During a training session for the French national team, Ousmane Dembele playfully teased Kylian Mbappe after executing an impressive goal.
Dembele, who now shares the field with Mbappe at Paris Saint-Germain following his move from Barcelona this summer, showcased his skills by dribbling past three players before scoring.
After his goal, Dembele celebrated in a playful manner while making eye contact with Mbappe.
The French team captain took it in good spirits, as he was seen smiling.
Both Mbappe and Dembele were part of the starting lineup for France in their Euro qualifier against Ireland last week, which ended in a comfortable 2-0 victory with goals from Aurelien Tchouameni and Marcus Thuram.
Didier Deschamps’ squad is set to face Germany in an international friendly on September 12th.
During his solo tour,ex-England and Chelsea captain John Terry is offering fans the opportunity to obtain his autograph for £100 and have dinner with him for £500 per person.
Terry recently appeared in Basingstoke and has future appearances scheduled in Bournemouth, London, and Birmingham in the coming months.
For the former defender’s “An Evening with John Terry” event, general admission tickets start at £25; however, supporters must spend an additional £100 to receive his autograph.
A table accommodating 10 individuals under the “sponsorship package” is priced at £5,000, which includes the opportunity to dine with John Terry, the option to have an item of their choice autographed, and the chance for a photograph together.
As reported by The Telegraph, the £5,000 sponsorship packages for the Bournemouth and London events have already been fully booked, but they are still available for the Birmingham event.
For those who secured the £150 “platinum package,” which is now sold out in Birmingham, they receive front-row seating and a photo opportunity with Terry but no guarantee of an autograph.
Similarly, those who opted for the “gold package” receive a photo but not an autograph.
John Terry’s next appearances for his solo tour are scheduled for Bournemouth next month, followed by London in November and Birmingham in January.
The UK-based fighter appeared visibly disappointed with the judge’s decision, asserting that he successfully landed numerous impactful punches compared to his opponent.
“Ideally, I could’ve won the fight. And if you see the fight, I was landing good shots and the guy did not even hit me like that.
He couldn’t hit me. Most of the punches he threw, I kept moving my head but it is what it is,” he said in a video shared by Sports Obaman TV.
Freezy Mcbones was defeated by his Senegalese opponent, Seydou Konate, during the 2024 Paris Olympics Games qualifiers held in Dakar. This marked a setback for him as he lost on his amateur debut, thereby missing out on securing an automatic spot for the Olympics.
However, he still has another chance to qualify through the Asia and Europe playoffs scheduled for 2024.
Freezy Mcbones was the second among the seven Ghanaian boxers scheduled to participate in the qualifiers.
Olympique Lyon has decided to part ways with coach Laurent Blanc due to their disappointing start to the 2023–24 Ligue 1 season.
Following a 4-1 defeat to PSG just before the September international break, Lyon finds themselves at the bottom of the Ligue 1 standings with only one point from four games.
As the club searches for a permanent replacement, Jean-Francois Vulliez will take on the role of interim manager.
Blanc had taken over as manager during the 2022–2023 season, replacing Peter Bosz, when Lyon was ranked ninth in the league.
Under Blanc’s guidance, Lyon finished in seventh place in Ligue 1, missing out on European competition for the second consecutive season.
Reports indicate that Paul Pogba has tested positive for testosterone following Juventus’ match against Udinese in Serie A. Pogba now has a three-day window to respond to this accusation.
According to Corriere della Sera in Italy, Pogba’s positive test for the prohibited substance was the result of an anti-doping examination conducted after the game.
It’s standard practise in most top European leagues to conduct anti-doping tests after each match.
Interestingly, Pogba participated in subsequent matches against Bologna and Empoli before the confirmation of his alleged positive test for traces of testosterone.
The former Manchester United midfielder has a three-day period to provide a response to the charge and must also undergo a counter-analysis of the test result.
As journalist Colin Millar points out, if Pogba is found guilty, Serie A’s doping sanctions can lead to suspensions ranging from two to four years, posing a significant threat to the 30-year-old player.
This development adds to the recent challenges in Pogba’s career, including his claim that he is contemplating retirement due to an alleged extortion plot involving his brother Mathias.
Additionally, he has struggled with injuries and has made just 12 appearances for Juventus since rejoining the club fromManchester United in 2022.
Declan Rice has clarified that his decision to join Arsenal was driven by his desire to work under manager Mikel Arteta, whom he trusts to guide and shape his career.
Rice emphasised that he has full confidence in Arteta’s ability.
Despite interest from other clubs such as United, Chelsea, and City, the opportunity to collaborate with the Spanish coach proved irresistible for the English star.
Speaking to Joe Cole on Channel Four before the Three Lions played Ukraine, Rice was asked why he chose to move to the Emirates and replied: “I have to say the manager, Mikel.”
“From the moment that I met him, I knew he was the one that I wanted to take care of for the next part of my career and I just had that gut feeling that Arsenal would bet on the club even though there was other interest.
“No there has not been a big jump up in quality at Arsenal; towards the end of my time at West Ham, the players we had were unbelievable. But I would say the difference is that the way I’m having to play now is much more advanced (up the pitch).”
Rice has been a consistent presence in the starting lineup for Arsenal throughout the current season. He even found the net in the thrilling 3-1 victory overManchester United just before the international break.
Rice is expected to represent England in their match against Scotland on Tuesday, as the two teams face off in an International Friendly to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the oldest recorded international fixture in football history.
City Football Group (CFG) has unveiled plans to construct a new indoor arena for live events as part of its efforts to enhance brand recognition in theManchester area.
This collaboration was announced by American sports executive Tim Leiweke, renowned for his role in bringing David Beckham to Major League Soccer in 2007.
Leiweke’s organisation, the Oak View Group, has overseen the development and management of more than 300 venues across the US, Europe, and other continents.
The forthcoming project, in partnership with the City Football Group, will result in the largest indoor arena in England and is currently under construction near Etihad Stadium.
CFG envisions that this £365 million initiative will significantly boost the group’s overall value in the long term.
However, it’s important to note that the immediate revenue generated from merchandise sales, ticket sales, and other sources may not directly impact Manchester City’s first-team budget, as reported by The Telegraph.
The new 23,500-seat arena, adjacent to the football stadium, is also undergoing expansion and is scheduled to open next year. Silver Lake, a US private equity fund that owns 18% of CFG, has also invested in Leiweke’s venue company, Oak View Group.
The inaugural event at the arena, named “Co-op Live,” will feature performances by investor Harry Styles.
When it opens in April 2024, Co-Op Live is expected tohave the largest maximum capacity (including both seats and standing areas) of any indoor arena in the United Kingdom.
Jude Bellingham is known for his focus on the field, but he found himself on the wrong bus following the Euro 2024 qualifier against Ukraine.
The Real Madrid midfielder had a significant role in England’s Euro 2024 qualifier on Polish soil, starting in Gareth Southgate’s lineup and displaying his usual energy before being substituted in the 65th minute.
Despite his efforts, Bellingham couldn’t replicate his goal-scoring form from his time in Spain, and England had to settle for a 1-1 draw.
At just 20 years old, he is considered one of the most promising talents globally, with every aspect of his performance under scrutiny.
However, Bellingham had an embarrassing moment when he accidentally boarded the wrong bus after England’s recent match.
He confidently climbed the steps of a waiting coach at the Tarczynski Arena, only to find Ukrainian faces instead of his teammates. Eventually, he made his way back to the England group.
England hopes that Bellingham can shine in their upcoming friendly against Scotland at Hampden Park on Tuesday.
Paul Pogba has revealed that he contemplated retiring from his professional football career because of an apparent organised and armed extortion scheme that implicated his brother.
In the previous year, an inquiry was initiated to examine claims that the midfielder, who plays for Juventus and France, was the subject of an extortion plot involving his brother Mathias and childhood friends. They were allegedly demanding €13 million from him.
Speaking to Al Jazeera’s Generation Sport, Pogba said the case played a part in his wanting to quit football.
“Money changes people. … It can break up a family,” he said. “It can create a war. Sometimes I was just by myself, thinking, ‘I don’t want to have money anymore. I just don’t want to play anymore. I just want to be with normal people, so they will love me for me — not for the fame, not for the money.’ Sometimes it’s tough.”
Pogba also endured a tough spell on the pitch following his return to Juventus following his departure from Manchester United.
The 30-year-old suffered a lot of injury problems last season and was forced to withdraw from France’s World Cup squad in Qatar.
The midfielder said he is determined to prove his critics wrong and warned that criticism can lead to players wanting to quit the sport.
“I want to make them eat their words. … I want to show them I’m not weak,” Pogba said. “They can talk bad about me. I will never give up.”
He added: “Football is very beautiful but cruel. People can forget you in one day. You can do something great, but the next day, you are nobody.
“People are waiting for you, saying: ‘He’s done; his career is finished.’ You get these comments after scoring goals and winning the World Cup. People forget it. So you have to prove it all the time.
“You have to accept it, but nobody can be criticised like that. There are so many players that lost it mentally; they didn’t even want to play football anymore because of all the negative things.”
Ghanaian boxing trainer Paul Kofi Dogboe, who has achieved world titles, has officially commenced his role as the head of the Klevia Clan of Anlo in the Volta Region of Ghana.
He was installed as Torgbui Badu IV of Anyako on Thursday, September 9, 2023.
Following traditional rituals conducted in the sacred forest at dawn, Torgbui Badu IV was joyfully carried and paraded on a palanquin made from three guns through the streets of Anyako.
He was then taken to the Royal Badu family residence, where he will be in seclusion for seven days.
The peaceful installation ceremony is scheduled to conclude during the family’s public introduction ceremony on the following Saturday, September 16, at the Torgbui Badu family residence in Anyako.
Paul Dogboe father of Isaac Dogboe enskinned as chief
Paul Dogboe, now referred to as Torgbui Badu IV, assumes the role after a vacancy of 17 years. The elders and kingmakers identified him, a former British Army officer, to lead the traditional affairs of the Klevia clan.
Torgbui Badu IV’s peaceful installation was with the wholehearted blessings of Torgbui Sri III of the Ewe Duk), Torgbui Agbesi Awusu II (Awadada of Anlo), Torgbui Tenge Dzokoto Gligui VI (Dufia of Anyako), Torgbui Dukli Attipoe V and the Klevie clan, Torgbui Kposegi IV of Anyako Woeto, Mama Kekelifla I and Torgbui Bina (Regent of the Badu Royal House of Anyako).
“After 17 years of absence, the divine appointment by the Stool of the Royal Badu House, Klevie Clan, has now finally been revealed,” noted a family statement.
“Now the Creator has spoken. Paul Kofi Dogboe from the Royal House of Torgbui Badu of Anyako, Volta Region, has emerged as Torgbui Badu IV,” it affirmed.
Dogboe gained fame as the trainer of his son,Isaac Dogboe, who became the youngest boxing world champion from Ghana by winning the WBO junior featherweight world title in 2018.
According to Paintsil, the new adventure is a form of giving back to the country because it was through the same means he became an asset at the Black Stars.
Speaking with GhanaWeb, he disclosed that late Ghanaian coach Emmanuel Kwasi Afrane spotted him while he was playing in Berekum.
“Myself, Ofori Quaye, Patrick Villas, Isaac Vorsah, and Mamunatu Suleman We bring all these players to come and play for the young boys… I always say,
“Never forget where you come from. Always remember where you come from. because I was scouted by EK Afrane while I was in Berekum. So it’s good to follow in his footsteps.
“I believed that when they scouted me, I was able to do well for the nation. So I want to repay that and tell those young boys that they have the freedom to play. They are not in bondage, they are not in prison and they cannot showcase their talent. So that’s all about the scouting programme,” he added.
John Paintsil owns theJohn Paintsil Football Academy, which he named after himself. The team is now playing in Ghana’s low-tier league and hopes to qualify for the country’s second-tier league in the coming years.
Harry Kane, the 30-year-old forward currently playing for Bayern Munich, has suggested that his participation in a boot camp alongside Britain’s Royal Marines could have played a role in him being named England’s captain in 2017.
Since assuming the captaincy, Kane has guided England to the final of the European Championship and two knockout-stage appearances in the World Cup.
“We learned to put up our own tents and had the rations that the Marines have when they’re going to war,” Kane told reporters. “We woke at sunrise and did a trek with all the stuff on our backs. Then we did an obstacle course, which was fun, though I think they left out some of the tougher parts.”
“We had to follow the Marines. Whenever they shouted ‘Down,’ we had to crawl in the mud, through stone and into a tunnel full of sheep dip. [By the end] we were all soaking wet, with sand and mud everywhere, and thought we were going to get in a car and go back to camp – until they told us we were walking back, which was another hour on the road.
“That was probably the hardest part, it was mentally tough. Then we got back to the place where we were staying and I was looking forward to a nice, hot shower — and it was just a bit of water dripping out.”
He added: “I think Gareth [Southgate] did use that trip to see who stood out in terms of leadership and maybe it was the way I got on with the Marines and handled certain situations.
“I know he asked some of the Marines who they thought were natural leaders, who were approachable, and who other players were leaning towards to talk to, and that might have helped me becoming captain.”
Despite being defeated 1-1 on Saturday by Ukraine, England still leads Group C with 13 points after five games.
Former Manchester United icon Andy Cole has spoken highly of the talents of Kobbie Mainoo from Ghana, expressing his belief in the teenager’s potential to grow and make a significant impact on the global football stage.
Mainoo, who is 18 years old, stood out as one of the most promising prospects in Erik Ten Hag’s squad during the preseason matches.
However, his promising start was marred by an unfortunate injury that occurred in the opening minutes of a game against Real Madrid.
Cole revealed that during the summer, he inquired about Manchester United’s intentions for Mainoo in the upcoming campaign from individuals within the club.
“I watched him in pre-season and I wasn’t the only person to think, ‘wow.’ The way the kid was playing was absolutely ridiculous and when I asked one of the club’s hierarchies about what Kobbie was going to do this season, they told me that he wasn’t going to be loaned out as the manager really likes him and I can see why,”
“He has everything in abundance. It was a bit of a sickener to see him get injured against Real Madrid but I believe if he keeps going the way he’s going, then he’ll have a big future at Manchester United.”
Mainoo started his youth career at Cheadle and Gatley Junior Football Club, before joining the Red Devils at the age of nine.
Mainoo has represented England from under-17, to under-19, and he is also eligible to represent Ghana.
Kobbie Mainoo was awardedManchester United’s prestigious Jimmy Murphy Young Player Award at the end of the 2022/23 season.
An intrepid West Ham United fan who travelled thousands of miles to watch one of the Premier League club’s new signings in action on international duty has seen his astonishing effort rewarded.
The supporter embarked on a 4,000-mile round trip from London to watch Ghana face the Central African Republic in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying, desperate to catch a glimpse of Mohammed Kudus, who signed for the Hammers from Ajax in late August.
The solitary West Ham supporter, Ian, generated quite a buzz at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi, Ghana.
His presence even led to him answering questions from local journalists in the lead-up to the match.
“I am here to watch Mohammed Kudus, our new signing,” “He is very skilled and strong. We love him.
“West Ham are massive everywhere we go and I have come all the way from the UK to watch Mohammed Kudus and the Black Stars,” Ian told Ghanaweb.
Kudus, who recently made his debut for West Ham as a late substitute in a 2-1 victory over Luton Town just before the international break, represented the Black Stars in the match and even contributed a crucial equaliser in their comeback victory, scoring from a free-kick just before half-time.
After completing a 2,000-mile round trip and having an incredible story to share, it seemed like that might be the conclusion of the adventure.
However, upon learning about this extraordinary football pilgrimage, the Ghana Football Association intervened to acknowledge and reward this exceptional effort.
Arrangements were made for the fan to meetKudus at the Black Stars’ camp and even receive the 23-year-old winger’s No. 20 jersey as a little added bonus. The shirt was then donned and photos were taken, complete with the pair making the “Irons” gesture.
“After making the journey from the UK to watchMohammed in the AFCON qualifiers, this West Ham fan had the incredible opportunity to meet starboy Kudus!” the Ghana FA wrote on Instagram.
Manchester United and Antony have reached an agreement wherein the Brazilian forward will temporarily step away from the club following allegations of abuse made by three women.
United issued a statement on Sunday, revealing that Antony, aged 23, will postpone his return to training to address these allegations.
The decision was signed off by United chief executive Richard Arnold after talks with manager Erik ten Hag.
Claims have been made against Antony by three separate women, including his former partner, Gabriela Cavallin. Antony, who was released from the Brazil squad on Monday following fresh accusations made by Cavallin, denies any wrongdoing.
“Players who have not participated in international matches are due back in training on Monday. However, it has been agreed with Antony that he will delay his return until further notice in order to address the allegations.
“As a club, we condemn acts of violence and abuse. We recognise the importance of safeguarding all those involved in this situation, and acknowledge the impact these allegations have on survivors of abuse.”
According to an ESPN source, Antony, who has not faced any arrests or charges, has not been subjected to suspension. His absence from the team is characterised as a “leave of absence,” permitting the forward to concentrate on defending himself against the allegations.
During this period, he will continue to receive his full salary, and there is no specific timeframe for his return.
In a statement released by Antony on Sunday, he said: “I have agreed with Manchester United to take a period of absence while I address the allegations made against me.
“This was a mutual decision to avoid distraction for my teammates and unnecessary controversy for the club.
“I want to reiterate my innocence of the things I have been accused of, and I will fully cooperate with the police to help them reach the truth. I look forward to returning to play as soon as possible.”
South Korea is set to take on Saudi Arabia in a friendly match at St James’ Park, the home of Newcastle United, on Tuesday.
Jurgen Klinsmann, who is 59 years old, is facing significant pressure following a dismal beginning to his tenure as coach. Despite being appointed in February, Klinsmann’s South Korea team has yet to secure a victory in their last five matches, suffering two losses and three draws.
Their most recent letdown was a lacklustre 0-0 draw against a similarly struggling Wales team last week. Following this match, captain Son Heung-min came to Klinsmann’s defence.
“I understand where fans come from, as someone who’s been on the national team for a long time,” the Tottenham Hotspur forward told reporters in Cardiff.
“I am not saying the coach is always right, but I also don’t think fans are always right either.”
South Korea reached the last 16 of the Qatar World Cup before being outclassed 4-1 by Brazil, after which coach Paulo Bento said he would not carry on.
The Korea Football Association launched a protracted search for his successor before settling on Klinsmann, a World Cup winner as a player but whose coaching career has never hit the same heights.
Many South Korean fans were underwhelmed by the appointment and performances since have only added to those misgivings.
Klinsmann, whose previous coaching job was a short stint with Hertha Berlin more than three years ago, started with a 2-2 home draw with Colombia, before home defeats to Uruguay and Peru.
Then came a 1-1 home draw with El Salvador and the goalless stalemate with Wales, with the result and listless nature of the performance piling the pressure on former United States coach Klinsmann.
Despite boasting Asia’s finest attacker in the talisman Son, South Korea conjured up just one shot on target against the 35th-ranked Welsh.
South Korea have scored four times in five matches under Klinsmann, who was a prolific striker as a player in his pomp.
Negligent?
However, Klinsmann’s actions off the field have also fueled frustration among fans. South Korean supporters and media have accused him of breaking a promise to relocate to the country, asserting that he spends more time in his California residence than in South Korea.
Critics have pointed to Klinsmann’s media responsibilities unrelated to his role as South Korea’s coach as further evidence of his perceived lack of commitment to the job.
Choi Dong-ho, a commentator and director of the Centre for Sports Culture research group, said Klinsmann appeared “negligent”.
“Considering his limited familiarity with Korean players, he should at least be watching all K League games in person rather than being ‘briefed’ by other coaches while he stays abroad,” said Choi.
Failure to beat Saudi Arabia, who are ranked 54th in the world to South Korea’s 28th, would leave Klinsmann clinging to his job after less than seven months in charge.
“Klinsmann’s seeming lack of urgency in light of poor performances hasn’t sat well with South Korean fans, many of whom have already begun calling for the German tactician’s head,” Yonhap news agency said on Monday.
The Asian Cup, which will be held in Qatar in January-February, is where Klinsmann says his team is currently in transition.
“How prepared are they mentally for a big tournament? Can they deal with all the pressure, all the expectations and all those different elements?” Klinsmann said after the Wales draw.
“It’s a growing process,” he added.
“And I’m pleased overall with what the players showed, and we’ll keep growing game by game.”
The parent company of Juventus and controlled by the Agnelli family, Exor, firmly refuted reports in Il Giornale that it had intentions to put the Serie A club up for sale.
Following this statement, Juventus shares experienced an initial surge of up to 4.8% at the market opening, but this gain quickly moderated to just a 0.3% increase by 09:00 GMT, aligning with the broader performance of the Milan stock exchange.
A spokesperson for Exor dismissed Il Giornale’s report, labelling it “baseless.”
The newspaper had suggested that Exor found Juventus’s recent financial results unsustainable and was disconcerted by the club’s ongoing legal troubles.
Juventus, along with its former Chairman Andrea Agnelli and 11 others, potentially faces a trial after Italian judges initiated a criminal case last year, alleging false accounting.
The club maintains that its accounting procedures comply with industry standards and has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
As reported by Reuters in May, representatives of the Agnelli family appeared to be more receptive to discussing the club’s financial future, according to sources with knowledge of the matter.
However, Exor reiterated its unwavering commitment to Juventus at that time, dismissing any suggestions to the contrary as unfounded and aimed at creating uncertainty.
Sources informed Reuters that no imminent changes were expected, and any potential decisions would only be made once there is clarity regarding the accounting and legal issues looming over the club.
🚨🎙️🗣️ EXOR: "The idea shared by a newspaper about the sale of Juventus are without any foundation." [ANSA] #Juventuspic.twitter.com/cBYjB8ozS9
Exor owns around 64% of the shares and 78% of the voting rights in Juventus, which has a market value of around 800 million euros, according to Refinitiv data.
According to Il Giornale, Exor believes it could put Juventus up for sale for at least 1.5 billion euros after taking measures to resolve its accounting issues.
The investigation into Juventus’s accounts also triggered separate inquiries by Italy’s soccer authorities, which eventually cost Juventus a 10-point deduction in the past Serie A season, a 718,000 euro fine and a ban, decided by UEFA, from this season’s European competitions.
Juventus has absorbed some 700 million euros in cash from shareholders over the past four years, roughly two-thirds of which has come from Exor, in whose portfolio the club is the only major business not currently making money.
A Portuguese court is due on Monday to deliver its verdict on hacker Rui Pinto (34), whose flood of “Football Leaks” revelations exposed dirty dealings in international football.
It was the biggest information leak in sports history and sparked criminal investigations in Belgium, Britain, France, Spain and Switzerland.
Pinto is charged with 89 hacking offences and with attempted extortion, a crime punishable in Portugal by between two and 10 years in prison.
He argues he is a whistleblower whose actions exposed underhand dealings involving top football stars, clubs and agents.
Between 2015 and 2018, he shared 18.6 million documents on the internet and with a consortium of European newspapers, which published details.
The revelations shook the football world.
They included the salaries of Lionel Messi and Neymar, an accusation of rape against Cristiano Ronaldo, alleged financial sleight of hand at Manchester City and ethnic profiling at Paris Saint Germain.
[A LA UNE A 12H] L'auteur des révélations des "Football Leaks" sur les dessous du foot-business, le Portugais Rui Pinto, doit connaître le jugement du tribunal de Lisbonne où il répond de faits de piratage informatique et tentative d'extorsion #AFP 5/5 pic.twitter.com/KzfFiSk9rD
Pinto finds himself in the unique position of being both a defendant and a protected witness in Portugal.
When his trial commenced in September 2020, Pinto informed the court that he was deeply disturbed by the information he had uncovered and took pride in making it public knowledge.
However, he has confessed to using illicit methods to acquire certain documents.
Among his alleged victims are prominent entities such as Sporting Lisbon, the Portuguese Football Federation, legal professionals, judges, and Doyen Sports, an investment fund based in Malta and operated by Kazakh-Turkish oligarchs.
Pinto was apprehended in Hungary in 2019 and subsequently extradited to Portugal, where he spent a year in custody before agreeing to collaborate with Portuguese authorities on other cases, granting them access to encrypted documents he had obtained.
The French authorities have also sought his cooperation over the “Luanda Leaks”, a release of 715,000 documents providing compromising information on Angolan billionaire Isabel dos Santos, daughter of former president Jose Eduardo dos Santos.
Dos Santos, who was formerly Africa’s wealthiest woman, has been entangled in numerous legal proceedings, accused of diverting billions of dollars from Angolan state enterprises throughout her father’s four-decade-long tenure in office.
England manager Gareth Southgate revealed that he successfully persuadedKyle Walker, who is 33 years old, to reconsider retiring from international duty.
This convincing conversation took place after England’s World Cup quarterfinal loss to France last year and also after the heartbreaking defeat to Italy in the Euro 2020 final.
During Saturday’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Ukraine in Wroclaw, Poland, the right-back marked his 77th appearance for the national team by scoring his debut England goal. Southgate emphasised that Walker plays a “vital” role within the squad.
“I’ve talked him out of retirement twice from international football, after the Euros and after the World Cup,” Southgate told British media. “I think he loves being here.
“If we’re talking about world-class players in their position on our team, then he’s probably one of them.
“I think he didn’t realise how much value we have for him and how important he is for us. He’s probably not going to thank me for sharing that.” Southgate added that Walker, who made his international debut aged 21 in 2011, had become a “mature leader” for England.
“Not only playing but also around the training, the way I hear him speak when he’s interviewed, his influence on the group, the younger players,” Southgate said.
“I think he’s enjoying the extra responsibility he’s had at his club and I know he’s ready to embrace that with us as well.”
England are six points clear in Group C and on course to qualify for next year’s Euros in Germany. They take on Scotland in a friendly in Glasgow on Tuesday.
The Ghana Amputee Football Team clinched the championship title by staging a remarkable comeback to defeat Morocco 2-1 in the final of the 2023 African Paralympic Games football tournament held at Accra’s MacDan Park.
The Black Challenge approached the final with a determination to avenge their previous defeat to Morocco, where they had lost 2-1 during the group stage.
Morocco began the match with a stronger performance, applying more pressure on Team Ghana and forcing goalkeeper Razak Seidu to make several crucial saves.
They eventually broke the deadlock in the 38th minute with a splendid curled shot into the top left corner following a midfield error by Allotey, who had carelessly given the ball away.
The Black Challenge displayed an improved performance in the second half, consistently pressuring theMoroccan defence and forcing their goalkeeper to make some outstanding saves.
After sustained pressure, Ghana’s efforts were rewarded in the closing moments of the game when Hamza Mohammed capitalised on a beautifully executed team play to level the score.
With the crowd erupting in celebration and rallying behind Team Ghana, they seized the momentum and took the lead. Captain Richard Opentil Arthur converted a well-executed free-kick to secure a 2-1 advantage in extra time, ultimately claiming the trophy for Team Ghana.
Manchester United winger Antony, currently facing allegations of assault from three women, has chosen to respond to these allegations by sharing the WhatsApp conversations he had with one of the accusers, Ingrid Lana, who works as a banker in Brazil.
Due to the serious allegations made against him by these three women, Manchester United has granted Antony indefinite leave from the club.
Among the accusers, Antony’s former girlfriend Gabriela Cavallin has made claims of multiple instances of physical assault, which allegedly occurred both in Manchester and Brazil.
In addition to Lana, another individual named Rayssa de Freitas has also accused Antony of abusive behavior.
In a television interview on the Brazilian show “Domingo Espetacular,” Lana claimed that Antony had initiated physical intimacy against her wishes, pushing her against a wall.
In response to Lana’s interview, Antony published screenshots of their WhatsApp conversations on his Instagram stories, asserting that these messages indicate consensual interaction and a singular encounter.
He also noted that Lana had initiated the meeting, expressing an interest in pursuing an intimate relationship and even discussing lingerie preferences.
In a statement provided to the Brazilian news outlet Globo, Antony further clarified that he had met Lana at a Manchester hotel at her request.
However, due to scheduling conflicts, they were unable to meet again. Antony expressed his readiness to prove his innocence and take legal action if necessary.
Manchester United has acknowledged the allegations against Antony and has agreed to delay his return to the club until further notice while the allegations are investigated.
The club has strongly condemned acts of violence and abuse, emphasizing its commitment to ensuring the well-being of all parties involved in such situations.
Read the Whatsapp conversations between Antony and Ingrid Lana below
Antony: Anything you say, he’ll come along.
Ingrid: If you want, I’ll wait for you naked in bed.
Antony: Sounds good, darling. Antony: I just landed now, did you sleep? Are you there? Don’t disappear, my beauty.
The next day
Ingrid: Are you coming back, my love? I’m going for a walk around here. Let me know (if you’re coming back). Kisses.
Ingrid: May God be with you. I’m heading to the airport shortly. I wanted to meet you… Know that regardless of gender, because we couldn’t get it right. You are light, God is with you, it may not seem like it, but it’s still the beginning of many blessings, not just material, especially spiritual. We take nothing from this world! What we’ll leave behind is our legacy and memories. Kiss, see you any day!
Ingrid (after an audio message from Antony): Don’t get mad.
Ingrid (After a video call): I get excited when I see you.
Ingrid: I would never harm you, don’t you trust me?
Ingrid: Okay Antony, thank you for trusting me. I came from far away to see you, and you don’t trust me? Are you not going to respond? Antony, I deleted it. Are you going to be mad at me? I just need to delete it from the cloud, I don’t know how.
Ingrid: Talk to me, can’t I have your photo so I can get wet (excited) here?
Real Madrid is not assuming that they will secure the signing of PSG’s forward, Kylian Mbappe, next summer, and they are exploring potential alternatives in case their pursuit of the French international falls through.
Mbappe has been embroiled in a dispute with PSG throughout much of the summer after he declined to activate an option in his contract that would have extended his deal until 2025.
Consequently, he is set to become a free agent next summer, leading PSG to temporarily exclude him from their first-team plans before reintegrating him back into the squad in mid-August.
Although the situation remains uncertain, relations have improved, and there is now a chance of Mbappe signing a new contract with PSG.
Real Madrid is aware of this situation and is prepared for the possibility that the 24-year-old may opt for a fresh deal with Parc des Princes. According to Fichajes, Manchester City’s Julian Alvarez is being considered as an alternative if Mbappe decides not to join Real Madrid.
The Spanish source suggests that doubts have arisen about Alvarez’s desire to remain with Pep Guardiola’s team due to the prospect of playing a secondary role behind Erling Haaland.
Although the 23-year-old has delivered strong performances, his role as a substitute has been prominent despite making 55 appearances in all competitions since joining the club in the summer of 2022.
With a contract in place until 2028, acquiring Alvarez is expected to be a challenging task for Los Blancos. The player has not expressed any discontent with his current situation, and Manchester City has shown no inclination to sell one of the top backup players in the world of football.
Alvarez boasts an Expected Transfer Value (xTV) of €40 million, which is likely the minimum amount Real Madrid would need to offer to secure the services of a player who would likely command a higher valuation if he had more playing time.
Cristiano Ronaldo has made an early return to Al-Nassr after being sidelined for the Portugal national team due to a suspension. Despite the setback, he has received commendation from Goncalo Ramos.
Ronaldo will be absent from Portugal’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Luxembourg following a suspension resulting from a yellow card he received during a 1-0 victory over Slovakia last Friday.
The 38-year-old’s actions, particularly a reckless challenge that saw him make contact with the face of his former Manchester United teammate and Slovakian goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, raised eyebrows.
Nevertheless, veteran international colleague and Paris Saint-Germain striker Ramos has lauded Ronaldo’s contributions. Ronaldo has promptly returned to Saudi Arabia to resume his club duties at Al-Nassr.
Ramos told reporters: “Cris [Ronaldo] always gives great support; he has been with the team until today [Sunday], supporting us and helping in whatever way he can, but at this moment he has already returned to his club.”
Portugal are on course to qualify for Euro 2024 as they have won all five of their group stage matches so far and are five points clear of second-placed Slovakia and third-placed Luxembourg with five games to play.
A Marrakesh hotel, which happens to be owned by the renownedPortuguese football star Cristiano Ronaldo, has regrettably chosen not to provide refuge for victims affected by the catastrophic earthquake in Morocco.
The earthquake, measuring 6.8 in magnitude, struck the mountainous High Atlas region on Friday, resulting in the tragic loss of over 2,000 lives, along with numerous individuals being injured or still unaccounted for.
Prominent football figure Lionel Messi has expressed his heartfelt condolences to the affected region during this trying time.
In a statement to Liberation, a hotel spokesperson said, “This is false information. All the customers we have at the moment have made a reservation normally.”
The UNESCO World Heritage-listed old town of Marrakesh has suffered significant damage due to a powerful earthquake. Numerous structures and walls have crumbled, and the tight, winding streets are posing challenges for the safe evacuation of the injured.
In response to the crisis, town squares have been transformed into makeshift emergency shelters, offering provisions such as food, water, and sleeping accommodations.
Members of the Moroccan national football team are actively contributing to the rescue operations by generously donating blood to assist the earthquake victims.
Paul Mullin made a triumphant return to the field following an extended period of injury as Wrexham secured a thrilling victory against Doncaster.
Mullin had been sidelined due to a punctured lung sustained during a pre-season match againstManchester United, and he was unable to play until this Saturday.
The star striker, still in the process of regaining full fitness, began the game on the bench against Doncaster. He eventually made his comeback as a substitute in the 60th minute.
The Red Dragons took the lead with Luke Young’s goal in the 37th minute, but Modou Faal equalised for the visiting team. In the closing stages of the match, Elliot Lee netted a decisive late goal, securing three vital points for Phil Parkinson’s team.
Paul Mullin expressed his gratitude to Elliot Lee for scoring the crucial winning goal, marking Mullin’s successful return to the field.
The striker shared a video on his Instagram story of him applauding the Wrexham fans and wrote: “Waited a while for that! Thanks to Elliot Lee for making it possible.”
Following their victory onSaturday, Wrexham haveextended their unbeaten streak to six matches in League Two and currently holds the seventh position in the league standings.
In their upcoming League Two fixture, the Red Dragons are scheduled to take on Grimsby Town on September 16th.
Gabriela Cavallin has urged Manchester United to take action regarding Antony’s presence in the squad amid allegations of domestic violence made by her and two other women.
The ex-girlfriend of the Brazilian winger has expressed disappointment in United’s slow response to the accusations, which reportedly involve multiple incidents between June 2022 and May 2023.
She is calling for the club to suspend Antony from playing.
In a recent interview with the Brazilian website UOL, the DJ and model detailed various alleged incidents where her former partner had reportedly headbutted her, thrown a glass at her, and threatened to push her out of a moving vehicle.
Antony has vehemently denied all these allegations, maintaining his innocence in a recent TV interview.
In light of these developments, two other women, Rayssa de Freitas and Ingrid Lana, have also come forward with assault accusations against Antony.
Consequently, both Greater Manchester Police and Sao Paulo Police have initiated investigations into the matter.
Gabriela Cavallin has now appealed to Manchester United to consider barring the 23-year-old from playing while the police inquiries are ongoing, as stated in an interview with The Sun.
“Antony needs to be taken off the pitch,” said Cavallin. “It’s disappointing he’s still allowed to play while there’s an investigation. I am absolutely destroyed by the whole process. How can life go on as normal for him? They can’t just know what they know now and not do anything. He needs to be removed.”
The DJ’s comments pile further pressure on United, which faced significant criticism for their handling of therecent Mason Greenwood case.
One source told GOAL that the club has been advised to tread cautiously due to the current police inquiries, but many people will be looking for decisive action from United, whose indecision over the 21-year-old forward raised huge concerns.
Cavallin is worried the same mistakes are being repeated with Antony.
“Why did it take United three months?” the 22-year-old continued. “It’s just not OK. I prefer not to believe such a huge club, with such serious and professional people, would cover up a situation like this.”
United issued an official statement on the matter earlier this week.
Among the four bodies retrieved, three were Ghanaian nationals, and one was a foreigner.
Additionally, five injured individuals are presently undergoing medical treatment at the hospital, while ten others managed to escape unharmed.
Unfortunately, there are still individuals whose whereabouts remain unknown.
“Four persons have been found dead. They are at the mortuary at the moment. Three blacks and one white lady. The other four Chinese cannot be found. We are trying to get an excavator to find out if many have been trapped,” the Shama District Officer of NADMO, Emmanual Nyan, told Citi News.
There was an ammonia nitrate explosive explosion around 10 p.m. on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at a quarry site operated by some Chinese at Anto-Aboso in the Shama District of the Western Region.
Emmanuel Owuewie, the Assemblyman for Anto-Aboso who lives close to the quarry site, told Citi News that he was in his room when his ceiling came crashing down on him.
Officers from the Fire Service, NADMO and other security agencies are currently on the site helping with rescue efforts.
This comes on the heels of a similar incident that occurred at Appiate in the same region.
The Appiate explosion happened on January 20, 2022, after a truck carrying explosives owned by Maxam Limited got involved in an accident resulting in the explosion.
Hearts of Oak have unveiled their 30-man roster in preparation for the upcoming 2023–24 Ghanaian football season.
The squad announcement follows the recent closure of the transfer window in Ghana.
The squad comprises eight forwards, with Cameroonian striker Albert Eonde, who joined the team in August and has shown promise in training, among them.
The goalkeeping duties will be handled by Richmond Ayi, Richard Attah, and Eric Ofori Antwi, while the newly acquired Michael Ampadu finds a place among the full-backs.
Notably, Gladson Awako is absent from the squad for the upcoming season.
After finishing 12th in the previous season, Hearts of Oak will be eager to enhance their performance under the guidance of Dutch coach Martin Koopman.
The Phobians are aiming for a strong start to the season as they kick off against Real Tamale United in their first match scheduled for September 15th.
Full squad below:
Goalkeepers
Richmond Ayi Richard Attah Eric Ofori Antwi
Center Backs
Thomas Qwaku Nsoh Kelvin Osei Assibey Kofi Agbesima Emmanuel Amankwah
Full Backs
Dennis Korsah Leventius Arthur Michael Ampadu Kwabena Anane
Midfielders
Glid Jeodan Otanga Eric Eso Abdul Aziz Nuurudeen Linda Mtange Yaw Amankwa Baafi Salifu Ibrahim Rafael Amponsah Martin Karikari Seidu Suraj Michelle Sarpong Gideon Asante Yeboah
Attackers
Evans Adomako Enock Asubonteng Kwadwo Obeng Jnr Kashala Ramos Wanet Albert Eonde Kasim Cisse Hamza Issah Isaac Frimpong
Ukrainian manager, Serhiy Rebrov, aged 49, commended his team for their relentless effort in securing a 1-1 draw against England during their Euro qualifier.
The match took place on Saturday in front of a crowd of tens of thousands of passionate supporters who were waving flags and enthusiastically supporting their team.
Ukraine managed to take the lead in the first half, courtesy of a goal by Oleksandr Zinchenko, aged 26. However, England’s defender Kyle Walker, aged 32, equalised just before halftime.
“i want to say it’s a pleasure for the players, they made a good celebration for the people and it was a very good atmosphere in the stadium and you can see they don’t want to go home,” Rebrov told reporters.
Ukraine have not played at home since Russia launched an invasion of the country in February 2022, which Moscow calls a “special military operation,” and the crowd noise inside the Tarczynski Arena in Poland was deafening at times.
Exhausted Ukraine players applauded their supporters, who chanted and waved flags for the full 90 minutes and celebrated the draw like a victory when the referee blew the final whistle.
“This is a big responsibility and I’m very proud,” Rebrov said of his role as manager.
“I’m glad we gave emotion for our people because I know that millions of Ukrainians will be watching this game and the players showed the character of the Ukrainians and in this period of time, that’s very important.”
Rebrov noted that his defenders effectively limited England’s opportunities, particularly in the second half, following a challenging first half where he acknowledged the strength of the visiting team.
He also emphasized the invaluable role played by the passionate fans, describing their support as a driving force that contributed to the team securing a crucial point against the group leaders in their pursuit of qualifying for Euro 2024.
“You know our circumstances and we have to play abroad,” Rebrov said. “The atmosphere was amazing and it motivated the boys a lot. When you play teams like England you want to be fuelled by this fan support.”
In the group standings, England currently holds the top position with 13 points earned from five matches, while Ukraine follows closely behind with seven points from four games. The draw against Ukraine marked the first instance where England conceded points in their qualifying campaign.
Barcelona forward Ferran Torres, aged 23, and Villarreal midfielder Yeremy Pino, aged 20, have been called up to replace the injured Marco Asensio, aged 27, and Dani Olmo, aged 25, as announced by the Spanish federation.
During Spain’s dominant 7-1 victory over Georgia on Friday, Paris St. Germain forward Asensio and RB Leipzig midfielder Olmo both left the field in the first half due to physical issues.
Ferran Torres, who last represented Spain at the World Cup in Qatar the previous year, where Spain was eliminated by Morocco in the round of 16, will be making his return.
Torres, with 35 caps, is also included in the Spain squad for the first time under the management of new head coach Luis de la Fuente.
Yeremy Pino, who has made 11 international appearances, notably scored a goal for Spain in the UEFA Nations League semi-finals against Italy.
“Ferran Torres and Yeremy Pino will join the Spanish national team… to prepare for the match against Cyprus at the Estadio de Los Carmenes stadium,” the Royal Spanish Football Federation said in a statement on Saturday.
Spain, the reigning champions of the2023 UEFA Nations League, currently occupy the second position in Group A with six points from three matches. They trail Scotland, who have played two additional games, by a margin of nine points.
Spain’s upcoming fixture will see them play against Cyprus in Granada on Tuesday.
Germany’s coach, Hansi Flick, asserted that he remains the right person to lead the team despite their shocking 4-1 defeat against Japan in an international friendly.
The loss adds to the mounting pressure on Flick, as the German national team, which has won the World Cup four times, had hoped the match would signify a fresh start, especially with the Euro 2024 tournament just nine months away.
Unfortunately, it turned into a disaster, marking their third consecutive loss and drawing disapproval from home fans in the form of jeers and whistles.
Even before this match, Flick was already under scrutiny, as his team had only managed to win four out of their last 16 matches and experienced an early exit from the World Cup last year.
This latest setback is likely to intensify the calls for Flick’s departure.
“I know in football there is a dynamic and I cannot forecast what will happen but from my side we try everything to prepare the team well,” Flick told reporters.
“I think we are doing a good job and I think I am [the right man for the job],” he said when asked specifically about his future. The Germans have not enjoyed any success under Flick since he took over two years ago.
Hansi Flick’s Germany lost on Tuesday
They crashed out of the World Cup group stage last year, winning just one of three matches, and have since shown no real signs of recovery.
“I am very disappointed and we have to admit that Japan have a very good team. We don’t have the means to beat such a compact defence,” Flick said.
“We started well. But they score with their first chance; we come back and level and we felt the support, but then they score again.”
“In the second half, there were too many individual mistakes.”
Flick, who had started his stint with an eight-game winning run, will now have to prepare his team for an even tougher task against 2022 World Cup finalists France on Tuesday.
“We will prepare well and recover. We chose such games because we want to play against the best,” Flick said.
“Today we were not in a position to beat this team. We will prepare for France, give the team courage. That’s the daily work. I can understand the criticism.
“We have to go through this together. We are one team. We lost heavily today but we have to shake it off and be different against France.”
Borussia Dortmund is considering providing Jadon Sancho with a potential exit from Manchester United in January.
Sancho’s relationship with his teammates and manager Erik ten Hag has been strained after he reacted angrily to being benched during Manchester United’s Premier League loss to Arsenal, according to an ESPN source.
Sancho, 23, posted a strongly worded social media rebuttal of Ten Hag’s postmatch claims that he had been omitted from the squad at the Emirates due to unsatisfactory training performances, with the England international rejecting the “completely untrue” comments and saying on his X account that he had been a “scapegoat for a long time.”
There would appear to be little future for Sancho at United, and a proposed move to the Saudi Pro League failed to materialise before Thursday’s transfer deadline.
Now the Sun on Sunday reports that Dortmund want him to return to the club, with United having signed the winger from them in a deal worth around £73 million.
Arsenal paid 72 million pounds to sign Pepe from French club Lille in 2019 but will get nothing for his departure, with the Ivory Coast international reportedly set to sign for Turkish side Trabzonspor.
Arsenal has decided to terminate the contract of Nicolas Pepe, their former club-record signing, allowing the winger to depart on a free transfer.
Arsenal originally paid £72 million ($90 million) to acquire Pepe from the French club Lille in 2019.
However, they will receive no compensation for his exit, as the Ivory Coast international is reportedly poised to join Turkish side Trabzonspor.
Pepe initially had a promising start at Arsenal under former manager Unai Emery.
However, he encountered difficulties adapting to the team’s style under Mikel Arteta and hasn’t started a Premier League match since October 2021.
He was loaned to Nice for the previous season.
Although he still had one year left on his contract, Arsenal opted to release him rather than keep him as a backup to Bukayo Saka at the Emirates Stadium.
The 30-year-old moved to Les Parisiens from Pescara in 2012 but has not played for the Ligue 1 champions at all this term. He has played a total of 416 matches across all competitions in his PSG career, recording 11 goals and 61 assists.
An agreement was reached between PSG and Al Arabi 10 days ago on a deal worth around €45 million.
Al Arabi have already completed the signing of Verratti’s PSG teammate Abdou Diallo this transfer window, as well as bringing in Simo Keddari and Mohamed Taabouni from Espanyol and Feyenoord, respectively.
Verratti was not involved in Italy’s disappointing 1-1 draw against North Macedonia in qualifying for Euro 2005.
Qatari side Al Arabi now hope to get Marco Verratti deal sealed by next week. Verratti was not in Doha this week yet, still waiting to plan for travel 🇮🇹🇶🇦 #AlArabi
Agreement reached with PSG 10 days ago for fee close to €45/50m, final details to be clarified on player side. pic.twitter.com/oOMpPBC3Aa
The Premier League team Sheffield United is reportedly considering the acquisitionof Andre Ayew, the captain of the Ghana national football team, according to information from Footballghana.com.
The 33-year-old player has been without a club since his release from Nottingham Forest at the end of the previous season.
Ayew had joined Forest after departing from Qatari club Al Sadd but didn’t meet expectations during his 13 appearances.
Manager Steve Cooper decided not to extend his contract, allowing the prolific striker, who has scored 152 goals, to become a free agent.
Footballghana.com has confirmed that Sheffield United has initiated talks to sign the former Olympique Marseille forward.
The team, which has garnered only one point in four matches since its return to the Premier League, is led by manager Paul Heckingbottom.
They secured their single point in a 2-2 draw against Everton in their last outing.
Despite their efforts, Sheffield United appears to lack the necessary quality and experience required to thrive in the Premier League.
Consequently, they are considering offering the veteran striker a short-term contract to assess if he can contribute to their bid for Premier League survival at Bramall Lane.
Andre Ayew, who boasts 114 caps for the Ghanaian national team, has extensive experience in the Premier League from his previous stints with Swansea City and West Ham United.
Being a free agent, Ayew is not bound by transfer window restrictions, and clubs from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Major League Soccer (MLS) are also vying for the signature of theU-20 World Cup winner.
He took a moment to express his gratitude to the people of Ghana for their unwavering support during this challenging time.
In the face of his disappointment, Seth Gyimah admitted to feeling devastated by the loss. Nevertheless, he remains resolute and optimistic about making a comeback and returning to his winning ways.
I am very devastated by today defeat but nevertheless I always take positive thing from a negative situation. I will bounce back, I will be back stronger. It is not over yet. I would like to sincerely thank Ghanaians for their support and my team mates as well. Love you all pic.twitter.com/ecSRevSPTC
“I am very devastated by today’s defeat but nevertheless I always take positive things from a negative situation. I will bounce back I will be back stronger. It is not over yet.
The UK-based Ghanaian boxer lost on his amateur debut to Seydou Konate of Senegal and so failed to advance in the qualifiers in his quest to secure an automatic spot at the Olympics. He has another opportunity to qualify through the Asia and Europe play-offs in 2024.
Freezy Macbones was the second Ghanaian boxer to step into the ring among the seven Ghanaian boxers slated to compete in the qualifiers.
Other boxers who will hope to secure a ticket for the Olympics include Alfred Kotey, David Bawah, Asarah Apew, Theophilus Allotey, and Abdul Wahab.
Ronaldo received a yellow card during Portugal’s 1-0 victory over Slovakia on Friday, which means he will be unavailable for their upcoming match againstLuxembourg on Monday.
The Portugal captain was somewhat fortunate not to face more severe consequences when he accidentally struck former Manchester United teammate Martin Dubravka in the face with his boot.
Nevertheless, referee Glenn Nyberg opted to issue only a yellow card, and Ronaldo survived a VAR review.
The suspension comes as a result of Ronaldo accumulating his third yellow card in the European Championship qualifying campaign.
Monday’s match against Luxembourg will mark the end of his streak of 10 consecutive international appearances.
The last time he missed a game for his country was in November 2022 when he was sidelined due to illness, causing him to miss a 4-0 friendly victory over Nigeria.
He’ll have to watch on from the stands as his side take on Luxembourg, knowing a win would all but see his side through to next summer’s Euros as they look to replicate the heroics of 2016.
Erling Haaland has expressed his happiness over his former Borussia Dortmund teammate, Jude Bellingham, making an impressive start at Real Madrid. Haaland and Bellingham shared the pitch at Dortmund for a couple of seasons.
Dortmund signed Bellingham in the summer of 2020 after securing Haaland from Red Bull Salzburg in the previous January.
Both players have now ascended to the top echelons of European football, with Haaland at Manchester City and Bellingham at Real Madrid.
Following Bellingham’s remarkable debut season last year, the Norwegian striker has commended his ex-teammate for his own impressive beginning.
Speaking in an interview with L’Equipe, the striker said: “By the way, I saw the incredible debut of Jude at Real Madrid, and that makes me very happy for him.”
During their time at Dortmund, the duo shared the field in a total of 63 matches and combined effectively on seven occasions. One notable instance was their performance against Bayern Munich in a 3-2 loss to the Bavarians in December 2021.
There is speculation about the possibility of their reunion in Madrid, as Real Madrid’s interest in Haaland remains strong, but only time will reveal what the future holds.
Both Bellingham and Haaland are currently away on international duty, shifting their focus from domestic leagues.
Bellingham is expected to feature in England’s match against Ukraine on Saturday, while Haaland is likely to be part of Norway’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Georgia on Tuesday.
In a video circulating on social media, the bus, adorned with Kennedy Agyapong’s messages and images, was seen stationed at Circle.
A gathering of supporters, dressed in Kennedy Agyapong’s T-shirts, was seen inviting passengers to take advantage of the free ride and show their support for the MP.
The video captures the supporters calling out, “This is Honourable Kennedy Agyapong’s handiwork, Accra free, come and pick the car and vote for him, showdown man.”
Some passengers seemed enthusiastic about the offer, as they could be seen boarding the bus.
Watch the video below:
Is this one of the showdown strategies? Kennedy Agyepong is playing the game🤣🤣🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/NwxKzFxjPK
Samuel Koku Anyidoho??????? (@KokuAnyidoho) September 8, 2023 Is this one of the showdown strategies? Kennedy Agyepong is playing the game ???????????????? pic.twitter.com/NwxKzFxjPK
— General Marcus! (@marcusadampah) September 8, 2023 The Member of Parliament for Assin Central and New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer hopeful will contest for the flagbearership slot along with three other contenders, includingVice President Mahamudu Bawumia, Dr Afriyie Akoto and Addai-Nimoh.
On November 4, 2023, the NPP will elect a new party leader to succeed President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
Afia Pokua, widely known as ‘Vim Lady,’ has expressed her view that Mr. Alan Kyerematen bears partial responsibility for his frustrations and perceived lack of popularity within his party.
Mr. Kyerematen cited various reasons for his decision to withdraw from the NPP flagbearership race, including what he perceived as a deliberate structure favouring another candidate.
He placed third in the party’s special delegates conference held on August 26 and cited intimidation and sabotage as factors contributing to his exit.
However, when analysing the situation, Afia Pokua suggests that Mr. Alan Kyerematen’s campaign strategy lacked the necessary aggressiveness and radical approach.
The prominent broadcaster noted that although Alan faced internal challenges within his party, he did not embark on a vigorous campaign after his unsuccessful bid for the same position back in 2007.
“As much as Gabby and co. plotted mafia against Alan, Alan himself is to blame for his woes. Alan failed to cultivate the party members. From 2007 onwards, you were the favourite; why are you now an underdog? When you couldn’t secure the presidential slot in 2007, you relaxed. Instead of continuing your campaign.
He re-strategized and resorted to Atta Mills’ formula of door-to-door, room-to-room, and won the 2016 elections. You can’t win an election in Africa with the Dadabee campaign.
“Come down to the level of the people. If they’re eating kenkey, eat with them. I sympathise with Alan but part of the reason why he failed, his frustration was from him. How much did he influence the special voting?” she stated during her show on OkayFM.
She said Alan started politics long before Bawumia, adding that, realistically, the latter isn’t supposed to have an advantage over him.
“Alan, you were in the game long before Bawumia. You started politics in 1992; there is no reason why Bawumia should even have an edge over you. But you are laid back; you are not aggressive,” she added.
Moroccan internationalsSofyan Amrabat and Hakim Ziyech have sent messages of support following the devastating earthquake in the country.
At 11:11 p.m. local time on Friday night, a 6.8-magnitude tremor hit the Ighil area of Morocco, around 40 miles south of Marrakech. It’s one of the most powerful earthquakes to ever hit the country and the death toll has risen exponentially since the time of impact.
At the time of writing, at least 820 people have been killed and 672 injured, 205 of whom have been deemed to be “seriously hurt”, according to Morocco’s interior ministry.
Tributes and prayers have flooded in from across the globe, with high-profile sporting names also offering their support.
It’s not only renowned footballers from the nation who have expressed their prayers thus far. Two of the most prominent football clubs in Europe, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid, have both issued statements.
Real Madrid’s reads: “Real Madrid C.F., its president and its Board of Directors express their deepest concern and solidarity with the victims of the earthquake in Morocco in recent hours. Our club extends its condolences to the families of the deceased and all the Moroccan people. Likewise, we wish the injured a speedy recovery and we transmit all of our strength and affection.”
Meanwhile, PSG – where Morocco international Achraf Hakimi plies his trade – posted their statement on their official Twitter account: “The entire Paris Saint-Germain family is with our Moroccan friends in the wake of the terrible earthquake. We send our condolences to those who have lost their loved ones, our thoughts are with you.”
President of the National Service Personnel Association (NASPA), Gideon Osei, has come out in support of the recent deduction of twenty-five Ghana cedis (GH¢25) from the accounts of NSS personnel.
During an interview on Radio Univers on September 6, 2023, Osei emphasised that the deduction policy had been overdue for a while and was not instigated by the current administration.
He further clarified that this deduction would exclusively impact personnel employed in government organisations.
“It is important to note that this deduction will exclusively impact personnel working in government organisations, sparing those employed in private firms.”
The announcement of the deduction generated some controversy among the personnel, but Osei sought to provide context for the decision.
He outlined the association’s plans to utilise the deducted funds to support annual programs aimed at enhancing rural communities that lack essential amenities, including access to clean water, schools and social opportunities.
The NASPA president reiterated the association’s commitment to upholding its regulations and principles while working towards the betterment of communities in need.
The decision to fund rural development initiatives through the deduction reflectsNASPA’s dedication to its mission of contributing to the welfare and development of underserved areas across Ghana.
The Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) organised its third annual CEO’s Breakfast Meeting exclusively tailored for the members of the Ghana Club 100.
This gathering convened the Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of Ghana’s top 100 companies, as recognized by the 2022 Ghana Club 100 Awards, along with industry leaders, for discussions related to business and the economy.
Under the theme “Public-Private Partnerships: Bridging the Gap for Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Development,” the event served as an effective platform for these CEOs to network, exchange insights, and collaborate on strategies aimed at enhancing Ghana’s economic growth through harnessing the potential of the private sector.
The program featured significant presentations, including a keynote address delivered by the Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, and an interactive panel session dedicated to examining current business trends and addressing the challenges encountered by businesses in their operations.
In his opening remarks, Yofi Grant, the CEO of the GIPC, emphasised the pivotal role of the private sector in fostering a more robust business ecosystem in Ghana.
He said, “The private sector generates revenue, creates jobs, and propels economic growth and it is investments that drive the private sector.”
Additionally, he assured attendees that the GIPC is diligently working to eliminate barriers in the nation’s investment code to support business growth in Ghana.
In his speech, the Minister of Finance acknowledged the current economic challenges facing Ghana, but he assured the CEOs that the government is working to resolve them.
He outlined ongoing efforts to meet the necessary requirements for the release of the second tranche of funding from the International Monetary Fund and secure additional funding from the World Bank, with a goal to receive approximately one billion dollars by year-end to assist the Bank of Ghana with its balance of payment issues.
He also expressed his optimism that investors will continue to see Ghana as a good place to do business.
Meanwhile, Ambassador Edward Boateng, Director General of the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA), shared insights into how ongoing Public-Private Partnerships were contributing to the revival of dormant state entities.
He also revealed that more such partnerships were in progress through collaboration with the GIPC to attract private investors and revitalise additional state entities.
Notable attendees at the meeting included Dr. Afua Asabea Asare, CEO of the Ghana Export Promotion Authority; Madam Nora Bannerman, a board member of the GIPC; and Kwaku Agyemang-Duah, Chairman of the Private Enterprise Federation and a Board Member of the GIPC.
Electrochem Ghana Limited Songor Salt Project is expected to create employment opportunities for over 7,000 young Ghanaians by the year 2024, when it reaches full operational capacity.
In the initial phase of the project, 3,000 individuals have already been employed, with plans to engage an additional 4,000 workers when the salt concession reaches full operation in 2024.
These details were disclosed by Dr. Daniel Mckorley, the CEO of the McDan Group, during the official commissioning of the Electrochem Salt Mine and Processing Plant in Ada, located within the Greater Accra Region.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo presided over the commissioning, marking a significant step towards making Electrochem the leading hub for salt production in Africa.
Electrochem, a subsidiary of the McDan Group, was granted a 15-year lease to revitalise the Ada Songor salt concession, which had been previously neglected due to mismanagement.
This concession, with a history of over 54 years, was previously managed by local communities.
However, as part of the government’s 2020 diversification agenda, which aimed to utilise natural resources and leverage public-private partnerships to transform the economy, Electrochem was entrusted with its development.
Dr. Daniel McKorley emphasised that they successfully transformed the concession within a two-year period and are committed to providing employment opportunities for the local population, ultimately contributing to economic growth.
Presently, the project is producing 650,000 metric tonnes of salt, with plans to increase production to one million metric tonnes next year and reach two million metric tonnes by 2025.
“This is only the first phase of the project and by the time we are done with the refinery and other sections, we could lead the industrialisation drive of the country, by providing jobs and boosting the economy,” he stated.
He said a chemical university to drive industrialization in Ghana would also be built after the final phase.
President Nana Akufo-Addo commendedDr. McKorley and Electrochemfor harnessing the full potential of the Songor Lagoon.
“This is the first time in the history of Ghana that an indigenous Ghanaian businessman owns one of the biggest salt refineries in Africa,” he stated.
Additionally, he pointed out that Ghana has the potential to serve as a salt supplier to Nigeria and various global regions, potentially eliminating the need for salt imports from Europe.
“Nigeria currently is importing two billion worth of salt from Brazil annually and gradually Ghana could be able to provide the neighbouring country and other countries with salt.
“Producing two million metric tonnes of salt a year will be the biggest salt concession in Africa and the government is committed to supporting the company to succeed,” he added.
Dr. Daniel McKorley expressed his gratitude to the Paramount Chief of Ada, Nene Abram Akuaku III, and the local community for their support and encouraged them to actively participate in the project as stakeholders.
The commissioning event saw the presence of notable figures, including Samuel Abu Jinapor, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources; Henry Quartey, the Greater Accra Minister; K.T. Hammond, the Minister of Trade and Industry; and executives from organisations such as the Ghana Association of Industries, the Chamber of Commerce, the Environmental Protection Agency, and Ecobank.
Kylian Mbappe appeared somewhat puzzled as he and his fellow teammates observed France’s victory over New Zealand in the Rugby World Cup opener held in Paris.
Fresh from his involvement in France’s 2-0 triumph against Ireland, the Paris Saint-Germain superstar forward decided to witness some rugby action as the World Cup kicked off on Friday night.
The tournament hosts, France, commenced with a victorious performance, defeating New Zealand 27-13, while the Stade de France was filled with enthusiastic spectators.
In the audience, Mbappe was accompanied by his international colleagues, including Antoine Griezmann, Dayot Upamecano, and Ousmane Dembele.
His relatively delayed reactions to certain points scored were captured on camera, suggesting his limited familiarity with the sport.
It’s well-known that the 24-year-old dedicates almost every waking moment to football, leaving little time to familiarise himself with other sports, especially one as intricate as rugby, which can be perplexing to newcomers.
Following his brief rugby experience on Friday, Mbappe’s focus will now shift back to football, as France is set to face Germany on September 12th.
Mount, who had dedicated 18 years to Chelsea, made a high-profile move to United in the summer for a reported fee of £60 million ($75 million).
This decision to join their rivals has not been well received by Chelsea’s fanbase.
However, Terry, who accumulated 492 appearances for the Blues during his impressive 19-year tenure from 1998 to 2017, has staunchly defended Mount’s choice to depart.
Speaking at an event on Friday, as quoted by Simon Phillips, Terry said: “Mase is proper Chels through and through. There’s always two sides to a story and I know the other side.
“I’m not going to air that tonight but there’s another side to the story. Let’s not be too harsh on Mason when he comes back [to Stamford Bridge with Manchester United].”
Mount has faced a challenging beginning to his time at Old Trafford. His displays alongsideBruno Fernandes in United’s midfield have faced intense scrutiny, and to compound matters, Mount is currently dealing with an injury.
However, there is optimism that he will return to action following the international break. His goal is to regain full match fitness in time for United’s upcoming Premier League match at home against Brighton next Saturday.
Director of Football for the Pro League, Michael Emenalo, has dismissed the notion that Saudi clubs might seek aChampions League spot down the line.
Recent reports suggested that officials from the Saudi Pro League were considering making an unusual request to UEFA, suggesting that the league champions be granted entry into Europe’s premier club competition as a ‘wild card’ entry.
However, Emenalo, formerly associated with Chelsea as their Director of Football, has rejected these claims.
Speaking to talkSPORT, Emenalo said, “I don’t know where that’s come from. I think that’s someone taking a dreamy leap into a far-fetched future.
“I think our goal is to take quality baby steps and the first step is to stabilise our league, make it very entertaining for our fans and getting fans across the world to pay attention to what we’re doing.”
Despite what Emenalo said, there’s little doubt the footballing world has been put on notice by the transfer dealings of Saudi sides this summer.
Big-name players including Neymar, Riyad Mahrez and Jordan Henderson all swapped Europe for Saudi Arabia as the league looks to grow rapidly.
With their summer transfer window having slammed shut on Thursday, clubs can put away their chequebooks and concentrate on football, with the next round of games set to get underway on September 14.
According to a statement issued by the Association, Dr. Anderson violated their constitution by appointing his sister, who is a non-executive member, to collect dues on their behalf.
The statement further noted that all attempts to contact him have been unsuccessful.
“We bring to the attention of the entire university community and the public that the President of USAG, Dr. Christian Ntsiful Anderson, is alleged to have been involved in financial improprieties, including the unlawful collection of funds, the unauthorised disbursement of the funds, the hoarding of association funds and absconding with these funds.
“To add salt to injury, the President unlawfully instructed his sister (a relative who is not an executive) to collect dues and capitation paid by member institutions at Congress grounds.
“This is a breach of Article 33, Clause 2(a). The flippant disregard for the USAG constitution by the president is extremely alarming,” the statement said.
The statement also said that the president has failed to meet with the executive body to give it an account.
“Furthermore, the President, Dr. Christian Ntsiful Anderson, has not been forthcoming with the entire executive body concerning the finances of the entire administration and the just ended Congress in any official meeting whatsoever.
“Efforts to reach the president have proven futile, as he has deliberately refused to respond to calls. He has eluded meeting with the entire executive body since after Congress ended,” the release said.
A Borussia Dortmund executive has raised concerns about whether the spending spree in the Saudi Pro League has had an impact on financial fair play regulations.
According to a report by The Athletic, Dortmund’s chief financial officer, Thomas Tress, surprised attendees at a meeting of the European Club Association in Berlin by suggesting that Saudi clubs’ lavish spending might have provided an escape route for some teams facing financial fair play challenges.
Tress cited Neymar’s £80 million transfer from Paris Saint-Germain to Al-Hilal as an example.
While Dortmund and PSG maintain a friendly relationship, PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi was reportedly upset upon hearing Tress’s comments and confronted him afterward.
Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke later reached out to Al-Khelaifi to offer apologies.
Interestingly, Dortmund and PSG are set to face each other in the Champions League, along withNewcastle United and AC Milan, which adds an element of intrigue to their upcoming meeting in the Parc des Princes boardroom.
Leeds United supporter, identified as David Derbyshire, aged 35 and residing on Marley Street in Beeston, has reportedly been sentenced to a 12-week prison term and received a six-year football banning order by Leeds Magistrates Court for assaultingNewcastle United manager Eddie Howe during a Premier League match in May.
The incident occurred during a match on May 13 between Leeds United and Newcastle United at Elland Road.
In the 93rd minute of the game, Derbyshire left his seat in the stands and entered the pitch-side technical area, where he engaged in a verbal altercation with Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe.
The situation escalated when Derbyshire pushed Howe’s left shoulder.
Security staff promptly intervened, removing Derbyshire from the area, and he was subsequently arrested by West Yorkshire Police. The assault was broadcast live on television and garnered significant public attention.
Following this incident, Leeds United have imposed a lifetime ban on Derbyshire, underscoring their zero-tolerance stance towards such misconduct.
Derbyshire entered a guilty plea to the charges on July 21.
Howe was shocked after the incident and he told BT Sport after the match: “That was a real surprise. I was concentrating on the game. It was the last thing you think could happen.”
“I can’t repeat what he said but it makes you think, What if?’. It was personal to me. I can’t remember if he pushed me or not; it was such a strange thing to happen. Moments like that make you think.”
“Criminal behaviour of this kind is completely unacceptable, particularly where club staff or players are targeted during a large-scale sports event such as this. I know that fans of the sport, regardless of their club affiliations, will join us in condemning anyone who acts in this way.
”We will always treat incidents like this very seriously and we work closely with Leeds United and visiting clubs to fully investigate any offences and take robust action against those responsible, including seeking football banning orders against them.”
