Back in 2022, Ama Governor, also known as Elorm Ababio, sparked a national conversation when a petition was filed with the General Legal Council regarding her behaviour on social media and the comments she made in her YouTube videos.
This led to her being temporarily barred from being called to the bar, causing widespread discussions about the appropriate conduct for law students in Ghana.
Celebrating her birthday on August 23, 2023, Ama Governor uploaded a snapshot of her academic results for the 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 academic years at the Ghana School of Law, Makola.
These results have been widely praised as ‘exceptional’ and ‘outstanding,’ as they reveal her remarkable performance with a mix of As and Bs in her completed courses.
The post caption reads; “pov: u decided to be happy on your birthday and celebrate it for the first time in 15 or so years 🙂 So proud of the woman you’ve chosen to be, Ama.”
Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed that Chelsea is aiming to secure at least two more signings before the transfer window closes, as he expresses frustration over the club’s “unfortunate luck” with injuries.
Despite already investing over £320 million ($404 million) this summer, Pochettino believes there’s a need for further reinforcements due to the growing list of injured players. Ahead of their Premier League home game against Luton, the team is facing the absence of nine players.
Adding to this, Mykhailo Mudryk sustained a minor injury during training this week, and Carney Chukwuemeka recently underwent knee surgery, projecting a six-week recovery period. Although new signing Romeo Lavia is fit, he won’t debut for a few weeks while he works on match fitness.
Given the current situation, there’s a heightened determination to bolster the squad by September 1. Among the expected additions, New England Revolution goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic is set to undergo a medical before his anticipated £14 million transfer. Chelsea is also exploring potential moves for Brennan Johnson from Nottingham Forest and Folarin Balogun, the United States international from Arsenal.
“We need at least one keeper,” Pochettino said on Thursday. “We have very talented young keepers, but they need time. We need more and then we were talking about one offensive player with the right profile.
“If we can add the right profile, yes, but not to bring players so we can add one more. We don’t want to stop the evolution of some young guys, Broja, Nkunku. Working hard but not taking a decision because we need someone. These two areas, we may need some players.
“We are trying to find the right profile. The most important thing is the profile of the player we need to add to the squad so it won’t be a problem and they can be compatible. That is why it is not easy but yes, we are trying to do something.
“It is open, the transfer window is open, and the club is working, and yes, some players are rumoured to be with the club, maybe true or not, we will inform you when something happens.”
Wesley Fofana, Christopher Nkunku, and Armando Broja have all sustained serious knee injuries — the latter in December prior to Pochettino’s arrival.
Benoit Badiashile and Marcus Bettinelli were also injured last season and are yet to return, while Trevoh Chalobah was injured in pre-season and Reece James suffered a hamstring problem in training.
“Many of them are bad luck,” continued Pochettino. “Nkunku and Carney or Fofana. How can you control it? It’s not about training or training hard or less or too much or methodology. It sometimes happens.
“In some others, many factors can influence. It’s difficult to talk in general because situations are different. Also the past. Many factors are there.
“We need to talk about Carney, we need to talk about Broja, about Mudyrk, and explain why but it is difficult to explain why. In general you can talk about bad luck or bad training session, many factors can influence it. For sure, it is bad luck in Carney, Broja, Fofana, and Nkunku.”
Pochettino also insisted he is “relaxed” about Romelu Lukaku’s uncertain future, despite still not having talked to the striker since becoming head coach on July 1.
Chelsea want to offload Lukaku but are yet to receive a satisfactory offer from Juventus — which is thought to be the Belgian striker’s preferred destination after rejecting interest fromthe Saudi Pro League.
Aymeric Laporte’s departure fromManchester City to join Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League has been officially confirmed by the club. The defender, after a successful six-season stint with the treble-winning side, is making a move to Al-Nassr on a permanent basis.
The transfer involved a £23.5 million ($30 million) fee, and Laporte will be joining former rivals Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane, who were previously associated with Manchester United and Liverpool, respectively.
Laporte had already bid farewell to the Manchester City fans.
Laporte’s journey with Manchester City began in January 2018 when he was signed from Athletic Club for a then club record fee of £57 million ($72 million).
Over the course of his time with the team, he participated in 180 matches and contributed to securing 13 major trophies under the guidance of manager Pep Guardiola.
Despite his valuable contributions, Laporte’s involvement waned in the past year, playing only 24 matches across various competitions as Manchester City achieved a treble. Reports from CBS indicate that Laporte is set to receive a substantial weekly salary of approximately £400,000 ($505,000).
“I am proud to have represented Manchester City over the last six seasons. When I first joined, I was excited about the prospect of winning trophies.
However, I could not have imagined the success we would go on to achieve together,” Laporte told the city’s official website.
“I would like to thank the coaches, my teammates, and of course the brilliant City fans for all of their support throughout my time in Manchester. I will always be a City fan, and I look forward to seeing you all again.”
The Premier League champions visit Sheffield United in their next game on Sunday. Al-Nassr face Al Fateh in the Saudi Pro League on Friday.
Prominent Nigerian chef and entrepreneur, Hilda Effiong Baci, has opened up about the difficulties she has encountered due to a specific stereotype.
The holder of a Guinness World Record talked about the common challenges that women, including herself, often confront due to certain misconceptions.
Hilda shared these insights in a private conversation with influencer and former Big Brother Naija housemate, Tacha.
“For instance, girls like us look very cute, and we’re putting in the work and making money, but most people decide to be blind to that and raise all sorts of claims, especially about our source of money. Do you get stereotyped?”
Hilda answered by sharing her own encounters with stereotypes.
She said: “Oh yes. All my life. I have been stereotyped all my life. More now.More now than before. I remember a particular award where I was like…they didn’t think that I had, you know, much to offer. I don’t know if that makes any sense.”
The track, which was unveiled on Tuesday, includes a reference to the legendary Ghanaian footballer by Dave, who incorporated his name into the song’s melodic rap.
The song, titled “Cheat on Me,” is part of Burna Boy’s upcoming album, scheduled for release on August 25th. It’s anticipated to become a popular hit.
“I’m Asamoah Gyan, the way I hit the bar,” said Dave, referring to the ex-footballer’s 2010 World Cup penalty against Uruguay.
Gyan took to social media to share his reaction, using a fire emoji to express his endorsement of the song’s popularity.
The UK rapper is recognised for skillfully incorporating football references into his music, as previously observed with players such as Manchester United’s Anthony Martial and Aaron Wan Bissaka.
This marks Burna Boy and Dave’s second collaboration, following their successful global hit “Location.”
Meanwhile, Gyan’s passion for music is also well-known, as he has collaborated with various Ghanaian artists, including reggae-dancehall star Stonebwoy.
At 37 years old, Gyan recently retired from professional football in June, concluding a distinguished career that spanned over two decades, as reported by the BBC.
Kumawood actor and musician Kwadwo Nkansah, professionally known as LilWin, has expressed his view that if he were the president, he would have implemented policies to generate employment opportunities and significantly raise the betting tax from 10% to 60%.
On August 8, 2023, the Government of Ghana introduced a new regulation that enforces a 10% tax on winnings from betting and lotteries.
The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) clarified that this withholding tax would be automatically deducted at the point of prize distribution for all gaming, betting, and lottery victories.
However, the implementation of this new measure sparked widespread criticism from the public, particularly the youth, who accused the government of disregarding their concerns.
During an interview on Kumasi-based radio station Silver FM, LilWin shared his perspective on the tax. He expressed that if he were in a position of power, he would raise the tax rate significantly to approximately 60%, while also striving to generate ample employment opportunities for the country’s youth.
“The betting tax is actually not a bad idea. If I were the president, I would create lots of jobs, to the extent that even the companies won’t be able to find workers. Then, I would increase the betting tax to 60%, so if someone chooses not to work and prefers to stake bets, he would gain very little; so if he wins 100 cedis, he will gain only 40 cedis,” LilWin said.
The actor, however, acknowledged that due to the current economic situation in the country, the betting tax should have been low but gradually increased as and when things got better.
“Currently, we know there are no jobs, which pushes young men to go into betting. What I would do is still set the betting tax, but set it very low, at about 2%, then slowly increase it to 5% and then 10%. By then, there will be enough jobs for the boys,” he added.
Folarin Balogun seems to be on the verge of departing Arsenal, as Monaco is reportedly nearing a deal for the American international striker.
The 22-year-old forward has garnered interest from clubs across Europe during the ongoing transfer window, with teams from England, France, Italy, and Germany all expressing admiration for him.
While no agreement has been finalised, Arsenal has held out for a transfer fee surpassing £40 million ($51 million).
According to Sky Sports, Monaco is poised to formulate an offer that meets Arsenal’s requirements, and they have already reached a preliminary agreement with Balogun regarding personal terms.
If this deal materialises, it will mark a return to French football for the USMNT star, who had an impressive loan stint at Ligue 1’s Reims last season, scoring 21 goals.
Further discussions are scheduled between Monaco and Arsenal to establish a payment structure. With Balogun’s eagerness to secure a move and secure consistent first-team opportunities in the 2023–24 season, it’s anticipated that a compromise will be reached before the summer transfer window closes.
Although Balogun’s contract with Arsenal extends until 2025, he faces competition for playing time in North London from players like Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah, indicating that a move during the current window is likely.
Ghana Athletics has formally declared the men’s 4x100m relay team’s withdrawal from the ongoing 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest.
This choice is a direct outcome of injuries suffered by James Dadzie and Joseph Paul Amoah, two members of the relay team, during the 200-meter heats.
The injuries were of a considerable nature, requiring immediate medical intervention.
In a statement, Ghana Athletics expressed their deep regret regarding the situation and emphasised their priority on safeguarding the health and well-being of the athletes.
The statement read: “Unfortunately, two of the five athletes on the relay, James Dadzie and Joseph Paul Amoah, sustained injuries during the 200-meter heats today, August 23, 2023, that require urgent medical care.”
James Dadzie experienced a hamstring injury about 80 metres into the race, resulting in a grade II tear in the biceps femoris muscle of his left hamstring.
On the other hand, Joseph Paul Amoah encountered sudden pain in the lateral front side of his right foot, accompanied by a pop sensation, after running a strong curve in the 200m.
An x-ray scan subsequently revealed a small fracture at the base of his right big toe.
The statement further mentioned the collaboration with the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports, Hon. Mustapha Ussif, in making the decision.
“In consultation with theHonourable Minister of Youth and Sports, Hon. Mustapha Ussif, GA firmly believes that it’s in the best interest and greater good of James and Joseph’s careers to discontinue participation in the championships given the circumstances and to shift focus to support options for treatment.”
Former Ghana women’s national team goalkeeper Memunatu Sulemana, is facing a heartbreaking situation as she currently resides in a makeshift wooden kiosk in Kaneshie, a suburb of Accra, Ghana.
Memunatu Sulemana was a prominent figure in Ghana’s women’s football golden era, achieving success on the African continent and representing her country in World Cup tournaments.
She was a member of Ghana’s inaugural team to compete at theFIFA World Cup held in the United States in 1999, and she continued to participate in the 2003 and 2007 tournaments held in the United States and China, respectively.
During her career, Sulemana played alongside notable players such as Adjoa Bayor, Alerta Sackey, and Mercy Tagoe Quarcoo, among others.
She played for Post Ladies in Ghana and also played for Pelican Stars in Nigeria’s Women’s Premier League at the club level.
Despite her accomplished football career, Sulemana’s current living conditions are dire. She now resides in a makeshift structure composed partly of wood and an old advertising banner.
This arrangement offers minimal protection, especially during the rainy season.
While some of her contemporaries have transitioned into different professions after retiring from football, the 45-year-old Sulemana is grappling with severe poverty.
In an exclusive interview with Original TV, Sulemana candidly discussed her life’s challenges. Despite earning some income from her football career, a substantial portion of her earnings went towards caring for her grandmother, who battled diabetes and required medical attention.
Until recently, Memunatu Sulemana served as the goalkeeper’s trainer for the Ghanaian national youth team, the Black Maidens.
Premier League outfit Nottingham Forest has emerged as a leading contender to secure the services of Chelsea’s winger, Callum Hudson-Odoi.
The player’s future with his current London-based club has been uncertain.
Hudson-Odoi was on the verge of a transfer to Fulham in the ongoing transfer window; however, the move encountered obstacles, creating an opportunity for other clubs to enter the fray.
Serie A side Lazio from Italy has shown interest in the talented forward, yet they will face competition from Nottingham Forest, a fellow Premier League team, as the latter strives to solidify their position in the top tier during the ongoing season.
At 22 years of age, Hudson-Odoi has faced challenges related to injuries and a decline in form. Consequently, Chelsea is seeking to offload him.
Despite a promising initial period at Chelsea, during which the club rejected enticing offers from Bayern Munich, the English-born Ghanaian player has not lived up to expectations.
In the previous season, he had a loan stint with Bayer Leverkusen in the German Bundesliga, aimed at fostering his development and preparing him for a return to Chelsea’s primary squad.
However, it appears that Hudson-Odoi may not align with the requirements of the current manager, Mauricio Pochettino.
Micah Richards has strongly criticised Bruno Fernandes for what he deemed a “pathetic” treatment of his fellowManchester United teammate Facundo Pellistri.
At the commencement of this season, the Portuguese midfielder was entrusted with the captain’s armband by Erik ten Hag, following Harry Maguire’s removal from the role of club captain.
However, the Red Devils have encountered a lackluster beginning to the season with Fernandes at the helm. Despite their 1-0 victory over Wolves, their performance took a hit as they suffered a 2-0 defeat in their subsequent match against Tottenham.
During the match against Tottenham, tensions escalated among the United players, leading skipper Fernandes to admonish the young player Pellistri after a promising attack was abruptly halted.
Manchester City legend Richards hit out at Fernandes on The Rest Is Football podcast for losing his cool and stated: “It’s getting embarrassing now.
The young lad Pellistri comes on, Fernandes is trying to get his team playing, and I totally understand why he’s frustrated. Pellistri made a run; Fernandes didn’t see him, so he made a different run, but because he wasn’t where [Fernandes] wanted him to be, he’s going off at Pellistri.
“It’s every time. I saw an interview with him the other day, and he said he needs to be emotional when he performs because it makes him play better. But I feel like his body language on the pitch is disturbing the rest of the team, and it’s just not a good look at all. It’s pathetic at times.”
Fernandes had previously faced criticism for his demeanour, particularly when the team was facing adversity. Graeme Souness, a Liverpool legend, strongly rebuked the player and labelled his conduct as “unacceptable.”
This assessment stems from Fernandes’ display of frustration on the field during a Premier League fixture last season against Liverpool, where United suffered a resounding 7-0 defeat after initially trailing 3-0.
Fernandes is set to return to action asManchester United prepares to face Nottingham Forest on Saturday in a Premier League match at Old Trafford.
Tensions quickly mounted in a Twitter space hosted bySerwaa Amihere, with Shatta Wale, one of the speakers, and approximately 5,000 listeners. Their conversation shifted from showbiz industry matters to Shatta Wale’s approach to handling criticism from Twitter users.
When the topic of Shatta Wale frequently blocking people who criticise him on social media came up, the dancehall artist became visibly upset and expressed his displeasure to the host.
When the topic of Shatta Wale frequently blocking people who criticise him on social media came up, the dancehall artist became visibly upset and expressed his displeasure to the host.
“You Serwaa, I don’t think when people insult you, you will like the person. You will block the person for the rest of your life. They are putting up confusion about me all the time, the blogs are always talking about me anyway.
“I was at the other side, teaching them that I can come to them at anytime so we can resolve our differences,” Shatta retorted
After Shatta’s comments, Serwaa became aware that he had reversed his position by admitting to blocking individuals on Twitter.
This shift was evident in his following statement, where he mentioned his intentions to organise meetings and address matters with those who criticise him.
Confused by his statements, Serwaa asked: “Why are you contradicting yourself? Why”
Shatta responded, “What do you mean by I am contradicting myself?”
Serwaa added, “Earlier I asked you about blocking people who share their opinions about you, and you said yes. People who haven’t experienced anything cannot teach you anything, and that is why you have blocked them. So why this now?”
Shatta, who got infuriated by Serwaa’s utterances, fumed, “If you say I contradict myself, what do you mean by that? I can cut the phone off and go to sleep. You know why? Because I am on another level. I want you to understand me clearly when I am talking! Serwaa listen!
A displeased Serwaa responded,
“Shatta Wale hold on. You are speaking not just to me but to 5,000 other people. Don’t raise your voice at me! You are raising your voice at me; clam down!”
Shatta Wale: “I am not raising my voice; you are the one saying I am contradicting myself.”
Serwaa: Okay, is it the word you don’t understand or you don’t like the word.”
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola will be unavailable until after the international break due to an emergency surgical procedure to address “severe” back pain.
Guardiola had been contending with a prolonged back issue and travelled to Barcelona for the surgery after City’s recent victory against Newcastle in the Premier League.
During his absence, assistant coach Junma Lilo will oversee the team for the next two matches against Sheffield United and Fulham.
City issued an official statement on Tuesday confirming Guardiola’s situation, mentioning that he underwent planned surgery for his back problem.
The surgery, performed by Dr. Mireia Illueca, was successful, and Guardiola will now recover and undergo rehabilitation in Barcelona.
“In his absence, assistant manager Juanma Lillo will oversee the coaching of the first team on the training field and will assume duties on the touchline until Pep’s return.
“He is expected to return after the forthcoming international break. Everyone at Manchester City wishes Pep a speedy recovery, and looks forward to seeing him back in Manchester soon.”
The fans of Manchester City will undoubtedly be hoping for a smooth and swift recovery for Guardiola, eagerly anticipating his return to the sidelines.
The 2023–24 season has kicked off exceptionally well under his guidance, as the team that clinched the treble last season secured theUEFA Super Cup and triumphed over Burnley and Newcastle in their initial two Premier League matches.
Up next, Manchester City is set to face Sheffield United on Sunday, followed by a match against Fulham at the Etihad Stadium six days later. Guardiola’s reentry into his managerial role is anticipated before the team’s encounter with West Ham at the London Stadium on September 16th.
Al-Ittihad is apparently planning to start negotiations with Liverpool sensation Mohamed Salah after he reportedly became the latest target for high-spending Saudi sides.
The ambitious Pro League team secured deals for players like former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema and Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante in addition to luring Fabinho away from Anfield this summer.
They are reportedly now aiming for Salah.
According to reports, the 31-year-old Egypt international is intrigued by what Al-Ittihad has to say and has invited more conversation.
Salah has a contract that runs until 2025, but a team that is trying to assemble a strong team in advance of the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup, which will be held in Jeddah in December, may decide to break those terms.
Salah has spent six memorable years at Liverpool, with his record-setting exploits for the Reds seeing 187 goals recorded through 307 appearances while helpingJurgen Klopp’s side to Premier League, Champions League, Super Cup, Club World Cup, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, and Community Shield honours.
It will be recalled that about a year ago, social media personality and former TV3 panellist of the ladies circle, Nana Abena Korkor Addo, apologised to Nana Aba Anamoah, general manager of GHOne TV.
The apology came after she accused Nana Aba of dating con artists.
During an episode of United Showbiz’s programme on UTV, which was then hosted by Nana Ama McBrown, Abena Korkor apologised to Nana Aba.
However, speaking in a recent interview with Zionfelix,Abena Korkor alleged that Kwame A Plus and Fadda Dickson influenced her to apologise to Nana Aba.
According to her, she wasn’t ready, but she was coerced by the aforementioned people.
In order to lower the cost of manufacturing gold items, the president of the Ghana Association of Jewellers, Jonathan Ababio, has urged stakeholders to set aside5% of gold for the domestic market.
Speaking to attendees at the Gold Statement 2023 launch in Accra, Mr. Ababio discussed how the difficulties for local manufacturers in obtaining gold affect their cost of production and add to the high costs of gold goods in the nation as compared to other markets.
“Due to the difficulty in securing materials, our cost has increased phenomenally when we compare ourselves to our competitors in the Western world,” he said.
He blamed the situation on the incessant export of all the gold mined in the country.
“Once there is a continuous supply of all gold mined to jewellers down here, I believe we would be at par with the Western market, based on prices to meet the needs of our customers,” he said.
He then turned to information regarding gold export, mentioning that in 2021, US$5.29 billion in gold was shipped, ranking the nation as the 19th largest gold exporter globally; and in the second quarter of 2022, the country’s value of gold export reached approximately US$1.64 billion.
The program’s chairperson, Professor Alex Dodoo, Director-General of theGhana Standards Authority, praised Rapport Services and the GAJ for their services to the jewellery sector.
The lapidary workshop structure for instructing young men and women in the craft of gemstone cutting and polishing will be finished by the end of this month, Rapport Services Chief Executive Officer Judy Kakuor Crayem stated in her welcome speech.
Crayem added that her outfits and the GAJ are working closely with the Korle-Klottey Municipal Assembly to set up the Gold and Jewellery Park or Emporium to house all goldsmiths who make genuine jewellery as a one-stop shop.
Similarly, the Coordinator for the Gold and Jewellery Park Project, Maximus Afriyie Barwuah, said the park will be an incubating environment for building local capacity in jewellery manufacturing, wholesale, and retail.
According to Mr. Barwuah, the park will serve as a “tourist attraction for visitors in search of high quality, responsible sales, certified gold, and sales of gem-set jewellery from a variety of local and international artisans,” in addition to luring tenants from other economic sectors looking for an office location within the capital city.
The main event, scheduled for Thursday, November 23 through Saturday, November 25, 2023, will be preceded by the press launch. Developing relationships in the gold jewellery and gemstone industries across Africa and beyond: The way forward will be the focus of the conference.
UEFA president Alexander Ceferin urged Europe on Wednesday to help eliminate hooliganism, which he called “the cancer of football”, days after a man was killed in clashes before a match between AEK Athens and Dinamo Zagreb in Greece.
After a meeting with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Athens, Ceferin said that the problem was Europe-wide and cooperation was needed to avoid a repeat of such incidents.
“This is the cancer of football, and those are not football fans,” Ceferin said. “We came to a position where we have to say enough… we have to stop this.
“Violence and hooliganism are not only a Greek problem,” he said, adding that European countries, institutions, and the media had to work together to help end football violence.
Over 100 individuals, primarily Croatian nationals, have been formally charged with serious offences and are under custody awaiting trial due to their involvement in the confrontations that led to the fatal stabbing of 29-year-old AEK supporter Michalis Katsouris in Athens, according to Greek authorities.
The pre-trial detentions have generated diplomatic tensions between Greece and Croatia.
Greek diplomats revealed that the country’s foreign minister, George Gerapetritis, assured his Croatian counterpart that the rights of the detained individuals would be fully upheld.
Greece has been activelypursuing soccer reforms in response to persistent violence both on and off the field.
In the past year, a 19-year-old fan was fatally beaten and stabbed outside Aris Thessaloniki’s stadium.
Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis expressed the nation’s intent to consider stricter regulations aimed at curbing violence during sporting events.
Manchester United are currently in the “final stages” of reaching a conclusion regarding Mason Greenwood’s future, as announced by the club on Wednesday.
An initial announcement from United was anticipated before the commencement of the season, but its timing has been postponed.
After criminal charges against Greenwood were dismissed in February, the club initiated its own inquiry, which has now concluded.
A statement issued by United on Wednesday read: “Following the dropping of all charges against Mason Greenwood in February 2023, Manchester United has conducted a thorough investigation into the allegations made against him.
“This has drawn on extensive evidence and context not in the public domain, and we have heard from numerous people with direct involvement or knowledge of the case.
“Throughout this process, the welfare and perspective of the alleged victim have been central to the club’s inquiries, and we respect her right to lifelong anonymity.
“We also have responsibilities to Mason as an employee, as a young person who has been with the club since the age of seven, and as a new father with a partner.
“The fact-finding phase of our investigation is now complete, and we are in the final stages of making a decision on Mason’s future.”
In January 2022, Greenwood faced an initial arrest on suspicion of rape following the circulation of images and an audio file through social media channels.
As a result, he was placed under suspension from both training and matches by Manchester United. Since a 1-0 victory over West Ham on January 22, 2022, he has not participated in any club matches.
United’s statement continued: “Contrary to media speculation, that decision has not yet been made and is currently the subject of intensive internal deliberation. Responsibility ultimately rests with the Chief Executive Officer.
Once the decision is reached, it will be communicated and comprehensively explained to both the club’s internal and external stakeholders.
This has been a difficult case for everyone associated withManchester United, and we understand the strong opinions it has provoked based on the partial evidence in the public domain.
“We ask for patience as we work through the final stages of this carefully considered process.”
Striker for Nigeria’s Super Eagles, Odion Ighalo, has successfully finalised his transfer to Saudi Arabian club Al-Wahdaon a free transfer.
This marks Ighalo’s third venture into the Saudi Arabian football scene, having previously been associated withAl Shabab and Ah Hilal.
His journey began in 2021 when he joined Shabab from China, and then in 2022, he secured a move to Hilal.
Although the specific terms of his contract have not been disclosed, the oldest club in Saudi Arabia, Wehda, managed to outbid Al Tai in order to secure Ighalo’s signature.
Numerous reports suggest that the prolific scorer of the Saudi Pro League 2021–2022, with 52 goals in 71 matches for both Al-Shabab and Al-Hilal, has inked a two-year deal.
Ighalo’s remarkable track record includes 19 goals in 27 games during the previous season, earning him the title of top goal scorer.
His potential debut for Al-Wehda could be against his former team, Hilal, as they prepare to clash in the 2023King Cup final,featuring a star-studded Blues side.
Reportedly, Villa is poised to acquire Italian midfielder Zaniolo on a loan basis from Turkish powerhouse Galatasaray, as per TuttoSport.
This loan arrangement involves a fee of €3 million (£2.6 million/$3.3 million), with Villa retaining the option to convert the move into a permanent transfer for €27 million (£23.1 million/$29.5 million).
Zaniolo, renowned for his decisive goal in the 2022 Europa League final for Roma, departed the Italian capital for Galatasaray in February due to diminishing opportunities under the management of Jose Mourinho.
Galatasaray initiated the move with an initial payment of €16.5 million (£14.1 million or $18 million).
Upon joining Villa, Zaniolo will mark the club’s fourth acquisition of the summer, joining the ranks of Moussa Diaby, Pau Torres, and Youri Tielemans.
In the event that Villa chooses to make Zaniolo’s transfer permanent, two of his former clubs, namely Roma and Inter, are entitled to receive sell-on fees.
During his brief stint at Galatasaray, Zaniolo participated in 11 matches, demonstrating his prowess by scoring five goals and providing an additional assist.
With an eye towards reinforcing the squad, Unai Emery, the manager of Villa, is aiming to bolster the team following a 5-1 defeat against Newcastle on the opening day of the season.
Timber, who recently joined the club fromAjax just last month, made his competitive debut during the 2-1 victory against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
However, his appearance was cut short in the early stages of the second half, fueling speculation about a potential severe knee injury.
The confirmation has now come in, revealing the unfortunate truth.
The right-back, Timber, is set to undergo surgery for the injury, plunging him into a lengthy period of rehabilitation.
As a consequence, he is expected to be sidelined for several months, with the likelihood of missing the entirety of the 2023–24 season.
“Further to detailed assessments with consultant specialists since Saturday, we can confirm thatJurrien Timber has sustained an injury to his anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee,” said the club in an official statement. “Jurrien will undergo surgery in the coming days and will be out of action for a period of time.”
Writing on social media, the player said: “Gutted to share that my injury is more serious than expected, especially after the warm welcome I’ve received. I wanted to repay you on the pitch, which will not be possible for the forthcoming period.”
While the player will undoubtedly be eager to make a swift return to the field, it’s probable that his season has concluded prematurely. Arsenal’s priority will be to avoid hastening his comeback in order to prevent any potential setbacks or relapses.
Chelsea has reportedly accepted a permanent offer from Galatasaray for the marginalised Moroccan winger, as per reports by RMC Sport and Fabrizio Romano. However, both parties remain cautiously optimistic at this stage.
This hesitation is due to two previously unsuccessful attempts to secure moves for Ziyech earlier this year.
In January, a potential loan transfer to Paris Saint-Germain collapsed due to Chelsea’s failure to submit the correct documentation within the stipulated timeframe.
During the current summer, the 30-year-old’s anticipated move to Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, reportedly fell through due to his inability to pass a medical examination due to a knee injury.
Ziyech made his way to Chelsea in a transfer worth £33 million ($43 million) from Ajax in 2020, yet he has not truly found his footing at Stamford Bridge.
Should Ziyech successfully clear his medical examination at Galatasaray, he will join the likes of Dries Mertens, Wilfried Zaha, and Mauro Icardi in Istanbul.
Following England’s victory over Australia to secure a place in the World Cup final, England managerSarina Wiegman heaped commendation upon her exceptional players.
In a remarkable performance, England defeated tournament co-hosts Australia with a score of 3-1, thus securing their inaugural appearance in the Women’s World Cup final.
The triumphant win was sealed by goals from Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp, and Alessia Russo, igniting exuberant celebrations at the conclusion of the match.
Speaking to BBC One after the match, England manager Wiegman said: “We achieved the final! It’s unbelievable; it feels like we won the whole thing, but we didn’t. An away game at this incredible stadium was hard, but again, we found a way to win.
“We scored three goals.In this team, there is ruthlessness, up front and in defence. We really want to win. We stick together and we stick to the plan, and it worked again.”
England’s win was a historic one for Wiegman herself, as she is the first manager to guide two different countries to the Women’s World Cup finals.
England will take on Spain, another final debutant – on Sunday. Before the competition, Jorge Vilda’s side had never won a knockout match at a major tournament.
Reportedly, Borussia Dortmund’s players are content withJude Bellingham’s departure to Real Madrid due to the midfielder’s apparent desire to be the focal point of attention.
As per information from Bild, the Dortmund players perceive that Bellingham felt overshadowed by Erling Haaland.
They highlight instances where Bellingham independently acknowledged the fans after matches, rather than with his teammates.
Throughout last season, he was tasked with leading the team on multiple occasions; however, his peers held the view that he lacked strong leadership attributes and displayed a moody demeanor, leading to internal tensions within the squad.
During the 2021-22 Europa League campaign, following Borussia Dortmund’s elimination by Rangers, the report specifies that Jude Bellingham directed insults at Nico Schulz.
According to lip readers, he reportedly said, “You can’t play a fing pass, you’re fing s**t! Every damn time!”
Instances of Bellingham’s reported outbursts towards his teammates were not isolated, as several occasions during the previous season saw him lose his temper.
However, positive changes have been noted since the appointment of the new club captain, Emre Can, who is believed to have injected revitalising energy into the team’s locker room.
Bellingham’s successor, former Manchester United midfielder Marcel Sabitzer, has also gained favour among his fellow players.
Furthermore, more senior members like Sebastian Haller have taken on weightier responsibilities within the team council, particularly for the English-speaking players.
Having made a move to Madrid for a fee initially set at €103 million (£89 million or $110 million), Bellingham appears to have found his footing in his new environment.
The transfer fee could potentially increase by an additional €30 million (£26 million or $32 million) if certain performance targets are achieved.
He made a notable impact by scoring in Madrid’s La Liga opener against Athletic Club, and he aims to replicate his impressive contributions in the upcoming match against Almeria.
Barcelona has officially introduced Deco, the former Portugal international, as the new sporting director of the club, signing a contract for a span of three years.
In a report by ESPN back in May, it was disclosed that Deco was being considered to succeed Jordi Cruyff, who departed from his position at Barcelona earlier this year to pursue fresh career endeavours.
However, Barcelona has now clarified that, following the conclusion of the transfer window, Deco will assume the responsibilities of director of football Mateu Alemany as well.
“Deco will be in charge of setting the club’s sporting philosophy and putting together the squad with the coach, becoming head of the football section,” the Catalan club said in a statement.
“His appointment is in line with the information released in May, in which president [Joan Laporta] and [Alemany] agreed to the latter’s release from his role once the current transfer window closes on Sept. 2.
“Deco and Alemany will continue to work together until the closing of the window. In the coming weeks, the club will release details of the [new] sporting structure.”
Barcelona has officially introduced Deco, the former Portugal international, as the new sporting director of the club, signing a contract for a span of three years.
In a report by ESPN back in May, it was disclosed that Deco was being considered to succeed Jordi Cruyff, who departed from his position at Barcelona earlier this year to pursue fresh career endeavours.
However,Barcelona has now clarified that, following the conclusion of the transfer window, Deco will assume the responsibilities of director of football Mateu Alemany as well.
The proposed transfer ofHarry Maguire to West Ham for a £30 million ($38 million) deal has fallen through, and as of now, the English player intends to stay at Old Trafford for the upcoming season, sources have informed ESPN.
Harry Maguire is reportedly committed to remaining with Manchester United this summer, as per insiders.
The anticipated move of Maguire to West Ham, valued at £30 million ($38 million), has not materialised, leaving Maguire set to continue his tenure at Old Trafford this season.
Sources have shared that Manchester United is open to receiving offers for the 30-year-old defender.
However, Manager Erik ten Hag has communicated to Maguire that he still has a place within the squad.
According to ESPN’s sources, the club would have needed to secure a replacement for Maguire, but the timing is deemed too late to initiate a search for a new defender.
During the recent 1-0 victory over Wolves, Maguire was listed on the bench but did not make an appearance.
West Ham had displayed interest in acquiring Maguire, but they are now exploring alternative targets.
Last week, Manchester United reportedly accepted West Ham’s offer of approximately £30 million.
The sources also indicated that the club was willing to contribute a portion of Maguire’s contract to facilitate the transfer.
Maguire currently has two years remaining on his contract with Old Trafford, and a move to the London Stadium would have required him to agree to a reduced salary.
Despite being behind Lisandro Martnez and Raphaël Varane in the team’s hierarchy, Maguire reportedly holds the belief that he will receive opportunities to play for Manchester United in the upcoming season.
Premier League club, Newcastle United, announced on Wednesday that Saudi Arabia’s men’s football team is scheduled to compete in two international friendly matches at the St James’ Park stadium in September.
Back in June, ESPN reported that discussions were underway for Newcastle to host a Saudi Arabia friendly during the September international break.
Given that the majority shareholder of Newcastle is Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), the club is set to facilitate the Saudi national side’s matches against Costa Rica on September 8 and South Korea on September 12 at St James’ Park.
These two games are integral to Saudi Arabia’s preparations for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup, which is slated to take place in Qatar in January 2024.
Notably,Saudi Arabia has clinched the Asian Cup title three times, with their most recent victory occurring in 1996.
The club is currently evaluating whether the Belgium international requires surgery for the issue, as stated by manager Pep Guardiola.
During City’s 3-0 victory over Burnley on Friday, De Bruyne was forced to exit the match during the first half after reaggravating the same problem that had prematurely ended his participation in the Champions League final in June.
Looking ahead to his team’s upcoming Super Cup clash against Sevilla in Athens on Wednesday, Guardiola confirmed during a press conference, “It’s a serious injury.”
“We have to decide if he needs surgery or no surgery, but he will be out for a few months. [The decision on surgery will be taken] in the next few days. It will be three of four months [out].”
De Bruyne missed City’s preseason fixtures but made his return in the second half of the Community Shield defeat to Arsenal.
He was picked from the start against Burnley, and ahead of the game, Guardiola said that the 32-year-old “felt good.”
“We could say don’t play, but this injury could happen later,” Guardiola added. “Before I took the decision, I spoke to the doctor, the physiotherapist, and him. He said he felt good.”
Guardiola also suggested City could now step up the search for new recruits in light of De Bruyne’s enforced absence.
Sources have told ESPN that they remain interested in West Ham United’s Lucas Paquetá, although there is a difference in valuation to resolve.
The undisclosed offer has met Manchester City’s valuation for center-back Aymeric Laporte, rendering him eligible to engage in negotiations regarding terms with the Saudi Pro League team.
With Pep Guardiola’s squad in Athens ahead of the Super Cup match against Sevilla, Laporte is now a viable target for Al Nassr.
The club aims to secure Laporte as their latest high-profile acquisition, joining the ranks of Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mané, Marcelo Brozovic, and Alex Telles.
Throughout the summer, Manchester City have been open to offers for Laporte, a decision prompted by his descent in the pecking order at the Etihad Stadium in the previous season.
Additionally, the club’s recent signing of Josko Gvardiol, another left-footed center-back, for €90 million has further limited Laporte’s opportunities for consistent playing time.
With John Stones, Rúben Dias, Nathan Aké, and Manuel Akanji also available, Guardiola has multiple options in the centre of defence.
In a parallel development, sources from ESPN have revealed that Manchester City is still awaiting offers for João Cancelo.
The Portuguese full-back was not included in the squad for the victory over Burnley and will be allowed to leave the club once the appropriate bid materialises.
Discussions between City and Barcelona have centred around a potential loan arrangement with an obligation for a permanent transfer.
However, according to sources, Barcelona has not yet presented a formal offer for the player.
Kylian Mbappe has received a cautionary message: in case the French striker prolongs his contract with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Real Madrid is prepared to redirect their attention towards Erling Haaland.
Following productive discussions between the French forward and PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi, Mbappe has been reinstated to the first team.
Nevertheless, reports indicate that there have been no talks about an extension, and Mbappe seems willing to forgo his loyalty bonus in order to leave on a free transfer next summer.
While PSG is eager for Mbappe to renew his contract to avoid a free departure, it appears that a final agreement is distant at the moment.
However, if Mbappe’s decision takes a different direction, Real Madrid icon Guti has issued a warning: Los Blancos will pivot away from their pursuit of Mbappe and instead redirect their focus towards Erling Haaland, the star of Manchester City.
“I want Mbappe to play for Real Madrid. Real cannot afford the luxury of closing the door to such a player,” Guti told El Chiringuito.
“But if Mbappe extends his contract with PSG, it will show that he is acting for the money. If that happens, Real Madrid will have to opt for Erling Haaland.”
Since the departure of Karim Benzema, Real Madrid has yet to secure the services of a top-tier striker, leaving their No. 9 jersey unoccupied.
Although Carlo Ancelotti has considered the possibility of proceeding through the 2023–24 season without acquiring a new No. 9, this stance might shift if the team encounters difficulty finding the net without a prominent forward.
Real Madrid is set to return to the field on Saturday for a La Liga encounter against Almeria.
Following a six-year tenure at PSG, Neymar departs, leaving behind an impressive record of 13 trophies won and 118 goals scored in 173 matches.
His accomplishments have solidified his place as the fourth-highest scorer in the club’s history.
At the age of 31, Neymar joins the ranks of prominent stars who have transitioned to the Saudi Pro League, with Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Al Nassr being a notable example.
As reported by talkSPORT, the Brazilian international is poised to receive a substantial salary at his new club, with estimates suggesting he could earn approximately £138 million per season.
“It is always difficult to say goodbye to an amazing player like Neymar, one of the best players in the world, he said, as quoted by the club’s official website.
“I will never forget the day he arrived at Paris Saint-Germain and what he has contributed to our Club and our project over the last 6 years. We had a great moment, and Neymar will always be a big part of our history.
“I would like to thank Neymar and his family. We wish Neymar all the very best for the future and his next adventure.”
He will link up with Ruben Neves, former Chelsea defender Kalidou Koulibaly, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, and compatriot Malcom at the Riyadh-based club.
Why Neymar moved to Al-Hilal
Sports Brief also reported on Neymar explaining the reason behind his unconventional yet courageous decision to switch from the European football scene to the riches ofSaudi Arabia.
The Brazilian clarified that his move to the Middle East was driven by his ambition to transform into a ‘worldwide player,’ placing greater emphasis on personal development than financial gains.
Furthermore, he emphasised his eagerness for ‘new challenges and promising opportunities in diverse settings’ as an added incentive influencing his decision.
Leeds winger Jack Harrison completed a season-long loan move to Everton on Monday.
Harrison is making a return to thePremier League after Leeds’ relegation to the Championship in the previous season.
At 26 years old, Harrison marks Everton’s fourth acquisition since the conclusion of the last season, having spent the past five years at Leeds.
“Jack Harrison passed his medical with the club yesterday before completing the necessary paperwork this morning,” Everton said in a statement.
“He will now continue his rehabilitation from a minor hip injury before being available for Sean Dyche’s squad.”
Since his team narrowly escaped relegation last season, Dyche has brought in Arnaut Danjuma from Villarreal, Ashley Young from Aston Villa, and Youssef Chermiti from Sporting Lisbon.
Everton began their Premier League campaign with a disheartening 1-0 loss at home to Fulham on Saturday.
Harrison, who initially joined Leeds from Manchester City, is the ninth player to depart the Elland Road club in the wake of their relegation.
Australia’s star striker, Sam Kerr, found herself in the starting lineup at the Women’s World Cup for the first time during Wednesday’s semi-final clash against England in Sydney.
The 29-year-old captain had made appearances as a substitute in the previous two matches due to a calf injury that significantly limited her participation in the World Cup.
Her inclusion in coach Tony Gustavsson’s starting eleven provides a significant boost to the co-hosts’ prospects of making it to the World Cup final for the very first time.
The victor of the semi-final in Sydney will square off against Spain in the final on Sunday, also set to be held at Stadium Australia.
Kerr takes the field in place of Emily van Egmond, marking one of two changes, alongside Clare Polkinghorne, who replaces fellow defender Alanna Kennedy.
The European champions, England, have maintained an unchanged lineup from their quarterfinal victory over Colombia, where they secured a 2-1 win.
Known for her prolific scoring record, Kerr averages a goal every other game for Australia.
Despite being anticipated as a key figure for her home World Cup, she saw her first action in the Round of 16, entering the match in the 80th minute during a 2-0 victory against Denmark.
All cyber security service providers and experts within the nation are required to complete the process of registering for licences and accreditation from the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) by September 30 of this year.
According to Dr. Albert Antwi-Boasiako, the Director-General of CSA, failure to adhere to this requirement will lead to the imposition of administrative penalties and potential legal action.
Furthermore, he emphasised that these service providers and professionals will not be eligible to engage in service delivery to state entities and institutions.
Dr. Antwi-Boasiako made these statements during a joint press conference held in Accra alongside the Public Procurement Authority (PPA).
The purpose of the conference was to announce the implementation of the mandate for security service providers and experts to be licenced and accredited before offering their services to state institutions.
Dr. Antwi-Boasiako highlighted that the Cyber Security Authority is mandated by Sections 49, 57, and 58 of the Cyber Security Act (Act 1038) to oversee the licencing of Cybersecurity Service Providers (CSPs) and the accreditation of Cybersecurity Establishments (CES) and Cybersecurity Professionals (CPs).
The process of licencing and accreditation has been established to ensure that CSPs, CES, and CPs nationwide conduct their cyber security-related activities in alignment with internationally accepted best practises.
This approach aims to offer enhanced assurance of cyber security and safety to consumers, while also addressing national security concerns.
As of now, Dr. Antwi-Boasiako disclosed that 448 cyber security service professionals, 25 establishments, and 92 service providers have successfully completed the registration for licencing and accreditation since the initiative began on March 1 of this year.
The Director-General emphasised that the CSA is collaborating closely with the PPA, a significant state agency, to enforce the guidelines for licencing CSPs and accrediting CES and CPs, particularly in the context of state institutions procuring cybersecurity services.
“The focused areas of collaboration include ensuring that Covered Entities, in procuring cybersecurity services in accordance with the Guidelines developed pursuant to Act 1038, engage Cybersecurity Service Providers who are licenced by the CSA; and ensuring that state institutions engage Cybersecurity Establishments and cybersecurity Professionals who are accredited by the CSA in performing cybersecurity-related functions.
Through this collaboration,the PPA will ensure that as part of vetting procurement applications to the PPA Board, cybersecurity issues are considered, and Cybersecurity Service Providers who submit applications to the PPA Board are accredited by the CSA before being considered for any form of engagement,” Dr Antwi-Boasiako added.
The enforcement of the regulation, he said, would make Ghana the first country in Africa, and one of the few in the world, such as Singapore, to introduce a licencing regime for Cybersecurity Service Providers and accreditation for Cybersecurity Establishments and Professionals.
Also, he stated that, it would complement Ghana’s efforts in improving its ITU Global Cybersecurity Index ranking from 3rd to 1st in Africa and among the top 25 in the world.
He said, since the commencement of the regulatory exercise, the CSA has engaged agencies, institutions, and associations that offer cybersecurity-related services and called on the public to support the authority in enhancing cyber safety.
Chief Executive Officer of PPA, Frank Mante, said the Authority would ensure that, as part of qualification requirements, state institutions engage only firms and professionals that are licenced and accredited by the CSA for all contracts relating to cyber security.
The Authority, he noted, would ensure compliance with standards and incorporate CSA licencing and accreditation into the qualification and pre-qualification criteria for the selection of Cybersecurity Service Providers, Cybersecurity Establishments, and cybersecurity professionals.
He stated that the PPA was committed to its responsibility of working with the CSA to address cybersecurity matters as well as fighting cybercrime and maintaining the public’s safety online.
“This partnership will ensure that best practises are observed, especially by ensuring that only CSA-licenced experts provide cybersecurity services in the public sector,” Mr Mante added.
In the wake of Neymar’s departure from the club after a six-season stint in the French capital, his former teammate Marco Verratti penned a touching message.
Verratti conveyed his emotions sincerely as he bid farewell to Neymar, who recently moved to Al-Hilal.
The pair had spent six years together at the club.
“Just to tell you that it was amazing to spend all those years together. I love you very much, and I wish you the best for the new stage of your life. You are a special person, my friend,” the Italian wrote on Instagram.
The 31-year-old joined PSG before the 2017/18 season and spent six seasons at the Parisian club.
He made over 173 appearances but failed to win the Champions League, reaching the final once.
On Tuesday, Paris St-Germain’s Senegalese defender, Abdou Diallo (27), completed a move to Qatari team Al Arabi, according to an announcement by the Ligue 1 club.
While the exact details of the agreement were not revealed, sources from French media indicated that Diallo has committed to a four-year contract with Al Arabi following the completion of a transfer worth 15 million euros.
“I’ll always be a Parisian and grateful to have worn this shirt,” said the centre-back, who won two Ligue 1 titles, two French Cups, and a League Cup with the capital club. Diallo came through the youth ranks at AS Monaco and made his debut in 2014 before winning Ligue 1 in 2017.
📝 𝗗𝗘𝗔𝗟 𝗗𝗢𝗡𝗘: Abdou Diallo has left PSG and joined Qatari side Al Arabi SC. 🇶🇦💸🇸🇳
He is officially the most expensive player in Qatar's football history.
After participating in 75 matches across various competitions for PSG following his transfer from Borussia Dortmund in 2019, where he had previously spent a season with Bundesliga side Mainz 05, Abdou Diallo has now joined the Qatar Stars League with Al Arabi.
The player, who was born in France, spent the previous season on loan at RB Leipzig, making 15 appearances and netting a goal. His contribution also played a role in RB Leipzig’s victory in the German Cup.
Diallo, once the captain of France’s under-21 team, has earned 23 caps for Senegal. He played a pivotal role in Senegal’s triumph at the 2021 African Cup of Nations and was also part of the squad that competed in the previous year’s World Cup.
Despite being a powerhouse in men’s football with a history of global championships and strong domestic leagues, Spain’s prolonged absence from the spotlight in women’s football seemed like an intriguing inconsistency, especially as their European counterparts vied intensely for major titles.
However, on Tuesday, “La Roja” shattered this history of falling short by securing an inspiring 2-1 victory over Sweden, propelling them to the Women’s World Cup final for the very first time.
Previously struggling to even qualify for the World Cup until 2015 in Canada, Spain has captivated Australia and New Zealand with their vibrant style of play, amassing 17 goals and showcasing an attacking prowess.
Their ascent mirrors the resurgence of European football in a tournament that was once dominated by the United States.
As Sweden managed to break the U.S. dynasty in the initial knockout stage, Europe has contributed three out of the four semifinalists, and the continent is poised to claim the championship if England emerges victorious against co-hosts Australia in Sydney later on Wednesday.
Now exuding confidence, Spain holds a belief in their ability to secure victory in the final against any formidable opponent.
“It is something that is fabulous for Spanish football, everyone who’s worked throughout so many years,” said coach Jorge Vilda.
Spain’s women have long toiled in the shadow of the men’s team, whose golden era yielded a 2010 World Cup triumph sandwiched by a pair of European Championship trophies.
“It’s very emotional for me because it’s the culmination of your profession. It’s marvellous to make so many people happy,” said Vilda.
Now the genie is out of the bottle, it may be hard to put back.
Spain have momentum on their side, and not only at the World Cup. Belated investment in women’s soccer is now paying dividends and the future is bright.
Liga F, the top women’s domestic competition, has become a top destination for global talent while Barcelona have become the benchmark in European club football, claiming two of the last three women’s Champions League titles.
Already blessed with world class playmakers Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmati, the national squad boasts such depth that even last year’s revolt by 15 players proved unable to derail their World Cup preparations.
The next generation is also eager to make its mark as shown by super-substitute Salma Paralluelo.
The Barcelona winger ignited Spain with the opening goal in the semi-final against Sweden, days after dumping the Netherlands with an extra-time winner.
Though reports of disharmony between Vilda and some of his players have endured through the World Cup, the team have been united on the field and responded well to pressure.
Their ability to score has managed to cover for defensive lapses that have cost goals and for the absence of centre back Mapi Leon, one of the players who refused to reconcile with Vilda.
In beating Sweden, Spain not only eliminated the highest-ranked semi-finalist and broke down one of the world’s most stingy defences, but they also won a new fan in opposing coach Peter Gerhardsson.
“I hope Spain win because I always like that kind of football,” said the Sweden boss.
In a surprising turn of events, Al-Ettifaq’s captain, Jordan Henderson, left fans taken aback by his reaction to his former Liverpool teammate, Sadio Mane, during the customary exchange of greetings before the Saudi Pro League opener against Al Nassr.
In the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo due to injury, it was Sadio Mane who led Al Nassr as captain for the match.
As Mane approached for the pleasantries, Henderson, the ex-Liverpool captain, appeared to awkwardly snub the Senegalese forward.
Mane, undeterred, continued on to greet the rest of the Al-Ettifaq players before the commencement of the game.
A video capturing this interaction quickly went viral on social media, showcasing Mane’s apparent surprise at his former captain’s demeanour.
Despite the unexpected moment, Mane swiftly moved forward, focusing on the game ahead.
After a blistering start, the Senegalese attacker managed to open the scoring just four minutes into the match for Al Nassr.
However, Al-Ettifaq made a comeback after the halftime break, with Robin Quaison, a Swedish-born Ghanaian, equalizing before Moussa Dembele secured the winning goal for the home team, as reported by the BBC.
Looking ahead, Mane and his teammates will be eager to recover in their upcoming game against Al Taawon, while Al-Ettifaq will be facing Al Hazm.
Mane aims dig at Salah
Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Sadio Mane gave a sarcastic answer to a fan after being asked about his former Liverpool teammate, Mohamed Salah, during Al-Nassr’s Arab Club Champions Cup celebrations.
The former Bayern Munich forward helped the Saudi Arabian side win the competition after beating rivals, Al-Hilal, in the final on Saturday.
Portuguese forward, Cristiano Ronaldo, scored a brace as Al-Nassr came from behind to record a narrow win.
In the 20th minute, Lionel Messi delivered a remarkable long-range strike, propelling Inter Miami to a 2-0 advantage against the Philadelphia Union.
This goal not only widened Messi’s lead in the Golden Boot race but also positioned Inter Miami on a path towards a potential finals berth, assuming the current outcome remains unchanged.
Their objective now is to maintain their 2-0 lead against the Union and effectively manage the rest of thematch to secure their position.
Following their remarkable achievement of securing the treble last season, the English club recognises the significance of maintaining their dominance in the domestic league while contending on the European stage.
In order to provide ample support tomanager Pep Guardiola, the influential figures overseeing Manchester City are collaborating closely with him to acquire the necessary reinforcements.
In recent weeks, the spotlight has been on a potential addition to the English Premier League powerhouse, namely Jeremy Doku.
The young Belgian forward, with Ghanaian heritage, has emerged as a candidate for a move to Manchester City.
Excitingly, it has now been confirmed that Jeremy Doku has committed to a five-year contract, marking his forthcoming venture as a player for Manchester City.
The decision to join the Citizens was solidified after discussions with the city’s manager, Pep Guardiola.
Presently, at 21 years old, Jeremy Doku awaits the consensus between Manchester City and his current club, Stade Rennais FC, to finalise the terms of his transfer.
Upon investigation, it has been determined that the anticipated transfer fee for the forward’s move is estimated at approximately 55 million euros.
Jeremy Doku’s acquisition is poised to fill the void left by Algerian forward Riyad Mahrez, who departed from Manchester City earlier in the summer.
Chelsea have reportedly activated the £35 million ($44.5 million) release clause in Michael Olise’s existing contract with Crystal Palace.
Throughout the summer, Chelsea has displayed interest in the French Under-21 international, and they have been competing with Manchester City for the midfielder’s signature.
Initially, reports from the Evening Standard indicated a proposed fee of £45 million ($57 million), but now, as per The Athletic, Chelsea has triggered Palace’s £35 million ($44.5 million) release clause.
Even after confirming Moises Caicedo’s transfer from Brighton recently, Chelsea’s reconstruction efforts seem to be continuing without pause. Additionally, there are indications that Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia is poised to follow the Ecuadorian midfielder in joining the club.
Further transfer activity could occur in west Londonas Todd Boehly continues to reshape the composition of the Blues’ squad.
Media personality and radio presenter, Abeiku Aggrey Santana, has strongly criticised those who are ridiculing Ola Michael’s choice of shoes.
During the August 12, 2023, episode of United Showbiz on UTV, Ola Michael participated as a pundit alongside other personalities, including Mr. Logic, Vida Adumtumwa, show host Mzgee, and gospel musician Diana Hamilton.
During the show, Ola Michael’s footwear became a topic of discussion and was showcased on live television.
However, online users expressed disapproval of the condition of his shoes, asserting that they were in poor shape.
Critics admonished the well-known entertainment pundit for not opting for better footwear for the show, even prompting a diss track from Shatta Wale.
In response to this issue, Abeiku Santana rebuked the videographer responsible for showcasing the shoes on live TV.
Consequently, he is advocating for the suspension of the said videographer.
“I don’t blame UTV, I don’t blame the producer; I blame the cameraman. Of all the people seated there, Diana Hamilton was there, A Plus was there, Vida Adumtunwaa was there, and even Mzgee, who had exposed her breasts, was there.
“Why didn’t he capture any of them? Why did he focus on Ola Michael’s shoes? He should be suspended. I don’t blame Ola; I blame the cameraman. Because of the cameraman, “2.50p shoes” is trending on Twitter,” Abeiku stressed.
Ghanaian actor, politician, and NDC candidate for theAyawaso West Wuguon constituency, John Dumelo, has emphasised that the competition between him and Fred Nuamah held significant importance.
He made this assertion while discussing his political ambitions on TV3.
Addressing the rivalry between himself and his friend, John Dumelo emphasised that introducing a new NDC candidate for that specific constituency would have been detrimental.
‘I didn’t mind the contest, but I felt like a contest wasn’t needed. It wasn’t necessary because the party looked at Ayawaso West as a different case, because I had contested in 2020.
“We did extremely well, we nearly won, and we lost by a small margin. So it would have been suicidal to change the candidate. So, in a democracy, a lot of negotiations had to go on.
“As a Democratic party, you had to sit down and do your research, you had to decide that, for this place, let’s change this person, and so on,” he stated.
John Dumelo was chosen as the NDC’s official candidate for the Ayawaso West Wuguon Constituency on Sunday, August 13.
This marks his second consecutive bid for the position.
Prior to this, he encountered resistance from his close friend and fellow NDC party comrade, Fred Nuamah, who initially expressed his own interest in competing for the seat.
However, in a new twist of events, Fred decided to withdraw from the race and throw his support behind John Dumelo.
He confirmed this during an editors’ forum held on August 14, 2023, in Accra, while announcing that the government is currently in talks with the organisers to make that happen.
Earlier, there were rumours that the annual event was scheduled to take place in Lagos, Nigeria, this year.
But speaking on the subject, the minister emphasised that the festival had not been taken away from Ghana.
“Afro Nation has not been taken away from Ghana. We even had a meeting last week. We discussed it. There are certain demands they want, and we are trying to look at how to collaborate. It has not been taken yet. But we have alternatives,” he said.
Asked specifically if the event would beheld again in Ghana, he answered: “Most likely. Very likely. This year, over the next three years.”
The Ghanaian government had previously entered into a five-year agreement with Event Horizon Entertainment Limited to host Afro Nation within the country.
The inaugural occasion occurred from December 27 to 30, 2019, at Laboma Beach in Accra, graced by the presence of President Nana Akufo-Addo and the Ghana Tourism Authority.
In the preceding year, the organisers of the Afro Nation Festival issued a statement across their social media channels, indicating their decision to relocate the event from Ghana to Nigeria.
This shift transpired after a successful five-year run of Afro Nation in Ghana, where it showcased talents from both Africa and the diaspora.
The previous year’s event was curtailed abruptly due to unconfirmed security concerns, resulting in several headline artists not being able to perform.
Afro Nation has been held in various global destinations, including the United States, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Portugal, and Ghana.
Making his debut against Wolves on Monday, August 14, 2023, the Cameroonian shot-stopper now stands as the fifth African goalkeeper to have played in the Premier League.
The quartet of goalkeepers preceding him includes Richard Kingson, the former Black Stars goalkeeper (associated with Blackpool, Wigan, and Birmingham), Bruce Grobbelaar, the former Zimbabwean goalkeeper (associated with Liverpool and Southampton), Carl Ikeme, the former Nigerian goalkeeper (linked to Wolves), and Édouard Mendy, the Senegalese goalkeeper (representing Chelsea).
André Onana’s inaugural Premier League appearance proved commendable. He showcased a strong performance in Manchester United’s 1-0 victory, making essential saves and securing a clean sheet.
Playing the entire match, Onana managed 51 touches, executed eight recoveries, and completed six saves, earning a FotMob rating of 8.1.
Having made a transfer from Ajax and Inter Milan to Manchester United during the summer for 51 million euros,André Onana committed to a five-year contract that includes an option to extend for an additional year.
According to reports, Neymar will acquire a private jet along with a mansion equipped with staff.
He stands to earn a substantial winning bonus of €80,000 and an additional €500,000 for each social media post or story that promotes Saudi Arabia.
Although the official announcement of his transfer is pending, Neymar has completed the move to Al Hilal.
His lucrative two-year deal will see him pocket an eye-watering €2.9 million per week.
Breaking down the staggering figures, Neymar’s earnings translate to €4.80 every second, €288 per minute, €17,280 per hour, €414,720 per day, and a jaw-dropping €2.9 million weekly.
His monthly income reaches €12 million, annually totaling €150 million, and over the span of two seasons, he is set to amass a staggering €300 million.
According to respected football transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, Neymar is expected to arrive in Saudi Arabia this week and will wear the number 10 jersey.
His remarkable professional career encompassed 497 appearances, where he netted 294 goals and contributed 190 assists, securing a remarkable tally of 21 titles.
The Dutch-born footballer of Ghanaian descent,Memphis Depay showcased his connection to his Ghanaian heritage by performing the traditional Ghanaian dance Adowa after scoring an impressive goal against Granada on Monday, August 14, 2023.
Depay’s remarkable strike from outside the penalty area restored the lead for Atletico in their league opener, ultimately resulting in a 3-1 victory at the Civitas Metropolitan Stadium.
Immediately after the ball found the back of the net, he dashed towards the camera behind the goalpost, executing his signature ‘deaf’ celebration before transitioning into the Adowa dance.
Depay was captured learning this dance during his off-season trip to Ghana.
The Adowa dance holds cultural significance as a traditional dance of the Akan people.
This dance is typically performed during ceremonies such as festivals, funerals, engagements, and various celebrations.
Marie-Claire Rupio, the wife of thelate Ghanaian footballer Christian Atsu, has opened up about the emotional struggles they have been enduring since the footballer’s passing.
She revealed that the most poignant moments have arisen when Christian Atsu’s three children inquire about the whereabouts of their father.
Rupio opened up about their four-year-old daughter’s innocent query, saying, “She asked when her dad was calling.”
In a conversation with the BBC, Rupio talked about the challenges their eldest son is facing. Having experienced numerous treasured moments with Christian Atsu, their son is finding it difficult to manage.
Rupio stated, “He is the main one who is struggling because he has more memories,” and he is “not really ready to talk about it.”
Rupio also mentioned that their children continue to ask challenging questions that are difficult to answer.
She emphasised that she has been striving to stay strong for her children, saying, “You have to be strong.” “You’re allowed to show emotions, obviously, but you can’t fall down.
“You have to be the rock now for everybody. I do break down a lot of times, so it’s not easy to balance everything,” she told the BBC.
Recalling the heartbreaking moment of breaking the news to their children, Rupio said, “I couldn’t really cry because I was in shock.” I didn’t want to believe [it was true]. I think my body just shut down.
” The next morning, the children had football, and I didn’t want to take that from them. After [that] I had to sit them down and explain it to them. It’s not easy. It’s not something you would wish on anybody.”
Christian Atsu died at the age of 31 and was found dead under the rubble of his home in Turkey on February 18.
Former Member of Parliament for Buem Constituency, Daniel Kwesi Ashiamah,has raised concerns about the allegiance of the presentGovernor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Ernest Addison, to the nation.
Mr. Ashiamah has questioned Dr. Addison’s commitment to the country, stating that his reluctance to step down from his position despite continuous urging from the parliamentary Minority raises doubts about his patriotism as a Ghanaian.
“Even this ultimatum is charitable. If Addison were a true Ghanaian with Ghana at heart, we needn’t [have to ask], after reading this report, he should have resigned, and nobody should worry that the NDC should go and pull him out after 21 days,” the former National Democratic Congress MP stated on Okay FM during a discussion on the 21-day ultimatum issued to the governor by his party to resign.
The Bank of Ghana and its leadership are currently under thorough public examination following the release of the 2021 annual report, which discloses a loss exceeding GH60 billion cedis.
Moreover, professionals and representatives of the opposition party have alleged that the bank printed GH22.04 billion in 2022 without obtaining parliamentary authorization. Additionally, there are accusations that the bank absolved GH32 billion of government debt.
The opposing party argues that the combined actions of the central bank and the government underNana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo have played a substantial role in exacerbating the ongoing economic difficulties within the country.
Businessman and politician John Dumelo has expressed his frustration with the practise of extorting money from applicants who seek to obtain a passport.
He suggested that, in order to transform this situation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration should distribute the application and acquisition procedures across various regions.
During an appearance on TV3’s Ghana Tonight Show, John Dumelo explained that by printing passports in all the regional capitals, the need for intermediaries, commonly referred to as “goro boys,” could be eliminated.
John Dumelo said, “It is quite frustrating, sometimes you have to pay; you have to make a call before you acquire a passport. I feel it should not be like that…”
“Why not decentralise the application and acquisition process?…Why don’t you print in Cape Coast, Kumasi, and the North so that you don’t have to go through these processes?” he stated.
These people charge between GH2,000 and GH3,000 for a passport, though the initial amount for standard and expedited services is GH100 and GH150, respectively.
The minister stated that the unannounced visit to the passport was necessary because of reports that some officers were involved in illegal activities.
She said their actions have tarnished the reputation of the passport issuance system.
