Emma Smith
@emmasmithbbc.bsky.social
Award-winning BBC Sport journo | Heard BBC World Service, BBC 5 Live, The Week Unwrapped | Seen BBC News, ABC News | Sports Journalism Association committee member | Manchester Laces goalkeeper coach
Day One of the figure skating Euros today, with the short programme in the pairs and women's to come.
The ice dance starts on Friday, but already GB's Lilah Fear and Lewis Gibson are the main event - you can get your picture taken with your face on their bodies...
The ice dance starts on Friday, but already GB's Lilah Fear and Lewis Gibson are the main event - you can get your picture taken with your face on their bodies...
January 14, 2026 at 11:31 AM
Day One of the figure skating Euros today, with the short programme in the pairs and women's to come.
The ice dance starts on Friday, but already GB's Lilah Fear and Lewis Gibson are the main event - you can get your picture taken with your face on their bodies...
The ice dance starts on Friday, but already GB's Lilah Fear and Lewis Gibson are the main event - you can get your picture taken with your face on their bodies...
Practice is underway today at Sheffield Arena ahead of the Figure Skating European Championships, as we count down to the #Milan2026 Winter Olympics. I'll be covering every day of the Euros for BBC Sport, keep across the action there and BBC iPlayer - and on my feed, ofc
January 13, 2026 at 3:43 PM
Practice is underway today at Sheffield Arena ahead of the Figure Skating European Championships, as we count down to the #Milan2026 Winter Olympics. I'll be covering every day of the Euros for BBC Sport, keep across the action there and BBC iPlayer - and on my feed, ofc
Pep Guardiola v Calum McFarlane. A battle for the ages.
I'm running the BBC Sport live text of Manchester City v Chelsea, which is pretty much always a thriller. Follow the action here: www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
I'm running the BBC Sport live text of Manchester City v Chelsea, which is pretty much always a thriller. Follow the action here: www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
Man City vs Chelsea LIVE: Premier League score, stats & updates
Premier League build-up as second-placed Man City host Chelsea in their first game since the departure of Enzo Maresca.
www.bbc.co.uk
January 4, 2026 at 4:03 PM
Pep Guardiola v Calum McFarlane. A battle for the ages.
I'm running the BBC Sport live text of Manchester City v Chelsea, which is pretty much always a thriller. Follow the action here: www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
I'm running the BBC Sport live text of Manchester City v Chelsea, which is pretty much always a thriller. Follow the action here: www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
My top 10 and bottom 10 films released in the UK in 2025. I saw 129 new releases this year (I have no life); narrowing down the best 10 was way harder than the worst list.
I particularly agonised over the order of my top 2, very different but both outstanding films.
I particularly agonised over the order of my top 2, very different but both outstanding films.
December 29, 2025 at 11:44 AM
My top 10 and bottom 10 films released in the UK in 2025. I saw 129 new releases this year (I have no life); narrowing down the best 10 was way harder than the worst list.
I particularly agonised over the order of my top 2, very different but both outstanding films.
I particularly agonised over the order of my top 2, very different but both outstanding films.
Gian van Veen. Luke Humphries. Michael van Gerwen.
We are spoiled in the darts tonight - and you can follow it all here:
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/darts/...
We are spoiled in the darts tonight - and you can follow it all here:
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/darts/...
World Darts Championship 2026 LIVE: Gian van Veen vs Madars Razma - scores, results & updates
Luke Humphries and Michael van Gerwen are in third-round action as the PDC World Darts Championship continues at Alexandra Palace.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 28, 2025 at 7:11 PM
Gian van Veen. Luke Humphries. Michael van Gerwen.
We are spoiled in the darts tonight - and you can follow it all here:
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/darts/...
We are spoiled in the darts tonight - and you can follow it all here:
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/darts/...
Back on the darts after Christmas, with a thrilling evening session featuring Luke Littler and Stephen Bunting in prospect. Follow all the action here: www.bbc.co.uk/sport/darts/...
PDC World Darts Championship 2026 LIVE: Luke Littler, Stephen Bunting, Jonny Clayton playing - scores, results & updates from third round
Luke Littler, Stephen Bunting and Jonny Clayton are in third-round action as the PDC World Darts Championship continues at Alexandra Palace.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 27, 2025 at 7:09 PM
Back on the darts after Christmas, with a thrilling evening session featuring Luke Littler and Stephen Bunting in prospect. Follow all the action here: www.bbc.co.uk/sport/darts/...
Reposted by Emma Smith
Great thanks to @emmasmithbbc.bsky.social for the interview. Pride is a vital part of what makes Seattle one of the best cities in the world. I'll be there at the match in the spirit of welcome for which the Emerald City is known around the world ⚽️🕊♥️🏳️🌈
EXCLUSIVE: Organisers of the 2026 World Cup Pride Match say they have had no official intervention despite complaints from Egypt and Iran, as they hope Fifa "do the right thing" and "respect the culture" by letting LGBT celebrations go ahead in Seattle - www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
2026 World Cup: Fifa yet to intervene on 'Pride Match' despite Egypt objection
An official involved with the World Cup Pride Match says there has been no contact from Fifa about their plans, despite the Egyptian FA's complaint.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 26, 2025 at 8:34 PM
Great thanks to @emmasmithbbc.bsky.social for the interview. Pride is a vital part of what makes Seattle one of the best cities in the world. I'll be there at the match in the spirit of welcome for which the Emerald City is known around the world ⚽️🕊♥️🏳️🌈
EXCLUSIVE: Organisers of the 2026 World Cup Pride Match say they have had no official intervention despite complaints from Egypt and Iran, as they hope Fifa "do the right thing" and "respect the culture" by letting LGBT celebrations go ahead in Seattle - www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
2026 World Cup: Fifa yet to intervene on 'Pride Match' despite Egypt objection
An official involved with the World Cup Pride Match says there has been no contact from Fifa about their plans, despite the Egyptian FA's complaint.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 26, 2025 at 12:35 PM
EXCLUSIVE: Organisers of the 2026 World Cup Pride Match say they have had no official intervention despite complaints from Egypt and Iran, as they hope Fifa "do the right thing" and "respect the culture" by letting LGBT celebrations go ahead in Seattle - www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
Michael van Gerwen. Gary Anderson. Danny Noppert. Josh Rock. Sadly no Paul Lim.
It's the final session before Christmas of the 2026 PDC World Darts Championship, and I'm on the live text for BBC Sport - follow along here: www.bbc.co.uk/sport/darts/...
It's the final session before Christmas of the 2026 PDC World Darts Championship, and I'm on the live text for BBC Sport - follow along here: www.bbc.co.uk/sport/darts/...
World Darts Championship 2026 LIVE: Van Gerwen, Anderson, Noppert, Rock - scores & updates
Follow live text updates of Tuesday's second-round matches at the PDC World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, London.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 23, 2025 at 7:03 PM
Michael van Gerwen. Gary Anderson. Danny Noppert. Josh Rock. Sadly no Paul Lim.
It's the final session before Christmas of the 2026 PDC World Darts Championship, and I'm on the live text for BBC Sport - follow along here: www.bbc.co.uk/sport/darts/...
It's the final session before Christmas of the 2026 PDC World Darts Championship, and I'm on the live text for BBC Sport - follow along here: www.bbc.co.uk/sport/darts/...
Back on the darts over Christmas week, and there's a phenomenal match on Monday night - former world champion Luke Humphries versus 71-year-old Paul Lim. Follow the live text here: www.bbc.co.uk/sport/darts/...
PDC World Darts Championship 2026 LIVE: Luke Humphries vs Paul Lim - scores, results & updates
Follow live text updates of Monday's second-round matches at the PDC World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, London.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 22, 2025 at 7:04 PM
Back on the darts over Christmas week, and there's a phenomenal match on Monday night - former world champion Luke Humphries versus 71-year-old Paul Lim. Follow the live text here: www.bbc.co.uk/sport/darts/...
Should we have a bit of chaos?
It's the final round of fixtures in the Women's Champions League group stage, with nine games kicking-off at once.
Myself and Ciara Fleming will be marshalling all the goals and permutations here for BBC Sport
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
It's the final round of fixtures in the Women's Champions League group stage, with nine games kicking-off at once.
Myself and Ciara Fleming will be marshalling all the goals and permutations here for BBC Sport
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
Women's Champions League LIVE: Build-up, team news, score and live text updates
Follow live coverage of the Women's Champions League as OH Leuven host Arsenal, Juventus take on Man Utd and Wolfsburg face Chelsea, plus follow live updates from around the other grounds.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 17, 2025 at 7:07 PM
Should we have a bit of chaos?
It's the final round of fixtures in the Women's Champions League group stage, with nine games kicking-off at once.
Myself and Ciara Fleming will be marshalling all the goals and permutations here for BBC Sport
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
It's the final round of fixtures in the Women's Champions League group stage, with nine games kicking-off at once.
Myself and Ciara Fleming will be marshalling all the goals and permutations here for BBC Sport
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
EXCLUSIVE: The response to Turkey's football betting scandal must have the same cultural impact as the punishments for the Calciopoli affair in Italy, says the assistant manager of Galatasaray.
"When there is a big problem, you need big decisions."
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
"When there is a big problem, you need big decisions."
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
Turkish betting scandal: 'Big decisions' and 'very strict' sanctions needed, says Galatasaray assistant boss
The response to the Turkish football betting scandal must have the same cultural impact as the punishments for the Calciopoli affair in Italy, says the assistant manager of Galatasaray.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 16, 2025 at 1:05 PM
EXCLUSIVE: The response to Turkey's football betting scandal must have the same cultural impact as the punishments for the Calciopoli affair in Italy, says the assistant manager of Galatasaray.
"When there is a big problem, you need big decisions."
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
"When there is a big problem, you need big decisions."
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
UPDATE: SeattleFWC26 Organising Committee says it is "is moving forward as planned with our community programming" for World Cup Pride Match, despite Egypt's objections.
Fifa meanwhile has declined to comment.
Fifa meanwhile has declined to comment.
The Egyptian Football Association says it has sent a formal letter to Fifa requesting "Pride Match" celebrations at one of their World Cup matches do not happen.
A statement says they reject "in absolute terms" any activities linked to LGBTQ+ support during the match.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
A statement says they reject "in absolute terms" any activities linked to LGBTQ+ support during the match.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
2026 World Cup: Egyptian FA asks Fifa to cancel 'Pride Match' plans in Seattle
The Egyptian Football Association says it has sent a formal letter to Fifa requesting that LGBTQ+
www.bbc.co.uk
December 10, 2025 at 8:05 AM
UPDATE: SeattleFWC26 Organising Committee says it is "is moving forward as planned with our community programming" for World Cup Pride Match, despite Egypt's objections.
Fifa meanwhile has declined to comment.
Fifa meanwhile has declined to comment.
The Egyptian Football Association says it has sent a formal letter to Fifa requesting "Pride Match" celebrations at one of their World Cup matches do not happen.
A statement says they reject "in absolute terms" any activities linked to LGBTQ+ support during the match.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
A statement says they reject "in absolute terms" any activities linked to LGBTQ+ support during the match.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
2026 World Cup: Egyptian FA asks Fifa to cancel 'Pride Match' plans in Seattle
The Egyptian Football Association says it has sent a formal letter to Fifa requesting that LGBTQ+
www.bbc.co.uk
December 9, 2025 at 8:01 PM
The Egyptian Football Association says it has sent a formal letter to Fifa requesting "Pride Match" celebrations at one of their World Cup matches do not happen.
A statement says they reject "in absolute terms" any activities linked to LGBTQ+ support during the match.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
A statement says they reject "in absolute terms" any activities linked to LGBTQ+ support during the match.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
The BBC understands that reports today suggesting Iran have appealed to Fifa about the World Cup Pride Match celebrations are untrue.
We understand that while there were reports on Iranian local media, no official complaint has been made.
We understand that while there were reports on Iranian local media, no official complaint has been made.
A 2026 World Cup fixture designated by organisers as an LGBTQ+ 'Pride Match' will feature two countries where homosexuality is illegal.
The 26 June match in Seattle, which coincides with the city's Pride weekend, will be the Group G game between Egypt and Iran.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
The 26 June match in Seattle, which coincides with the city's Pride weekend, will be the Group G game between Egypt and Iran.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
2026 World Cup: 'Pride Match' to feature Egypt and Iran - where homosexuality is illegal
A 2026 World Cup fixture designated by organisers as an LGBTQ+ 'Pride Match' will feature two countries where homosexuality is illegal.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 9, 2025 at 4:19 PM
The BBC understands that reports today suggesting Iran have appealed to Fifa about the World Cup Pride Match celebrations are untrue.
We understand that while there were reports on Iranian local media, no official complaint has been made.
We understand that while there were reports on Iranian local media, no official complaint has been made.
A 2026 World Cup fixture designated by organisers as an LGBTQ+ 'Pride Match' will feature two countries where homosexuality is illegal.
The 26 June match in Seattle, which coincides with the city's Pride weekend, will be the Group G game between Egypt and Iran.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
The 26 June match in Seattle, which coincides with the city's Pride weekend, will be the Group G game between Egypt and Iran.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
2026 World Cup: 'Pride Match' to feature Egypt and Iran - where homosexuality is illegal
A 2026 World Cup fixture designated by organisers as an LGBTQ+ 'Pride Match' will feature two countries where homosexuality is illegal.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 8, 2025 at 10:25 AM
A 2026 World Cup fixture designated by organisers as an LGBTQ+ 'Pride Match' will feature two countries where homosexuality is illegal.
The 26 June match in Seattle, which coincides with the city's Pride weekend, will be the Group G game between Egypt and Iran.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
The 26 June match in Seattle, which coincides with the city's Pride weekend, will be the Group G game between Egypt and Iran.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
Reposted by Emma Smith
NEW: The #FIFAWorldCup match in Seattle on June 26 had already been designated as a “Pride Match” before the fixtures were decided. Now we know the teams who will play in it… Egypt and Iran.
Both nations have draconian anti-gay laws.
For @outsports.com
#LGBTQ #football @sportsmedialgbt.com
Both nations have draconian anti-gay laws.
For @outsports.com
#LGBTQ #football @sportsmedialgbt.com
Iran and Egypt set to play Seattle's World Cup LGBTQ Pride Match - Outsports
A World Cup match in Seattle has been named the Pride Match. That game now features Egypt and Iran, which imprison gay people.
www.outsports.com
December 7, 2025 at 7:20 PM
NEW: The #FIFAWorldCup match in Seattle on June 26 had already been designated as a “Pride Match” before the fixtures were decided. Now we know the teams who will play in it… Egypt and Iran.
Both nations have draconian anti-gay laws.
For @outsports.com
#LGBTQ #football @sportsmedialgbt.com
Both nations have draconian anti-gay laws.
For @outsports.com
#LGBTQ #football @sportsmedialgbt.com
585 days. 34 WSL games. Finally, Chelsea's unbeaten domestic league run is at an end.
On a day when Man City toiled before finding a way to win, Chelsea were unable to do the same.
A first WSL title since 2016 is City's to lose.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
On a day when Man City toiled before finding a way to win, Chelsea were unable to do the same.
A first WSL title since 2016 is City's to lose.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
WSL: Chelsea unbeatable no more, so is the title Man City's to lose?
585 days. 34 Women's Super League games. Finally, Chelsea's unbeaten domestic league run is at an end.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 7, 2025 at 6:17 PM
585 days. 34 WSL games. Finally, Chelsea's unbeaten domestic league run is at an end.
On a day when Man City toiled before finding a way to win, Chelsea were unable to do the same.
A first WSL title since 2016 is City's to lose.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
On a day when Man City toiled before finding a way to win, Chelsea were unable to do the same.
A first WSL title since 2016 is City's to lose.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
In 2018, I interviewed an 18-year-old Lando Norris about his hopes for his future in F1.
'I do it for the enjoyment, and hopefully if I'm good enough I can make a career out of it.'
Fair to say he has made quite a career.
'I do it for the enjoyment, and hopefully if I'm good enough I can make a career out of it.'
Fair to say he has made quite a career.
December 7, 2025 at 2:38 PM
In 2018, I interviewed an 18-year-old Lando Norris about his hopes for his future in F1.
'I do it for the enjoyment, and hopefully if I'm good enough I can make a career out of it.'
Fair to say he has made quite a career.
'I do it for the enjoyment, and hopefully if I'm good enough I can make a career out of it.'
Fair to say he has made quite a career.
After last night, it is good to return to some actual football.
I'm running the #bbcfootball live text for Arsenal v Liverpool in the WSL - the Gunners need a win to stay in the title race, the Reds just need a win from anywhere.
Follow here: www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
I'm running the #bbcfootball live text for Arsenal v Liverpool in the WSL - the Gunners need a win to stay in the title race, the Reds just need a win from anywhere.
Follow here: www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
Arsenal vs Liverpool LIVE: WSL score, stats & updates
Follow live text commentary, score updates and match stats from Arsenal vs Liverpool in the Women's Super League
www.bbc.co.uk
December 6, 2025 at 11:34 AM
After last night, it is good to return to some actual football.
I'm running the #bbcfootball live text for Arsenal v Liverpool in the WSL - the Gunners need a win to stay in the title race, the Reds just need a win from anywhere.
Follow here: www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
I'm running the #bbcfootball live text for Arsenal v Liverpool in the WSL - the Gunners need a win to stay in the title race, the Reds just need a win from anywhere.
Follow here: www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
Scotland v Haiti on June 13 in Boston or New York. Scotland's first men's World Cup match in 28 years. #WorldCup2026
December 5, 2025 at 7:01 PM
Scotland v Haiti on June 13 in Boston or New York. Scotland's first men's World Cup match in 28 years. #WorldCup2026
December 5, 2025 at 6:53 PM
If Scotland need a result from the final round of their group to progress, they will need to get it against Brazil.
They will meet on 24 June in either Miami or Atlanta. #WorldCup2026
They will meet on 24 June in either Miami or Atlanta. #WorldCup2026
December 5, 2025 at 6:51 PM
If Scotland need a result from the final round of their group to progress, they will need to get it against Brazil.
They will meet on 24 June in either Miami or Atlanta. #WorldCup2026
They will meet on 24 June in either Miami or Atlanta. #WorldCup2026
The opening game of #WorldCup2026 will be the same as in the 2010 World Cup - Soccer City, Tshabalala and all that.
Mexico v South Africa in Mexico City on June 11.
Mexico v South Africa in Mexico City on June 11.
December 5, 2025 at 6:48 PM
The opening game of #WorldCup2026 will be the same as in the 2010 World Cup - Soccer City, Tshabalala and all that.
Mexico v South Africa in Mexico City on June 11.
Mexico v South Africa in Mexico City on June 11.
England will open their #2026WorldCup against Croatia on June 17 in either Toronto or Dallas
December 5, 2025 at 6:43 PM
England will open their #2026WorldCup against Croatia on June 17 in either Toronto or Dallas