José Mourinho is reportedly in discussions to assume managerial responsibilities at Saudi Pro League team Al Shabab FC, following his dismissal from Roma, according to a source informed by ESPN.
Mourinho, who spent more than 2½ years with Roma, is already engaged in talks with Al Shabab’s sporting director, Domenico Tite, while his agent, Jorge Mendes, negotiates with the club.
Despite early interest from some European clubs, there remains a possibility that Mourinho may choose not to move to Saudi Arabia.
Currently, Al Shabab occupies the 11th position in the Saudi Pro League and is actively seeking a replacement for beleaguered manager Igor Biscan, who has seen the team secure only five wins in 19 league games this season.
The squad boasts notable names such as former Atlético Madrid star Yannick Ferreira-Carrasco, Éver Banega, Romain Saïss, Habib Diallo, and several Saudi Arabian internationals.
Mourinho, who has expressed his openness to working in the Gulf state, previously mentioned in October that he was “convinced” he would eventually work there.
Jose Mourinho will not get carried away yet
He also revealed that he turned down a lucrative offer from a Saudi team while still the coach of Roma.
If the negotiations with Al Shabab progress swiftly, Mourinho’s debut game as manager could potentially be a friendly against Roma on Wednesday in Riyadh.
This move would make Mourinho the third client of Jorge Mendes in the Saudi Pro League, joining Jorge Jesus at Al Hilal and Luis Castro at Al Nassr.
Cape Verde progressed to theAfrica Cup of Nations (AFCON) knockout round, after thumping Mozambique 3-0 in Group B out in Ivory Coast. Mozambique appeared unsettled right from the beginning of the match, committing two turnovers just outside their box in the early minutes of the game.
Their nervousness proved detrimental as, in the 32nd minute, Tiago Manuel Dias Correia (commonly known as Bebe) unleashed a powerful shot into the back of the net, giving his team the lead heading into halftime.
In the second half, Mozambique faced a further setback when Kaizer Chiefs defender Edmilson Dove lost possession, allowing Ryan Mendes to extend the Blue Sharks’ lead.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ml1pI7s9GA
The situation escalated for the Mambas when Kevin Pina’s powerful strike from outside the box in the 69th minute extended the lead to three on the scoreboard and ensured that they became the first nation to progress to the knockout stage.
The Blue Sharks have maintained a threatening presence in the early stages of Afcon, and their supporters can take pride in how the team has composed themselves against their opponents.
The Mambas faced difficulties finding their rhythm and appeared a shadow of themselves after securing a 2-2 draw against Egypt.
They will head back to the drawing board, aiming to make adjustments ahead of their final group match. Cape Verde are set to faceEgypt on Monday, January 22.
While, Mozambique will go up against Ghana on the same day.
Despite Chelsea grappling with a season marred by injuries, the club’s medical director, Dimitrios Kalogiannidis, is poised to depart, as reported by The Athletic.
The timing of his exit remains unspecified, adding an unexpected element to the Blues’ ongoing injury woes.
Kalogiannidis, who assumed the role of medical director in October 2022, is set to leave the club for family reasons after a 13-year tenure.
This news comes amidst a series of changes in Chelsea’s medical staff, including the departures of Paco Bicosa and Thierry Laurent, who held significant positions in the medical department, back in September 2022.
The injury crisis at Chelsea is palpable, with nine players currently sidelined.
Wesley Fofana, Reece James, Marc Cucurella, Romeo Lavia, Christopher Nkunku, Robert Sanchez, Trevoh Chalobah, Lesley Ugochukwu, and Nicolas Jackson are all unavailable.
The team, under Mauricio Pochettino, faces Middlesbrough in the second leg of their EFL Cup semi-final, trailing 1-0 on aggregate.
The departure of Kalogiannidis adds another layer of uncertainty toChelsea’s medical and injury management at a crucial juncture in the season.
The Belgian club values the 18-year-old Nusa at €30 million ($25.73 million), including potential add-ons, and aims to retain him until the end of the season as part of any agreement reached this month.
Negotiations are in the early stages, and while Nusa has drawn interest from Chelsea previously, it remains uncertain if they will compete with Spurs for the Norwegian international.
Brugge holds a strong negotiating position as Nusa signed a new contract last year, binding him to the club until 2027.
Tottenham, seeking to fortify their attacking options on the wing, has already secured Timo Werner on loan from Red Bull Leipzig.
The club has the option to sign Werner permanently at the season’s end, estimated to be between €15 million and €20 million.
However, bringing in Nusa in the summer would enhance the squad for the next season, regardless of the decision on Werner. Nusa has displayed promising performance with three goals and three assists in 26 games forBrugge this season.
Real Madrid conveyed a social media message to the father of Formula 1 sensation Carlos Sainz, acknowledging his remarkable accomplishments this week.
Carlos Sainz Sr., who is the father of Scuderia Ferrari F1 driver Carlos Sainz Jr, secured his fourth Dakar Rally victory.
The 61-year-old achieved this historic feat by triumphing in the renowned endurance race in Saudi Arabia while driving an electric Audi. Real Madrid’s official social media accounts extended their congratulations to Sainz Sr for his victory on Friday morning.
In a message published on X, formerly Twitter, Real Madrid said: “Congratulations on winning your fourth Dakar Rally, @CSainz_oficial!
It’s an honour for our club that a Madridista like you, a Real Madrid honorary member, continues to make history while adding to your legendary status. You are one of the greatest champions. Congratulations!”
Carlos Sainz Sr. is not only a passionate supporter of Real Madrid but also shares a significant history with the club. Prior to pursuing a career in motorsports, he played football and was even offered a trial by Los Blancos in the 1970s.
In later years, Sainz Sr. sought a role in Real Madrid’s leadership, running for the position of vice president after Florentino Perez and Fernando Martin both resigned as presidents.
With Audi discontinuing its participation in the Dakar Rally, it remains uncertain whether Sainz Sr. will defend his title in the upcoming year. In the meantime, he will closely follow Real Madrid’s pursuit of the La Liga title.
Carlo Ancelotti’s team currently stands second in the table, trailing Girona by one point but maintaining a seven-point lead over arch-rivals Barcelona. Meanwhile, Sainz Jr., part of the Ferrari team, anticipates the upcoming F1 season, set to commence in Bahrain on March 2, 2024.
Joe Cole revealed why the players didn’t want to get on Jose Mourinho’s bad side at Chelsea, as the manager would slam them if they put a foot wrong.
The Portuguese manager is known to be a combustible character who has often thrown his players under the bus before the media in the past.
However, not many knew that Mourinho was even more hostile inside the dressing room and would take his players to the cleaners for minor errors, even if they had an otherwise brilliant outing.
While speaking on The Obi One Podcast, Cole revealed, “I loved Jose, but people always think we had a bad relationship. I played a league game and we won 3-0 at home. I set two goals up and thought I played well, but it probably took a few little flicks around. I’ve gone through one-on-one with the keeper late on and should’ve slotted it in but instead, I gave it to Crespo, but he not run anywhere near it and the defenders got it.
“I thought nothing of it, but we were doing the warm-down the next day and Mourinho came over and he said, ‘See you do that s* again, boy, you’ll never f*ing play for me again’ and I was like, what? Another time I scored the winner against Liverpool and they were our big rivals. I thought I was the bee’s knees and we’d gone out and had a great night. The next morning, my phone’s blowing up and he’s battered me in the press. It was just a way of keeping us down but I think he knew every time he did that to me, I’d respond.” Ricardo Carvalho was considered one of the favourites of Mourinho but he was also slandered after he struggled during a friendly.
“It was a belter when he dug out Riccy Carvalho. Riccy’s his boy; he took him everywhere and loved him, but I don’t know why (he went for him),” he said.
“I was right in front of him and he’s going, ‘You’re playing like a fucking elephant,‘ and he’s done the trunk sign and I’m there laughing.” John Obi Mikel jumped in and added, “When he’s angry, he picks one person that he will really go after and that day Jose killed me. ‘You play like a fing elephant; you can’t run’, he destroyed me. I went back and after 10 minutes, he took me off.” Getting back to the Carvalho incident, Cole further stated: “There was sometimes no rhyme or reason for it (his dressing downs).
“He never played badly for more than two games and hardly ever made a mistake. He’s gone to Riccy. ‘You’re fing s. I’m not going to play you. I’m going to play JT (John Terry) and then (William) Gallas. Then I’m going to play Robert Huth, and then I’m going to play the youth kid Steve Watt. If I don’t play him, I’m going to play the kitman; I’m not going to play you’. And I get the giggles when there’s things like that.”
Mourinho led Chelsea to consecutive Premier League titles in his first stint from 2004 to 2007. Throughout this timeframe, Cole featured in 123 matches under Mourinho’s tutelage, playing a pivotal role with 21 goals and 13 assists.
Currently unattached to a managerial position, Mourinho left AS Roma following a string of unsatisfactory results. Despite this setback, there are rumours linking him to a coaching role with Saudi Arabia’s Al-Shabab, suggesting a potential swift comeback to the coaching arena.
Inter Miami has unveiled the squad numbers for the upcoming 2024 MLS season, providing insights into the jerseys Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez will don.
Following their historic League Cup triumph in 2023, shortly after Messi’s remarkable move to the United States, Inter Miami aims to pursue more major honours in the upcoming campaign.
Before competitive action kicks off, Inter Miami has a series of friendly matches on their agenda, including the club’s inaugural international tour and high-profile clashes with teams like Vissel Kobe, Newell’s Old Boys, and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr.
The club’s official website has disclosed the assigned numbers for these games, confirming Messi’s continuation with his iconic No. 10 shirt.
New signing Suarez will sport the No. 9 jersey, while Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba retain their numbers 5 and 18, respectively. USMNT star Julian Gressel will don the No. 24 shirt.
Messi, included in the travelling squad, is set to make his debut in Inter Miami’s first pre-season match of 2024 against El Salvador on Friday. Subsequently, they will face FC Dallas on Monday before embarking on a tour to Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, and Japan.
Jordan Henderson has issued an apology for potentially causing offence with his decision to join Saudi Arabia, acknowledging the criticism surrounding his move.
Despite the controversy, the newly signed Ajax player asserts that his fundamental beliefs have remained unchanged.
The English midfielder faced backlash for leaving Liverpool for the Middle East in 2023, especially given his previous advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights during his tenure at Anfield.
Henderson, now back in Europe after securing a two-and-a-half-year contract with Ajax, expressed remorse for disappointing any supporters but emphasised that his core principles have remained consistent. The former Liverpool captain stated,
“If any people from that community feel let down or hurt, I apologise. If anyone was offended or feel as though I upset them, that’s on me; that was my decision, and I apologise for that. It was never my intention. I just want to look forward now and concentrate on being the best player I can for Ajax. My beliefs have never changed and never will. Again, I can only apologise if people feel let down.”
Henderson said of cutting his time in theSaudi Pro League short, having initially committed to a £350,000-per-week contract at Al-Ettifaq: “I think a lot of people would like me to criticise the Saudi League; that’s not something I’m going to do. I have a lot of respect for them and those that made me feel welcome. If anyone is offended, I apologise; that was never my intention.”
He added when asked if he has any regrets: “Looking back at the time, it was a big decision and one I felt was right for me. Things change quickly in football and I’m happy to make this decision (to come to Ajax), and I felt this opportunity was too big to turn down for me.
“In life, if you want to call them regrets or mistakes, you can, but they’re only mistakes if you don’t learn from them and I learnt a lot of things about Saudi Arabia. I haven’t got a bad word to say about anyone. I have friends over there I’ll speak to forever and there were still positives to come out of it. In the end, it didn’t turn out the way we both wanted to, but it ended on great terms.”
Henderson says he is now ready to commit himself fully to the Ajax cause, with the Dutch giants enduring uncharacteristic struggles this season that have left them fifth in the Eredivisie table and with the Europa League providing their only route to major silverware.
West Ham appears to be leading the race to secure the services of Kalvin Phillips from Manchester City, with the midfielder being informed of his lack of future at the Etihad.
City has given him the green light to explore opportunities in the January transfer window to secure more playing time, with an eye on earning a spot in the England squad for Euro 2024.
Reports suggest that West Ham is the frontrunner in the pursuit of Phillips, although they face stiff competition from Crystal Palace, Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid.
Despite the high demand for Phillips, City has laid out a condition for any potential loan deal: that his substantial £135,000-a-week wages must be covered entirely by the acquiring club.
West Ham’s financial strength positions them well to meet these demands, having recently lightened their wage burden by loaning out Thilo Kehrer to Monaco.
Additionally, there is a possibility of Said Benrahma leaving, with interest from French clubs Olympique de Marseille and Olympique Lyonnais.
Crystal Palace, under manager Roy Hodgson, have also expressed interest in Phillips, as confirmed by Hodgson before their recent 1-0 loss to Everton in the FA Cup third-round replay.
Meanwhile, Newcastle withdrew from the race due to concerns over the high loan fee demanded by City and their reluctance to include an obligation-to-buy clause.
Despite the uncertainties, Phillips remains optimistic about resolving his future swiftly. Having played just over 300 minutes in various competitions this seasonunder Pep Guardiola, the midfielder is eager to secure regular playing time elsewhere.
South Korea’s quest for their first Asian Cup title in 64 years faced a significant setback as coachJurgen Klinsmann announced on Friday that their primary goalkeeper, Kim Seung-Gyu (33), will miss the remainder of the tournament due to a knee injury.
Kim, who participated in their 3-1 victory over Bahrain, suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his knee during a training session leading up to their second match against Jordan on Saturday.
“We’re very sad about Seung-Gyu’s injury but it’s part of sport; it happens in tournaments but we have to move on. We keep him in our thoughts and we fight for him,” Klinsmann told reporters.
“What I told the team was that we are here and we have a mission, which is to stay till the end of the tournament.”
South Korean midfielder Lee Jae-Sung said the injury to one of their most senior players had motivated them to go deeper in the tournament.
“Being an athlete, I know how much being injured hurts. But there are 25 other players in the squad. We’re all together in this and hopefully, it gives us extra motivation to go far,” he said.
South Korea are in disciplinary trouble after five players were booked in their group opener, including skipper Son Heung-Min and centre-back Kim Min-Jae.
One more yellow card will result in a suspension for the following game but Klinsmann said he would not ask his players to exercise caution.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMgjPoj65l8
“We obviously didn’t want so many yellow cards. Obviously, if you get a second one, they miss a game. It’s part of football; two or three could have been avoided—the players know that too—but it’s something you have to live with,” he said.
“Managing yellows is something for the players to look at. As a player, you need to trust your instincts; you can’t be too cautious. If it happens, it happens.”
Jordan are at the top of Group E after beating Malaysia 4-0 and although many expect the Middle Eastern side to play defensively against a team 64 rungs above them in the world rankings, Klinsmann thinks otherwise.
“Jordan will make it difficult and frustrating for us and we need to find a way to break them down,” the German said.
“But if you score four goals, you’re not a defensive-minded team… If the coach fields a defensive-minded team, that’s his choice.
“They’ve proven they’re dangerous; they can counter-attack really fast and have gifted players up front. We have to be alert.”
English midfielder is aiming to secure a spot in the squad through a return to Europe. Ajax has officially confirmed the acquisition of Jordan Henderson following his departure from Al Ettifaq.
On Thursday evening, the Saudi Arabian club released a statement confirming Henderson’s exit and insisted that it wanted to be “respectful” of his desire to leave.
The 33-year-old departs after only six months of a three-year contract, which was worth a reported £350,000 a week after he made the controversial move to head to the Middle East from Liverpool last summer.
With Euro 2024 coming up and Ettifaq labouring in mid-table of the Saudi Pro League, Henderson pushed for a return to Europe and will see out the season with Dutch giants Ajax.
Henderson said in a statement: “I’d like to thank the club, the fans and all involved for the opportunity and wish them the best for the remainder of the season. A lot of hard work is going in which I know will pay off in the future.”
Ettifaq club president Samer Al Misehal added: “Firstly, the club would like to thank Jordan for his efforts and wish him the best for his future endeavours.
“We are always respectful of our players. The club and Jordan believe this quick decision, without any delay or further distraction, has been made for both the overall good of the club and for Jordan.”
Ajax endured a tough start to the season but a good run of results have returned them to the top five of the Eredivisie.
Manager John van ‘t Schip said: “We wanted an experienced midfielder with leadership qualities. Partly due to injuries, we were also looking for someone who can be there immediately. Jordan Henderson is such a player.
“His arrival is a major boost in quality for our squad. Both on and off the field, a footballer of this calibre is also important for our many young players. He is an England international and has won the Champions League and many other trophies with Liverpool. I am happy with his arrival and I think it is very good for our club that he is now an Ajax player.”
Defender Jules Kounde asserted that Barcelona players must take responsibility for the team’s disappointing performances this season, as the reigning Spanish champions currently trail by eight points in La Liga.
Barcelona suffered a significant setback in the Spanish Super Cup final against long-time rivals Real Madrid, suffering a 4-1 defeat. In La Liga, they find themselves positioned below unexpected successes by Girona, Real, and Athletic Club.
Under increasing pressure, Barcelona secured a much-needed morale boost with a 3-1 victory over fourth-tier Unionistas de Salamanca in the Copa del Rey round of 16 on Thursday, providing a positive development for coach Xavi’s side.
“At the end of the day, you can talk about the coach, but we (the players) are the ones out there on the pitch,” Kounde, who was one of the goalscorers against Unionistas, told Movistar.
“When there are bad results, it’s also our fault, of course. We had to react tonight. This game was important, and we have to move forward with intensity, which is what I think we have lacked this season.
“Winning the Copa is one of the objectives, and after a tough defeat on Sunday, we needed to show a reaction. We put in a serious performance.”
Liverpool has the opportunity to solidify their position at thesummit of the Premier League in their upcoming Sunday fixture against Bournemouth.
Meanwhile, Arsenal, currently facing a challenging phase, aims to rejuvenate their title aspirations by hoping for a stumble from Liverpool as they confront Crystal Palace.
On a different note, the focus shifts to the lower end of the table, where Brentford’s Ivan Toney is anticipated to make a comeback in a crucial match against fellow struggler Nottingham Forest.
As we anticipate this weekend’s football action, AFP Sport highlights three key talking points.
Mac Allister’s mark of success
Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister is already contemplating a tattoo to commemorate what promises to be a memorable season as the formidable Reds vie for four major trophies.
Under the leadership of Jurgen Klopp, the table-topping Liverpool squad holds a two-point lead over second-placed Manchester City, and a triumph over Bournemouth on Sunday could extend that lead to five points.
Despite the absence of Mohamed Salah at the Africa Cup of Nations, Liverpool has maintained an unbeaten streak in their last seven matches across all competitions. Their ambitious goals for the season include clinching the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, and Europa League titles.
Signed from Brighton in the recent off-season, Mac Allister has emerged as a pivotal player in Liverpool’s resurgence this campaign. The flamboyant Argentina World Cup winner is not only eager to commemorate his country’s victory in Qatar last year with a tattoo but also plans to add any silverware lifted by Liverpool this season to his body art collection.
“I want to get my tattoo about the World Cup first and then, of course, I will get something about Liverpool, because since the first day I felt a really good connection with this club and I’m really happy to be here,” Mac Allister said.
“(A trophy) would be nice! Maybe on my leg. Hopefully we can win something this year and get it done.”
Arsenal on the rocks
Experiencing only a single victory in their previous seven matches across all competitions, Arsenal finds themselves in an inconvenient downturn that poses a risk to their pursuit of their first title since 2004.
Under the management of Mikel Arteta, Arsenal is set to face Crystal Palace on Saturday, confronted by a string of setbacks, including three consecutive losses against Liverpool in the FA Cup, Fulham, and West Ham in the Premier League.
Arsenal, once leading the table before Christmas, has encountered a troublesome phase marked by a detrimental combination of ineffective goal-scoring and lax defensive performances.
When people say “the grass isn’t always greener”, file Jordan Henderson’s (33) switch to Saudi Arabia under that.
Just six months after moving to the Middle East to join Al Ettifaq, Henderson is already packing his bags and returning to Europe.
Ajax are his apparent rescuers, but it is a pretty embarrassing turn of events given how controversial the initial move was in the summer.
Giving in A vocal supporter of the LGBTQ+ community, Henderson attempted to justify his bumper move by insisting it wasn’t about the money and more about bringing “change” to a country with a poor human rights record.
“We can all bury our heads in the sand and criticise different cultures and different countries from afar,” Henderson said in an interview with The Athletic.
“But then nothing’s going to happen. Nothing’s going to change.”
Jordan Henderson
That interview happened four months ago and unless Henderson has managed to transform what is accepted in that time, it looks as if he has given up on those plans.
One thing that has changed, though, and for the worse, is his reputation, something that he built tremendously over the years while at Liverpool.
He worked hard to mould it, forcing his way into becoming a key part of Jurgen Klopp’s machine which won major trophies in a relatively close period of time.
It was his thick skin that helped him forge his image, but turning his back on such a controversial move this early has damaged it, and for what?
A warning sign What his short Saudi stint does show is chasing the money doesn’t necessarily always end well and serves as a warning to other professionals who are contemplating a move there.
Henderson had a pretty miserable time on the pitch with Al Ettifaq hardly pulling up any trees – eighth in a league comprised of 18 teams.
Attendances have also been a major talking point about the league, with Al Ettifaq drawing in an average of 7,854 spectators at home.
Henderson played in front of just 696 people against Al Riyadh in October – hardly inspiring and a damning look at the quality of the league regardless of what the players are earning.
Yet after all of this, Henderson won’t even get to reap the full benefits of his £350,000-a-week salary, having reportedly deferred his earnings to avoid a hefty tax bill.
Salvaging something It has appeared to be a complete waste football-wise for Henderson, but he might have got out just in time.
Joining Ajax is usually seen as a decent move and while the standards are still higher than whatever is going on in Saudi Arabia, the Dutch side have had problems of their own this season.
They were recently knocked out of the Dutch Cup by a part-time team and have moved on to their fourth manager of the season – not exactly the most stable of environments for Henderson to arrive into.
Henderson’s international career may have also received some extra security, although England boss Gareth Southgate has stuck by him quite rigidly throughout.
Playing in the Netherlands likely only strengthens his case for being in the Three Lions squad for Euro 2024 – not that his position has been massively under threat anyway.
DISCLAIMER: Independentghana.com will not be liable for any inaccuracies contained in this article. The views expressed in the article are solely those of the author’s, and do not reflect those of The Independent Ghana
This eagerly awaited return follows an eight-month suspension for the striker.
Manager Thomas Frank, whose team has found itself embroiled in the relegation battle during Toney’s absence, expressed the significant positive impact of having him back.
Frank highlighted the value of Toney’s goal-scoring prowess and leadership on the field. “He’s bossing. He’s like an eight-year-old boy; he just wants to go out and play,” Frank told a news conference on Friday. “Just that pure joy of playing football.
“I’m looking into the eyes of a player who is very committed and very excited. He will start tomorrow, he will lead the team out, he’ll be the captain. I’m sure he’ll be ready.”
Having scored 20 goals in 30 league appearances last season, Toney faced a suspension due to betting offences. His return, eagerly awaited by Brentford teammates who affectionately call him ‘Big Dog,’ is timely.
Thomas Frank has confirmed that Ivan Toney will start and captain Brentford in his return to football this weekend 🔙 pic.twitter.com/AowfRY6DkO
Brentford currently sits in 16th place, just three points clear of the relegation zone and trailing 15th-placed Forest by a single point.
“Not only this week, but the last three-and-a-half years, he has been a special character in many ways; he’s a fantastic person to be around myself, the staff, the players, the energy he brings, the smile, and the positivity at the training ground,” Frank said.
“On the pitch, he wants to win; he wants to help the team; of course, it’s a massive boost. It’s like a new signing. He’s the second-best striker, in my opinion, in the Premier League.”
One worry for Frank is that with the January transfer window still open, Toney could be lured away by a big-money offer from a Premier League rival, although none have arrived so far.
“As I said earlier in these conferences, it’s 99% something that he will stay here but football is crazy; you never know what will happen tomorrow,” Frank said. “He’s committed to helping the team; that’s all that’s on his mind. He wants to stay here; he wants to help the team.”
Bank of Ghana Governor (BoG) Dr. Ernest Addison has reassured the public that the launch of the much-anticipated e-Cedi, the country’s digital currency, will take place before the end of 2026.
The Governor acknowledged progress made in the e-Cedi’s development but attributed the delay in its launch to economic dislocation caused by the events of 2022.
“Probably, it could be earlier than that. As I mentioned, we have reached a point of trying to understand the commercials a little bit more,” said Dr. Addison during an interview held on the sidelines of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) 40th anniversary and Central Banking Autumn meetings in Saint Kitts and Nevis in November 2023.
Following the successful completion of the pilot phase in Sefwi Asafo, discussions on the commercial aspects of the e-Cedi were initiated. However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting economic crisis led the central bank to temporarily halt the digitization process, shifting priorities.
Despite the setback caused by economic challenges, the pilot was a crucial step in the country’s plan to enhance financial inclusion and promote digitalization. The central bank remains optimistic about the future of the e-Cedi.
In December 2023, the Bank of Ghana announced the winners of the country’s first-ever e-Cedi hackathon, showcasing the fintech community’s enthusiastic engagement. The competition aimed to encourage innovation and partnerships around the central bank’s new digital currency. Out of 88 initial applicants, 10 finalists were selected to present their e-Cedi solutions, covering areas such as agriculture, government payments, business transactions, taxation, and more.
Dr. Addison provided insights into the current status of the e-Cedi pilot, emphasizing its offline operational capacity.
“The central bank did a lot of things due to favourable conditions at the end of 2019,” he explained. The pilot, conducted in some of the country’s remotest parts, featured an offline version of the digital currency to ensure usability in areas with limited connectivity infrastructure.
“The Ghanaian population is used to mobile money, so the concept of a digital currency was easily absorbed—it’s not an alien concept to people,” Dr. Addison highlighted. Positive results from the pilot, wherein participants were given a certain value to spend within their locality, demonstrated the e-Cedi’s potential success.
While the economic challenges of 2022 prompted a reevaluation of priorities, Dr. Addison emphasised that progress towards launching the e-Cedi is ongoing. The central bank’s adoption of a retail token-based CBDC, stored locally on various devices, aims to replicate the traditional attributes of physical cash while incorporating additional functionalities.
“The e-Cedi’s successful deployment could have a significant impact on the country, helping to augment the government’s digitalization agenda and foster financial inclusion,” Dr. Addison stressed. The Bank of Ghana seeks to reinforce its role as an active regulator and facilitator of a digital economy, aligning with the nation’s evolving financial landscape.
As Ghana makes strides in its digital currency initiatives, the e-Cedi hackathon stands out as a pivotal milestone, playing a significant role in promoting innovation and aligning with the country’s objectives of enhancing financial access and embracing digital transformation.
With theBank of Ghana’s Governor providing assurances, expectations are high for the imminent official launch of the e-Cedi, anticipated to usher in transformative changes to the nation’s financial ecosystem.
Bundesliga clash scheduled for Friday between Mainz and Union Berlin has been postponed due to freezing temperatures posing a risk to spectators, as announced by the German League on Thursday.
This marks the second Union game cancellation this season, following the postponement of their fixture against Bayern Munich in December due to heavy snow.
The rescheduled date for the Bayern Munich match is now set for January 24th.
“The reasons for this (postponement of Mainz v. Union) are the ice forming in the lower parts of the stands, especially the standing tribune, as well as access roads for spectators,” the DFL said.
A rescheduled date for the Mainz versus Union Berlin match will be determined shortly. Currently, Mainz holds the 16th position and faces relegation play-offs, while Union Berlin sits at 15th, holding a three-point lead.
The recent freezing rain in central and southern Germany has caused widespread disruptions, leading to the grounding of hundreds of flights and impacting train services on Wednesday.
The weather service has issued warnings about slippery roads, heavy snowfall, and an extreme risk of black ice in affected regions.
Additionally, the German rail operator, Deutsche Bahn, has cautioned travelers about potential delays and cancellations due to the challenging winter weather conditions.
Ghana Education Service (GES) has provided clarity on certain procedures expected from teachers in both primary and secondary schools nationwide.
Addressing the ongoing confusion between headmasters and teachers in various schools concerning lesson notes, the GES acknowledged the previous requirement for teachers to submit lesson plans every Monday, with potential disciplinary consequences for non-compliance.
However, recent changes to the curriculum and educational systems have caused some misunderstandings.
In a statement released on January 17, the GES clarified that lesson notes can now be handwritten or prepared electronically, and submission can be done physically or via email.
Furthermore, the statement instructed regional directors to communicate this information to district, municipal, and metropolitan directors of education.
Background
Teachers in Ghanaian schools have generally created lesson plans and notes on dedicated Teacher Lesson Note Books provided by the school.
Headteachers documented and reviewed each week’s subjects before they were implemented.
In the past, G.E.S. required all teachers to submit lesson plans every Monday, and failure to do so could result in disciplinary action.
This practice had become part of theG.E.S. system over the years, and many teachers viewed it as an essential part of their job.
However, recent modifications to the curriculum and educational systems have created new obstacles.
In a key modification for 2024, the GES directed the district/municipal/metropolitan directors of education to require that teachers accept lesson notes in both handwritten and electronically generated versions, either in print or via email.
The French center-back was let go by Sevilla in September 2021 due to persistent concerns regarding the player’s professionalism and physical condition.
The grounds raised by Sevilla to justify Gnagnon’s termination were “the player’s alleged overweight situation and his multiple delays to training sessions.”
Gnagnon, whose contract with Sevilla was set to expire in June 2023, sought redress from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) for what he deemed an unlawful dismissal, seeking millions of euros in compensation.
Initially appealing to FIFA, Gnagnon’s claim was rejected as “inadmissible” because he had already initiated a labour dispute in a Spanish court. However, the Spanish court closed his case as he failed to attend the mandatory hearing.
The player, who joined Sevilla in the summer of 2018 in a €13.5 million ($14.7 million) transfer from Rennes, had a minimal impact, making just seven LaLiga appearances in three years.
The verdict highlighted that the club’s expectations regarding the player’s weight parameters were reasonable. Despite Sevilla’s efforts to assist and numerous warnings, Gnagnon did not comply with the club’s guidelines. Various medical check-ups confirmed the player’s overweight condition.
Since leaving St Etienne in May 2022, the 27-year-old Gnagnon has been without a club. He joined the French side as a free agent four months after his dismissal from Sevilla.
Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) has expressed reservations regarding the government’s Agenda 111 initiative, citing concerns about the geographical placement and accessibility of facilities nationwide.
These concerns have emerged in light of the 2022 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) Report, which involved the study of 618 clusters across 261 administrative districts.
In presenting the report, Prof. Kobina Anim, the Government Statistician, revealed that a significant 40% of Ghanaian women aged 15 to 49 face travel times of more than 30 minutes to 2 hours to access healthcare. This underscores the considerable inconveniences experienced by individuals throughout the country.
“We identify that about 2/5 that is in excess of 40% of women aged 15 to 49 years, were travelling in excess of 30 minutes to access the nearest health facility. This puts into context the government’s intervention of Agenda 111, where it is being situated and the extent it is going to affect the fact that we have people travelling in excess of 30 minutes, specifically 40% of people travelling in excess of 30 minutes to access the nearest health facility. Of importance to us is the disaggregation across the 16 administrative regions.”
“And from the perspective of those travelling more than two hours to access the nearest health facility, we identify the Oti region as having more than 10% of women aged 15 to 49 travelling over two hours to access the nearest facility. The range is from 0.8 in the Eastern region to 11.6%.
“This is where the conversation around the situation of Agenda 111 should be reflected. As in is it dominant in these places where we see a lot more people travelling over two hours to access a health facility?” he said.
In the midst of these concerns, Dr. Patrick Kuma Aboagye, the Director General of the Ghana Health Service, reaffirmed his dedication to addressing the existing disparities within the health sector.
“While some targets have been met nationally, it is a concern that several regions fall short, showing substantial regional disparities for almost all indicators including skill delivery, and percentage of children without vaccinations. In the face of these challenges, our service commits to providing strong leadership and clear guidance to ensure coordination among multiple partners of the sector.”
“I must say that the regional disparities also shore gross disparity among the newly created regions, which we see also and that is why GHS moved in there very early to ensure that we can focus on these deprived areas. And we are hoping that the next DHS will show better results in these areas.
“So we pledge to deliver high-quality services at both the facility and community levels, but we will require the support of our media and the entire population to ensure that this is done,” he said.
Ministry of Trade and Industry (MoTI) and the Chamber of Cement Manufacturers, Ghana (COCMAG) have agreed to hold regular consultative meetings with industry stakeholders, focusing on developments in cement manufacturing, bagging, and distribution.
The objective is to tackle crucial issues in the sector, particularly before any announcements of changes in ex-factory prices by individual companies.
Minister K.T. Hammond initiated the meeting to express concerns about the rising cost of cement at the retail level and its adverse economic impact. He raised questions about the sale of a bag of cement at ¢95.00 in certain regions, including the Accra and Tema Municipalities.
“The Minister entreated the industry to take cognizance of the widespread effects of price escalation and the need to closely monitor and exercise control over the recommended ex-factory price margins of distributors and retailers of their respective grades of products across the country,” stated the MoTI.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKA_9rBcf04
Crucial measures have been unanimously agreed upon for immediate implementation to stabilise prices in the cement industry. These measures include the obligation for individual companies to publish recommended distribution and retail prices for various product grades within their respective distribution zones.
Furthermore, companies are now mandated to rigorously enforce quality standards and specified weights for cement products, aiming to counter the production and distribution of substandard items.
Stakeholders are also anticipated tocollaborate on exploring the feasibility of introducing a standardised cement pricing formula. This initiative aims to ensure consistency in retail pricing across the country, taking into account essential cost variables.
The Ministry of Trade and Industry (MoTI) has assured the public that these measures, deemed necessary among others, will be implemented in partnership with the Chamber of Cement Manufacturers, Ghana. The ultimate goal is to facilitate justifiable and reasonable adjustments in prices.
In an unprecedented move, Palmeiras president Leila Pereira held a news conference exclusively for female journalists to underscore the underrepresentation ofwomen in football.
Acknowledging her unique position as the sole female club president across Brazil’s three main divisions, Pereira openly admitted to often feeling isolated in her role.
“Having just one woman in front of a big club in South America is not normal,” Pereira said in the news conference. “Why does it happen? Because we suffer several restrictions that prevent us from getting where we can go.
“I’m not going to solve the problem of machismo in Brazil and the world, much less in football, but with the strength of Palmeiras, we can be an example.”
More than a dozen female journalists took part in the extensive two-hour news conference hosted at the Football Academy. Leila Pereira, elected as Palmeiras’ first female president in 2021, emphasised the necessity for structural transformations within the club to promote gender equality.
Responding to criticism about the exclusive access granted to female journalists at the news conference, Pereira defended the decision, advising against undue alarm and stating, “Don’t be hysterical.”
Nigeria’s coach, José Peseiro, has expressed his bewilderment over the eligibility of Umar Sadiq to play for Spanish team Real Sociedad, considering the forward’s injury that ruled him out of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Despite being sidelined due to injury, the 26-year-old Sadiq was named in Sociedad’s squad for the Copa del Rey game against Osasuna on Wednesday, leading Peseiro to express confusion about the player’s ability to participate for his club while being unavailable for the national team at AFCON.
“I’m also confused,” Peseiro said when asked about Sadiq on Wednesday. “What I can say, I saw the report from the medical test that he’s injured and that he cannot recover in 15 days, at least, or more time… The report went to the club, and the club said he must come (back) to recover.”
Peseiro said Sadiq wanted to stay with the Nigeria squad but that he and his coaching staff decided to replace him before Jan. 3, the final day to submit the squad lists for the tournament.
“I am happy that he recovered well. I am sad that he’s not here to help us,” Peseiro said.
The pressure is mounting on Peseiro’s Super Eagles as they face host nation Ivory Coast on Thursday, following a disappointing 1-1 draw with Equatorial Guinea in their opening game. In contrast, Ivory Coast began their campaign with a solid 2-0 victory over Guinea-Bissau.
The Portuguese coach, Peseiro, has come under criticism in the aftermath of Nigeria’s draw. Furthermore, his team has been susceptible defensively, conceding at least one goal in each of their last six games, including a 2-0 loss to Guinea in a pre-tournament warm-up match.
Star forward Victor Osimhen found the net but also missed several golden opportunities in Nigeria’s tournament opener, a match they dominated without securing a victory. Despite having 19 shots at goal compared to Equatorial Guinea’s seven, the Super Eagles failed to capitalise on their chances, intensifying the scrutiny on Peseiro and his team.
“If you create the same opportunities, you’re going to score,” Peseiro said Wednesday. “Like I said the last time, Sometimes, the god gives, sometimes the god takes. It’s the right time for God to give (to) us.”
Christian Pulisic, the forward for both the United States and AC Milan, secured the title of U.S. Soccer’s male player of the year for 2023, marking his fourth win and tying with Landon Donovan for the most victories by a USMNT player.
The 25-year-old winger from Hershey, Pennsylvania, had previously claimed the honour in 2017, 2019, and 2021, while Donovan achieved the feat for the fourth time in 2010 at the age of 28.
Pulisic dominated the voting with 53%, leaving Yunus Musah in second place with 21.5% and Ricardo Pepi at 12.9%.
Christian Pulisic speaks to the media after completing his move to AC Milan. Claudio Villa/AC Milan via Getty Images
The accolade is a testament to Pulisic’s consistent excellence and impact on the national team, placing him alongside the legendary Donovan in the history of U.S. Soccer.
“It’s an honor to win this award again for the fourth time,” Pulisic said. “It was an incredible season for me. I always enjoy playing with the national team and winning more trophies with the national team. Of course, coming here to AC Milan, it’s been just a really exciting year. I’ve enjoyed it so much, so I’m really grateful to win an award like this.”
Since it's awards season, we figured we'd get a "Hollywood Person" to announce this year's Male Player of the Year award…. pic.twitter.com/fCVcLA1Vbj
The U.S. star helped his team to the Concacaf Nations League title in June with a 2-0 win over Canada and also helped guide them to qualification for the 2024 Copa America, which will take place this summer in the United States.
Pulisic moved fromChelsea to Milan last summer and has enjoyed a stellar first season in Serie A thus far, scoring six goals in the league and adding five assists for Stefano Pioli’s third-place side.
“If you’re joining Landon on anything regarding the national team, you’re doing something right,” Pulisic said. “He’s a legend. I looked up to him, so I’m grateful to be in that conversation. I’m hoping to continue to push, and hopefully it will not be the last.”
Kevin Paredes, a 20-year-old winger hailing from South Riding, Virginia, and playing for Wolfsburg, clinched the title of Young Male Player of the Year.
In the 2022–23 cycle, he made eight appearances for the under-20 team, marked his national team debut against Oman in September, and emerged as a regular substitute and occasional starter in the Bundesliga.
Securing 59% of the vote, Paredes outshone competitors Benjamin Cremaschi (12%) and Gianluca Busio (10.8%).
The votes were cast by a diverse group, including U.S. coaches and players with a 2023 appearance, the USSF board of directors and athletes council, professional league head coaches and sporting directors, media members, and former players and administrators.
While there isn’t a strict definition of eligibility for theyouth award, it generally encompasses players under the age of 23 who participated in a youth national team camp during the year.
This makes the hospital the second medical facility in Africa to employ this cutting-edge technology.
Developed by an Israeli company, the Nanox Arc exhibits the capability to generate high-quality medical images with unparalleled speed and precision, all at a more affordable cost compared to traditional CT scans.
Although operating similarly to regular X-rays, the Nanox Arc excels at detecting minute issues within the scanned body region that might escape conventional X-ray imaging.
The limitations of conventional X-rays often necessitate further, more expensive CT scans, which expose patients to higher levels of radiation.
To showcase the technology’s effectiveness, a patient-volunteer, Abraham Asare Bediako, underwent the Nanox Arc scan at a ceremony in Accra on Thursday, January 17, 2024.
During a concise event in Accra aimed at showcasing the functionality of the Nanox Arc X-ray Tomography Scan machine, Mr. Daniel Amankrah, a Radiologist Specialist at UGMC, explained that the Nanox Arc was employed to scan all areas of the body that contain bones, enabling a comprehensive assessment of the bone’s structure.
“It works like an X-ray, but this gives you more images to see into detail what is happening in the human body at a relatively low cost with less radiation
“When you do the regular X-ray, the information from it is not sufficient. So currently, doctors may require you to do a CT Scan to see what is actually going on in the human body,” he said.
While the Nanox Arc was installed at UGMC in 2023, its inaugural use awaited approval from the Food and Drugs Authority.
With the green light received, the technology is set to be available for patients starting next week, marking a significant advancement in medical imaging capabilities at the University of Ghana Medical Centre.
Transport Ministry has urged the public to disregard the purported hike in transport fares by transport operators nationwide.
This comes after commercial Transport Operators in Ghana have declared a 30 percent increase in transportation fares nationwide, starting Monday, January 22.
They justified the increase by citing significant increases in the costs of lubricants, spare parts, and DVLA service charges.
“The proposal for a fare increase aims to address the drivers’ financial challenges and ensure the sustainability of the public transportation industry in Ghana,” the commercial transport operators added in the press release.
However, in response to this, the Ministry of Transport issued a statement dated January 17, 2024, noting that the said increase should be ignored as no agreement has been made between the ministry and the Commercial Transport Operators.
“We wish to inform the general public that there has not been any negotiation with the transport operators for a review of the transport fares. We therefore urge the general public to disregard the purported increase,” parts of the statement read.
When an increase becomes necessary, the Ministry said its outfit will make that known to the general public
“When it becomes necessary for such negotiations and the decisions are taken, the general public will be appropriately informed, as has been done in the past,” the statement continued.
Meanwhile, the General Secretary of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), Godfred Abulbire, has announced the suspension of the decision to increase transport fares following an upcoming meeting with the Transport Ministry.
The GPRTU initially planned a 20% fare hike by January 24, citing increased spare parts costs and new taxes. Despite the Ministry urging the public to disregard the proposed increase, Deputy Minister Alhassan Tampuli Sulemana stated that discussions with transport operators would take place.
GPRTU will assess the situation after the meeting, while a drivers association emphasises ongoing financial challenges and expresses willingness to engage with the Ministry when invited.
Former Brazil international Dani Alves said for the first time that he was drunk on the night he is accused of committing sexual assault, judicial sources have confirmed to news agency EFE.
If acknowledged as a mitigating factor during the upcoming court proceedings in February, it could potentially lead to a reduced sentence in the event of a conviction.
Alves’ attorney, Inés Guardiola, contends that the extent of Alves’ intoxication impaired his cognitive abilities, rendering him unaware of his actions.
This revelation marks the fifth alteration in Alves’ account since his arrest in January of the previous year on charges of sexually assaulting a woman in a Barcelona nightclub on December 30, 2022.
Initially, he claimed not to know the victim. Subsequently, he stated that he had encountered the woman in the club’s bathroom but maintained that nothing untoward had occurred.
The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain defender then changed his version of events upon being presented with biological evidence, asserting that the encounter involved consensual oral sex.
Last April, following additional biological tests, Alves, aged 40, admitted for the first time to having consensual intercourse with the woman. He explained that he had initially lied to conceal his infidelity to his wife.
Alves has been in preventive prison without bail since his arrest, leading to the termination of his contract with Liga MX club Pumas UNAM, which he joined after leaving Barcelona in June 2022.
The trial is set to take place from February 5 to 7 at a court in Barcelona, with state prosecutors seeking a nine-year prison sentence. Meanwhile, the woman’s legal representation is advocating for a 12-year prison term, along with restraining orders against Alves post-incarceration and a compensation payment of €150,000 ($163,605) to the woman.
Spain’s sexual consent law, enacted last year, encompasses a broad spectrum of offences, from online abuse and groping to rape, each carrying different potential penalties. The charge of sexual assault, under this law, can result in a maximum sentence of 15 years for cases of rape.
Pep Guardiola stands as one of the preeminent managers of his era, having achieved remarkable success since embarking on his managerial career in 2008.
The Manchester City maestro commenced his managerial journey with Barcelona’s youth squad in 2007, eventually ascending to the senior team in 2008, succeeding Frank Rijkaard, according to France24.
Over the years, the 53-year-old Spaniard has etched his name in football history with triumphant spells at Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and presently, Manchester City. Renowned for his innovative tactical approach, Pep has clinched multiple titles with each team, solidifying his status as one of the sport’s greatest managers.
As Pep Guardiola celebrates his 53rd birthday, let’s delve into six remarkable records that underscore his managerial prowess.
1. Only manager to win continental treble twice
Guardiola stands alone in the annals of football history as the sole manager to secure the continental treble on two separate occasions. This remarkable feat was accomplished in 2009 and 2011 with Barcelona, where he clinched the Champions League both times.
In 2009, Barca beat Chelsea in the UCL final before replicating the milestone in 2011 when they beat Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United.
2. Youngest manager to win the UCL
To date, Guardiola remains the youngest manager to ever lay his hands on the Champions League title.
He made history in 2009 when he lifted the trophy with Barcelona, aged just 38.
3. Record for most consecutive wins
The Spaniard holds the record for the most consecutive wins in three different top leagues.
He first achieved the feat with 21 La Liga wins in a row for Barcelona in (2010/11), 19 wins with Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga (2013/14), and 18 Premier League wins at Man City (2017/18).
4. First manager to reach 100 EPL points
OptaJoe reports Guardiola became the first manager to hit the 100-point mark in a 38-game Premier League season with Man City in 2017/18.
City lifted the domestic crown that season.
5. First manager to win domestic treble in England. Pep has achieved so much at Man City since his arrival in 2017.
In his second season at the club, the Spaniard became the first manager to win the domestic treble in England after lifting the Premier League, the FA Cup, and the League Cup.
6. Joint-most Super Cups
This is not an individual record per se but more of an honourable mention.
Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti boast the joint-most wins in the UEFA Super Cup.
The two managers have won the trophy on four occasions, with Pep’s last coming in 2023, when Manchester City beat Sevilla.
Pep professes love for Barcelona
In a recent development, Sports Brief covered Guardiola’s emotional declaration of love for Barcelona during his acceptance speech after being honoured with the Best FIFA Men’s Coach Award for 2023.
The Manchester City manager openly expressed his deep affection for the La Liga club, attributing his success at Manchester City to the invaluable experience he garnered during his formative years at Barcelona.
Deputy Sports Minister Evans Opoku Bobbie emphasises the importance of the Black Stars securing a positive outcome against Egypt in the 2023Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to advance to the next stage.
The upcoming clash between the two teams is crucial for both as they seek their first victory in the ongoing tournament. Egypt managed to salvage a point in their first game against Mozambique with a late penalty from Mohamed Salah, resulting in a 2-2 draw.
On the other hand, Ghana suffered a defeat as Cape Verde emerged 2-1 winners. Despite concerns among fans, Opoku Bobbie expresses confidence in the team’s technical strategy led by Chris Hughton to navigate the challenges posed by the experienced continental competitors.
“We cannot afford to drop out of the group stage of this tournament. No, we cannot,” he said.
He also advised the players to acknowledge the weight of the task ahead, as they currently represent the entire population of Ghana. “They should know that there are 11 players representing the country. And they should also know that football is the passion of Ghana. They should know that they hold the hearts of the people of Ghana and should put in their individual effort.”
“I believe that the technical team has a strategy for every match, even though we are all aware that Egypt is a tough side when it comes to the AFCON. So let us hope and pray that the strategy works for us to get the maximum points and hope to qualify for the next stage.” The Black Stars could receive a lifeline in the tournament with a positive result as they strive to overcome their recent disappointments in the competition. The team experienced a setback in the 2021 edition, losing to debutants Comoros and exiting the group stage for the first time in 16 years.The upcoming match against the Mambas of Mozambique will conclude their group-stage matches.
Steven Gerrard has reportedly agreed to a two-year contract extension at Al-Ettifaq, despite his team’s recent poor form and the imminent departure ofJordan Henderson.
The former England international is set to remain with the Saudi Pro League club until 2027.
Despite Al-Ettifaq’s struggle for consistency and a winless run of eight matches, the board is supporting Gerrard and has committed to providing new signings to improve their performance in the SPL.
Gerrard, who joined Al-Ettifaq in July 2023, has the opportunity during the ongoing AFC Asian Cup break to address team weaknesses and find a replacement for the departing Henderson.
Henderson is expected to move to Ajax, with the midfielder reportedly undergoing a medical in Amsterdam.
Meanwhile, Gerrard is focused on preparing for Al-Ettifaq’s next SPL match against Al-Khaleej on February 15.
Crystal Palace forward and Black Stars striker Jordan Ayew is urging Ghanaians to exercise patience and withhold criticism until the conclusion of the national team’s journey in the2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Ayew’s plea comes amidst heightened criticism following Ghana’s opening-game defeat to Cape Verde.
Speaking to the media ahead of the crucial second group game against Egypt, Ayew responded to critics and questioned the growing concerns after just one game.
The 32-year-old emphasised that the team has not been disqualified yet, challenging the rationale behind the criticism.
“Are we disqualified yet? We are not. When we are disqualified, then you can speak,” Ayew asserted during the press conference.
Ghana is set to face Egypt on Thursday night in a crucial must-win encounter to improve their chances of advancing to the next stage of the AFCON 2023 tournament.
Ayew’s plea for measured criticism reflects the intense scrutiny the Black Stars have faced. The team aims to respond with a positive performance against Egypt.
Burnley co-owner JJ Watt has declared that “everybody hates VAR,”urging the Premier League to address their “trash” system.
The incorporation of technology into football was intended to simplify decisions for match officials and remove more contentious issues from the game.
However, that hasn’t been the case, as each round of fixtures appears to bring a fresh wave of controversy.
Nearly every club in the English top-flight, including Burnley, which is currently fighting relegation, has expressed dissatisfaction with VAR and PGMOL at some point this season. Co-owner JJ Watt claims that “everybody hates VAR,” with the NFL legend calling on the Premier League to fix their “trash” system.
The introduction of technology into football was intended to make life easier for match officials and to ensure that more contentious decisions were removed from the game. That has not been the case thus far, with each round of fixtures seemingly bringing with it a fresh round of controversy.
Just about every club in the English top-flight has had a bone to pick with VAR and PGMOL at some point this season, with Burnley, who are scrapping to avoid suffering relegation back into the Championship, falling into that category.
Clarets board member Watt, who is now passionately invested in collective efforts at Turf Moor, told The Pat McAfree Show of why change is needed: “Everybody hates VAR, that’s the problem. VAR has a chance to be successful, a chance to be good and a chance to be legitimate. But everybody hates it because it’s so subjective at the moment.
“We refuse to use the technology that theWorld Cup uses, which is very clear cut for offside. There is so much stuff that could be good about VAR, but right now it’s trash; it’s a problem; it’s costing people points and costing people enjoyment, taking away from the game. VAR at the moment is terrible and it needs to be fixed; that’s just a fact. The Premier League needs to fix it. VAR is a problem; get it fixed.”
Burnley is currently on its winter break, with the Clarets set to return to action in a visit to reigning champions Manchester City on January 31. Their upcoming fixtures include facing Liverpool and Arsenal, and there is a possibility that Watt will be returning to the United States for those games alongside his wife, former USWNT star Kealia.
After a disappointing loss to Cape Verde in their opening match on Sunday, Ghana aims to rebound against the seven-time champions.
Adebayor acknowledges the team’s technical proficiency but points out that there is a missing element related to how the players approach the game.
“Technically, they are good, but tactically, they were not in shape; they are not the best. Technicality and tactics are not important anymore when you are playing in the Africa Cup of Nations.
‘What is important in the AFCON is the envy and mentality,” Adebayor told Sienu TV.
“The mentality has to be right, the enthusiasm of the game; you have to go out there and know that you are representing a country.”
Arsenal is reportedly considering a bold move to secure Karim Benzema on a short-term loan from Al-Ittihad to bolster their offensive capabilities during the January transfer window.
In the 2023-24 campaign, Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah, and Kai Havertz are not fully convinced in leading the line, prompting Mikel Arteta to explore options.
According to Teamtalk, the Gunners are contemplating a sensational move for the former France international, Benzema, who, at 36, won the Ballon d’Or in 2022 and departed European football for the Middle East, following his ex-Real Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo.
While Manchester United has also been linked with Benzema, the likelihood of an approach from them is considered low.
Chelsea remains in the hunt for a proven No.9, posing a potential challenge to Arsenal’s pursuit of Benzema.
Although Arsenal is interested in Ivan Toney, a Premier League-experienced forward from Brentford, the cost of such a deal may lead the Gunners to explore temporary solutions, with Benzema emerging as a prominent consideration.
Member of the communication team for the Movement for Change, Solomon Owusu, has predicted a humiliating defeat for Vice PresidentDr. Mahamudu Bawumia in the upcoming 2024 general elections.
He believes that a former New Patriotic Party member and minister who is currently running as an independent candidate, Alan Kyeremanteng would beat Bawumia.
Despite enjoying the backing of state machinery during the NPP primaries to lead the ruling party, Owusu predicts Bawumia will lose in the main polls due to Ghanaians’ dissatisfaction with the NPP’s policies.
Speaking on the Gumbe Show on TV XYZ, Owusu, a former NPP member, characterised Bawumia as a man lacking ideas and having nothing substantial to offer the Ghanaian people.
“Bawumia is not part of the 2024 contest; Alan will beat him because he cannot divert the verdict of Ghanaians. He will lose sorely because of his poor track record,” he told host Oheneba Boamah Bennie.
According to Solomon Owusu, the impact of Bawumia’s leadership on the country’s economy was evident for everyone to feel during his tenure as the head of the government’s Economic Management Team.
He asserted that Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen, the leader of the Movement for Change, possessed greater credibility than Dr. Bawumia.
Owusu added that any member of the NPP who is aware of the mismanagement and rampant corruption within the party under the leadership of Akufo-Addo and Bawumia might choose to distance themselves during the elections.
“In this 21st century when people are going to space and doing marvellous things that are benefiting their countries,Dr Bawumia could only talk about toilet facilities for Ghanaians. When he went to Agbogbloshi, all he could promise was toilet, toilet,” Owusu said mockingly.
He said after Bawumia’s defeat in 2024, he will have no option but to return to Canada to go teach, as he was doing before he was appointed to the Bank of Ghana.
The founder of Perez Chapel International, Archbishop Charles Agyin-Asare, has attributed the prevalence of corruption in the nation to the path being charted by politicians. Observing the rapid acquisition of wealth by politicians within a short period, the Archbishop pointed out that individuals in other professions may adopt any means, including illegitimate ones, to survive in such an environment.
He emphasised the role of leadership in this issue, stating that “all things rise and fall with leadership.” Archbishop Charles Agyin-Asare highlighted the critical impact of leadership choices on the overall state of corruption in the country.
When asked “why are Ghanaians corrupt?” he said, “We have taught people that… because if somebody goes into political office, he doesn’t have a house, and in four years, he has three houses. The ordinary guy who sits in the office, the teacher, who has also worked for ten years, also has to find a way to survive. The policeman also feels that he has to do something to survive,” he told Captain Smart on Maakye Wednesday, January 17, 2024, on Onua TV/FM.
Using a case study from Gambia, the preacher admonished Ghanaian leaders to cultivate the habit of selflessness and prioritise the interests of the state in order to ameliorate the crisis.
“There was this parliamentarian in Gambia, a lady. They increased the salaries of parliamentarians, the president and the Speaker. She came and said that it was an insult because how could they increase their salary by sixty-something percent when the ordinary man has not had any increment? So she wouldn’t take it and she rejected it. So, when we have leaders like that, if we have people who are selfless and they are looking at the nation in terms of lifting up the ordinary person, things will change,” he stressed.
“Over the years, when the governmenteven built affordable housing and things, before you realised it, the government themselves, people have six of them and eight of them. So everybody thinks that we have to get to politics and that is where we are now,” he added.
Aside from corruption, he also shared his view on what is destroying Ghana, which he said could become devastating if care is not taken.
“We have divided the nation on political lines. We are one people so we should stop creating divisions among ourselves. I think the political class enjoys doing that because they are not enemies.”
According to the Archbishop, what changed his perception of politicians and their tactics of acting as enemies before the public is an experience he had with them about two decades ago on a flight where they expressed amity instead of the enmity they have always portrayed.
“I travelled with some politicians 15–20 years ago. We went to East Africa. I went to preach there and we went together. And on the flight, they were chatting—opposition [and government in power]. I used to think they were enemies because that’s what they portrayed to us.
“We stayed in the same hotel; we went to eat lunch together; they were drinking tea together so I came back and I even accosted them and said, Why do you make it looklike we are enemies? Why don’t you show this side you’re showing? [and] they just laughed. But I think that the more they do that, the more they are able to keep us down and make sure that we don’t say what they are doing,” he pointed out.
Yaw Dabo, the well-known Ghanaian comic actor and founder of theDabo Soccer Academy, expressed disappointment with certain football players who participated in the academy’s trials wearing inappropriate boots.
In a viral video circulating on social media, Dabo can be seen inspecting the participants’ footwear, discovering boots without studs and others that were badly torn.
Dabo, visibly frustrated, went on a lengthy tirade, labelling the players as unserious for showing up unprepared for the trials.
He emphasised the importance of investing in their craft and criticised the lack of professionalism and passion among some aspiring footballers.
Dabo felt that some players were wasting both his time and resources and issued a stern warning, stating they wouldn’t succeed in the football industry unless they took their careers seriously and invested in quality boots to enhance their performance.
Drawing inspiration from successful footballers who started with humble beginnings, Dabo urged them to learn from these individuals who worked hard and invested in their talents.
The allodial family of the latePresident Prof. John Evans Atta-Mills, located in Ekumfi Nanabin in the Ekumfi municipality of the Central Region, have insisted on the immediate relocation of the late president’s body for reburial in Cape Coast.
Expressing their wishes, the family emphasised the desire to bury their son alongside his late parents at a family cemetery situated in the Cape Coast municipality.
Representing the family, Nana Obosuye, the Bermuhene of Ekumfi Nanabin, Amona, and Denkyira, criticised the ongoing demand for an autopsy report on the cause of the late president’s death.
He questioned the inconsistency of those calling for an autopsy report for Prof. Atta-Mills, as similar requests were not made for other deceased leaders like Jerry John Rawlings, former Vice President Aliu Mahama, and Vice President Paa Kwesi Amissah Arthur.
Nana Obosuye considered this demand for an autopsy report a deliberate effort to tarnish the late president’s image and asserted that what matters most to the family is the exhumation and release of the body for reburial at the family burial ground.
He emphasised the family’s dissatisfaction with the events following the late president’s death and stated that they had remained silent to avoid unnecessary controversies. However, the family warned that they would no longer tolerate any attempts to tarnish their image.
“Anyone who wants to know the family of the late president should come toEkumfi Nanabin for clarity on who the allodial family members are and not some people fronting the corridors of power claiming to be members of the family,” he said.
He denied knowing the Queen Mother, who made the demand for the release of the autopsy when she met President Nana Akufo-Addo.
“As a family, they reconstructed Asodwe Park without notifying the family, adding that they cannot access the burial grounds of the late president,” he concluded.
A suspected notorious phone thief named Atta was apprehended by residents in Wasa Akropong, situated in the Amenfi East municipality of the Western Region.
The community, feeling threatened by the alleged habitual mobile phone snatcher, took matters into their own hands. Atta was subsequently stripped naked and stoned to death.
Following the incident, the lifeless body of Atta was conveyed to the Wasa Akropong Government Hospital mortuary, awaiting autopsy.
Local law enforcement has initiated investigations to determine the circumstances surrounding this vigilante-style justice.
Ghana Water Company (GWCL) attributes the ongoing water rationing in the Greater Accra region to factors including the Akosombo Dam Spillage. Various parts of Accra, such as Nima, Kotobabi, Awudome, Kasoa, and Kwabenya, have been grappling with water rationing.
During an interview on The Morning Starr with Francis Abban, GWCL’s communications manager, Stanley Mantey, explained that the company faced challenges before Christmas but had successfully managed them.
“As for water, everybody knows that we are doing demand management and equitable distribution of the little water we have. For a while now, we are talking about the fact that supply cannot meet demand in Accra. So the only thing we can do is demand so that everybody can get some water.
“After the spillage of the Akosombo dam, we had serious challenges with the Kpong Treatment Plant because the spillage washed a lot of debris, aquatic weeds and all manner of things into our injection areas. Because of the force the pumps use in abstracting the water it attracted all these materials into it thereby almost blocking the entire situation,” Mr. Mantey stated.
He also mentioned that the Weija Operation also had some challenges, “so we have to shut down one pump at Weija so that we can work on it. So Weija is also currently not producing at full capacity. We are working seriously at it so that we can also stabilise the system.”
However, Mr. Mantey extended apologies to the areas affected by the water rationing, clarifying that it has been brought about by various challenges.
Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, has issued the half-year report for the year 2023 in compliance with the laws governing the office.
The 20-page report, dated December 29, 2023, provides updates on various cases under investigation or prosecution.
One of the cases highlighted in the report is the Cecilia Dapaah scandal. The Special Prosecutor is currently investigating Cecilia Dapaah, a former Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, and her spouse, Mr. Daniel Osei-Kufour, for suspected corruption and corruption-related offences.
The investigation is focused on significant amounts of money, mainly in foreign denominations, and other valuable items discovered in their apartment.
According to the latest report, the Special Prosecutor indicated that the investigations primarily revolve around suspected money laundering and structuring
“By operation of law, there are other law enforcement agencies that are reposed with a direct mandate in respect of money laundering and structuring. On that score, the Special Prosecutor will issue directives and further action on the matter in due course,” the OSP added.
Background
The Office started its probe in July 2023 after news broke that domestic helpers of Cecilia Dapaah had stolen millions of dollars in cash involving local and foreign currencies.
While the domestic helpers were undergoing investigation and prosecution, the OSP started probing Cecilia Dapaah and her husband, Mr. Daniel Osei-Kufour, in a bid to unravel the source of the money.
After searching their Abelenkpe residence, the OSP later froze a number of the former minister’s bank accounts.
“The investigation has been largely aimed at determining the source(s) of the large cash sums. The office took several steps, including freezing Ms. Dapaah’s bank accounts and investments and seizing large sums from the residence of Ms. Dapaah and her spouse. Upon the refusal by the High Court to confirm the freezing and seizure orders, the Office re-seized the cash sums, re-froze the bank accounts and investments and applied to the court again for confirmation in FT0074/2023, The Special Prosecutor v. Cecilia Abena Dapaah & Daniel Osei-Kufour.”
“From October 2023, the investigation became cross-border and transboundary upon the claim by the persons of interest that part of the seized cash sums was transported into the jurisdiction from the United States. For that reason, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) of the United States became involved in collaborative investigative work with the OSP on the matter.”
In October 2023, the Special Prosecutor revoked the freezing order in respect of five (5) bank accounts of Ms. Dapaah, which were eliminated from the focus of the investigation as no longer suspected to be tainted property.
Popular Ghanaian singer Sista Afia has shared the harrowing experience of seeking psychiatric treatment after enduring a devastating heartbreak.
In a recent interview, the artist opened up about the betrayal she faced when her boyfriend married another woman without her knowledge.
Sister Afia
Sista Afia revealed that she had invested significantly in the relationship, only to discover the existence of a secret relationship with another woman.
Overwhelmed by the profound distress caused by the situation, she decided to seek professional help from mental health experts.
“I was even admitted at the psychiatric hospital because of how broken I was,” she said.
“It will take me a while to trust men again,” Sista Afia stated, underscoring the deep scars left behind by the heartbreaking experience.
Former Italy and Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini has assumed the role of player development coach at Los Angeles FC, as announced by the Major League Soccer (MLS) club on Tuesday.
With 117 appearances for Italy, Chiellini played a key role in their Euro 2020 triumph, securing victory over England in the final at Wembley.
Having contributed significantly to Juventus, winning nine consecutive Serie A titles along with five Coppa Italia trophies and domestic Supercups, Chiellini moved to LAFC in 2022. The 39-year-old officially retired in December.
“We were thankful to have Giorgio play the final 18 months of his playing career with LAFC,” LAFC co-President John Thorrington said.
“During that time, he proved what an asset he is for LAFC in a number of ways, and we are excited to add a truly brilliant football mind, incredible leader and an even better person to our staff for the upcoming season.”
The ex-Liverpool captain has allegedly terminated his contract with Al-Ettifaq, expressing a strong desire to leave the Middle East despite completing a £12 million ($15m) transfer in the summer of 2023.
Henderson is reportedly on his way back to England, with Ajax granting him permission for a permanent transfer, as confirmed by top officials at the Saudi Pro League club.
However, ex-Liverpool midfielder Murphy believes that the Saudi saga has done irreparable damage to Henderson’s reputation and has urged other players to learn a lesson from the transfer.
Speaking on White and Jordan for talkSPORT, Murphy said: “There might be a thought in his mind that by doing that [paying way out], he kind of rights the wrongs of people accusing him of the greed and the money that he went for in the first place.
“I think if this is a lesson for others looking in from afar, really think hard about it. Depending on your financial situation, sometimes it’s a no-brainer. But he was wealthy anyway, and I think football contentment is a starting place for the rest of your life being happy.
“There might be something other people translate to their own lives. But Jordan here, he’s messed it up really. I don’t think from Liverpool fans’ perspective, but for a broad spectrum of football people, his character and his reputation has been damaged by this whole episode.”
Henderson now appears to be bound for Ajax, having agreed a deal in principle to join the Eredivisie side. It is believed that the midfielder might be offered an 18-month deal with the option of a further year by the Amsterdam outfit.
Speaking on the potential transfer to Ajax, Murphy added: “I think it’s probably as close to home as he can get. I don’t know if there are an abundance of offers on the table.”
Former Crystal Palace owner and talkSPORT host Simon Jordan also slammed Henderson for his decision to move to Saudi Arabia, and subsequently making a U-turn when things did not fall in place.
“I don’t think it’s a good look for either of them, the Saudis are very ambitious and they have every right to be,” he said. “They must be disappointed that one of the leading names that has gone over there from one the big English clubs, playing for his country, has decided that it’s not for him. Specifically when he’s gone out there with some ridiculous diatribe about the face, he wants to grow the game. “The flip side of the question is, what does it make Jordan Henderson look like?
“Does it make him look like a man of substance? Does it make him look like a man of character that overcomes adversity and ultimately shows you that when things aren’t going his way, that he’s capable of turning it around and making it better? I don’t think it’s great either way; it proves the point that the Saudi League have got a long way to go to be able to create the backdrop where the world’s best players will want to play in it. It also shows the indulged and pampered nature of the modern-day footballer that the moment they don’t get what they want, they can change it.
“I’m surprised they [Ettifaq] have made it so easy for him.” Al-Ettifaq had no intention of allowing Henderson to leave and were initially adamant about holding on to him. However, the player’s representatives managed to convince the SPL outfit to soften their stance.Henderson looks all set for a fresh challenge with Ajax, who have recovered their form under interim head coach John van ‘t Schip.
Goalkeeper Andre Onana, aged 27, is poised to return to Cameroon’s starting lineup for their upcoming Africa Cup of Nations group game against defending champions Senegal on Friday.
Onana missed Cameroon’s first match of the tournament in the Ivory Coast on Monday as he was permitted to stay at Manchester United and participate in their 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
After the match at Old Trafford, he flew to the Ivory Coast by charter plane overnight but arrived just hours before kick-off against Guinea, resulting in a 1-1 draw for Cameroon.
The decision to allow him to miss the opening match sparked controversy among Cameroon supporters.
In a post-arrival interview in the Ivory Coast, Onana spoke about the challenging balance of loyalty between club and country, particularly for African internationals compelled to leave their European clubs mid-season to compete in the Cup of Nations.
“It’s like choosing between my father and my mother, but my country comes first; that’s why I’m here,” he said
“Let people continue to criticise me. I’m used to it. I do what is good for my country,” Onana added.
Onana has a chequered history with Cameroon after breaking through into the team while still a teenager at Ajax Amsterdam.
He did, however, participate in the most recent Cup of Nations two years ago, just months after returning from a protracted doping ban.
He declined a call-up to the 2017 Cup of Nations finals, which Cameroon went on to win, and was sent home after one match at the last World Cup in Qatar due to a disagreement with coach Rigobert Song, which has since been resolved.
Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri has expressed dismay over the dismissal of Jose Mourinho from Roma, emphasising that Mourinho did an “extraordinary” job at the Serie A club.
The legendary Portuguese tactician was abruptly relieved of his duties on Tuesday morning, a decision that has startled the world of Italian football.
Despite a recent poor run of form with only one win in their last six league matches, Mourinho’s notable achievements in European competitions with the club have contributed to the surprise surrounding his departure, as acknowledged by Allegri.
The Italian bemoaned Roma’s decision when speaking to Sky Sports Italia: “I’m sorry about his dismissal; Italian football is losing an important coach. Both for what he did in his career and at Roma, it was extraordinary.
“From the outside, everything seems easy. The results demonstrate it. I’m also sorry for the relationship we have. I wish him good luck for the rest and also to Daniele De Rossi, who is at the beginning of his career.”
As Allegri hints, Italy and Roma legend De Rossi assumes immediate charge, with the Giallorossi currently positioned ninth in Serie A and five points away from Champions League contention.
The decision to appoint the former midfielder was reportedly finalised before Mourinho was relieved of his duties, a decision made during a brief and unplanned 25-minute meeting.
With Mourinho now available in the job market, speculations about his next destination are likely to circulate, with teams ranging from Chelsea to Brazil being suggested.
Presidential candidate for the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG), Kofi Akpaloo, has made bold allegations, accusing the current Black Stars players participating in the ongoing2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) of conspiring to push out coach Chris Hughton.
Akpaloo’s claims follow the national team’s lacklustre performance in their opening match against Cape Verde, resulting in a 2-1 defeat.
Expressing his dissatisfaction with the team’s dedication and display, Akpaloo suggested that the overseas-based players in the squad are intentionally working to subvert and oust Coach Hughton from his position.
In a strongly-worded statement, Akpaloo expressed his desire for a complete overhaul of the Black Stars, advocating for the inclusion of more locally-based players.
“It is my wish that we sack all the current Black Stars players and allow the local ones to play. We have overpampered these players, and as a result, they are not committed. Their deliberate attempt to get the coach sacked or sabotage him will not work,” declared Akpaloo.
The accusations surface amidst heightened scrutiny and criticism of the players following their disappointing start to AFCON 2023.
The Black Stars are gearing up for their crucial upcoming match against Egypt on Thursday, with the aim of recovering from their initial setback. As criticism of the team continues to grow, especially after their defeat to Cape Verde, the upcoming match provides an opportunity for redemption.
Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández vigorously defended his position on Wednesday, asserting that he would resign as head coach if he sensed a lack of support from the players.
The previous day, ESPN reported that Xavi is facing challenges in maintaining the confidence of certain members of the first-team squad, a situation that predates the team’s 4-1 loss to Real Madrid in the Spanish Supercopa final on Sunday.
“The day the players aren’t with me, I will pack my bags and go home,” Xavi told a news conference ahead of Thursday’s Copa del Rey round-of-16 tie against third-tier side Unionistas de Salamanca.
“We’re bruised [after the Madrid loss], that’s true. We have to start again with a clean slate, but the players believe in what we are doing.”
Barcelona remains active in three competitions, with La Liga showing them eight points behind leaders Girona and a Champions League round of 16 clash against Napoli looming next month.
Xavi, who guided Barcelona to their first league title since 2019 last year, asserted that he has consistently met the club’s objectives since taking charge in 2021. He hinted at the possibility of stepping aside if they fail to secure any silverware this season.
“In my first season, the objective was to finish in the top four; we came second,” he added. “Last year, it was to win La Liga; we won it. This year, it is to win a trophy.
“We have lost the Supercopa and I apologised for the manner of the performance, but we still have three trophies to play for. If we don’t meet objectives, I will be the first to go.
“Madrid were in our position last year and they turned things around and won the Copa. When I was in Qatar and Barça came to appoint me, they told me the club was in one of the worst moments in its history. We are revitalising [the club].
“We are closer to success than defeat. I understand the criticism; I know where I am, but I have the same desire as day one. I will never be a problem for Barça. The moment they say I am a problem, I will be gone.
“Above all, I am a fan. I love this club. I will never be a problem for the president [Joan Laporta], Deco, the players… Everyone knows that.”
Barça sporting director Deco said it makes “no sense” to question Xavi’s future after Sunday’s Clásico setback, while Laporta was present at training on Wednesday to reaffirm his belief in the coach and his players.
“I was grateful for Pep’s comments,” Xavi said. “I sent him a message afterwards. He knows what it is like to be at a club of this size.
“It’s time to be united. That’s why I appreciated the president’s visit to training. We’re stronger united, as the club’s anthem says. The president surpasses me in optimism. He has faith and confidence in the staff and the players.”
Barcelona will be missing eightkey first-team players for their upcoming match against Unionistas. The absence of Marc-André ter Stegen, João Cancelo, Iñigo Martínez, Marcos Alonso, Gavi, and Raphinha is due to injuries, while Ronald Araújo and Lamine Yamal are both suspended.
Xavi expressed the significant impact of losing midfielder Gavi, who was sidelined for the season in November after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament while on international duty with Spain.
“There is only one Gavi in the world,” the Barça boss said. “It is difficult to replace a player like that. We miss him. We lack his leadership and his heart.
“The injury to Gavi is a dagger to the heart. He is the soul of the team. That’s the reality. The loss of Ter Stegen as well, one of the captains… They are important players.
“Cancelo and Raphinha are now injured as well. But that is not an excuse, it’s the reality. The club’s financial situation is the reality. Not being able to sign players is the reality. But it’s no problem. We will keep fighting.”
Giovanni Reyna is determined to departBorussia Dortmund in the January transfer window and has been actively presented to prominent European clubs, as sources informed ESPN.
The U.S. international has seen limited playing time this season, clocking just 320 minutes in 12 appearances across all competitions.
With the assistance of his agent Jorge Mendes and father Claudio, Reyna is actively seeking a move, whether on loan or a permanent deal, with Dortmund reportedly seeking around €15 million ($16.3m) for his transfer.
Reyna, under contract until June 2025, has been offered to various clubs, including Marseille, Monaco, and Lyon in France; Real Sociedad, Sevilla, and Villarreal in Spain; and Benfica in Portugal.
Premier League clubs Wolves and Nottingham Forest, suggested by Mendes, are also potential destinations.
Despite some clubs rejecting the opportunity due to their current squad status, Spanish clubs like Sevilla and Real Sociedad are reportedly interested, believing Reyna’s playing style suits La Liga.
With two weeks left in the transfer window, Reyna and his team are taking their time to make the best decision for his future.
On Wednesday, Luis Rubiales, the former president of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), introduced his own NFT, stating that it aimed “to support real equality.”
Rubiales is currently facing charges of sexual assault and coercion in a Madrid court related to his behaviour following the Women’s World Cup final last August.
The charges include his non-consensual kiss of Spain forward Jenni Hermoso. Testimonies have been heard from Hermoso, her teammates, Rubiales, and federation executives, and the investigating judge will now determine whether the case proceeds to trial.
Rubiales shared a statement from The Moon Labs, a South Korean company, on social media on Tuesday.
It said it had “created [a] digital campaign environment for people who support President Luis Rubiales” with “an NFT project to honour Luis Rubiales for his contributions to Spanish and global football.”
“This message is for those who support real equality and not radicalism or media manipulations,” Rubiales posted. “I am very grateful for the support of so many people and I especially want to thank The Moon Labs for their courage.”
On Wednesday, the NFT featuring Luis Rubiales, the former president of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), was launched on the online marketplace OpenSea.
The NFT showcased an image of Rubiales as a child holding a football, with the description highlighting his early years and cheerful personality. At the moment, 40 NFTs had been created, but none had been sold.
The NFT release comes amid Rubiales facing charges of sexual assault and coercion related to his actions following Spain’s Women’s World Cup final win over England in August 2023.
The controversial kiss of Spain forward Jenni Hermoso during the medal ceremony led to Rubiales’ resignation as RFEF president and a subsequent FIFA ban from football-related activities for three years.
Hermoso filed a formal complaint, initiating an ongoing criminal investigation in Madrid, while Rubiales maintains his innocence.
Hermoso told a Spanish television programme this week that the kiss and its aftermath were “one of the worst things that’s happened to me in my life and very hard to deal with.”
She also accused the formerSpain manager Jorge Vilda, now coach of Morocco, of controlling behaviour during his time in charge of the national team.
