come to provide chelsea some of their greatest. 2012 and 2021, midseason up evil was followed by extraordinary european triumphs. frank lampard was a key member of the first. sacked as manager in the middle of the second and now back again to try and mastermind champions league glory. an unexpected third chance. to be here as a manager— an unexpected third chance. to be here as a manager when _ an unexpected third chance. tfr 3a: here as a manager when particularly, a week ago today, even, i did not know i would be here was a huge honour for know i would be here was a huge honourfor me, of know i would be here was a huge honour for me, of course. know i would be here was a huge honourfor me, of course. it know i would be here was a huge honour for me, of course. it was a big part of my thought process of taking on the challenge, this is

amazing for me personally and obviously for us as a team and club. so i am very looking forward to the occasion myself.— occasion myself. however, this chelsea site — occasion myself. however, this chelsea site is _ occasion myself. however, this chelsea site is in _ occasion myself. however, this chelsea site is in a _ occasion myself. however, this chelsea site is in a very - occasion myself. however, this. chelsea site is in a very different position. his return began the defeat this weekend. a big reality check. 11th and the premier league table without a win and without a goal in three games. indicative of the uncertainty around the clock. what have we found out the season is that this _ what have we found out the season is that this is a — what have we found out the season is that this is a chelsea team who have underperformed massively, ithink they are _ underperformed massively, ithink they are still in a massive ticker —— predicament but it is what happens _ —— predicament but it is what happens next season. uncertainty is never _ happens next season. uncertainty is never good — happens next season. uncertainty is never good at a football club and that is— never good at a football club and that is the — never good at a football club and that is the issue chelsea halfway at this moment. that is the issue chelsea halfway at this moment-— that is the issue chelsea halfway at this moment. chelsea's form against real madrid bring _ this moment. chelsea's form against real madrid bring them _ this moment. chelsea's form against i real madrid bring them encouragement will stop for the third time in his many years, these two sides meet in the knockout stages. chelsea winning

the knockout stages. chelsea winning the first time on route to lifting a trophy and coming within ten minutes of repeating the feat last season. 0nly of repeating the feat last season. only for a trademark real come to end their hopes at this very state. that is why he is very much weary of a site managed by his former player. translation:— translation: frank lampard was a treat -la er translation: frank lampard was a great player i _ translation: frank lampard was a great player i was — translation: frank lampard was a great player i was looking _ translation: frank lampard was a great player i was looking to - translation: frank lampard was a great player i was looking to cook. great player i was looking to cook for two years, fantastic and extraordinarily professional. he perfectly knows what could happen in these games and he knows how to prorating for that. —— looking forward to coach. so are different experience will make a difference here. if experience will make a difference here. ., , ., ., , ., here. if would bet against real madrid but _ here. if would bet against real madrid but chelsea _ here. if would bet against real madrid but chelsea are - here. if would bet against real madrid but chelsea are their i here. if would bet against real. madrid but chelsea are their most vulnerable may yet have the capacity to suppress. —— if you would bet against. —— capacity to surprise. well away from the bernabeu, there's another intriguing quarterfinal at the san siro this evening. it's an all italian tie as ac milan host napoli. for napoli, it's a first appearance at this stage of the tournament —

in what's turning out to be a season to remember. as well as enjoying their european campaign, they're also top of serie a — 16 points clear. it's the first time the two sides have played each other in europe — but ac milan did win their latest league meeting 4—0, only 10 days ago. translation: i know my team well and i know they will — translation: i know my team well and i know they will do _ translation: i know my team well and i know they will do their _ translation: i know my team well and i know they will do their best _ translation: i know my team well and i know they will do their best to - translation: i know my team well and i know they will do their best to be - i know they will do their best to be better than malan. it is a tough match. we were not the strongest 15 days ago and we are not the weakest now. we are going to play game that could mean a lot to the future of all of us. we know it well but i'm convinced we will all be ready. let's have a quick look at some of the other football stories making the headlines today. the potential sale of manchester united has gone to a third round of bidding. qatari banker sheikh jassim and ineos owner sirjim ratcliffe both submitted a second bid to buy the old trafford club last month, while finnish entrepreneur thomas zilliacus also says he's submitted a bid. nottingham forest have sacked sporting director filippo giraldi after only six months in the role.

the italianjoined in october after forest made a british record 22 signings in the summer, overseeing theirjanuary transfer window. forest, who have won only once since january, say giraldi has left "amicably". barcelona have had two attempts to sign lyon forward arda hegerberg turned down by the european champions. norway striker hegerberg has one—year remaining on her contract with the french club. it's believed barcelona are still hopeful of signing the former ballon d'or winner. a bbc investigation has discovered that 40% of current premier league clubs have been sponsored by financialfirms, that have subsequently been banned by the british financial conduct authority, fined or are under investigation. most of the companies were offering complex financial tools to ordinary people. but — as the world service investigation unit discovered — many were not playing by the rules. joe inwood has this report.

a glossy promo for leeds united. the video was sponsored by an online financialfirm called fxvc. for more than a year, their branding was seen around elland road. it was an endorsement that gave people like phil and joyce the confidence to hand over tens of thousands of pounds. the fact that they sponsored leeds football club, i just took them as being a proper investment platform. the problem was that fxvc was running a scam, using pressure tactics and false promises to get clients to make trades they were always likely to lose. phil and joyce were soon told their money was frozen, and they needed to put in more to unlock it. i was just watching it go down, down, down. we had lost £341,000, within seven days. so fxvc, as far as i'm concerned,

were just a platform to con people into investment. so there was no real investment there. within weeks, fxvc had been banned by the british financial conduct authority, but the money was gone. and this is just one example of a wider problem. a bbc investigation has found that 40% of premier league clubs have taken sponsorship money from firms like this, that have subsequently been banned, fined, or are being investigated. no, thank you. i really appreciate this. it was interesting... clark carlisle is a former premier league footballer and chair of the footballers union. he now campaigns on issues around mental health, following his own well—publicised troubles. you know, there's an unavoidable link between a supporter and their club, and the companies that are affiliated with them. so for organisations to take advantage of that with mistruths, they have to be stopped. in a statement, fxvc

denied any wrongdoing. now, in fairness to leeds united, when they had a relationship with fxvc, they were a regulated company, but in cyprus. and leeds told us that as soon as they were banned by the fca, they cut all ties, which is basically the same thing that all the premier league clubs said. the truth is, this is bigger than leeds united. it's bigger even than football. it's about dodgy companies ripping off customers for millions, maybe even billions of pounds, and using the beautiful game to legitimise an ugly industry. joe inwood, bbc news, leeds. the full investigation — the billion dollar scam — can be found on the bbc iplayer — or on bbc news this weekend. now a sell—out crowd is expected at cardiff arms park this weekend as wales take on england in the women's six nations. the red roses welcome back four players from injury for their toughest challenge of the tournament so far. sara orchard has the details.

a couple of changes as they get ready for the big game against wales alex matthews will come in and start at number eight. meanwhile at fullback it is emma singh who gets herfirst fullback it is emma singh who gets her first start. however, fullback it is emma singh who gets herfirst start. however, the main talking point in the build—ups this much is actually all been about wales as they enter up the second year of professionalism and the impact that those contracts have made. england have regularly been putting 50 points up on them but has the gap started to close? hopes and wales are that they have. it also the captain would like to sit close as well. . . . the captain would like to sit close as well. , , ., ., as well. this is what we want because the simple - as well. this is what we want because the simple fact - as well. this is what we want because the simple fact is i as well. this is what we want| because the simple fact is we as well. this is what we want - because the simple fact is we want the game to grow. so the better quality front be that fans are skiing, the more fans we get in, everything grows without. we don't want it to just be an england fanned massive game of six nations against england and wales, we want to watch those games as well and technically and physically, that kind of game. the england head coach simon milton

has arguing tinkering with his side despite having a huge raft of injuries and now players are coming back. they do have one weakness and that appears to be their goal kicking with lower percentages than many other sites, but when i say many other sites, but when i say many other sites, i mean men's international sites. many other sites, i mean men's internationalsites. he many other sites, i mean men's international sites. he was discussing a lot today about the possibility that women's test teams or women's rugby in general could bring in the parameters when it comes to their goal kicking. just because female athletes don't have the same power as men. first thing that noes the same power as men. first thing that goes we _ the same power as men. first thing that goes we are _ the same power as men. first thing that goes we are trained _ the same power as men. first thing that goes we are trained to - that goes we are trained to overstretch yourself is accuracy. so you make _ overstretch yourself is accuracy. so you make it— overstretch yourself is accuracy. so you make it players who can achieve the distance — you make it players who can achieve the distance but they actually, they're — the distance but they actually, they're putting everything into it, having _ they're putting everything into it, having seen the global game for the last sort— having seen the global game for the last sort of— having seen the global game for the last sort of decade, the something that has— last sort of decade, the something that has improved massively because of the _ that has improved massively because of the commitment and focus on it, but it— of the commitment and focus on it, but it still— of the commitment and focus on it, but it still falls short supply because the physical part of it and i don't _ because the physical part of it and i don't think that is right. that

was “ust i don't think that is right. that wasiust a _ i don't think that is right. that wasjust a suggestion - i don't think that is right. trust was just a suggestion from him i don't think that is right. trust wasjust a suggestion from him but was just a suggestion from him but it would be fascinating to see if it is taken up by other coaches in the women's six nations. —— six nations and even considered by women's rugby in the future. wales this weekend where it is a sold—out park against england on saturday. staying with rugby union for the moment, let's have a quick look at some of the other stories making the headlines today.. leicester's former england back chris ashton is to retire at the end of the season. the premiership's record try—scorer switched codes from rugby league side wigan in 2007 and has represented his country in both. the 36 year—old was capped 44 times in union, scoring 20 tries and won the premiership three times and champions cup twice. flankerjack willis has signed a new three—year deal with toulouse, potentially putting his england future in doubt. willis joined toulouse in november after wasps went into administration. willis will be available for the world cup this autumn, after which england's restriction on players based abroad is set to be reinstated.

and saracens and england number eight billy vunipola will miss the rest of the season after suffering a knee injury. he was carried off on a stretcher during the first half of his side's champions cup quarterfinal loss at la rochelle at the weekend. saracens haven't disclosed the extent of the injury, but it could affect his world cup chances in the autumn. now it's one of the most popular events in the sporting calendar. this weekend the 175th grand national takes place at aintree. unbeaten champion hurdler constitution hill heads the runners on day one of the meeting tomorrow. the six—time winner, trained by nicky henderson, is hot favourite for the aintree hurdle as lizzie greenwood—hughes reports. commentator: and they're off! aintree has always been known for the grand national. the biggest, boldest, most famous steeplechase in the world. but, over the past few years, the quality of racing over the whole

three days has become bigger and better, attracting the best of the best to liverpool. i think aintree is reaching a point that it is as prestigious as cheltenham festival. the other big thing we've had is the fact that there is an extra week. usually it is a three—week gap between the cheltenham festival and aintree. this year it is four weeks and that extra gap seems to have made a real difference to trainers and owners�* decision—making. without doubt, the biggest name enticed there this year is constitution hill. who wowed the world at cheltenham, winning the champion hurdle. commentator: constitution hill, simply breathtaking, _ wins the champion hurdle. constitution hill is famously laid—back at home, but he comes alive on a racecourse. hejust gets up, get on him, we will have a nosy round, but as sooner you get him on a racetrack or a bit of work, he is different gear. he could be the best we have ever

had for all you know, but i think it is too early to be saying that. but he has done some things that, i have to admit, are pretty eye—opening. it is the responsibility and with it comes that responsibility and quite a lot of pressure, as well. but i would rather have him than not have him. he's almost like usain bolt. he is very relaxed and just enjoys what he does. he is not one that causes me any problem. he is a jockey�*s dream to ride, so it doesn't matter how i can ride him, and you know the ability is there. so, hopefully, he goes and shows us all what he can do again. constitution hill heads to liverpool as the odds—on favourite for his race. and unlike the grand national, which is still very much wide open, there seems to be no debate as to whether this superstar is going to win the aintree hurdle. the only question is by how much. lizzie greenwood—hughes, bbc news

now it's a question every professional athlete has to face one day — that's what to do when they call time on their career. well paralympic swimmer ellie robinson has turned to writing children's stories. her debut book is out this week and the paralympic gold medallist told the bbc what it's all about. the series is a mystery series. each mystery is a different international sporting event and three kids turned amateur detectives have to race around the world and pursue adventure and taking down criminals. in the first book, they form the track, a gold medal goes missing in tokyo and are three new detectives have to race to solve the case. what made ou have to race to solve the case. what made you turn _ have to race to solve the case. what made you turn your _ have to race to solve the case. what made you turn your sporting experience into ace mystery series? i want to combine two aspect of my life that being sport and writing. i think people either think you are either sporty or a bookworm so this

kind of breaks down that barrier. it is finding a book that children like myself who were not necessarily avid readers that resonate with. does this new writing _ readers that resonate with. does this new writing career _ readers that resonate with. does this new writing career allow you to see your future beyond sport? absolutely. you go through a bit of identity crisis, oh my gosh i've dedicated so much of my life to sport, i was quite lucky. within the lockdown during covid and everything really slow down, i just found myself just writing and really slow down, i just found myselfjust writing and writing. actually started keeping a diary. that really helped, just with understanding howl that really helped, just with understanding how i was feeling and at times, is purely to vent. any frustrations. but i was also describing pieces about my thoughts and what's going on in the world and, writing was, it really helped me discover who i was and helped me get through a tough period. that me discover who i was and helped me get through a tough period.— get through a tough period. that is re get through a tough period. that is pretty much _ get through a tough period. that is pretty much all— get through a tough period. that is pretty much all we _ get through a tough period. that is pretty much all we have _ get through a tough period. that is pretty much all we have time - get through a tough period. that is pretty much all we have time for. l

pretty much all we have time for. but just to pretty much all we have time for. butjust to go to great britain's women's gymnastics team have won the team title in europe for the first time. well done. thanks for watching we will have more through the evening, see you next time. hello. we've seen a combination of very strong and gusty winds, rough seas and big downpours across many parts of the uk. that's all been down to storm noa. this beautiful swirl of cloud here on our earlier satellite image. now, the area of low pressure responsible will be weakening and filling as we head through tonight and into tomorrow. still in the short term, though, a lot of isobars squeezing together on the southern flank of the low. so, still some strong winds for the evening across southern counties of england, the south of wales, but through the night, those winds will gradually ease. there'll still be some showers around and some of those showers will be wintry over higher

ground in scotland. temperatures, well, they will get quite close to freezing in a few locations. these temperatures are for town and city centres. out in the countryside there may well be just a touch of frost for some of us tomorrow. broadly speaking, a calmer day. the winds certainly will be lighter. there'll be some spells of sunshine, some showers around, too, for some of us will have showers from the word go. for others, it'll be a fine start, but then the shower clouds will pop up and we could see some hefty and maybe thundery downpours with some hail into the afternoon and still something wintry over high ground in scotland. 9 to 13 degrees that is no great shakes for the time of year. into friday, another frontal system pushes in from the west. not as windy with this one, but still some outbreaks of rain, particularly for southern counties of england, perhaps getting into the southern half of wales, the south midlands and also some rain for a time in the channel islands. further north, sunny spells and hefty showers. temperatures still disappointing for the time of year, eight degrees for lerwick and 13 degrees in plymouth. but as we head into the weekend,

things will start to turn a little bit warmer. some early rain in eastern counties on saturday and perhaps a band of cloud left behind. then some spells of sunshine. another frontal system will bring cloud and some rain into western counties of northern ireland later in the day. but signs of those temperatures beginning to climb up to 15 or maybe 16 degrees. and looking further ahead through sunday into the start of the new week, we'll see southerly winds and warmer air developing across the uk. easily temperatures getting up into the high teens up to 18, 19, maybe reaching 20 degrees in places a lot drier. some spells of sunshine, much calmer than it has been.

live from london — this is bbc news... presidentjoe biden arrives in dublin after re—committing us support for the good friday agreement. so let's celebrate 25 extraordinary years by recommitting to renewal, repair, by making this exceptional peace the birthright of every child in northern ireland for all the days to come. a second day ofjunior doctor walk—outs in the uk — nhs leaders call for a rapid resolution to strike action