Sports World owner Sports Direct International was on course to make payouts to thousands of UK staff today after raising profit forecasts for the second time this year.

Sports World owner Sports Direct International today raised its annual earnings forecast after enjoying a jump in sales during the summer.

Mike Ashley’s Sports Direct International today reported a 91% dive in profits after its “strategic stakes” in rival retailers were frozen.

SPORTS World billionaire Mike Ashley has labelled investors dismayed by the plunging share price of the business since its February float as “cry-babies” in an interview yesterday.