Vinai Venkatesham, who has been with thePremier League club for over a decade, will be leaving his position in the summer of 2024.
Arsenal has officially confirmed that Venkatesham will step down at the conclusion of the ongoing season.
He initially joined the club in 2010 as the head of global partnerships and gradually worked his way up within the Premier League club. Venkatesham assumed the role of CEO in 2018 but has now decided to conclude his tenure with the Gunners.
“This was a tough decision, but it is time to pursue another challenge,” he told the club’s official website. “Now is not the time for goodbyes, as I remain focused until my last day and support a seamless transition.”
Arsenal has expressed gratitude to Venkatesham for his dedicated service to the club and will now turn its attention to the process of finding his replacement at the Emirates Stadium.
“The Board is fully supportive of Vinai’s desire to pursue his next challenge. While it is business as usual with everyone focused on the season ahead, we’d like to take this moment to thank him for his contribution and long service. Vinai will always be part of the Arsenal family and always be welcome back at Emirates Stadium,” said co-chair Josh Kroenke.
“Change and succession is something the club is well prepared for. The Board remains committed to our strategy and will address leadership change as we continue to drive the club forward.”
Last week, Sancho expressed his frustration towardsManchester United’s manager, Erik ten Hag, after Ten Hag mentioned that he was omitted from the squad for the Arsenal game due to his training performance.
However, according to The Athletic, United had been growing increasingly concerned with Sancho’s issues related to punctuality.
In response, they implemented a schedule that was set one hour ahead of the regular timing, which initially had some success before Sancho reverted to his previous habits.
The report also highlighted Ten Hag’s exasperation with Sancho’s punctuality and what he perceived as a lack of enthusiasm during training sessions.
Additionally, it noted that several of Sancho’s United teammates had also become frustrated with his performance, as he has not lived up to expectations since his £74 million ($92 million) transfer from Borussia Dortmund in 2021.
During the international break, Sancho took a holiday to New York.
However, in a positive sign, he deleted his earlier social media post in which he criticised Ten Hag.
This deletion is seen as an indication of his willingness to mend his relationship with the manager.
Chelsea’s defender Thiago Silva has expressed his dissatisfaction with his EAFC 24 rating, implying that the game developers might have been watching matches with their eyes closed.
Despite still performing at a high level at the age of 38, the Brazilian international defender has observed a decrease in his overall rating in the upcoming game release by EA Sports, scheduled for September 29.
His commanding presence has earned him an 84-rated base card. Silva’s overall rating has dropped by two points, placing him on par with his teammate Reece James and two points behind Chelsea’s new signing, Christopher Nkunku.
In a ratings reveal on the Premier League’s YouTube channel, Silva said when being made aware of his score: “They’re not watching football; they’re watching the games like this [with their eyes closed].”
While questioning his card, Silva did say, when asked if he would change any of his attribute ratings: “Not really. I think that obviously, offensively, I can improve because I didn’t get a single goal last year. This year I think I can improve my attacking because defensively I’m good.”
Chelsea are counting the cost of their 12th-place finish in the Premier League last season, with Raheem Sterling also seeing his ratings dip from 86 to 83.
The Blues have only seven players with ratings of 80 or over: Sterling, Silva, Nkunku, James, Enzo Fernandez, Ben Chilwell and Moises Caicedo – with summer recruits Romeo Lavia (73) and Cole Palmer (66) having to settle for silver cards.
Former Black Stars goalkeeper George Owu is urging Ghanaians to refrain from criticising Andre Ayew’s inclusion in the Ghana squads, even though he has faced inconsistency in club engagements lately.
The Ghana captain is presently without a club, having parted ways with Nottingham Forest in the Premier League at the conclusion of the previous season.
Nonetheless, he was named in Chris Hughton’s recent squad for Ghana’s matches against the Central African Republic (CAR) in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers and an international friendly against Liberia.
Ayew came off the bench to contribute to Ghana’s 3-1 victory in the friendly.
Despite the concerns raised by many Ghanaians regarding the 33-year-old’s inclusion, George Owu supports Hughton’s reasoning, emphasising the importance of experience as a key factor in Ayew’s selection.
The former Hasaacas goalkeeper believes that, at this stage, the team requires Ayew’s presence for stability since the current players are not yet fully seasoned.
“It is a new team with just a few experienced players. Andre Ayew and Jordan are the only experienced players. The likes of Kudus are now finding their feet,” George Owu told Onua Sports.
André Ayew has made significant contributions to Ghanaian football, including winning the U-20 World Cup in 2009. However, he appears discontented whenever he represents Ghana, primarily due to the treatment he receives from fans.
“We need to be patient with him [Andre Ayew]. There will definitely be a time when he will willingly announce his retirement but at this moment he is still needed.
“There are players who lack motivation to play for fear of criticism and it would takepeople like Ayew to elevate their morale.
“The insults and criticisms are needless and it won’t help the new player settling in,” he added.
Following negotiations with players’ unions regarding a new minimum wage, female players inSpain’s top-flight league (Liga F) have decided to end their strike.
The players’ initial request was to increase the current minimum yearly salary of €16,000 (£13.7k or $17.2k). They sought a minimum wage of €25,000 (£21.5k/$26.8k) for the current season and €30,000 (£25.8k/$32.1k) for the following season.
A new minimum wage structure has now been agreed upon, with €21,000 (£18k/$22.5k) set for the current season, €22,500 (£19.3k/$24.1k) for the 2024–25 season, and €23,500 (£20.2k/$25.2k) for the 2025–26 season.
These amounts will increase by €2,500, €2,500, and €4,500, respectively, based on revenue generated from commercial activities. This new arrangement replaces the previous wage structure, which was in place prior to the complete professionalisation of Liga F in 2020.
“This step is the beginning and only part of the agreement,” FUTPRO, the association of Spanish professional female players, said in a statement. “Now it is time to work to advance in such important points as maternity, harassment protocol, compensation list and others that we consider equally important for thecorrect development of the activity of our football players.”
Liga F said in a statement: “The commitment and repeated efforts of the clubs during the negotiation process have fundamentally contributed to achieving the much-needed peace scenario without losing sight of the sustainability of the competition. A scenario that we hope will show the way to the rest of the institutions that are part of Spanish sport and allow the project of women’s professional football to be promoted.”
Before the recent agreement, Liga F had suggested an initial increase to €18,000 (£15.4k/$19.3k), with subsequent gradual raises that would ultimately reach €25,000 (£21.5k/$26.8k) within three seasons. Furthermore, the deal included additional benefits such as childcare support for players’ children during training, dedicated nursing facilities, and educational grants.
The five unions representing Spain’s female players had a meeting with Liga F just prior to the strike announcement. During this meeting, another proposal was discussed, involving a €20,000 (£17.2k or $21.4k) minimum wage. It was also agreed that if the league generated more than €8 million in commercial profits this season, the minimum wage would be reviewed and increased to €23,000 (£19.7k/$24.6k).
This comes after the 21-year-old goalkeeper called on Coach Ibrahim Tanko, the entire Management of the Black Meteors, and the Ghana Football Association to come to his aid.
In an interview with Angel FM, Enu said the sickness began while Essu was with Ghana U-23 and has kept him on the sick bed for about five months.
Adding that “The CEO called this morning and told us to send him to 37 (the military hospital) in Accra,”
“When they called us, we told them that we tried several hospitals but he could not feel any better, so we are considering using other means.
“They asked how much we would need to fund it and we told them that we can’t quote an amount. Therefore, they should send what they are willing to offer or pay his three months salary so we will use it.”
The keeper’s brother continued that, and the club agreed to the family’s suggestion of seeking spiritual aid to better his brother’s health, hence sending an undisclosed amount to help fund the player’s health care.
“But for five months we’ve been going to the hospital and have not gotten any better outcomes, so we believe that his sickness is beyond the hospital.
“When it started, he texted them but they didn’t mind him. He also called them; they didn’t mind him.So if not for their goalkeeper (Silverster Sackey), who died, probably they wouldn’t have known that he was sick,” Enu said.
“They sent us some money, which will help,” he said.
Essu’s health condition became topical after his pictures as well as his letter to the Ghana Football Association seeking the release of bonuses due him to fund his health care went viral.
He said his brother failed to travel with the team to Morocco after feeling unfit at the airport.
“It started about five months ago. He felt sick at the airport while about to travel with the U-23 team to Morocco so he came home because of the condition.
“We sent him to the hospital and the number of drips he has had will surprise you. He has done lab tests and so many things. They checked him multiple times but couldn’t find anything.”
The images of Essu gained widespread attention as numerous local football fans voiced their dissatisfaction with his club, Legon Cities, for not giving enough consideration to the well-being of their players.
He revealed his need for another medical examination, but regrettably, he is unable to cover the expenses as he has already depleted his savings on medical treatment, with no positive outcome.
His unfortunate circumstances came to light online a day after Legon Cities officially announced the passing of their first-choice goalkeeper, Sylvester Sackey, due to a brief illness, in a statement released on Tuesday, September 12, 2023.
Cristiano Ronaldo is expanding his business interests by undertaking a substantial project in Oeiras, Portugal, involving the construction of a massive padel complex featuring 17 courts.
The renowned five-time Ballon d’Or winner has been granted the contract for this new ‘City of Padel’ by the Portuguese Padel Federation.
The venue, located in Oeiras, a coastal town just outside Lisbon, has been chosen for its suitability to host international padel competitions.
Ronaldo’s company, ‘CR7,’ is planning to invest €5 million (£4.3 million or $5.4 million) in this endeavour.
Cristiano Ronaldo is a known enthusiast of this fast-paced sport, which has experienced a significant surge in popularity in recent years.
Padel, a racket sport that employs a scoring system similar to tennis, distinguishes itself by being exclusively played in doubles within enclosed courts, using smaller rackets without strings.
The president of the Portuguese Padel Federation, Ricardo Oliveira, was delighted with the agreement. “It’s a dream come true,” he said. “We couldn’t have better partners.
“A great businessman and the best sportsman in the world. We can say, with total certainty that the facilities will be unparalleled. This will consolidate Portugal as an international padel power”.
The draw for the 2023 FIFA U17 World Cup, set to be hosted in Indonesia, is set for September 15 in Zurich, Switzerland and former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah, appointed by FIFA, will represent Ghana at the draw ceremony.
Notably, Ghana did not qualify for the tournament’s final rounds.
Appiah brings valuable experience, having previously won the FIFA U17 World Cup with Ghana back in 1995, when it was held in Ecuador.
The African representation in the tournament will come from the U17 champions, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Morocco.
These teams will be joined by 20 other nations: Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Ecuador, England, France, Germany, Indonesia, IR Iran, Japan, Korea Republic, Mexico, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Panama, Poland, Spain, USA, Uzbekistan, and Venezuela.
The 24 participating nations will be drawn into six groups, each consisting of four teams. Each group will receive one team from each of the four pots.
The tournament is scheduled to take place in Indonesia from November 10 to December 2, 2023.
This event marks Indonesia’s inaugural hosting of a FIFA tournament and the first time the FIFA U17 World Cup will be held in Southeast Asia.
Additionally, it represents the firstFIFA tournament in the region since the 2012 FIFA Futsal World Cup, hosted in Thailand.
Zoe has posted a heartfelt statement on social media condemning the treatment of the Manchester United player. During England’s recent friendly against Scotland at Hampden Park in Glasgow, Maguire was brought on as a substitute when Marc Guehi suffered an injury.
Regrettably, Maguire then unintentionally scored an own goal in the 67th minute by inadvertently redirecting a Scotland cross into his team’s net.
She wrote: “As a mum seeing the level of negative and abusive comments which my son is receiving from some fans, pundits and the media is disgraceful and totally unacceptable to any walk of life, never mind someone who works his socks off for club and country.”
“I was there in the stand as usual, It’s not acceptable what’s been created over nothing. I understand that in the football world there are ups and downs, positives and negatives but what Harry receives has gone far beyond ‘football’.”
“For me, seeing him go through what he’s going through is not okay. I would hate to have to see any other parents or players go through this in the future, especially the young boys and girls breaking through the ranks today.
“Harry has a massive heart and it’s a good job he’s mentally strong and can handle it, as others may not be able to. I wish this sort of abuse on nobody.”
Following the game, England manager Gareth Southgate expressed his frustration at the treatment Harry Maguire received, describing it as “a joke”.
Southgate also implied that this unfair treatment was a consequence of an unjust narrative that has developed around Maguire over the past few years.
During the summer, there were rumours linking Maguire to a potential move to West Ham, but the transfer did not materialise.
As a result, the former Manchester United captain has continued to struggle for playing time under Erik ten Hag.
Despite facing taunts from the fans, Maguire has affirmed his ability to handle the pressure and remains confident about getting playing opportunities at Old Trafford this season, even though he has fallen down the pecking order.
Pogba’s injury troubles have limited his club football appearances this season to just 52 minutes, and he now faces the possibility of a four-year ban if it is determined that he intentionally used the banned substance.
Initially, he is suspended for two years, which could lead to the termination of his contract with Juventus.
According to reports from La Repubblica, Juventus is already exploring potential replacements for Pogba.
Arsenal’s midfielder, Thomas Partey, has long been on their radar, and they inquired about his availability during the summer.
Although Arsenal is hesitant to sell, given the presence of Declan Rice in their squad for the holding midfield role, their stance might change if the right offer is presented.
Partey, a Ghanaian international, is currently recovering from a hamstring injury but has already made appearances in three Premier League games forArsenal in the 2023–24 season.
Former midfielder Jesse Lingard, who played for Manchester United and West Ham, has posted a mysterious message on social media, leaving his future uncertain.
Lingard shared this enigmatic message on his Instagram stories following his release by Nottingham Forest when his contract expired during the summer.
“Shoutout to the young people out there who are grinding on a dream that no one thinks is possible. The critics are wrong. You’ll make it happen if you never quit,” he wrote on his Instagram stories.
Nottingham Forest suffered relegation during the summer after spending a year in the Premier League.
Jesse Lingard, who signed a one-year contract with Forest, played a pivotal role in their journey to the Carabao Cup semi-finals last season, contributing two goals.
Nevertheless, he, along with five other players, was released during the summer.
The former West Ham United midfielder is currently without a club and is a free agent, training with David Moyes’ team as he continues his search for his next club.
Barcelona is facing additional financial challenges as a crucial investor has failed to provide the necessary funds to complete an important deal, leaving President Joan Laporta in a precarious position.
Last month, Barcelona reached an agreement with Libero, a football finance company listed in Frankfurt, to acquire a 9.8 percent stake in Barca Vision.
However, according to The Telegraph, Libero has been unable to secure the funds required to finalise the transaction.
This development puts President Laporta in a difficult situation because he personally guaranteed €20 million (£17.2 million or $21.5 million) as part of the arrangement, which played a pivotal role in obtaining La Liga’s licence for Barcelona to participate in the current season.
The transaction was part of a series of “palancas” or leveraged deals, that had provided crucial short-term funding in exchange for shares of future income or the sale of club subsidiaries.
Up until now, this strategy had been considered successful, with Barcelona’s rejuvenated playing squad performing well on the field and the ongoing redevelopment of Camp Nou.
However, Liberia’s failure of Libero to deliver the required funding now jeopardizes a vital component of this strategy.
Barcelona will regroup after the international break and prepare for a challenging schedule of three games in seven days at their temporary home, the Estadi Olímpic Lluis Companys.
In particular, President Laporta and the club’s financial team will be eager for a smooth start toBarcelona’s Champions League campaign, as they aim to avoid a repeat of two consecutive group-stage exits.
Manchester United have chosen to include Antony in their Premier League squad, despite the serious assault allegations made against him by three women.
Premier League clubs were required to submit their squad selections for the first half of the season by September 13th, with a maximum of 25 senior players allowed to be named.
Despite previously announcing that the Brazilian winger was taking a leave of absence “until further notice” to address the allegations, Antony’s name remains on United’s squad list.
He was dropped from the recent Brazil squad after being accused of physical assault by his ex-girlfriend, Gabriela Cavallin.
Both Greater Manchester Police and authorities in Sao Paolo are now investigating these allegations.
Antony vehemently denied the accusations in an interview with Brazilian TV channel SBT.
However, United, mindful of previous criticism over their handling of Mason Greenwood’s situation, jointly decided with the player that he should take time away while the allegations are being investigated.
Nevertheless, Antony’s name remains on the 25-man squad list for the first half of the Premier League season, with changes not permitted until January.
After Juventus’ match against Udinese on August 20, Pogba tested positively for testosterone.
He sat on Juve’s bench but did not participate in the Serie A game.
The anti-doping organisation Nado Italia said that Pogba has been suspended temporarily with immediate effect.
He runs the risk of a four-year suspension while his case is tried and a backup B sample is tested.
According to a source who spoke to ESPN’s Julien Laurens, the food supplements were given to him by a friend of his who works as a doctor in Miami; nevertheless, Italy does not sell those specific food supplements.
Pogba has a three-year contract with Juventus and is paid a large salary of €8 million a year plus €2 million in bonuses. While the lawsuit is still pending, his pay has already been cut to just €2,000 per month.
He joined the team again last year on a free transfer fromManchester United, but due to a number of fitness difficulties, he has only played in seven Serie A games.
Member of Ghana’s ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Richard Nyamah,lamented the country’s high level of corruption.
On Tuesday, September 12, 2023, Nyamah claimed that practically every Ghanaian engages in corrupt behaviour to escape challenging circumstances.
The majority of people moan about corruption, but you see them bribing police officers and other government officials when they run into problems.
“99.9% of the people of Ghana are corrupt in our hearts, in our minds, and in our souls. What we are good at doing is sitting and pointing fingers and telling people how bad they are doing.
“I have fought it (corruption) physically, I have fought it spiritually, and I have prayed. I’ve done all this and I’m saying that internally, something needs to change in our mental thinking process.
“You take even the cultural makeup and the environment; it is all encouraging corruption. What we like to do is that Oh, this one is corrupt, and we sit down and talk about the person.
“You turn next and you are the worst. You are bribing the policeman or you are doing something – we all do it to get out of a situation,” he said.
The aspiring parliamentarian indicated that he has taken the decision not to criticise corrupt practises until something drastic is done to liberate the minds of Ghanaians from corruption.
“… it has taken me that lonely fight to realise thatI’m not different from all these people I’ve been accusing of corruption and so it’s time to just call it quits until something dramatic happens—maybe some external force drops on our heads and our minds change.”
He added that the state agencies that are in charge of fighting corruption, including the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), know that the fight is lost and are merely engaging in pretence.
“You ask them one on one in their rooms and you finish and go into your room and cry… They know what they’re doing is window dressing. The problem is bigger than that. This country is a mess.”
Manchester United have informed Mary Earps that they will not permit her to leave the team before Thursday’s Women’s Super League (WSL) transfer deadline, according to reports.
Rob Dawson of ESPN has confirmed this.
Sources within the club claim that Earps, who has been strongly linked to Arsenal, will remain this season despite United having already rejected one offer this summer that was reportedly a record amount for a female custodian.
The 30-year-old, who was a key performer for England during their journey to the World Cup final, has one year left on her contract, and United is still hopeful of reaching a longer-term agreement.
Earps was named FIFA’s best women’s goalkeeper in 2022 and was also named to the PFA WSL team of the year for the 2022-23 campaign.
She saved a penalty in theWorld Cup final as England were beaten 1-0 by Spain and took home the Golden Glove after keeping three clean sheets in the finals.
IGP George Akuffo Dampare was mentioned in a leaked audio recording, and Samuel Atta Akyea, a member of parliament for Abuakwa South and the head of the parliamentary committee looking into the matter, has questioned the veracity of the tape.
On September 13, 2023, In Accra, Ghana, Atta Akyea expressed his opinion during a press briefing.
Atta Akyea claims that the leaked recording, which has been making the rounds on social media, seems to be a shortened version of a longer conversation. He mentioned that Daniel Bugri Naabu, the former Northern Regional Chairman of the NPP, had provided a newer, more comprehensive tape to the committee.
“It seems to be the case because the second tape is a long conversation,” citinewsroom quoted Atta Akyea as having said.
The leaked tape in question has been a topic of extensive discussion and debate.Bugri Naabu had previously affirmed the tape’s authenticity during his testimony before the committee.
The leaked audio features a conversation between Bugri Naabu and three high-ranking police officers—COP Alex Mensah, Superintendent George Asare, and Superintendent Emmanuel Eric Gyebi—discussing a plot to remove the IGP with the alleged intention of aiding the NPP in rigging the 2024 elections.
During his appearance before the committee on Tuesday, IGP Dampare vehemently denied the allegations made against him by the implicated police officers.
He emphasized that these accusations had caused significant distress to his family. Furthermore, Dampare refuted claims that he was involved in secretly recording the conversations of the three officers.
Also, the IGP denied claims that he had regular contact with John Dramani Mahama, the flagbearer for the opposition party, calling the claims upsetting to his family.
Albert Kan Dapaah, the minister of national security, and Kwame Gyan, the attorney for the inspector general of police, met behind closed doors on Wednesday with the parliamentary committee in charge of looking into the audio that was released.
Together with their solicitors, the three senior police officers who were mentioned in the covert recording attended this hearing behind closed doors.
Goalkeeper for both the Black Meteors and Legon Cities, William Essu, has appealed to the Ghana Football Association to release their U-23 AFCON winning bonuses from their victory over Algeria in March 2023.
This request comes as Essu’s deteriorating health condition, which was shared on the internet on September 12, 2023, has garnered sympathy and attention.
Reports suggest that Essu has been grappling with a serious illness for several months, and he feels neglected by his club, Legon Cities.
Consequently, he has decided to publicly call out the Football Association to address this outstanding debt.
In a Twitter post , the 21-year-old goalkeeper reached out to Coach Ibrahim Tanko, the entire Black Meteors management team, and the Ghana Football Association for assistance.
He has emphasised his urgent need for another health check-up but lamented that he lacks the financial means to cover the expenses, as he has already depleted his savings by seeking treatment without success.
Tragically, on the same day, September 12, 2023, Sylvester Sackey, another goalkeeper from Legon Cities, was confirmed to have passed away following a brief illness.
On deadline day, Palmer, who was a member of the England squad that won the European Under-21 Championship in the summer, signed a £42.5 million deal to join Stamford Bridge.
In September 2020, the 21-year-old earned his first-team debut after spending his whole youth career at City.
The attacker had a strong start to the season for City, scoring in both the UEFA Super Cup triumph against Sevilla and the Community Shield loss to Arsenal.
However, he had made one substitution in City’s opening three Premier League games this season.
“I’m not saying I shied away from the competition [for places at City], because I’ve never done that,” Palmer told the Daily Mail. “I’d been [around the first team] for a few years and wanted more of an opportunity to play in my position and to have more of an impact.
“‘Chelsea explained the project, and I liked the project. I feel like I can have an impact. I’ve only been there for two days; I trained the Friday and played on Saturday so I don’t know what it’s like yet. I’llget more of a feel for it.“
The Presidential Elections Committee recently conducted a productive interactive session with the four individuals competing in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential primaries, scheduled for November 4, 2023.
During this session, they reached an agreement on the rules and procedures that will govern the upcoming election.
Under the oversight of officials from the Electoral Commission of Ghana, the Elections Committee conducted a drawing process to determine the order in which the contestants’ names will appear on the ballot.
The party has now released the results of this drawing in a statement, setting the stage for the highly anticipated NPP flagbearer race.
The order in which the candidates will be listed on the ballot is as follows:
Ken Ohene Agyapong
Mahamudu Bawumia
Owusu Afriyie Akoto
Francis Addai-Nimoh
The NPP is gearing up to select its flagbearer for the 2024 elections on November 4. Apart from Dr. Bawumia, the other three contenders in the race include Kennedy Agyapong, the Assin Central MP; Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, the former Minister for Agriculture; and Francis Addai-Nimoh.
Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has received the unequivocal support of Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Mavis Hawa Koomson as the ideal candidate to halt the country’s protracted 8-year cycle of power alternation.
Bawumia is the only person qualified to describe the achievements of the administration and explain why the New Patriotic Party (NPP) merits re-election in 2024, according to Hawa Koomson.
“Dr. Bawumia is the very one who can break the ‘8.’
“He has worked with President Akufo-Addo for the past eight years. He knows where we started from and where we are now. So he has a story to tell.Apart from Dr. Bawumia, nobody can tell the story of the government, and that is why we are all supporting him.”
Addressing the perception that Bawumia lacks decision-making authority in the government, Hawa Koomson countered, noting that while he serves as Vice President, he is not a mere rubber stamp and can exercise independent decision-making when in charge.
She clarified that, “If you say he’s part of the government, yes, but he’s only a vice, he’s supporting the president. He has no say. When the president is not there, Dr. Bawumia cannot chair cabinet meetings or sign any documents unless the president asks him to do it on his behalf. So when he’s in charge, he can make decisions on his own,” citinewsroom.com quoted the Minister.
Hawa Koomson confidently predicted that Bawumia would secure a resounding victory in the NPP’s presidential primaries scheduled for November, citing his immense popularity, experience, and grassroots support as the key factors in his favor.
The NPP is set to elect its flagbearer for the 2024 elections on November 4. Apart from Dr. Bawumia, the other three contenders in the race include Kennedy Agyapong, the Assin Central MP;Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, the former Minister for Agriculture; and Francis Addai-Nimoh.
Luis Rubiales has refused to apologise and is adamant that the “truth will come out” after kissing Jenni Hermoso on the lips following Spain’s World Cup victory.
Following weeks of rising criticism and requests for his resignation, the former president of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) resigned on Sunday and gave an explanation for his decision in an interview with Piers Morgan Uncensored.
Following the kiss incident, which Spanish forward Hermoso said was not consensual, Rubiales acknowledged he was unable to continue his work following the nation’s 1-0 victory over England in the Women’s World Cup final on August 20.
However, in the full interview on TalkTV, the 46-year-old insisted the kiss was “mutual” and said he was not concerned about potentially facing criminal charges, with the ex-RFEF president being summoned to appear before a court in Spain after prosecutors opened a case against him for “the crimes of sexual assault and coercion”.
When asked if he would personally apologise to Hermoso, Rubiales said: “So what happened is bad for everyone. We had Jenni lifting me.
“We had the fleeting kiss of two tenths of a second, but what was created from that is crazy. So what’s left for me is to defend my dignity. So it’s not about that, Piers; it’s about humility.”
When asked three more times if he would apologise to Hermoso, he continued: “So what we had is a spontaneous act, a mutual act, an act that both consented to, which was driven by the emotion of the moment, the happiness, so I maintain that that is the truth of what happened.”
Rubiales was seen kissing a number of Spain’s World Cup winning side on the cheek when they collected their winners’ medals and lifting some up in the air, too.
“He also put Athenea del Castillo on his shoulders before carrying her, holding the back of her thighs.
When asked if he would have acted the same way towards the men’s team, Rubiales replied: “No doubt about it, 100 percent… When I was a player, there were many moments where we avoided relegation or we got promotion, where we gave what we call pecks on the lips.”
Rubiales will have to testify as a defendant on Friday as part of the lawsuit against him, however, he struck a confident and relaxed tone when asked about the situation.
He said: “I am a lawyer; I am a Spanish citizen; I have been through many processes, criminal as well, and nothing has ever stuck. Again, I have full faith that the truth will come out and everything will be fine. Take a look at my face, I am a good guy. Look at my face, look at me in the eyes.”
In a video circulating on social media, Bugri Naabu, who is a witness for today’s hearing, can be seen being assisted into a wheelchair right after he got out of his vehicle at the premises of parliament.
In the 59-second video making the rounds, the former Northern Regional Chairman of the NPP looked like he couldn’t take further steps from his car as he inquired about the welfare of a nurse and aides who flanked him.
IGP Dampare, who is at the centre of the leaked recording, was invited by the parliamentary committee established by the Speaker of Parliament yesterday, September 12, to respond to some of the outrageous accusations made against him by COP Alex Mensah and Supt. George Asare.
Many Ghanaians have been thinking about the way the leaked recording of police personnel and a politician discussing overthrowing the Inspector-General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has developed thus far with several accusations.
IGP Dampare is anticipated to resume his evidence together with the Minister of National Security, Albert Kan-Dapaah, Bugri Naabu, COP George Alex Mensah, Superintendent George Asare, and Superintendent Emmanuel Gyebi today, Wednesday, September 13.
Background:
In the leaked audio at the centre of a parliamentary probe, a Police Commissioner, who described himself as Mensa, was heard with Bugri Naabu, plotting the removal of IGP, Dr George Akuffo Dampare, over fears he would be too firm in the 2024 elections.
The Police Commissioner, who is said to be retiring, is heard telling the politician that the IGP is too firm and will not allow machinations in next year’s polls if he is not removed.
“This IGP won’t help us. He won’t, he wants everything to be done fairly and we don’t win elections that way. If we don’t remove him, we can’t break the 8, in politics we need machinations and this IGP won’t allow that,” the Police Commissioner is heard saying.
In light of his recent struggles for both Tottenham and Brazil, Richarlison has claimed he will seek “psychological help” upon returning to Tottenham.
The 26-year-old was so distraught after being replaced during his country’s 5-1 victory over Bolivia on Saturday.
The Tottenham player was substituted in the second half of Tuesday’s 1-0 triumph for Brazil over Peru after he missed a crucial opportunity before being removed.
He concluded the international break without scoring.
After the match, the former Everton star said he has been struggling with off-field matters and that people with an eye on his money have “walked away” from him.
He told the Brazilian newspaper Globo: “I went through a turbulent time in the last five months off the field. Now things are right at home. People who only had an eye on my money walked away from me.
Now that things will start to flow, I’m sure I’ll get a good run at Tottenham and make things happen again.
“That sad moment wasn’t even because I played poorly [against Bolivia]. In my opinion, I didn’t play a bad game in Belem, it was more of an outburst about the things that were happening off the field, which got out of control not on my part but on the part of people who were close to me.
“I’m going to go back to England to seek psychological help from a psychologist, to work on my mind. That’s it; come back stronger. I believe I will be in the next squad, and I will work for that. It’s about getting a good streak at Tottenham. This week I’m going to sit down and talk to them; I need a good streak. Get the rhythm of the game.”
Richarlison has scored just four goals in 40 games for Spurs since his £50 million ($60 million) move from Everton in July 2022 and hasn’t found the net for Brazil since the 2022 World Cup.
With record scorerHarry Kane joining Bayern Munich this summer, the Brazilian is one of many who needs to chip in with goals for Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham side. If he fails to do so, his days at the north London outfit could be numbered.
Richarlison, who has scored in the Carabao Cup this season but is yet to score in the Premier League, will hope to be back in action on Saturday when Spurs come up against newly-promoted Sheffield United.
Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG) has issued a demand for enhanced security measures and the provision of risk allowances for its members in light of the recent attacks at the Tamale District Court.
JUSAG asserts that its members bear the critical responsibility of safeguarding and nurturing the justice system, which plays a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s future by upholding the principles of justice and the rule of law.
However, they require adequate protection in order to fulfill this duty.
On August 28, a group of community members stormed the Tamale District Court to ensure the prosecution of a drug peddler, who was believed to be negatively impacting the lives of Tamale’s youth. This led to a violent altercation, involving gunfire.
These incidents in Tamale, along with recent reported assaults on Court Bailiffs, have prompted JUSAG to call for improved security protection and the introduction of risk allowances for its members.
Mr. Samuel Afotey Otu, President of JUSAG, made this plea during the 2023 Judicial Service Staff Durbar and Open Forum held in Cape Coast, emphasizing that these incidents serve as a wake-up call for the consideration of risk allowances for JUSAG members.
“As members of the judicial service, it is our solemn duty to nurture and protect the justice system. We have the immense responsibility of shaping the future of our nation by upholding the principles of justice and the rule of law.
“As we do this and more, let us enhance security in our Courts to protect and safeguard staff, judges and magistrates, and our clients.
“The recent incident of attack at the Tamale District Court is a wake-up call on the service to relook at our security protocols. It also sends a signal that all employees of the service are at risk.
“And with this inherent risk, provision of risk allowance should not be seen as too much for staff,” Mr Afotey Otu charges.
Human resources, pillars of justice
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Afotey Otu said, the durbar was a major forum to interact with staff of the Judicial Service and the Judiciary.
Speaking on the theme, ‘Building The Pillars Of Justice In The Ghanaian Justice System,” he said, “It best suits our circumstance and the times because a solid foundation of justice has been laid and it is incumbent on each and every one of us to build the pillars to a successful future.”
He said for employees of the Judicial Service, the pillars of the justice system in modern era are built on infrastructure, technology, the laws (including the rules of our court, practice guidelines, policies, and values), and the human resource development.
“We have witnessed significant upspring of court infrastructure. The e-justice services are progressing steadily with virtual court hearings, and there can be said to be abundant laws, rules, and procedures to guide our operations.
“When these are put in place, the pillars of justice will not be built unless the most important part is well taken care of – that is the human resource management,” the JUSAG President stated.
He thanked the Chief Justice, her immediate predecessor, and the Judicial Secretary for their various roles in approving and implementing the new salary structure for the service staff.
He said that the negotiations of the salary and related allowances were challenging every two years.
He said that the delay in finalizing and implementing the salary reviews caused a lot of distress for the staff.
“These can largely be attributed to the inability of the Service to comply with Article 158(2), 159, and 161, and the recommendation of the Supreme Court in the case of JUSAG vs. The Attorney General & 2 Ors. (2016) to make a regulation by constitutional instrument (CI) to clearly define the terms and conditions of service of staff of the service.
“We are reassured by the pledge of My Lady Chief Justice to see to the immediate passage of the draft regulation into a CI.
“It is our fervent hope and prayer that the content of the draft will reflect key components of the 2012 Conditions of Service,” he stated.
Co-equal arm of govt
He said, the Judiciary “as a co-equal arm of government to Parliament, it is our further prayer that, the Parliamentary Service Regulation, 2014 (CI 118) as well as the Legal Service Regulation will be given due consideration in the Judicial Service Regulation.
“My Lady, justice is the bedrock upon which our society stands, and the judicial system plays a pivotal role in maintaining our governance architecture, and safeguarding the security of our dear nation.
“In the spirit of our vision which is to deliver equal access to quality justice, we must adopt the principle of inclusiveness, participation, high ethical standards, equity, high integrity, professionalism, discipline, and fair play.
“These principles are not mere ideals; they are the very foundation upon which quality justice can be achieved for all,” Mr. Afotey Otu stated.
He said, “It is crucial to ensure that every individual, regardless of their background, is given equal access to quality justice.
“As court officials, we must strive to eliminate all forms of discrimination, bias, or prejudice, and embrace inclusiveness in an environment where everyone feels heard, respected, and well-represented.
“Our mantra of ‘justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done’ is something we must all be mindful of. For JUSAG, our motto is justice and fair play and that must be at the core of our judicial system,” the President of JUSAG stated.
This he said is “the surest way to foster trust and confidence in the judicial service, and ultimately lead to a stronger and more effective judicial system.”
Retirement – a living cemetery
While extending the felicitations of JUSAG to our forebearers who have served this noble institution and have now retired, he said they deserved rewarding.
“To the awardees, you deserved it and the Good Lord shall continue to be with you in your retirement. Retirement is like a living cemetery. We shall all join you one day,” he acknowledged.
This, he said, “is why JUSAG has created the Retired Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (REJUSAG) to cater for the welfare of all retired employees of the service.”
He charged members to take the opportunity to continue to get involved in JUSAG activities through REJUSAG.
“Retirement income is of prime importance to JUSAG. For this reason, JUSAG, in 2018 at the Wa Conference passed a resolution to establish the Judicial Service Provident Fund (Tier 3) which was launched by Her Ladyship Justice Sophia Akuffo (former Chief Justice).
“The Tier 3 is now operational and in due course, circulars will be sent to registries and units for members to sign up,” he enumerated.
JUSCOFund
In addition to Tier 3, he said provision of flexible, affordable, and tailor-made financial services to all employees is dear to JUSAG.
To this, he said, JUSAG created the Judicial Service Staff Co-operative Fund also known as (JUSCOFund) which was launched by His Lordship, Justice Anin Yeboah (former Chief Justice) on the 31st of January 2023.
“The Bye-Laws of JUSCOFund qualifies all employees of the judicial services, all judges, all magistrates, and employees of institutions concerned with justice administration such as CHRAJ, NCCE, Attorney General Department, etc. to join the JUSCOFund.
“Even as banks interest rates are skyrocketing to about 45%, JUSCOFund offers loans to all employees at the most affordable rate of 15%. JUSCOFund also provides supplementary retirement income to members,” he urged them.
Mr. Afotey Otu said the Board of Directors of JUSCOFund and the National Executive Council of JUSAG will be glad to have the CJ enrolled in JUSCOFund.
“We are also humbled to make you a life patron of JUSCOFund,” since “JUSCOFund is your fund for life!”
The President of JUSAG therefore pledged his outfit’s commitment to “building the bridges of our justice system, as it is the bedrock on which our democracy, rule of law, and good governance thrive.”
“Let us all reunite to one body of judicial service staff association with constitutional representation at the judicial council and in all affairs of the judicial service. Together we stand, divided we fall.”
ThePresident of JUSAG said, with JUSAG formed in 1973 in Cape Coast, the climax of the JUSAG @ 50 anniversary would be held in Cape Coast.
National Democratic Congress (NDC) , the largest opposition party in Ghana, has called upon the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to intervene and take action regarding the Electoral Commission of Ghana (EC).
The NDC alleges that the Electoral Commissioner, Jean Adukwei Mensah, is involved in voter suppression by conducting the current Limited Voter Registration Exercise solely at its District Offices across the nation.
During a press conference, Johnson Aseidu Nketiah, the National Chairman of the NDC, stressed the importance of ECOWAS taking proactive measures to protect Ghana’s democracy.
Additionally, he asserted that the ongoing limited voter registration exercise, which began on September 12, 2023, has been marred by numerous irregularities, particularly in areas where the NDC enjoys strong support.
“This irresponsible and unconscionable decision of the commission confirms the NDC’s long-held view that the Jean Mensah-led EC is determined to rig the 2024 elections through voter suppression. But she will fail because we are ready for them.
Aside from its potential to suppress registration and voting, the EC’s decision to restrict voter registration to its district offices can promote and facilitate gerrymandering as agents of political parties will find it difficult to challenge persons who may be bused from one constituency to another to register.
He continued: “Ladies and gentlemen, in addition to theNDC, there are four other political partiesthat are plaintiffs in the instant case at the Supreme Court. And as already indicated, the PNC has also thrown its weight behind the suit.”
Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have acknowledged that Wrexham would have faced severe financial difficulties if they had not clinched the National League title last season.
Wrexham, with Hollywood support, finally secured promotion back to the Football League after a 15-year absence by winning the National League in late April.
Despite their impressive performance, which saw them top the table with a record-breaking 111 points, the pressure on the Welsh club to secure promotion was immense.
In the first episode of Season 2 of ‘Welcome to Wrexham,’ the co-owners and actors, Reynolds and McElhenney, openly admitted that they would have been in dire financial straits if they had not emerged victorious in the league.
On the show, which premiered in the United States on Tuesday night on FX before being released on Disney+ in the UK on Wednesday, Reynolds said: “We’re heavily invested in building this club and the stadium itself, and if we don’t get promoted this year, the club is completely, totally and wholly unsustainable.”
McElhenney added: “If our goal from the very beginning was not just to win, not just to help bring some hope and optimism to the town, but to build a sustainable business, something that can continue long after we’ve gone.
“For us to put them in a position where, if they don’t get promoted this year, they are no longer sustainable in any real way, is counter to what our original promises were.”
To which Reynolds chimed in: “So its really ratcheted up the pressure, not just for us but for the players on the field, the people in the community. This year we have to get promoted.”
Ultimately, Wrexham secured promotion to League Two, and Phil Parkinson’s team has begun the new season on a positive note. They currently occupy the seventh position in the standings, with only one defeat in their first seven matches.
However, the ultimate aspiration is to see Wrexham reach the Premier League in the future.
Despite currently competing in English football’s fourth tier, Wrexham is gaining a global following, largely attributed to the prominence of Reynolds and McElhenney. They are actively leveraging their influence to bolster the Dragons’ brand.
Wrexham are back in league action on Saturday when they take on Grimsby Town
Sydney FC’s recent acquisition, Brazilian import Fabio Gomes, is eager to make an instant contribution to the club’s fortunes in the A-League Men.
Sydney officially introduced Gomes, who joins on loan from Atletico Mineiro, during an event at Bondi Beach on Tuesday.
This signing comes as Sky Blues head coach Steve Corica finalises his squad.
Gomes has been brought in as a direct replacement for prolific striker Adam Le Fondre, who departed for Hibernian in Scotland during the offseason.
Additionally, the club is said to be in advanced talks to secure the services of a Brazilian center-back to fill the void left by Alex Wilkinson’s retirement
At 194cm tall, Gomes is expected to prove a handful for ALM defences.
“He gives us a different dimension; he’s very good in the air and he gives us that extra option,” Corica said. “He scores goals with his head and that’s something that will improve us from last year.
“We’ve taken our time to get the right players at the club; it’s a difficult time to get players in and we’ve got the man that we wanted.”
Gomes has spent time in his native Brazil, the USA and Japan and has scored 36 goals in 135 senior games.
The 26-year-old is keen to make an immediate impact at the club but Sunday’s Australia Cup quarterfinal against Western United may come a week too soon.
“I spoke to [former Sydney FC striker] Bobo and he said a lot of good things about Australian football, the country and I hope to do a great job here,” Gomes said, through an interpreter.
Former Black Stars goalkeeper George Owu has offered his evaluation of Kurt Okraku’s tenure as the head of the Ghana Football Association (GFA).
Owu expressed his positive opinion about Okraku’s performance, stating that the GFA leader has performed admirably since assuming his position.
During an interview with Onua FM, George Owu remarked that he would give Kurt Okraku a rating of 75 out of 100 for his contributions to Ghana’s football since taking on the role of GFA president.
“For me, what I can say is that I will give Kurt Okraku 75%.
He doing well and one thing is that he has started something. He has started something from the grassroots level with Catch Them Young Refereeing and it’s very good,” George Owus said.
Kurt Okraku’s four-year mandate is ending this year.
Already, he has been vetted and approved to contest the upcoming GFA Presidential election.
Pogba faced a provisional suspension from the Italian anti-doping authority due to a positive test for testosterone, a hormone known for enhancing athletes’ endurance.
If proven guilty, the 30-year-old could potentially face a football ban of up to four years following this random drug test. Reports from Italy suggest that Pogba has until the end of this week to provide a counter-analysis of the test result.
Despite these serious allegations, both French national team manager Deschamps and Bayern Munich star Coman have rallied behind their compatriot, Paul Pogba.
Deschamps, who has had a working relationship with Pogba since taking charge of Les Bleus in 2012, expressed his disbelief at the notion that Pogba could be involved in such an offense.
“I can’t imagine that, knowing him, with everything that is in his head. I still remember certain discussions with him on the vaccine and Covid… The substance is there, but afterwards, unless there is a second opinion…,” he said to reporters. “I don’t think he himself knows [why] unfortunately. It’s hard for him. I have always supported him.”
Bayern winger Coman, who has played alongside the Juve midfielder for France for years, protested Pogba’s innocence and weighed in with his support.
“We all support Paul; he’s a very close friend; he’s part of the family,” he told reporters. “We don’t really know more, we’ll have to look. But we know, Paul, we know that if something happened, it was surely unconsciously and without intention. We are with him wholeheartedly.”
Pogba’s second stint at Juventus, starting in 2022 after his return fromManchester United, has been marked by a challenging period. The 2018 World Cup champion faced significant setbacks, including extensive absences due to knee and hamstring injuries.
Additionally, he revealed that he contemplated leaving the sport entirely, citing alleged extortion by an organised crime group as a distressing factor in his decision-making.
Mundo Deportivo reports that both Bernardo Silva and Dani Olmo have contract clauses that favor Barcelona.
In the case of Silva, who renewed his contract with Manchester City during the summer, there is a €50 million release clause specified in the terms.
Barcelona has made attempts to acquire the Portuguese midfielder multiple times in recent years but has struggled to meet City’s asking price of approximately €80 million.
Nevertheless, the €50 million release clause could entice Barcelona to consider a move either in January or next summer, especially since coach Xavi Hernandez is keen on Silva.
As for Olmo, he recently extended his contract with RB Leipzig until 2027, and this extension reportedly includes a €60 million release clause.
Similar to Silva, the Spanish forward has frequently been linked with a return to Barcelona, where he initially developed in the academy before departing for Dinamo Zagreb at the age of 16.
Joao Cancelo, currently on loan at Barcelona, is eager for a new beginning and has expressed his readiness to adhere to any instructions given by coach Xavi. He shared his aspirations after joining the club.
The Portuguese full-back made the temporary switch from Manchester City in the summer transfer window and has spoken of his desire to “achieve great things” at his “dream club”.
“The coach gives me a little freedom and I like that. I feel comfortable playing inside but also out wide. I will adapt to everything he asks of me,” he told Sport.
He added: “I always want to play with the Barca shirt and show the fans and the people who believed in me how difficult it was to get to Barca. I want to achieve great things with this club because it’s where I’ve always dreamed of being. It’s a dream club, all my friends know it; all my idols played for Barca.”
Cancelo’s position within the Manchester City squad was compromised last season due to alleged conflicts with coach Pep Guardiola. In January, Barcelona sought to secure him on loan, but City reportedly prevented the move.
Instead, he was loaned to Bayern Munich. However, Bayern chose not to exercise their option to purchase him permanently, leading to his falling out of favour at the club.
Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho reportedly intends to depart Old Trafford in January, as stated by the Daily Star.
Last week, the 23-year-old publicly contested comments made by Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, who cited poor training performances as the reason for dropping Sancho in the 3-1 loss to Arsenal.
Sources informed ESPN that the two were scheduled to have a “clear the air” discussion at Carrington on Monday. However, the Daily Star reports that this meeting did not go well, resulting in a complete breakdown in their relationship.
It’s now suggested that Sancho may have already played his final match for the Red Devils. The club is said to be exploring potential loan deals that may include either mandatory or optional clauses for a permanent transfer.
Since his £73 million move from Borussia Dortmund in 2021, Sancho has scored 12 goals in 82 appearances for Manchester United. There have also been reports linking him with a return to the Bundesliga with Dortmund.
Sancho was left out of the United squad for their 3-1 Premier League loss to Arsenal, with Ten Hag attributing his absence to subpar training displays.
In retaliation, the England international initially posted a message on social media accusing his manager of making him a ‘scapegoat’ for the team’s poor start to the season.
This post remained at the top of his profile for over a week, creating tension between him and the manager.
However, on Tuesday evening, Sancho deleted the post, indicating a possible attempt to resolve the dispute and regain his place in the first team.
Ten Hag has faced criticism for handling the situation publicly, with some suggesting he should have addressed Sancho’s conduct privately.
Sancho was linked with a potential last-minute move to the Saudi Pro League, but he ultimately stayed at Old Trafford, reportedly due to United’s insistence on a compulsory purchase clause in any loan deal.
Sancho was spotted at United’s training ground for talks with Ten Hag on Monday.
United did not confirm whether he had trained with the team when contacted by GOAL.
With Antony on leave due to serious allegations of assault (which he denies), a spot on the right wing has opened up, potentially giving Sancho an opportunity to redeem himself.
Ten Hag is expected to discuss the situation in his upcoming press conference on Friday. If the manager and player can resolve their differences, Sancho may return to action against Brighton in the Premier League on Saturday.
Former Spanish Football Federation (RFEF)president Luis Rubiales is scheduled to provide testimony in court on Friday as part of an ongoing investigation related to his kissing of Jennifer Hermoso.
Rubiales has been summoned to appear before a Spanish court following the initiation of a case against him by prosecutors, who are examining allegations of “sexual assault and coercion.”
“It is agreed that the testimony will be heard, in the context of being a suspect, with legal assistance, of LUIS MANUEL RUBIALES BÉJAR next Friday, September 15, at 12 p.m., before this central court of investigation,” a statement from judge Luis Francisco de Jorge read.
Luis Rubiales has faced criticism since he kissed Jennifer Hermoso following Spain’s World Cup final triumph over England. Rubiales has maintained that the kiss was consensual, but Hermoso has a different perspective and lodged a complaint with Spanish authorities against him.
As a result of the controversy, the 46-year-old was suspended from his position as RFEF president by FIFA. He initially resisted stepping down but eventually announced his resignation last week.
During Rubiales’ tenure, more than 80 Spanish players pledged to boycott the national team, and a majority of the coaching staff resigned. This led to the dismissal of head coach Jorge Vilda by the new president, Pedro Rocha.
The Sports Administrative Court (TAD) in Spain ruled that Rubiales’ kiss on Hermoso was a “serious” but not “very serious” offence.
After the ruling, Rubiales released a defiant statement, saying: “I will continue to defend myself to prove the truth. I want to send a message to all good people in our country and beyond our borders, including those women who have really been attacked and who have my full support and understanding: this isn’t about gender, it’s real.”
He added: “Justice is applied to people without gender having to previously determine the result. I feel that I have been judged unfairly by the media and politicians. This should never happen to anyone again.”
Last week, the RFEF issued an apology over Rubiales’ conduct, saying the saga has caused “enormous” damage to “Spanish football, to Spanish sport, to Spanish society and to the values of football”.
On Monday, September 11, the Office of theSpecial Prosecutor (OSP) initiated legal proceedings by submitting a motion to the High Court.
They sought the court’s confirmation of the previously issued seizure and freezing orders for the financial assets of former Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Cecilia Dapaah.
A hearing for this matter has been scheduled for October 18, 2023.
It’s worth noting that on August 9, the Cedi and Dollar bank accounts belonging to the former minister were frozen by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).
However, this decision was subsequently overturned by the High Court in Accra on August 31. The court directed that the seized funds be returned to Cecilia Dapaah within seven days and also ordered the OSP to unfreeze her accounts.
Following the High Court’s order to return the seized money, the OSP exercised its authority to regain possession of the funds just a few days later.
Background
Madam Dapaah, former Sanitation Minister, became the talk of the town in July 2023, when the Chronicle Newspaper reported that her domestic help had been dragged to court for allegedly stealing $1 million, 300,000 euros, several millions of cedis and personal effects of the former minister and her husband valued at thousands of Ghana Cedis and dollars.
Cecilia Dapaah subsequently resigned from her position after a public uproar. She was arrested by the OSP and was later granted bail.
On Monday, July 24, 2023, a team from the Office of the Special Prosecutor conducted a search of the residence of the former Minister of Sanitation.
During the operation, the OSP reported the discovery of significant amounts of money, including US$590,000 and GHC2.7 million in cash, at the former minister’s apartment.
In response to these findings, officials from the Office of the Special Prosecutor promptly took action, confiscating these substantial cash sums as critical pieces of evidence to aid in the ongoing investigation.
Additionally, the OSP imposed freezes on seven bank accounts belonging to Cecilia Dapaah.
The current Inspector General of Police (IGP) for the Ghana Police Service,Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has refuted assertions that he received preferential treatment in his ascent to the highest position within the police force.
He clarified that his career progression and the various positions he has held in the police service were solely attributable to his unwavering commitment to the police force and his academic qualifications.
During his appearance before a seven-member committee, IGP Dampare emphasised that his swift advancement through the ranks was not a result of his affiliations with influential individuals or power brokers.
“In terms of my ranking in the police service, it has been purely based on my competencies, academic qualifications and hard work because of the passion I have for the work. I have not, at any point in time, been called aside by any individual and granted any favour that I do not deserve,” he said
Explaining further, IGP Dampare said that he had held a number of different positions in the police service, which had given him an added advantage before becoming the IGP.
“In terms of positions I have held, I have been virtually across every command within the service, and at a point, because of my commitment to work, I was handling multiple schedules at the national headquarters.
“This is because if you give me a work, you just have to consider it done because that is how I get things done and I work around teams to get them done on the basis of Genesis 1:26,” he added.
Ghanaian actors, including well-known figures likeSalma Mumin and John Dumelo, were recently spotted at a nightclub in Abuja, Nigeria, where they were seen joyfully showering cash while having a great time.
Among the notable Ghanaian celebrities present were Salma Mumin, John Dumelo, and Haillie Sumney, who created a vibrant atmosphere inside the nightclub over the weekend.
Even John Dumelo, who is also theNew Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate for the Ayawaso West Wougon constituency, joined his fellow celebrities in Nigeria for some enjoyable moments.
A video posted on popular Ghanaian blogger Nkonkonsa’s Instagram page captured Salma Mumin and other actors enthusiastically throwing money into the air while dancing to the music during this festive occasion.
During the 2023 Bar Conference in Cape Coast on Monday, September 11, Ghana’s Attorney General and Minister for Justice,Godfred Dame, expressed his belief that the next president of Ghana would likely be an economist.
While he expressed his wish for another lawyer to assume the presidency, Dame was confident that the economist, who has a legal background through his father, would uphold the core values cherished by the legal profession.
It’s worth noting that in the Fourth Republic, three out of the last five presidents have been lawyers, including John Agyekum Kufuor, John Evans Atta Mills, and Nana Akufo-Addo.
“Throughout much of the history of post-independence Ghana, there has been a shared culture between the Bar and the higher reaches of government and the civil service.
There has never been a gulf between the worlds of law and politics. A very large number of practising barristers have been members of the House of Parliament.
“The Speakers of Parliament Ghana has had thus far have been lawyers. The Fourth Republic has seen three of its five Presidents so far being lawyers. Unfortunately, it looks like the next President will not be a lawyer.
“However, it is becoming increasingly quite clear that, even though the next President will be an economist, being the son of a lawyer, he will hold fast to the values the legal profession cherishes.”
Dame made the point to underscore the importance of the law and for that matter, lawyers in the governance of the country.
He posits thatGhana can hardly thrive without the critical input of the legal profession, as captured in the theme of this year’s Bar Conference, “Ensuring high standards and integrity in public life: the role of the legal profession”.
The Elections Committee of theGhana Football Association (GFA) has rejected George Afriyie’s appeal to access unedited videos from the vetting process.
Last week, the committee disqualified Afriyie for a code of conduct violation and gave him a specific period to respond to the allegations.
In response to his request, the Elections Committee stated that it is following the rules and regulations of FIFA, the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS), and other relevant bodies, which do not permit the sharing of unedited videos with parties or the public.
The committee, operating under FIFA’s supervision, is obligated to provide only the written decision containing the proceedings’ records.
“The videos are made available only to the appellate body when there is any dispute of fact (not dispute of law) and if the appellate body so others”.
U.S. investment firm 777 Partners is reportedly set to complete a full takeover of Everton after resuming talks with Farhad Moshiri.
Moshiri, who currently owns a 94 per cent stake in Everton, is close to agreeing on a deal where full ownership of the club will be passed on to 777 Partners, according to Sky Sports.
The Miami-based firm resumed talks with Moshiri after New York-group MSP Sports Capital ended its exclusivity agreement with the Everton owner last month.
777 Partners currently have several European clubs in their portfolio, including Sevilla, Hertha Berlin and Standard Liege.
Should the sale of Everton go through as expected, 777 Partners will have to meet all Premier League requirements before being formally confirmed as the club’s new owners, which could take several months.
The Toffees are languishing in 18th place in the Premier League table four games into the 2023–24 season, having only picked up one point from a possible 12.
Supporters have been outspoken in their criticism of Moshiri’s ownership in recent years, despite him investing more than £750 million into the club since 2016.
The proceedings for gathering testimonies from individuals mentioned in a leaked audio recording discussing a plot to remove the Inspector General of Police (IGP) have entered a new week.
In contrast to previous information suggesting that the testimony of the IGP, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, would be conducted behind closed doors, Committee Chairman Samuel Atta Akyea has just announced that, like the others, this testimony will also be conducted publicly.
However, he noted that specific portions of the hearing, particularly those related to national security, will still be held in private.
Up to this point, the parliamentary ad hoc committee has received testimonies from all the individuals mentioned in the recording, including Bugri Naabu, former Northern Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), COP George Alex Mensah, Supt. George Asare, and Supt. Emmanuel Gyebi.
In a Euro 2024 qualifying match on Monday, Portugal achieved a historic 9-0 victory over Luxembourg, even in the absence of star player Cristiano Ronaldo, who was suspended for the game due to accumulating three yellow cards.
Despite the absence of their renowned captain, Portugal dominated Luxembourg, with Goncalo Inacio, Goncalo Ramos, and Diogo Jota each scoring twice.
Ricardo Horta, Bruno Fernandes, and Joao Felix also contributed a goal each, sealing a comprehensive victory.
Manager Martinez expressed his satisfaction, emphasising that his team is now well-prepared to secure victories even when Ronaldo is not in the lineup.
However, he also emphasised that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner continues to play a crucial role within the squad.
Speaking to reporters after the Luxembourg clash, Martinez said: “Cristiano is a very important part of this team, and Pepe too. They have a contagious level and way of working and give our team important value.
“We need to give opportunities and Gonçalo Ramos and Jota showed what they can do. Ronaldo has experience and a special way of being; we don’t need to create doubts or comparisons. This team is prepared to win without Cristiano too.”
The win over Luxembourg was Portugal’s biggest international victory to date. Portugal now have 18 points from six matches in Euro 2024 qualifying and are sitting at the top of Group J.
Ben Foster recently revealed a startling assertion made by Danny Rose concerning Tottenham’s bonus system, which he described as “impossible” due to the stringent criteria set by club chairman Daniel Levy.
According to Foster, his former England and Watford teammate Danny Rose once confided that earning bonus payments at Tottenham was an incredibly challenging task.
Foster explained that, in order to trigger a bonus, Spurs players had to secure a convincing victory against a team in the ‘top six,’ with victories by a mere one-goal margin falling short of Chairman Levy’s standards.
Foster shared these insights during an episode of “Fozcast: The Ben Foster Podcast,” shedding light on the inner workings of the bonus structure during his time as a goalkeeper for bothWrexham and Tottenham.
“To actually get paid a bonus, you would only get it for beating one of the big boys, one of the top six teams. So you’re talking a Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea, and Liverpool, and apparently, I swear on my life, this is what he said to me, you’ve got to beat them by two clear goals as well.
“[1-0] it’s not enough, mate, you ain’t getting that bonus. Winning games, they expect you to win games as Tottenham manager, apparently.”
He added: “To get the bonus, you have to obliterate your opponent. You have to beat Manchester City 2-0 or 3-0 to get that bonus payment, which is bonkers. I was saying, ‘Rosey, there’s no chance; that’s impossible’. He was just saying, ‘I know, Fozzy, I know’.
He said there was one time they were winning 2-0 and in the last minute they conceded a goal and everyone was looking at each other thinking, ‘OK, come on, lads, we’ve missed out on the bonus’, and they’d still won the big game.”
During his tenure, Rose, who was a part of the England national team from 2016 to 2019, spent a remarkable 14 years with Tottenham before departing for Watford in 2021.
In contrast, Foster recently declared his retirement, marking the end of his professional career, a decision made just five games into Wrexham’s 2023–24 campaign.
Ange Postecoglou’s team will be back in action this Saturday as they face Sheffield United in the Premier League.
Former PSG star Neymar, the 31-year-old forward who has surpassed Pele to become his nation’s all-time leading goal scorer, is set to return to international action on Tuesday.
Peru, the host team, recognises the need for every possible advantage to secure a positive outcome against the five-time World Cup champions.
In light of this, a collective of traditional healers hailing from Peru’s jungle, mountainous, and coastal regions, known as Tayta Inti (Father Sun), has extended their support.
They performed a ritual outside Peru’s national stadium that included binding an effigy of Neymar and setting up a vibrant altar adorned with swords, amulets, flags, and photos of players from both teams.
Shaman Felix Rondan told reporters: “We have neutralised Neymar by tying his feet. We tied him up so that he is not in good shape, and doesn’t run and play well.
” Shaman Walter Alarcon added that the ritual was intended to cloud Neymar’s mind so that he cannot “achieve what he is looking for, which are goals”.
Brazil won their opening game of 2026 World Cup qualifying 5-1 against Bolivia, with Neymar bagging a brace in that contest to take him to 79 international goals, while Peru were held to a goalless draw by Paraguay.
Following his remarkable move to the United States, the seven-timeBallon d’Or winner, Lionel Messi, had been in search of a permanent residence for his family.
He has now found it in a Florida property priced at $10.8 million (£9 million), which boasts an impressive array of features, including 10 bedrooms, a spa room, two boat docks, and a swimming pool.
Spanning 10,500 square feet, Messi’s new home also includes a three-car garage for his convenience.
Moreover, its proximity to Inter Miami’s DRV PNK Stadium and the adjacent training facility, just a 15-minute drive away, ensures that Messi has no excuses for being late to games and practises.
This move comes ahead of the team’s anticipated transition to their new purpose-built stadium in 2025.
In addition to this purchase, the Messi family had previously invested $7.3 million in acquiring the entire ninth floor at Regalia, an opulent condominium development located in the Sunny Isles Beach area of Florida.
Notably, Messi’s fellow club colleague, Sergio Busquets, resides in the vicinity of his latest acquisition, Sea Ranch Lakes.
Since joining Inter Miami, Messi has made an immediate and significant impact, contributing to the team’s historic League Cup victory, securing a place in the U.S. Open Cup final, and aiding their quest for a spot in the MLS Eastern Conference playoffs.
Ralf Rangnick has made it clear that he has no interest in taking over as coach of the German national team, should he be approached for the position.
Following the dismissal of Hansi Flick on Sunday, the German Football Association is in search of a new manager, with only nine months remaining until they host Euro 2024.
Flick’s tenure saw only 12 wins out of 25 games, including a World Cup group stage exit last year. In his final match, Germany suffered a humiliating 4-1 defeat to Japan.
While Rangnick has been mentioned as a potential candidate for the German Football Association, he has denied any such claims and affirmed his commitment to his current role, as the Euros are less than a year away.
The Austrian claimed he has no interest in the Germany role, telling ORE: “No chance. I decided 14 months ago to work as head coach in Austria, prepare the team to qualify for the Euros, and play a good role there. Everything else is not a topic for me.”
Jurgen Klopp is reportedly the German Football Association’s (DFB) first option for his replacement, as per The Mirror, despite the fact that they are aware it would be extremely difficult to persuade him to leave Liverpool.
Paul Pogba is reported to have tested positive for testosterone following Juventus’ match against Udinese in Serie A, resulting in his provisional suspension.
According to Italy’s Corriere della Sera, the banned substance was detected in an anti-doping test conducted after the game.
The former Manchester United midfielder has a three-day window to respond to the accusation and must provide a counter-analysis of the test result.
In the meantime, he has been provisionally suspended by the Italian anti-doping authority, as reported by The Athletic.
Conducting anti-doping tests after each match is standard practise in most elite European leagues.
Notably, Pogba had already played in matches against Bologna and Empoli before the alleged confirmation of traces of testosterone in his test.
According to journalist Colin Millar, if Pogba is found guilty, doping bans in Serie A can lead to suspensions ranging from two to four years, putting the 30-year-old player in significant jeopardy.
This development adds to the challenges in Pogba’s career, including his recent statement about contemplating retirement due to an alleged extortion plot involving his brother, Mathias.
Additionally, he has faced fitness issues and has made just 12 appearances for Juventus since his return to the club fromManchester United in 2022.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed that he was offered the opportunity to lead Norway’s women’s team following Hege Riise’s departure.
However, the former Manchester United manager turned down the offer, explaining it in an interview with a Norwegian source .
Solskjaer said in an interview that he had “spoken to the association about the job as national coach” but had declined the offer because he felt he was “not ready” for such a position just yet.
Norway currently holds the 13th position in the FIFA rankings, a ranking influenced by their disappointing performance in the World Cup first-round defeat to Japan.
Solskjaer also cited another reason for declining the Norwegian Federation’s offers, highlighting a potential conflict of interest involving his daughter.
Karna Solskjaer is a player for AaFK Fortuna, a team currently ranked second in the top tier of Norwegian women’s football. If Ole were to manage the team, Karna would fall under his authority, a situation he stated he prefers to avoid.
“I have spoken to the association about the job as national coach. They have asked. But I’m not ready for that yet,” he told NRK.
