Wrexham faced criticism from Accrington Stanley owner Andy Holt for making “stupid, mistimed statements” amid a dispute over ticket prices ahead of their League Two fixture on Saturday.
Accrington went on to secure a 2-0 victory against Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s team at Wham Stadium.
The public spat on X arose due to Accrington’s decision to raise ticket prices for both sets of fans for the weekend match, with tickets costing £5 more than the usual rate for games at Accrington’s home stadium.
“In response to Accrington Stanley’s decision to increase the matchday price by £5 from that previously charged at Wham Stadium for league games this season, we have decided to reduce the price of matchday tickets by £5 for the return game at the STōK Cae Ras on 02/03/2024,” Wrexham’s official account posted on X.
In response, Accrington chairman Andy Holt said in a post on X: “When costs are already high, @Wrexham_AFC, the last thing football needs is stupid mistimed statements.
“It’s surprising how stupid you are given that a former CEO of @EFL is employed by you. Let’s have a great day for all fans safely, whatever the outcome on the pitch.”
Shaun Harvey works as a special advisor to Wrexham’s board, having spent six years as the EFL’s chief executive until 2019.
In a response to a fan highlighting Accrington’s price rise, Holt said the increase resulted from an unusually large away following coming to the game, requiring extra police presence and more stewards, thus driving up costs for the club.
According to Accrington, there were 2,587 Wrexham fans in attendance, just under half of the total crowd of 5,261.
Goals from Tommy Leigh and Rosaire Longelo and a missed penalty in second-half stoppage time by Wrexham’s talisman Paul Mullin condemned the Welsh outfit to their first defeat in 12 games.
Wrexham slip to fourth in League Two, eight points behind leaders Stockport.
Real Madrid’s forward, Vinícius Júnior, is facing a setback as the LaLiga club confirmed a hamstring injury, adding to the team’s challenges with various long-term injuries this season.
This injury is considered more severe than the hamstring issue in his other leg, which sidelined him for a month between August and September earlier in the season.
Vinícius, aged 23, suffered a thigh injury during Brazil’s 2-1 loss to Colombia in a World Cup qualifier on Thursday, leading him to return to his club for additional assessments.
“[Vinícius] has been diagnosed with a tear in his left femoral bicep which is affecting the tendon in his hamstring,” Real Madrid said in a statement.
“His recovery will be monitored.”
“We will come back stronger,” Vinícius wrote on social media platform X.
Vinícius has six goals and four assists in all competitions for Madrid this season.
Real Madrid has suffered another blow as midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, aged 21, sustained an injury on international duty.
Camavinga tore a ligament in his right knee during training with France.
Lionel Messi has generously contributed a unique meet-and-greet experience to the Football For Change charity, which was established by Jude Bellingham and other footballers.
According to The Liverpool Echo, Messi made this donation in anticipation of a gala dinner scheduled for Saturday, with the charity aiming to raise over £1 million.
Founded in 2021 by Bellingham, along with Jamie Carragher, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Conor Coady, the Football For Change gala is set to benefit from Messi’s donation, which is expected to garner over £300,000.
Additionally, David Beckham, co-owner of Inter Miami, has also offered a tour of the football club, possibly conducted by the former England captain himself.
As part of its initiatives, Football For Change plans to distribute 20 grants, each valued at £100,000, to children and young people in disadvantaged communities in the United Kingdom.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKTjeaKpPYA&t=11s
Ahead of the gala this weekend, Alexander-Arnold said, “Football For Change is about helping young people onto a positive path.
“It is footballers and business leaders coming together with a goal to help improve the life chances and opportunities of young people from some of the most challenged neighbourhoods in the country. It is a brilliant initiative and I know, growing up in Liverpool, that is needed now more than ever.”
Currently on international duty with Argentina, he is gearing up for two crucial World Cup qualifiers, with a match against Uruguay on Friday followed by a clash with Brazil on Wednesday.
Kylian Mbappe showcased a stunning performance, scoring a hat-trick as France achieved a historic 14-0 victory against 10-man Gibraltar on Saturday night.
The momentum began with own goals from Ethan Santos and Aymen Mouelhi within the first five minutes, followed by debutant Warren Zaire-Emery finding the net soon after.
However, the joy for Gibraltar was short-lived as Santos was sent off for a foul on Zaire-Emery, as confirmed by VAR.
The onslaught continued with goals from Kylian Mbappe, Jonathan Clauss, Kingsley Coman, and substitute Youssouf Fofana before halftime.
Adrien Rabiot and Coman added more goals in the second half, with substitute Ousmane Dembele contributing a splendid solo goal.
Mbappe secured his brace and completed a hat-trick with a magnificent chip from 40 yards, placing him third in France’s all-time scoring list.
Olivier Giroud and France sealed the historic win with a 13th and final goal, surpassing Germany’s 13-0 victory over San Marino in 2006 in European Championship qualification history.
Former President John Dramani Mahama has placed the blame on the Akufo-Addo-led administration for the current setbacks and hardships in the nation.
Despite a gradual decline in the inflation rate, the government appears to be grappling with challenges in revitalizing the economy, marked by an International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout, the depreciation of the cedi against major trading currencies, and a worsening unemployment rate, among other issues.
During an address in Wenchi as part of his Building Ghana Tour, John Dramani Mahama attributed Ghana’s current poor state to the leadership failures of the NPP administration.
He expressed the belief that the present government has hindered the nation’s progress, particularly by halting the ongoing developmental projects initiated by the erstwhile Mahama administration.
“People thought there was development and prosperity here, and now we have lost everything. The nation is pitiful, the country is facing hardships, and the economy is bad.”
“I thought they would continue the good work I left behind, but the nation seems to be retrogressing in development,” Mahama complained.
Mr. Mahama reflected on a time when Ghana proudly held the title of the black star of Africa as the first African country to achieve independence. He encouraged the youth to maintain hope in the prospect of a better Ghana, asserting that the NDC is the optimal choice for improved development and growth.
Simultaneously, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate initiated the Building Ghana Tour in the Bono Region on November 17.
New Patriotic Party (NPP) made a significant presence at the final funeral of former First Lady Theresa Kufuor on November 18, 2023.
The event, held at Heroes Park in Kumasi, was followed by a private burial at Daaban.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, accompanied by his spouse, the Vice President, and other high-ranking members, attended the ceremony.
However, the occasion was marred by a heated exchange between supporters of former trade minister Alan Kyerematen and NPP supporters.
In a video shared by Accra-based Citi FM, members of Alan’s Movement for Change, clad in customized black and yellow butterfly prints, engaged in a taunting exchange with NPP supporters, who responded in kind.
The video captured Alan’s supporters singing songs that hinted at surprises for the ruling party, especially in the region.
Alan, formerly a senior member of the party and a contender for the 2024 elections, resigned in early September to form the Movement for Change. He aims to contest the election under its banner.
Meanwhile, the NPP elected Vice President Bawumia as its flagbearer for the same election in early November.
Following the November 4 presidential primaries, a meeting between Assin Central Member of Parliament and Vice President Bawumia was hailed byNew Patriotic Party (NPP) supporters.
Initially reported by the pro-government Daily Guide newspaper, the meeting occurred at the MP’s residence, with a focus on party unity in preparation for the 2024 general elections.
As weeks passed, insiders claimed to have additional details about the discussions. According to Adakabri Frimpong Manso, a presenter with Despite Media, the meeting wasn’t as harmonious as initially reported.
Manso alleged that Ken was actually ambushed after evading multiple invitations from the Bawumia camp for a meeting.
“They did all they could to get him but he was also evading them, so they surveilled him till they realised he was at home and then they ambushed him,” he said on Neat FM last week, asking, “Isn’t there the need to inform people of your visit?”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etLNwQQUqKU
He continued: “This was a case where he was not aware. They tried all they could through the handlers, so when they checked and got information that he was at home, they made their move.
“They kept very long at the residence and had extensive conversations,” he added, stating that a central theme was around persons who abused Agyapong during the flagbearer campaign.
During the November 4 polls, Agyapong secured a commendable second position, with Bawumia emerging victorious with over 61%. Despite this, the Vice President is set to lead the NPP into the 2024 general elections, while Ken steps down from Parliament after completing five terms.
The Minister of Communication and Digitalization, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, has delivered a strong caution to Ghanaians who evade taxes.
The minister emphasised that it is unjust for individuals to demand benefits without fulfilling their responsibilities.
During an interview with Oyerapa TV, she clarified that essential amenities such as good roads, clean drinking water, and reliable networks are not obtained solely through requests.
She underscored that the government can only furnish the nation with fundamental necessities when citizens play their part by fulfilling their tax obligations.
“We are all crying about the hardships in the country. As it stands now, we are unable to finance our debts. So, we need to pay for our development. You can’t cry for a road, electricity, water and a good network; where do we go for the money? If you don’t get the money through taxes, where will you get it from?
“The only way to finance your development anywhere in the world is through either taxation, through dividends citizens pay to the government or through loans. That’s my little knowledge about that. So, if you don’t want to pay taxes, you don’t want the government to also borrow; where will the government get money to finance development?” she said.
Former National Chairman of the People’s National Convention (PNC), Bernard Anbataayela Mornah, has recounted the times he went through while growing up in his village of Sankana in the Nadowli-Kaleo District of the Upper West Region.
This is the first time the Nkrumahist is detailing his life story and how hard things became for him to the extent that he had to devise his own means of survival to cope with the hunger at the time.
Detailing his struggles with Ohenewaa Kesse Boahen on CTV, monitored by MyNewsGh.com, the youth activist and by far one of Ghana’s serial demonstrators disclosed that he had to hunt and cook lizards for a meal.
“I had to go round with a cane looking for lizards, hunt lizards and go and roast or cook it and use that as my meal to survive” he disclosed to the shock of the hostess and reiterated “I ate lizards to survive”.
“When you get the lizard, you look for millet and go to the grinding stone to mill the millet and mix the stock of the cooked lizard with the millet. We call it ‘kankale’; then you eat it”, he explained.
“It was an experience but that shaped my growing up”, he said, adding: “You can understand the humanity in me that when it comes to suffering, I went through it, I lived it and, so, when I see people, I can feel what they are going through and that is how come I’m so passionate when I’m making my national conversations because I lived these circumstances”. He stressed.
Regarding his approach to studying, he revealed that he never had the privilege of studying with electricity or even locally made lanterns. Instead, he had to rely on the illumination provided by the moonlight.
“My mother will not give you her ‘Bobo’ lamp to study because she will complain that the oil may finish. So you have to read with the moonlight and when it enters the clouds, you sit and wait for it to come out. I had to be reading very fast when the moon was up”, he recounted.
The actor, celebrated for his roles in various films, underscored the significance of safeguarding one’s well-being and not allowing others to cause frustration.
In a post on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Osei emphasised that individuals should not feel compelled to please everyone around them. He stressed the importance of preserving energy and mental health by establishing boundaries.
Osei suggested that it’s acceptable to distance oneself from individuals who do not positively contribute to one’s life or align with their energy. The actor’s straightforward counsel promotes the idea of prioritising self-care and cultivating a healthy environment.
“People will frustrate you if you allow them to learn to say NO and mean it!! You didn’t come into this world to make everyone happy. If they don’t sum up your energy, politely tell them to f*ck off! Have a blessed day, family,” he said.
Prince David Osei’s remarks come in the midst of increasing appeals for celebrities to prioritise their mental well-being. Prominent figures such as Efya, Kuami Eugene,and Funny Face have openly discussed the challenges and pressures experienced by celebrities in Ghana.
Ghanaian rapper EL has issued an apology to his fans for deceiving them about facing challenges in the past. This comes after the 2016 VGMA Artiste of the Year winner publicly admitted to fabricating stories.
In April 2023, during an interview with 3Music TV, EL claimed to have worked as a food courier in the United States. However, in a September interview on Hitz FM, he confessed that he only made those statements for attention.
Continuing his admission, EL used his X (formerly Twitter) handle on November 16, 2023, to express remorse and offer an apology to his fans. He also pledged not to engage in such deceptive tactics again.
“Done a lot of things but one thing I’m really sorry about is lying to my fans in that interview. I love My Eliens too much and y’all didn’t deserve it. No more stunts, I promise,” he shared.
His post was met with positive reactions from fans,with many forgiving him for his errors and some others asking him to apologise with a song.
Ghana’s highly acclaimed reggae/dancehall artist, Stonebwoy, shared the stage with Africa’s preeminent icon, Angelique Kidjo, at her 40th anniversary concert held at London’s Albert Hall.
The event commemorated Angelique Kidjo’s exceptional contributions to the global prominence of Afro-sounds, leaving a profound impact worldwide and serving as a source of inspiration for women in Africa.
The two remarkable icons delivered a captivating performance of their latest collaboration, ‘Manodzi,’ from Stonebwoy’s 5th Dimension album, creating a warmly engaging atmosphere within Albert Hall.
The night was truly unforgettable as the Beninese singer-songwriter and five-time Grammy Award winner took the spotlight.
Angelique Kidjo delivered electrifying renditions of some of her most beloved songs, accompanied by the Chineke! Orchestra and other esteemed artists who graced the stage.
Angelique Kidjo’s global influence was evident through her extensive musical catalogue, skillfully fusing West African traditions from her youth with American R&B, funk, and jazz, drawing inspiration from Europe and Latin America.
The concert marked the commencement of Kidjo’s year-long world tour, spanning continents such as Australia, Asia, Europe, and South America, with a grand finale planned at New York’s prestigious Carnegie Hall in 2024.
After the tragic death of Black Stars player Raphael Dwamena, football enthusiasts have been questioning why he ignored doctors’ advice to retire from the sport.
It has been disclosed that the footballer chose to remove his defibrillator, leading to his sudden demise after only 23 minutes of play in the Albanian league.
Dr. Antonio Asso, Dwamena’s personal cardiologist, has faced intense criticism for permitting the player to remove the defibrillator. However, Dr. Antonio clarified that it was Dwamena’s personal decision to have the defibrillator removed a year prior to his untimely death.
Dr. Antonio emphasised that the defibrillator had previously saved Dwamena’s life when he experienced malignant arrhythmia.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9crmsBY_ztQ
Despite advising the player to quit football after that incident, Dwamena made the personal choice to remove the device, which ultimately had tragic consequences.
“He died as a result of a respectable personal decision. But if the defibrillator had not been explanted, Raphael would still be alive,” Dr Asso said, as quoted by the Daily Mail.
“We managed to convince him of the imperative need to implant a defibrillator to at least guarantee his life, at the same time that we advised against practising professional sports.”
The Spanish cardiologist added: “A couple of years ago, they told me that the defibrillator had saved his life when he had a malignant arrhythmia that had been correctly treated automatically by the device. We subsequently lost contact.
“From that moment on, I was aware that one day the tragedy that occurred on Saturday on a soccer field in Albania would happen.”
According to earlier reports, Gifty was already married before meeting the former Black Stars Captain, meaning her union with the footballer was never officially recognized.
In a surprising turn of events, it has been revealed that Gifty was actually a virgin when she first entered into a relationship with Asamoah Gyan.
Furthermore, it has been confirmed that Asamoah Gyan was the one who broke Gifty’s virginity in 2004, leading to the birth of their first child.
This revelation comes as a shock to many, especially considering that when news of their annulment became public, Baffoe Gyan, Asamoah Gyan’s older brother, stated that Gifty’s first husband claimed to be the father of her eldest son.
The court in its judgment noted that when Gifty “first had sexual relations with the Petitioner (Asamoah) in 2004, she was a virgin a fact which establishes that…” there was in fact no consummation between herself and her first “husband” she married for Europe papers.
Gifty’s claim that she was a virgin when she had her first sex with the Asamoah in 2004 was not refuted, the court stated, “thereby leading to an admission of same.”
Following the entire procedure, Gifty was granted a portion ofAsamoah Gyan’s property by the court, which was presided over by Hafisata Ameleboba JA, on the grounds of her significant contribution.
In an interview on Joy Prime’s ‘Prime Morning’, Nacee highlighted that having Total Family Health Organisation (TFHO), the producer of Ebony Condoms, as a sponsor helps promote their products and make a profit, enabling employees and employers to pay their tithes in church.
He stressed the need for money to support the Kingdom of God, mentioning, “At the end of the day, we need money to push the kingdom. We buy Bibles.”
Explaining the reason for his choice further, Nacee explained that some women, due to allergies to contraceptive pills, might prefer condoms to prevent pregnancy.
“Females are very sensitive beings. God created you guys differently, and your hormonal balance is kind of totally different. Most of you are not okay with those contraceptive pills when you take them.
“Most women don’t like it. Some complain that when they take it, they begin to gain weight, and some of them also have reactions after taking it. Married people sometimes want to stay away from pregnancy,” he explained.
He added, “So, even if you’re married and you have reactions after taking contraceptives, the only thing that you can use to prevent the pregnancy that you’re not ready for is a condom.”
When asked if condoms would be shared at the concert, he replied, “I’m sure the company will provide some giveaways.”
TheKavod Concert 2023 is Nacee’s first event since starting gospel music, and he explained that “Kavod” means ‘The terrifying glory of God,’ chosen to suit the attribute of God on the event day.
Oliver Mawuse Barker-Vormawor, the organiser of the FixTheCountry movement, has disclosed a series of purported humiliations he faced due to his involvement in protests against the government.
In his resignation announcement from the #FixTheCountry and #OccupyJulorbiHouse movements, Barker-Vormawor claimed to have experienced various forms of mistreatment.
In a Twitter post dated November 17, 2023, he outlined the challenges encountered during his three-year leadership of the #FixTheCountry movement and outlined the reasons behind his decision to step down.
Here are the eight alleged humiliations he highlighted:
1.Seizure of passport
Barker-Vormawor claims that due to his participation in numerous protests against the government, his passport was confiscated, limiting his freedom of movement and ability to engage in international travel.
2.Treason trial
The activist was arrested and charged with treason for allegedly calling for a coup, asserting that the military of the country is “useless ” for watching the government mismanage the economy.
3.Jail time
He claims to have on three occasions spent time in prison cite of one or two of those occasions
4.Halting of Ph.D. program
Barker-Vormawor asserts that his Ph.D. program at the University of Cambridge has been put on hold, impacting his academic pursuits.
5. Cyberbullying:
He mentions facing cyberbullying, indicating the toll that online harassment has taken on his well-being.
6. Surveillance of his home with communication devices
Barker-Vormawor claims that his residence underwent surveillance, with communication devices installed throughout the premises.
7. Separation from family He asserts that during his tenure as the convener of the anti-government group, he was forcibly separated from his family
8. Multiple arrests
Barker-Vormawor alleges enduring five separate arrests in a legal battle with law enforcement agencies in his role to lead demonstrations
The farewell journey for former First Lady Theresa Aba Kufuor commenced on Thursday, November 16, 2023, in Accra, with a requiem mass held in her honour at Christ the King Catholic Church.
A state funeral followed at the forecourt of the State House in Accra on Friday, after which her remains were transported to Kumasi for a final traditional funeral and burial on Saturday, November 18, 2023.
The traditional funeral is scheduled at Heroes Park in Kumasi, followed by a private burial for the late wife of former President John Agyekum Kufuor at the family’s private residence in the Ashanti Regional Capital.
An exclusive video shared by Angel Broadcasting Network reveals the serene final resting place of Madam Kufuor, situated in a nearly completed private residence.
The mansion, positioned atop a hill at an undisclosed location, is in its finishing stages, with furnishing and other final touches in progress.
Mrs. Kufuor passed away on Sunday, October 1, 2023, just 24 days shy of her 89th birthday.
Kylian Mbappe has mentioned that he is accustomed to coaches expressing negative comments towards him following criticism from Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique.
Mbappe struck three times as PSG beat Reims in Ligue 1, but coach Luis Enrique said afterwards that he was “not happy” with the forward. “I have nothing to say about the goals, but he can help the team in another way. I will talk about it with him first, but they are private conversations.
Kylian is one of the best players in the world, but we want more,” he said.
At 24 years old, Mbappe leads the scoring charts in Ligue 1, contributing 13 goals out of Paris Saint-Germain’s total of 29 in just 11 matches this season.
Despite ongoing speculation about his future and strong interest from Real Madrid, recent reports suggest that the Spanish club has withdrawn their pursuit of the World Cup winner.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHScxNhKVUo
Mbappe insists his relationship with Luis Enrique is fine, however, telling reporters: “I’ve always worked well with the coaches I’ve had, like Didier Deschamps, Mauricio Pochettino, Thomas Tuchel and so on.
These are coaches who have spoken to me ‘badly’, so to speak, but it didn’t stop me from playing well and having a good relationship with them.
“I’m a player who’s very demanding of himself, so when I find that demand from my coaches, then I’m very happy. I don’t need my manager to tell me I’m the best player in the world every day.”
Asked about the links to Madrid, he said while on international duty: “It’s not something that concerns the French national team,” began the France captain in an evasive manner. “You should come to Campus PSG and I’ll respond; the focus is on the country above anything else for the next week.”
Mbappe will likely be involved when France takes on Gibraltar in Euro 2024 qualifying on Saturday. PSG return to action with a Ligue 1 clash against Monaco on Friday, November 24.
Manchester United faces another setback as goalkeeper Andre Onana adds to their injury concerns.
Onana was forced off with less than 10 minutes remaining in Cameroon’s 3-0 World Cup qualifying victory on Friday due to discomfort. Fabrice Ondoa replaced him after he limped off the field.
This injury is a significant worry for United manager Erik ten Hag, given the team’s existing fitness issues.
Strikers Rasmus Hojlund and Christian Eriksen had to withdraw from international duty due to injuries, and defenders Jonny Evans, Lisandro Martinez, and Tyrell Malacia are currently sidelined.
Midfielder Casemiro is also expected to be out until January.
The injury to Onana compounds United’s challenges, and the situation worsened on Friday as Marcus Rashford was forced off during England’s win against Malta after colliding with teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold at Wembley.
It remains uncertain whether Onana will be available for Cameroon when they face Libya on Tuesday.
Manchester Unitedis scheduled to return to Premier League action with an away game against Everton on Sunday, November 26.
Gyan suggested the importance of incorporating Athletic Bilbao striker Inaki Williams into the team’s offensive strategy. Williams’ decisive goal secured a three-point victory for Ghana during the match held at the Kumasi Baba Yara Stadium on Friday, November 17, 2023.
In a post-match statement on Twitter, Gyan conveyed his belief that providing Inaki Williams with 60% of the balls in the offensive play would enhance his performance.
“Just feed him with 60% of the balls in attack, and he will be ready mentally to deliver. PERIOD,” Gyan asserted in his Twitter post.
Inaki Williams had a goal disallowed for offside earlier in the game but remained persistent in his efforts.
In the dying moments of added time, Williams seized an opportunity from a Gideon Mensah cross, skillfully evading his marker to head the ball into the net, securing his inaugural goal for the Black Stars.
The competition for the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) parliamentary candidate in the Bantama Constituency is shaping up to be an intense showdown between the current Member of Parliament, Francis Asenso-Boakye, and Ralph Kwame Agyapong.
During a recent event marking the inauguration of a library built by the incumbent MP in the constituency, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo commended his former deputy Chief of Staff. The president urged the electorate in Bantama to support Asenso-Boakye in the party’s upcoming primaries and the general election.
“It will hurt me so much if the people of Bantama throw him away. Give him the opportunity to represent you again and he will come and continue the good job he has been doing,” he urged.
In reaction to the president’s endorsement of his rival, Ralph Agyapong has disclosed that he too is garnering significant support from influential figures within the party.
This includes the backing of his brother, Kennedy Agyapong, who serves as the Member of Parliament for Assin Central and was a former hopeful for the NPP flagbearer position.
During an interview on Angel FM Kumasi, Ralph revealed that he enjoys support from various regional chairmen, including Kwame Baffoe, also known as Abronye, from the Bono Region and Kwabena Owusu Sekyere from the Ahafo Region.
“He supports me more than 1,001%. He repeated this two days ago. I was sitting with him in the room and he said, ‘Bantama, even if they like it, I will come and live there and do the work,” he stated.
According to Ralph, the president’s endorsement of Asenso-Boakye has opened the floodgates for his camp to go all out in the campaign.
“Has the president not come to do some of the work and gone? So it will be nice going forward; when he comes, Ken also comes, and then the two of us will also be facing off.
“Do you know those who want to come for me? Abronye is currently lurking at Asokwa. He says I should open up for him and I told the chairman to relax. Bantama will be exciting, so keep your eyes on Bantama. People are lacing their boots; Ahafo Chairman Sekyere has laced his boots and is stomping his feet,” he added.
Ralph Agyapong played a crucial role in supporting Kennedy Agyapong’s bid for the NPP flagbearer position, a campaign that ultimately ended with Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia emerging as the winner.
According to Ralph, he has received unwavering support from his brother to secure victory over Asenso-Boakye in the upcoming NPP primaries scheduled for early 2024.
Ralph contends that, under Asenso-Boakye’s leadership, the Bantama Constituency has experienced a lack of development, with allegations of oppression against party executives and delegates.
Chairman of the Mines and Energy Committee of Parliament, Samuel Atta-Akyea, has characterised the opposition by Ada residents againstElectrochem Ghana’s salt mining operations as a lawless attempt to hinder the company’s progress.
He cautioned residents to refrain from engaging in activities that undermine the firm’s advancement.
Over the years, Ada residents have raised concerns that the company’s operations in the area would jeopardise their livelihoods.
A conflict on November 6 resulted in one fatality at Toflokpo and numerous injuries during a shooting incident, prompting Parliament to initiate an investigation for a lasting solution.
During the committee’s visit to the salt mining site at Songor, Samuel Atta-Akyea emphasised his commitment to addressing entities that impede progress.
“My pain is hearing that there are some people who believe that if they don’t undermine this enterprise with their personal interests, they won’t be happy. It also means that if we should just put together a very vile conspiracy and commit some crimes and even kill somebody, that is their pleasure. We cannot have that lawlessness, undermining an undertaking that can bless the entire country.”
“So I am using this opportunity to sound a note of caution to those who believe that this whole Ada traditional area should not improve—when you have an investor who wants to improve a lot of people. (sic) They will seize some of the production lines for you to go produce and even create a ready market, and then they will buy it from you.
“And then somebody believes that this undertaking should be undermined. That lawlessness will have to cease. And this is one of the things that I, as the chairman of the committee, will take up at the highest level so that this country should not have people who want to undermine progress,” he stated.
The Ranking Member on theMines and Energy Committee, John Jinapor, however, said the committee would take steps to ensure a win-win situation for a peaceful and business-friendly atmosphere.
Parliament has granted approval for an $800 million loan agreement between the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) and a consortium of banks and financial institutions.
The loan is intended to fund the purchase of cocoa beans for the 2023/2024 Crop Season, covering approximately 47 percent of the projected 850,000 tonnes of cocoa beans.
COCOBOD has reassured that it has implemented concrete measures to secure adequate funds for its annual cocoa purchases in the 2023/2024 crop season.
In response to a Reuters report stating that the firm borrowed up to $200 million from cocoa traders to address its funding gap, COCOBOD clarified that it has adopted a two-prong financing strategy to meet the necessary funds for the purchasing season.
A statement from COCOBOD in response to the Reuters report indicated that it had had firm assurances from its bankers of making funds available in time for the purchasing season and that a “Cocoa syndicated Loan has been laid in Parliament for consideration and approval.”
The 2023/2024 loan facility disbursement is proposed to be utilized forcocoa purchases and related operations as listed below:
Farmers’ services cost
– cocoa diseases and pest controls
– fertilizer distribution and application
– farmer pension scheme
– cocoa roads
– industry inputs (jute sacks, twine, stencil ink, passbooks.)
– child education support
Share of Net FOB
-payments to farmers
– buyer’s margin
– hauler’s margin
– international marketing operations (storage and shipping operations)
– disinfestation/grading and sealing cost
-finance cost
-COCOBOD and divisions cost
other costs/scale inspection and phytosanitary inspections
African Centre for Parliamentary Affairs (ACEPA) has cautioned that the attrition rate in Parliament may worsen in the near future unless political parties take proactive measures to address the situation.
Dr. Rasheed Draman, the Executive Director of ACEPA, highlighted that political parties appear to prioritise financially affluent individuals over competent MPs, contributing to the current state of affairs.
This concern has been raised in response to comments by the National Chairman of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, who linked the increasing attrition rate in Parliament to the excessive monetization of politics in Ghana.
Mr. Nketiah, speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Citi FM, claimed that there has been a deviation from the original purpose of serving the nation through law formulation, with MPs now using their parliamentary privileges to recoup campaign investments or advance personal business interests.
Dr. Draman lamented the prioritisation of money over knowledge and experience by political parties.
“In advanced democracies, there are some seats where(sic) you don’t contest a sitting MP because of the wealth of knowledge or experience that he or she brings to the legislative agenda and the fact that the party needs the person to be in the House.
“Now the party looks at who has a fat wallet and who can win elections for them, even if the person is not going to bring anything to the table when it comes to the work of Parliament.”
He suggests that there should be a reevaluation of the positions within the executive arm granted to legislators, emphasising the necessity of a disconnect in this regard.
Prominent media personality and entrepreneurDeloris Frimpong Manso popularly known as Delay, has stated emphatically that she has no intention to sell condoms, as some of her fans are calling for.
She explained that her primary focus is on the food products she currently sells, and anything related to sex does not interest her.
The hostess of the popular ‘The Delay Show’ reiterated that, at the moment, her business venture is concentrated on selling food-related items.
“I am not interested in sex or condoms. So please stop asking about Delay Condoms. I just wanna sell food… I am not interested in selling condoms #DelayBread,” she wrote on her X page in reaction to some people asking her about when she would start producing and selling condoms.
Delay bread
When she was asked by a fan why she keeps issuing the notice to people on her social media platforms, she retorted, “Because I am not interested in sex or condoms, it is all about Delay Bread.”
Delay, a thriving entrepreneur, manages her own business known as ‘Delay Foods.’ Her product line encompasses items like sardines, mackerel, and various others, with the latest addition being bread.
Williams, who switched his allegiance from Spain to Ghana in 2022, made a significant impact in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
After scoring two goals in four matches at the2022 World Cup, he continued to showcase his talent in a crucial match against Madagascar on November 17, 2023.
The game was characterised by tight defences and limited chances for both teams. With the match seemingly heading for a goalless draw, Williams entered the game in the 85th minute.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXG0_iBwZZI
Utilising his speed and strength, he disrupted the Madagascar defence and created opportunities for his teammates.
In the 93rd minute, receiving a pass from Gideon Mensah, Williams unleashed a powerful free-header from outside the box that found the top corner of the net.
The late goal not only secured a dramatic 1-0 victory for Ghana but also earned them three crucial points in the Group I opener. Ghana is now tied with Mali, who also secured a victory in their first game against Comoros.
The upcoming match against Mali on November 21, 2023, holds significant importance as it could determine the group’s leader.
Williams’ celebration with teammates reflected the relief and joy of breaking the deadlock and contributing to Ghana’s successful start in the qualifiers.
Two UK-based research firms have predicted a win for former President John Dramani Mahama and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2024 general elections.
The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) and Fitch Solutions, according to a myjoyonline.com report, made this projection.
The EIU attributed the potential change to factors such as declining living standards, limited job opportunities, and inadequate public services in Ghana.
Similarly, Fitch Solutions anticipates that the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) tenure is unlikely to continue, predicting that former President Mahama will secure victory in the swing regions with a substantial margin, obtaining nearly 48% compared to Vice President Bawumia’s projected 29%.
In support of their predictions, Fitch Solutions incorporated data from Global Info Analytics alongside their proprietary data.
This data analysis places the NDC ahead of the NPP in key regions, including theVolta and Oti Regions, the three Northern Regions, and the Akan Regions, making it unlikely for the ruling NPP to retain power after the 2024 election.
His life took an unexpected turn when God gave him a profound urge to initiate a ministry dedicated to the well-being of children, aptly named “Prayer for Children Ministry.”
The inspiration for this ministry struck Fiifi Banson during a transformative experience. He vividly recounted a moment when “after all the bad things I have done on radio during my Peace FM days… one day I just woke up and God had written Psalm 1:2:7 verse 3 in a dark place on a wall in my bedroom.”
He believed that God was holding him accountable for his past actions, and this ministry was a form of penance.
With unwavering determination, the celebrated broadcaster embarked on his mission, reaching out to fellow parents and guardians to join him in interceding on behalf of their children.
Speaking at the press launch of legendary gospel musician Joe Beecham’s ‘Yonder’ concert scheduled for December 3, 2023, at the Victory Bible Church in Awoshie,Accra, Fiifi Banson indicated that the Prayer for Children Ministry initiative has since become a beacon of hope and inspiration for countless families.
Minority in parliament has expressed disappointment with the Ministry of Finance for not furnishing Members of Parliament with copies of the 2024 budget statement following its presentation on November 15.
Minority Leader Ato Forson highlighted the issue, underscoring the need to promptly receive the budget documents for the ensuing post-budget discussions.
“Mr. Speaker, it is important for me to state that as we speak, we are all aware that the post-budget starts tomorrow; unfortunately, we have not received copies of the budget statement,”Ato Forson conveyed during parliamentary proceedings. “I do not have a copy of the budget statement, and no one is here. I have been observing the Ministry of Finance website since Wednesday to be able to download a soft copy,” he added.
Ato Forson underscored the significance of having access to the budget documents, describing the situation as a pressing concern as the house commences its worship tomorrow. “Mr. Speaker, this is not a speech; this is an appendix that comes with it. Mr. Speaker, we don’t have it; we don’t have it,” he reiterated.
Chelsea legend Mikel John Obi has expressed his opinion that Lionel Messi surpasses Cristiano Ronaldo as a footballer, stating that he doesn’t understand the comparisons between the two.
Mikel contends that Messi’s talent is unparalleled and believes the Argentine football icon is in a league of his own.
Reflecting on the challenges of playing against Messi, he mentioned that the game plan to contend with the 8-time Ballon d’Or winner was to resort to physical tactics such as ‘kicking him’.
“For me, Messi, Messi was the guy. The training the whole week was about Messi. The game plan was just to kick him. You have to have two or three players with him. You can’t defend 1v1 against Messi; it’s impossible, and you’re dead.
“And the way they move the ball around, the way they play, the sole purpose of getting the ball to him… so difficult, the way he touches the ball, the way he moves it, the way he passes it,” he said on the Vibe with Five podcast.
“I know the comparison is there but… I played against both and Messi was very close to me when we played against them. For me, I’m not going to say mile but because of what Cristiano has done as well.
“But for me, I really don’t see the comparison in any way. Because I think Messi is from a different planet, and I just think he is that good.”
The rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo stands out as the longest-running competition between two players vying for the title of the greatest of their generation. The debate extends to determining who among the two can be acclaimed as the Greatest Player of All Time (GOAT).
FormerSuper Eagles midfielder John Obi Mikel has emphasised the challenges that many African footballers encounter after achieving success in their careers.
Mikel elaborates on the familial pressure that arises when a footballer attains financial success. According to him, the family often perceives a sense of ownership and entitlement to the player’s success, assuming that the player owes it to them.
In recounting a worst-case scenario on Vibe with 5, Mikel describes situations where the player’s sisters may marry opportunists and subsequently have many children, with the expectation that the player should bear the responsibility of caring for these children.
“When we come from Africa, and this is something that I don’t think we speak a lot about. When you make money, it’s not your money. You have all these relatives, cousins, whatever you call it. And your sisters get married to some guy who just wants to get married into John Obi Mikel’s family because then “my life is sorted”. You send money to your sister; the money goes to him, and he does whatever he does with it. This is something nobody knows about.
“So you get your salary, you say okay, now I’m going to put this aside for this person, put this aside for that person, put this aside for mum and dad. Before you know it, where is it? You get nothing.”
“And they keep having so many kids and so many kids and you look at it… Okay, you have this many kids; who is going to look after them? It’s you. They look out to you for you to look after the kids, your husband, and the husband’s family. And it becomes really and absolutely crazy. For them, you owe them that.”
Mikel revealed that he was in the same position until he decided to bring it to a halt about five years ago.
“So sometimes you have to be strong and say, You know what, guys, enough is enough. I don’t care. For me, that was five years ago; I said F it, no more. Because I’ve been doing this since I started playing football.”
“The reaction is you become the bad guy. They stop answering your phone calls,” he added.
He indicated that his agent advised him to stop giving more than he should to the family.
“My agent told me, ‘Mikel, you can’t be doing this. You killing yourself and you are killing them. Because all you do is give them, and they get so comfortable that they expect you to do that for the rest of your life. And I came to that point five years ago, where I stopped.”
The Chelsea legend further noted that when the player eventually musters the courage to set boundaries, the family resorts to threats of going public with their grievances.
“They will give you this thing whereby if you don’t do it we going to go to the press. What? After all that I’ve done for you guys?”
John Mikel Obi made the statement while discussing money management as an African footballer who is often focused on family, notably extended family.
Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has expressed gratitude to the Ghanaian populace for what he terms their unwavering and unexpected show of love to the flood victims in the Volta Region.
According to the lawmaker, he is overwhelmed by the kind of donations undertaken by some Ghanaians to ensure the safety and well-being of the citizens who were affected by the Akosombo Dam-induced floods.
In a conversation with Bola Ray on Starr Chat, he added that Ghanaians, in the face of the hardship in the flood-hit areas in the Volta Region, have outdone themselves.
“I want to take a moment to celebrate Ghanaians. To be honest with you Bola Ray, I have been so moved by the generosity and compassion of Ghanaians. You know, we’ve always known we are nice people, we are warm, and Ghanaians are hospitable, but I have experienced it. You know, as we say on the streets, ‘feeligadochi’. You know, I’m just lost for words. I mean, first-hand experience. People just call you; look, we are in your constituency; where are you? You don’t have to call anybody or beg anybody. People are just pouring in,” he stressed.
The Volta River Authority (VRA) initiated its controlled spillage of the Akosombo and Kpong Dams on September 15, 2023, due to the consistent rise in the upstream water level of the Akosombo Dam, primarily caused by rainfall.
Since the spillage exercise began, some communities downstream of the Volta River have been submerged due to the excessive water from the dam.
Residents in these areas were left stranded as their homes were submerged by the flood.
However, several Ghanaians have come to their rescue by providing food, money, shelter and clothes for the victims.
Renowned gospel musician Diana Asamoah, dressed in black funeral attire with a purse and spectacles, looked striking despite her sorrowful expression.
Celebrated highlife musician Martin King Arthur, popularly known as Kofi Kinaata, was also present in his black outfit, accompanied by unidentified individuals.
These two celebrities, along with various personalities, joined the gathering to shake hands with the widower, former President John Agyekum Kufuor, expressing condolences during this tragic time.
A state funeral for the late former First Lady Theresa Kufuor took place at the Forecourt of the State House in Accra on November 16, 2023. The event commenced with a file past at 7 a.m., followed by a burial mass at 9 a.m.
Final funeral rites for the former First Lady were scheduled at Heroes Park in Kumasi on Saturday, November 18, 2023.
Theresa Kufuor passed away at her home in Peduase, surrounded by her family, on Sunday, October 1, at the age of 87.
The funeral saw the presence of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the First Lady, Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin, former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, politicians, New Patriotic Party members, and family and friends of the late former First Lady, all expressing condolences to the grieving family.
Within the realm of football, point deductions stand out as arguably the most severe reminder of the consequences that clubs must confront for violating regulations, manipulating their figures, or mishandling finances.
While penalties are a regular occurrence, certain instances distinguish themselves for their unprecedented severity and the subsequent ripple effects, reshaping the destinies of clubs and redirecting the course of competitions.
In light of Everton’s recent 10-point deduction for breaching the Premier League’s Financial Fair Play rules, Flashscore examines a selection of examples from English football that have left enduring imprints on the respective clubs involved.
Luton Town (2008) In 2008, Luton Town Football Club, then competing in the Football League One, faced dire consequences due to financial irregularities.
The club was first hit with a 10-point deduction in 2007/08 for falling into administration, which was enough to see them relegated to League Two.
General view of the stadium of Luton Town versus Liverpool during the FA Cup third round football match at Kenilworth Road in 2008
AFP
The following season, in 2008/09, Luton were hit with a staggering 30-point deduction, a record at the time, stemming from multiple breaches of regulations, including improper payments to agents and financial misconduct.
This unprecedented penalty saw Luton plummet to the foot of the league, facing an insurmountable task to avoid relegation. Despite picking up 13 wins and 17 draws throughout the campaign, they finished bottom with 26 points.
It meant the club dropped out of the football league and into the National League for the start of the 2009/10 season, making their storied rise up to the Premier League this season all the more remarkable.
AFC Bournemouth (2008)
In the same year, another notable points deduction unfolded, impactingAFC Bournemouth.
The club faced a substantial 17-point penalty due to financial mismanagement, notably entering administration amid considerable debts.
This deduction had a profound impact on Bournemouth’s league position, causing a significant drop from mid-table to the verge of relegation.
Despite the setback, Bournemouth showcased resilience and fought admirably. Despite the points deduction, they managed to avoid relegation from the football league, securing 46 points. The following year, they achieved promotion back to League One.
Portsmouth (2010) Portsmouth Football Club’s tumultuous journey in 2010 epitomised the repercussions of financial turmoil.
Portsmouth supporters in 2010 at Wembley
Despite securing the FA Cup in 2008, Portsmouth (Pompey) faced severe challenges, including substantial debts, estimated at around £135 million, and ownership complications.
In the midst of a financial crisis that pushed them towards liquidation, Portsmouth received a monumental nine-point deduction while already struggling in the Premier League.
This setback positioned them 17 points adrift from safety with just nine league games remaining.
The penalty exacerbated the club’s difficulties, significantly contributing to their eventual relegation from the Premier League.
This event marked a pivotal moment in Portsmouth’s descent from the pinnacle of the Premier League to the depths of financial turmoil, leading to their involvement in lower divisions.
Despite spending some time in League Two, they currently find themselves competing at the top of League One.
Birmingham City (2019)
In a more recent instance, Birmingham City Football Club encountered a significant challenge in 2019.
The club received a nine-point deduction as a consequence of violating profitability and sustainability regulations within the English Football League (EFL).
While this deduction may not have historical proportions, it had a substantial impact on Birmingham City’s standing in the Championship.
The penalty created considerable pressure for the club, putting their Championship status at risk.
Nevertheless, the team displayed commendable resilience, narrowly escaping relegation in a tense conclusion to the season.
Derby County (2021)
An even more recent addition to the annals of significant points deductions came in 2021 when Derby County Football Club found itself embroiled in financial strife.
The club was handed a monumental 21-point deduction due to accounting irregularities that breached league regulations – they were reported to owe £29.3 million to HMRC.
Wayne Rooney and Festy Ebosele of Derby County applauds fans
The unprecedented deduction placed Derby County in a precarious position within the Championship, requiring them to face a challenging uphill struggle to maintain their status in the division.
This penalty prompted intense discussions regarding the fairness and repercussions of such significant deductions on a club’s competitive outlook.
Despite the dedicated efforts of then-manager Wayne Rooney, who operated with limited resources and a squad largely composed of free transfers, the club narrowly fell short of securing their position at the end of the season. As a result, they were relegated to League One, marking their first descent to this level since 1986.
His remarks stem from allegations by some members of the National Democratic Party (NDC) over the incumbent government’s abandonment of hospital projects that were started by the previous government.
In response to this on Hello FM in Kumasi, Mr. Osei-Mensah stated that the NDC lacks the moral authority to discuss issues concerning the region as it has failed to take meaningful actions for the people.
He called on the NDC to show him just one hospital it was able to commission during its tenure and he will step down from his role as minister.
“They [NDC] are complaining about uncompleted hospitals. They claim the hospital at Nyameani junction has been awarded and its a loan; who told them?” he quizzed.
“NDC should be ashamed of themselves. When they were in power from 2009 to 2017, did they even commission one hospital in the Ashanti region?. They should show me just one and I’ll resign. If they get just one hospital they commissioned, I will resign.I tell you, we are going to work with facts and figures,” he said.
Despite a recent 2-1 victory against Alves that marked a comeback from three consecutive losses, Xavi voiced dissatisfaction with his team’s performance.
He attributed the negativity surrounding the team and media criticism to their displays on the field.
“We are well placed in the Champions League and La Liga,” Laporta said. “I want to make it very clear, just as (Barca sporting director) Deco and the directors of my board have, that we are completely on the side of our coach and that we are proud to have Xavi as coach for his professional and human quality.
Here, we are a close-knit group; we close ranks. At this moment, it is very important to be together. Now we have a period in which the injured can recover and Xavi will have all the troops available. We are in it and the important thing is how it ends. We are working here to be strong in the final stretch.“
Australia is set to donate a substantial portion of their match fees from the World Cup 2026 qualifier against Palestine in Kuwait City to support humanitarian efforts in Gaza.
The Socceroos’ contribution, a five-figure sum, will be channelled through the Professional Footballers Australia Footballers’ Trust and will be directed to Oxfam.
Additionally, Football Australia will match this donation. Originally scheduled to take place in the West Bank, the venue was changed to the Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium in Kuwait following Israeli forces’ attacks on Gaza in response to an October 7 assault by Hamas militants on southern Israel.
Israel claims that Hamas is responsible for the deaths of 1,200 people and the taking of about 240 hostages. In contrast, Gaza health authorities assert that over 11,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli counteroffensive.
In terms of football, Australia, ranked 27th globally and fourth in Asia, leads their qualifying group after a decisive 7-0 victory over Bangladesh.
Meanwhile, Palestine, ranked 96th globally, holds the third position following a draw with Lebanon.
The Football Association (FA) has charged Arsenal manager Mikel Artetawith making insulting comments about match officials, as announced on Thursday.
Arteta expressed his frustration, labelling the decision to allow Anthony Gordon’s goal in Arsenal’s 1-0 loss to Newcastle United on November 4th as embarrassing and disgraceful.
This criticism followed the goal, despite a triple VAR assessment.
“Mikel Arteta has been charged with a breach of FA Rule E3.1 following comments that he made in media interviews after Arsenal’s Premier League game against Newcastle United on Saturday, November 4,” the FA statement said.
“It’s alleged that his comments constitute misconduct as they are insulting towards match officials and/or detrimental to the game and/or bring the game into disrepute.”
BREAKING: Mikel Arteta has been charged with misconduct following comments he made in post-match interviews after Arsenal’s Premier League game defeat to Newcastle United. 🚨 pic.twitter.com/eukb97vhM0
England’s coach Gareth Southgate, has revealed a shift in his plans for the England squad in the European 2024 qualifiers against Malta on Friday and North Macedonia three days later.
This adjustment stems from the absence of several players due to injuries.
Despite having secured qualification for next year’s finals in Germany with a win against Italy last month, Southgate now faces the challenge of reshaping the squad given the unavailable players.
“You always have to adapt. We’d maybe have written two possible teams for the next two games but you never really know what’s going to come your way,” Southgate said in a press conference on Thursday.
“We have lost more players than is normal and there’s some long-term injuries amidst that, which is a big shame for the players themselves, but then there’s always opportunities for the players coming in.”
Southgate confronts England’s last games of the year without essential players, including Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham and Chelsea’s Levi Colwill, who are sidelined with shoulder injuries.
The coach emphasised the managerial challenge of striking a balance and making tough decisions in light of these absences. This comes after he faced inquiries regarding the absence of Chelsea striker Raheem Sterling.
“As a player, you never agree with a manager’s decision to leave you out, but you just hope you do it in the most respectful way possible, with constructive points so they can go away and work on things,” said Southgate.
Southgate also spoke of how,despite England leading Group C with 16 points after six games, his priority is to prove they are a top team that wins games, despite facing constant criticism.
“The most important message revolves around our day-to-day standard on the training ground,” said Southgate. “We aspire to be a top team, and we’ve been consistent for a while, and that comes from everything you do and the things no one else sees.”
English FA announced on Thursday that Jack Simpson, a 26-year-old former Cardiff City defender, has been suspended for six matches and fined after he admitted to using racist language towards a teammate.
The incident occurred during Cardiff’s pre-season tour in Portugal. Simpson, who previously played for Rangers, departed from Cardiff in August and has been a free agent since then.
Simpson was fined 8,000 pounds and will undergo “face-to-face education,” the FA said in a statement.
Real Madrid’s21-year-old midfielder, Eduardo Camavinga, sustained a right knee injury while training with the French national team, as confirmed by the La Liga club on Friday.
The diagnosis revealed a “rupture of the external lateral ligament” in Camavinga’s right knee, and Real Madrid has not provided an estimated timeline for his return.
This injury further compounds Real’s challenges, as Camavinga, who has featured in every league game this season, now joins the ranks of Thibaut Courtois, Eder Militao, and Arda Guler as Real players dealing with knee injuries.
The setback for Camavinga comes on the heels of winger Vinicius Jr being forced off with a thigh injury during Brazil’s 2-1 loss to Colombia on Thursday, adding to Real Madrid’s concerns on the injury front.
Real are second inLa Liga with 32 points from 13 matches. They play Cadiz in their next league game on Nov. 26, after the international break.
The Glazer family, owners of Manchester United, is reportedly nearing the completion of a deal with British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe, where he would acquire a 25% stake in the club at $33 per share, as per Sky News on Friday.
This proposed deal reflects a premium of 79.1% compared to Thursday’s closing stock price of $18.43, giving Manchester United an approximate market capitalization of $3 billion.
The US-listed shares surged by 8.1% to $19.90 in premarket trading. If accepted, Ratcliffe’s stake would be valued at $1.36 billion, based on a Reuters calculation.
As of now, Manchester United has not provided a response to Reuters’ request for comment. Ratcliffe, also the chair of Ineos, a petrochemicals firm, is expected to pay over $1.5 billion for the 25% stake in United.
The Glazer family, known for their success in real estate, retail, and healthcare, acquired the club in 2005 for £790 million. The family, controlling 96% of Manchester United’s voting stock, announced last year that they were exploring various options for the club, including new investments or a potential sale.
While the deal is yet to be finalised and remains under negotiation, Sky News reported the progress on Friday.
Earlier in the week, Manchester United announced the departure of CEO Richard Arnold, with Patrick Stewart, the general counsel and board director, stepping in as interim CEO.
Premier League has imposed a significant 10-point deduction on Everton for violating its financial fair play regulations.
This penalty stands as the most substantial in the league’s history, causing the club to fall into the relegation zone, now occupying the 19th position, with only a goal difference keeping them ahead of bottom-placed Burnley.
A statement from the Premier League read: “An independent commission has imposed an immediate deduction of 10 points on Everton FC for a breach of the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSRs).
“The Premier League issued a complaint against the club and referred the case to an independent commission earlier this year. During the proceedings, the club admitted it was in breach of the PSRs for the period ending Season 2021/22 but the extent of the breach remained in dispute.
“Following a five-day hearing last month, the commission determined that Everton FC’s PSR calculation for the relevant period resulted in a loss of £124.5 million, as contended by the Premier League, which exceeded the threshold of £105 million permitted under the PSRs.
“The commission concluded that a sporting sanction in the form of a 10-point deduction should be imposed. That sanction has immediate effect.”
Everton say they are “shocked and disappointed” by what they call an “unjust” ruling by the Premier League and are now beginning the process to appeal the decision.
“Everton Football Club is both shocked and disappointed by the ruling of the Premier League’s Commission,” the club said in a statement.
“The Club believes that the Commission has imposed a wholly disproportionate and unjust sporting sanction. The club has already communicated its intention to appeal the decision to the Premier League.
“The appeal process will now commence and the Club’s case will be heard by an Appeal Board appointed pursuant to the Premier League’s rules in due course.
“Everton maintains that it has been open and transparent in the information it has provided to the Premier League and that it has always respected the integrity of the process.
“The Club does not recognise the finding that it failed to act with the utmost good faith and it does not understand this to have been an allegation made by the Premier League during the course of proceedings.
“Both the harshness and severity of the sanction imposed by the Commission are neither a fair nor a reasonable reflection of the evidence submitted.
“The Club will also monitor with great interest the decisions made in any other cases concerning the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules. Everton cannot comment on this matter any further until the appeals process has concluded.”
Middlesbrough experienced a three-point deduction for failing to fulfil a fixture against Blackburn during the 1996/97 campaign, and Portsmouth received a nine-point deduction in 2010 after entering administration.
In March 2019, Showboy received a six-year prison sentence for stabbing the US-based Ghanaian musician during a confrontation.
Although Junior survived the stabbing, he tragically lost his life in a robbery incident in 2021.
Showboy’s associates were implicated in the crime at the time of Junior’s death.
After spending several years behind bars, Showboy has now been released, and a recent video shared on social media captures his return to Ghana.
In an Instagram announcement, the former co-founder of the AMG group shared a video of himself at the beach, participating in a ritual cleanse.
“I am back to pay homage to all the gods and my ancestors. I am back.” He spoke.
In the caption that accompanied his post, Showboy, who disclosed how his mental health has since been disoriented by the entire encounter, thanked everyone who stood by him.
“Thanks to Allah/God and our ancestors for everything!!! Shouts to all my dawgs /Families that held me down and never turned their back on me. Shouts to all that tolerated my depression and sorry to all I offended !!! back for everything! FINALLY FREE!” he retorted.
How Showboy accused Criss Waddle of setting him up
Even though Showboy was in detention, he was quite active on social media, sharing details of his life and events leading to his incarceration.
In one of his posts last year, he accused Criss Waddle, founder of AMG Record label, which he is said to be co-founder for setting him up.
“Criss Waddle sent Junior and us to my house (apartment)… they set me up…my life hasn’t been the same since then. July 3, 2016. I never forget this day. U can read the statement and see the lies they told the police. They came to court and denied everything and said they scared of me”.
“Told court am a Gunsta .. prosecutor told me I got a Huge Ego and said I call the shot .. I was profiled .. if not Criss Waddle sending Junior to me to come pay me money he Criss Waddle owed …all this never was going to happen .. Junior us was never my friend. That was Criss Waddle friend that hated on me out of jealousy .. I was set up by Criss Waddle and his friends. .thats the facts … still ain’t got no visit from Criss Waddle till today. .. haven’t seen him in 5yrs(sic),” he wrote at the time.
Showboy shared the particular video in which he was captured stabbing Junior US, in a bid to advise people on controlling their temper.
He said if he could turn back the hands of time, he would’ve simply walked away during their argument and not resort to violence.
“6 yrs ago , Criss Waddle sent Junior US to my apartment … 6yrs ago I lost my freedom and independence. 6yrs ago I lost it all defending Amg and Criss Waddle …. I wish I could reverse this moment and just walk away after he attacked me inside my apartment.
“I post this to advice the new youth. . violence is not the way out … 6yrs ago on the 4th of July 2016, .. ..I lost my soul. ..being fighting this case all my life … Nothing to prove if u know who you are and know your worth. I pray I have another chance soon to chase my dream. … .stay away from violence and stay positive if u have your freedom…” he established.
Mohamed Salah showcased a stellar performance, scoring four goals as Egypt opened their World Cup qualifying campaign with a anticipated 6-0 victory over Djibouti.
Salah’s remarkable feat propelled his overall goal tally for Egypt to 53 in 93 appearances as they aim for a spot in the 2026 finals after missing out on the Qatar World Cup last year.
Meanwhile, Nigeria, missing the injured Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, faced an unexpected setback with a 1-1 draw against Lesotho in a rainy encounter in Uyo.
Lesotho, positioned 113 places below Nigeria in the FIFA rankings, took a surprising lead with defender Motlomelo Mkhwanazi’s goal, only to be equalized by Semi Ajayi from Kelechi Iheanacho’s corner.
In other matches, Mozambique secured the first away victory of the African qualifying campaign, beating Botswana 3-2 in Group G. Algeria, the favourites in the group, had an unconvincing 3-1 home win over Somalia, prompting coach Djamel Belmadi to make halftime substitutions.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/M9PqfMTvDfQ
Gabon rallied from a goal down to defeat Kenya 2-1, with Denis Bouanga equalising on the hour mark and Guelor Kanga securing an 88th-minute winner in Franceville.
Burundi also clinched a victory in Group F, edging the Gambia 3-2 in a match played in Tanzania due to Burundi’s lack of a suitable stadium.
Sudan hosted their Group B clash against Togo in Benghazi, Libya, due to the civil war in their country.
The Group D clash between the Cape Verde Islands and Angola concluded in a goalless draw, characterised by missed chances.
The first two rounds of African qualifiers span from Wednesday to the following Tuesday, with the next set of matches resuming in June.
In the qualifying format, nine groups determine direct qualifiers for the 2026 finals in Canada, Mexico, and the U.S., while the four best runners-up have an additional chance through a two-tier playoff system.
Just days after being released by his kidnappers, the father of Colombian striker Luis Díaz found himself in tears on Thursday as he witnessed his son score both goals in a 2-1 victory over Brazil in a World Cup qualifying match.
Decked in a Colombia jersey and a necklace, Luis Manuel Díaz fell onto the people beside him in the stands at the Metropolitano Stadium, shedding tears of joy alongside his wife, Cilenis Marulanda, during the celebration.
Luis Manuel Díaz had been held captive for 12 days in a mountainous region by the ELN guerrilla group before being reunited with his family on Tuesday.
“I thank God. He makes it all possible. We have always lived tough moments, but life makes you strong and brave. So is soccer and so is life,” Luis Díaz said after the match. “We deserved this victory.”
UNBELIEVABLE MOMENTS OUT OF COLOMBIA!
LUIS DIAZ SCORES TWO GOALS IN FIVE MINUTES TO TAKE THE LEAD OVER BRAZIL!
Díaz secured both goals with headers, the first in the 75th minute and the second in the 79th, marking Colombia’s first victory against Brazil in World Cup qualifying in 15 matches.
“He is a friend; he has suffered a lot these days. This is beyond soccer; he deserves it,” said Brazil goalkeeper Alisson, a teammate of Díaz at Liverpool.
Ladies and gentlemen, I’ve said it time after time, Hollywood cannot write scripts that come even close to our great sport of football.
From the depths of despair to the heights of triumph.
Armed men on motorcycles abducted Díaz’s parents from a gas station in the town of Barrancas on Oct. 28. His mother was rescued within hours by police, who set up roadblocks around the town of 40,000 people near the Venezuelan border.
Real Madrid faced further injury setbacks as Vinícius Júnior was forced off during Brazil’s 2-1 World Cup qualifying defeat to Colombia on Friday.
The Madrid forward contributed an assist for Gabriel Martinelli’s goal, but he had to be substituted in the 27th minute in Barranquilla, with visible strapping on his left thigh.
This injury comes just two days after midfielder Eduardo Camavinga hurt his knee in training with France.
Madrid is already grappling with the absence of goalkeeper Kepa (thigh injury), Aurélien Tchouaméni (broken bone in left foot), and long-term absentees Thibaut Courtois and Éder Militão, both of whom suffered ACL tears in August.
Jude Bellingham also withdrew from the England squad due to a shoulder injury sustained during Madrid’s 5-1 win over Valencia.
Vinícius Júnior will undergo tests to assess the extent of his injury.
Sources indicate that, while he is in less pain than during the hamstring problem in his right leg that sidelined him for a month earlier this season (August to September), there is still concern about his prognosis.
“I think it’s the same injury as last time,” Vinícius said post-match. “I got a knock, and I felt it [again] later. I’ll have tests, to see what it is.
“From what the doctors say, it will be difficult [to play Argentina on Wednesday] but we’ll try everything.”
Vinícius has recently displayed his top form of the season, notably scoring twice in Madrid’s 5-1 victory over Valencia last Saturday.
Camavinga returned to Madrid for assessment on Thursday and was scheduled for a scan to determine the extent of his knee injury and the duration of his absence. Preliminary indications suggest he might be sidelined until January, according to sources.
In LaLiga, Madrid holds the second position after 13 games, trailing surprise leaders Girona by two points. They are also leading Champions League Group C with a perfect record of four wins out of four.
Following the international break, Madrid is slated to face Cadiz in LaLiga on November 26, followed by home fixtures against Napoli in the Champions League on December 2 and Granada in LaLiga on December 2.
Saudi Pro League (SPL) clubs, having completed a substantial £784 million ($972 million) spending spree in the summer, are now focused on recruiting players of the “highest level” to join the ranks of Cristiano Ronaldo,Neymar, and Karim Benzema in January, according to SPL director of football Michael Emenalo.
As the January transfer window approaches, Saudi teams, including reigning champions Al Ittihad, have been linked to potential moves for players such as Manchester United’s Jadon Sancho and Raphaël Varane.
Al Ittihad is also expected to make a renewed effort to acquire Mohamed Salah, having seen a £150 million bid for the Liverpool forward rejected in September.
Additionally, there were reports of a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen during the summer.
Emenalo, the former director of football for Chelsea and AS Monaco, emphasises that the era of Saudi clubs making multiple signings in a single transfer window is now behind them.
“Whatever additional improvement that we need to do for any club, with time on our hands and preparation, we believe will be additions of the highest level,” Emenalo said in an interview with the SPL.
“I’m hoping it [January] is not very busy, because I think the job that was done has been quite interesting and aggressive, and most of the clubs, I believe, have what they need.
“Hopefully the attention will now turn to work within the training facilities to improve these players and allow them time to adapt and perform.
“I think we accomplished what we wanted to accomplish, which was to get our foot into the market and compete aggressively. But, also, we wanted to do that while giving every singleclub in the league an opportunity to improve. I believe we accomplished that.
“And I believe that what you’re seeing, in terms of the quality of the games and the performance of most of the acquired international players, is a vindication that the transfer market has been relatively well. And we hope that we will continue to perfect our process in the future.”
Atletico Madrid and Barcelona hold divergent expectations regarding the summer deal involving forward João Félix, as reported by Diario Sport.
Félix, 24, has delivered noteworthy performances while on loan with the Blaugrana this season, tallying three goals and four assists in 14 matches across various competitions.
Atleti is firm in its stance that they want the Portuguese international to depart permanently in the summer and is actively seeking discussions with Barca to facilitate an early deal.
Initially seeking €85 million for his transfer, Atletico Madrid is now open to bids around €70 million, having originally acquired Félix from Benfica for €126 million in 2019.
In contrast, Barcelona insists that no decision will be made until the end of the season and is unwilling to meet the €70 million valuation but is open to approving another loan.
There’s a possibility of including a clause for a permanent transfer, albeit at a reduced amount or one that can be discounted when due.
Félix, expressing a strong preference for Barcelona regardless of offers from the Premier League or Saudi Arabia, does not intend to entertain alternative offers.
This situation is expected to linger as an ongoing saga throughout the summer transfer window, with both clubs standing firm on their respective demands.
Lionel Messi responded to an offensive gesture from Manuel Ugarte directed at Rodrigo De Paul by urging certain Uruguayan players to “show respect.”
A tense 2026 World Cup qualification match unfolded between the South American rivals at Boca Juniors’ La Bombonera on Thursday evening.
In this fiercely contested game, Argentina experienced a dramatic 2-0 defeat, marking their first loss since claiming the global title in Qatar in 2022.
The match was marred by several heated incidents, including goals from Ronald Araujo and Darwin Nunez for the visiting team.
One notable altercation occurred in the first half when Ugarte clashed with De Paul.
The Uruguayan midfielder accused De Paul, a World Cup winner, of being Messi’s “bottle feeder,” and an offensive gesture further fueled tensions, resulting in players from both teams becoming entangled in an unsightly brawl.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FZxzwBSKz0
Messi told reporters afterwards, when asked about the incident, “It’s normal. These kinds of games, qualifiers, against Uruguay, it’s always like that. I prefer not to say what I think. Young people have to learn to respect their elders. This classic was always intense and hard, but always with a lot of respect. They have to learn a little.”
Messi went on to say of the game itself, which saw Argentina fall behind late in the first half before conceding a second in the 87th minute: “We never felt comfortable. They’re a physical team that works well and on the counterattack, they were very dangerous. Today it was our turn to lose. It’s a test. We have to get back up and play a great game in Brazil.”
Argentina is set to face arch-rivals Brazil on Tuesday,maintaining their position at the summit of the CONMEBOL qualification table. They hold a two-point lead over Uruguay, while Brazil, experiencing inconsistency, currently occupies the fifth position.
