Mason Greenwood marked his return to professional football by making his debut for his new club, Getafe, on Sunday.
The 21-year-old striker, who is on loan from Manchester United, entered the game as a substitute during the second half in a thrilling 3-2 victory against Osasuna.
Greenwood will be spending the entire season with Getafe, as Manchester United chose to part ways with him after a six-month investigation into his behaviour.
A criminal case against Greenwood, stemming from his arrest on charges of attempted rape and assault, was dropped in February.
Although Greenwood has a contract with Manchester United until 2025, it is unlikely that he will play for the club again.
Before his debut for Getafe, the striker had not played a competitive match since January 22, 2022. During his 18-month suspension from United, he underwent an individual training program away from the club to prepare for his return to professional football.
It’s worth noting that during the match, a small group of Osasuna fans expressed negative sentiments towards Greenwood.
“The chants [against Osasuna] were very bad and the chants against Greenwood were very bad too,” he said. “He is a player who, in the end, the justice system had its say.
“He is a very good player. But if we talk about chants, we should talk about all the chants, not just some.”
Bayern Munich is contemplating the possibility of signing Scott McTominay in the upcoming January transfer window, according to The Daily Mirror.
While Joao Palhinha remains their primary target, the move for the player fell through on deadline day because Fulham couldn’t secure a replacement in time.
Interestingly, it was McTominay whom Fulham was attempting to sign for Craven Cottage, and now the Scotland international has emerged as a backup plan for Bayern.
At 26 years old, McTominay has received indications that he can explore opportunities with other clubs, as he doesn’t seem to be part of Manchester United’s long-term plans undermanager Erik ten Hag.
Real Madrid is closely monitoring Bayern Munich’s wing-back, Alphonso Davies, as reported by Relevo.
Davies, primarily a left-back, is set to become a free agent with Bayern Munich in 2025, and negotiations for a new contract have hit a standstill.
The contractual uncertainty is partly attributed to changes in the club’s administration, particularly the departure of former director Hasan Salihamidzic at the conclusion of the 2022–23 season.
However, Bayern is now looking to reinitiate talks for an extension, as they are committed to retaining the Canadian international at the Allianz Arena.
Davies is aware of Real Madrid’s interest, and Bayern might consider parting ways with the 22-year-old next summer to prevent him from leaving on a free transfer in 2025. Notably, Coach Thomas Tuchel has already identified a replacement for Davies within the Bayern squad, namely Raphaël Guerreiro.
Previous reports from Relevo have suggested thatReal Madrid is willing to expedite a deal for Davies if the right opportunity presents itself, possibly even before his contract expires.
West Ham United’s Head Coach, David Moyes, has emphasised that it will take some time for new signing Kudus Mohammed to adapt to the team’s playing style.
Kudus had a brief appearance for the London-based club in their 2-1 victory over Luton Town before the international break. During the break, he had a prolific spell, scoring two goals for Ghana against the Central African Republic in a friendly and Liberia in an international friendly.
Despite his promising start, the former Right to Dream product has yet to secure a full-time role after two games. On Saturday, September 16, he began as a substitute against Manchester City.
Kudus, aged 23, made a significant move to West Ham United from Dutch giants AFC Ajax in August, with the transfer fee amounting to €45 million.
Moyes, in a post-match discussion, acknowledged, “We might need to wait a little more time for Mo (Kudus) to get settled in.”
Kudus could potentially be handed a starting positionwhen West Ham United faces Serbian side TSC Backa Topola in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday, September 21.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic made an appearance at AC Milan’s training session, which took place a day before their upcoming Champions League match against Newcastle United.
AC Milan is coming off a demoralising 5-1 loss to their rivals, Inter, in a Serie A match last Saturday. Now, they are aiming for a strong comeback in their Champions League fixture against Newcastle United.
In a bid to provide inspiration and support for the team, the iconic former Milan forward, Ibrahimovic, visited the training ground.
During his visit, he engaged in a conversation with manager Stefano Pioli and Pioli’s assistant.
In June of this year, Ibrahimovic declared his retirement from professional football during AC Milan’s last match of the 2022–23 season, which took place in front of a full San Siro stadium.
Looking ahead to their Champions League match on Tuesday, Coach Pioli might consider some adjustments to the Milan starting lineup, and there’s a possibility that he will place USMNT star Christian Pulisic on the bench.
At 23 years old, Hudson-Odoi has attracted attention from the West African nation despite having previously played for England. He notably won the Under-17 World Cup under the guidance of Steve Cooper in 2017.
Although born in Wandsworth, Hudson-Odoi has also donned the jersey of the Three Lions, starting from the Under-16s and progressing through to the Under-21s, earning three senior caps for England.
When asked about the possibility of playing for the four-time African champions, Hudson-Odoi acknowledged it as a viable option but conveyed that he is still in the process of making a decision.
“That decision hasn’t been made yet. I’m still thinking it over. Ghana is a very good option but let’s wait and see,” he told The Telegraph.
“Hopefully, once I start playing games here, maybe Gareth [Southgate] or Ghana will come. It’s a nice position to be in and hopefully, sooner or later we will know,” the winger, who spent last season on loan at Bayer Leverkusen, added.
Meanwhile, Black Stars coach Chris Hughton hinted in an interview with talkSPORT that the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has been trying to convince Callum Hudson-Odoi and Arsenal forward Eddie Nketiah to switch allegiances to play for the Black Stars.
“The issue is, and it is understandable, particularly for someone like myself who was born here. I have an Irish mother, and a Ghanaian father and I chose to play for Ireland at that particular time.
“These are two players (Callum Hudson-Odoi and Eddie Nketiah) that have represented England on quite a few of the underage teams. So some of it is understandable. We have been in contact with them.
“Not just in my time; I think from before as well. It is a process. But ultimately it will be about both of them making that decision that they want to play but we have had good dialogue with them.”
Callum Hudson-Odoi concluded his long-standing16-year affiliation with Chelsea, having risen through the ranks of the academy and accumulated 126 appearances in the first team. He made a move to Nottingham Forest during the summer transfer window.
Notably, Forest acquired Hudson-Odoi’s services for a fee of just £3 million.
Famous Ghanaian actor and soccer administratorYaw Dabo, has claimed that Lawrence Ati-Zigi, the goalkeeper for the Black Stars, is his brother-in-law.
Yaw Dabo stated that the Sweden-based goalkeeper is married to his sister, and they share a close and positive relationship.
“Lawrence Ati-Zigi is my in-law. He’s married to my sister and he is aware. If he jokes, I will reveal the identity of his wife,” Yaw Dabo told YouTube platform Saddick Adams.
Dabo, a well-known actor in Ghana, has ventured into the world of football by founding the Dabo Football Academy.
This Division Two team, situated in the Ashanti Region, has been making notable strides, and Dabo expresses strong optimism that the team will eventually rise to prominence in Ghanaian football.
His motivation behind establishing the academy goes beyond sports success; Dabo views it as a way of giving back to society and playing a role in discovering and nurturing talent for the benefit of the country.
“I have the Dabo Soccer Academy because we have to support others. That’s my dream because, when you get money, you have to give it to somebody because everybody needs help,” he told Marca.
“Me, too. I need help. My brother needs help. So I want to give back to my society to support others. I go to orphanages and I go to the villages to bring talented players to everybody to see that in Ghana we have very talented players.
“A lot of good players are in the academy and go to school. I have workers, coaches, and caterers to support the football team. I have everybody. I came to Europe to find a solution to support my academy.”
Lawrence Ati-Zigi has assumed the role of the primary goalkeeperfor the Black Stars.He ascended to this position in preparation for the 2022 World Cup due to injuries suffered by Jojo Wollacott and Richard Ofori, who were originally the first and second choices, respectively.
This comes after the NDC flagbearer alleged that the incumbent president has congregated the judiciary with NPP affiliated judges He made these remarks during the 2nd Annual Lawyers Conference of the NDC on August 28.
Critics, including the Ghana Bar Association, described these remarks as disrespectful and unnecessary for the independence and integrity of the judiciary.
But the IMANI vice president shares the opposite opinion. He believes Mr Mahama has every right as a presidential aspirant to worry about the state of the judiciary.
During an interview on Joy News’ News File on September 18, 2023, Kofi Bentil said, “It is also okay for the politician to have worries and as far as I’m concerned, the observation or the statement that President Mahama made was proper !It was necessary for a person of his standing seeking to become president to make the kinds of observations and ask the kinds of questions he does.
“Nobody should hold it against him that this may be a problem”.
According to Kofi Bentil, it is commonplace for a ruling party to appoint people who share their political values and beliefs, people who subscribe to their mandate—to positions in that regard.
“For me, as a matter of fact, you don’texpect them to appoint people who do not believe in your political persuasion. “Of course, he may put a political spin on it by saying that the opponent or the other party is appointing judges who believe in their political, you know, whatever. So for me, that is not the problem,” he added.
Additionally, he recommends that amid all the realities that seem to be ‘overlooked’, it is incumbent on us to recognise and appreciate the concerns expressed by the former president and strive to attain a posture where, despite partisan affiliations, these judges in question will regard the rule of law and rule accordingly to uphold the country’s judicial system’s justice and integrity.
“It’s a good conversation to have. Let us not pretend that it is not necessary.”
We need to get to a point where, regardless of their political affiliation, we are getting judges or putting judges in place who will rule and continue to rule according to the laws and evidence before them.
“But let us continue to work towards the higher virtues so that we will continue to have the justices we have, he recommended.
In the latter stages of the summer transfer window, Getafe finalised an agreement with Manchester United for the transfer of Mason Greenwood. At that time, Bordalas had mentioned that another English talent already in La Liga had given his approval for the move.
He told Radio Marca: “Greenwood has a friendship with Bellingham and he recommended that he come and play in the Spanish league.”
It’s worth noting that Jude Bellingham also transitioned to La Liga, having completed a €103 million (£89 million/$110 million) transfer from Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid.
The Athletic reports that his entourage have been left “unhappy” at claims the 20-year-old midfielder interacted with Greenwood before his departure from Old Trafford was confirmed.
Boradalas has now sought to clarify his comments, telling reporters after seeing Greenwood make his debut for Getafe off the bench in their 3-2 victory over Osasuna: “I wanted to clear up a misunderstanding there has been. I said that Mason Greenwood came to Getafe because he had spoken to Bellingham.
“It has been clarified to me that this was not the case. I apologise.
“Mason arrived in a different way. It was our interest and they offered him to me and we were very interested. I just wanted to clarify that, it was not a bad intention.”
Getafe is said to have also reached out to Bellingham in order to offer his apologies.
Greenwood isup and running in Spanish football after being given 13 minutes against Osasuna.
That outing was his first since January 2022, following his arrest on suspicion of attempted rape, assault and coercive control.
Those charges were dropped in February 2023, freeing him to resume his professional career.
Getafe have welcomed Greenwood onto their books, with Bordalas adding on seeing the 21-year-old back on the field: “We were pleasantly surprised, it was a tough match and a tough time. There was a lot of back and forth. He has helped in offensive tasks, he has been very supportive.
Getafe have welcomed Greenwood onto their books, with Bordalas adding on seeing the 21-year-old back on the field: “We were pleasantly surprised, it was a tough match and a tough time. There was a lot of back and forth. He has helped in offensive tasks, he has been very supportive.
“We are working with patience and tranquillity, he has not played for many months.
“Today must have been a very special day for him. The player wants to compete and play. We have seen the response from the fans and his teammates. We have to be calm. The participation has been remarkable.
“We are very happy, he is very integrated for such a short period.
“The language is a handicap, he is with a teacher to try to accelerate the learning of Spanish to have better contact with his team-mates. He is having a remarkable start, and we are very happy and content.
“We are on the sidelines of what can be commented, I already clarified it. Now we are only talking about sports, I have told my team-mates, we are happy with Mason’s behaviour. It’s good for him.”
Director of the GFA Foundation, Malcolm Frazier Appeadu, visited the ailing former goalkeeper of the Black Satellites and Black Meteors, William Essu, and presented a generous donation of GHS10,000.
The primary purpose of the visit was to assess Essu’s current health condition and convey heartfelt wishes for his speedy recovery.
During their meeting in Cape Coast, Essu shared the details of his illness, including the disappointment of missing out on being part of the Black Meteors AFCON squad.
He also spoke about the challenging period he has faced over the last five months.
Essu expressed profound gratitude to both the GFA and the GFA Foundation for their financial assistance and the caring support they have extended to him.
His brother, Alexander Essu, noted a noticeable improvement in William’s condition since he resumed treatment two days earlier.
The Director of the Foundation reassured them that the GFA is actively working with the Ministry of Youth and Sports to ensure that the rightful bonuses for William Essu and the last Under 23 qualifying team are disbursed.
William Essu was a member of the National Under 23 Black Meteors team that successfully qualified for theCAF U23 AFCON.
Joe Marler has humorously compared himself to Cristiano Ronaldo after unintentionally providing a headed assist for a peculiar England try during the2023 Rugby World Cup.
The charismatic prop from Harlequins is known for his ability to draw attention, and he managed to do just that during England’s match against Japan in Nice.
With England holding a narrow 13-12 lead, a pass from George Ford slipped through Will Stuart’s hands and unexpectedly bounced off Marler’s head.
Remarkably, the ball fell favourably into the path of England’s captain, Courtney Lawes, who subsequently scored a try. The match officials had to confirm the try following a TMO (Television Match Official) review, as a knock-on is not called if the ball hits a player’s head.
Marler has taken great delight in his impromptu Ronaldo impression, comparing his accidental header to the one delivered by the superstar from the world of football during his days at Juventus.
Alongside a video of his face superimposed onto Ronaldo’s body, Marler posted on TikTok: “A goal is a goal.”
Eastbourne native Marler also claims to have been inspired by Brighton’s efforts in the Premier League this season, following their 3-1 win over Manchester United on Saturday, telling Sky Sports: “I take huge inspiration from Roberto De Zerbi and his mighty Seagulls doing a demolition job on United. Just taking huge inspiration from them and finding a way to help the boys score.”
Former Dreams FC goalkeeper Lord Bawa Martey, has shed light on the challenging circumstances surrounding the well-being and living conditions of players in the Ghana Premier League.
Speaking to Saddick Adams, Martey emphasised that the compensation provided to players in Ghana’s top-tier football competition is far from satisfactory, with many players earning meagre salaries.
He revealed that, in 2023, some players will still earn as little as GH300 cedis while participating as professionals in the Ghana Premier League.
Martey also highlighted the unfortunate trend where clubs often neglect players, particularly when they suffer serious injuries, leaving them to fend for themselves.
In light of these challenges, he advised players in the Ghana Premier League to seriously consider any promising offers from foreign clubs, as such opportunities could significantly improve their financial prospects.
“Even though it’s our profession and we believe in our talent, we don’t get the needed recognition. It is not reflected in our salaries. If we were to list our worries, we would not end. I chose not to sign for any team this season due to reasons best known to me. I had a lot of offers but I rejected them due to previous experiences.
“You could get injured in the line of duty and no one would mind you. We still have players who earn as little as GHC300 cedis. Assuming you are paid GH ₵300, how do you survive monthly? What motivates us is the desire to earn some recognition for our family and team. We see the Ghana Premier League as a stepping stone so if God helps us, we will get deals.
“If a colleague tells me he wants to play in Togo, I will advise him to go because there is no money in this league. I once listened to an ex-player who lamented that he got nothing from winning multiple goal-king awards. If the opportunity comes for you to travel, grab it because it’s good,” he said.
Bawa Martey also rejected the commonly held belief that the majority of Ghanaian footballers are promiscuous. He dismissed these accusations and argued that many players are compelled to engage in such behavior as a means to address their basic survival and financial requirements.
“It’s not easy having a girlfriend in this setting. We are often accused of being womanisers but it’s not true. Assuming I’m playing for a team in Tamale and I’m on a GH₵500 a month salary and, by grace, I get to date a waakye seller who gifts me waakye for free, I will have to work for it,” he said.
Bawa Martey, formerly associated with Dreams FC, is presently without a club after not managing to secure a contract extension with the team.
In the 2023/2024 Ghana Premier League season, which commenced on Friday, September 15, 2023, both Hearts of Oak and Kumasi Asante Kotoko experienced difficulties in securing victories.
Hearts of Oak endured a late 1-0 defeat against Real Tamale United,while Asante Kotoko struggled to secure a single point in their match against Hearts of Lions at the Baba Yara Stadium on Sunday, September 17, 2023.
Ghanaian defender Tariq Lamptey received the Man of the Match award following Brighton’s impressive 3-1 victory against Manchester United.
Lamptey displayed sensational form for the Seagulls as they travelled to Old Trafford, securing a win as the English Premier League resumed after the international break.
Notably, Lamptey had been omitted from Ghana’s recent matches against the Central African Republic and Liberia due to his recent return from injury. His return to action took place in the game against Newcastle United just before the international break.
Manager Roberto De Zerbi entrusted the talented 22-year-old right-back with a starting role against Manchester United, and Lamptey delivered brilliantly by providing two assists during the 3-1 triumph.
Brighton initiated the scoring in the first half, courtesy of English-born Ghanaian Danny Welbeck, before Lamptey contributed with an assist for the second goal after halftime, which was expertly finished by Pascal Gross.
Lamptey continued to make his mark by setting up Joao Pedro’s goal, securing Brighton’s third as De Zerbi’s team dismantledManchester United in front of their own supporters.’
Messi’s performance at PSG fell short of expectations during his two-year tenure, leading to his departure when his contract expired in June.
He subsequently joined Inter Miami in MLS. Despite scoring 32 goals in 75 matches, these numbers were significantly lower than what he had achieved at Barcelona, even during his later years at the club when he was past his prime.
Nevertheless, Thierry Henry has come to the defense of his former Barcelona teammate. Messi faced challenges at PSG, including criticism from fans who even booed him towards the end of his time in France. Henry explained that the environment at the Ligue 1 club made it difficult for Messi to excel, especially given the presence of other star players like Mbappe and Neymar.
During an interview with former PSG midfielder Jerome Rothen, Henry was asked if he was disappointed with Messi’s stint in Paris, despite it resulting in three trophies.
He said on RMC Sport: “No, I’ll say why. I remind you that when I arrived at the beginning, on Amazon, I said, ‘For me to play this team, it’s a headache’. I was once again talking about structure, and organisation. I know you’re going to laugh again, but how do you play with all three (Messi, Neymar, and Mbappe) at the same time?”
Rothen then asked: “They could still do better, they could be a little more invested, right? It’s just in his behaviour.”
Henry retorted: “I can’t say that. For what? Because it happened to me. When he (Messi) played with the Argentina team, a structure. There are not three Messis, just him. You put him in a framework where he alone is the boss, [and he will shine]. But at some point, I’ll tell you something: I left Arsenal. This is something super important. I cried when I left Arsenal for Barca. It took me a year to realize that I had left Arsenal, in fact.”
The fact that PSG couldn’t secure a Champions League victory despite having Messi, Mbappe, and Neymar, who has now moved on to play for Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal, in their lineup is quite telling.
These three players are undoubtedly among the all-time greats of the sport. While Messi joined PSG in the later stages of his career, their failure to clinch the prestigious European title cannot be solely attributed to him.
Messi, who is 36 years old, played a pivotal role in leading Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022. Currently, he is experiencing a rejuvenation of his career at Inter Miami, where he has made an impressive start by scoring 11 goals in his initial 11 appearances for the club.
Despite the ongoing criticism of the Glazer family’s ownership, the Red Devils have consistently shown a willingness to spend on new players and former Man United legend Gary Neville has questioned the worth of the new signings made by his former club.
This summer was no exception, as they made significant investments in talent, including the acquisitions of Andre Onana, Mason Mount, and Rasmus Hojlund, which collectively cost them over £170 million ($211 million).
However, in the 2023–24 season under the management of Erik ten Hag, Manchester United has had a less than ideal start, managing to secure only six points from their first five Premier League matches.
This has led to ongoing concerns and doubts about the club’s overall direction, both on and off the field.
Additionally, a protracted takeover process has been unfolding in the background, further adding to the uncertainty surrounding the club’s future.
Former Red Devils defender Neville has told Sky Sports of the issues holding United back: “There is no Manchester United fan I know, that has got a brain, that is most angry with Erik ten Hag. What they want really is a change of ownership and they want stability and they want a group of players that are committed. And I don’t think the players aren’t committed. I just wonder how good they are. That is my concern.
“There are players there that can step up. But the amount of money Manchester United have spent on that squad, it should have been a lot better. They’ve signed Onana, Hojlund and Mount. Does that make them better than what they were? Hojlund has got promise, but I feel for him a little bit.
“He has been asked to carry the whole of the team in some ways. Let’s see what happens but there are concerns, definitely, and concerns from the fans and concerns generally within the club. It doesn’t look right at this moment in time and it needs to stabilise.”
In their most recent match at home,Manchester United faced a setback, succumbing to a 3-1 defeat against Brighton. Now, they must regroup and prepare for a high-stakes Champions League showdown against Bayern Munich, the reigning Bundesliga champions, at the Allianz Arena this coming Wednesday.
Despite strong rumours linking Lionel Messi with a potential return to Barcelona during the summer transfer window, the Argentine superstar ultimately chose to join Inter Miami, a Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise owned by David Beckham.
Messi’s arrival in the United States has been highly impactful, revitalising the once-struggling MLS team.
He has already secured his first trophy with Inter Miami, winning the League Cup, and his on-field performance has been exceptional, tallying 11 goals and eight assists in 11 matches, according to Transfermarkt.
While Messi enjoys his time in the U.S., his former Barcelona teammate, Ter Stegen, has expressed disappointment that the eagerly anticipated reunion during the summer did not come to fruition.
However, Ter Stegen still holds onto hope that the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner may return to the club in the future.
Nevertheless, the German goalkeeper still clings to the hope that the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner might find his way back to the club in the future.
“He would certainly have been an asset for us,” ter Stegen told GOAL. “Maybe he’ll return in another role at some point. Barcelona is his club and will always be a big part of his life. Many people here are still in contact with him. A few players he was very close with are now in Miami with him.”
USMNT star hails Messi’s impact on MLS
It’s evident that Lionel Messi currently holds the spotlight as the most prominent figure in American soccer, and Christian Pulisic, a star of the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT), has praised Messi’s influence on the sport in the United States, as reported by Sports Brief.
Pulisic, in remarks made prior to the USMNT’s 3-0 triumph over Uzbekistan and as reported by ESPN, acknowledged that he has been closely followingMessi since the Argentine superstar’s major arrival in the country.
Numerous European football stars, including some of his Barcelona teammates, have made moves to Saudi Arabia, notably Cristiano Ronaldo, who joined Al-Nassr.
While several players have opted for the Saudi Pro League, others like Lewandowski, Mohamed Salah, and Kylian Mbappe have chosen to remain with their current clubs.
The Saudi Pro League has attracted significant investments, with the Premier League being the only league to outspend it during the summer transfer window.
Lewandowski on SPL links
Lewandowski, the ex-Bayern Munich forward, has expressed his indifference to the speculations connecting him to Saudi Arabia and has affirmed his contentment at Barcelona.
“I don’t even think about it (going to Saudi Arabia). I’m super happy in Barcelona, in the team, in the city, with my family. As a person I am happy,” the Poland striker reiterated via 90min.
The 35-year-old disclosed that he had contemplated a move to the MLS before the Coronavirus pandemic, but at present, his sole concentration is on Barcelona.
“Before the coronavirus pandemic, the idea of MLS was firmly in my head, but somehow I changed my mind afterwards. After the Barcelona chapter, it’s hard to imagine going there.”
Lewandowski blasts La Liga referees
In another report, Sports Brief stated thatRobert Lewandowski has criticised the standard of officiating in Spanish football, joining several other superstars who have blasted referees in La Liga over poor officiating.
The 34-year-old forward led Barcelona to the La Liga title last season but was appalled by the level of officiating, which he admits has made the Spanish topflight unattractive.
Following the dissolution of the team’s board and management, an Interim Management Committee (IMC) was established, with Kwesi Appiah assuming the role of Technical Director.
During his tenure, he has played a leading role in acquiring a mix of young and seasoned players and is optimistic that they will quickly adapt and contribute to the team’s success, given their skill set.
“We strongly believe that the players we have assembled will perform so that we can get the win,” he told the club’s YouTube channel.
“The important thing is that with the players we have now, most of them are new so this is the time all the fans must come in their numbers to offer their support to the team,” he added.
After falling short in their bid to defend the Ghana Premier League title last season and finishing fourth, trailing champions Medeama SC, Aduana FC, and Bechem United, the Porcupine Warriors are looking for a better season.
They are pinning their hopes on the capabilities of their Interim Management Committee (IMC), which also features coach Dr. Prosper Narteh Ogum.
Renowned radio broadcaster Kwame Sefa Kayi has expressed astonishment at the transformation of the official residence designated for the Black Stars coach into an office for the technical director of theGhana Football Association.
Back in 2018, the Ministry of Sports handed over a spacious five-bedroom house in Accra’s Airport Residential Area to then-Black Stars coach Akwasi Appiah.
The property, a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Works and Housing, underwent renovation at a cost of GHȻ300,000.
The primary intention behind this residence was to provide housing for the appointed head coach of the Black Stars, regardless of who that individual might be, as designated by the Ghana Football Association (GFA).
However, after two years, the GFA made an unexpected alteration to this arrangement.
According to their statement, “the Association has renovated the Airport House given to the Association and turned it into a Technical Hub of the Association.”
Furthermore, it clarified that theGFA Technical Hub now houses the offices of the Technical Directorate of the GFA and serves as offices for all National Team coaches, from the U-15 National Team to the Senior National Teams for both men and women.
Black Stars coach’s residence turned into an office
In a conversation, ace sports journalist, Dan Kwaku Yeboah mentioned the issue as one of the mistakes of the Ministry of Youth and Sports. Sefa Kayi who was shocked by the revelation, inquired, “So where does our coach stay?”
Dan Kweku Yeboah responded by saying, “The place offered by the government has been converted into an office for Ghana’s German Technical Director, Bernhard Lippert.”
Tano Bofoawa FC, who have returned to theGhana Premier League, have secured a partnership agreement with Pribet Shopping Mart in preparation for the 2023–24 league season.
Under this partnership, Pribet has become the official shopping mall partner and will serve as the primary outlet for all Bofoakwa Tano FC merchandise for the upcoming league season.
Additionally, Pribet will be the main sponsor for the team’s Player of the Month awards throughout the 2023–24 league season.
Bofoakwa Tano is set to participate in the 2023–24 Ghana Premier League season after defeating Techiman Eleven Wonders in the Division One league playoff.
The Sunyani-based club will commence their upcoming league season with an away match against Great Olympics in the capital on Saturday, September 16, marking matchday one of the Ghana Premier League.
Mauricio Pochettino (51) mentioned on Friday that the absence of European football will provide Chelsea some relief as they grapple with an extensive injury list.
However, the Argentine manager expressed confidence that the Premier League club would make a return to continental competition in the following season.
Chelsea, who won the Champions League in 2021, faced a tumultuous campaign last season and finished 12th in the league, which means they won’t participate in European competitions in the current season, with the group stages set to begin next week.
The London club has been dealing with several injury concerns early in the new season, with key players like full-back and captain Reece James, new striker Christopher Nkunku, and central defenders Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile among those sidelined.
“With the circumstances, I think it’s better for us (to not be playing European football) because we have 11 or 12 injured players,” Pochettino told reporters ahead of Sunday’s trip to Bournemouth.
“I think it’s important now that we can recover and be more competitive.
“But for Chelsea, it’s important to be involved in European competition, but that is not in my hands now.
“That is the reality. For sure, we are going to be involved in European competition next season, no doubt with the quality we have.”
The following injury update has been provided ahead of #BouChe. ⤵️
Despite Chelsea’s current 12th-place position in the Premier League standings, where they have garnered only four points from four games, Mauricio Pochettino emphasised that his team has performed admirably.
This comes in the wake of their losses to West Ham United and Nottingham Forest, as he mentioned.
“If you see the data, I think we are very good. The thing we are missing is to score goals, which is one of the most important things in football,” he added.
“We need to compete better. It’s the process of building the team. For sure, it’s only a matter of time.
“I want to win. We need to win. It’s too early to give up or say we are not going to achieve what we were talking about at the beginning.”
Earlier on Friday, Chelsea said midfielder Romeo Lavia, who was signed from Championship (second-tier) side Southampton for a reported fee of 55 million pounds last month, is “continuing to be assessed for an injury”.
“I think we are really disappointed because he was training really well. He twisted his ankle and now we are waiting for Monday to get the assessment from the doctor,” Pochettino said.
“We don’t know (the timeframe for Lavia’s return) because we need to assess him.”
Pochettino added that striker Armando Broja, who suffered a knee injury in December, will also be unavailable to face Bournemouth as he continues his return to fitness after surgery.
Spanish law enforcement detained three youth players affiliated with Real Madrid on Thursday on allegations of distributing a sexual video involving a minor, during a period when there has been increased concern about gender-related misconduct in Spanish soccer.
According to a police statement, the players, all of whom are adults, were subsequently released following a court ruling and the confiscation of data from their mobile phones.
Earlier Thursday, the club confirmed that a player for their reserve team, Castilla, and three players for the club’s third team, Real Madrid C, gave evidence to Spanish police over “the sharing of a private video on WhatsApp.”
“Real Madrid announced that it has been made aware that a Castilla player and three Real Madrid C players gave statements to [Spain’s militarised national police force], the Guardia Civil, in relation to the supposed sharing of a private video via WhatsApp,” the club said in a statement.
“When the club has detailed knowledge of the facts, it will take the appropriate measures.”
Police have confirmed that the three individuals were apprehended at the Real Madrid sports complex in Madrid, and an investigation is underway regarding a fourth player.
The incident originated from a complaint filed by the mother of a 16-year-old girl in the Canary Islands concerning an alleged recording of sexual activities. According to the police, although the girl stated that the activities were consensual, the recording was made without her consent in June, and she only recently became aware of it.
These arrests come amidst allegations of sexual assault involving former soccer federation chief Luis Rubiales, who kissed player Jenni Hermoso on the lips last month following Spain’s victory in the Women’s World Cup.
Rubiales resigned on Sunday after resisting calls to step down for weeks, and he is scheduled to appear before a judge on Friday. He continues to assert that the kiss was mutual and consensual.
The three Madrid players who were arrested are suspected of committing a felony known in Spanish criminal law as “revealing secrets of a sexual nature,” a police spokesperson said.
Convener of the Pensioner Bondholders Forum, Dr. Adu Anane Antwi, has stated that its members will not partake in the government’s new Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP) for E.S.L.A. Plc and Daakye Trust Plc bondholders.
The Government of Ghana, through the Ministry of Finance, has extended an invitation to holders of domestic notes and bonds to voluntarily participate in the debt exchange program.
In a statement released on September 13, 2023, the Ministry of Finance clarified that the new offer aims to provide bondholders who were unable to participate in the February 2023 debt exchange program due to technical delays with another opportunity.
In response to this development, Dr. Antwi emphasised in an interview with Accra-based Citi FM that no pensioner from their forum would accept the government’s latest offer, as they have been excluded from the DDEP.
“No pensioner bondholder can ever be targeted, because we have been totally exempted. We don’t have anything to do with this exchange at all. We are not part of it. There’s no pensioner available now for an offer to be made to, simple as that.
There’s nobody in category B who is there for the offer, and says, I wanted to go in, but I didn’t have the opportunity to go in so now, I’m going in. So category B shouldn’t be in this document at all,” he is quoted as saying by citinewsroom.com
“The government cannot overturn its own decision to exempt us. It is in the records of parliament, we have a letter, we have been exempted, and it’s not based on any condition, it’s an unconditional exemption. The government cannot go anywhere,” Dr Adu Anwti lamented.
He, however, rebuked the Ministry of Finance for failing to understand its own DDEP terms, which it issued in its September 13 release.
“I believe they [government] didn’t get the understanding well, they haven’t analysed things well. If you analyse the situation, the person who was writing the memorandum of exchange should have known that there were no Category B holders available for that offer. They have already accepted,
“We will have a press conference and explain to the people who are handling this matter that they are wrong. They didn’t understand the concept well,” the Convener of Pensioner Bondholders said.
Ian Nash, the passionate West Ham supporter who journeyed to Ghana to witness Mohammed Kudus representing the Black Stars, has now returned to the United Kingdom to watch the Ghanaian player in action against Manchester City.
Mohammed Kudus is set to participate for West Ham in the Premier League match against Manchester City following the international break.
In an interview with GhanaWeb before the game, Ian shared his plan to observe the 22-year-old player showcasing his skills for the Hammers against Manchester City.
“On Saturday, I am going to West Ham to watch the Manchester City game,” he said in an interview.
Ian also noted that he anticipates a warm welcome from fellow fans on his return.
“I was even seeing messages from other West Ham fans saying we know this guy, we know where he seats at the Stadium. I guess that people will give me a warm welcome,” he stated.
According to him, he would love for Mohammed Kudus to showcase his trademark celebration.
“I will encourage him that on Saturday, when he scores, he celebrates like the hammers do,” Ian said.
Ian Nash’s commitment to Kudus got the world’s attention when he travelled from the UK to Ghana to watch the country’s game against the Central African Republic in the 2023 AFCON qualifiers.
He was later able to meet the player and was gifted a matchday shirt by Mohammed Kudus.
Tottenham Hotspur are prepared to provide comprehensive support for their Brazilian international, Richarlison (26), according to manager Ange Postecoglou (58).
This comes after the striker, who has been struggling on the field, expressed his intention to seek psychological assistance.
Richarlison made headlines when he was pictured in tears on the bench after being substituted in the 71st minute during Brazil’s 5-1 victory over Bolivia in a 2026 World Cup qualifier in Belem.
Following the match, Richarlison disclosed to the Brazilian newspaper O Globo that he intends to consult with a psychologist in order to ‘come back stronger’,
“Whatever Richy needs, we’ll help him get to the space he wants to. He was emotional after a game and that’s fine,” Postecoglou told reporters ahead ofSaturday’s Premier League game at home to Sheffield United.
“We’ll provide all the support he needs. I’m sure every player in the dressing room is dealing with something.
“There’s always something that isn’t where you want it to be. It’s about keeping perspective and balance. That’s part of life.”
🎙 “One part of your life could be flying, but there’ll be something — it could be a family member, it could be a health issue, could be a financial issue. Footballers are not immune from that.”
Postecoglou also commended the significant contribution of James Maddison, the English midfielder who was named the Premier League Player of the Month for August.
Maddison has made a notable impact, tallying two goals and two assists in four games since his transfer to Spurs from Leicester City, for a reported fee of £40 million.
“It was a fairly low-risk acquisition because of his quality. But the way he’s embraced the club, on and off the field, has been fantastic,” Postecoglou said.
“You’re looking for enthusiasm and freshness and he’s created a real good energy around the place.”
After failing to qualify for Europe last season, Spurs look like a team reborn under new manager Postecoglou and are playing with a high-tempo style that has propelled them to second in the standings with three wins and a draw from four games.
“We’ve had a promising start. I didn’t go into it with any kind of expectation,” the Australian said.
“Embedding a style of play into the group was the key thing for me. We could be sitting on 10 points but if we hadn’t been playing our style of football, I wouldn’t have been comfortable. We’re only a month into a long season.”
Spurs’ next opponents, 17th-placed Sheffield United, have taken one point from their first four games after promotion.
Getafe head coach Jose Bordalas has revealed that Jude Bellingham recommended to Mason Greenwood that he consider playing in La Liga.
In the previous month, Manchester United and Greenwood reached a mutual agreement for him to leave the club following a six-month investigation into allegations of attempted rape and assault, with the criminal case against him being dropped in February.
Greenwood made a season-long loan move to Getafe in Madrid from Manchester United on September 1. Interestingly, Bellingham had also made a move to the Spanish capital, joining Real Madrid from Borussia Dortmund earlier in the summer.
Getafe coach Jose Bordalas
“Greenwood has a friendship with Bellingham and he recommended that he come and play in the Spanish league,” Getafe coach Jose Bordalas said.
ESPN has reached out to Bellingham’s representatives for their input on the matter.
Greenwood, who tallied 35 goals in 129 appearances for United, has not participated in a competitive match since January 2022. Prior to joining Getafe, he engaged in solitary training as part of his preparation for his return to the field.
Despite being under contract with United until June 2025, it is unlikely that the 21-year-old will make a return to Old Trafford next summer.
“He is a fantastic player,” Bordalas said of Greenwood. “We have to be patient and calm. His teammates and the coaching staff are helping him. He is adapting sensationally well and I hope he can help us.”
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has commended Declan Rice (24) for his swift adaptation to life at the Emirates Stadium after his club-record £105 million transfer in the summer.
Rice’s transfer from West Ham United in July allowed the England international to have a full pre-season with Arsenal. He has made a strong impression in the central midfield role, featuring for the entire duration of every Premier League match this season.
His performances earned him Arsenal’s Player of the Month award for August, and he scored his first goal for the club, a late winner against historic rivals Manchester United earlier this month.
“You always hope that the transition is going to be smooth and fast, but sometimes the reality is very different,” Arteta told reporters on Friday, ahead of Sunday’s league trip to Everton.
“In his case, it has been really positive, he’s finding it really easy. He understood the team, our way of playing really, really fast and things are going well for him.”
As Rice has seamlessly integrated into Arsenal, their former record signing, Nicolas Pepe, has departed the club. Arsenal opted to terminate the contract of the Ivory Coast international, who was signed for £72 million in 2019.
Pepe played a significant role in Arsenal’s FA Cup victory in 2020, but he subsequently faced limited playing time under Arteta. He departs Arsenal after having scored 27 goals in 112 games and has joined Trabzonspor on a free transfer.
“I wasn’t involved in that deal but what I can say about him as a person is that he’s a phenomenal boy, he tried really hard. It’s not his fault for the amount of money that we paid at the time,” Arteta said.
Arteta said winger Bukayo Saka “trained normally” amid concerns over a possible Achilles injury, while the Spaniard added that Arsenal are looking to extend the contract of skipper Martin Odegaard, whose current deal expires in June 2025.
“He’s our captain; he’s a massive player for us. He’s really important for now and the future. We want to keep him here for a long time,” Arteta said. “I’m always optimistic. We’re really close (to a new deal) with him and his agent.”
Arsenal is growing increasingly confident about reaching an agreement for a contract extension with midfielder Martin Ødegaard, according to sources from ESPN.
The 24-year-old’s current contract is set to expire in 2025, but negotiations for a new deal are progressing positively. It is anticipated that Ødegaard will extend his commitment to the club for at least another two seasons.
Furthermore, Ødegaard is expected to receive a substantial wage increase from his current £120,000-a-week salary to better reflect his performance and elevated status since joining the club in January 2021.
The Norwegian international initially arrived at Arsenal on a six-month loan from Real Madrid before completing a permanent transfer in the summer of 2021 for a fee of approximately £30 million ($37 million).
Ødegaard was named Arsenal captain last summer and has scored 26 goals in 110 appearances for the club.
He refused to be drawn on his contract situation when asked earlier this week while on international duty with Norway, who he also captains.
Ødegaard said: “I don’t have much to say, apart from the fact that I am very happy at Arsenal and I hope I can be there for a long time.
“Beyond that, I have no comment right now. Now, it is the national team that is in focus.”
Chief Executive Officer of the Bui Power Authority (BPA), Samuel Kofi Ahiave Dzamesi, has announced that the BPA is the pioneer in combining solar and hydro energy sources in the West African sub-region.
During an appearance on GhanaWeb TV’s BizTech program hosted by Ernestina Serwaa Asante, the CEO of BPA highlighted that their hydroelectric dam generates 400 megawatts of electricity, contributing to the national grid.
“As we speak, we are now more interested in doing the solar hydro. And I want to tell you that at Bui Power Authority, we are the first company to actually hybridise solar and hydro together, Mr Dzamesi told the host of BizTech, Ernestina Serwaa Asante.
He added that “A lot of countries have not done that.
“We are about the first, if not in West Africa, in the whole of Africa. We are the first to be able to do that and that anybody who wants to learn about that thing should come to us…”
Discussing BPA’s expansion, Samuel Kofi Ahiave Dzamesi highlighted their achievements, including the installation of a 5-megawatt floating solar plant and a 50-megawatt land-based solar plant.
He also mentioned BPA’s plans to construct hydroelectric plants along the River Pra, River Ankobra, and River Tano.
He clarified that these dams, to be situated in the Western region, would be run-of-the-river dams rather than reservoir dams.
Sources have informed ESPN thatJadon Sancho’s future at Manchester United is at risk if he does not issue an apology following his public dispute with manager Erik ten Hag.
Sancho has been instructed to undergo solitary training sessions after publicly accusing Ten Hag of being dishonest regarding his omission from the squad in the 3-1 loss to Arsenal prior to the international break.
Discussions have taken place between the two parties at Carrington this week, but Sancho has declined to offer an apology. Consequently, there is no specified timeline for his return to the first-team squad.
ESPN’s sources have indicated that Ten Hag remains resolute in his requirement for an apology, both privately and in a public statement. If Sancho continues to refuse, it is increasingly likely that he will depart the club when the transfer window reopens in January.
A brief statement issued by United on Thursday read: “Jadon Sancho will remain on a personal training programme away from the first team group pending resolution of a squad discipline issue.”
Jadon Sancho has played just 76 minutes in the Premier League so far this season.
Speaking at a news conference on Friday, Ten Hag refused to go into specifics about the situation involving Sancho but did comment on his quest to set standards of discipline since his arrival at Old Trafford.
“There was no good culture before I entered last season, so to set good standards, that is what I did and it is my job to control the standards,” he said.
“Of course, it is never someone who only makes one mistake, it is a whole process before you come to a certain outcome about strict lines. If staff, players or whoever, there is a structure to cross lines, so you have to be strong.”
Sancho is following a precedent at Manchester United, where players have been requested to apologise to Ten Hag in the past.
An example of this is Cristiano Ronaldo, who faced suspension for a match last season after declining to substitute during a 2-0 victory against Tottenham in October.
Ronaldo was allowed back into the squad after expressing remorse for his actions, which included issuing a statement on social media.
Sancho has deleted the social media post in which he accused Ten Hag of making him a “scapegoat for a long time” but has not apologised for the outburst.
According to an ESPN source, part of Sancho’s discontent stems from his perception that he has been treated differently from other squad members. He is also frustrated by the fact that the club entertained offers for him in the last week of the transfer window, even though late interest from Saudi Pro League side Al Ettifaq did not materialize into a move.
Sancho’s future is further complicated by his substantial contract at Old Trafford.
The 23-year-old is under contract until 2026 and earns more than £300,000 per week, making it challenging to secure a transfer without Manchester United incurring a significant financial loss.
In a bid to strengthen Ghana’s energy sector to facilitate the country’s economic development, Dr. Mathew Opoku Prempeh, the Energy Minister, has led a Ghanaian delegation to the World Bank.
Accompanying the Energy Minister in the delegation are the Minister of State from the Ministry of Finance and key stakeholders from the power sector.
According to him, the engagement with the World Bank is about the World Bank’s support in the context of our Energy Sector Recovery Programme (ESRP).
Explaining how important the discussions with the World Bank are, the Energy Minister indicated that “it will afford us the opportunity for a comprehensive technical evaluation of our sector, under our continuous determination at keeping the lights on and the nation moving in the Ghanaian interest”.
Read his statement below
Our quest to ensure a robust energy sector that will support Ghana’s economic transformation continues unabated, with every ounce of energy we can muster.
In this regard, I am currently leading a delegation that includes the Minister of State at the Ministry of Finance and power sector players to engage the World Bank at its headquarters in Washington, DC, USA. Our discussions are essentially centred on the World Bank’s support in the context of our Energy Sector Recovery Programme (ESRP).
I have been making the point that we remain committed to strengthening the policy and regulatory framework of the energy sector, underpinned by efficient generation, transmission, and distribution value-chain with strong features such as competitive procurement, and a strategy for private sector participation, among others.
The next 3 days will certainly afford us the opportunity for a comprehensive technical evaluation of our sector, under our continuous determination to keep the lights on and the nation moving in Ghana’s interest.
Andreas Rettig (60), a seasoned sports director with a history at Bundesliga clubs, assumed the role of Executive Director at theGerman Football Association (DFB) on Friday.
He succeeded Oliver Bierhoff (55), who resigned following Germany’s unexpected early exit from the World Cup last year.
Germany, a four-time World Cup champion and the host of Euro 2024 next year, has been experiencing one of its worst runs in decades.
Their recent friendly international against France, which they won 2-1 on Tuesday, marked only their fifth victory in the last 18 matches. This victory came just two days after the dismissal of coach Hansi Flick.
Bierhoff had tendered his resignation in December, shortly after Germany’s second consecutive group stage exit at the World Cup.
Rettig, who will oversee the national team and the DFB academy, brings a wealth of experience from his roles at various Bundesliga clubs. He also served as the Chief Executive of the German Football League, responsible for the top two divisions, from 2013 to 2015.
“I look forward to the challenges,” Rettig said in a statement. “(The national teams) are shaped by great successes and currently have problems.
“I want to contribute towards making future successes possible again and to improve the direction of the DFB and the performance of its teams in every way.”
National Petroleum Authority (NPA)Dampare is Ghana’s finest IGP till date – Ahafo NPP Chairmanrecently held a three-day workshop on downstream compliance in Accra, with the aim of educating managers and supervisors from oil marketing companies (OMCs) on industry-related matters.
The primary objective of this workshop, organized by the NPA’s Business Development Department, was to enhance OMCs’ adherence to the regulatory requirements established by the authority, thereby helping them avoid potential sanctions.
Deputy Chief Executive of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Mrs. Linda Asante, , inaugurated the workshop and emphasised the NPA’s commitment to providing industry players with the essential information necessary to meet operational standards.
Mrs. Linda Asante, Deputy Chief Executive of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA)
She assured participants that the NPA is always available to provide them with direct information and cautioned against involving third parties in such matters.
Mrs. Asante also encouraged OMCs to utilise the authority’s website as a valuable resource for accessing information.
Furthermore, Mrs. Asante acknowledged the challenges faced by the downstream sector during the COVID-19 pandemic, including fluctuations in exchange rates and rising petroleum product prices.
She highlighted the collaborative efforts between the NPA and industry stakeholders to make the sector more resilient and robust in response to these challenges.
Mr. Kwaku Agyemang-Duah, the Chief Executive Officer and Industry Coordinator of the Association of Oil Marketing Companies, emphasized the significance of compliance in ensuring the success and sustainability of businesses.
He commended theNPA for organising the workshop, recognizing it as an opportunity for industry players to exchange ideas and effectively address compliance-related challenges.
Spanish prosecutors have requested a restraining order to keep formerfootball chief Luis Rubiales (46) away from national team player Jenni Hermoso (33) as part of an investigation into sexual assault.
The alleged incident, in which Rubiales kissed Hermoso on the lips at the medal ceremony following Spain’s women’s team’s World Cup victory in Sydney, Australia, on August 20th, has sparked widespread outrage over sexism in Spanish sports and society, leading to protests reminiscent of the “Me Too” movement.
Rubiales claims the kiss was consensual, while Hermoso contends that it was forced upon her.
If granted, the restraining order would prohibit Rubiales from contacting Hermoso or approaching within 500 metres of her.
Rubiales, dressed in a black suit over a white shirt, left the High Court in Madrid accompanied by his lawyer, Olga Tubau, after a closed-door investigative hearing lasting approximately an hour.
He did not communicate with the media waiting outside.
During his testimony, Rubiales refuted the allegations, as per a statement from the prosecutor’s office.
After weeks of resisting calls from players, politicians, and women’s advocacy groups to step down as president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), Rubiales finally resigned on September 10th.
However, he remains unapologetic, asserting that his actions were consensual in a moment of celebration and joy.
Local media reported that women’s players, including the World Cup-winning squad, intended to continue their boycott of the national team until further changes were made within the federation.
State prosecutor Marta Durantez Gil subsequently filed a legal complaint, including a possible charge of coercion, as Hermoso claimed she and her family were pressured by Rubiales and his associates to state that she had approved of the incident.
🚨 | Spanish FA president captured kissing Jenni Hermoso on the lips during ceremony. The player later said that she did not enjoy it. pic.twitter.com/Gh7NUWzZnU
Judge Francisco de Jorge is heading the inquiry, which is a necessary step preceding any formalcharges under Spanish law.
He will determine whether the case should proceed to trial, and if it does, the potential consequences for Rubiales could include a prison sentence ranging from one to four years.
He emphasised the importance of establishing malice or intentionality to classify a sexual action as assault.
De Jorge has instructed various media outlets, including state broadcaster TVE, to provide him with footage of the incident and subsequent videos.
One of these videos shows the players celebrating on a bus with Rubiales, making what seemed to be light-hearted references to the kiss. The investigation is expected to span several months.
This legal case will also serve as a public examination of the flagship “Solo sí es sí” (Only yes is yes) law of the leftist coalition government, which places consent at the core of sexual relationships.
Numerous players, sports organisations, and politicians have expressed their support for Hermoso through a campaign united under the hashtag #SeAcabó (It’s Over) on social media.
Over 80 of Spain’s leading female players, including the 23 world champions, have declined to participate in the national team until there are changes in the management and approach of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).
Despite Rubiales’ resignation and the appointment of assistant coach Montse Tome to replace team coach Jorge Vilda, the players informed the RFEF on Friday that they would maintain their boycott.
Spain’s male-dominated football establishment faced another setback on Thursday when police arrested three youth players from Real Madrid on suspicion of distributing a sexually explicit video involving a minor. The mother of a 16-year-old in the Canary Islands filed a complaint, alleging that the video had been recorded without her consent, according to police reports.
This young player made his first appearance for the Ligue 1 champions in December 2022, while he was still just 15 years old.
He featured in a friendly match against Paris FC at that time and was also part of PSG’s pre-season preparations for the 2023–24 season, playing in a 3-0 victory against Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors during the club’s Asia tour.
Ethan and Mbappe
Now, Mbappe junior has been named in a Ligue 1 matchday squad as PSG prepares to face Nice at Parc des Princes on Friday.
He will be hoping for the opportunity to take the field if the circumstances allow during the match.
Ethan Mbappe joined PSG alongside his World Cup-winning brother in 2017, moving from AS Bondy.
In the summer of 2021, he signed a three-year contract with the club, and later that year, he made his debut for the France U21 national team.
He is, however, still inFrance and Ethan has previously said of working with his sibling: “A huge pride to be able to play with you, big brother.”
Ratings agency Fitch has stated that it does not anticipate the inclusion of Treasury bills in the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme in the foreseeable future.
The UK-based firm has pointed out that despite the attractive returns offered by these short-term securities, they are the government’s sole remaining financing option.
Consequently, incorporating them into the domestic debt restructuring plan would be highly detrimental.
This perspective was shared by Toby Illes, a Senior Director specialising in Emerging markets and African Sovereign Ratings at Fitch Ratings, during the Africa Webinar Series.
The Webinar series titled “Reform and New Challenges in Western Africa,” said the government will not restructure T-bills.
“We don’t expect T-bills to be restructured. Just given the need for that financing tool, we wouldn’t expect that to be included”.
“In Ghana’s case, it is generally very complicated to include that in domestic debt restructuring. I guess the main question is that domestic debt restructuring we would have now is about that the domestic debt restructuring is more about medium term when actually you move a lot of these maturities down the line”, he said
He, however, expressed worry about the huge domestic debt servicing expected in 2027 and 2028, respectively.
This complaint stems from an incident in which he allegedly kissed player Jenni Hermoso (33) on the lips without her consent. This incident has ignited a heated debate about sexism in Spanish sports and society.
The events of August 20th overshadowed the national women’s team’s World Cup victory in Sydney and sparked protests akin to the MeToo movement.
It encouraged other women to step forward with accounts of sexist mistreatment and assaults, sending shockwaves through Spain’s predominantly male-dominated football hierarchy.
Rubiales has consistently maintained that the kiss was mutual and consensual.
Despite resisting calls to resign as president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) for weeks, Rubiales, who was already suspended by FIFA, ultimately stepped down on September 10th.
However, he has not expressed remorse for his actions.
“I am a good person, that in a moment of maximum happiness, with consent, asking beforehand…In truth, there can be no other intention than the celebration and the joy itself,” he told British television interviewer Piers Morgan on Sunday.
He likened the celebratory atmosphere in Sydney to winning a lottery or seeing a war end, situations in which he said “people don’t ask permissions”.
Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Diaz has called his actions “shameful” and said they showed that male chauvinism was still systemic in Spanish society.
This action followed Hermoso’s statement to prosecutors, in which she alleged that Rubiales kissed her on the mouth without her consent while firmly holding her head with both hands during the medal ceremony.
The prosecutor also introduced the possibility of a coercion charge, as Hermoso claimed that she and her family felt pressured by Rubiales and his associates to publicly state that she “justified and approved what happened.”
Judge Francisco de Jorge has been assigned to conduct an inquiry as mandated by Spanish law before any formal charges can be brought.
He will determine whether the case should proceed to trial. If it does, Rubiales could potentially face a prison sentence ranging from one to four years.
De Jorge has issued orders for several media outlets, including state broadcaster TVE, to provide him with footage of the incident and subsequent videos. One such video depicts players celebrating on a bus with Rubiales, making what appeared to be lighthearted references to the kiss. The investigative process is expected to span several months.
Friday’s hearing is behind closed doors.
The legal case will also serve as a public test for the flagship “Solo si es si” (Only yes is yes) law of the leftist coalition government, which places consent at the core of sexual relations.
A substantial number of players, sports organisations, and politicians have thrown their support behind Hermoso in a campaign centred around the hashtag #SeAcabó (It’s Over) on social media. This reflects the nation’s growing intolerance towards abuse.
In a significant show of solidarity, Spain’s top 87 female players, including the 23 world champions, have opted not to represent the national team until there are changes in the management and approach of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).
As a response to this pressure, the RFEF has dismissed women’s team coach Jorge Vilda (42) and appointed his assistant Montse Tome (41) as the first woman to lead the team.
Left-back Olga Carmona (23) stated this week that the players have yet to determine if these changes are sufficient to prompt their return to the team.
Former Chelsea goalkeeper Asmir Begovic has raised questions about the Blues’ staggering £1 billion ($1.2bn) spending spree, expressing his unfamiliarity with some of their recent signings.
Since Todd Boehly’s takeover of the club in the summer of 2022, the Premier League giants have made substantial investments.
They have splurged eye-popping amounts of money on a roster that includes Raheem Sterling, Kalidou Koulibaly, Marc Cucurella, Wesley Fofana, Mykhailo Mudryk, Enzo Fernandez, Malo Gusto, Christopher Nkunku, Axel Disasi, Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia, and Cole Palmer.
Begovic, who spent two seasons at Stamford Bridge between 2015 and 2017, has told The Byline podcast of business in west London: “If you’re spending £115 million on Caicedo, surely you spend £120 million on Declan Rice? I don’t know Declan personally, I’m not saying he doesn’t want to play for Arsenal, but hand on heart, I think he’d have wanted to go to Chelsea.
You look at some of these players and think, ‘How is Declan Rice going somewhere else?’ Players like this, they would go to Chelsea in the past; players in their prime, and Declan Rice is in his prime.
“I watch football like a mad man and I’m not familiar with half these players! For me, it’s odd; the whole thing is very odd. I don’t see the construction of the team; this whole rebuilding transition phase is a bit of an excuse to me.
“I’m not saying I don’t like Enzo Fernandez, but if we’re going to spend £230 million on him and Caicedo, thenI’d prefer Declan Rice over any of those players if I can get him. Get the best players through the door, please.”
Asmir Begovic
Ex-Bosnia international Begovic, who took in 33 appearances for the Blues and is now on the books at Queens Park Rangers, added: “Honestly, I mean, in the last 12 months… what has happened at Chelsea football club? It just beggars belief. I mean, with the squad of players at Mauricio Pochettino’s disposal, the amount of money spent is 12th in the league—it’s mid-table! It is literally mid-table. If they were any higher, you would be working miracles. You have a bit of bad luck with Christopher Nkunku, I get it; he’s a top player. Cole Palmer has only just come in.
“But what is going on with the recruitment of these players? Why is Chelsea’s football club rebuilding? Why is Chelsea Football Club in a transition? This is one of the best. I mean, I’ve been there. I’m proud to have been there. It’s one of the best locations to play football in the world.
“I remember being with players in the dressing room, world class, world class, world class. Buying from Barcelona, buying from Real Madrid, and buying from Bayern Munich It’s like we’re buying from Brighton, potential players. And I get you need a part of that, but where is the top world-class players?”
Jude Bellingham has had a remarkable beginning to his journey in Spain, finding the net five times in just four games. He’s now back in training following the international break.
The English midfielder’s outstanding performance extended from his fantastic start at Madrid to the England national team, where he played a pivotal role in a 3-1 victory over Scotland.
Bellingham was all smiles in training alongside Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelian Tchouameni.
Jude B story
Bellingham’s La Liga scoring record at the start of his career has only been surpassed by Radamel Falcao’s incredible start with Atletico Madrid, where the Colombian striker scored six goals in his first four games.
The 21-year-old forward made his move to Spain after being informed that he was not part of Manchester United’s immediate plans.
Although he remains under contract with United until 2025, he hasn’t played for the Premier League club since January 2022.
This absence was due to an ongoing internal investigation following his arrest on charges of attempted rape, assault, and coercive control.
However, these charges were dropped in February 2023, allowing Greenwood to refocus on his professional career.
He is now on a season-long loan with La Liga’s Getafe.
According to the Daily Mail, within a week of his arrival, more shirts with ‘Greenwood 12’ on the back were sold than for any other player in the club’s history.
His unveiling drew a crowd of 4,000 supporters, and there’s a possibility he might make his debut against Osasuna on Sunday.
Greenwood has also had the opportunity to meet with Getafe’s president, and Manchester United is covering the expenses for his accommodation in Spain, providing a 24/7 translator, and arranging regular visits from his friends and family.
As for his long-term future, no decisions have been made yet beyond the conclusion of the 2023–24 season, and Manchester United continues to cover the majority of his salary.
There are reports that the players of Asante Kotoko, who clinched the 2020/21Ghana Premier League title, have not received any financial compensation despite promises made by the Board and Management.
This has been the case for two years since their championship win.
Sources within the club report that the Board had pledged to provide each player with $5,000, while the Management had assured the players of a special package. However, none of these promises have been fulfilled.
“The Board promised to give each player $5000 after we had won the title but Management did not make any promises. They only said there is a special package for us but to date, no player has received any of the above. I dare any player to come out and say otherwise. It caused most of the players to leave”, the source disclosed.
The source mentioned that, after months of travelling the length and breadth of Ghana to win Kotoko their 24th title, they have been treated poorly despite making loads of sacrifices for the club.
“After we won the league, we have not received a penny. We went to the residence of former President John Agyekum Kuffour and he offered us some cash. We had to share the money with the management at that same place. Each player got 600 cedis, which most of us used as transportation back to our homes”, the source added.
Explaining the unfair treatment by the club, the source disclosed, “When we came home after the season had ended, they still had salary arrears of two months. They called us to report for pre-season but we all declined and asked them to pay us.
“We went through hell before they deposited ouraccounts with our money. It was one of the seasons most of us left because the treatment was bad. They look good in the sight of many but they don’t treat players fairly”, the source further stated.
Manchester United has taken disciplinary action by suspending English winger Jadon Sancho from the first team due to behavioural issues.
In an official statement released on Thursday, September 14, 2023, the club announced that the player has been placed on a ‘personal training programme.’
“Jadon Sancho will remain on a personal training programme away from the first-team group, pending resolution of a squad discipline issue.”
Jadon Sancho’s suspension is a consequence of his public response to Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag’s justification for omitting him from the team’s lineup against Arsenal on Saturday, September 3, 2023.
Erik Ten Haag had explained that Sancho was excluded due to subpar performance in training sessions.
Sancho, in his reaction to Ten Haag’s explanation, claimed that he was being unfairly singled out as a “scapegoat.”
He now becomes the second player to face suspension, following Antony, who is currently under investigation for allegations of domestic violence.
Barcelona has initiated contact with Nico Williams’ agent as the Athletic Bilbao forward’s contract is set to expire next summer, as reported by Diario Sport.
At just 21 years old, Williams has had an impressive start to the LaLiga season with Athletic and showcased his abilities during the international break while playing for Spain, contributing to three goals in victories against Georgia and Cyprus.
Given their financial constraints, Barcelona is actively seeking free-agent options for the upcoming summer, and Williams is considered one of the top prospects on their radar.
Nico Williams
Athletic is eager to extend Williams’ contract, which has prompted Barcelona to inform the player’s agent, Felix Tainta, of their interest should he opt not to renew his current contract.
Williams, who is versatile enough to play on either the left or right side of a front three, happens to be the brother of hisAthletic teammate, Iñaki.
Osimhen secured his spot on the shortlist following his outstanding performance with Napoli in the previous season.
The 24-year-old netted an impressive 26 goals in Serie A, a significant contribution to Napoli’s first Serie A title in 33 years. He not only claimed the top scorer title but also set a record as the highest-scoring African player in the Italian top flight.
Osimhen’s remarkable season extended into the UEFA Champions League, where he scored five goals and played a pivotal role in guiding Napoli to their best-ever finish in the competition, reaching the quarterfinals.
Among the other nominees for this prestigious award are football stars like Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Declan Rice, Erling Haaland, Rodrigo (Manchester City), Julian Alvarez, Marcelo Brozovic, Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Bernardo Silva.
The Organizing Committee for the2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) , scheduled to take place in Ivory Coast from Saturday, January 13 to Sunday, February 2024, has plans to offer transportation services to accommodate fans and tourists attending the tournament.
This upcoming AFCON will mark the 34th edition of the competition, and it will be hosted in five cities: Abidjan, Bouake, Korhogo, Yamoussoukro, and San Pedro.
A Facebook post, as noted by GhanaWeb, indicates that various transportation options will be available, including branded buses, taxis, gbakas (local minibusses), and boat buses.
The2023 AFCON will feature 24 nations competing for the championship when the continental tournament commences next year. Notable countries such as Nigeria, Cameroon, Ghana, Algeria, Egypt, and others will be contending for the coveted trophy.
The Professional Footballers Association of Ghana (PFAG) has stepped in to assist Legon Cities goalkeeper William Essu, who has been battling a severe illness for several weeks.
Essu has been fighting for his life during this challenging period of illness.
It was reported that the goalkeeper had sent an email to Ghana’s U23 head coach, Ibrahim Tanko, in which he requested the release of their qualification bonus to use it for his medical treatment.
In a display of solidarity, PFAG’s Vice President, Tetteh Zutah, and General Secretary, Anthony Baffoe, visited William Essu to offer their support and words of encouragement during this difficult time.
William Essu
The visit from Tetteh Zutah and Anthony Baffoe deeply moved the goalkeeper, known for his outstanding goalkeeping skills.
Read the official statement from the PFAG below
As a Union dedicated to the welfare and well-being of professional footballers in Ghana, the PFAG reaffirms its commitment to providing support to Essu throughout his recovery journey.
The PFAG believes that the strength of the Union lies in its ability to stand by its members in times of need. We conveyed the importance of staying strong and persevering through difficulties, both in football and in life.
This demonstration of solidarity reflects the broader commitment of the PFAG to stand by its members in times of need.
Our visit also serves as a poignant reminder that, beyond the game, these footballers are human beings who can lean on one another for support and inspiration during life’s challenges.
Cerezo noted that Carrasco is now earning wages that are “10 times” higher and stated that he would have made the same decision himself.
Winger Carrasco, aged 30, completed his transfer to Al Shabab on September 5, after the Spanish transfer window had already closed, leaving Atletico unable to find a replacement.
“He’s done well to leave,” Cerezo told COPE radio on Wednesday. “The contract they offered him was 10 times bigger. I would have done the same.”
This marked the second occasion that Carrasco had left Atletico in pursuit of a lucrative contract. He initially made a move to the Chinese club Dalian Professional in 2018 before eventually making his return to LaLiga.
Midfielder Saul Niguez acknowledged on Wednesday that Carrasco, a significant contributor to the Atletico team that secured LaLiga victory in 2021, would be a notable absence.
“The [Saudi] Arabia issue is simple for me, they offered him a lot of years, financially better and in the end you have to assess everything and see what’s best for him,” Saul said, speaking at a LaLiga event.
“He’s a special player because he had different characteristics to the rest, that made him different, it’s a tough departure.
“But thanks to the transfer market and the seasons last year of Roro [Riquelme], Samuel Lino and Javi Galan, the position is well covered.”
Last month, the Ghanaian international suffered a groin injury just before the international break, causing him to miss Arsenal’s 3-1 Premier League victory over Manchester United and Ghana’s matches against the Central African Republic (CAR) and Liberia.
Despite his absence, Ghana secured a spot in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), to be held in Ivory Coast next year, with a 2-1 win over CAR at the Baba Yara Stadium.
In an international friendly, Ghana also triumphed 3-1 at the Accra Sports Stadium under the guidance of Chris Hughton.
Partey remains optimistic about returning to play in October, but Arsenal will closely monitor his progress and won’t rush his comeback.
For the current season, Barcelona’s new wage cap stands at €270 million, a substantial decrease from the previous €648 million cap set back in February. This cap applies for the first five months and is subject to review after the January transfer window.
Real Madrid’s budget for the 2023–24 La Liga season is €727 million, with Atletico Madrid slightly surpassing Barcelona at €296 million.
The top five in terms of budget are rounded out by Sevilla (€168 million) and Villarreal (€143 million).
The spending cap is primarily determined by the gap between a team’s earnings and non-sporting expenses, as well as debt repayments.
Barcelona’s decrease in the spending cap is partly due to the declining impact of “palancas,” which are assets sold to improve short-term finances.
One such asset sale, Barca Studios (now Barca Vision), did not yield the expected funds in 2022, leading to its resale during the summer.
However, these funds still did not arrive by the close of the transfer window, prompting President Joan Laporta and the board to provide a €20 million guarantee to complete all summer business with La Liga.
During the summer, Barcelona made limited signings, including Oriol Romeu (€3.5 million), Ilkay Gundogan, and Inigo Martinez.
They also secured season-long loans for Joao Felix and Joao Cancelo. To balance their finances, high earners such as Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba departed, and transfer fees were received for Ousmane Dembele and Franck Kessie.
Additional departures included Abde Ezzalzouli, Samuel Umtiti, and Nico Gonzalez, while Ansu Fati, Clement Lenglet, and Sergiño Dest were sent on loan.
Barcelona managed to reduce their annual sporting costs from €560 million to approximately €400 million, but these still exceed the league’s imposed cap.
Consequently, they will face restrictions when the transfer window reopens in January, especially with regards to spending on other teams like the B team, women’s team, and basketball team.
President Joan Laporta and the club’s leadership will once again need to take cost-cutting measures or explore alternative means to raise funds if they intend to continue with their current roster of players.
Nigeria has experienced extensive power cuts due to a “total system collapse,” as reported by electricity distribution companies.
Early on Thursday, power generation levels plummeted to zero megawatts. Although some supply has been restored, it remains significantly below the usual consumption levels in Africa’s most populous nation.
Nigeria frequently grapples with unreliable power supplies, despite being a major producer of oil and gas. This represents the most severe outage in a year, with the country’s grid collapsing at least four times in 2022, typically attributed to technical issues by authorities.
Access to a consistent power supply is available to less than half of Nigeria’s population, with many relying on alternative sources such as generators and inverters.
Most homes and businesses use a combination of these sources in addition to the national grid.
In theory, Nigeria has the capacity to generate up to 12,500 MW of power, but in practise, it typically produces only a quarter of that capacity, according to Reuters.
Around 10:30 local time on Thursday (09:30 GMT), power levels increased from zero to 273 MW, which still falls significantly short of the daily average of 4,100 MW, as indicated by data from the Transmission Company of Nigeria.
President Bola Tinubu, who has been in office for just over 100 days, has pledged to enhance the power supply bypermitting state governments to establish their own power plants.
