During a panel discussion on Okay FM’s Egyaso Gyaso program, which was streamed live on Facebook on October 30, 2023, a number of delegates from the rulingNew Patriotic Party (NPP) openly acknowledged that they have been receiving financial contributions from the campaign teams of the contenders in the party’s forthcoming flagbearership race, set to take place on Saturday, November 4, 2023.
The delegates specifically mentioned that they have received funds from Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and Assin North Member of Parliament Kennedy Agyapong.
“I got some of the money they are sharing with the delegates. As for me, if you bring me money, I will collect it.
“When Ken came, I got GH¢100, and when Mr. Bawumia came, I got GH¢200,” one of the delegates said in Twi.
Interestingly, one of the delegates countered the prevailing trend by asserting that he had not accepted any financial contributions from the campaign teams of the contenders.
He emphasised that his support for Dr. Bawumia was not contingent on monetary incentives.
This declaration, however, surprised the other delegates present on the program, who responded with laughter and accused him of dishonesty.
“SK, didn’t you get some of the ‘Just Guide’ money? We were the ones who shared the money, and we gave you some,” one of the delegates said.
Cape Coast Stadium has been placed under a ban by theConfederation of African Football (CAF) due to its below-standard quality for hosting international matches.
Consequently, Ghanaian champions Medeama have been compelled to relocate their CAF Champions’ League group matches to the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi as an alternative venue.
This stadium closure will also affect Ghana’s upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Madagascar, as the Black Stars are now set to make Kumasi their preferred home ground.
The decision to close the Cape Coast Stadium came in a report submitted to the Ghana Football Association by CAF’s Technical Development Director, Raul Chipenda.
This report followed an inspection of the facility by CAF, which identified a range of shortcomings and deficiencies.
It recommended significant renovations and upgrades to bring the stadium in line with compliance requirements.
Key concerns highlighted in the CAF report encompassed issues related to the stadium’s functionality, design, comfort, and the quality of its equipment.
The inspection report ultimately concluded that various areas within the stadium necessitated upgrades and refurbishments to meet the contemporary requirements and standards expected of a modern football stadium.
Furthermore, CAF recommended that only construction and renovation companies with a proven track record in modern stadium projects should be engaged to execute the required refurbishments.
“Based on the inspection report, we regret to inform you that the stadium does not meet the set CAF stadium minimum requirements to host CAF Senior International matches,” the report said.
Mr. Chipenda stressed that the facility would only gain approval if all their recommendations were meticulously addressed following a re-inspection.
Kumasi has emerged as the preferred home ground for competitive matches involving the Black Stars since the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying playoff with Nigeria last year. Prior to this shift, the team had traditionally played their matches on Cape Coast.
Medeama had previouslyhosted Remo Stars from Nigeria and Horoya AC from Guinea at the Cape Coast Stadium during the preliminary rounds of the Champions League.
However, following the recent CAF directive, the ‘Mauve and Yellow’ will now host their Group D rivals in Kumasi, with fixtures against CR Belouizad on December 1, Young Africans on December 8, and Al Ahly on February 23 next year.
Real Madrid is considering converting Kepa Arrizabalaga’s loan into a permanent transfer, but this hinges on Chelsea’s willingness to accept a significant loss on their previous record investment.
Kepa arrived at Real Madrid on loan during the summer, and now there’s an intention to make the move permanent.
However, according to The Sun, Real Madrid is only prepared to offer £17.5 million ($21 million) for the transfer.
This represents a substantial decrease from the £72 million ($88 million) Chelsea originally paid in 2018, which was a world-record fee for a goalkeeper.
In order to facilitate this transfer, Kepa is reportedly willing to accept a reduction in his wages.
Real Madrid found themselves in dire need of a goalkeeper in August when Thibaut Courtois suffered an ACL injury that could sideline him for most, if not all, of the season.
Consequently, Kepa has stepped up as the club’s new number one, a development that coincided with doubts about his Chelsea future when the Blues acquired Robert Sanchez for £25 million ($31 million).
The 29-year-old has also indicated his willingness to continue his stay in Madrid beyond the initial loan period.
Real Madrid, currently leading La Liga, is set to resume their season on November 5 against Rayo Vallecano.
Meanwhile, Chelsea isfocused on improving their home form when they host Blackburn Rovers in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night.
Following their 3-0 defeat toManchester City in the derby on Sunday, reports have emerged that several Manchester United players raised questions about Erik ten Hag’s tactical decisions.
The Sun has revealed that some players expressed their confusion regarding certain choices made by Ten Hag during the match.
One particular point of contention was the utilisation of Victor Lindelof at left-back, a position he played in earlier this season.
This decision was made because Sergio Reguilon had just returned to the starting lineup after a month-long absence due to injury and illness.
Another concern raised by the players was the positioning of Bruno Fernandes on the right wing, as he struggled to make a significant impact on the game.
Additionally, the impact of substitutions made by Ten Hag, such as Antony and Mason Mount in the second half, was minimal, and this was viewed as an inability to change the course of the game.
As Manchester United now faces a quick turnaround for their Carabao Cup fourth-round clash against Newcastle, there is uncertainty about what changes, if any, Ten Hag will implement.
It is worth noting that Newcastle had previously eliminated Manchester City from the competition this season and will be seeking to avenge their defeat in the February final.
Lionel Messi hasofficially announced his intention to make a triumphant return to Barcelona, expressing his regret over the bitter taste left by his departure in 2021.
In the summer of 2021, the beloved Argentine football legend bid an emotional farewell to Barcelona, as the club’s financial woes prevented them from extending his contract.
Despite speculation about a potential comeback to Camp Nou after his contract with Paris Saint-Germain concluded in the summer of 2023, Messi chose an alternative path, signing with MLS team Inter Miami. Regrettably, he never had the opportunity to bid a proper farewell to Barcelona fans.
Now, following his record-setting eighth Ballon d’Or win in Paris on Monday night, the 2022 World Cup champion has confirmed his determination to rectify that situation and provide Barcelona supporters with the farewell they deserve.
“There was a bitter taste when I left and I don’t like that. I’d like to change the way the story ends. I deserve to say goodbye to the people who gave me so much joy. If it happens, I’ll be very happy to be there, of course,” he told reporters.
Barca president Joan Laporta, has insisted that their prodigal son would be welcomed with open arms at some point in the future and mooted two possible dates for the much-anticipated reunion.
He revealed that the club is in discussion with stakeholders to hold an official event for Messi either in June 2026, when Camp Nou renovations will be completely finished, or in November 2024, when the first team will officially return to their home stadium for matches.
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Messi will return to action with Inter Miami in 2024 and play a part in pre-season preparations ahead of the new MLS campaign, which is due to kick off in February.
Offinso’s enraged youth and elders have accused His Royal Majesty, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, of violating their rights by rejecting the Queen Mother’s candidate for the vacant Offinso stool following the death of Offinso Nana Wiafe Akenten III in 2019.
Addressing the press on October 24, 2023, during a protest against Otumfuo’s stance on the matter, the clan head of Bretuo read out a statement expressing their disappointment and discontent over how the Asantehene was handling the chieftaincy disputes surrounding the Offinso stool.
He said, “Manhyia wants to abuse the rights of Offinso; hence, I’m here to read out the content of this letter I have here with me.
“Offinsoman is highly disappointed in Manhyia over how the pending chif dispute is being resolved by his royal majesty, Asantehene”.
On their part, the Queen Mother, Nana Ama Serwaa Nyarko, per customs, has presented a viable candidate, subject to the approval of all Offinso kingmakers but it appears Otumfuo wants to abuse the respect their queen mother has for Otumfuo.
“Offinso has noticed that Otumfuo is taking undue advantage of the respect our queen mother has for him and therefore exercising his powers over our queen mother to harass and make her powerless.
“There were 18 contestants and the queen mother chose her possible 3 and finally settled on Dr KK Sarpong. The kingmakers unanimously accepted the nominee; if the kingmakers had rejected the nominee, the queenmother would not have presented it. We repeat that there is nothing like an objection from the queen-makers.
Customs were made and there was aseda nsa to the kingmakers, namely Akyeamehene, Gyasehene,Kontihene, Nifahene, Ankobeahene,Adontenehene, Akyeame group, and Asonahene, as customs demand”.
They went on to charge the Asantehene to step aside and allow the Offinso quenmother and her entourage to do their job, as he has no right to “enstool or destool any Omahene”.
“We can state emphatically that Otumfuo has no power to enstool or destool any Omahene and should allow the Offinso hemaa and her kingmakers to do their job as custom demands.”
Meanwhile, even though it appears many of the Offinso natives support the queenmothers and candidate KK Sarpong, others also agree with Otumfuo’s assertion that the queenmother and elders of Offinso had taken bribes from Dr. Sarpong and were trying to sell the stool to him.
Otumfuo also warned them to stop their illegal activities and cooperate with him to resolve the issue amicably .
He clarified that he is extending his tolerance towards the queenmother primarily due to her familial ties and the memory of his late mother, the Asantehemaa.
In a statement dated October 30, 2023, the High Commission also affirmed the abduction of a church deacon that occurred during the incident, which transpired on October 29, 2023.
“The attention of the High Commission of the Republic of Ghana has been drawn to an incident in which members of the congregation of the Johannesburg branch of the Ghanaian Church of Pentecost were robbed of their valuables at gunpoint and a deacon of the church kidnapped during church service on October 29, 2023,” the Mission said.
Ministry confirms robbery and kidnapping
The statement added that South African authorities were working to ensure the rescue of victims.
“The Mission is presently working with the Church in cooperation with the South Africa Police Service (SAPS) to ensure the speedy and safe release and return of the victim to his family. Kindly note that the South African Police is fully focused on the matter and is working hard to ensure the safe return of our compatriot,” the mission said.
The High Commission further advised members of the Ghanaian community in South Africa to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety and wellbeing.
🚨 Unbelievable! 😱
In a shocking incident caught live on camera, the #Johannesburg branch of the Church of Pentecost of Ghana was targeted by armed robbers in South Africa. 😮
🙏 Thoughts are with the congregation, and hope for the safe return of the kidnapped Deacon. 🇿🇦🇬🇭 🙌 pic.twitter.com/o06J90NVBm
During the African IPAs Capacity-Building Conference held in Accra on Monday, October 30, 2023,the Minister of Trade and Industry, Kobina Tahir Hammond, emphasised the substantial financial requirements to address Africa’s infrastructural deficit.
He indicated that a staggering sum of US$600 billion is necessary to bridge the existing gap in infrastructure across the continent. Furthermore, he highlighted that Africa faces a multitude of challenges that demand trillions of dollars for effective resolution.
Hammond praised the creation of Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) as a significant step in the right direction.
These IPAs, he explained, not only safeguard Africa’s interests but also create new investment opportunities that extend to the global community.
In his address, KT Hammond underlined the importance of the conference, noting that it serves as a platform for leaders and nations across Africa to exchange knowledge and insights, fostering a path towards mutual prosperity.
The Minister of Trade and Industry, while speaking at the conference, said, “I was pleased to hear about your efforts to create a unified platform of African Promotion Agencies and the creation of a common platform for African investment promotion agencies is not just a theoretical concept but a practical necessity. By unifying our efforts, we can amplify and multiply our impact.”
“The estimate is that Africa needs approximately US$600 billion annually to bridge its infrastructure gap… and trillions more to confront the myriad of challenges we confront,” he stated.
KT Hammond added that “if we are to create policies that protect us while opening up these opportunities to the rest of the world, we must necessarily dialogue, learn from each other and chart the path for mutual prosperity.”
In his perspective, fostering collaboration and jointly promoting investments can effectively contribute to reversing the longstanding negative perceptions and the historically low levels of investment inflow on the African continent.
Concerned Youth of Offinso, a collective that recently staged protests against the continuous dismissal of Dr. KK Sarpong’s nomination as Offinsohene by Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has voiced strong concerns over what they perceive as an excessive exercise of authority by Manhyia on their leader.
During a press conference held in the area, the group asserted that the rejection of the nominee chosen by the Offinso kingmakers effectively amounts to harassment of their queen mother, Nana Ama Serwaa Nyarko. She oversees the selection process, and they believe this rejection diminishes her authority to carry out her responsibilities.
“Offinso is highly disappointed in how the pending chieftaincy dispute is being resolved by His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
“Offinso has taken notice that Asantehene is taking advantage of the respect that our queen mother has for him and therefore overexercising his powers on our queen mother to harass and make her powerless,” part of their statement read.
The youth stated that 18 contenders were penned down for the vacant stool and were whittled down to three and finally, KK Sarpong was chosen as a successor to the late Offinsohene.
“The kingmakers unanimously accepted the nominee in good faith. If the kingmakers had rejected the nominee, the queen mother would not have an option, and we repeat that there was nothing like an objection from our kingmakers,” they added.
According to them, necessary customs, traditions and aseda nsa (drink of thanks) was given to the relevant authorities in that respect, only for the nomination to be rejected by Manhyia.
“We can state emphatically that Otumfuo has no power to enstool or destool any Omanhene and should allow the Offinso Hemaa and kingmakers to do their work,” they charged.
They rejected the often-cited reason for the rejection, stating that there was no spell cast on the Ahyiemu Royal family and that other reports had dispelled the same, yet the same “fabricated lies” are being used to block KK Sarpong.
Otumfuo’s warning to Offinso Hemaa
According to Otumfuo, he would never countenance any actions on the part of the queen and the elders that will undermine the tradition of Asanteman when it comes to the election and selection of chiefs.
“No one can arrogate powers that do not exist to themselves. None of the elders have the right to sell land when there is no Offinsohene, specificallywhen it is the Offinsohene who must sign off the sale.
“There is no such power. You are to take charge until a new chief is installed and then account for your stewardship.
“So be very careful in Offinso. I am very aware of all the things you’re doing at Offinso. You’re friends with Pitin Abontengdomhene and you have recorded a tape… I am very aware of your plot, that you will go ahead and install a new chief when I travel by Monday.
“Offinso Hemaa, you are aware of this, be very careful… I would never allow you to cause the downfall of Offinso,” Otumfuo stated through his linguists in an audiotape of his Asantemen court sitting shared by Royal Palace Multimedia.
The quest for a new Offinsohene
The demise of Nana Wiafe Akenten III, late Paramount Chief of Offinso has left a vacuum which has led to a litigation over who becomes his successor.
A former GNPC CEO, Dr K. K. Sarpong, was selected by the Queen Mother of Offinso with the support of some elders has been rejected by Otumfuo.
According to Otumfuo, it is rather wrong for the queen mother to present K. K. Sarpong as a candidate by virtue of royal bloodline while history and tradition tell otherwise.
Otumfuo has thus warned Nana Ama Serwaa Nyarko and the elders of Offinso to put forth their candidate through the appropriate channel or risk having him rejected permanently.
Lionel Messi has made history by claiming his eighth Ballon d’Or award in the 2023 competition, surpassing all expectations and surpassing Manchester City’s Erling Haaland.
The footballing legend, Messi, was widely anticipated to secure the prestigious Golden Ball at the star-studded ceremony in Paris, and indeed, he was presented with the trophy by none other than David Beckham on Monday night.
At the age of 36, Messi outshone the competition, with Erling Haaland of Manchester City finishing as the runner-up and Kylian Mbappe of Paris Saint-Germain in third place.
Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri took the fourth and fifth spots, respectively.
Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior secured the sixth position, followed by City’s Julian Alvarez in seventh, Victor Osimhen in eighth, Bernardo Silva of Manchester City in ninth, and Real Madrid’s Luka Modric rounding off the top 10.
This marks the eighth time that Messi has been honoured as the world’s best men’s player, with his standout performances during the 2022 World Cup being a significant factor in securing this prestigious individual accolade.
The Argentine captain scored crucial goals in every knockout-stage game, ultimately leading La Albiceleste to their long-awaited global triumph. In the realm of club football, Messi played a pivotal role in Paris Saint-Germain’s Ligue 1 victory, contributing 16 goals and 16 assists.
Following Messi, Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo holds the record with five Ballon d’Or victories, though notably, he was not among the shortlisted candidates for the first time since 2003.
The 2023 Ballon d’Or debate was chiefly dominated by the contest between Messi and Haaland. Haaland’s incredible tally of 52 goals for Manchester City in the previous season played a pivotal role in helping Pep Guardiola’s side secure a historic treble.
Messi is currently representing MLS side Inter Miami, and since they didn’t qualify for the playoffs, he’s making the most of some well-deserved downtime.
He is expected to feature inArgentina’s matches against Uruguay and Brazil in November.
Founder and leader of Glorious Word Power Ministries International,Reverend Isaac Owusu-Bempah, has firmly denied allegations that he prophesied Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s anointment to assist the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in retaining power.
Owusu-Bempah clarified that certain individuals, advocating for the Vice President’s candidature, have been spreading rumours that he issued a prophecy endorsing Dr. Bawumia as the NPP’s ideal choice for the flagbearer position.
“Some are going about saying that I, Rev. Owusu-Bempah, say that God has chosen Dr Bawumia to come and lead the NPP and that he is the rightful candidate to help the NPP break the 8.
“They claim I, Owusu-Bempah, gave that prophecy. I plead with everyone watching me; I know the media is recording this and the whole of Ghana is watching me. I have not made such a statement anywhere. I’ve not said it in my church or anywhere.
“So if you watch YouTube and see some people having such discussions that I made such a prophecy to President Akufo-Addo that they should bring Dr Bawumia to lead the NPP and help break the 8, it is not true,” Reverend Bempah told his congregation in a video sighted by GhanaWeb.
On Saturday, November 4, 2023, the National Patriotic Party (NPP) is scheduled to convene a national delegate congress. The purpose of this congress is to choose a flagbearer who will lead the party into the 2024 presidential election.
The candidates vying for this prestigious position include Vice President Dr. Bawumia, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, Francis Addai-Nimoh, and Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto. On the pivotal date of November 4, one of these individuals will be elected as the NPP’s flagbearer, setting the stage for the forthcoming presidential race in 2024.
Ghanaian music starsBlack Sheriff and King Promise made a significant impact as their songs echoed loudly at an NBA match in the United States.
During the Toronto Raptors vs. Philadelphia 76ers game at Scotiabank Arena on Saturday, October 28, 2023, Black Sheriff’s track “Second Sermon” reverberated throughout the arena, gaining recognition and applause from the audience.
The DJ, 4 Korners, also included other African songs in his playlist, such as Tyla’s “Water” and Naiim’s “Mali Star.”
A previous Raptors home game also featured King Promise’s hit single “Terminator” in the DJ’s playlist, alongside Davido’s “Unavailable” and Diamond Platinumz’s “Shu.”
Following his controversial loss toTyson Fury on Saturday,December 3, 2023, Cameroonian boxer Francis Ngannou expressed his frustration in a passionate outburst.
Despite holding the title of reigning UFC heavyweight champion, Ngannou faced a split decision defeat after a gruelling 12-round bout.
In the third round, Ngannou successfully managed to knock down Tyson Fury, marking the seventh instance of such an accomplishment in his boxing career.
However, much to the surprise of fans and experts alike, the victory was not awarded to him.
Against all odds and coming out on TOP‼️ Stepping into the squared circle and going toe to toe with the greatest heavyweight in boxing. My brother @francisngannou …you shook up the WORLD‼️ 🌍 pic.twitter.com/bDcWF4Ysiw
This decision was met with widespread criticism for its perceived unfairness, as the majority of spectators believed Ngannou had displayed a performance deserving of victory.
Francis Ngannou landing a punch on Tyson Fury
Taking to social media after the fight, Ngannou didn’t mince words in expressing his frustration with the judges’ decision.
In a series of tweets, he wrote, “This boxing world is wild but some judges should be responsible for their actions. This type of stuff is what fucks up people’s careers,” he tweeted on X.
This boxing world wild but some judges should be responsible for their actions.
This type of stuff is what fucks up people's career. 🙄 #FuryvsNgannou
In a post-fight interview, Ngannou, who remarkably emerged from the bout without any visible injuries, recalled Fury’s pre-fight boast of taking him to school.
Ngannou said, “When we touched gloves, he was like, Let me take you to school and I said you are not taking me to school. That is why, when I knocked him down, I was dancing like you are a bad professor.”
Ghanaian artist Shatta Wale, who transitioned from dancehall to afrobeats, recently shared insights into his challenges as a celebrity in Ghana and how he manages them.
In an interview with the BBC, which aired on October 28, he expressed his commitment to honesty and authenticity when dealing with people.
Shatta Wale compared his experiences in Ghana and the UK, highlighting his longing for a sense of normalcy when he’s not performing.
He mentioned that travelling to destinations like London grants him the freedom to experience this, as he finds it challenging to move around freely in Ghana.
“I think I’m brutally honest; I want to be honest with people; I want to be real with people. When I’m off stage, I want to feel like a normal human so actually coming here to London is giving me that feeling because when I’m in Ghana, I can’t go to places,” he said.
The musician also discussed how his need to feel normal causes him to respond heavily to critics on social media, as it gives him a sense of being on the “streets”.
“Sometimes I feel like I want to eat fufu in a chop bar or a public place but I don’t get that and that’s a huge problem for me.
“So that’s why when people get at me on social media, I just go live and just speak to them like I’m on the street,” he said.
Comparing being a celebrity to being trapped in one’s home,Shatta Wale disclosed thathe has to travel around and hold meetings at night due to the disruption he may create if he moves around during the day.
“It’s not easy to be a star; it’s like you’ve bought a yard, you’ve built a whole prison yard and you’ve locked yourself up every time.
“So people need to understand that it’s not easy for me. Because in Ghana, I can’t drive in the mornings or afternoons; I have to hold all my meetings at night,” he revealed.
A heated argument unfolded among panel members during the October 28, 2023, episode of United Showbiz on UTV.
The dispute centred on the Ghana Police Service’s decision to deposit funds received from theCEO of defunct Menzgold Ghana, Nana Appiah Mensah (known as NAM1), into the Bank of Ghana.
Bullgod, one of the panel members, asserted that the police’s actions were questionable.
He believed that the money, originally intended to be directly disbursed to some customers of the now-defunct gold investment firm, should not have been placed with the bank.
Bullgod contended that NAM1’s arrangement with the police involved providing security for the money’s distribution rather than taking control of its distribution.
“He did not give the money to the police to share. He made an agreement with the police that he needed security and therefore sought permission to use their premises to disburse the money. The police said yes, you can come and do that and he sent the money to the police.
“Now, after sending the money to the police, they have gone to deposit the money in their account, saying its an exhibit,” he alleged.
Despite Bullgod’s assertion, his viewpoint was met with disagreement from the other panel members. Arnold Asamoah-Baidoo argued that the money should never have been entrusted to the police and should have been directly disbursed to the customers.
In response, Bullgod proposed that the police should not have agreed to handle the money, but Ola offered a counterargument.
Roy Keane strongly criticised Pep Guardiola for what he deemed a pointless discussion between theManchester City boss and Erling Haaland.
Haaland had a standout performance at Old Trafford, scoring two goals in their 3-0 victory.
His first goal came from a penalty in the first half, and he nearly netted another before halftime, but Andre Onana made an impressive save.
In the second half, the 23-year-old secured his second goal with a header over Onana and also played a role in setting up Phil Foden for the third goal.
After the convincing win, Guardiola engaged in a conversation with Haaland, focusing on the distinction between his first-half and second-half headers.
When questioned about this in the studio, Keane criticised Guardiola for what he viewed as a theatrical act.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLZkb_kL3Ik
He explained on Sky Sports: “It’s all for show. It’s all for show. You can have that chat in the dressing room. What’s the big deal? It was a lovely header but you don’t need to be on the pitch talking about it for five minutes. Just get down the tunnel and enjoy your victory.”
This victory could potentially be a pivotal moment in the Premier League title race, and Manchester City certainly celebrated their win.
The Citizens are now level with Arsenal in second place, trailing the leaders, Tottenham Hotspur, by just two points.
Guardiola’s team will enjoy a rare midweek break, as they were eliminated from the Carabao Cup at an early stage. Their next match is scheduled for the weekend, when they face Bournemouth on Saturday, November 4.
Former RFEF boss Luis Rubiales, who faced disgrace for an incident involving an unauthorised kiss withSpain’s Jenni Hermoso, has been handed a three-year ban from football.
FIFA’s disciplinary committee determined that Rubiales, the former president of Spain’s Football Association (RFEF), had violated Article 13 of the FIFA disciplinary code with his behaviour following the Women’s World Cup final.
This ban encompasses all football-related activities for three years.
The incident occurred when the 46-year-old kissed Jenni Hermoso on the lips as she received her winner’s medal following Spain’s victory over England in Sydney.
Hermoso later confirmed that she had not consented to the kiss, leading to a series of events, including a mass walkout by Spanish players and support staff.
Despite the controversy, Rubiales had persistently denied any wrongdoing, even when resigning from his position as RFEF president.
In August, FIFA imposed a provisional 90-day suspension, and now they have issued a three-year ban, which will keep him away from football until 2026.
It’s important to note that there is still a right to appeal available in this case.
FIFA’s statement explained: “The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has banned Luis Rubiales, the former president of the Spanish Football Association (RFEF), from all football-related activities at national and international levels for three years, having found that he acted in breach of article 13 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.
“This case relates to the events that occurred during the final of the FIFA Women’s World Cup on August 20, 2023, for which Mr Rubiales had been provisionally suspended for an initial period of 90 days.
“Mr Rubiales has been notified of the terms of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee’s decision today.
In accordance with the relevant provisions of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, he has ten days in which to request a motivated decision. The decision remains subject to a possible appeal before the FIFA Appeal Committee.
“FIFA reiterates its absolute commitment to respecting and protecting the integrity of all people and ensuring that the basic rules of decent conduct are upheld.” In addition to hisFIFA ban, Luis Rubiales is currently facing a criminal investigation in Spain. This legal process began after prosecutors received Jenni Hermoso’s initial complaint of sexual assault, which was filed with a court in Madrid.
A second complaint of coercion was later added, relating to alleged pressure on Hermoso to support Rubiales against the backlash resulting from his actions.
Rubiales recently appeared in court, where he denied both charges. However, he was issued a restraining order that prohibits him from coming within 200 metres of Hermoso.
Former Spain head coach Jorge Vilda, who had publicly supported Rubiales during a controversial speech in which the former president claimed he was being unfairly targeted by “false feminism,” is also under investigation in connection with the coercion allegation. Vilda has denied any wrongdoing.
Vilda was dismissed from his role last month following a series of issues during his tenure. Controversially, he has already secured a new position as the head coach of Morocco’s women’s national team.
Their purpose was to express gratitude for his participation in their past two events and to discuss plans for the 2024 edition.
During the meeting, the delegation, headed by Chairman Kudjoe Fianoo, presented a photo album of the 2023 President’s Cup to His Excellency Nana Akufo Addo after engaging in productive discussions on Saturday, October 28.
Vice-Chairman John Ansah and two other members, George Ofosuhene Peprah and Anita Wiredu-Mintah, as well as Administrative Manager Samuel Oduro Nyarko and Communication Chief Patrick Akoto, were also in attendance at the meeting held at the presidential seat of Ghana.
President Akufo Addo has been a staunch supporter of GHALCA’s activities and football in general, playing a crucial role in advancing sports infrastructure in this influential West African nation.
He holds the distinction of being the only sitting president to attend two President’s Cup events and is set to complete a hat-trick by attending the final one before his term ends next year.
In the most recent event, Hearts of Oak defeated their rival Asante Kotoko 1-0 to claim the trophy.
The upcoming event in the following year is anticipated to see significant improvements, marking the tenure of the Ghanaian leader, who has been guiding the promising African nation for the past seven years.
A social media user, going by the name Octopus Trudy and the username @179858, has chimed in on the ongoing controversies revolving around renowned film actress and host of Onua TV’s “OnuaShow Time,” Nana Ama McBrown.
The speculation pertains to McBrown’s alleged pending divorce from her husband, Maxwell.
In a tweet spotted by The Independent Ghana, Octopus Trudy seemed to undermine McBrown’s efforts to quash rumours about her alleged marital troubles.
Trudy stated that the actress’s enigmatic posts on TikTok will not alter the reality that she is sharing her husband with “Accra slay queens.”
The tweet read: “Nana Ama McBrown is doing innuendos and indirect jabs onTikTok. Madam, your husband belongs to the Accra slay queens.”
Social media user’s tweet
Octopus Trudy continued her commentary by offering unsolicited advice. She suggested that McBrown should either terminate the relationship or let the other women in her husband’s life enjoy his company. “Since you won’t leave him, keep quiet and let the small girls enjoy some,” she added.
McBrown’s post believed to have proved reactions from the likes of Octopus Trudy
Rumours surrounding the couple’s possible divorce first emerged following allegations by an Instagram influencer known as “Those Called Celebs.”
The influencer claimed that Maxwell had been unfaithful to his wife with social media sensation Serwaa Prinkles. According to the influencer, Maxwell had even proposed divorce, prompting McBrown to vacate their marital home.
In a subtle retort to these claims,McBrown took to her Instagram page to share uplifting messages such as “It is well” and “Don’t believe the reports about men. If God says yes, no man can say no.” She also displayed her wedding ring in some of her photographs, potentially indicating that her marriage is still intact.
It’s crucial to point out that neither McBrown nor Maxwell have officially confirmed or denied these rumours, leaving the situation steeped in uncertainty.
Importantly, there is yet to be any concrete evidence supporting these allegations.
A social media user named Octopus Trudy, with a user name @ 179858, has weighed in on controversies surrounding celebrated movie actress and host of Onua TV’s OnuaShow Time,Nana Ama McBrown’s alleged divorce with her husband, Maxwell.
Octopus Trudy in a tweet sighted by The Independent Ghana, which appears to discredit McBrown’s defence of her alleged divorce rumours, mentioned that McBrown’s cryptic posts on TikTok would not change the fact that she is sharing her husband with “Accra slay queens”.
The tweet read, “Nana Ama McBrown is doing innuendos and indirect jabs on TikTok. Madam, your husband belongs to the Accra slayqueens”.
She continued to offer advice, suggesting that she should either end the relationship or let the other women he spends time with appreciate his company.
….Since you won’t leave him, keep quiet and let the small girls enjoy some,” she added.
Rumors of divorce initially surfaced following claims by an Instagram influencer known as “Those Called Celebs” who alleged that Maxwell was cheating on his wife with a social media sensation named Serwaa Prinkles.
According to him, Maxwell had proposed divorce, and McBrown had left their shared home.
In response to these speculations, McBrown has subtly addressed the situation on her Instagram page by sharing positive messages like “It is well” and “Don’t believe the reports about men. If God says yes, no man can say no.”
She also flaunted her wedding ring in some of her photos, possibly indicating that she is still married to Maxwell.
However, it’s important to note that neither McBrown nor Maxwell have officially confirmed these rumours, and there is no concrete evidence to substantiate them.
French government strongly condemned the weekend’s violence near the Marseille stadium, describing it as “disgusting.” They reported that nine individuals were arrested following an attack on Lyon’s bus and an injury to their manager, Fabio Grosso.
The scheduled Ligue 1 match between the long-standing rival teams, who have a history of fan violence, had to be cancelled.
During the incident, Lyon’s manager, Fabio Grosso, was left with injuries, bloodied and disoriented as shards of glass struck him in the face and scalp when rocks were thrown at the team’s bus.
“We have seen just about everything you would not want to see,” Sports Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera told France 2 TV on Monday, adding that fans had also allegedly been chanting anti-gay and racist slurs inside Marseille’s Stade Velodrome.
“It was distressing, revolting, and disgusting.” Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin confirmed that nine individuals have been apprehended thus far in relation to the incident.
“I hope the highest possible prison sentences will be handed out to those fans who ruined the party for everyone,” he added on BFM TV.
Potential sanctions on the clubs would depend on the football authorities, he said.
Darmanin deniedthat authorities had failed to prepare for the risk, saying 500 police officers were present.
Mauricio Pochettino remains unworried but acknowledges that Chelsea’s performance at home has become a concern, following their recent loss at Stamford Bridge to Brentford.
Despite their clear dominance in possession and numerous shots on goal, Chelsea suffered a 2-0 defeat, with Ethan Pinnock and Bryan Mbeumo netting second-half goals to secure the victory for Brentford.
“It’s something we need to fix,” the boss said of his team’s form at home. “I don’t think I’m worried but we feel the responsibility and we will try to find the solution. The key is to create a good atmosphere.
“You need the right balance between the fans and the team. The team needs to translate the ideas of the fans so they can trust them. It works both ways. That is time. We have talented players but we are a new team. We are competing but we are missing things.
“You sense the mood changes when we concede. We need to build trust. Sometimes you have to accept that the game is going in a direction you don’t want. You need to be calm in this moment and have the character to say, ‘Ok, it’s in a different direction but we are mature enough to play the way we should’. We will work on it.”
In 2023, Chelsea is currently experiencing its worst home league record in a calendar year since 1986, with eight Premier League losses at Stamford Bridge.
When accounting for draws, Chelsea has only managed a single victory in their last 13 home league matches, which was a 3-0 win over newly promoted Luton Town back in August.
The challenges are not about to let up forChelsea at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League. Following a Carabao Cup clash with Blackburn Rovers on Wednesday night and an away match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium next Monday, their next league opponent at the Bridge will be none other than the reigning English and European champions, Manchester City, on November 12.
Jeremy Doku posted on social media after Manchester City’s 3-0 win over rivals United, suggesting that Antony ‘stay calm’. City won the match 3-0 at Old TraffordDoku appeared to goad United and Antony with his ‘Manchester is blue’ and ‘stay calm’ messages after the derby clash, in which tempers had threatened to spill over.
Antony managed to avoid a potential red card after his frustration escalated, resulting in a deliberate foul on the Belgian winger by kicking out at him.
Both Antony and Bruno Fernandes received yellow cards, and earlier in the game, Sofyan Amrabat had also been cautioned for a confrontation involving Phil Foden and Jack Grealish.
The outcome of the derby keptManchester City within two points of the early Premier League leaders, Tottenham.
Meanwhile, Manchester United find themselves in eighth place, closer to the relegation zone than the top of the table, following their fifth defeat in 10 league games.
Following their victory in the Derby, Manchester City has a full week to prepare for the upcoming Premier League match against Bournemouth on November 4.
On the other hand, Manchester United will return to action sooner, facing Newcastle, a team that had previously eliminated City from the Carabao Cup in the fourth round on Wednesday.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced on Saturday that the mother of Colombian and Liverpool player Luis Díaz had been successfully rescued following her kidnapping in northern Colombia.
However, efforts were still underway to locate his missing father.
The Colombian attorney general’s office had previously formed a team of investigators to conduct a search for the couple in Barrancas, a municipality located in Colombia’s northern La Guajira province.
The National Police verified the successful rescue of Díaz’s mother, Cilenis Marulanda, and reported that she had a conversation with Director William Rene Salamanca.
In a video message, Salamanca emphasised that all available resources were being mobilised to locate Díaz’s father.
The parents of 26-year-old Díaz were reportedly abducted while driving to their residence. Gunmen on motorcycles intercepted them and forcibly took them away in their vehicles, as confirmed by authorities.
Liverpool issued a statement on Sunday, acknowledging their awareness of the situation.
Luis Díaz joined Liverpool from Porto in January 2022. Andrew
“It is our fervent hope that the matter is resolved safely and at the earliest possible opportunity,” the statement read. “In the meantime, the player’s welfare will continue to be our immediate priority.”
The forward was not named in Liverpool’s Premier League game at Anfield against Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
“We had to obviously make a late change because of the private situation involving Luis Díaz,” Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp said ahead of the game.
“It’s a worrying situation for all of us and it was a pretty tough night. I have never had that before; it’s a new experience I never needed.” The Colombian soccer federation, in an official statement, expressed deep regret over the kidnapping incident and called on authorities to ensure the safe rescue of Luis Díaz’s father.
Luis Díaz, a player with 43 appearances for the Colombian national team, has chosen not to make any public statements regarding the incident.
Liverpool, a Premier League club, made a significant multi-million-dollar signing in January 2022 by bringing in winger Luis Díaz from the Portuguese club Porto. Since joining the Premier League giants, he has made 58 appearances and scored 14 goals.
NEC Nijmegen’s forward, Bas Dost, found himself in the hospital on Sunday after collapsing on the pitch during their Eredivisie match against AZ Alkmaar.
The game was subsequently abandoned.
The 34-year-old, a former international player for the Netherlands, thankfully regained consciousness and was safely carried off the field.
He later reassured fans on NEC’s social media that he was feeling well.
“The AZ-NEC match was stopped in the 90th minute on Sunday evening with a score of 1-2.
Bas Dost collapsed on the field and was immediately helped by all the emergency services present,” NEC said in a statement on their website.
https://youtu.be/nTt80HvO2kQ
“Dost was carried from the field by the emergency services and taken to the hospital.”
Players from both teams stood around Dost, who scored the opening goal and provided the assist for NEC’s second, while he was being treated.
“I’m doing well. The help I received on the field was fantastic,” Dost said on X,formerly known as Twitter. “I’m in the hospital now and I feel good. Thanks for all the support!”
AZ posted a message saying, “Bas Dost is fortunately conscious. Wishing you a lot of recovery and strength, Bas.”
On Sunday, City secured a comfortable 3-0 victory, with Erling Haaland scoring twice, including a first-half penalty, and another goal coming from Phil Foden.
Ten Hag has suffered some dismal results as United manager, but when asked whether the latest defeat to Pep Guardiola’s side made it one of his worst days in the job, he said, “Yes.”
He added, “Of course, it is disappointing, but last year we had many highlights. When you lose a derby the way we lose, that is disappointing.
“First half, we had a very good game plan and the execution was also very good. It was toe-to-toe first and it was very similar, but then the penalty changed the moment. Then, in the second half, we chose to become more offensive and it is 2-0 too quickly. From that point on it was a difficult game.”
It is now seven defeats from 14 games in all competitions this season but Ten Hag said he is confident his team is making progress.
“The three games before we won and the spirit is very good,” Ten Hag said. “I think we are on the way up. The start was difficult but now we are on the way up. When injuries are getting back, we will be getting stronger. We have to be patient but I am happy with some injuries coming back and then our side will be stronger.”
Later, Ten Hag reaffirmed his choice to relegate Raphaël Varane and Sergio Reguilón to the bench in favour of Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelöf.
He also defended his decision to substitute striker Rasmus Højlund during the second half, even though the substitution was met with loud jeers from the Manchester United fans at Old Trafford.
“I have to protect Rasmus Højlund and I have to protect the team,” Ten Hag added.
“He is putting so much effort into pressing, going through the transitions, going the long way, and fighting a tough opposition.
“He is not used to it—three games in a week—so I have to protect him and the team to bring some energy in. We have bench players Mason Mount and [Alejandro] Garnacho; we know he can change games.”
Ilkay Gündogan emphasised that Barcelona needs to exhibit more passion and determination, especially in high-stakes matches.
This assessment came after their 2-1 loss to Real Madrid at the Olympic Stadium on Saturday.
Barcelona initially took the lead in the first half, with Gündogan himself scoring.
However, Jude Bellingham’s two goals in the second half, including the decisive 92nd-minute winner, propelled Real Madrid back to the summit of LaLiga.
They are now level on points with Girona and hold a four-point lead over Barcelona.
Gündogan pointed out that Barcelona’s response to this defeat underscores the challenges they’ll encounter if they aspire to contend for the league title this season.
“I have to be honest, not as much as I wish because I don’t want to say something wrong, but I was in the dressing room and of course people are disappointed,” the Germany midfielder told La Liga TV.
“But especially after such a big game and a result that is so unnecessary, I wish for more frustration, more anger and more disappointment. This is a little bit of a problem.
“There has to be more emotion, especially when you lose and when you know you can perform better and do better in certain situations and you just don’t react.
“It transfers to the pitch at the end of the day. We need to make a huge step in that direction, because otherwise Real Madrid or even Girona are going to run away. I didn’t come here to lose this type of game or to let a gap create.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0u2vXI__Zg
Gündogan, 33, joined Barça as a free agent in the summer from Manchester City on the back of winning the Treble with the Premier League side.
Barça coach Xavi Hernández wanted to bring him in to add creativity in the final third, but also for his experience, and he accepts he has a big role to play in helping the team recover from losing to Madrid.
“There is also a responsibility for myself, as a more experienced player, to not allow the squad to just let things happen,” he added. “No, we need resistance.”
Defeat in El Clásico was Barça’s first in all competitions this season, although draws against Getafe, Mallorca and Granada meant they went into the weekend in third place in the table, behindMadrid and Girona.
Gündogan’s goal had given Barça a deserved lead at the break.But after Fermín López and Iñigo Martínez hit the woodwork for the home side, Bellingham’s 12th and 13th goals of a spectacular season helped Los Blancos turn things around.
Xavi felt the result was an unfair reflection of the game.
“The summary of the game is very simple,” he said in his postmatch news conference. “We had 60 really good minutes and scored one goal. Madrid had 20 good minutes and scored twice.
“But that’s football; if you don’t score the second… We need five or six [chances] to score a goal. With three, they score two. That’s football and that’s Madrid.”
Andre Trindade, at the age of 22, has played a pivotal role in Fluminense’s journey to the Copa Libertadores final.
They are set to face Boca Juniors in the final match on Saturday.
It’s worth noting that back in August, Liverpool made a €30 million offer for the Brazilian player, but it was rejected by his club.
“I’ve never talked about it; the first time I’ll talk about it will be now,” Andre told Globo. “It really was a good proposal for the club, from a big league. I think every player one day dreams of playing for a big club in Europe, in a big league.
“But I decided to keep my word because, when the January window closed, [Fluminense coach Fernando] Diniz arrived and told me that he wanted me here until the end of the year.
“We didn’t know that a proposal of this value would arrive.
“I told him that, regardless of what happened, I would be there until the end of the season. It was a very difficult decision to make.
“I think that if I had accepted this proposal, I don’t know if I would feel 100% comfortable, because I had already agreed with coach Diniz. He really values words and honesty and always tells me that when we do the right things, good things always happen.
“In January, he told me that without a doubt, if he stayed, I would play and my value would increase. I think you have to make the decision. Coming to the final, everyone will say now that I made the right decision. I think it was a very faithful gesture on my part to stay, try to get this title and try to help as much as possible.
“Now I’m going to doeverything to win this title. At the end of the year, I don’t know what will happen; many things could happen, but I’m sure that just having arrived here, knowing that it worked, that it was like this,
Borussia Dortmund has shown interest in signing 17-year-old Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Warren Zaire-Emery, as reported by Calciomercato.
Several European clubs are closely monitoring the young talent, who has already featured in nine of PSG’s ten Ligue 1 matches this season.
Both manager Luis Enrique and sporting director Luis Campos are eager to prioritise contract negotiations with Zaire-Emery in the upcoming weeks, as his current deal is set to enter its final 18 months in January.
Zaire-Emery made his professional debut for PSG in August 2022, earning the distinction of becoming the club’s youngest-ever player. His role has expanded this season as he shines in Luis Enrique’s revamped setup in the French capital.
Jude Bellingham once again proved to be the game-changer, securing a come-from-behind victory for Real Madrid in the season’s first Clasico on Saturday.
Bellingham, who has been in outstanding form since his summer move to Real Madrid, scored his first-ever Clasico goal.
Despite Barcelona taking the lead in the first half with Ilkay Gundogan’s strike, Bellingham levelled the match in the 68th minute by beating Marc-Andre ter Stegen and firing a shot into the top corner.
But Bellingham’s impact didn’t stop there.
The midfielder struck again in the late stages of the game, giving the hosts a 2-1 lead.
This goal marked a significant milestone as Bellingham became the first Englishman to score in this iconic fixture since Michael Owen did so for Los Blancos in 2005 at the Santiago Bernabeu.
With 13 goals and three assists in just 13 games for Carlo Ancelotti’s side, Bellingham currently holds the top position as La Liga’s leading goalscorer.
Real Madrid now enjoys a rare free midweek, allowing them to recuperate after a demanding schedule before they gear up to face Rayo Vallecano at home the following Sunday.
Arsenal striker, Eddie Nketiah, showcased his brilliance by securing his very first Premier League hat-trick as Arsenal continued their impressive performance, defeating Sheffield United 5-0 at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, October 28.
Nketiah left a significant mark on the match.
He initiated the scoring with a clever touch, capitalising on Declan Rice’s precise pass to exploit Sheffield United’s defence.
The former England U-21 player extended Arsenal’s lead with a powerful strike that found the back of the net’s roof, leaving Paul Heckingbottom’s struggling team in a precarious position.
This UK-born Ghanaian forward, who has already accumulated five league goals this season, had a spectacular afternoon, sealing it with a remarkable long-range shot from 25 yards out.
It’s important to note that Nketiah remains eligible to represent Ghana, as his only appearance for England was in a friendly match.
Nevertheless, considering his remarkable goal-scoring exploits, it may not be long before Nketiah secures a competitive England debut.
Regrettably, fellow GhanaianThomas Partey was absent from the squad due to injury.
Prominent Ghanaian dancehall artist Shatta Wale joined a chorus of celebrated footballers in showering praise on Eddie Nketiah, an English footballer of Ghanaian descent, following his remarkable Premier League hat-trick on Saturday, October 28, 2023.
In Arsenal’s resounding 5-0 triumph over Sheffield United, Eddie Nketiah emerged as the standout player, achieving a hat-trick with a display of various goal-scoring styles.
For his first goal, Nketiah flawlessly received a precise pass from Declan Rice, exhibiting a perfect first touch before skillfully evading the Sheffield goalkeeper.
The second goal saw the 24-year-old capitalise on a loose ball after an Arsenal corner, delivering a powerful strike into the top left corner of the net.
The third goal was particularly exceptional, as Nketiah unleashed a thunderous shot into the goal from a pass by Emile-Smith Rowe.
Arsenal’s two additional goals were contributed by Japanese fullback Takehiro Tomiyasu and Portuguese midfielder Fabio Vieira.
Following this remarkable hat-trick, Shatta Wale took to X (formerly Twitter) to commend Eddie Nketiah for this historic achievement. Shatta Wale’s tweet read: “Great things happen to great people – Congrats on your Hat-trick yesterday @EddieNketiah9 at the #Emirates Stadium. Nobody saw it coming.
“For once, you’ve never doubted yourself, Charlie. You are born great; keep shining.”
Eddie Nketiah’s Instagram page was inundated with congratulatory messages from former Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham, and Arsenal teammates Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, and David Raya, among others.
This hat-trick is expected to bolster Eddie Nketiah’s confidence as he steps up for Arsenal in the wake of the injury to Brazilian star Gabriel Jesus.
Nketiah’s remarkable hat-trick propelled Arsenal to a 5-0 victory, elevating them to second place in the Premier League table with 24 points after ten games.
Up next for Eddie Nketiah and Arsenal is a Carabao Cup match against West Ham on Wednesday, November 1, 2023.
Despite making his England debut on October 14, 2023, Eddie Nketiah remains eligible to represent Ghana, as the match he played in was a friendly against Australia.
After a two-month hiatus, Black Stars’ goalkeeper Jojo Wollacotthas successfully recovered and is now back in training, preparing for first-team action with Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership.
Wollacott sustained a hamstring injury in August while playing for Scottish club Hibernian during a Europa League match.
Following a series of medical scans, it was determined that he would not be able to return to action before the start of the 2023–24 season, causing him to miss a total of 10 games.
His return from injury is poised to provide a significant morale boost to his team, as he was an unused substitute in Hibernian’s recent 0-0 draw against Celtic in the Scottish Premiership on October 28.
Wollacott’s most recent appearance for the Black Stars was in June against Madagascar.
Unfortunately, he was unable to participate in Ghana’s crucial AFCON qualifier against the Central African Republic (CAR) and the team’s recent international friendly matches against Liberia, Mexico, and the USA.
However, it’s reassuring to know that he is fully prepared to take up his position as the goalkeeper for the Black Stars as they embark on their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Madagascar and Comoros in November.
His return is eagerly anticipated and will be pivotal for the national team’s aspirations in the World Cup qualifiers.
Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has successfully secured the authority to make the final decisions on transfers, according to reports by The Independent.
Following the Todd Boehly-led takeover, which occurred just over a year ago, Chelsea has spent over £1 billion on player acquisitions.
This extensive spending has resulted in a large and somewhat disjointed squad.
Pochettino expressed the desire to have control over the shaping of his squad to ensure it aligns with his tactical style.
As per the report, any future transfer activities will be aimed at addressing specific gaps or bolstering the squad’s depth to match Pochettino’s tactical preferences.
It will be a “collaborative process with the recruitment team, which includes co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart and co-director of recruitment and talent Joe Shields.”
Bayern Munich’s goalkeeper and captain, Manuel Neuer, is set to make his return to the field after breaking his leg in a skiing accident last year, according tocoach Thomas Tuchel.
Neuer’s last match was during the World Cup in Qatar on December 1, where Germany was eliminated in the group stage. Shortly after, he suffered a lower leg fracture while on vacation.
Bayern Munich had signed Switzerland goalkeeper Yann Sommer as a backup for the injured Neuer last season but allowed him to join Inter Milan in the summer.
Sven Ulreich, a long-serving reserve goalkeeper, has started in all but one of Bayern’s 13 games this season.
Bayern currently occupies the third position in the Bundesliga, trailing the leaders Bayer Leverkusen by two points, while promoted Darmstadt is positioned 12th.
In addition to his return with Bayern, Neuer also faces a challenge to reclaim his position as the first-choice goalkeeper for the German national team ahead of next year’s European Championship.
Former Ghanaian international Kwadwo Asamoah has unveiled how he successfully enlisted the support of Italian Serie A club Juventus for the establishment of the SMAC Academy.
Initially, Asamoah planned to collaborate with several clubs he had played for, but everything changed following a single phone call from Juventus club officials.
He elaborated that he had shared the project concept with Juventus coach Maximiliano Allegri and theJuventus Team Managerduring a phone call, and they readily agreed to come on board.
Asamoah credits his deep-rooted relationship with and respect for the club as instrumental in securing Juventus’ endorsement for the initiative.
Speaking at the opening of the Juventus Academy Ghana, Kwadwo Asamoah shared, “One day, Juventus coach Allegri and the team manager called me due to the relationship and respect I had for my club, coaches, and teammates. During our conversation, I told them about the project I was working on.”
He continued, “They asked me why I hadn’t informed them earlier, and I explained that my colleague was already in touch with them. Since that day, I have handed everything over to my colleague, and it took us less than three weeks to bring Juventus on board. This demonstrates how a player’s relationship and respect within the club can have a positive impact.”
The Juventus Academy Ghana was officially launched on October 27, 2023, and is located at the SMAC Sports Centre in Accra.
This partnership was made possible through the joint efforts of former Juventus player Kwadwo Asamoah and Massimiliano Colasuonno Taricone, the Italian Consulate to Ghana.
Over the years, Ghanaian footballers have left a notable mark on Serie A, with numerous players consistently finding the back of the net.
Below is a compilation of the top five highest-scoring Ghanaians in the history of Serie A.
Agyeman Badu and Asamoah Gyan: 11 goals
In the Italian league, Agyemang Badu andAsamoah Gyan share the record for scoring 11 goals each.
Badu had stints with Udinese and Hellas Verona, while Gyan plied his trade with Udinese and Modena.
Kwadwo Asamoah: 12 goals
This Ghanaian midfielder, who showcased his talents in Serie A, had tenures with Udinese, Juventus, and Inter Milan. Asamoah, known for his versatility and ability to perform on the wing or in the center of the field, netted 12 goals during his 204 appearances in the Italian top flight. His reputation was built on his exceptional work ethic and precise passing skills.
Emmanuel Gyasi: 13 goals
The Ghanaian striker who currently plays for Empoli played for Spezia and Sassuolo in Serie A. Gyasi has scored 13 goals in 101 appearances in the Italian top flight.
Gyasi is a quick and skilful striker who is known for his finishing ability. He has also represented Ghana at the international level, scoring two goals in eight appearances.
KP Boateng: 15 goals
KP Boateng, another influential Ghanaian midfielder, left a significant mark in Serie A with 15 goals across 131 appearances for Milan, Genoa, and Fiorentina.
His time in Italy was adorned with triumphs, as Boateng clinched the Serie A title, the Coppa Italia title, and the Supercoppa title. On the international stage, he proudly represented Ghana, participating in two FIFA World Cups.
Sulley Muntari – 29 goals
Sulley Muntari holds the record as the highest-scoring Ghanaian in Serie A history, having notched an impressive 29 goals throughout his 206 appearances for Udinese, Inter Milan, and AC Milan. Muntari, renowned for his versatility, was particularly noted for his thunderous shots and knack for scoring from long range.
He was not only a force in club football but also a crucial figure for the Ghana national team, contributing to their journey to the quarter-finals of the2010 FIFA World Cup.
Arsenal’s head coach, Mikel Arteta, has officially announced that Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey will be sidelined for several weeks due to a muscle injury he suffered.
During Arsenal’s commendable 2-1 victory against Sevilla in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, October 24 in Spain, the Black Stars’ deputy captain was notably absent from the squad.
This season, the defensive midfielder has participated in just five matches.
Fortunately, with the arrival of English midfielder Declan Rice, Arsenal has been able to secure some wins, a departure from previous seasons.
According to Arteta, he said, “He has got a muscle injury. We expect him to be out for a few weeks. He has more tests today. He picked it up in the last training session, the last kick on the ball before Sevilla”, according to Daily Telegraph reporter Sam Dean.
Partey made a return from a previous injury to contribute to Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Manchester City just before the international break.
While on international duty with the Ghana national team, he played a role in their 2-0 and 4-0 losses to Mexico and the United States in October.
However, concerns about Partey’s injuries have left many football fans uncertain about his future with the club. Fans have called on Arteta to sell him and find a suitable replacement to fill his position.
Chelsea icon Didier Drogba is set to be the presenter of the 2023 Ballon d’Or, and Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi is widely expected to claim the award once again.
The exceptionally talented Argentine forward is on track to secure his eighth Golden Ball, an incredible achievement, during an extravagant ceremony scheduled for Monday in Paris.
Messi played a pivotal role in Argentina’s World Cup triumph in Qatar in 2022 and has quickly made an impact in the United States after leaving European football to join Major League Soccer (MLS).
Messi seems to be the favourite to outshine Manchester City’s striker, Erling Haaland, for the most prestigious individual accolade. Haaland, despite an impressive 2022–23 season with 52 goals and a treble win, is anticipated to fall short of claiming the title of the world’s best player.
Haaland and Messi
Former Chelsea striker Drogba has revealed that he will be given the honour of overseeing the handing over of the famous Ballon d’Or trophy, with the iconic Ivorian saying: “On Monday, we’re going to present the 67th ceremony of the Ballon d’Or France Football. And we are going to talk about the last two World Cups.
“We’re going to talk about the treble of Manchester City. And amazing individual performances in men and women’s football as well. So I see you on Monday. You ready? Who’s going to be the next Ballon d’Or France Football?”
While Messi is poised to claim the men’s award, it seems likely that the Ballon d’Or Féminin will be awarded to Aitana Bonmati. The 2023 World Cup champion is expected to emulate her Barcelona and Spain teammate, Alexia Putellas, as she is acknowledged as the top player in women’s football.
FIFA Coaching Instructor Bernhard Lippert has stepped down from his position as the Technical Director of theGhana Football Association (GFA).
As per reports from Angel FM, Bernhard Lippert has resigned from his role as the Technical Director of the Ghana FA.
His exit comes after serving in the position for three years, having been appointed by the leadership of the Ghana FA, with President Kurt Okraku at the helm.
“FIFA Coaching Instructor Bernhard Lippert has been appointed as Technical Director of the Ghana Football Association for a period of two years,” an official statement from the GFA said at the time.
The statement continued, “As Technical Director of the Ghana FA, he will head the Technical Directorate and formulate guidelines, strategies and policies for the training and technical development of coaches of Ghana football, to provide advice to the Executive Council on coaching and technical development matters in general and the supervision of national football team coaches, to which the Technical Director may be assigned by the Association.
“Bernhard Lippert will be responsible for the strategy, development and technical direction of the Technical Directorate and the preparation and implementation of technical programmes at the grassroots, juvenile, and National Teams thereby preparing football coaches and footballers for the future.”
Having spent three years in the role and overseeing several initiatives, it is now apparent that Bernhard Lippert has vacated his position.
TheGhana FA has not issued an official statement regarding the reported departure.
Prominent sportsjournalist Jeffrey Asare has strongly criticised the government’s revocation of a tax waiver granted to Gold Fields Ghana for the construction of the TNA Stadium.
According to a report from Sompa FM, the government has rescinded a $2 million tax waiver previously extended to the mining company for the redevelopment of the TNA Stadium in Tarkwa.
Sharing his perspective on the government’s decision, Asare emphasised that the government had not been compelled to offer the tax waiver initially. He argued that Gold Fields did not require the waiver because they were capable of financing the $16 million project on their own.
“Why are you surprised? ” He asked the host. “Who said the government thinks about you? Government, you have disgraced yourselves. You couldn’t do anything, even the Sunyani project you disgraced yourselves. You couldn’t do anything significant at the Coronation Park. Even those that President Kufour built, you couldn’t maintain. Takoradi, Esipon, even that you couldn’t maintain,” he said on Sompa TV.
“A company that respects the area it operates has built this. Wait, who even told them to go and make the promise? Who forced them? Nobody forced you… They were doing their thing and did not need your $2 million tax waiver.
“With or without it, they would’ve done it anyway. If they have been able to raise $16 million, what is $2 million? Meanwhile, this would end up costing more than that because of how prices go up. They don’t need your tax waiver. Nobody requested it.”
In 2020, Goldfields Ghana, the primary sponsor of Medeama, revealed its commitment to invest GH₵ 65 million, which was equivalent to $16 million in dollars at the time, for the renovation and improvement of Medeama’s TNA Stadium.
“The ongoing upgrade of the TNA park, which is heavily funded by Goldfields Ghana Limited, has a construction cost of Ghc 65 million. The mining company is investing an enormous sum in the extensive development of TNA Park, which has operated over the years as the home for top league sides like Medeama SC.
“The new stadium, with a capacity of 10,400 seats, would feature updated amenities as well as disabled access. When completed, the facility will also be used by colts and division one clubs in Tarkwa.”
The stadium is 80% complete and is set to be ready for use in March 2024.
After Onana’s outstanding performance in Man United’s UEFA Champions League victory over Copenhagen, Garnacho posted a picture of Onana and included a caption featuring a Gorilla emoji while celebrating his heroics.
Onana made a crucial save by stopping a 90th-minute penalty, preventing Copenhagen from scoring an equalizer, resulting in a 1-0 victory for Man United.
The young Argentine forward deleted the tweet a short while later following criticism for the tweet that was perceived as having racial connotations.
Onana, in reaction, stated he is not offended and that he fully understands the message behind Ganarcho’s post, which is ‘power and strength’.
“People cannot choose what I should be offended by. I know exactly what @garnacho7 meant: power & strength. This matter should go no further,” he posted on Instagram.
The Football Association (FA) is currently monitoring the situation and may consider taking action regarding the matter.
On its website, theJuventus Academy further explains its purpose as one that aims to educate young players in every facet of the game. “The Juventus Academy project was born to bring Juventus’ colours, methods and values to as many kids as possible.
“Present in over 50 countries and on every continent, it offers both the teaching and development of football skills and educational training, accompanying young players in their growth, from introduction to the game to maturity, and not exclusively within the sport.
“All programs are available, regardless of the level of the participants, and the activities are based on respect for their mental and physical well-being. Fun is at the centre of all the proposed activities.”
It added: “Qualified coaches based in Turin provide constant support to projects with periodic visits to ensure that the standards of the Juventus Academy project are upheld.”
Juventus Academy in Ghana is set to be located at the SMAC Sports Centre in Accra.
Audrey and her long-time boyfriend consecrated their relationship on Thursday, October 26, 2023, and are now officially Mr. and Mrs.
Various family members and well-wishers of the groom and bride attended the traditional wedding to show their support.
A tweet by Asante Forkuo on Twitter announced the marriage, stating, “Coach Kwesi Appiah’s daughter Audrey had her traditional wedding today. Congratulations to her.”
In the meantime, Kwasi Appiah has expressed his aspiration to create history by guiding the country to itsmaiden FIFA World Cup qualification.
Coach Kwesi Appiah's Daughter Audrey, got married traditionally today. Congratulations to her. pic.twitter.com/W1QYrPqT3e
He also expressed his goals, which encompass creating a competitive team capable of qualifying for the next Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Appiah commenced his tenure as Sudan’s head coach on a positive note, guiding them to a rare victory against Chad, marking their first win since March.
The North African team secured a 1-0 victory over Chad in an international friendly held at theKing Fahd Stadium in Saudi Arabia earlier this month, in October.
Kwasi Appiah at his daughter’s marriage
Although Appiah’s spell as Sudan boss has been slightly destabilised by the turmoil in the country, the Ghanaian coach said he still hopes to achieve his targets, having been the first indigenous coach to lead Ghana to the World Cup in 2014.
“The target I have been given is to build a team and ensure the team qualifies for the 2026 World Cup and the next edition of the Africa Cup of Nations.
“The only challenge is that there is no ongoing league due to the ongoing war, which has forced them to operate from Saudi Arabia but I hope order and peace will be restored in the country,”Appiah told Asempa FM, as quoted by Ghanaweb.
Despite Darwin Nunez getting on the scoresheet in Liverpool’s 5-1 victory against Toulouse, Joe Cole believes that Nunez’s finishing skills are subpar, rating them as a “C.”
The Uruguayan forward has been gradually realising his potential under Jurgen Klopp after a lacklustre debut season in England. With two goals in three Europa League appearances, Nunez appears to be finding his form.
However, the 24-year-old is urged to be more clinical.
In the match against the French team, he missed a chance for a brace when he hit the post instead of finding the net, even with an open goal in front of him after rounding goalkeeper Guillaume Restes.
Nevertheless, Ryan Gravenberch capitalised on the rebound and scored, with Nunez providing the assist.
While Klopp dismissed criticism of the striker, Cole remains unimpressed and believes that Nunez needs to work extensively on his finishing skills to enhance his overall performance.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NN02rWbwaYE
“I think it does [sum him up as a player] but I think that can be harsh on him because he’s got so much to his game,” Cole told TNT Sports.
“He gets an A* in every part of his game, and his performance tonight was also fantastic but his finishing is a C at the moment, but that’s something he can work on.”
Cole hopes that Liverpool will stand vindicated for the £64 million ($79 million) that they paid upfront to Benfica for Nunez and compared him to Chelsea legend Didier Drogba, who was a late-bloomer at Stamford Bridge.
“It’s something (finishing) that often comes later on in strikers, something that they work on later, like Didier Drogba,” he stated.
“When he arrived at Chelsea, he wasn’t as polished as when he became the legend he was so the Liverpool fans will be hoping Darwin Nunez can turn into that kind of striker, one who seizes those opportunities and gets better with age.”
Prominent businessman and the founder of the now-defunct UT Bank, Kofi Amoabeng, has voiced his opinion that former President Jerry John Rawlings missed a significant opportunity for the development of Ghana.
He expressed the view that the first Ghanaian President of the 4th Republic did not sufficiently advance the country as required during his tenure.
During an interview on Kingdom FM on Thursday, October 27, 2023, Kofi Amoabeng asserted that the late Jerry John Rawlings had the greatest chance to bring about transformative changes in Ghana, but, in his opinion, he fell short of doing so.
Amoabeng went on to mention that the most notable achievement of the former president of Ghana was overseeing the country’s transition into the fourth republic.
“…when Papa Jay came, what did he do for Ghana? After all the people he killed, what did he do for Ghana?
“He didn’t do anything. What happened to us? But we had some stability, and he gave us the Fourth Republic,” he said.
Kofi Amoabeng made these statements in response to suggestions that Kennedy Agyapong, a hopeful flagbearer for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), might be an effective president for Ghana due to his perceived resemblance to the late Jerry John Rawlings.
Amoabeng contested the notion that Ghana requires a ‘radical president’ to bring about transformation, emphasising that even during the era of Jerry Rawlings, substantial change did not materialise.
Furthermore, Kofi Amoabeng recently criticised the performance ofPresident Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta. During an interview on TV3 in Accra, he expressed the view that the government had not executed sound economic planning.
“Of course, if you fail with the planning and management of the finances of the country, you have failed.
“So yes, [the Finance Minister] has failed; there is nothing too waste,” he said.
In a different interview, Mr. Amoabeng alleged that the government collapsed Heritage Bank just for political reasons.
Lead convener of #FixTheCountry and #OccupyJulorbiHouse protest movement in Ghana lawyer, has shared his experience during his arreston the first day of the #OccupyJulorbiHouse.
The 3-day protest, which spanned from September 21 to 23, 2023, in Accra, Ghana, was organised by a group called Democracy Hub to draw attention to the economic hardship, cost of living, abuse of power, corruption, and poor infrastructure in the country.
The protesters planned to picket at the Jubilee House, the seat of government, but were met with police resistance and brutality.
Many protesters and journalists were arrested and detained by the police, who claimed that the demonstration was unlawful and violated the Public Order Act.
During an appearance on Metro TV’s OneonOne Show hosted by Bridget Otoo, the lawyer mentioned that he was arrested and taken to a railway police station, which, unbeknownst to him, existed, following which he was isolated in a cell.
He said his greatest worry was his health, as he hadn’t taken his hypertension medication yet at the time of his arrest but all calls to seek medical attention proved futile.
“So in going in there, when I was first arrested and taken to the station, in the morning I hadn’t taken my BP medication so one of the things I said to them was that I was worried about that so how can I get access to a medical officer or even the medication? They said they couldn’t do anything and they had to hear from HQ”, he mentioned.
According to Mr Barker Vormawor, all efforts to get the police to write the statement right after their arrest took quite a while until later, when they decided to do so.
“Essentially, when we were arrested,one of the things I told them was that if you are arrested, I am your lawyer so then I was demanding them to represent everybody’s statement to be taken, even in terms of our devices and that took a long time before they started taking names”.
Meanwhile, the group is planning a whole-month demonstration where the protesters will throng the streets of Accra for a month.
The English international has been gradually improving his form in a Red Devils’ shirt, showcasing impressive performances in recent matches.
Maguire’s strong performance against Brentford was followed by an even more remarkable display against Copenhagen.
He played a pivotal role by scoring the winning goal, which revived United’s hopes in the race to reach the Champions League last-16, following two consecutive defeats against Bayern Munich and Galatasaray.
Tim Sherwood commended Maguire for his resilience and determination to remain at United, even though it was apparent that he wasn’t initially in Ten Hag’s plans.
Sherwood now believes that the Dutch manager should extend an apology to the defender for initially excluding him from his plans.
“Maguire was getting shoved out the door and you could see that the manager was trying to edge him out but he didn’t want to leave. He probably looked around the dressing room, saw how flaky the other players in his position were and decided that he’d eventually get some minutes,” he told William Hill and Footy Accumulators’ podcast, No Tippy Tappy Football.
“As a manager, when you have a player like Maguire who wants to give everything for the cause and leave nothing on the pitch, you can deal with that. The problem is when people go hiding and they don’t want to leave the treatment room because they want to be at 110% for every game they play, but that is never going to happen. I think he will play a lot more now, and I think Erik ten Hag owes him an apology,” he added.
The Old Trafford faithful was heard singing “his head’s f* massiiive, 1, 2, 3, 4”, a song Leicester fans affectionately penned for Maguire after he emerged as their hero on a Champions League night.
“Sherwood believes that the chorus will only grow stronger and louder as the defender will get more minutes in the upcoming matches in the absence of first-choice centre-back Lisandro Martinez.
“I think he’ll play a lot more football now because he’s made the manager realise it’s not all about superstars. Sometimes you need character, heart and personality to play at Old Trafford, and he has all of those. He might not be the greatest, but he’s certainly not the worst,” he said.
“The fans appreciate and recognise that he wants to be back in action for United. You can always turn things around by showing heart and playing for the badge, and that is exactly what he has shown. All of a sudden, he can turn the fans around and if you do turn them around they’ll never forget that,” he added.
The Manchester derby is scheduled to commence at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, which is an hour earlier than the typical kick-off time. Normally, the later Premier League matches on Sunday start at 4:30 p.m.
This change in the fixture’s date to October 29 and the adjustment in the start time were the outcomes of discussions with various stakeholders.
Explaining the reason behind the alteration, United released a statement that read: “The derby with Manchester City will be staged towards the end of the month, with the Old Trafford encounter being moved to October 29, kicking off at 3.30 p.m.
“The fixture, which we won 2-1 last season with Marcus Rashford netting a memorable winner, is to be shown live on Sky Sports in the UK.
“The unusual start time was agreed upon following consultation between the clubs, the broadcaster and local authorities.”
Both teams come into the match with a sense of assurance, having claimed victories in the midweek Champions League fixtures.
Manchester United clinched a hard-fought 1-0 win against FC Copenhagen on Tuesday, while Manchester City emerged triumphant with a 3-1 victory over Young Boys.
In the league standings, the Red Devils currently trail City by six places and six points, and they are determined to narrow that gap with a victory at Old Trafford.
In the previous season, they secured a win in this fixture, with Marcus Rashford scoring the crucial goal.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, aged 45, expressed that there is a “high chance” that Sandro Tonali, aged 23, could participate in Saturday’s Premier League match against Wolves, despite the 10-month ban imposed by Italian authorities due to gambling.
The Italian football federation disclosed on Thursday that the international midfielder had received a suspension extending into the next season as a result of an investigation into unlawful betting.
However, it’s important to note that the ban is still pending formal approval from the governing bodies, UEFA and FIFA.
Asked for his reaction on Friday, Howe said: “It’s a difficult one because we haven’t had official confirmation as a football club yet.
“We’ve heard the news, the statement, but we haven’t had anything from the Italian authorities at the moment, so we’re in limbo, really, waiting for that official confirmation to come through.”
Asked further if there was a chance he could yet play for Wolves, Howe added: “Yes, I think there’s a high chance again that he could be available for us. I still think there are a few things that have to happen before the ban is imposed, so let’s see.”
🎙️ Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media ahead of #WOLNEW tomorrow.
On Sandro Tonali:
"We haven’t had any official confirmation yet; we haven’t had anything from the Italian authorities at the moment. There is a high chance that he could be available for us at Wolves. We… pic.twitter.com/o41oJOcmO2
