MP for Bolgatanga Central, Isaac Adongo, has criticized Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s tax amnesty pledge, calling it a mere political tactic rather than a meaningful policy proposal.
Adongo dismissed the Vice President’s suggestion, arguing that tax amnesty is already a standard compliance approach used by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to encourage tax evaders to comply with tax laws.
He emphasized that presenting tax amnesty as a campaign pledge is deceptive, especially considering its repeated lack of success in the past under the current administration.
“Tax amnesty is a compliance approach used by the Ghana Revenue Authority and not something Bawumia should have used as a campaign promise.
“It is a trap. He has done this three times and failed because after seeing the tax evaders, he added more taxes which became a disincentive,” onuaonline.com quoted him to have said in an interview on Onua TV on March 21, 2024.
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has pledged to grant tax amnesty to businesses and individuals with outstanding tax arrears if he is given the mandate to rule Ghana in 2025.
Isaac Adongo, the MP for Bolgatanga Central, criticized Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s tax amnesty pledge, calling it a mere political tactic rather than a meaningful policy proposal.
Adongo dismissed the Vice President’s suggestion, arguing that tax amnesty is already a standard compliance approach used by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to encourage tax evaders to comply with tax laws.
He emphasized that presenting tax amnesty as a campaign pledge is deceptive, especially considering its repeated lack of success in the past under the current administration.
“I am going to start with a clean slate in 2025, and that is why in 2025, we are going to grant a tax amnesty to all businesses and individuals and start afresh.
Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has refuted Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s allegations of harassing businesses to achieve its ambitious revenue goals.
During a recent dialogue with the Ghana Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) to gather input for drafting a campaign manifesto for the upcoming 2024 elections, the NPP’s flagbearer expressed worries about GRA officials pressuring businesses to meet the tax collector’s demanding revenue targets.
“They are harassing businesses. That harassment is coming from the sort of target that is created at their office.
“They are setting unrealistic targets, and this is because the tax base is so narrow. You say to them, this is your target for this month, and they are trying to figure out, ‘Where do I go?
“Then, for them, it is very easy. You go back to where you had it the last time. You go to taxpayers, the people who are already paying taxes, and then you have to come up with a new reason why they should pay more, and, so, you come up with all sorts of stuff,” Dr Bawumia said.
Dr. Bawumia pledged to address the issue if elected president.
“Because of the harassment and the need to make money, we are going to start with a clean slate in 2025. And that is why, in 2025, we are going to grant a tax amnesty to all businesses and individuals and start afresh
“So, we are going to start the new system. It’s a flat tax system, so we are going to wipe the slate clean for every individual and business,” he added.
Responding to the accusation, the Assistant Commissioner of theGhana Revenue Authority (GRA), Emelia Assam, who spoke at the Oxfam Tax Dialogue on Thursday, March 21, 2024, said, “There is no harassment with tax collection. GRA staff, don’t go out to harass.”
“No tax officer who has been authorised to go out is expected to harass any client, in the sense that we have some compliance issues that we deal with every day. Every taxpayer must register; if you fail to register, we can send you a notification to appear. We can lock up your place if you fail to respond to these notifications. We have duties to issue invoices for people who are registered to pay VAT,” she added.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo expressed that the nation’s unwavering determination and resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic would be a lasting legacy for future generations.
“Let us remember the lessons we have learned and the progress we have made. Together, there is no challenge that we cannot overcome, no obstacle we cannot surmount,” the president noted.
He was speaking at the launch of a book titled “Fellow Ghanaians: Telling Ghana’s COVID-19 Story: A Journey of Fear, Facts, Faith, and Fortune” in Accra.
The book, authored by the Health Minister-designate, Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye, highlights the unity of purpose and collaborative spirit that defined the country’s response to the pandemic.
It gives a perspective on the strategies, stakeholder engagement, challenges, and success stories in the campaign.
The Ghana Health Service estimated that some 171,889 confirmed cases of COVID-19 were recorded in the country as of December 2023.
This resulted in 1,462 deaths.
Ghana has administered a total of 27,959,283 COVID-19 vaccine doses, which include vaccines from AstraZeneca, Sputnik-V, Moderna, and Pfizer-BioNTech.
The international community, including the World Health Organization, commended Ghana for its effective management of the COVID-19 spread, particularly during the peak of the pandemic, which wreaked havoc on the global economy.
Despite these efforts, the psychological impact of the pandemic, marked by numerous deaths, job losses, social isolation, and economic challenges, continues to linger in societies worldwide.
“Fellow Ghanaians’ is not just a title; it is a powerful reminder of the bond that unites us as a people, transcending tribe, religion, or political affiliation.
“It is a call for us to act, urging us to stand together in the face of the adversity of COVID-19 and to work tirelessly to win the fight against the pandemic,” Nana Akufo-Addo said.
He lauded Ghanaians for their patience, collaboration, and varied support for the government amidst those difficult moments.
“You listened to me; you cooperated with the government and with the health experts. You adhered to the enhanced hygiene and mask-wearing protocols, and a considerable number of you took the vaccine This book, he said, held a special place in his heart
“Not only because it resonates deeply with the way I acted during some of the nation’s difficult moments, it embodies the spirit of unity and solidarity that define us as Ghanaians
“I stand before you today with a profound feeling of gratitude as we gather to celebrate the launch of the book titled ‘Fellow Ghanaians’,” the President stated.
Dr. Okoe Boye, who was the Deputy Health Minister when the country recorded its first confirmed case of the pandemic in March 2020, lauded the Nana Akufo-Addo-led administration for the courage demonstrated throughout those difficult moments.
He explained that the book goes beyond just documenting history; it narrates the Ghanaian people’s resilience in challenging times. It explores both the emotional and strategic aspects of Ghana’s response to the global crisis, highlighting the positive results achieved.
Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has reaffirmed his steadfast dedication to safeguarding Ghana’s sovereignty and preserving its democratic values amidst possible government intervention.
Bagbin’s firm position comes in response to a directive from President Akufo-Addo, dated March 18, 2024, instructing Parliament not to forward the anti-gay bill for his endorsement.
In a strongly-worded message on Facebook, Bagbin expressed his unwavering determination.
“We will not allow the government to disregard the will of the people as expressed through their elected representatives.”
The Speaker underscored the importance of safeguarding Ghana’s cultural heritage and reclaiming elements lost to historical injustices.
“Our cultural values have suffered greatly due to colonialism and the slave trade. It is our duty as the current generation to protect what remains and even restore what has been lost,” Bagbin emphasised.
He urged President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia to refrain from trivialising the democratic process.
“I urge the government, led by Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, to avoid actions that undermine our democratic traditions,” Bagbin cautioned.
The Speaker concluded by expressing gratitude to Ghanaians for their steadfast commitment to upholding truth and democracy.
Read his post below;
Alban Bagbin warns Akufo-Addo and Vice
The Parliament of Ghana, under my leadership, will resist any affront to the democracy of Ghana. We will not allow a government to undermine the sovereign will of the people expressed through their representatives.
Particularly as the values of our people are concerned, we have lost so much of them to colonialism and slave trade that this generation has a divine mandate to protect the remnants of our cultural values and even restore the lost ones.
The culture and democracy of Ghana are so supreme that I will do everything legally possible to safeguard them. I encourage the government led by Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo andDr. Mahamudu Bawumia to desist from actions and inactions that attempt to trivialize our democratic practice.
We at the Parliament House thank all Ghanaians for speaking so loudly on this matter and speaking the truth to the government.
The notion that the Offinso queen mother, Nana Ama Serwaa Nyarko, has been dethroned by the Asante paramount chief, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, seems unfamiliar to many locals in the area.
As a result, a significant number of residents have gathered at her residence to call for the appointment of a new chief.
The Asantehene officially removed the queen mother from her position due to insubordination in January 2024.
Expressing their discontent and demanding a new leader for the Offinso traditional area, these concerned residents are advocating for Dr. KK Sarpong to assume the role, as he was initially endorsed by the kingmakers.
Most of these residents, who wore funeral clothes to portray their seriousness and sadness over the claim of ‘no chief in the town’, chanted, “We want our new chief, K.K. Sarpong”.
In a video post by ASIASE TV, the aggrieved residents were captured singing and chanting “Ofinso Hemaa, yeegye yen hene, Kurontihene, yeegye yen hene, Abusuapanin, yeegye yen hene,” which means, “Queen mother and her elders, we want our new chief.”
Amid the blowing of horns and singing of songs to demand a new chief, some youth were also captured in a video along the streets of the Offinso township, chanting for a new chief.
Some residents spoke to journalists in an interview, and said: “Recently, we saw the Offinso manhemaa and her elders choose Dr. K. K. Sarpong. But a few weeks later, we can’t see anything, and we don’t understand what is happening.
“We’ve been waiting for him to come and help develop Offinso, and we know he is capable of developing and providing jobs for the youth. Day in and day out, every youth cries for Dr. Kofi Kodua Sarpong to become the Offinso chief; we know no one apart from KK.”
“He is the one we know the queen mother has chosen. Even now that he has not been installed, there are lots of things he’s done. Currently, as I speak, he’s catering for my children’s school, and there are many others he’s doing the same for,” another resident said.
Many of those interviewed expressed sorrow over the lack of development in the town since the passing of Nana Wiafe Akenteng.
After leaving the queen mother’s residence, the disgruntled residents and some members of the Ahyirem Royal Family visited Nana Kwabena Agyeibi Obeng, a representative of the Ahyirem Abusuapanin, seeking clarification.
Among their concerns was the whereabouts of Dr. KK Sarpong.
Speaking to the media, Nana Agyeibi Obeng assured the residents that he and his elders would make efforts to bring back Dr. KK Sarpong.
He praised Nana Ama Serwaa Nyarko for standing firm in her belief that Dr. KK Sarpong was the rightful candidate for the throne.
He pledged to support the queen mother’s cause, which he viewed as noble, to install Dr. KK Sarpong as the chief of Offinso.
Dr. Kofi Kodua Sarpong was initially nominated by the Ofinso queen mother, Nana Ama Serwaa Nyarko, and other kingmakers to succeed the late Nana Wiafe Akenteng.
Subsequently, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II enstooled a new chief, Nana Amoako Poku, after Kwakwaboa Abusuapanin, Opanin Yaw Nkrumah Adusah, assumed the queen mother’s duties and presented the new candidate.
During the installation of the new chief, there were rumours that Otumfuo Osei Tutu II had destooled the queen mother of Offinso for failing to heed his summons. However, the actions of the aggrieved residents suggest that they still recognize her authority.
Some residents interviewed by journalists claimed they had not witnessed the queen mother being destooled.
Accra High Court has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of businessman Richard Jakpa, who is currently on trial alongside former Deputy Minister for Finance Cassiel Ato Forson over the procurement of allegedly unsuitable ambulances.
Jakpa, the third accused individual, began presenting his defense last Tuesday but failed to appear in court on Thursday for further testimony.
He, along with Dr. Ato Forson and Sylvester Anemana, a former Chief Director at the Ministry of Health, are facing charges related to causing a financial loss of €2.37 million to the state through a contract to procure 200 ambulances for the Ministry of Health.
All three defendants have pleaded not guilty to charges including causing financial loss to the state, abetting a crime, violating the Public Procurement Act, and misapplying public property.
While Dr. Forson was granted GH¢3 million bail, Anemana was granted GH¢1 million bail with three sureties, one of whom must be a public servant not below the rank of a director.
Jakpa, on the other hand, was granted GH¢5 million in bail with three sureties, one of whom must provide documentation for a landed property.
Jakpa’s absence in court on Thursday was attributed to a medical certificate, the details of which were not disclosed by the court.
However, Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe deemed the reason for his absence unacceptable to the court.
According to her, “This is supposed to be a medical certificate, but it does not qualify as a medical certificate.”
She added that “the problem is that Mr. Jakpa does not have a counsel who I will tell something to go and tell him,” and “the only thing is that I will issue a warrant.”
“A document purporting to be an excuse duty from the …hospital was sent to the clerk of this court via WhatsApp,” the court said.
She said, “The medical certificate does not display what condition he is on admission for and is being treated for.”
Justice Asare-Botwe observed that the third accused terminated his legal representation two days prior and has not yet secured new legal counsel.
“This court will err on the side of caution and issue a warrant for his arrest,” Justice Asare-Botwe ordered.
The court has rescheduled the case to March 26, 2024.
Mr. Jakpa, who dismissed his attorney, has commencedhis defense but has not yet retained new legal representation, as indicated in the court’s records.
Reports suggest that Ben White’s absence from the England squad stems from an incident involving assistant manager Steve Holland.
According to The Telegraph, Holland accused the Arsenal defender of lacking interest in football during an altercation in Qatar.
This led to White making himself unavailable for selection, despite his recent good form.
Despite being a strong candidate for the national team due to his performances, White has not been included in the squad since the 2022 World Cup.
Holland’s alleged comment about White’s attitude towards football reportedly occurred during a conversation comparing the performances of different clubs, which left White feeling embarrassed in front of his teammates.
Reports suggest that Ben White’s absence from the England squad stems from an incident involving assistant manager Steve Holland.
According to The Telegraph, Holland accused the Arsenal defender of lacking interest in football during an altercation in Qatar.
This led to White making himself unavailable for selection, despite his recent good form.
Despite being a strong candidate for the national team due to his performances, White has not been included in the squad since the 2022 World Cup.
Holland’s alleged comment about White’s attitude towards football reportedly occurred during a conversation comparing the performances of different clubs, which left White feeling embarrassed in front of his teammates.
The cost of foreign verification has surged from 550 Ghana cedis to GHS 3,000, marking a 445.45% rise.
Despite appeals to the Health Ministry and the Nurses and Midwives Council to reconsider the hike, no action has been taken.
Consequently, the nurses’ leadership has outlined a plan of action from March 22 to April 3, 2024.
During this period, nurses and midwives nationwide will wear red bands on their departments and wards, along with head and armbands, in protest.
A major press conference is scheduled for March 27, 2024, followed by the withdrawal of outpatient department services from March 28 to April 2, 2024.
If their demands are not addressed, the health workers plan to escalate their actions by completely withdrawing all services, including in-patient care, on April 3, 2024.
Led by National President Perpetual Ofori-Ampofo, the Council has expressed disappointment in the lack of response from the Health Ministry and the nurses and midwives council, despite sending letters urging reconsideration of the fee hike.
The Council emphasises that, given the current economic challenges, any increment should not exceed 25% of the previous cost.
“We wish to reiterate that, considering the current economic challenges and the fact that our salaries are not the best, nurses and midwives in Ghana can only contain a maximum of 25% increment, which in our view can be borne by all grades of nurses and midwives,” the statement read.
“All nurses and midwives are expected to fully participate in the above-stated actions because it is their right to do so and therefore under no circumstances should they be threatened or coerced,” the statement said.
President and Founder of the Afro-Arab Group of Companies, Alhaji Salamu Amadu, headquartered in Ghana, has shown his backing for grassroots football by gifting sets of jerseys toBarau Football Club in Nigeria.
The presentation of the jerseys for the 2023/24 season in the Nigerian Nationwide League One was warmly received by club officials and players.
Professor Muhd Ibn Abdallah, Chief of Staff to the Deputy President of the Senate, commended the uniqueness, neatness, and attractiveness of the jerseys, stressing their positive impact on the team’s morale and performance.
He underscored the significance of the jerseys being locally manufactured in Africa, demonstrating support for homegrown brands.
Ambassador Alhaji Salamu Amadu reaffirmed the company’s dedication to backing the team as they gear up for the upcoming season.
He highlighted the quality and visual appeal of the jerseys, expressing confidence in their ability to enhance the team’s reputation both on and off the field.
The Chairman, coach, and players of Barau Football Club expressed appreciation for Ambassador Alhaji Salamu Amadu’s generous gesture, praising the quality and aesthetics of the jerseys.
They emphasized the boost in team spirit and morale that accompanies wearing such stylish attire.
Moreover, Ambassador Alhaji Salamu Amadu’s philanthropic act underscores the Afro-Arab Group of Companies’ commitment to community involvement and social responsibility.
By extending assistance beyond its Ghanaian base to a neighbouring nation like Nigeria, the company showcases its dedication to fostering unity and collaboration across borders within the African continent.
This act of kindness not only benefits Barau Football Club but also promotes goodwill and solidarity within the wider African football community.
Man Utd fans have expressed their dismay at Gary Neville and Roy Keane for saying Gareth Southgate should be the next Red Devils’ manager.
Southgate has emerged as a potential successor to Erik ten Hag and it has been reported that United’s minority shareholder, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, is confident of luring the England manager to Old Trafford.
United legends Roy Keane and Gary Neville both told the Stick to Football podcast that Southgate would be a good appointment for the Red Devils.
Neville and Keane’s comments have been met with a furious response online from a number of United fans. X user @karthikeyan3108 wrote: “Neville should probably start keeping his opinions to himself considering his glorious stint as a manager himself.”
Fellow X user @United_Benj was also not keen on the idea of the England boss taking charge of United, suggesting he would be as bad as former Three Lions manager Sam Allardyce. “Dear god. Replacing Ten Hag with Southgate?! It might as well bring Big Sam in,” he wrote.
United fan @racheal_ifedayo also reacted with incredulity, writing on X: “What are they smoking? Why would we want Southgate fgs?”.
🚨 Roy Keane on Southgate possibly becoming the next #mufc manager: "I could see that happening." [Overlap] pic.twitter.com/0fuXer1AoH
Ten Hag received some relief after Manchester United’s thrilling 4-3 victory over Liverpool secured their spot in the FA Cup semi-final.
Despite this, his position remains precarious as United continue to linger in sixth place in the Premier League with slim hopes of Champions League qualification.
Meanwhile, Gareth Southgate stands as England’s most accomplished manager since Sir Alf Ramsey, guiding the Three Lions to the World Cup semi-finals in 2018 and the quarter-finals in 2022, as well as leading them to the final of the recent European Championship, where they fell short against Italy in a penalty shootout.
Southgate’s contract with the Football Association extends until December, and he has opted to defer any decisions regarding his future until after the European Championship.
England is set to face Brazil on Saturday and Belgium on Tuesday.
United’s upcoming fixture against Brentford on March 30 presents an opportunity to narrow the gap on Tottenham for fifth place in the league standings.
Manchester City have been warned they could face “expulsion” from the Premier League if found guilty of breaching FFP rules.
Premier League champions Manchester City and rival Chelsea have both been warned they could face being thrown out of the English top flight if found guilty of breaching Financial Fair Play rules.
City is facing 115 charges and their case will be heard in the autumn. Chelsea may also find themselves in hot water due to their big-spending habits if major sales are not made this summer.
The commission that docked Nottingham Forest four points for breaching Profit and Sustainability Rules this week made it clear in their 52-written reasons the type of sanctions available for more serious issues, as reported by The Sun.
Robert Glancy KC, sports law specialist Mark Hovell and accounting expert Steve Holt wrote that available punishments “range from a warning through to expulsion from the Premier League.”.
The trio went on to say: “Where a PSR breach is ‘minor’, then it will be for other commissions to determine if any point deduction is necessary, appropriate or proportionate.
“But if the breach is properly described as ‘major’ then it may be the case that even a very severe sanction such as expulsion is more appropriate.”
The news of deductions for Everton and Forest has already led some commentators to suggest City could be hit hard if found guilty. Former Liverpool defender and television pundit Jamie Carragher has claimed the Premier League champions could “end up in the National League North,” while boxer and Everton fan Tony Bellew has called the current situation “a disgrace” and has tipped the Cityzens to be relegated to the Conference.
City manager Pep Guardiola has insisted his club is innocent of the charges and has vowed to stay on even if the club are sanctioned and relegated to League One.
It has been suggested that City may also be stripped of their trophies if found guilty, but the Manchester outfit are likely to add more silverware before their case is heard as they remain in contention for the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League.
Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has been handed a two-match suspension by the Competitions Committee following his red card during their 3-0 victory over Atletico Madrid.
SPORT confirmed the news via @Barca_Buzz on X.
Xavi’s expulsion occurred during the first half of the match at the Wanda Metropolitano due to his protests and complaints about the referee’s decisions.
Despite fears of a three-match ban due to his previous disciplinary issues, Xavi received a two-match suspension, allowing him to be on the sidelines for the upcoming Clasico against Real Madrid in April.
Along with the suspension, Xavi has been fined €600 (£514/$655), and the club will also need to pay a penalty of €700 (£600/$764).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWq5Pmdo0Og
Barca Noticias reports that Xavi has accumulated 24 yellow cards in La Liga over his three-year tenure as Barcelona manager, averaging one yellow card every 5.5 league games.
This rate is significantly higher than his frequency of receiving yellow cards as a player, where he averaged one yellow card every 13 games throughout his 928-match career.
Xavi’s suspension means he will miss Barcelona’s upcoming matches against Las Palmas at Montjuic and Cadiz away, before returning to the touchline for the Clasico against Real Madrid on April 21.
However, he will still oversee Barcelona’s Champions League quarter-final first leg against Paris Saint-Germain on April 10.
In addition to joining the team, the experienced MLS defender has been named Vice President and will also contribute to the technical aspects of the youth football team.
“Harrison will be joining us as Club Vice President and also as a member of our coaching staff. Harrison brings many years of professional experience to the club.
He has played in the MLS for eight years with both Charlotte FC and Columbus Crew,” the club wrote on Instagram.
“He won the MLS Cup with the Columbus Crew in 2020 and was named Columbus Crew Defender of the Year in 2015. He was part of the Ghana National Team that placed third in the African Cup of Nations in 2008, 2010, and 2015.
He captained Ghana in a friendly against Congo and created an assist that led to a draw in the 2014 World Cup against Germany.
“We are very excited to have Harrison as a part of the Stars family and look forward to seeing him spread his knowledge of the game in our area.”
It appears that the formerAsante Kotoko playeris making preparations for life after football as he approaches the end of his playing career.
Ivorian midfielder, Mohamed Diomande, recently included in the Black Stars squad for friendly matches against Nigeria and Uganda, posted a cryptic message on social media regarding the Ghana Football Association’s efforts to secure his commitment to Ghana.
Taking to Instagram on Thursday, March 21, 2024, the Right to Dream Academy graduate expressed gratitude to God for his career progression, which has seen him play for Scottish club Rangers FC and attract interest from Ghana.
However, Diomande stopped short of confirming or rejecting the call-up, instead hinting that he had communicated his decision to Black Stars coach Otto Addo.
“I am really grateful to ALLAH for having achieved part of this dream; that of becoming a professional footballer, it remains the other part; that of joining the national team and also making my parents proud.
“In addition, I am equally aware of the interest in my host country Ghana, where I have spent more than 7 years of my life training as a footballer.
“However, a lot has been said, but I am in direct contact with the manager concerning my decision, and it is he who holds the real information about my choice,” he said.
Diomande, a native of Ivory Coast, is qualified to represent Ghana due to his extensive time spent in the country, including training at the Right to Dream Academy.
He was selected in Otto Addo’s 26-man squad for matches against Nigeria and Uganda scheduled for March 22 and March 26 respectively at Stade de Marrakech in Morocco.
However, Diomande is expected to accept acall-up from Ivory Coast, as he has been included in their latest Under-23 squad for an upcoming game against France.
Likewise, goalkeeper David Akologo is likely to withdraw from the squad as he is currently with the Bolivia camp.
Mohammed Kudus is hailed as the shining gem produced by Ghana’s renowned football academy, Right to Dream.
His journey from the academy to Europe, where he has soared to become a prominent football figure, serves as an inspiring tale for aspiring young players in the nation.
Kudus has emerged as a prominent figure in Ghanaian football, thanks to his remarkable performances both at West Ham United and for the Black Stars in recent tournaments.
Since joining West Ham in August 2023, he has been in scintillating form, tallying 11 goals and 4 assists in 34 appearances across all competitions.
His exceptional talent has propelled him to become a key player for West Ham, as they aim to make a mark in the Europa League.
While much has been said about his prowess as a professional, little has been revealed about his early days at Right to Dream Academy.
However, a recently discovered video sheds light on the extraordinary skills Kudus displayed at a young age, further emphasizing his natural talent and potential.
East Legon Executive Fitness Club’s youth division marked its one-year anniversary on March 17, 2024, with a celebration attended by wealthy individuals, including former Black Stars midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang Badu, who was seen in an all-white ensemble in a video circulating online.
During the anniversary event, the group reportedly donated GH₵10,000 to the Agape Children’s Home as part of their charitable activities.
Badu joined the club in August 2023 and has since been actively involved in their initiatives.
The East Legon Young Executive Men’s Fitness Club operates as a counterpart to the main club, which boasts former Ghanaian international Sammy Kuffuor among its prominent members.
Additionally, it is rumored that Ghanaian football iconsStephen Appiah and Asamoah Gyan are also affiliated with the group.
🚨ICYMI🇬🇭👨🏿💼: I am told there's another wing for their wives and side chicks too, yet to confirm that. But in the meantime, just in case you didn't know, here is the East Legon Young Executive Men's Fitness Club which celebrated its first anniversary as a group this month and… https://t.co/8v6ylGHekhpic.twitter.com/84jCxAdYfC
This marks Lamptey’s return to the national team after his last appearance at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Lamptey’s absence from the squad has been due to recurring injuries, which have sidelined him from international duty since the 3-2 win over South Korea during the World Cup.
His return is seen as a significant boost for the Black Stars, especially as they prepare for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers in June under new coach Otto Addo.
Although Lamptey missed out on the Africa Cup of Nations due to his injuries, his comeback is timely for the national team’s preparations.
Expected to feature in the upcoming matches against Nigeria and Uganda, Lamptey’s presence adds depth to the squad as they aim to bounce back from a disappointing AFCON campaign by securing victories against their rivals, Nigeria.
A majority of judges on a Brazilian court upheld the rape conviction of formerAC Milan and Brazil striker Robinho on Wednesday, ruling that he must serve a nine-year prison sentence in Brazil.
The decision, made by judges on Brazil’s Superior Court of Justice, was reached with a vote of 9-2.
Robinho, now 40 years old, was convicted in Italy for his involvement in a group sexual assault in 2013 during his time at AC Milan.
As Brazil does not extradite its nationals, Italy sought his imprisonment in his home country. One of the factors considered by Brazil’s superior court was whether Robinho’s case falls within the country’s immigration law, enacted in 2017.
Robinho’s lawyer, José Eduardo Rangel de Alckim, has stated that they will appeal the decision to Brazil’s Supreme Court and will request that Robinho remain out of prison during the appeal process.
“Robinho is available and willing to appear anytime before the judges. If an officer gets there, he will comply. He will not oppose,” Alckim said.
“Our first concern is to suspend the immediate arrest order. We will ask for the sentence to be executed after the appeal decision has been made.”
Francisco Falcão, the initial judge to cast a vote, advocated for Robinho to fulfill his sentence in Brazil.
He emphasized the importance of accountability, stating that the former player should not evade punishment. Falcão also cautioned against potential diplomatic tensions between Brazil and Italy if the sentence remains unfulfilled.
“There’s no obstacle to validate the execution of his sentence. It was confirmed by a court in Milan, which is the competent authority in this case,” Falcão said. “The conviction is final. The defendant was not put on trial in absence in Italy, he had representation.”
Robinho resides in Santos, located outside of Sao Paulo, and surrendered his passport to Brazilian authorities in March 2023. Despite the court’s decision, he maintains his innocence, asserting that his sexual encounter with the woman at a Milan bar was consensual. Lawyer Jacopo Gnocchi, who represented the victim, expressed satisfaction with the ruling by the Brazilian court.
“We believe that this is the fair conclusion of a case that took place in Italy, with assurances for all the defendants who were then found guilty,” Gnocchi told Brazilian news website UOL.
“We respected and we understood that the Brazilian Constitution does not allow the extradition (of its own citizens), but that does not change the fact that when the sentence is final it is fair… that the sentence is applied.”
Head of Sports at Despite Media, Dan Kwaku Yeboah, has criticized the recent appointment of a new technical team for the Black Stars despite ongoing issues within Ghanaian football.
He attributes this decision to what he perceives as a lack of effective leadership within the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Ghana Football Association.
According to Yeboah, if there were competent leaders in football management, they would have halted the appointment of Otto Addo and his team given the current challenges in the sport.
He expressed disappointment that neither the Ministry nor the Parliamentary Select Committee on Sports demanded reports from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations before approving the FA’s decision.
Yeboah likened the situation to a doctor prescribing medication without first diagnosing the patient’s specific ailment. Due to what he sees as a lack of thorough investigation into the coaching team’s appointment, Yeboah doubts that the Black Stars’ fortunes will improve under the new leadership.
“It’s an indication that there is no elder at home. It shows that when it comes to the running of football in our country, no one cares. You can’t send a patient to a hospital and prescribe medications for him when there has been no diagnosis.
“It has never happened in the history of this country that after a tournament, we proceed to appoint new coaches without the reports of the previous technical, playing and medical teams. If the sports minister and parliament were in control, he would have demanded all these reports before allowing the FA to appoint a new coach,” he said.
Turning his focus to Otto Addo, the ace sports journalist wondered why the former Black Stars winger, who claimed to have his future secured with German Bundesliga side, Borussia Dortmund, has turned around to accept the role after exiting the position in December 2022.
“It’s about time Ghanaians stop following the
. Otto Addo told us he and his family don’t see their future in Ghana so why the sudden U-turn. Do they now see their future in Ghana? What has changed in less than three months? Does Otto Addo meet the criteria set by the GFA?” he quizzed.
TheGhana Football Association officially announced Otto Addo’s reappointment as the coach of the Black Stars on March 15, 2024.
Addo will start his second term with the team by facing Nigeria on March 22, followed by a match against Uganda four days later. Joseph Laumann and John Paintsil will assist him, with Fatawu Dauda serving as the goalkeepers’ coach.
This represents a decrease of 0.9 percentage points from the 3.8 percent growth recorded in 2022, but it is still higher than the government’s revised target of 1.5 percent for the same period.
In the fourth quarter of 2023, the economy expanded by 3.8 percent, marking the highest growth among all four quarters of the year.
The annual growth was primarily driven by the service sector, which saw a growth rate of 5.5 percent. However, the industry sector experienced a contraction in growth.
Over the span of more than ten years, four of the 22 sub-sectors, including crops, trade, vehicle repair, and household goods, have collectively contributed to over 50 percent of Ghana’s GDP.
This proportion has been steadily increasing, with the latter two sectors accounting for more than 60 percent of the GDP in recent recordings.
The Gross National Income (GNI) per capita in local currency has more than doubled since 2018, rising from GHS 9,813 to GHS 25,349.
However, when viewed in dollars, the income per person has remained relatively constant over the past six years, fluctuating between a high of US$ 2,453 and a low of US$ 2,126.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has terminated the appointment of Madam Victoria Adu as the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Birim Central Municipal Assembly.
She has been directed to transfer her responsibilities to the Regional Minister, who will oversee the Municipal Assembly until a new MCE is appointed and confirmed.
A letter from Minister of State O.B. Amoah, acting on behalf of the President, expressed appreciation for Madam Adu’s service during her tenure and detailed the transition procedure.
“I wish to inform you that, in accordance with Article 243 (3) (b) of the Constitution and Section 20 (3) (b) of the Local Governance Act 2016 (Act 936), His Excellency the President of the Republic has revoked your appointment as Municipal Chief Executive.
“Consequently, you are to hand over your duties to the Hon. Regional Minister, who will exercise oversight responsibility of the Municipal Assembly until the confirmation of a new Municipal Chief Executive.
By a copy of this letter, the Hon. Regional Minister is requested to take oversight responsibility of theMunicipal Assembly pending confirmation of a new Municipal Chief Executive.”
Neymar’s father has reportedly agreed to pay a €1 million bail to secure Dani Alves’ release from prison, as per LaVanguardia (via Barca Universal).
Alves, the former Barcelona player, received a four-and-a-half-year sentence for sexual assault and has served over a year behind bars.
During the trial, Alves changed his testimony several times, initially denying, and later admitting to having intercourse with the victim while trying to hide his infidelity.
This led to the breakdown of his marriage, with his wife, Joana Sanz, filing for divorce.
Despite the prosecution seeking a nine-year prison term under Spain’s revised consent laws, a judge allowed Alves to be released on bail pending his appeal, as his lawyer plans to contest the sentence.
Alves was granted bail under the condition that he would not attempt to flee or tamper with evidence. However, he has been issued a restraining order, requiring him to stay at least 1,000 metres away from the victim.
LaVanguardia disclosed that it was Neymar’s father who posted the bail.
“I am really dissatisfied with this decision. We will file an appeal because we believe it is not in accordance with the law. Justice is being done for the rich. It is scandalous that they free someone because they can get €1 million in no time.”
Alphonso Davies has reportedly opted for a move to Real Madridas his next destination, according to a report from Diario AS on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Bayern Munich’s sporting director has urged the player to make a decision regarding their contract renewal offer.
Davies’ current deal with Bayern expires in June 2025, which Madrid is looking to take advantage of by pushing for a discounted transfer this summer.
Bayern sporting director Max Eberl told Bild on Tuesday that “negotiations [with Davies’ agent] have been ongoing for a long time,” addding “we made Alphonso a very concrete offer. At some point in life, you have to say yes or no.”
AS reports that Davies is under pressure to renew his contract but is resisting, preferring a change of scenery. The next step involves Bayern and Madrid reaching an agreement on terms.
If they can’t agree, Madrid is open to waiting until 2025 to sign Davies on a free transfer, although this isn’t their ideal scenario.
Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has accused the operators of the popular event venue, Fantasy Dome, of illegally connecting to the power grid.
According to the ECG, Fantasy Dome has been bypassing its metre and unlawfully tapping into the public electricity network.
In a notice dated Wednesday, March 20, 2024, the ECG instructed the owners of Fantasy Dome to correct their power connection within 48 hours of receiving the notice.
The notice warned that failure to comply could lead to the ECG pursuing legal action against Fantasy Dome as it deems fit.
“You are requested, in your own interest, to report within 48 hours from the date of this notice to (CSD) REVENUE PROTECTION NATIONAL TASKFORCE at the ECG PROJECT OFFICE BEHIND THE VIP TRANSPORT YARD (CIRCLE), preferably between the hours of 8.00 AM and 5.00 PM, to regularise your power service connection.
You may bring along any relevant ECG document. ECG reserves the right to institute criminal proceedings against you at its own convenience.”
During the weekend, the demolition of Fantasy Dome stirred up controversy.
According to Leslie Quaynor, the CEO of Fantasy Dome, in an interview with Sammy Flex, the demolition was carried out by the Ghana Trade Fair Company with the help of some National Security operatives.
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) announced this news through an official statement on their website on Monday, March 18.
Although the statement did not specify the nature of Gabriel’s injury, it included a comment from Selecao head coach Dorival Junior.
“I had already communicated previously that we work with a slightly more extensive list. A pre-call, we can put it that way, and again, today, we had another casualty. Unfortunately, Gabriel Magalhães is uncalled.”
Gabriel will miss the opportunity to increase his international appearances for Brazil, as he has been capped six times so far.
His last match was a 1-0 defeat against Argentina in a FIFA World Cup qualifier in November.
Dorival also revealed that Juventus defender Gleison Bremer will replace Gabriel in the squad.
During this break, Brazil is scheduled to play friendly matches against England at Wembley on March 23 and Spain at the Santiago Bernabeu three days later.
Barcelona sporting director Deco has identified several midfield targets for the upcoming summer transfer window, as reported by Diario Sport.
With Sergio Busquets’ departure to Inter Miami last year creating a void in the defensive midfield position, Barça are keen to strengthen in that area.
Despite Oriol Romeu’s arrival as a replacement at the start of the season, his recent lack of playing time has prompted the need for a new signing.
Amadou Onana of Everton, Joshua Kimmich of Bayern Munich, Mats Wieffer of Feyenoord, and Aleix García of Girona are all on Deco’s radar.
Onana has been a long-term target for Barça, but the financial aspects of signing him may be challenging.
Kimmich, who could potentially leave Bayern Munich this summer, is also being considered, while Wieffer has caught the eye with his performances.
Deco received a positive report on Wieffer from former Feyenoord coach Giovanni van Bronckhorst.
García, with a release clause of around €20 million, is another option being evaluated by Barcelona.
Despite the club’s financial difficulties, they are planning for a busysummer transfer window.
Initially selected for the England under-21 team, Mainoo has now been elevated to the senior squad by Southgate.
This promotion opens up the possibility of Mainoo making his debut for the senior team in the upcoming friendly matches against Brazil at Wembley on Saturday and Belgium three days later.
“It’s an honour to receive my first senior call-up,” Mainoo wrote on Instagram.
Mainoo, aged 18, has been in excellent form for United this season, contributing two goals and two assists in 21 appearances across various competitions.
He has become a regular fixture in Erik Ten Hag’s squad.
Although he has represented England at the U17s, U18s, and U19s levels, Mainoo is eligible to switch his allegiance to Ghana, where his parents hail from.
Despite his English ties, he still spends some of his free time in Ghana. The Ghanaian football association expressed interest in convincing Mainoo to play for them internationally.
However, reports indicate that England manager Gareth Southgate sees great potential in Mainoo and is eager to nurture his talent within the English setup.
Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal has expressed confidence that the potential arrival of Kylian Mbappé will not cause any jealousy or conflicts within the team.
Mbappé is widely expected to join Real Madrid after his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expires this summer.
Reports from ESPN suggest that negotiations between Mbappé and Real Madrid are progressing positively.
If Mbappé joins, he will join a talented forward line that includes players like Vinícius Júnior, Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo Goes, and Joselu.
This attacking lineup has been instrumental in Real Madrid’s success, leading them to the top of the LaLiga table and into the Champions League quarterfinals.
“It seems like it’s a possibility that he could come at the end of the season,” Carvajal told COPE radio on Tuesday. “The best players have to play for Madrid, and he’s one of the best.
“It would be good for La Liga and for [Spanish] football. If great players come to our league—to our team, even better—but [Robert] Lewandowski went to Barcelona, and he’s a top player. It makes our league grow; our football is better andthat’s good for everyone.“
Ghanaian attacking midfielder Mohammed Kudus, who has been in impressive form for West Ham United in the English Premier League, has been ruled out of Ghana’s upcoming international friendly matches against Nigeria and Uganda.
The exclusion is due to a shoulder injury he sustained during a recent Premier League game against Aston Villa.
Kudus, 23, joins a list of players sidelined due to injuries, including Nathaniel Adjei, Thomas Partey, and Elisha Owusu.
Despite playing the full duration of the game, Kudus underwent a medical examination following the match, revealing discomfort in his shoulder that necessitated his absence from the friendlies.
Having scored 11 goals and provided three assists in 34 appearances for West Ham United this season, Kudus remains one of Ghana’s standout performers in European football.
He has represented the Ghana national team 32 times, scoring eleven goals since his debut in 2019.
The Black Stars, under the guidance of newly appointed head coach Otto Addo and his assistants Joseph Laumann and John Paintsil, will face Nigeria on March 22 and Uganda on March 26 at the Stade Grade Marrakech in Morocco.
Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois for Real Madrid has encountered another significant knee injury just as he was nearing a return from a previous ACL rupture.
The 31-year-old Belgian underwent surgery after tearing the meniscus in his right knee during a training session.
Courtois had previously suffered an ACL injury in his left knee in August, sidelining him for the entire season thus far.
Real Madrid has not provided a timeline for his return but stated that a recovery plan will commence shortly.
Courtois, who has played 230 matches for Real Madrid since joining Chelsea in 2018, had only recently resumed training following his previous injury.
As a temporary solution, Real Madrid signed Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea on loan, but Andriy Lunin has since replaced him as the starting goalkeeper.
Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot has announced that he will postpone any decision regarding his future until the conclusion of the season.
Although Juventus is eager for Rabiot to extend his stay at the club beyond this summer, the French international, who will become a free agent in July, has not yet agreed to a new contract.
“I’m in no hurry to make a decision,” Rabiot said, as reported by Calciomercato. “I’m waiting to finish the season and then I’ll talk to the club.
“For the moment, I have not yet decided my future. Last year, I stayed at Juventus knowing that I wouldn’t play in Europe. Next season, we should be able to play in the Champions League and participate in the Club World Cup. These are all factors that will influence my choice.”
Rabiot, 28, says returning to Paris Saint-Germain is not on the cards.
“Since I came to Juve [in July 2019], every summer my name has been associated with PSG. On the one hand, it’s very flattering. On the other hand, it’s complicated whenyou think about how it ended. Of course, in football, you can’t close the doors, but this won’t be my priority.”
Head of referees, Howard Webb, has supported the decision of the video assistant referee (VAR) not to intervene when Liverpool was not awarded a late penalty in their recent 1-1 draw with Manchester City.
During the match’s final moments, City’s winger Jeremy Doku made contact with Alexis Mac Allister’s high boot in the penalty area.
However, the on-field referee, Michael Oliver, opted not to award Liverpool a penalty, a decision that was upheld by VAR Stuart Attwell.
“It’s split a lot of opinions, hasn’t it?” said Webb.
“It’s one of those, for sure—if the referee gave it on the field, it would have been a ‘check complete’ by the VAR.
“Equally, having not given it, it’s also ‘check complete’. You hear Michael Oliver say the ball’s in between two players going together.
“The ball is too low to head. Doku lifts his foot to play the ball, and he does make contact on the ball.
“And yes, we know there’s some contact with Mac Allister as well. Mac Allister comes to him. Mac Allister is not really playing the ball either. So, I understand why it’s a split opinion.”
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp and Mac Allister both felt the challenge should have resulted in a penalty for their side.
“The VAR stays out of it. I think that is what we would expect,” added Webb on Match Officials Mic’d Up, a Premier League Productions programme that analyses VAR decisions from previous games.
“The VAR looks at it and doesn’t see a clear-and-obvious situation. You see something that’s pretty subjective and therefore stays out of it, and the feedback we’ve had from people within the game is that this is a pretty subjective situation. It’s a split opinion.
A video circulating on social media depicts a group of young men, purportedly Ghanaians, engaged in combat for the Russian Army.
Uploaded by a user identified as @EliasuAlhaji, the footage shows the men donning camouflage attire and wielding AK-47 rifles.
In the video, the men promote Fly Away Travel Agency, claiming it facilitated their recruitment into the Russian Army.
They encourage others to place their trust in the agency for similar opportunities, emphasising their Ghanaian nationality and current involvement in Russia.
Speaking in Twi, the men affirm, “Go to Fly Away Travel Agency, trust them, and they will bring you to Russia. This is not false. We are Ghanaians, brought here through their assistance. These are our weapons.”
Ghanaians fighting for Russia against Ukraine. These cocky young Ghanaians, who left the country probably due to the unemployment crisis, are boasting about the agency that facilitated their journey and advisedly encouraged Ghanaian youth to contact the agency to become … pic.twitter.com/NnPdLKWzpx
However, the accompanying post suggests that these individuals, potentially motivated by Ghana’s unemployment challenges, are now serving in the Russian military against Ukraine.
“Ghanaians are fighting for Russia against Ukraine. These cocky young Ghanaians, who left the country probably due to the unemployment crisis, are boasting about the agency that facilitated their journey and advisedly encouraged Ghanaian youth to contact the agency to become fighters in Russia. They speak Asante Twi,” the caption to the post stated.
Additional investigationsconducted by GhanaWeb reveal that the Fly Away Travel Agency website states that it specialises in developing innovative and efficient travel management programs that have a positive impact on its customers’ financial outcomes.
“For over 20 years, Fly Away Travels has successfully managed corporate travel for companies nationwide by creating innovative and effective travel management programmes that positively impact our customers’ bottom line.
“Privileged to work with some of Bangladesh’s most recognisable corporations, our team of Account Managers will work with corporations to develop a programme that meets corporate organisational objectives and provides extraordinary traveller satisfaction – Guaranteed,” the website stated.
Spanish court has granted conditional release to former Barcelona and Brazil footballer Dani Alves, allowing him to leave jail after serving approximately one-fourth of his sentence for rape.
Alves, who received a four-and-a-half-year prison term last month, will be freed upon posting a €1 million bail.
He had been in pre-trial detention since January 2023. The 40-year-old was convicted of raping a woman in a Barcelona nightclub in December 2022.
As part of his release conditions, Alves must surrender both his Brazilian and Spanish passports to prevent him from leaving Spain.
During the trial, prosecutors argued that Alves and a friend had bought champagne for three young women before Alves coerced one of them into a VIP area of the nightclub under false pretences.
They contended that he then became violent, forcing the woman into non-consensual sex despite her protests.
While Alves maintained that the woman could have left if she wished, the court ruled that she did not consent. Recent changes in Spanish law emphasise the importance of consent, known as the “Only Yes is Yes” principle.
The court noted that there was corroborating evidence besides the victim’s testimony to support the rape allegations.
It said Alves had “abruptly grabbed the complainant” and thrown her to the ground. He had then raped her while preventing her from moving, as “the complainant said no and wanted to leave,” it added.
The woman expressed deep distress and fear as a result of the rape incident, while one of her companions from that night recalled how the 23-year-old cried uncontrollably after leaving the restroom.
Alves provided inconsistent testimony throughout the case.
Initially, he denied knowing his accuser, later stating that they had encountered each other in the restroom but had not engaged in any activity.
Subsequently, he changed his account once more, claiming they had consensual intercourse and asserting they were both enjoying themselves.
Alves boasts an extensive football career, having made over 400 appearances for Barcelona, winning six league titles and three Champions League trophies during two separate periods with the club.
He was also a member of Brazil’s 2022 World Cup squad.
Arsenal’s defender Takehiro Tomiyasu, has extended his contract by two years.
The 25-year-old Japanese international, whose existing agreement was set to end in 2025, has now committed until 2026, with the possibility of an additional year.
Tomiyasu, who joined Arsenal from Bologna in 2021, has featured in 73 matches across all competitions for the Gunners.
“Together with his natural ability and strength, Tomi’s attitude, mentality and values are first-class,” said manager Mikel Arteta.
“Tomi is loved by everyone and has been an integral part of the squad since joining us.
“The way he trains, with his desire and determination to be the best version of himself every day, is admirable.”
Tomiyasu, versatile across the defensive line, has featured in 20 matches for Arsenal across various competitions this season. He netted his debut goal for the club during a commanding 5-0 victory against Sheffield United in October in the Premier League.
With 10 games left in the season, Arsenal currently lead the Premier League table on goal difference as they strive to clinch their first title since 2004.
AC Milan forward Olivier Giroud is currently engaged in negotiations with LAFC regarding a potential transfer this upcoming summer, as per sources familiar with the situation shared with ESPN’s Julien Laurens and Jeff Carlisle.
While Giroud, whose contract with Milan is set to expire this summer, has also explored opportunities with other MLS teams, he is particularly interested in joining LAFC and is hopeful that an agreement can be reached, according to the same source.
It’s worth noting that LAFC holds Giroud’s discovery rights within MLS, giving them priority should he decide to move to the league. Other clubs interested in signing him will also need to engage in negotiations with the Los Angeles-based club.
Additionally, ahead of the 2024 season, LAFC secured the signing of Giroud’s longtime France teammate Hugo Lloris.
New co-owner of Manchester United, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, has expressed his desire to recruit a promising talent akin to “the next Kylian Mbappé” instead of engaging in the bidding war for the French superstar’s services this summer.
Ratcliffe, along with his team led by Sir Dave Brailsford, is gearing up for their inaugural summer transfer window since acquiring a 27.7% stake in the club.
Despite Mbappé becoming available following his decision to depart Paris Saint-Germain at the season’s end, with reports indicating a potential move to Real Madrid, Ratcliffe hinted that United will prioritize signing emerging prospects over established stars.
“I think in a way what I would rather do is try to sign the next Mbappé than spend a fortune trying to buy success,” Ratcliffe told Geraint Jones on his Cycling Club podcast.
“It’s not that clever buying Mbappé, anyone can figure that one out. What’s much more challenging is to find the next Mbappé or [Jude] Bellingham or Roy Keane.”
Despite significant investment in transfers over the past ten years, Manchester United has experienced a prolonged period of disappointment, securing only four major trophies since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013.
High-profile acquisitions such as Paul Pogba and Ángel Di María have failed to live up to expectations at Old Trafford despite commanding substantial transfer fees. However, Ratcliffe suggested that the club’s recruitment strategy may be undergoing a shift.
“The solution isn’t spending a lot of money on a couple of great players,” Ratcliffe said.
“They’ve done that if you look at what they’ve done the last 10 years, they have spent a lot of money on a couple of great players.
“The first thing you need to do is get the right people in the right boxes managing the club and make sure we get recruitment right, that’s such a vital part of a football club, getting recruitment right.”
Ratcliffe has already made a number of changes to United’s off-field structure by hiring Omar Berrada from Manchester City as the new CEO and luring Dan Ashworth from Newcastle United as sporting director.
There are question marks about whether manager Erik ten Hag will continue in his role next season but Ratcliffe chose to dodge a question about whether he’s called Jürgen Klopp, who will leave Liverpool in the summer.
“You can’t ask questions like that,” Ratcliffe said.
But the 71-year-old British billionaire admitted he is a fan of the German coach.
“I didn’t see the match between Liverpool and Man City and one of the things I read was that only three or four of the Liverpool players would get in the City team,” Ratcliffe added. “But Klopp has this ability to drive his players to a frenzy where they have total commitment on the pitch. That’s one of the things a good coach can do.”
Napoli is gearing up for significant changes during the upcoming summer transfer window.
Club owner and renowned film producer De Laurentiis is already on the lookout for a new head coach and sporting director, given the team’s underwhelming performance this season.
Additionally, the squad is expected to undergo some reshuffling, with both arrivals and departures on the horizon.
One of the most anticipated departures is that of Victor Osimhen, whose release clause of €130 million ($141m) has made his transfer more feasible compared to previous seasons.
Italian fans have come to terms with the likelihood of his departure.
According to reports from ‘La Gazzetta dello Sport’, Napoli has identified Santiago Giménez as a potential replacement for their departing star player.
With 44 goals in 73 appearances for Feyenoord and at the age of 22, Santiago Giménez emerges as an ideal target for Napoli in the Serie A.
The club has a rich history of acquiring top-tier center-forwards, including Cavani, Higuaín, Mertens, and Osimhen, over the past 14 years.
Despite his current valuation of approximately €50 million ($54m), De Laurentiis is undeterred, having previously made a similar investment in Osimhen in 2020.
While some initially criticised the hefty price tag for Osimhen, time has proven the club president’s decision to be justified.
Ghanaian national football team, the Black Stars, commenced their training sessions in Marrakesh, Morocco, ahead of two friendly matches against Nigeria and Uganda scheduled for March 22 and 26, 2024, respectively.
Led by newly appointed head coach Otto Addo and his coaching staff, the team conducted their initial training session with 16 players participating.
Notable players included Tariq Lamptey, Andre Ayew, and Jordan Ayew, among others.
As reported by Football Ghana, the squad size later increased to 23 players with additional arrivals.
A video shared by the Ghana Football Association showcased the players undergoing various training drills, overseen by the coaching staff.
Special attention was given to goalkeepers under the guidance of new goalkeeping coach Fatawu Dauda.
Training activities included ball juggling, rondos, and shooting drills to prepare the players for the upcoming matches.
These friendly games mark Otto Addo’s return to coaching the Black Stars after the team’s disappointing performance in the 2023 African Cup of Nations.
Following that tournament,former coach Chris Hughton and his entire coaching staff were replaced by Otto Addo, Joseph Laumann, John Paintsil, and Fatawu Dauda, aiming to revitalize the team’s performance.
Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has formally introduced its Gender Policy, aimed at promoting inclusivity within its ranks.
Presented under the theme “Advancing Ghana Armed Forces Commitment to Inclusiveness,” the policy outlines guidelines to facilitate gender mainstreaming within the organisation.
Brigadier-General Anita Asmah, Director General of the Department of Civilian Establishment, provided an overview of the policy during the launch.
She highlighted how the document establishes a framework to address gender discrimination and promote institutionalised gender equality effectively.
“The policy provides the opportunity to set guidelines for operations and the environment within a gender-sensitive framework that allows for the elimination of any blockages to gender equality. Its goal is to eliminate gender discriminatory practices and ensure a gender-responsive GAF,” she said.
Brigadier General Asmah elaborated on how the comprehensive five-chapter document would serve as a guide for integrating gender considerations into all aspects of GAF operations, including training programs, planning, budgeting, policy-making, and administration.
She emphasized that the policy aims to ensure equitable representation and participation of both men and women in decision-making processes at all levels, while also addressing gender disparities in recruitment, promotion, and retention.
This aligns with Ghana’s commitment to various national and international legal frameworks, such as the Domestic Violence Act of 2007 (Act 732), the National Gender Policy of 2015, and the two National Action Plans (NAPs) on United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 for the advancement of the Women, Peace, and Security Agenda.
Lieutenant General Thomas Oppong-Pepprah, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), highlighted the contributions and dedication of personnel like the late Major-General Constance Ejeane-Afenu in initiating this process.
“I must mention the late Maj. Gen. Constance Edjeani-Afenu for her initiative, commitment and resilience in tirelessly contributing her bit towards gender mainstreaming in the Ghana Armed Forces. It is her initiative, along with the support and commitment of her other senior female colleagues and other individuals, that have culminated in the realisation of this policy…,” he said.
The Ghana Armed Forces Gender Policy was officially instituted by the Ministry of Defence on December 29, 2023, following two years of collaborative efforts by the Gender Policy Committee and various stakeholders. This initiative reflects the commitment of the Ghana Armed Forces to foster gender equality and ensure a balanced composition within the military.
Notably, as of September 2023, significant progress has been made, with 35.3% of military observers, 17.1% of staff officers, and 15.7% of formed troops being female.
Group Captain Theodora Agornyo, serving as theGender Policy Advisor to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), highlighted that the policy will address pertinent issues related to the role, contribution, and inclusion of both men and women in the armed forces.
National Democratic Congress (NDC) is urging for a thorough forensic audit of the budget and spending related to the ongoing 13th African Games in Ghana.
The opposition party is critical of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), claiming that despite allocating $195 million for pre-games preparations and $48 million to the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for transportation, feeding, and logistics, the event has been marred by disappointment and disgrace.
In a statement signed by its National Communications Officer, Sammy Gyamfi, dated Monday, March 18, 2024, the NDC expressed shock at the significant financial investment made by the NPP government into the games, which they argue have failed to yield positive results for the country.
The party is calling for accountability and transparency through a comprehensive audit of the expenditures.
Moreover, the NDC is demanding the resignation or dismissal of the Minister of Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif, citing what they deem as “gross incompetence” in organising the games.
Additionally, they are calling for the dissolution of the LOC overseeing the event, expressing concern over the performance and logistical challenges faced by the Ghanaian contingent participating in the games.
Below is the full statement from the NDC:
PRESS STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 18th March, 2024 The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has just sighted media publications about South Africa’s decision to withdraw its men’s and women’s hockey teams from the ongoing African Games due to the substandard nature of Ghana’s Hockey Pitch. This is the latest in a streak of embarrassing spectacles that have characterised the ongoing games.
The other day, Ghana’s Cycling Champion, Michael Naaba, had to withdraw from the ongoing cycling competition after his personal bicycle, which he was using for the competition, broke down shortly after the contest started.
It has also been reported that Ghana’s Swimming Team withdrew from the 4×100 relay final for undisclosed reasons. It has further been reported that Ghana’s athletes are highly dissatisfied in the ongoing games due to poor preparations and a lack of equipment.
Yet, we are told that the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia NPP government has spent a colossal USD$195 million on pre-games preparations, while a staggering USD$48 million has been made available to the Local Organising Committee for transportation, feeding, and other logistics for the games.
Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has confirmed that there were no casualties following the emergency landing of one of its helicopters.
All passengers involved in the incident have been safely located and accounted for.
The helicopter made an emergency landing near Bonsukrom in the Western Region on Tuesday, March 19, 2024.
Reports suggest that the aircraft, carrying 21 individuals, including staff from the Petroleum sector regulators, crashed into a bush near the Bonsokrom community.
However, the situation is now under control, with Air Force personnel securing the helicopter.
GAF stated in a press release signed by Brigadier General E. Aggrey-Quarshie, Director General of Public Relations, that routine medical examinations are being conducted to ensure the well-being of all individuals involved.
“All passengers on board have been accounted for and there were no fatalities. However, they have been evacuated and are currently undergoing routine medical checkups.”
GAF statement on emergency landing
Meanwhile, preliminary assessments have commenced to ascertain the cause of the incident.”
The helicopter, which had on board 21 passengers made up of staff of theGhana National Gas Company and aircrew, was conducting routine offshore powerline inspections of the Atuabo gas plant when the incident occurred.
Ghana’s cedi, ranked as Africa’s third-worst-performing currency this year, may not have seen the worst of its depreciation yet.
Despite receiving a $3 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund after defaulting in 2022, analysts predict that the currency, already down over 7% against the dollar, could continue to weaken.
While Ghana has made progress in negotiating with its domestic and official creditors, it still faces challenges in reaching an agreement with Eurobond investors.
Although the country’s international reserves increased to $5.9 billion in December 2023, marking a 10-month high, they are still considered insufficient to effectively support the currency.
“Those are weak reserve levels that no one expects to support currency stability,” said Courage Boti, an economist at GCB Capital Ltd. in Accra, who said the cedi would have fallen further already if Ghana had not suspended foreign debt payments.
“Moreover, elections this year is a big risk in terms of foreign exchange demand pressure,” he said. The vote for a new president is due to be held in December.
In December 2022, Ghana declared a moratorium on its foreign obligations due to the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and the impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on global prices.
Since then, the country has successfully restructured its domestic bonds and reached a preliminary agreement with bilateral lenders to renegotiate $5.4 billion in loans. However, negotiations with Eurobond holders, who are owed $13 billion, are still ongoing.
Once the debt restructuring process is complete, foreign investors may view Ghana’s investment opportunities more favourably.
However, there remains a level of political risk ahead of the upcoming election, which could warrant continued caution among investors, according to Mr. Boti.
As the world’s second-largest cocoa producer, Ghana’s economy heavily relies on imports ranging from everyday items like toothpicks to heavy machinery. Anticipated increases in imports ahead of the election could impact economic dynamics. Despite this, the government forecasts GDP growth to accelerate to 2.8% this year, up from 2.3% last year.
“One of the policy priorities of the central bank under the IMF programme is to rebuild foreign reserves,” said Kweku Arkoh-Koomson, an economist at Databank Group. “This means the Bank of Ghana will not necessarily intervene on the market the way it should but just to smooth volatility,” he said, forecasting the cedi to weaken to 13.7% of the dollar by the end of the year.
According to Bloomberg data, the cedi was nearly unchanged, trading at GH¢12.9267 per dollar at 10:41 a.m. in Accra, the capital.
Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor, MP, has commended the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) for the frontal role it continues to play in the implementation of various policies and initiatives by the Ministry.
Speaking during a courtesy call on the Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Thomas Oppong-Peprah, on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, Hon. Jinapor touted the collaboration between the Ministry and GAF in various areas, including illegal mining, land guard situations and the implementation of the government’s flagship afforestation programme, the Green Ghana Project.
He expressed the heartfelt appreciation of the Ministry to the Armed Forces for always availing itself of the Ministry to execute projects that serve the country.
Disclosing the purpose of his visit, the Minister informed the CDS that the Ministry, in consultation with relevant stakeholders, has agreed to hold the 2024 commemorative tree planting with a target of 10 million trees for the 4th edition of the Green Ghana Project at Burma Camp, which is the base of the Ghana Armed Forces.
The commemorative tree planting ceremony will be performed by the President, H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, to officially kick off the nationwide tree planting exercise.
With this year’s edition slated for the headquarters of the GAF, Hon. Jinapor thought it right to initiate early engagement with the CDS and also court his support.
With the Ministry targeting 10 million trees for the fourth edition of the program on June 7, 2024, Hon. Samuel Jinapor appealed to the CDS to once again collaborate with the Ministry to ensure its effectiveness by providing logistical support.
He also leveraged the meeting to officially congratulate Lieutenant General Thomas Oppong-Peprah on his appointment as CDS.
The CDS, Lieutenant General Thomas Oppong-Peprah, commended the Lands Minister and officials of the Ministry for making efforts to congratulate him on his elevation to the apex of Ghana’s military leadership.
He assured that the relationship and collaboration between his outfit and the ministry would be strengthened under his watch.
On theGreen Ghana Project, Lieutenant General Thomas Oppong-Peprah welcomed the responsibility and honour of being the host of the commemorative tree planting ceremony and promised its success.
On the issue of logistics, he stated that the Army will make available every resource needed for the successful implementation of the project.
The Green Ghana Project, which is in its fourth year, is the flagship forestry project of the government. This year, the ministry is aiming to plant over 10 million trees on June 7, 2024.
Chiefs and elders of Oblogo Lante, affiliated with the Gbawe Kwetei family in Accra, have affirmed that the land occupied by the Disciples of Christ Ministries (DoCM), led by Apostle Lilian Kumah, widow of the late Deputy Finance Minister and Ejisu Member of Parliament, Dr. John Kumah, was rightfully sold to the church.
In a press conference held at their palace in Gbawe, the chiefs and elders, represented by Alhaji Abdul Karim, the stool secretary, refuted recent allegations made by Prophet Eric Nana Kwesi Amponsah, also known as “Computer Man” and founder of Hope Generation Ministry International in Oblogo, Manchester.
Prophet Amponsah claimed that Dr. John Kumah and his wife unlawfully acquired the land for DoCM. The chiefs and elders denounced these claims as false, misleading, and regrettable.
False claims
Prophet Eric Nana Kwesi Amponsah, in a recent interview on Adepa TV after the death of Dr. John Kumah, alleged that John Kumah and his wife, Apostle Lilian Kumah, acquired the land at Weija junction illegitimately.
He also claimed that the land on which the DoCM church is located was occupied by some mechanics who were forcefully removed from the land to pave the way for the DoCM church auditorium to be constructed.
Rebuttal by Oblogo chiefs
However, in a rebuttal, the chiefs of Oblogo indicated that the late Dr. John Kumah, his wife, Apostle Lilian Kumah, and the leadership of the Disciples of Christ Ministries have had very fruitful relations with the chiefs and people of Oblogo and that they voluntarily sold the land to the church as well as John Kumah and the wife.
“The land in question was sold legitimately to the church by we, the chiefs and land owners, several years ago. The church used to be small and they operated a school as well. When they decided to expand, John Kumah and the leadership of the church approached us to assist them in purchasing the land.
“We accepted their request and we joined forces with them to complete all the necessary paperwork for the purchase of the land. Indeed, there were several people, including mechanics, and tabletop retailers, among others, who were using the land to ply their trade.” Alhaji Abdul Karim, spokesperson for the Oblogo chiefs, stated.
“John Kumah, his wife, Apostle Lilian Kumah, and the church made it a point to pay everyone who was on the land considerable compensation ahead of their possession of the land before they were moved from it to pave the way for the church to begin its expansion works on the land.
“The claims of “Computer Man” can therefore not be true and the same should be disregarded. If there is anyone who has landed at Oblogo illegitimately, it is “Computer Man” (prophet Eric Nana Kwesi Amponsah) and not the late Dr John Kumah or his widow, Apostle Lilian Kumah” the Oblogo stool secretary, Alhaji Karim, added.
Compensation paid
Mavis Ofosu, the spokesperson for the market for women and men at the Weija junction, affirmed that when the church acquired the land at the Oblogo junction, compensation was provided to all affected traders.
She clarified that neither Apostle Lilian Kumah nor the DOCM hindered any traders from conducting business at the Weija junction or at the traffic light in front of the church’s main entrance.
“When the church bought the land, the lady apostle, Lilian Kumah, approached us [the retailers] and negotiated with us on how we could go about our activities without having any negative effects on the church, Miss Mavis Ofosu pointed out.
Good taxi branch relations
During his interview on Adepa TV, Prophet Eric Nana Kwesi Amponsah, also known as “Computer Man,” claimed that the late Dr. John Kumah and the DoCM church forcibly relocated the Weija junction taxi branch from their land.
However, in response to these allegations, Alhaji Mumuni Moro (Papa J), the Vice President of the Weija Junction taxi branch, refuted “Computer Man’s” claims. In an interview with journalists, Papa J stated that the taxi rank remains in its original location and that the relationship between the taxi rank’s leadership, drivers, and Apostle Lilian Kumah and the DoCM is positive and mutually beneficial.
“The shed you see behind me was constructed by Apostle Lilian Kumah and the DoCM church for the taxi rank. As you can see, the taxi rank is currently functional, and we share a wall with the church, how can anyone therefore say that our land has been taken over by the church?” Alhaji Mumuni Moro said.
“If you look at the structure up there, it is an office building equipped with state-of-the-art washrooms, which is currently being constructed by the church for the taxi branch. Why would a church that we are alleged to have problems with be doing such benevolent acts for the very people it is fighting with?” Mumuni Moro was further questioned.
President Akufo-Addo has put forward Kwame Baffoe, also known as Abronye DC, the Bono Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), as a nominee for the Board ofTema Oil Refinery (TOR) Company Limited.
In addition to Abronye DC, Leon Kendon Appenteng has been nominated for the position of board chairman, while Kofi Mocumbi Tagoe has been nominated as the managing director of the company.
These nominations were announced in a statement dated March 18, signed by Secretary to the President Nana Bediatuo Asante. This announcement follows the reconstitution of the Board of Tema Oil Refinery Company Limited.
“Kindly take the necessary steps to give immediate effect on these nominations in accordance with the Companies Act, 2019 (Act 992) and the Regulations of the Company,” the statement read.
Other individuals nominated for positions on the board include Dr. Antoinette Tsiboe-Darko, Mrs. Edith Sapara-Grant, Nana Aka Bakoma Prempeh, Mrs. Lorraine Crabbe Ababio, Mr. Joseph Mensah Browne, Mr. Alfred George Thompson, Mr. Paul Kwaku Kyei Ofori, and Mr. Herbert Ato Morrison.
In the letter, parliament was advised not to send the Bill on Human Sexual Rights and Family Values to President Akufo-Addo for approval.
Iddrisu emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that he has been unable to sleep due to the perceived threat to democracy posed by the president’s communication.
The directive from the Office of the President, dated March 18, 2024, instructed parliament not to forward the anti-LGBT+ Bill for presidential assent.
Nana Bediatuo Asante, the Secretary to the President, defended this decision, citing the ongoing case before the Supreme Court. Asante stated that President Akufo-Addo would only take action after the court reached a decision.
In response, Haruna Iddrisu characterized the directive as an attempt by President Akufo-Addo to wield undue influence over other branches of government, as reported by citinewsroom.com.
“I am unable to sleep because this is a monumental threat to Ghana’s democracy and a monumental threat to parliament as an institution. By Article 93, we are clothed with legislative authority and legislative mandate. This letter only reflects President Akufo-Addo’s quest for predominance over other organs of state, and that is unacceptable and must be fought by all persons who love democracy and who cherish the principles and values of the 1992 Constitution.
“The framers of our Constitution endowed Ghana with a separation of powers: the executive, the legislature, the judiciary, and a division of powers.
It endowed us that parliament shall be responsible for making laws, and what powers does the president’s secretary have in writing to the Clerk of Parliament and not the president himself in writing directly to the Speaker of Parliament as is required by our standing order so that officially this can be read as communication from the president? So ideally, this paper means nothing and must be ignored by the clerk,” he stated.
Nottingham Forest has incurred a four-point deduction for violating the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), as announced by the league on Monday.
Consequently, the team’s points tally for the season drops from 25 to 21 after 29 games, pushing them into the relegation zone and positioning them one point behind Luton Town in 18th place.
This marks the second instance of a points deduction in the Premier League this season, following Everton’s initial 10-point deduction (later reduced to six upon appeal) for breaching PSR regulations. Everton also faces additional penalties for another violation within the same timeframe as Nottingham Forest.
“The independent commission determined the sanction following a two-day hearing this month, at which the club had the opportunity to detail a range of mitigating factors. The Commission found that the club had demonstrated ‘exceptional cooperation’ in its dealings with the Premier League throughout the process,” the Premier League said in a statement.
The independent commission’s report said Forest’s charge warranted a six-point penalty but was reduced to four points after mitigation, which included an early plea and meaningful cooperation with the investigation.
Forest said they were “extremely disappointed” with the decision in a club statement published later on Monday.
“We were extremely dismayed by the tone and content of the Premier League’s submissions before the Commission,” it said.
“After months of engagement with the Premier League, and exceptional cooperation throughout, this was unexpected and has harmed the trust and confidence we had in the Premier League.
“That the Premier League sought a sanction of eight points as a starting point was utterly disproportionate when compared to the nine points that their own rules prescribe for insolvency.”
According to Premier League regulations, clubs are not allowed to incur losses exceeding £105 million ($133.6m) over a three-year span.
However,Nottingham Forest’s situation differs due to their participation in the second-tier championship until 2022. In that league, clubs are permitted a maximum loss of £39m ($49.6m) across three seasons or £13m ($16.6m) per season. Thus, Forest’s allowable losses over the past three campaigns total £61m ($77.7m).
Forest faced charges in January for violating these regulations during the 2022-23 season.
Upon their promotion ahead of the 2022-23 season, Forest made history by completing 21 separate transfers, setting a new record for the most transfers by a Premier League club in a single close-season window.
Renowned athletic apparel company Nike has unveiled the 2024 home and away uniforms for Nigeria’s national football team,the Super Eagles.
The home kit, primarily white, showcases green-white-green accents reminiscent of the Nigerian flag on the sleeves and shorts, featuring a subtle eagle motif on the front along with the word “Naija.”
Meanwhile, the away kit features the classic Nigerian green hue and prominently displays the emblem of the Nigerian Football Federation.
This unveiling marks the return of white as a primary colour for the Super Eagles’ home kit after a three-year hiatus from wearing white jerseys.
The Super Eagles are set to face Ghana on March 22, followed by a match against Mali in Marrakech, Morocco, and it is anticipated that the team will sport their new kits during these upcoming matches.
British government has unveiled plans to establish an independent football regulator aimed at promoting financial stability within the sport.
This initiative, introduced in parliament on Tuesday, seeks to create an oversight body separate from both the government and football authorities.
According to a government press release, the regulator would possess the authority to levy fines of up to 10% of a club’s turnover for failure to comply with financial regulations.
Additionally, the proposed legislation aims to enhance scrutiny of club leadership and prevent the formation of exclusive competitions, such as the European Super League.
Furthermore, clubs would be mandated to engage with fans on matters concerning strategic decisions and the preservation of their heritage.
“For too long, some clubs have been abused by unscrupulous owners who get away with financial mismanagement, which at worst can lead to complete collapse,” Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said.
“This bill is a historic moment for football fans; it will make sure their voices are front and centre, prevent a breakaway league, protect the financial sustainability of clubs, and protect the heritage of our clubs big and small.”
The government’s announcement follows the Premier League’s recent failure to reach a new financial agreement with the English Football League (EFL), responsible for organising professional matches in lower divisions.
In February, the government cautioned the Premier League that it must come to terms on a new deal or face having one enforced upon it. The Premier League has stated that it will review the proposed bill.
“We agree it is vital that football clubs are sustainable, remain at the heart of their communities and that fans are fundamental to the game,” the league said in a statement.
“[But we are] mindful that the future growth of the Premier League is not guaranteed, and we remain concerned about any unintended consequences of legislation that could weaken the competitiveness and appeal of English football.”
The EFL welcomed the bill.
“We hope [it] will be an important milestone to help us secure the long-term financial sustainability of England’s football pyramid,” chairman Rick Parry said in a news release.
“The establishment of the independent football regulator will be at the heart of this reform, and we are encouraged that the regulator will be given backstop powers to deliver financial redistributions should the game be unable to agree on a deal itself.”
David Sullivan, the proprietor of West Ham United, a Premier League club, voiced his dissent regarding the formation of a football regulatory body, contending that it would incur significant expenses and prove to be ineffectual.
“The Premier League is the best league in the world so why change a winning formula?” he told Sky News. “I hope the government don’t wreck something that works. This means we will be competing with teams from leagues in Europe who give a fraction of the money Premier League clubs give to both the EFL and grassroots football.
“If over the coming seasons, the Premier League ceases to be the best league in the world, it will be down to an interfering government.”
