Despite his recent retirement, former Belgian forwardEden Hazard has proven that his footballing skills remain sharp.
He participated in a charity exhibition match alongside Kylian Mbappe’s father, Wilfried, and left a significant mark on the game.
Hazard, who announced his retirement following his departure from Real Madrid during the summer, demonstrated his prowess by notching a goal and providing two assists during the match.
Hazard played for Varietes CF against Team Calais and exhibited his trademark skills, setting up Wilfried Mbappe, the father of PSG superstar Kylian Mbappe, who seized the opportunity to score the sixth goal for his side.
The match included several other prominent figures, as Hazard partnered with Ludovic Giuly and Arsenal legend Robert Pires in the forward line.
The midfield featured renowned names like Didier Deschamps, Claude Puel, and Yohan Cabaye, while the defence was fortified by Christian Karembeu, formerBayern Munich defender Daniel Van Buyten, Laurent Blanc, and Mathieu Debuchy.
Guarding the goalposts was former German international and Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann.
The charity game managed to raise around £12,900, which will be dedicated to supporting children and teenagers at the Pieces Jaunes hospital.
Former Manchester United forward, Dimitar Berbatov, has expressed his belief that Harry Maguire has the potential to follow a redemption path reminiscent of David Beckham’s at Old Trafford.
Berbatov, aged 42, has proposed that Maguire, following his impressive showing against Brentford, could embark on a similar journey as Beckham, who rebounded from disappointment at the 1998 World Cup to have one of his best seasons in the Premier League.
“Harry Maguire was good against Brentford. The only thing he can do is stay concentrated when given the chance to perform and not make silly mistakes,” Berbatov told Betfair.
“When he speaks, you can see that Harry is confident in his ability. When he was given the captain’s armband, his confidence obviously increased, but so did his ego.
“Now that the captain’s armband has been taken away, his ego is hurt. He needs to start rebuilding his relationship with the fans again. The chance is there for him to show he can handle everything again.
“Maybe, like we saw in the Beckham documentary, Harry is going through that tough time right now but hopefully, in the end he can find redemption at the end of his own movie.”
During the summer transfer window, there were strong links between Maguire and a potential departure from the club, particularly with West Ham United expressing interest.
However, Maguire has stayed put and may now contend for a spot in the starting lineup, given that injuries have sidelined players like Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane, and Luke Shaw.
Speaking on his United future while on international duty with England, Maguire said, “I am not going to sit here all my life and play once a month. If it carries on, I am sure myself and the club will sit down and have a chat about things.
“It’s not my decision whether I start the next game for United or not. In a couple of weeks, I’ll go back and find out. At the moment, I haven’t been playing anywhere near as much as I would like. That is the bottom line.”
During the summer transfer window, there were strong links between Maguire and a potential departure from the club, particularly with West Ham United expressing interest.
However, Maguire has stayed put and may now contend for a spot in the starting lineup, given that injuries have sidelined players like Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane, and Luke Shaw.
Reports suggested thatMohammed Kudus, the Black Stars midfielder, was on the brink of a transfer to Chelsea, with both parties agreeing on personal terms.
However, the deal ultimately fell through.
According to his agent, Jennifer Mendelewitsch, the deal couldn’t come to fruition because Chelsea declined to meet Ajax’s €40 million asking price.
Mendelewitsch revealed in an interview with RMC that Chelsea had offered to pay only half of the asking price, an offer that Ajax rejected.
In an unexpected twist, West Ham United stepped in and agreed to meet Ajax’s demands, successfully securing the signing of the talented Ghanaian player.
🎙 "La vérité, c'est qu'à Chelsea, ils étaient complètement pris par le transfert de Caicedo, qui leur prenait toute leur énergie."
Émission absolument passionnante avec @JenMendel, agent de joueurs, qui nous raconte, avec son expérience, les dessous de certains transferts. pic.twitter.com/07dh5TMd0q
Kudus has made a promising start to his journey at West Ham, finding the net three times despite limited playing time. He has yet to secure a starting spot in a Premier League game, having featured in five matches, played a total of 72 minutes, and scored one goal.
His three starts in eight games have primarily been in theEuropa League and the English Football League Cup.
Lecturer at the Kumasi campus of the University of Education Winneba, Aaron Kuma, has emphasised that the origins of Ghana’s present economic crisis can be traced back to a period preceding the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
This university lecturer highlights that the banking sector crisis of 2017 holds substantial responsibility for the current state of Ghana’s finances, exerting a lasting impact on the nation’s economic situation even six years later.
“It is not COVID and the Ukraine war that have gotten us to this point as a nation. The banking crisis is one of the major critical issues because a whooping amount of close to $27 billion was used for bailouts,” he stated on Kumasi-based Hello FM.
He observed that the Bank of Ghana, which was tasked with the crucial responsibility of restructuring the banking sector through a cleanup in 2020, fell short in effectively tackling the issue.
The approach of collapsing multiple banks without a thorough case-by-case examination was, in his view, inadequate.
“If I was the finance minister or the governor of the Bank of Ghana, I am not sure that is how I would have handled it. I would’ve done it on a case-by-case basis,” he noted.
Professor Stephen Kwaku Asare, also known as Kwaku Azar, has strongly criticised the General Legal Council (GLC), labelling their actions as “professional bullying.”
His comments come in the wake of the GLC’s treatment of Elorm Aba Ababio, a social media influencer and aspiring lawyer known as Ama Governor.
The GLC recently announced that Ama Governor’s Call to the Bar has been suspended for the second time.
Her application to the Bar was denied just days before the scheduled call to the Bar ceremony set for October 20, 2023.
The decision was conveyed through a letter dated October 18, 2023, signed by Justice Cyra Pamela C. A. Koranteng (JA), the Judicial Secretary.
The GLC’s decision was based on their evaluation of Elorm Ababio’s conduct in the period leading up to her application.
In response to the GLC’s decision, Kwaku Azar took to Facebook to express his concerns, denouncing the denial of Ama Governor’s Call to the Bar as a type of persecution that could have negative repercussions for the realms of education, innovation, and productivity.
He questioned the need for what he viewed as unwarranted scrutiny, stating, “This professional bullying stifles learning, creativity, productivity, etc. Why is a moribund regulator spying on this young woman? Da Yie!”
Azar further urged the GLC to reflect on their own conduct, suggesting that the conduct monitors should begin by evaluating their actions.
“The conduct monitors should start with their own conduct! We tolerate too much unjust conduct in this polity. Da Yie!”
He added in another post, “GLC should stop the persecution of Ama Governor. It has no power to monitor her or deny her a place at the Bar. Da Yie!”
Following a meeting held on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, the General Legal Counsel resolved that Elorm Ababio’s application should be declined due to certain elements noted in her public conduct prior to the submission of her application.
The Council reached two decisions:
Elorm Ababio is permitted to complete the necessary forms for her application to be called to the Bar at any point in time after the October 20, 2023, event.
In the interim, the General Legal Council will continue to monitor Elorm Ababio’s conduct.
BACKGROUND
In 2022, Ama Governor, despite fulfilling all the necessary prerequisites, faced a denial of her call to the Bar.
The General Legal Council cited a complaint alleging “conduct unbecoming of an applicant to be called to the Bar” as the reason for their decision, triggering widespread public reactions both on and off social media.
Many individuals questioned the rationale behind this decision, while others praised the General Legal Council for its stance.
Ama Governor herself vehemently refuted any claims of offensive behaviour or inappropriate communication. She maintained that she had not been informed of any specific instances of misconduct and believed that she had been treated unfairly.
However, in September 2023, during the 2022-2023 bar conference, the General Legal Council revealed in a report that a committee had considered the complaint and Ama Governor had been granted permission to commence her application to be called to the Bar for the October/November 2023 sessions.
His choice, while not unexpected, is mainly attributed to his extensive injury setbacks and extended periods of inactivity during his tenure at Real Madrid.
In an interview with L’Avenir news outlet, Hazard disclosed additional factors that influenced his decision to step away from the game.
“I always said that I would stop playing as soon as I no longer had fun on the field,” he is quoted to have said.
Insinuating that he could have swapped Europe for the Gulf, where a number of his contemporaries are currently plying their trade, he said: “I didn’t want to go play somewhere for the money. I didn’t enjoy training, and I didn’t play anymore. The decision was simple,” told L’Avenir.
The Chelsea legend announced his retirement on October 10 in an emotional statement on his Instagram page.
“You must listen to yourself and say stop at the right time. After 16 years and more than 700 matches played, I have decided to end my career as a professional footballer,” he wrote in part, thanking his clubs and national side.
Eden Hazard, arguably one of the greatest Belgian players ever, played 749 games, scored 200 goals, provided 193 assists, and won 15 trophies, including theUEFA Champions League, Premier League, UEFA Europa League, La Liga and others.
The National Cathedral Secretariat is under scrutiny, with Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams and Reverend Eastwood Anaba asserting that the organization’s financial records have not been audited, prompting their resignations from the project’s board of trustees.
In a counter statement, the project’s Executive Director, Dr. Paul Opoku-Mensah, clarified that Deloitte had been appointed to conduct the audit.
“Following this, the engagement letter for Deloitte to officially begin the audit was drafted and signed by Deloitte on March 27, 2023, and set up on their system on May 17, 2023.
The expectation was that the first part of the audit was to be completed in July 2023. The audit process, so far, can be confirmed with the auditors, Deloitte”, the statement said.
It noted: “The Board was constantly updated on the process through the Chairman and the Steering Committee, as well as the Executive Director’s reports to the meetings of the Board.”
“Although Archbishop Duncan Williams and Rev. Eastwood Anaba were not present at both the June 2023 and September 2023 meetings, they and all the other Board members who were not physically present at the meeting were sent copies of all the documents for the Board meeting, including the Executive Director’s report.
The claim that they have received no information whatsoever on the audit process is therefore false.”
Son of former Arsenal forward Jose Antonio Reyes Jose Antonio Reyes Jr., has officially signed his first professional contract with Real Madrid.
Jose Antonio Reyes, who had a distinguished career playing for clubs like Arsenal, Madrid, Sevilla, Atletico, and others, tragically lost his life in a car accident at the age of 35 in 2019.
Reyes Jr. joined the Real Madrid academy at the age of 11, previously being part of Leganes, and has now taken this significant step by signing his first professional deal with the club.
“It’s a very special moment for me,” Reyes Jr. wrote on social media. “I have signed my first professional contract withReal Madrid and I want to thank the club for their trust and my family for their daily support! I will keep working and pushing my hardest to go very far!”
Juventus may consider extending the contract of midfielder Weston McKennie, as reported by Calciomercato.
Despite being on the brink of leaving the club during the summer, the United States international has become a valuable asset for the Italian team, making eight appearances in Serie A, six of which were starts.
While McKennie’s current contract with Juventus runs until June 2025, his improved performances have prompted discussions of a potential new contract for the 25-year-old.
Arsenal could reportedly part ways with midfielder Jorginho in the upcoming January transfer window, just a year after his £10 million move from Chelsea.
The 31-year-old is not a regular starter in Arsenal’s midfield, and with his contract set to expire in the summer, the club may consider a transfer for a nominal fee.
Juventus, now under the technical direction of former Napoli chief Cristiano Giuntoli, is said to be interested in reacquiring the former Napoli midfielder in Serie A.
The Northern Echo reports that Eddie Howe’s team is prepared to pursue Phillips in the upcoming January transfer window. Bayern has also expressed interest in the player if he opts to leave City.
Speaking about his future at the Etihad Stadium after featuring in England’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Italy last night, Phillips stated, “I am aware that I must play matches and compete every weekend.”
“I’m going to have to make a decision on [my future] over the next few months. “Gareth just says that for me to keep my spot, I have to be playing games. That’s what I want to do. I have agreed with Gareth on that. “I want to play football and want to play as much as possible. Over the last year and a half, I haven’t been able to do that due to injuries and other factors.
“It’s something I am going to have to think about. Hopefully my chance does come but if it doesn’t, then I will have to make other decisions as well.”
Kalvin Phillips, who plays for Manchester City, will now rejoin Pep Guardiola’s squad with hopes of earning a place in the starting lineup for their upcoming match against Brighton andHove Albion on Saturday.
Song made the decision to leave the English club during the peak of his career and sign for the Catalan club, even though he wasn’t guaranteed regular playing time.
The 36-year-old explained that his main focus was on the opportunity to amass wealth, and he wasn’t overly concerned about his playing time.
“When Barcelona offered me a contract and I saw how much I would earn, I didn’t think twice,” he told Toronto Raptors basketball star “I felt my wife and children should have comfortable lives once my career is over.
“I met Barca’s sporting director, and he told me I would not get to play many games. But I didn’t give a f***—I knew that now I would become a millionaire.”
The 49-time capped Cameroonian footballer ended up making 39 appearances in four seasons at Barcelona, winning one La Liga and the Copa Del Rey, as reported by transfermarkt.com.
Former Cameroon international Alexandre Song has secured victory in the Djibouti Premier League with his club, Artar Solar 7.
The formerArsenal midfielder made the move to Djibouti City from Swiss giant FC Sion in November 2020.
Song, who is 34 years old, was one of the players released by the Swiss top-flight club after he declined to reduce his salary in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Harry Maguire has condemned those fans who jeered Jordan Henderson during international matches at Wembley, stating that “proper England fans do not boo players.”
Henderson faced jeers as he left the pitch in Friday’s 1-0 friendly victory over Australia, and he expressed his disappointment about the negative reception.
The 33-year-old midfielder has faced criticism for leaving his role as Liverpool captain to join Steven Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro League in July.
During his time at Anfield, Henderson was a prominent advocate for LGBTQ rights, and he recently apologized for any pain his move to a country where homosexuality is illegal may have caused.
There were murmurs of discontent when Henderson’s name was announced before the Australia match, and a vocal minority audibly jeered when he was substituted in the second half.
Some boos were also heard as he came off the bench in Tuesday’s 3-1 Euro 2024 qualifying victory against Italy.
“Proper England fans don’t boo players,” he told Sky Sports.
“Don’t boo players who dedicate their life to play and do everything they can to make this country have good memories and special moments for them and the fans and their families.
“I know a lot of top, topEngland fans and I know the England fans who have been with me ever since my debut.
“They’re right behind me and they’re right behind Jordan as well.
“You heard a lot of cheers and yes, a few jeers, but they aren’t England fans.”
Henderson, who was named captain against the Socceroos, and Maguire are likely to retain the faith of Gareth Southgate despite some negative reactions, as the England boss said on the eve of the Italy game he could not pick his team on a “popularity contest”.
Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo has provided an update on the situation regarding the late Nigerian singer Mohbad, who passed away on September 12, 2023.
She shared on Instagram that the police are still awaiting the toxicology results from the autopsy.
Additionally, Ojo revealed that the case has been transferred to the Directorate of Public Prosecution and that Mohbad’s body has not been released since it was exhumed in September.
She also pointed out that the surveillance cameras in Mohbad’s residence were never connected, resulting in a lack of footage to document the events surrounding his death.
“Update on Mohbad’s case: Please note that the CCTV camera in Mohbad’s house was never fixed or connected; it has no BVR or hard disc. Good news! DJ Splash has been discharged, and he is recovering very fast. Very soon, he will provide his own statement and address the general public. God bless us all,” Iyabo shared.
She further revealed, “Mohbad’s wife has been interrogated three times to the best of my knowledge. Two out of the three times was the day you all saw Mohbad’s dad televised by the police, in which they addressed the public on Mohbad’s case.
“Later that same day, Mohbad’s dad, mum and wife were sent to Panti for interrogation and to write their statements. Another day Mohbad’s wife was interrogated was the 21st of September 2023—the reason why Tonto and Senator Ishaku Abbo met her absences.”
The unexpected and enigmatic passing of Mohbad in September prompted peaceful nationwide protests, urging the police to launch an investigation. In response to public demands, an autopsy was conducted after his body was exhumed from his grave in Ikorodu.
Despite the police’s initial statement that the singer died from reactions to three injections administered by an auxiliary nurse, there is still a public anticipation for the results of the autopsy, which includes the toxicology report.
Following extensive questioning of more than 20 individuals, the police have identified five suspects in Mohbad’s case.
These include Feyisayo Ogendengbe, the nurse responsible for administering the injections at the singer’s residence, and Ayobami Sadiq, also known as Spending, a friend of the singer who invited the nurse.
Another friend of the deceased, Owodunni Ibrahim, known as Primeboy, who reportedly had a physical altercationwith Mohbad a day before his demise, is another suspect. Naira Marley, his former music label boss, and Sam Larry, both of whom the singer had accused of bullying and physical assault prior to his death, are also under investigation.
Organisers of the renownedMiss Golden Stool, Jay N Jay Company Limited, have revealed the sixteen participants for the 5th edition of the event, which is dedicated to celebrating the culture and traditions of the Akans.
This year’s finalists include: Abraba, Ababio, Frimpomaa, Osaah, Oseikrom, Agyakowaa, Osika, Darkowaa, Akua, and Animounyam. Additionally, the list features Antwiwaa, Awura, Nana, Amoakoaa, Oseikrom, and Appiawaa.
The unveiling ceremony took place at the Silicon Event Centre in Tesano last Saturday, providing the contestants with an opportunity to introduce themselves and share their aspirations for the pageant.
The competition will follow the format of previous editions, with weekly eliminations leading to the selection of the final six contestants who will compete for the coveted crown at the grand finale on December 17.
In an interview with the media, Akua Amoakowaa, the CEO of Miss Golden, highlighted the pageant’s cultural significance and its mission to promote the rich heritage and traditions of the Akans.
She stated, “Miss Golden Stool is a culturally inclined beauty pageant that seeks to nurture and mentor a group of young women who will utilise their physical beauty, intellect, and deep knowledge of their culture to make a positive impact in various areas, including sanitation, tourism, health, and other social and economic issues, with a strong focus on cultural development in the Akan regions.”
Furthermore, Akua hinted at exciting surprises in store for this year’s edition, with a promise of outstanding musical performances during the grand finale.
Last year’s event featured artists like Kwaisey Pee, Obaapa Christy, and Jayana, and this year, a fresh lineup of prominent musicians will grace the stage, organisers say.
Veteran sound engineer and music producerZapp Mallet has expressed his view that there is no issue with gospel artists collaborating with secular musicians on a song.
He believes that musicians, regardless of their specific genre or category, are essentially the same, and there is no valid basis for criticism in such collaborations.
Mallet, a seasoned sound engineer, emphasises that gospel artists can benefit from collaborating with secular musicians, as it brings out the best in them and contributes to the advancement of their music careers.
In an exclusive interview with GhanaWeb on October 17, 2023, Zapp Mallet challenged those who criticise gospel artists for partnering with secular musicians and questioned the basis for their objections.
“On what basis are people saying that [gospel artists shouldn’t collaborate with secular musicians]? Is it on moral, religious, spiritual, artistic, or financial grounds? On what grounds are they saying that?
“As a person, I think music is an art so if a secular person is collaborating with a gospel artiste there will be a conversation before that so it will definitely have an influence on the song,” he said.
“I’m saying that they will bring out the best in them and can give something positive so it shouldn’t be seen as a problem. At the end of the day, they are putting their art together but anyway, everybody has their own opinion about it, but I don’t see anything wrong with it,” Zapp Mallet told GhanaWeb.
The collaboration between gospel artists and secular musicians has sparked controversy within the creative arts industry.
Some figures in the gospel community have voiced their disapproval, arguing that the two genres should remain separate and not be mixed.
While this debate is not new, it gained renewed attention when gospel artist Joyce Blessing revealed that her song ‘Victory’ was composed, produced, and directed by Kuami Eugene, a secular musician.
Nana Aba Anamoah has responded tothe Black Stars’ dismal performance in their friendly match against the USA.
During the Wednesday dawn game, the Black Stars of Ghana displayed one of their worst performances, particularly in the first half, which resulted in a 4-0 victory for the US team.
This outcome has evoked frustration and bewilderment among Ghanaian fans on social media.
In her response, Nana Aba Anamoah has added her voice to the chorus of Ghanaians sharing their opinions on the matter.
The broadcaster expressed that she was not taken aback by the national football team’s poor performance.
She elucidates that over the years, the American football team has made progress, whereas the Black Stars continue to struggle with setbacks.
“People vex oo. Were you expecting to beat the USA? They have progressed. We have retrogressed. Know this and know peace,” she wrote on Twitter.
Ghanaians have responded with fury to the Black Stars’ performance, leading to demands for the dismissal of the team’s coach, Chris Hughton.
In less than a week, the Black Stars have given up a total of six goals, including a prior 2-0 loss to Mexico.
Social media has been abuzz with reactions following the national football team, the Black Stars, enduring a humiliating loss at the hands of the United States of America in the early hours of Wednesday.
Ghana was soundly beaten by the U.S.A. with a score of 4-0 in a friendly match at GEODIS Park in Nashville, Tennessee, on Wednesday, October 18.
The first half of the game saw the Americans dominating, with goals scored by Christian Pulisic and Florian Bloguna.
The defeat has left many fans expressing their astonishment and pointing fingers at those they believe bear responsibility, including the players, coaches, and the technical team.
Several celebrities have also taken to social media platforms to convey their disappointment about the loss, with many questioning how Ghana wasdefeated so convincingly.
OB Amponsah
are we also saying that despite bribery and politics and tribalism and classism and nepotism, most of those blackstar players are all among the top 30 best players in Ghana? #OccupyJulorbiHousehttps://t.co/h9u1npnd6Q
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is eagerly awaiting confirmation of his investment in Manchester United ahead of the January transfer window.
However, there are lingering concerns about the available finances to bolster the squad, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Ratcliffe and his INEOS consortium have put forward a £1.35 billion [$1.643 billion] proposal to acquire a 25% stake in the club, which would also grant them control over the sporting aspects of the business.
Insiders have informed ESPN that Ratcliffe is mindful of potential backlash from supporters, as his deal would allow the unpopular Glazer family to retain ownership.
To mitigate this, there’s a belief that a successful January transfer window could help appease the fans.
Nonetheless, there are worries that financial fair play (FFP) regulations may pose challenges for business operations, especially given the absence of plans to wipe out the club’s debt.
Repaying the debt, which was reported to be close to £1 billion in March, could provide a boost to the transfer budget.
However, with approximately £178 million already committed to player acquisitions prior to the new season, there is currently limited flexibility.
United used their entire summer budget to secure Rasmus Højlund, Mason Mount, André Onana, Altay Bayindir, Sergio Reguilón, Sofyan Amrabat, and Jonny Evans.
In fact, the financial constraints were so tight that Bayindir, Reguilón, and Amrabat could only join the club after Dean Henderson’s permanent move to Crystal Palace was finalised.
The upcoming home game against FC Copenhagen in the Champions League on October 24 is expected to be met with supporter protests, as news of Ratcliffe’s proposed minority investment implies that the Glazers will maintain overall control.
Furthermore, there are growing concerns that high-profile home games scheduled for global broadcasting could become the target of disgruntled fans.
A notable incident occurred in May 2021 when an anti-Glazer protest led to the postponement of United’s Premier League fixture against Liverpool due to fans storming the pitch at Old Trafford.
The Manchester derby against rivals and Premier League champions Manchester City, one of the season’s most significant matches, is slated to take place at Old Trafford on October 29.
Newcastle star Sandro Tonali, has reportedly admitted to prosecutors that he placed bets onAC Milan games during his time with the club.
The Turin prosecutor’s office questioned him for nearly three hours, and according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Tonali disclosed that he indeed engaged in betting on football matches, including those involving Milan.
This admission adds complexity to the situation.
Tonali insists that he did not place bets on Milan matches when he was actively playing. If this claim is validated, he may avoid being charged with match-fixing, as he would not have influenced any games.
However, gambling on his own team could still lead to a suspension longer than three years from the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) prosecutor.
Additionally, Tonali has revealed that he struggles with a gambling addiction, which could lead to part of his penalty being allocated to mandatory therapy sessions.
The Italy international is likely hoping for a similar punishment to what Juventus midfielder Nicolo Fagioli received, which consisted of a seven-month ban, a fine, and therapy.
It’s worth noting that the FIGC prosecutor’s office is not the only entity investigating Tonali’s betting activities. There is also a criminal inquiry into his involvement with an illegal gambling platform.
The 23-year-old potentially faces substantial fines for using unauthorised betting websites. Investigators have the means to compare his statements with the evidence found on his confiscated mobile phone and tablet.
In addition to Tonali and Fagioli, Aston Villa’s Nicolo Zaniolo has also been implicated in the betting scandal and could encounter a similar fate.
After a five-year construction process, the newly builtKoforidua Multi-purpose Youth Resource Centre in the Eastern Region is set for its official commissioning.
This project, initiated in March 2018 with an estimated cost of $1.8 million, has transformed the ageing Koforidua Sports Stadium, which has been in existence for over 60 years, into a modern and updated facility.
Originally planned for completion within a year, the project faced delays due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic challenges it brought.
The Koforidua Multi-purpose Youth Resource Centre is one of the six centers to be inaugurated by the Minister of Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif, in the coming weeks.
Upon completion, these centres will offer various amenities, including a 5,000-seat stadium expandable to 10,000, an eight-lane running track, tennis courts, a gymnasium, a basketball court, handball courts, an ICT centre, an entrepreneurship centre, and a restaurant.
The Koforidua Multi-purpose Youth Resource Center, along with five other centers, is ready to be commissioned. The Minister for Youth and Sports, Hon. @ussif_mustapha Ussif visited the Koforidua center to assess its progress. pic.twitter.com/XdFxuOIQgq
— Ministry of Sports & Recreation. (@moysgovgh) October 17, 2023
Despite his team conceding six goals across two matches and facing criticism for a perceived lack of structure and planning, Black Stars coach Chris Hughton remains steadfast in his belief that he possesses the competence and experience necessary to transform the team’s fortunes.
Chris Hughton’s coaching prowess as the leader of the Black Stars has come under scrutiny once again following another disappointing showing in their friendly match against the United States of America.
In this match, the Black Stars allowed four goals within just 45 minutes.
Addressing the team’s performance during his post-match press conference, Chris Hughton reiterated his conviction that he is the right person to guide the team and requested time to rectify the issues that have troubled his tenure as Black Stars coach.
“If you ask me if I feel like I’m the right person for this job, the answer is yes,” Hughton said when quizzed during the press conference.
The Black Stars endured a resounding 4-0 defeat at the hands of the United States of America at GEODISS Park on Wednesday, October 18, 2023.
The onslaught commenced with Giovanni Reyna’s goal in the 10th minute, following a lacklustre clearance by the Black Stars.
Nine minutes later, Christian Pulisic added a second goal from the penalty spot, and Folarin Balogun struck a third in the 22nd minute.
This flurry of goals saw the Americans score three times in just 12 minutes.
The fourth and final goal came three minutes before halftime, courtesy of an indirect free-kick converted by Giovanni Reyna, securing his second goal of the night.
The outcome means thatChris Hughton’s team has conceded a total of six goals in less than a week, following a prior 2-0 defeat to Mexico in Charlotte.
Ghanaian artist King Promise has criticised Ghana’s performance against the United States of America, describing it as a ‘joke’.
In an international friendly, the USA effortlessly defeated the Black Stars, securing a comprehensive 4-0 win during the early hours of Wednesday, October 18, 2023.
King Promise expressed his dissatisfaction with the team’s dismal display in the match on Twitter.
The Terminator hitmaker, in a series of tweets, wrote, “What a joke” and also questioned why Salis Samed started the game from the bench, “Why Salis dey bench? whyyyy kmtt.”
Ghana conceded all four goals in the first half, specifically in under 40 minutes.
Goals from Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun and a brace by Rayna did the damage.
Chris Hughton’s side finished the international break with two losses in two games, conceding six goals while failing to score.
Australia’s coach, Graham Arnold (60), has appealed to the government for assistance in ensuring the safety of the Socceroos during their World Cup qualifier againstthe Palestinian team.
This request is prompted by security concerns in the region.
Notably, there has been recent violence, with Hamas militants being involved in an attack on communities in southern Israel on October 7th, resulting in more than 1,300 casualties among Israelis.
In response, health authorities in the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip reported at least 3,000 casualties during Israel’s 11-day bombardment following the attack.
Australia is scheduled to face the Palestinian team in an Asia qualifying match on November 21st, with the venue yet to be determined.
“No doubt we’re going to need the government’s support in those types of decisions on where we’re playing Palestine and even Lebanon,” Arnold told reporters in London.
“Because of what is going on at the moment, it’s quite scary.
“We’re obviously not on top of everything that is going on on the security side of things in the Middle East; no doubt the government is more into that than we are, so give us some help so the decision is safe.
“We need to be safe.”
In their final match before the 2026 World Cup qualifier against Bangladesh in Melbourne on November 16th, Australia secured a 2-0 victory againstNew Zealand in a friendly held in London on Tuesday.
Ghanaian coach James Kwesi Appiah celebrated his inaugural victory as the head coach of Sudan when they clinched a narrow win against Chad in an international friendly on Tuesday.
Sudan had been facing difficulties in recent matches, with a disappointing four-game winless streak, but they managed to secure a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Chad at the King Fahd Stadium in Saudi Arabia.
The pivotal goal that secured the victory came in the 30th minute, marking a significant triumph for Appiah’s team following his debut match, which had ended in a 1-1 draw against Tanzania.
Earlier this month, the former Black Stars coach was appointed as Sudan’s head coach, committing to a three-year contract with the primary aim of rejuvenating football in the Northeast African nation.
He has a support team of fellow Ghanaians, including Ignatius Osei Fosu, the former coach of Techiman Eleven Wonders and Dreams FC, as well as former Black Stars goalkeeper Fatau Dauda, who is serving as the goalkeeper’s trainer.
Sudan has set its sights on qualification for the 2026 World Cup, with crucial qualifiers against Togo and DR Congo slated for next month.
Unfortunately, they missed out on qualification for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, which is scheduled to kick off in January 2024 in Ivory Coast.
22-year-old Juventus midfielder, Nicolo Fagioli, who faced a ban from the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) due to a violation of rules related to betting on matches, has issued an apology to football enthusiasts.
In a social media post on Wednesday, he addressed falsehoods that had been circulated about him.
Fagioli was handed a 12-month suspension, with five of those months being suspended, and was further fined 12,500 euros ($13,225) on Tuesday.
Additionally, he has committed to participating in a program aimed at addressing issues related to gambling.
“I thought I would begin by apologising not only to Juventus fans but to all fans in the world of football and sport for the naive mistake I made,” Fagioli said on his Instagram account.
“Instead, I’m forced to start with the disgusting things that newspapers and people write about me, just to put me in a bad light with a thousand lies, or rather, just to gain two more views.”
Nicolò Fagioli’s message on Instagram (translated)
“I thought I would start by apologising not only to the Juventus fans, but to all the fans in the world of football and sport for the naive mistake I made"
At present, the 22-year-old has refrained from providing additional information. He concluded his social media post by stating that he plans to address the matter in the near future.
Sandro Tonali and Nicolo Zaniolo similarly departed from the national team’sheadquarters last week upon learning that they, too, were subjects of an investigation initiated by prosecutors.
Barcelona’s President, Joan Laporta (61), finds himself under a formal investigation related to potential bribery within a probe that encompasses two decades of activities within Spain’s refereeing committee. This revelation comes from a court document that Reuters had access to on Wednesday.
In March, prosecutors initiated a complaint, alleging payments exceeding 7.3 million euros over a span of 17 years to companies owned by Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira.
Negreira held the position of vice president within the Spanish football federation’s refereeing committee from 1993 to 2018.
Laporta, who embarked on his second term as Barcelona’s president in 2021, had previously held the same position from 2003 to 2010.
Last month, investigating judge Joaquin Aguirre Lopez said Barcelona may have benefited from graft and put the club under investigation for suspected “active bribery.”
Now Aguirre also named as suspects Laporta and “all those who were members of the board of directors of FC Barcelona during his mandate or who had an effective responsibility in decision-making to allegedly make the illicit payments” to Negreira and his son.
🚨 𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 🚨
A Spanish court has charged Joan Laporta as part of the investigation into alleged bribes paid to referees.
Barcelona, the reigning LaLiga champions, have refuted any allegations of misconduct.
In a statement released in February, the club clarified that they had remunerated an external consultant who furnished them with “technical reports related to professional refereeing.” They asserted that this practice was customary within professional football clubs.
It is important to note that in Spain, being subject to an investigation does not automatically result in an indictment, and no formal charges can be filed until the initial stage of the inquiry is concluded.
Indonesia’s football federation (PSSI) announced on Wednesday their support for Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the 2034 World Cup, despite PSSI president Erick Thohir having mentioned just a week earlier that discussions were underway with Australia regarding a potential joint bid for the tournament.
“Indonesia supports Saudi Arabia’s bid to host theFIFA World Cup in 2034,” Thohir said in a statement.
“Indonesia continues to prepare for its bid to host the FIFA World Cup after 2034, as well as other FIFA competitions.”
FIFA has initiated a call for bids from countries in Asia and Oceania to host the 2034 tournament, with the submission deadline set for October 31.
Just last week, Thohir revealed that he had engaged in discussions with his Australian counterpart regarding a potential bid, one that might encompass not only Australia but also Malaysia and Singapore.
Football Australia had previously expressed their interest in investigating the feasibility of submitting a bid to host the tournament.
Tagoe Sisters, a well-known gospel music duo, have sincerely apologised to the esteemed music producer, Zapp Mallet, for his omission from their 40th-anniversary celebration, which took place on October 15, 2023.
This apology comes as a response to Zapp Mallet’s public expression of disappointment, considering his pivotal role in producing their second album back in 1989.
In an interview with GhanaWeb, the veteran music producer revealed that he had not received an official invitation to attend the event, nor had he been contacted via phone or text message, signalling their acknowledgment of his significant contribution to their music career.
“I wasn’t invited so I guess I wasn’t part of their musical team. Meanwhile, I did an album with them [Tagoe Sisters] so I was supposed to have been there. They didn’t even call to tell me and nothing came.
“I just saw the publicity on social media and a lot of billboards, some at East Legon. So those who were invited went but I wasn’t invited; maybe I guess I wasn’t part of their musical team,” he said, stressing he was pained, “because why would you do that? We just need to give each other the respect due them.”
But in a press statement issued by Nii Amarh Amarteifio, manager and head of the event, the music duo apologised to Zapp Mallet and said his exclusion was an “unpardonable oversight on the part of management and event organisers as the Tagoe Sisters added his name to the list of VIP guests to be invited for both events at the Underbridge and the Accra International Conference Center.”
In honour of their forty-year journey in the music industry, the Tagoe Sisters organised a splendid 40th-anniversary extravaganza at the Accra International Conference Centre on October 15, 2023.
The occasion brought together a distinguished assembly of celebrated gospel musicians and prominent personalities, among them President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo,Piesie Esther, Empress Gifty, and a multitude of other well-known celebrities.
England’s manager, Gareth Southgate, showered praise on the remarkable Jude Bellingham after the midfielder’s inspiring performance led his team to a 3-1 victory over Italy at Wembley on Tuesday, securing their spot in the Euro 2024 finals.
While the 20-year-old may not have scored in the match, his substantial impact and unwavering confidence in propelling the team forward were truly impressive.
“I was really pleased with the way we controlled the game,” Southgate told reporters.
“With Jude, his mentality is incredible for his age. To have such an impact at such a young age, to show such maturity but also humility. We’re very lucky to have him.”
Bellingham has also made a huge impact at Real Madrid since joining from Borussia Dortmund this year, scoring 10 goals in his first 10 matches.
He said after Tuesday’s game that the move to Real had improved his game 100%.
“When you are around those mentalities and qualities of players every day, it takes you to a new level mentally, physically and technically,” he told the BBC.
Southgate said the youngster had been a “catalyst” for England.
“Just the way he carries himself and the way he plays on the field shows that,” he explained.
“He’s had that since he walked through the door, frankly. Plus, the power in his play gives us something when you’re in tight situations and he can suddenly wriggle out of things.
“I think that belief and that willingness to engage with the crowd are rare traits in a player so young.”
While Bellingham stood out, Southgate made it clear that his captain, Harry Kane, the scorer of two of the goals, one from the penalty spot, had also played a crucial role.
“There’s a risk we take the goals for granted,” he said on a night that saw Kane become England’s all-time top scorer at Wembley with 24 goals.
“But his all-round play, the way he physically dealt with the centre backs, his vision, his passing—because we’ve had him for a while, he’s easy to underestimate but he’s a top-level player.”
Southgate mentioned that Harry Kane’s high-profile transfer from Tottenham to Bayern Munich had injected a renewed sense of motivation.
Lionel Messi has put an end to the speculations surrounding a possible loan move to another club once the MLS season concludes with Inter Miami, who failed to make it to the MLS playoffs, set to face Charlotte FC in their final game this Saturday.
There had been rumours circulating about the former Barcelona star’s potential return to Europe on loan during the MLS postseason break to maintain his match fitness, particularly in light of his expected participation for Argentina in the World Cup qualifiers in November.
However, Messi has dispelled these speculations.
However, when asked whether he was considering playing for another club during December [between the 2023 and 2024 MLS seasons], Messi said: “No.
“I will train, I will play our upcoming match [against Charlotte FC] and I will try to get here [to the national team] in the best possible way for November,” he said after Argentina’s 2-0 win at Peru in World Cup qualifying on Tuesday.
Messi, 36, was disappointed his team didn’t make the MLS playoffs. The Argentina captain, who joined Inter Miami in the summer after two seasons at Paris Saint-Germain, has missed five of his team’s last six games with a hamstring injury before returning to action on Oct. 7.
“It’s really a shame,” Messi said. “We came very close. I missed the last few games; we had several injuries. The month of July was very hard for us; we played every three days, and we travelled.”
Messi, who has 11 goals in 13 games for Inter Miami, did contribute to his team’s League Cup victory in August.
“We won a tournament that is important for the club and for what is coming next year,” he said.
Inter Miami will play two games while on a tour of China in November before Messi and Argentina are back in action. Argentina hosts Uruguay on Nov. 16 and plays Brazil five days later.
“After that, I will enjoy the holidays in Argentina,” Messi said.
“It’s the first time that I am going to have more days off in December, with the holidays, with peace of mind, with my people. In January, I will return again to do preseason. Start from scratch and prepare as best as possible, as always.”
Messi showcased his resurgence by netting two goals in Tuesday’s victory against Peru. This achievement also propelled him to the position of CONMEBOL’s top scorer in World Cup qualifiers, with an impressive tally of 31 goals.
Argentina, in their World Cup qualifying campaign, have maintained a perfect record, winning all four of their games without conceding a single goal.
Messi said he believes this Argentina team is “very close” to the level of the Pep Guardiola-coached Barcelona side that he played for. That Barcelona team, which won 14 trophies, including two Champions Leagues, between 2008 and 2012, is considered by many to be the greatest team ever.
Asked how he rated his current Argentina team, Messi said: “I asked myself just that the other day, this team is impressive. It continues to grow, game after game. Each time, the team plays better. To compare it to Barcelona, the best team in the world, is too much. But I think this team is very close to it because of what it has shown, such as being [2021] Copa America winners and [2022] World Cup winners.
“That has a lot of merit. We have great players regardless of who plays. We have a style of play that is very defined, that identifies us and that we like to play. I hope we can continue on this path.”
Liverpool and Real Madrid have expressed their interest in acquiring the services of Bayern Munich midfielder Jamal Musiala, as per reports from Bild.
Musiala, a 20-year-old talent, has reportedly grown increasingly discontent with being relegated to the bench, particularly in the wake of his impressive performance last season, where he notched 16 goals and provided 16 assists across all competitions.This dissatisfaction might create an opportunity for him to consider a departure from Bayern.
Despite the fact that Musiala’s existing contract with Bayern doesn’t expire until 2026, it has been noted that he has halted contract negotiations with the club.
In the event that Musiala decides to seek a new club,Liverpool is said to be poised to make a move, while Real Madrid is also eager to have him alongside his former England youth international teammate, Jude Bellingham.
The interest in Álvarez is reportedly driven by Barcelona’s manager, Xavi Hernandez, who sees the 23-year-old as a highly promising player.
Álvarez has stepped into a more significant role at Manchester City this season, impressively tallying six goals and five assists.
He has demonstrated his versatility as a creative midfielder, notably in the absence of the injured Kevin De Bruyne.
According to the report, Álvarez may come with a €50 million release clause, a figure that could entice Barcelona, given their financial constraints.
The club has been constrained from pursuing top forwards across Europe due to the need to adhere to La Liga’s financial fair play regulations by cutting down on transfer spending.
The report further indicates that Barcelona is actively seeking a long-term replacement for Robert Lewandowski, who, at 35, hasn’t replicated the success he enjoyed in Germany with Bayern Munich during his time in Spain.
Lewandowski has managed six goals and four assists across all competitions this season, and his recent injuries have raised doubts within the club regarding the wisdom of extending his contract.
While Barcelonahas secured 18-year-old forward Vitor Roque from Athletico Paranaense for €40 million, effective July 2024, it is apparent that the club is also on the lookout for a forward who can make an immediate impact.
Iranian artist Fatemeh Hamami was deeply upset by erroneous reports suggesting that Cristiano Ronaldo had been sentenced to receive 99 lashes for embracing her.
The false claim stated that the Portuguese footballer had been found guilty of adultery in Iran due to the embrace he shared with the disabled artist.
This embrace took place when they met in Tehran before Al-Nassr’s AFC Champions League match against Persepolis.
Nonetheless, the Iranian embassy in Madrid swiftly refuted these reports, clarifying the situation.
Hamami has also clarified why her family chose not to pursue legal action against Ronaldo in this matter.
“Cristiano Ronaldo is an extremely professional and ethical character who always gets involved in great charity matters, and he embraced me with love and affection.
Iranian artist and Ronaldo
“Unemployed lawyers made accusations against him without my or my family’s permission. In Iran, he has committed a crime for hugging me, while we have never had any complaints. I am very grateful to Ronaldo for his love for me. I hope the best happens to him in life and football.”
Asked if Ronaldo was aware that he was committing a crime by embracing her, Hamami said: “No one told him anything about the laws of Iran and he didn’t know it either, but Ronaldo’s hug was for his love and brotherhood, and he had no bad intentions.
Ronaldo hugs Iranian artiste as she gifts him paintings of himself
“My family and I have no complaints about this issue; we just want to deny these accusations against Cristiano.”
Hamami, who is 85 percent paralysed, also opened up about fulfilling a life “dream” when presenting the paintings to the Portugal international.
“It was a dream,” she said. “I spent several years drawing portraits of him and I couldn’t believe that dream had come true, seeing Cristiano in our country, Iran, and giving him the paintings as a gift.
“I dreamed for a long time about meeting him. When Al-Nassr played Persepolis in Tehran, I travelled with my family from my hometown to meet Cristiano at the hotel where his team was staying.
“He was very valuable to me. He made me very happy. And he gave me his shirt! I’m going to leave it as a souvenir. It’s very important and valuable to me.”
Lionel Scaloni has expressed his lack of concern regarding Lionel Messi’s fitness, especially after the superstar’s standout performance in Argentina’s 2-0 victory over Peru.
In this World Cup qualifying match, Messi not only secured the win but also netted both goals, contributing significantly to Argentina’s unblemished record.
As reigning champions, they now hold a five-point lead over Brazil, Uruguay, and Venezuela, amassing an impressive 12 points from four matches.
Prior to this match, there were doubts about Messi’s fitness due to his absence from several MLS games with Inter Miami, attributed to muscle issues.
Nonetheless, Scaloni firmly believes that the 36-year-old displayed no cause for concern, based on his exceptional showing in Lima.
“We won’t be affected by his break because we won’t be competing again until March. I imagine he will do his preseason with his team; it is not something that really worries us.
“It was already seen today, without having a lot of minutes like it was said… The most important thing is that he is healthy and that’s the best thing, he is managing his minutes.”
Messi will soon make his MLS comeback withInter Miami, who will play Charlotte twice to close up their regular season.
Rasmus Hojlund has accused San Marino players of attempting to “destroy his career” with a series of reckless tackles during Denmark’s Euro 2024 qualifier.
The Manchester United striker, who managed to score the opening goal just moments before halftime in Denmark’s 2-1 victory over San Marino, found himself the target of some unsportsmanlike tactics.
It appeared that the opposition’s defenders were making deliberate and dangerous lunges, seemingly aimed at causing harm to Hojlund.
The most egregious incident occurred in the 88th minute when Roberto Di Maio launched a knee-first attack on Hojlund from behind with no apparent intention of playing the ball.
This left the striker visibly angered, and he asserted that the San Marino players were actively trying to put an end to his career.
“The last duel had nothing to do with football,” the United frontman told TV2 after the match. “It ended up being laughable in the end. Such a duel must not just turn into a yellow card. It’s a knee in the back—a straight red card, if you ask me.”
“I think it is disrespectful that they hit and tear,” Hojlund responded.
“I can’t say much other than that I think they are the ones who started, and then the game just went on. They took it to the next level because they had nothing to lose. They thought, ‘Well, fine enough, we might as well try to destroy the career’.”
Hojlund quieted the crowd with his opening goal, a move that seemingly irked San Marino’s Alessandro Tosi and Filippo Fabri. However, he maintains that the subsequent reaction against him was unwarranted and unjustifiable.
Denmark skipper Simon Kjaer was also left furious and compared Di Maio’s challenge to one in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, when Colombian defender Zuniga took down Neymar from behind, which forced him to miss the rest of the tournament.
“I said in the end that it is a clear red card against Hojlund because it is 100 percent deliberate, and I think that there has been a situation with Neymar,” he said. “Exactly the same when he gets a knee in the spine, where he actually breaks his back.”
Kjaer even claimed that he overheard San Marino players discussing how to go after Hojlund.
“It’s dangerous, and they are right next to it,” he added. “After all, I told him [the referee] right on the pitch that now they are going after his knees after the situation down there. I also said to the referee, ‘do you want me to translate now?‘ We also have VAR. You can see all the way down from behind that he is doing it 100 percent deliberately.”
Hojlund will now redirect his attention to club football and is set to make his return to action for Manchester United in a Premier League match againstSheffield United scheduled for this coming Saturday.
Last night,Neymar left the Estadio Centenario in an unfortunate state, relying on crutches after suffering an injury during Brazil’s 2-0 defeat to Uruguay in a World Cup qualifying match.
He was visibly in pain and was seen departing the stadium with a sizable protective cast enveloping his injured leg.
Despite his evident discomfort, the Al-Hilal star displayed his kindness by taking a moment to pose for a photo with a young fan.
The distressing moment occurred when the Brazilian superstar had to be stretchered off the field, deeply moved to tears, due to an apparent knee injury.
This incident adds to a lengthy history of injury setbacks for the 31-year-old attacker.
Brazil, following Neymar’s injury, went on to lose the match to Uruguay, with Darwin Nunez and Nicolas de la Cruz scoring the vital goals.
As a result, the Selecao now stands at seven points after four matches, while Argentina maintains a five-point lead at the top of the table.
The duration of Neymar’s absence from the game is uncertain at this point, but it is confirmed that he will not be available for Al-Hilal’s upcoming match againstAl-Khaleej on Friday.
Jude Bellingham has effectively ruled out the possibility of joining the Premier League in the foreseeable future, as he envisions spending a significant portion of his career at Real Madrid, anticipating a stay of at least 10 years.
Since his transfer from Borussia Dortmund to Madrid, the midfielder has made a remarkable impact, notching an impressive 10 goals in as many games across various competitions.
“I am loving football at the minute. My management at the club and country are giving me freedom to play it how I see it,” he told Channel 4. “Since the last few months, I have been really working on my timing when getting into the box and as I am arriving, I am arriving with a big hunger.
“With the big transfer, the fact is I have to deliver, whether it is a goal or assist or a match-winning performance. This is the club I want to be at for the next 10 to 15 years of my life. I am loving it there. Carlo [Ancelotti] basically said, This position is where he sees me.”
This exceptional form has also translated to his international performances, as he played a pivotal role in England’s 2-1 victory over Italy, contributing by winning a penalty and providing an assist, which secured their qualification for Euro 2024.
Bellingham’s extraordinary talents have garnered praise from fellow players, rivals, and former football legends, solidifying his status as one of the world’s premier talents.
The England star will likely be in action again on Saturdaywhen Madrid face Sevilla in La Liga.
Self-acclaimed musician Kwesi Arthur, also known as DJ Azonto, has alleged that popularGhanaian blogger Zionfelix has purchased a house in the USA.
During an interview with Asempa FM, DJ Azonto emphasised that the income potential in the blogging sphere currently surpasses that of musicians, thanks to the growing prominence of bloggers in recent times.
DJ Azonto expressed a strong inclination to switch from a career in music to blogging, primarily motivated by the alluring financial opportunities in the blogging industry, as his earnings from music wouldn’t suffice for such a significant investment.
He used Zionfelix’s achievement as a testament to the lucrative nature of blogging, further fueling his aspirations to make the switch.
“I want to become a blogger, and next year I’m going to quit music and become a blogger. Because bloggers are making more money than musicians. I can boldly say that Zionfelix is richer than all the artists in Ghana. I’m sorry to release this secret but Zionfelix has bought a house in London,” he said.
He narrated that he made an inquiry about a house in London and when Zionfelix got to know about the details of the sale, he quickly made a payment to secure the house.
“I went to inquire about a house in London and they were demanding the money so soon. So I told him [Zionfelix] and he said he would make payment on Monday, which he did. So I’m happy for him because he has just bought a house in London. There is a difference between truth and gossip and this is the truth,” said DJ Azonto.
DJ Azonto rose to prominence in the music industry in 2022 with the release of the chart-topping hit, ‘Fa No Fam.’
In a legal development in the United Kingdom, the Ghanaian Government’s challenge regarding the procedures used for serving proceedings related to a judgment debt claim by GPGC, a subsidiary of the international commodities company Trafigura, has been dismissed by the High Court.
This legal dispute stems from GPGC’s lawsuit against the Ghanaian government concerning the termination of two power deals, resulting in a UK court awarding a judgement debt of US$140 million to the company.
Ghana argued that, according to existing laws, GPGC should have served the government through diplomatic channels. However, the court ruled in favour of GPGC, allowing them to use alternative methods of service.
The High Court concluded that Ghana’s attempt to invoke the State Immunity Act provisions as a basis for preventing Trafigura from serving them with judgment debt documents via post and email was not valid.
Trafigura effectively served the court documents via email, involving the finance ministry in the process. All correspondence was properly acknowledged, and court dates were agreed upon, as the Ghanaian government instructed its legal representatives to engage with the company.
“Trafigura, a multinational commodities-trading company based in Singapore, is the majority owner of GPGC, a power company which secured the award in January 2021 after an arbitral tribunal found that Ghana had unlawfully terminated a contract for the installation and operation of two power plants,” Global Arbitration Review wrote in an October 13 publication.
In GPGC v The Government of the Republic of Ghana, GPGC was represented by James Willan KC and Catherine Jung of Essex Court Chambers, instructed by Stephenson Harwood.
Ghana was represented by Stephen Houseman KC and Luke Tattershall, also of Essex Court, instructed by White & Case.
Dismissing Ghana’s challenge:
In dismissing Ghana’s application, Master Davison considered the wording of Section 12 of the SIA, which specifies that the “document(s) requiring service through diplomatic channels are ‘any writ or other document required to be served for instituting proceedings against a state’” (judge’s italics) and therefore whether serving documents post-arbitration could fall under the “instituting proceedings” definition.
GPGC argued that the documents to be served were part of a continuing process and were therefore not instituting proceedings; rather, the applications being made “were simply steps in the enforcement proceedings so instituted and could therefore be served by one of the ordinary methods of service or by alternative service”.
This is perhaps best illustrated byThe European Union v. The Syrian Arab Republic (2018), in which Mr. Justice Bryan ruled that the relevant provision in the Civil Procedure Rules (6.44), which has been adjudged to be coterminous with Section 12 of the SIA on several occasions, “is not concerned with the service of documentation once proceedings have been served upon a state.”.
Aside from the definition of “instituting proceedings” the SIA also allows for service outside diplomatic channels if there is “good reason” for an alternative method of service; in this respect, Master Davison decided that the “good reason” test had been passed because “this is a case where to require service through diplomatic channels would generate multiple periods of serious delay”.
And, given that the lease on Regina House was soon to expire, any delay could prove critical to enforcement proceedings.
In a resounding international friendly match held on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, in Nashville, the United States handed Ghana a convincing defeat.
The American team displayed their dominance right from the start, dismantling the Black Stars in the first half with four unanswered goals.
The opening salvo came in the 10th minute when Giovanni Reyna capitalised on a poor clearance by the Black Stars and found the back of the net. Just nine minutes later, Christian Pulisic extended the lead to two from the penalty spot.
Folarin Balogun then added a third on the 22nd-minute mark, culminating in the Americans scoring three goals in just 12 minutes.
The final blow struck three minutes before halftime when Giovanni Reyna netted his second goal of the night from an indirect free-kick.
This result marks a disappointing week for Chris Hughton’s team, as they have now conceded a total of six goals in less than seven days, following their earlier 2-0 defeat to Mexico in Charlotte.
Chris Hughton fielded a starting XI that featured Abdul Manaf Nurudeen guarding the goalposts, with Inaki Williams and Jordan Ayew leading the attack.
Jerome Opoku made his debut for the Black Stars, while Mohammed Kudus and captain Thomas Partey anchored the midfield.
This exciting match took place at Geodis Park in Nashville, Tennessee, showcasing the United States’ commanding performance against the Ghanaian team.
Jada Pinkett Smith has shared that she and Will Smith are putting in significant effort to mend their marriage.
This comes after her recent revelation that they had separated in 2016, even though they continued to appear together in public.
In an interview with NBC, Pinkett Smith emphasised that they are currently focused on “healing the relationship.” Their relationship made headlines last year when Will Smith made a public display by confronting and slapping the Oscars host, Chris Rock.
He yelled “Keep my wife’s name out of your [expletive] mouth”.
Pinkett Smith’s revelation about the Hollywood actors’ relationship made headlines across the world.
Speaking to NBC’s Today Show, she said, “We are in a place now that we are in a deep healing space.
“And we are really concentrating on healing the relationship between us…
“We are working very hard at bringing our relationship together back to a lifelong partnership.”
She explained, “He can’t be this perfect, idealised husband. I have to be able to accept him for the human he is.
“He has to accept me for the human I am. And we want to love each other there.”
When asked if the couple might live in the same house again, she agreed they might.
On Wednesday, as part of a book launch, she said she had considered a legal divorce but could not go through with it because she was determined to work through it.
She attributed the breakdown of the relationship to “a lot of things” and by 2016, they were “exhausted with trying”.
Rumours and questions about the state of the couple’s marriage had arisen in 2020, following a candid discussion on Jada Pinkett Smith’s Facebook show, Red Table Talk.
During the conversation, it was revealed that Pinkett Smith had been in what she described as an “entanglement” with artist August Alsina.
Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith first crossed paths in 1994 when she auditioned for The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Their relationship evolved, leading to their marriage in 1997.
The couple shares two children,Jaden Smith and Willow Smith, in addition to Trey Smith, who is Will Smith’s son from his first marriage.
Tabby Brown, a model and reality TV personality who was linked to both Raheem Sterling and Mario Balotelli, has sadly passed away at the age of 38.
Her former manager confirmed her death on Tuesday, although the exact cause remains unknown.
Originally from south London, Tabby gained recognition among English audiences through her appearance on the Channel 5 dating show ‘The Bachelor’.
Besides her reality TV endeavours, she also worked as a Playboy model and had a career as a dancer. She was featured in music videos for artists such as Snoop Dogg, Dizzee Rascal, and B.O.B. and appeared in advertisements for major brands like Canon, Virgin Atlantic, AXE, and Lynx.
There were rumours of a romantic involvement between Tabby and Chelsea player Raheem Sterling during his Manchester City tenure in 2016, as they were seen leaving the Lowry Hotel together after a date.
Additionally, former Manchester City star Mario Balotelli dated Tabby for seven months in 2011.
Tributes have been pouring in on social media following her death, with musician NayNay saying in a statement, “What a light you were; your outer exterior matched your insides; so beautiful. I’m genuinely shocked and saddened that you’re gone. Rest in eternal peace, Tabby.”
Vas J. Morgan, star of The Only Way is Essex, added, “My heart is broken.”
One described her as a “true angel”, while another said, “Rest in peace, beautiful; this definitely came as a shock. My sincere condolences to your family and friends.”
Adenor Leonardo Bacchi, commonly known as Tite, has disclosed his reasons for accepting the task of leading Flamengo.
After stepping down as Brazil’s coach following the2022 World Cup in Qatar, he took over from Jorge Sampaoli, who was dismissed on September 28 due to his inability to secure a trophy for the club.
“I didn’t want to come now, but there is a need,” Tite said during his unveiling. “It’s a professional challenge. I have never worked at this club. All of this motivates me.”
Tite, 62, has signed a contract until December 2024.
Flamengo lost to São Paulo in the Brazilian Cup final, was ousted by Paraguay’s Olimpia in the Copa Libertadores round of 16, and is now ranked fifth in the Brazilian championship with 44 points after 26 games, 11 points behind Botafogo.
Antonio Conte, at the age of 56, has expressed his aspirations to coach Napoli and Roma in the future.
Conte boasts an impressive track record, having secured league titles with his former clubs, including Chelsea, Juventus, and Inter Milan.
Currently on a break from football after mutually parting ways with Tottenham in March, Conte is a reported target for Napoli.
He is also being considered as a potential candidate to take over at Roma should Jose Mourinho not extend his existing contract, set to expire in the summer.
Conte said, “Would I like to coach Napoli and Roma? They are two places that I would like to experience because of the passion they express. I hope that one day there will be the possibility of having this experience. To take over a team in the middle of the season? I don’t do it because these are situations created before.”
Conte has also revealed that he received an offer from Saudi Arabia.
Barcelona’s Director of Football, Deco, has acknowledged the challenge of reinforcing the team in January, primarily due to the club’s financial situation.
Barcelona currently exceeds the LaLiga-imposed spending limit for the season, set at €270 million, which restricts their spending to approximately 50% of any funds they generate or save.
It has been previously reported by ESPN that Xavi Hernandez, the team’s manager, has expressed the desire to add another defensive midfielder to his squad to provide depth in every position.
However, this is unlikely to occur until the following summer.
“It will be difficult to sign anyone in January,” Deco said in an interview withMundo Deportivo published on Tuesday. “We are always ready in case an opportunity presents itself, but I don’t think it will be possible.”
Juventus midfielder Nicolo Fagioli has been given a seven-month football ban for betting on illegal platforms.
This means he won’t be playing for the rest of the season.
The Turin prosecutor’s office imposed a 12-month suspension, with five months served through alternative methods.
Fagioli also faces a €12,500 (£11,000/$13,000) fine and mandatory therapy.
This reduced punishment is a departure from the standard three-year penalty for violating Article 24 of the Sporting Justice Code.
The decision is based on a plea bargain negotiated by Fagioli’s lawyers.
The primary reason for the reduced penalty is Fagioli’s full cooperation with the authorities and his commitment to overcoming his gambling addiction.
Despite the lighter penalty, this is a significant setback for Juventus, as they lose another midfielder in addition to Paul Pogba, who is facing an extended suspension for a banned substance violation.
Chelsea is reportedly pursuing Sporting CP center-back Ousmane Diomande, a 19-year-old talent who recently joined FC Midtjylland in January for around €7.5 million.
Diomande has showcased his skills with two goals in 10 games so far.
Arsenal expressed interest in him over the summer, and he is said to have a release clause of approximately €90 million, which poses no problem for Chelsea.
On the other hand, Real Madrid is contemplating making a €50 million offer to secure the services of Sporting defender Antonio Silva.
According to Defensa Central, Madrid aims to acquire the 19-year-old Portugal international, potentially beating competitors like Liverpool and Manchester United.
Real Madrid’s defensefeatures several players over the age of 30, including Nacho, Antonio Rudiger, and David Alaba, making the addition of young talent a priority. However, Silva is reported to have a €100 million release clause, so a larger offer may be required.
5th edition of the Ghana Arts and Entertainment Awards (GAEA), which took place on September 29, 2023, was a dazzling night of glitz and glamour where the finest talents in the Ghanaian arts and entertainment industry were celebrated.
One of the brightest stars of the evening was the exceptionally talented Ghanaian actor, Anthony Woode, who clinched the prestigious Best Actor award, a remarkable milestone in his career. Anthony Woode is a name synonymous with excellence and versatility in Ghanaian acting.
He is best known for his outstanding portrayal of the lead character in the revival of the iconic series, Inspector Bediako.
Over the years, Woode has consistently showcased exceptional acting skills, and his journey from the Ghanaian film industry to Nollywood has been nothing short of remarkable.
The 5th GAEA Awards marked a historic moment for this dark and handsome actor, as it represented his first victory at this prestigious event.
Anthony Wood poses with award
Woode’s triumph serves as a testament to his unwavering dedication, hard work, and undeniable talent, which have earned him the admiration of both audiences and critics alike.
What truly sets Anthony Woode apart in the industry is his incredible versatility.
He possesses the remarkable ability to seamlessly inhabit the personas of any characters he takes on, breathing life into the roles he portrays.
From emotionally charged dramas to lighthearted comedies, Woode consistently delivers exceptional performances, making him a beloved figure and a highly respected personality in the entertainment world.
Upon receiving the Best Actor award at the 5th GAEA Awards, Anthony Woode expressed his profound joy at being acknowledged for his contributions to the industry.
Jose Mourinho is rumored to have the opportunity to accept a reported £104 million ($127 million) contract offer from Saudi Arabia in 2024, as he is expected to depart from Roma.
The Portuguese manager is currently engaged in a contract with the Italian club that is set to conclude at the end of the season.
Sky Sports Italia reports that no discussions regarding an extension have occurred, and it is widely anticipated that a separation will occur next summer.
Gianluca Di Marzio has said of the big decision being made on Mourinho’s future in Italy: “There are no negotiations ongoing; there have never been. So they’ll part company at the end of the deal in June.” Mourinho will walk away after three years at Stadio Olimpico.
It is already being suggested that the former Chelsea, Real Madrid and Manchester United managers will make the Middle East his next port of call, with the 60-year-old admitting that he expects to head in that direction at some stage.
Mourinho has said, “I am focused on Roma and I will give my all until the last day I am here. Nobody knows the future, but I am convinced I will coach in Saudi Arabia one day. I don’t know when, but I am quite sure it’s something I’ll surely do.”
There are reports indicating that a highly ambitious Middle Eastern club is prepared to present Mourinho with a two-year contract valued at £104 million.
If these conditions are agreed upon, it would mean that one of the most accomplished coaches in global football will be joining the ranks of players such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Neymar, and Sadio Mane in theSaudi Pro League.
Ghanaian sound engineer and music producer, Zapp Mallet, has expressed his perspective on the factors contributing to the stagnant growth and development within the gospel music industry.
Mallet has pinpointed the presence of animosity and rivalry among gospel musicians as a significant impediment to the industry’s advancement in the country.
He finds it disheartening that musicians who are dedicated to exalting God and conveying His message would harbour jealousy and engage in actions that undermine one another in their pursuit of success and prosperity.
Mallet has urged industry stakeholders and gospel artists to confront this issue promptly, emphasising the need to root out such negative elements from the gospel music sector.
“Actually, that has been one problem in the industry. We can’t seem to bond together; I don’t know why. Every time there is animosity somewhere, some people are beefing and that’s one problem I think exists among artistes,” he told GhanaWeb in an exclusive interview.
He emphasised that gospel musicians must stop engaging in such behaviour and concentrate on their musical professions. careers.
“It’s high time we deal with it. I don’t know how we are going to deal with it but we must deal with our hearts first. Because this problem is a gospel thing and it’s not the first time, it keeps getting worse.
“We need to address it; otherwise, the industry will remain as it is. We should be better than this but because of that [ gospel artistes beefing each other], we are where we are now. I hope we are able to tackle it because it is getting better of us,” said Zapp Mallet.
