Spanish international defender Pau Torres has reconnected with boss Unai Emery after his Wednesday transfer from Villarreal to Premier League team Aston Villa,
At an alleged cost of ÂŁ35 million ($45 million), Torres, 26, will join Villa.
In 2021, Villarreal’s team led by Emery won the Europa League and advanced to the quarterfinals of the Champions League.
The center-back was a vital member of that team.
Torres, who has been capped 23 times by Spain, was a product of the Villarreal youth academy and made 123 appearances for his boyhood club.
He joins midfielder Youri Tielemans, a Belgian international who joined Villa from Leicester earlier in the summer window.
Emery oversaw a spectacular transition in Villa’s first season under his leadership, and they will play in Europe for the first time since 2010 next season.
A seventh-place Premier League result was enough to guarantee a spot in the European Conference League.
In October, Emery took over for the fired Steve Gerrard as Villa were barely above the relegation zone.
McElhenney sent a lengthy message on social media and added that he has also been given a learning disability diagnosis.
The Always Sunny in Philadelphia actor stated that the reason he disclosed his diagnoses was to let others know that they are “not stupid” if they experience such difficulties.
He wrote that those who struggle are “not alone”, and has been hailed in the replies for his bravery in opening up.
 The Wrexham co-owner’s full Twitter statement read: “I was recently diagnosed with a host of neurodevelopmental disorders and learning disabilities! At 46! I go through the full diagnosis/prognosis on the @thesunnypodcast (which drops in 2 weeks) Itâs not something I would normally talk about publicly but I figured there are others who struggle with similar things and I wanted to remind you that youâre not alone. Youâre not stupid. Youâre not ‘bad’. It might feel that way sometimes. But itâs not true.”
McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds have been integral to Wrexham’s recent promotion into League Two, with the club returning to the Football League for the first time since 2007/08.
The first snowfall in more than ten years shocked Johannesburg residents on Monday, as some children experienced snow for the first time.
Johannesburg last saw snow in August 2012, but other parts of South Africa frequently get snow throughout the southern hemisphere winter months of June to August.
Jennifer Banda revealed to Reuters that she was pregnant the last time it snowed after having her photo taken on Nelson Mandela Square in the business area.
On social media Johannesburg residents described the snow as âpure magicâ, âhecticâ and a âwonderful start to the weekâ.
University of Witwatersrand professor of physical geography Jennifer Fitchett told South Africaâs Times newspaper that the snow was unlikely to last, and had been caused by a surge in humidity, cold temperatures and a cold wind.
A man leads a horse as snow falls in Delta Park, Johannesburg. Photograph: Wikus de Wet/AFP/Getty Images
âIt happens once every 10 years or so. Weâre not an area that has a lot of snowfall and thatâs partly because in winter we have dry conditions. Weâve got a strong, high pressure cell which is why we donât have any or very little rain in winter months. And so donât have much moisture in the air.â
It last snowed in 2012 and before that 2007, she said.
A view of a snow-covered streets during snowfall in Johannesburg. Photograph: Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
Snow falls in Johannesburg once every five years on average, with heavier snow like that seen on Monday occurring once every 10 to 20 years, University of the Witwatersrand climatology professor Francois Engelbrecht told the Daily Maverick news website.
South African Weather Service meteorologist Wayne Venter told the Daily Maverick the conditions were not exceptional and could not be said to be due to climate change.
A woman throws snow in the air at a plaza in front of an office building in Johannesburg. Photograph: Wikus de Wet/AFP/Getty Images
South of the city in Brackenhurst, a Reuters photographer saw children making snowballs and snow angels in a schoolâs grounds.
âIâm trying to warm the engine so that it can start ⌠otherwise I will kick the bike all day,â he said.
Children play in the snow at Laerskool Orion, a school located in Brackenhurst, a suburb south of Johannesburg in South Africa. Photograph: Siphiwe Sibeko/Reuters
The South African Weather Service has issued warnings because of the cold front that has struck Gauteng province, which contains Johannesburg and the capital, Pretoria.
Snow also fell on Monday in the coal belt in Mpumalanga province, where many of struggling utility Eskomâs power stations are located.
According to reports, the FA Regulation E1(b) violations occurred between January 2014 and March 2017.
Toffolo was under contract to his old team Norwich City throughout that time, but he played on loan at Swindon, Rotherham, and Scunthorpe.
The charges against Toffolo have until July 19 for a response.
The left-back made 19 Premier League appearances for Forest last season after joining the club from Huddersfield Town in the summer.
In May, Brentford’s Ivan Toney was suspended for eight months after admitting to 232 breaches of FA Rule E8. The offences took place between 2017 and 2021.
In December 2020,England defender Kieran Trippier received a ten-week ban after being found guilty of breaching betting regulations.
Member of theGhana Football Association’s (GFA) Executive Committee, Dr. Randy Abbey, has reacted to those who accuse the GFA of being responsible for the collapse of once-dominant local football teams Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak.
Both clubs have had severe declines in their domestic achievements in recent years as a result of their struggles in Africa’s main interclub competitions. Last season, neither team won a title.
Abbey vehemently rejected the idea that the GFA was to blame for the two legendary teams’ sad status. He emphasised that the GFA has no influence over Kotoko’s and Hearts’ daily activities, including the selection of their boards of directors or CEOs.
Responding to questions from sports journalists, Abbey defended the GFAâs position, saying, âSometimes people ask questions, and we must help them understand. Does the GFA run Kotoko and Hearts? Is the GFA responsible for appointing the Board of directors for the clubs or CEOs for the clubs?
“Is the GFA responsible for the Circles and the Chapters? So what are we talking about? If the clubs are not doing well, what has that got to do with the GFA? Iâm asking you, you live here.â
Fans and analysts are concerned about the struggles of these two successful clubs, believing that they are contributing to the countryâs overall decline in football.
The 29-year-old returned to the team this summer after his contract with English Premier League team Chelsea expired, signing a three-year agreement.
Baba Rahman rejoins PAOK, a team that offered him a chance during the second half of the 2020â21 campaign when he was on loan.
During his six-month stint, he participated in 17 games and assisted the team in capturing the Greek Cup. The left-back contributed one assist and one goal during the era.
The Ghanaian outlined his goals for his second visit in his first interview after joining the team again.
âFirst of all, I missed the fans at the stadium [during my first spell due to Covid-19]. That is something I want to experience,â he said.
âI want to win the league and the cupâ
âI won the cup, but now I want to win both the league and cup as well.â
PAOK will be playing in theUEFA Europa Conference League qualification after finishing fourth during the 2022/23 Greek season.
Samuel Eto’o has been called upon to step down as president of the Cameroonian football federation due to “grave irregularities” in the institution, according to a coalition of amateur clubs in the country.
The Amateur Clubs’ Association of Cameroon (ACFAC) voted 11-1 last week to request the four-time African Footballer of the Year to resign.
It is reported that the 42-year-old, who has played for a number of top clubs in Europe, should step down “if he still loves Cameroonian football, as he has always claimed.”
ACFAC requested the Cameroon sports minister to step in and raised the prospect of approaching Fifa president Gianni Infantino for similar assistance.
Among its list of concerns, ACFAC said the decision to change the Fecafoot presidentâs mandate from four to seven years was both anti-statutory and illegal. It also highlighted the lack of publication of new statutes adopted last August.
There were also questions to answer, it said, about Etoâoâs decision to take an ambassadorial role with a sports betting company, which could be in violation of both Fifa and Fecafoot rules.
Fifa says people bound by its code âshall be forbidden from participating in, either directly or indirectly, betting, gambling, lotteries or similar events or transactions related to football matches or competitions and/or any related football activitiesâ.
Footballâs world governing body mentions a sanction of either a fine or ban from football for any violation of its ethics code regarding connections to betting and gambling, with any âdirect or indirect financial interestâ outlawed. It is unclear if Etoâo is personally profiting from his involvement with the company.
In late June, top-flight Cameroonian club UMS de Loum asked Fecafoot to investigate the matter, and also raised it with both Fifa and the Confederation of African Football (Caf).
Fecafoot has signed a deal with the same betting company to sponsor both the menâs and womenâs international teams, as well as the top two divisions of the countryâs football league.
In a statement issued at the time, the federation said the deal had been agreed in compliance with all ethical codes and was furtherproof of Etoâoâs drive to âmoderniseâ Cameroonian football.
ACFAC also claimed in its statement that unnamed individuals in Fecafoot are manipulating matches in order to successfully bet on their outcomes.
The BBC invited Fecafoot to comment on the nature of ACFACâs claims about the organisation and its president, but has received no response.
After spending the summer with partner Georgina Rodriguez, Cristiano Ronaldo arrived at Al-Nassr’s preseason training in excellent shape.
After spending his post-season break at the beach jet skiing and parasailing with Rodriguez, the Portuguese forward is back to work.
In addition, the pair were seen spending time on a lavish yacht while the five-timeBallon d’Or winner rested after a poor debut with Al-Nassr, which finished second behind Al-Ittihad in the campaign for the 2022â23 Saudi Pro League championship.
However, he returns to his club even more determined, as he declared in an Instagram post showing off his impressive physique: “Good to be back!đđźâ˝ď¸”
The Brazilian still counts Ronaldo among “the best in the world” and has revealed that he is delighted at the opportunity to manage the “man who will go down in football history.”
Ronaldo will be looking to hit the ground running and star in a friendly against Farense in Portugal on July 15.
However, many of Erik ten Hag’s top players, including Rashford, Maguire, Fernandes, and many others, will be absent.
The trio and a few more players have three weeks off before they can start preparing for the new season, so they are not yet required to report back to training.
Despite the fact that the majority of United players resumed training last week, those who participated in international competition in June were given an additional week off in order to recover for the pre-season
The United stars have not been resting on their laurels, however.
Maguire has been training hard in Portugal under the guidance of former Chelsea defender Ricardo Carvalho, being put through his paces alongside fellow United defender Diogo Dalot.
Fernandes has also been working hard in Portugal, training in the Algarve alongside international team-mate Joao Cancelo and Arsenal-bound Declan Rice.
Marcus Rashford has also posted pictures of himself training in a sunny climate and has recently been holidaying in the United States with Tyrell Malacia.
Maguire’s future at United is still unclear. The club are reportedly willing to sell him -but only for ÂŁ50 million ($64m).
Rashford is set to sign a new contract with United which will make him the club’s highest-paid player.
After facing Leeds, United will play against Lyon in Glasgow before jetting off to the United States for their pre-season tour.
After 19 years at Stamford Bridge, where he won the Premier League, Europa League, and UEFA Super Cup, the 27-year-old England international went to the “Rossoneri.”
Before to agreeing to a four-year contract with Milan, Loftus-Cheek made more than 155 appearances and netted 13 goals.
“I understand the weight of the (Milan) shirt and my responsibility coming into this club,” Ruben Loftus-Cheek told reporters.
“I’ve had a lot of experience in football, and I can use that… I feel ready and good physically to produce performances for the team, and I’m ready to be a leader.
“I was happy playing for my boyhood club, but I didn’t feel really content with how much I was contributing to the team. I feel like I have more to give.
“So, I thought it was a good time to make a fresh start.”
Milan will kick off their preparation for the new season in the United States where they will play friendly matches against Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus.
Laporta says Messi mentioned that he no longer has any interest in going back to Camp Nou because of his unhappy time in France, where he was jeered by supporters after being suspended for travelling to Saudi Arabia.
In an interview with Mundo Deportivo, the president of Barcelona stated: “The player wanted it, the father wanted it, but the rhythms are different. We didn’t want what happened last time.
âHe told us that he decided to join Inter Miami because he had spent very difficult seasons in Paris, where he was under a lot of pressure, while in Miami he would be calmer and could think about the national team and that, although he wanted to come to Barça, he didnât want to spend another year like this.
“Itâs understandable and weâre working on a great tribute to Messi that Barca should do.â
Messi became an icon at Barca, winning everything there is to win, but he is set to link up with Inter Miami in MLS after touching down in the United States following an end-of-season break.
Former agent for Marco Verratti, Donato Di Campli, has alleged that Paris Saint-Germain attempted “blackmail” to prevent the midfielder from signing with Barcelona.
The shocking allegations are made in the midst of a controversy regarding Kylian Mbappe’s future, as he has informed the team that he won’t sign a new deal due to Real Madrid rumours.
Di Campli now asserts that PSG made it plain to the midfielder that he would be fired if Verratti moved to Barcelona.
The Italy midfielder did move agents in 2017, joining Mino Raiola’s team, but the reasons behind that decision have never been established.
Speaking to Relevo, the agent said: “In Paris the players are imprisoned, you never do what they want but the club; it’s a prison and there is blackmail.
“PSG’s attitude is always blackmail. We had decided to go to Barcelona. That, obviously, the emir did not like. Al Khelaifi even told me that if I kept trying to do the operation with Barca, Verratti was going to let me (go).
And that’s how it ended up happening. I’m sure Marco was scared, he won’t admit it, but that’s how it is.”
Verratti is set to play for PSG in pre-season as they prepare for games against the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr and Inter Milan.
According to GOAL, the 18-year-old forward will cost the Catalan giants and Athletico Paranaense âŹ35 million (ÂŁ30 million/$38.4 million) plus add-ons.
Vitor Roque’s move to Barcelona was formally announced on Wednesday. The transfer fee might go to as much as âŹ71 million (ÂŁ60 million/$77 million).
Whether the Brazilian moves in the January transfer window or the summer after that is still up in the air.
The deal Vitor will sign has a release clause of âŹ500 million (ÂŁ427 million/$551 million) and extends until 2030.
The transfer fee will be paid in instalments and will be the biggest in the history of Brazilian football.
The bonuses are related to the number of matches played, goals scored and individual and team awards.
The deal, which has been weeks in the making, comes as something of a coup for Barcelona.
Sporting director Deco is credited with helping see off competition from the likes of Chelsea, Man Utd, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain to secure the player.
The deal will come as a relief to Barca fans after losing out to bitter rivals Real Madrid for the signature of another 18-year-old in Arda Guler.
Barca begin pre-season preparations in July as they head on tour to the United States.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr team has been banned from signing any new players as a result of a controversy surrounding former Leicester striker Ahmed Musa.
According to the Daily Mirror, Al-Nassr are not permitted to bolster their roster this summer.
Musa joined Leicester for $18 million ($14 million) in 2018, but the Saudi club failed to pay add-ons from the contract.
At Al-Nassr, Musa won the league, however he was let go in 2020. FIFA has now concluded that the club was ineligible to pay ÂŁ390,000 in performance-related add-ons to Leicester.
Having been warned in 2021 that they would face a registration ban if they did not pay up, it is now being reported that they have indeed been suspended from adding players into their squad.
 FIFA’s ruling had claimed that the ban could last for three consecutive transfer windows, but the Public Investment Fund (PIF) have made it clear they are ready to pay the fee in order to lift the ban.
Al-Nassr have signed Brozovic in their most headline-grabbing deal of the window, bringing him in from Inter Milan.
Ronaldo, meanwhile, joined Al-Nassr in January and scored 14 goals in his first 16 league appearances for the club, but couldn’t inspire their to the title.
Al-Nassr will need to make the payment in order to avoid being left behind as Saudi clubs embark on a trolley dash this summer.
Pep Guardiola isn’t afraid to tell ithow it is, but one of his public criticisms of a player was difficult for the player to take since he believed his manager’s evaluation to be unreliable.
Kalvin Phillips was acquired by Manchester City for ÂŁ50 million from Leeds United, yet his rookie campaign with the treble-winning squad can be overlooked as if it never happened.
Despite not having played much, he was selected for England’s World Cup squad. However, because of an injury he was still nursing in Qatar, he was only able to play for 35 minutes, casting doubt on his invitation.
Phillips rejects Guardiola’s criticism
According to Football365, Pep Guardiola was not too impressed with how the midfielder turned up ‘overweight’ at the club’s training facilities after the tournament in Qatar.
“I’d probably say it was a little bit hard to take just because of how much it was oversized and how many people started talking about it,” he said.
“I know obviously the manager made his comments and stuff like that, and I respected them because I did come back and I – I wasn’t overweight for me, but the manager has seen it in a very different way.”
He returned to the bench for the game against his former club after missing the FA Cup game against Chelsea and was available for all games afterwards.
“I did my best to try to get as fit as possible⌠It was just one of those things where there was just a misunderstanding between me and some staff members.”
Pirlo rejects Phillips’ comparison
Sports Brief reported that Italian legend, Andrea Pirlo rejected comparisons to Phillips, who is famously dubbed after him in Leeds.
He is dubbed the Yorkshire Pirlo in his hometown even though the former Juventus manager is not in agreement as he found no similarities between them, although he did acknowledge him as a very good player.
The Norwegian striker and the lifestyle icon may not appear to have any connections, yet they are both brand ambassadors for the renowned clothing company Dolce & Gabbana.
The Instagram account of the American celebrity had numerous images, including the one with Haaland.
Fans immediately took to social media after the photo was revealed to talk about Kardashian having linked up with PSG’s Kylian Mbappe just a week earlier.
Otumfuo appointed the now-defunct board in 2020, electing businessman Dr. Kwame Kyei to serve as chair and Mr. Jude Arthur as vice chair.
Other members included, Kwadwo Boateng Gyamfi, Kwasi Osei Ofori, Kwamena Mensah, Evelyn Nsiah Asare, Kofi Amoah Abban, MD of RigWorld Oil Group, Martin Osei Kwaku Brobbey, CEO of Lexta Ghana Limited, James Osei Brown, CEO Joshob Construction Company, Nana Ankobeahene of Asanteman – Baffour Kwame Kusi, Alhaji Lamin and Joseph Yaw Adu.
The board then appointed the Nana Yaw Amponsah-led management to run the day-to-day affairs at the club.
But after three years of service, the life patron has decided to give the club a new direction by handing the team over to a millionaire with hopes of achieving better heights than the past group did.
Here are some millionaires rumoured to be considered for the job:
Kenpong
Kennedy Agyepong is the Chief Executive and President of the Kenpong Group of Companies.
Kennedy Agyapong (Kenpong) is the founder of the Kenpong group. The group consists of a football academy, a real estate company, and a travel and tour agency among others.
He is a Kotoko fan and has also served as a Kotoko board member.
Despite
Dr. Osei Kwame Despite an entrepreneur and a philanthropis. He is the founder of Despite Firm Ltd. A group that has a trading company and media group as its subsidiaries.
The Millionaire is a staunch Kotoko fan and has served as a board member of the club.
Sammy Kuffour
Ex Black Stars defender, Samuel Osei Kuffour
Former Black Stars defender, Samuel Osei Kuffour is a renowned businessman. He is one of the richest former Ghanaian footballers and thus could be considered for the vacant role.
In 2020, Kuffour was considered for Asante Kotoko’s CEO role as some board members deemed him fit. However, he got beaten to the job by Nana Yaw Amponsah.
Kuffour’s name is up again, but this time, as an executive board member.
Kwaku Oteng
Business Mogul, Kwaku Oteng
Business Mogul, Kwaku Oteng is also in the race to become Kotoko’s executive board director.
Rumours about Oteng being considered for the job went off the roof after his meeting with Otumfuo in April.
He is the owner of Angel Group of Companies, which include broadcasting services, educational institutes, alcoholic manufacturers, and others.
Koffi Abban
Kofi-Amoa-Abban, RigWorld CEO
Dr Kofi Amoa-Abban is a Ghanaian oil and gas entrepreneur and a philantrpist. He served on the just-defunct Asante Kotoko board.
According to the report, he is keen to have the executive chairmanship role to steer the club to success.
President of Atletico Madrid, Enrique Cerezo, has disputed that there is a problem with Joao Felix’s attitude during training as the star forward prepares to leave the team before the new season.
After returning after an erratic loan stint at Chelsea last season, the Portugal international appeared agitated during the team’s training session this week.
“We’re happy to have a player of his quality,” Cerezo said, as the Atletico squad met for their traditional preseason dinner in Segovia on Tuesday. “[Joao] is a player everyone loves.
“Right now he’s an Atletico player. When your holidays are over and you have to work so hard physically it’s normal that you get mad. You’re getting up at 8 instead of 11, I wouldn’t be happy either!”
The relationship between Joao Felix and coach Diego Simeone has suffered in recent years, with Simeone admitting last season that there had been problems between the pair.
“[Joao] is a player and [Simeone] is a coach,” Cerezo said. “That’s the relationship. What’s the problem?”
The player is strongly linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain, who may make their move if Kylian Mbappe or Neymar depart this summer.
The Paris Saint-Germain striker has been widely predicted to compete against Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland for the trophy, but the Frenchman thinks he has an advantage.
The 24-year-old claimed in a recent interview with France Football that the newly established Ballon d’Or award criteria might set him apart from the competition.
The 2018 FIFA World Cup champion, who has yet to win the prized individual award, is confident that his recent efforts would enable him to take home football’s highest title.
New rules for Ballon d’Or
The Ballon d’Or award has changed rules in recent years, with voters reportedly asked to look at how a player performed individually first before considering what he/she achieved with his/her team.
“We ask you to select the most impressive player, who had the most impact, who was the most decisive, who burned the retina the most. I have two, three things in my luggage.”
The annual award, presented to the best-performing footballer in the world, has historically been dominated by Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Argentine has won the prize on seven occasions, while his Portuguese counterpart has won it five times.
Paul Pogba has received a three-year, âŹ100 million contract offer from the Saudi Arabian team Al Ahli, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.
The 30-year-old French midfielder will join Edouard Mendy, a former Chelsea custodian, and Roberto Firmino, a former Liverpool striker, on Al Ahli’s roster.
The Saudi Pro League team, which has already spoken the terms of the deal to Pogba’s agent Rafaela Pimenta, will want to assess his physical condition before offering him the contract.
The revelation comes following an injury-plagued campaign in which Pogba, who Juventus re-signed from Manchester United as a free agent last summer, managed just 161 minutes from 10 appearances across all competitions.
There are also questions about whether or not Pogba wants to leave the Serie A side.
If Pogba tells Juventus that he wants to move, the Bianconeri will not block the deal and will look to bring in a âŹ10m transfer fee.
Fellow midfielders Denis Zakaria, Weston McKennie and Arthur Melo could also leave Juventus, who are looking at Atalanta’s Teun Koopmeiners, Barcelona’s Franck Kessie, Atletico Madrid’s Rodrigo de Paul and Strasbourg’s Habib Diarra as possible candidates to strengthen that area.
Midfielder Jason Knight of the Republic of Ireland has successfully moved from Derby to Bristol City.
For an undisclosed feeâreportedly in the region of ÂŁ2 millionâKnight has signed a four-year contract with Ashton Gate.
The 22-year-old, who joined Derby when he was 16 years old, has 20 senior international appearances, and he has also been connected with both Stoke and newcomers to the Sky Bet Championship, Ipswich.
âItâs been a long time coming behind-the-scenes trying to get it sorted, but Iâm happy to be here and Iâm looking forward to the season ahead,â Knight said on the Bristol City website.
âThe club have shown a real eagerness to get me here, which is always nice as a footballer â to be wanted.
âI know (Bristol City manager) Nigel (Pearson) from his time at Derby and Iâve had a good number of chats with him. He sees me as a big part of the plans going forward.
âIâll give everything every time I put on the shirt; for the fans, the club, and the boys Iâm playing with â full of energy and full of emotion.â
Seven time Ballon d’Or winner, Lionel Messi, arrived in Florida on Tuesday to complete his transfer to Inter Miami of the US Major League Soccer.
Messi was captured on camera by ESPN television exiting a private plane at a small executive airport close to the Inter Miami stadium in Fort Lauderdale.
Early in the morning, supporters had started to assemble at the stadium in expectation of his arrival.
Before being introduced to the crowd at a stadium event on Sunday, the World Cup winner is anticipated to sign a two and a half year contract, which is said to be worth $60 million annually.
Messi is the biggest name player to ever move to MLS and the most famous to head to the United States since Brazilian great Pele signed for the New York Cosmos in 1975.
MLS hope that Messi will massively increase the profile of the league and boost subscriptions to their streaming broadcast deal with Apple TV. Ticket prices for games likely to involve Messi have already sky-rocketed.
His arrival will also add to the momentum around the sport ahead of the 2026 World Cup which will be hosted by the United States along with Canada and Mexico.
He is expected to be joined at the club by former Barcelona team-mate Spanish midfielder Sergio Busquets, while ex-Argentina and Barcelona coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino recently took over as coach.
Miami owner Jorge Mas has suggested Messi and Busquets could be part of “three to five” new signings for the South Florida club in the current transfer window.
Another former Barca player, Spanish full-back Jordi Alba, has also been strongly linked with a move to the team, which is co-owned by former England and Manchester United star David Beckham.
Messi is expected to make his debut for his new club in the July 21 Leagues Cup match against Mexican club Cruz Azul.
Miami are currently bottom of MLS’s Eastern Conference with just five wins from 21 games and are ranked 28th out of the 29 teams in the league.
But the club are in the semi-finals of the U.S. Open Cup where they have been drawn against league-leaders FC Cincinnati.
The seven-times Ballon d’Or winner has spent the last two seasons at Paris Saint-Germain, after moving from Barcelona in 2021, where he spent the majority of his career.
During his time with Barca, Messi won ten Spanish league titles, seven Copa del Rey (Spanish Cup) titles and four Champions League winners medals.
He scored twice for Argentina in the World Cup final which they won on penalties in Doha in December, after the game ended 3-3 after extra-time and raised the trophy as captain.
Messi also won an Olympic gold medal with Argentina in 2008 and the Copa America in 2001.
Earlier this year, Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira, then the vice president of the TechnicalCommittee of Referees, was the subject of a barrage of unfavourable allegations against the club.
Since then, the so-called “El Caso Negreira” incident has persisted, and the Catalan club is being looked into by the Spanish Prosecutor’s Office on claims of sporting corruption.
Barcelona has defended their innocence throughout the legal process, with Joan Laporta stating that the club had nothing to do with the buying of referees and had only paid Negreira for refereeing reports.
Prosecutorsâ verdict on Barcelona
The La Liga champions may well be on course to be vindicated with reports from El Partidazo de Cope that the Prosecutorâs Office has found no evidence of payments to referees.
Instead, the main suspicion appears to revolve around money laundering, which former Barcelona Presidents Sandro Rosell and Josep Maria Bartomeu allegedly could be involved in.
Joan Laporta, the clubâs current President, may also be charged by the Civil Guard.
Also reports from The Athletics state Barcelona were also informed that UEFA has finished its investigation into the scandal and came to a conclusion: European footballâs governing body recommends they should not be banned from the next edition of the Champions League.
While the club are still waiting for a formal announcement from UEFA to confirm it, it means Barcelona will not face any punishment from UEFA for those payments to Enriquez Negreira.
This news will surely be welcomed by Barcelona, and the club will hope to put the matter behind them as attention turns towards the new La Liga season.
Not playing in the Champions League next season would have been a disaster for the La Liga champions. The income generated by European competition represents an oxygen tank for the ailing club finances, who need any financial help they can get in their present situation.
This bursary will be made to 2 graduate students at Brock University studying Nursing who demonstrate financial need.
Eligibility
To be eligible to apply for internal awards, scholarships, and bursaries, the graduate student must be registered as a full-time student.
A student who iswithdrawn from the university or has a change of status will have their scholarship eligibility reviewed and adjustments to their financial support.
Must study Nursing.
Must demonstrate financial need.
Benefits
The scholarship is worth $5,707.
Application
At the time you submit your application to graduate studies at Brock University you are required to complete and submit the Graduate Student Internal Entrance Scholarship/Award Application which will appear on your applicant portal account as a document required for admission. Â
After you have submitted your graduate studies application, instructions to activate your applicant portal account will be sent via email.
2.Vice Chancellorâs International Student Scholarship
PHD, Master, Bachelor
ÂŁ1,500
They understand that you may face additional challenges and theyâre here to support you every step of the way.
If youâre a self-funded International Student paying overseas fees, you may qualify for a Vice Chancellorâs International Student Scholarship of ÂŁ1,500 on your first year of study with they.
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Former vice president of the Ghana Football Association, George Afriyie, claims that Kurt Okraku, the FA’s president, did not provide funding for the distribution of football boots to all Division One and Premier League Clubs.
Kurt Okraku promised all Division One League clubs would receive 30 football boots annually at the start of the 2022â23 betPawa Premier League, and he more than kept his word in the recently concluded 2022â23 campaign.
A total number of One Thousand Four Hundred and Forty (1,440) pair of boots was supplied to the 48 Division One League clubs and Five Hundred and forty (540) pair of boots were delivered to the Premier League clubs, taking the number of boots to be shared to One Thousand nine hundred and eighty (1,980).
According to the astute football administrator, âKurt Okraku never funded the distribution of football boots to Premier and Division One League clubsâ, he told Angel TV.
However, speaking at the 29th Ordinary Congress of the Ghana Football Association, held at KNUST Great Hall in Kumasi on Monday, July 10, Kurt Okraku opined that, amid the many challenges confronting Ghana football, the association is doing its bid to ignite passion and create wealth for all.
According to Kurt Okraku âDivision One clubs will each now receive GHC 80,000 next season as incentivesâ, he said.
George Afriyie is among the candidates who have shown interest to compete in the next GFA presidential election which is slated for October 2023.
Prior to the new season, the Champions League-winning manager reportedly left out a few players from his training session.
Ancelotti is renowned for his excellent man-management abilities, and by putting those abilities to the test, he has been better able to express his actual thoughts regarding departures from the team.
Alvaro Odriozola and Jesus Vallejo have reportedly known for the previous year that the Italian manager doesn’t want them, and this preseason has made that message more obvious than ever, according to sources from Cadena SER.
According to reports from Cadena SER, both Alvaro Odriozola and Jesus Vallejo have been aware that they are not wanted by the Italian manager for the past year and this preseason has seen that message made clearer than ever.
Vallejo, Odriozola contract situation
The Italian used both defenders for a combined 180 minutes last season, and while former Real Sociedad full-back Odriozola is more likely to look for an exit, Vallejo appears quite content at Los Blancos.
The latter has been linked to the club he came through at, Real Sociedad, or a move back to Serie A according to reports from Diario AS.
This news is no surprise to anyone keeping across the situation, but Los Blancos will want to move them on if possible.
Both were promising talents in the Spanish game, but an initial failure to make the step up, followed by a lack of game time which has since stunted their development.
Player of the Black Stars, Kasim Nuhu Adams, wants Thomas Partey to use his right to free agency during the summer transfer window.
There have been rumours that Thomas Partey will leave Arsenal. In order to add additional players for the upcoming season, the North London club is reportedly prepared to offload the Ghanaian.
Partey has received a $10 million annual offer from various Saudi clubs, but it seems the player is not interested, despite Juventus of Italy reportedly being linked to the player.
Many supporters of the game have urged the 30-year-old to put money first due to the huge offer from Saudi Arabia.
However, Kassim Nuhu Adams believes it is crucial to allow Partey to make his own decisions without feeling rushed into a choice he may later regret.
Speaking in an interview on Max24Gh, the former FC Basel player said, âSometimes you cannot advise someone to choose a club because if something happens there, he will blame you.â
âWe will stay back and let him choose if he wants to stay at Arsenal for me itâs a club.
They are going to play in the Champions League, they have a lot of competitions to play even though they have signed players. One player cannot play all the games.
âFor me, I believe in him, when he tunes his mind that he wants to play and train he will even though if they have other players there. We donât have to rush him that much to choose a club that he does not feel like choosing,â he stated.
Veteran Ghanaian actress Harriet Naa Akleh Okanteh, often known as Auntie Bee said people can anticipate a romantic relationship with the former captain of the Black Stars,Asamoah Gyan, whom she so admires and ‘love’.
On a radio interview with Accra FM, Auntiee Bee stated that she will never be afraid to admit her admiration for the Gyan.
She stated that while she adores each and every Black Stars player, if she had to pick just one, she would pick Gyan.
“I like all the footballers. From the up-and-coming ones, those who are still playing, and those who have retired, I love all of them. I love them so much that when they play and something happen I cry.
“Which means I really love them. But if we have to choose among all of them, no one is beating Asamoah Gyan. And I will keep on saying that I love him because people deserve due commendation.
“People might not understand and say all sorts of things but I won’t stop saying this because of what they are saying. Even those who are taking wish to have me as their love…Asamoah Gyan understands me and I also understand him,” she said.
When asked whether Ghanaians should be in the loop for a romantic relationship with Gyan, she responded: “Live and coloured, anything can happen.”
Asamoah Gyan is one of the most admired Ghanaian footballers in history. He earned Ghanaian affection through his many many goals at the Black Stars.
He is Ghana’s highest top scorer with 51 goals, including scoring many indelible goals at the World Cup and AFCON.
The injury to William Saliba was undoubtedly the main reason why Arsenal failed to win the Premier League championship the previous year.
The Arsenal didn’t have the same kind of depth as Manchester City did in the latter weeks of the season, but Jurrien Timber’s probable acquisition would help to some extent.
One of the best young centre backs in Europe, Timber, who is on his way from Ajax, can also play right back or in holding midfield.
The addition of players of this calibre to the squad is encouraging for the Gunners as Champions League play will return to the Emirates in the upcoming season.
Brain over brawn
Twelve months ago, Timber’s height â 5ft 10in â might have put Arsenal off this move.
But the Dutchman has former Ajax centre-back partner Lisandro Martinez to thank for proving that brain beats brawn in the Premier League.
Martinez was dismissed as too short when he first signed for Manchester United, particularly after a shaky start, but has used his leap and timing to overcome his stature.
Ronald de Boer, who coached Timber in the Ajax youth system, told The Athletic: “He has to be smart, he has to think a few steps ahead.
“Look at Martinez, everyone thought he wasn’t big enough or strong enough, but heâs been one of the revelations of Manchester United. You have guys who can handle it.”
Jurrien Timber makes up for a lack of height with his positioning
Ajax upbringing
Arteta should relish working with a player he knows will understand his complex instructions.
Ajax players are notoriously tactically aware and Timber has played most of his senior football under Erik ten Hag, another boss with sophisticated ideas.
His former Netherlands Under-17s boss Kees van Wonderen said: “Some players you need to tell things over and over again, but he [Timber] understands really quickly.
“He combines his technical ability with his mindset and his tactical awareness on the pitch. That’s so important in the modern player.”
The Netherlands international appears the perfect fit for a system that asks defenders to pick up unconventional positions in possession.
Total football
Timber’s use of the ball was outstanding in the last Eredivisie season.
Renowned for his understanding of when and where to take risks, the 22-year-old played by far the highest number of passes of all centre-backs in the Dutch top flight and also completed the second-most dribbles.
That same understanding of the game comes across in his defending, too.
He ranked fifth for interceptions and ninth for tackles among his positional rivals.
Former Togolese footballerEmmanuel Adebayor expressed his displeasure about Anthony Yeboah and other stalwarts of the Ghanaian game not receiving enough recognition.
Adebayor passionately discussed his childhood affection for Anthony Yeboah with fellow footballer Asamoah Gyan.
He feels that the former Leeds United striker has not received enough praise in his native nation.
He mentioned that he spent a lot of time looking for an Anthony Yeboah shirt to buy but was unsuccessful.
Adebayor expressed his fears that in some years to come the names of some Ghanaian football legends would be forgotten .
âI grew up knowing the name of Anthony Yeboah and up to today Iâm searching for a place where I can get his shirt to buy but I donât see anything in Ghanaâ Adebayor said.
âThat is sad which means our youngsters in three years or 30 years will not even knowwho is Asamoah Gyan,â the former Arsenal player said.
Adebayor’s sentiments come following calls to immortalize Ghanaian football legends with a football museum.
David de Gea is searching for his next team after leaving Manchester United after 12 years,
The Spanish custodian left Old Trafford after his deal with the Red Devils expired, and Inter Milan custodian Andre Onana was ready to assume the No. 1 jersey.
Let’s take a guess at the players possible destinations.
Saudi Pro League
High-profile stars continue to flock to the Saudi Pro League and it would be no surprise to see De Gea become the latest to join the revolution.
The likes of Al-Hilal, Al-Ahli, Al-Ittihad and Al-Nassr â all of whom are part-owned bySaudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund â are able to blow European sides out of the water in terms of wages.
The ex-United custodian may feel a switch to the Gulf State is his final chance for a big payday.
David de Gea could move to Inter Milan to replace Andre Onana, who is poised to join Manchester United
Should he opt to stay in European football, a spot as Inter’s new No1 is poised to open up thanks to Onana â the man who is set to replace him at the Theatre of Dreams.
For all of the unconvincing moments with his feet in the final years at United, De Gea still boasteda reputation as one of England’s finest shot-stoppers and Serie A football may suit his style better.
Given the Nerazzurri are set to bank a hefty fee from the Onana sale, landing the former Premier League winner for free could prove a shrewd bit of business.
Return to Spain
An emotional return to Spain would undoubtedly appeal, though a move back to Atletico Madrid seems off the cards with Jan Oblak still their undisputed first choice between the sticks.
Villarreal might prove an attractive alternative in LaLiga, with veteran stopper Pepe Reina, 40, close to retirement.
Valencia and Sevilla could also be in the lookout for a new keeper should respective No1s Giorgi Mamardashvili and Yassine Bounou get snapped up this summer.
Antonio Rudiger was spotted dancing with some Ghanaian street players, suggesting that he is enjoying his vacation in Ghana.
According to a video, the players applauded Rudiger as he leaped to the middle and performed a freestyle as the slogan was being chanted.
The Real Madrid defender arrived in Ghana for a second time in the wee hours of July 9, 2023, and has since been spotted relaxing with friends.
Rudiger has been spending his vacation with German-born Ghanaian player Kingsley Schindler, who is also in Ghana to spend his off-season.
Prior to his visit to Ghana, Rudiger also visited his native country, Sierra Leone, where he made charity donations through his foundation, the Antonio Rudiger Foundation.
In 2022, the player used his World Cup bonus to cover the surgeries of eleven children in Sierra Leone.
Rudiger first visited Ghana in 2021 when he was with Premier League side Chelsea. The player came to Ghana after the 2020 Euros where he represented the German national team.
With the hosts being required to play without spectators, the Catalans, who are looking to start their season off on the greatest possible note, may have just received a raw deal or the ideal boost.
This means they will have to deal with one less hostile crowd.
According to reports from Barcablaugranes, the punishment meted out to Getafe dates all the way back to a 2019 event during which Getafe supporters threw objects from the stands during a match against Tenerife.
Getafe will now be required to serve a one-game supporter ban as a result of the event, and it will take effect against Barcelona, according to a recent Supreme Court decision.
Getafeâs stadium ban incident explained
In 2017, Getafe player Sergio Mora was subject to chants of âassassinâ and â[Expletive] Getafeâ around the Estadio Coliseum Alfonso Perez, before a smoke bomb was released in stoppage time.
The Getafe fans would then invade the pitch on the final whistle, as per reports from Relevo.
They threw seats and prevented the refereeing team and opposition from reaching their dressing rooms, in a grim show of power.
Originally, a stadium ban was issued to the Madrid-based club, but it was later replaced by an âŹ18 000 fine, but recent protests by the Anti-Violence Committee have appealed that decision, and ultimately caused the ban to fall on the first day of this coming campaign.
Sports Brief had previously reported Barcelona are set to no longer forfeit their Champions League slot for next season after Spanish police reportedly cleared the Catalan club over allegations of trying to influence referees.
The recently crowned La Liga champions have been under investigation by anti-corruption authorities for months over alleged payments made to former Spanish refereeing chief, Enriquez Negreira.
Charles Akonnor and David Duncan,two former Black Stars coaches, have demanded payment for two years of their unpaid wages owed.
Two years after leaving their jobs, head coach CK Akonnor and assistant coach Duncan are still owed a cumulative $275,000 in salary.
Following the Black Stars’ defeat to South Africa in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers played in Johannesburg, both coaches’ two-year contracts were not renewed.
Akonnor, a former head coach of Asante Kotoko, is dissatisfied with the situation, according to a source who talked to Graphic Sports, and all attempts to address the matter have failed.
The source expressed disappointment with the poor treatment that the two local coaches have received although the expatriate coach, Milovan Rajevac who succeeded Akonnor has been fully compensated after he was sacked.
âI am aware Milovan Rajevac who took over from Coach Akonnor but was sacked after his disastrous campaign at the last AFCON was paid all his entitlements before leaving the country.
âHow can we be so cruel to our own people? It is not as if the coach is begging for some money but he is only demanding what is due him look at how he is being treated. I donât think it is fair and the authorities must intervene to avoid any future embarrassment,” the source lamented.
The GFA in their contract with Akonnor promised to pay a monthly salary of $25,000 when he assumed the position of Black Stars head coach in January 2020 and was entitled to his full salary if he was dismissed before the contract expired.
Unfortunately, Akonnor is still owed seven months’ salary, amounting to an estimated $175,000, along with the remaining four months that he was supposed to serve which is $100,000.
Meanwhile, David Duncan, who served as Akonnor’s assistant, had a monthly salary of $10,000, which is now in arrears for four months, in addition to other benefits.
When FIFA, the international regulatory body, allowed players to suspend their contracts with Ukrainian clubs due to the war, he was with Shakhtar Donetsk but spent last season on loan at Fulham.
“The Israel international has agreed a deal with the club that will run until 2028, subject to international clearance and work permit,” Spurs said in a statement.
Solomon participated in 106 games for Shakhtar, where he scored 22 goals, twice won the domestic league championship. He has scored seven goals in 35 appearances for Israel.
FIFA has officially acknowledged the submission of a petition concerningKurt Okraku, the President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA).
The petition, which alleges violations of FIFA’s Statutes, was received by the organization on July 7, 2023.
In response, FIFA has stated that it may commence preliminary investigations into the reported breaches of its Statutes, as brought forward by the Whistle-blower, Akwasi Ossei Nkrumah.
âFollowing an evaluation of the documents and information submitted, the Secretariat may initiate preliminary investigations into a potential breach of the FCE following instructions from the Chairperson of the Investigatory Chamber in accordance with Article 61 FCE,â portion of the confirmation email said.
FIFA would, however, not comment further on the questions asked by JoySportsâ Muftawu Nabila Abdulai, who sought clarity on the matter reportedly submitted to the Independent Investigatory Chamber.
âWe are not in a position to provide you any further information regarding the state of the proceedings (if any),â it stated.
On Friday, July 7, 2023, media reports suggested that one Akwasi Ossei Nkrumah filed a petition at the FIFA Ethics Committee, enumerating the following:
(a) Breach of Article 25 of the FIFA Code of Ethics, 2023 (Forgery and Falsification)
(b) Breach of Article 20 of the FIFA Code of Ethics, 2023 (Conflict of Interest)
(c) Breach of Article 26 of the FIFA Code of Ethics, 2023 (Abuse of Position)
(d) Breach of Article l6 of the FIFA Code of Ethics, 2023 (Duty of loyalty)
(e) Breach of Article 30 of the FIFA Code of Ethics, 2023 (Manipulation of Football Matches or Competitions)
He alleged that the GFA President, Mr Okraku, is the director of Dreams Football Club, a Ghana Premier League Club, and acts same for Proton Sports Services, a player and match agencycontrary to the FIFA Statutes.
Ossei Nkrumah also listed a plethora of things he claims the GFA President is engaged in the detriment of football development in Ghana.
During the GFA 29th Ordinary Congress in Kumasi on July 10, Kurt sought to suggest he was been witch-hunted by members of the football ecosystem, stating that, ââŚby virtue of where I sit, I hold files that can defame and malign people in Ghana football ecosystem. But I would not do that.â
Kurt Okraku was voted president of GFA in October 2019, and heâs seeking re-election for a second tenure in office.
Lionel Messi’s upcoming debut in Major League Soccer (MLS) is predicted to raise the overall level of competitiveness forInter Miami in the American league.
As a seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, Messi’s presence on the team is expected to elicit a more aggressive and intense approach from opposing teams.
With heightened competition anticipated in the league, there are expectations that the Professional Referees Organization (PRO), the governing body for referees in the US, will have distinct considerations for matches involving Messi.
The presence of such a high-profile player is likely to impact the way matches are officiated and may require referees to adapt their expectations and approach accordingly.
One unnamed MLS coach told The Athletic the Argentine should get the ‘Michael Jordan’ treatment – and also feels he should ‘get every single call’. This could lead to MLS teams implementing their own version of the ‘Jordan rule’.
It may seem like an unnecessary privilege to grant to Messi, but concerns about player safety are not unfounded.
When David Beckham arrived in the league 16 years ago, he was frequently on the receiving end of cynical tackles from lesser-known players eager to get one over on the famous new arrival.
Veteran referee for Messiâs debut
Messiâs transfer was announced more than a month ago but he is yet to join up with his new teammates. An official date for his debut has not been confirmed, but he could play in the Leagues Cup game against Cruz Azul on July 21.
He will then make his MLS debut the following month, once the league resumes.
With this major moment in mind, referee, Robert Sibiga, wants to see the very best of the American league’s referees in charge of any and all games involving Messi.
“PRO will have to be very particular about who theyâre going to bring,” Sibiga said, as quoted by Diario AS. “It has to be veterans. It has to be experienced referees. If we donât, then weâre going to miss the mark and weâre going to do a disservice to the game.”
Beckham paints Messi mural
Sports Brief also reported on Inter Miami co-owner, Beckham helping with a Messi mural in the city as excitement builds over the Argentine’s debut in MLS.
The league is preparing for the arrival of its biggest-ever signing, with the veteran expected to sign up on a free transfer after leaving Paris Saint-Germain.
Under this program, clubs will receive a financial package of GHâľ50,000 to encourage the promotion and development of young players within their club structures.
During the 29th GFA Ordinary Congress held at the KNUST Great Hall on July 10, Okraku announced that clubs will be eligible for an extra GHâľ25,000 if two of their youth team players participate in more than 15 games.
This incentive aims to further incentivize clubs to provide opportunities for young talents and prioritize their growth and involvement in competitive matches.
âEach Ghana Premier League club is to be supported with GHC50,000 for setting up a youth team. Clubs would also get GHC 25,000 when two of their youth players team players feature in more than 15 gamesâ, he said.
The GFA’s financial support for youth team establishment and player development demonstrates their commitment to nurturing young talents and strengthening the grassroots football system in Ghana.
The four-year term for Kurt’s administration will come to an end on Wednesday, October 25, 2023.
The Elections Committee has already submitted the road map for the 2023 GFA Elections, which will be made available to the public in the near future.
Notable among candidates who have expressed interest in the GFA President are, George Afriyie, former Vice President of the GFA, Kojo Yankah, former Regional Football Association (RFA) for Western Region, and Bernard Amofah Jantuah of Berekum Chelsea.
Kylian Mbappe’s recent criticism of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has drawn the ire of former Italian and West Ham player Paolo Di Canio, who has voiced his disapproval of the forward’s behavior.
In a recent interview, the recipient of the 2022 World Cup Golden Boot expressed his discontent with PSG, their recent signings, and the overall French league. Mbappe has also made it known to the club that he intends to leave when his contract expires.
According to Goal, Di Canio has described Mbappe as indecent and disrespectful towards PSG.
The club has also made it clear to the forward that he must either sign a contract extension or be sold during this summer transfer window.
“We can talk about the mistakes of PSG but there is also the indecency of the boy I call it indecency because he already took advantage of it last year and now he wants to play for a year and then leave as a free agent to win some money at Real Madrid.”
Mbappe has refused to take up the optional year in his contract but also stated that he does not want to be sold, meaning that he will become a free agent in 2024.
PSG stars angry at Mbappe
Meanwhile, six Paris Saint-Germain players have complained to the club’s president Nasser Al-Khelaifi following comments made by Kylian Mbappe, Daily Mirror reports.
the PSG players are angry at the 24-year-old forward after he granted an interview which claimed that the Ligue 1 champions were a divisive club which tends to attract gossip.
Some of Mbappeâs PSG teammates, including two new signings, have taken issue with the French forward and made their feelings known to the clubâs hierarchy.
Mbappe removed from PSG poster
Earlier, Sports Brief reported the future of Kylian Mbappe is still uncertain, and every word or action the player makes is deeply scrutinised before being splashed across the headlines.
The latest twist in the tale is the Frenchman not featuring in Paris Saint-Germain’s poster for their upcoming friendly against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr in Japan on July 25.
Mbappe’s face was formerly the main feature of the promotional material published by the Parisians. However, it seems he has now been removed.
Kylian Mbappe’s recent behavior towards Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has sparked a strong negative reaction from several of his teammates in response to his latest interview.
In the interview, the 24-year-old superstar criticized PSG and pointed out their shortcomings, describing the club as divisive and attracting unnecessary gossip.
Mbappe also took aim at the club’s hierarchy, holding them responsible for the team’s repeated failures in European competitions.
According to the Daily Mirror, Mbappe’s comments have not been well-received by six of his teammates, including two new signings, who have taken the step of reporting the forward to the PSG leadership.
PSG is now eager to offload Mbappe this summer, as their relationship with the player has deteriorated following his refusal to extend his contract with the Ligue 1 champions beyond the upcoming season.
Rashford to replace Mbappe?
Meanwhile, Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford is currently on the radar of Paris Saint-Germain as the top option to replace wantaway Mbappe this summer, 90MIN reports.
PSG are looking at options to bolster their attack after Mbappe leaves and have identified the England forward or Eintracht Frankfurt’s Randal Kolo Muani as their top targets.
The 2022 World Cup Golden Boot winner criticised PSG in a recent interview, as well as their recent signings and the French league overall after informing the club of his desire to leave when his contract expires.
Di Canio has now labelled Mbappe as being indecent and disrespectful towards Paris Saint-Germain, who have also informed the forward he must sign a contract extension or be sold this summer.
Paris Saint-Germain’s Neymar Jr was supposedly presented as an option to return to Barcelona this summer, but the Catalan club rejected the opportunity for two distinct reasons.
Since his record-breaking transfer from Barcelona in 2017, the Brazilian superstar has been a key figure at PSG.
However, according to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona declined the chance to re-sign their former player due to financial considerations related to the Financial Fair Play regulations.
Additionally, there were concerns within the club about the potential negative impact Neymar’s presence could have on the dressing room dynamics.
These factors ultimately led Barcelona to pass on the opportunity to bring Neymar back, opting not to pursue the deal for the 31-year-old Brazilian forward.
Because of his recent court battles with the club, his chapter with the club was deemed to be over.
Neymar will, however, have to remain with PSG, but the good news is that his former Barcelona coach Luis Enrique is the new boss at the French club. The two won the treble in 2015 with Barcelona.
Neymar’s future at PSG?
The Brazilian superstar had a disappointing 2022/23 season. He played only 29 games and was ruled out for the rest of the season in March with an ankle ligament injury. Several outlets reportedthat Neymar wanted to leave the club.
He has a complicated relationship with the PSG fanbase, who have not been afraid to voice their disappointment when the team is not performing. He was linked with moves to the Premier League, but the appointment of Enrique seems to have stopped him from forcing a move elsewhere.
The 31-year-old Irish defender joined the cinch Premiership newcomers this summer from St Mirren, where he previously served as captain.
Additionally, Shaughnessy had experience wearing the armband during his time at St Johnstone.
Shaughnessy told Dundeeâs official website: âItâs brilliant, itâs an honour to be captain of a club like this.
âIt is a good group of players that Iâve got to know in the last few weeks and I am really looking forward to it.
âThe manager said he was looking for me to come in and lead the team and be that player.
âI try and lead by example and give everything for the team, for the club, for the dressing room and do whatever it takes to achieve success.
âIt is a role Iâve done before at St Mirren and St Johnstone and Iâve learnt as Iâve gone along and I will use what Iâve learnt to helpme in this role here.â
Former Ghana Premier League team, Ashanti Gold SC, has been handed a suspension from all football competitions under the jurisdiction of the Ghana Football Association (GFA).
The club has been inactive in football following its involvement in a match-fixing scandal that occurred during a game against Inter Allies FC on July 21, 2021, at the Obuasi Len Clay Stadium.
Ashanti Gold SC emerged victorious in that match with a 7-0 scoreline.
Despite attempts to return to the top-tier division and seeking resolution through legal means, the club’s efforts have been unsuccessful.
The announcement of Ashanti Gold SC’s expulsion from the Ghana Football Association was made during the GFA’s 29th Ordinary Congress on July 10, 2023, held at the Great Hall of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi.
During the congress, the issue of Ashanti Gold SC’s absence and exclusion from the Premier League was raised by FA General Secretary Prosper Harrison Addo.
The motion was supported by Black Stars team manager Mohammed Ameenu Shardow, while Alhaji Grusah, the bankroller of King Faisal FC, requested a vote for Ashanti Gold’s reinstatement.
In the vote, 64 members opposed Ashanti Gold SC’s return for the 2023-24 league season, while 17 members voted in favor of their inclusion.
As a result of the suspension,Ashanti Gold SC will lose all membership rights and will not be able to participate in any football competition, including the Ashanti Regional Football Association Division Two League.
Gbamin’s agent expressed his client’s reluctance to return to Everton after a challenging four-year period marred by severe injuries, resulting in the 27-year-old making just eight appearances for the team.
With his contract set to expire next summer, Gbamin had unsuccessful loan stints at CSKA Moscow and Trabzonspor in the previous seasons.
Holgate, who made only four appearances since the arrival of manager Sean Dyche in January, with one of his two starts resulting in a red card, was seen training with the squad upon their return last week.
Meanwhile, Mykolenko, who missed the final three games of the season due to a muscle injury, participated in three matches for Ukraine last month.
The absence of Gbamin, Holgate, and Mykolenko from the pre-season training camp suggests their potential desire to seek opportunities elsewhere and their uncertain futures at Everton.
Captain Seamus Coleman was not included in the party as he continues his rehabilitation from a knee injury sustained towards the end of last term but Dele Alli, who spent last season on loan at Besiktas, and Andre Gomes, who was farmed out to Lille by former boss Frank Lampard, both were.
Forward Demarai Gray is still on CONCACAF Gold Cup duty with Jamaica and Everton said âonly players currently involved in international football or continuing rehabilitation from injuriesâ were unavailable.
Everton play their first friendly against Stade Nyonnais on Friday.
President of theGhana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Okraku, has issued a cautionary response to Akwasi Ossei Nkrumah, a sports enthusiast who submitted a petition to FIFA.
A document circulating on social media contained allegations from the petitioner, accusing Okraku of potential and actual violations of the FIFA Code of Ethics.
The petitioner called for an immediate investigation into the conduct of the FA boss.
Kurt at the 29th Ordinary Congress held at the KNUST Great Hall in Kumasi on Monday, July 1, in his speech, issued a strong warning saying âBy virtue of where I sit, I hold files that can defame and malign people in the Ghana football ecosystem. But I would not do that!â
The petitioner in his document called out Kurt Okraku for forgery, falsification, and nepotism in GFA appointments, abuse of position, manipulation of matches or competitions, and duty of loyalty as the basis for the FIFA investigation.
That notwithstanding, Okraku in many of his speeches said he would not engage in defamatory actions but did not tackle the alleged acts labeled against him.
It is uncertain when FIFA will respond to the allegations against the FA President but the âGame Changerâ remains focused on delivering on his mandate of âCreating Wealth for Allâ as he seeks another term in office when the GFA Election comes on in October 2023.
Chelsea’s centre-back Thiago Silva has revealed that he has had conversations with Paulo Dybala about a potential move to the Blues this summer.
Dybala, who has been heavily linked with a transfer to Stamford Bridge, is reportedly a target for Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino as he looks to strengthen his team’s attacking options.
According to reports from Football London, Chelsea has already reinforced their forward line with the signings of Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson.
However, the addition of Dybala could further enhance their squad.
The Argentine forward had an impressive season with Roma, contributing to 19 goals in his debut campaign under the guidance of coach Jose Mourinho.
Silva’s discussions with Dybala suggest that Chelsea is actively pursuing the player and exploring the possibility of bringing him to the club to bolster their attacking firepower.
Silva wants Dybala at Chelsea
Silva has further fueled speculation that Dybala is a wanted man at Stamford Bridge after revealing he has spoken with the Argentine over a possible move.
Metro UKÂ reports that Dybala is currently in England on holiday and has been taking in some huge sporting events.
The Argentina international has since linked up with Silva, with the Brazilian defender expressing his desire to play with the forward at Chelsea.
“I saw Paulo Dybala here, they [the media] talk about him coming to Chelsea,” Silva told Sky Sport Italia, via Metro UK.
“Iâve talked with him and asked him if he is coming. He is a world-class player,” he added.
Mourinho on Dybala joining Chelsea
Earlier, Sports Brief reported that AS Roma boss, Jose Mourinho has broken his silence on reports that Chelsea are looking to sign Paulo Dybala this summer.
Dybala has spent just one season with Roma, having joined them in the summer of 2022 from Serie A rivals Juventus.
Reports claim the Blues are leading the race to sign the Argentine forward in the coming weeks.
Speaking at the GFA’s Congress in Kumasi, Okraku expressed the association’s commitment to easing the financial burden on clubs by facilitating the payment of referee fees.
Okraku revealed that a sum of GHS300,000 will be invested in supporting the payment of referees in regional matches.
This initiative aims to alleviate the financial strain on clubs and ensure fair compensation for the referees’ services.
By taking this step, the GFA demonstrates its dedication to enhancing the integrity and smooth operation of regional matches by providing the necessary financial support to referees.
“We will invest GHS300,000 to help in the payment of referee fees in regions. Clubs don’t have to take the burden alone,” Okraku stated.
The Congress, held at the Great Hall of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), saw Okraku address various issues and make promises that were well received by stakeholders in attendance.
However, Okraku also emphasised the importance of protecting Ghanaian football and highlighted the efforts made by him and the Executive Council to restore its reputation and revitalize the national football brand.
“I’m not interested in destroying the brand, Ghana football. If indeed you love Ghana football, you should be interested in building the brand and not being destroyed.
“When we took over, this brand was badly damaged,” Okraku asserted.
He further underlined his commitment to strengthening the sport’s foundation and ensuring its long-term growth and success.
The Congress provided an opportunity for stakeholders to unite in their efforts to support and develop Ghana football, with Okraku’s announcement regarding referee payments reflecting the association’s dedication to fair play and the sustainable development of the sport.
Barcelona has commenced the demolitionof sections of Camp Nou as part of their ongoing renovations of the iconic stadium.
The process took a significant step forward on Monday as machinery began dismantling a stand.
The club initiated the extensive upgrade project at the conclusion of the previous season. Barcelona will temporarily play their home matches for the upcoming season at the Olympic Stadium in Montjuic.
The team is expected to return to Camp Nou in late 2024, when the stadium will reopen with a retractable roof and solar panels, accommodating 70 percent capacity.
As preparations for the new season commence, Barcelona’s senior squad underwent medical examinations at the club’s training center on Monday. These initial steps mark the start of their training and readiness for theupcoming campaign.
Ange Postecoglou has his say on Harry Kane’s situation at Tottenham Hotspur amid growing interest from Bayern Munich.
 The newly-appointed Tottenham manager claimed that he hasn’t been given any assurances about Harry Kane’s situation since joining the club, although he would love to work alongside the England captain.
 Speaking to reporters, Postecoglou said, “I havenât had any assurances and I wouldnât expect any. Harry is already part of the history of this club and I want him involved here.
My conversation with him will be about how we can make this club successful and that is what he wants as well.
“I’m trying to concentrate on the things that I know right now, and what I know right now is that Harry’s part of this squad.
“He’s looking forward to coming back to training, getting among the players back in here and we start working together.”
Postecoglu also offered some insight into what he plans to tell Kane when he returns to pre-season training later this week.
“Harry is already part of the history of this club and I want him involved here. My conversation with him will be about how we can make this club successful and that is what he wants as well,” he said.
“I doubt it will be defining in the manner people think. I want to introduce myself to Harry, give him my vision, get an understanding from him over what his vision is and try be successful.”
After an initial bid of £60m ($77m) plus add-ons to sign Kane was rejected by Tottenham last month, the German giants came up with a renewed offer of £70m ($90m) plus add-ons on Sunday.
The Brazilian’s future has been a topic of intense speculation during the summer transfer window, with several clubs such as Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Arsenal being mentioned as potential destinations for the 31-year-old.
While reports from FourFourTwo have suggested that Neymar is discontented at PSG, recent developments suggest that he will continue his tenure at Parc des Princes in the foreseeable future.
This news is likely to bring some clarity and relief to PSG and their fans, as they can now count on Neymar’s presence as they aim for success in the upcoming season.
Neymar posted on the social media site Threads, “Party season 23/24”, with a French flag emoji and a picture of a private plane in the background.
Luis Enrique who was appointed as the new manager of PSG was quizzed in his press conference about the Brazilian forward. Enrique, as quoted by The Guardian said:
“I havenât spoken with Neymar yet. If he should be part of my project? This kind of information I would like to give it to you, but it is part of an internal information.”
Neymar scored 13 goals and assisted 11 in his 20 league appearances for PSG last season.
Neymar, who reportedly turned down a move to Chelsea in 2010 when he was at Brazilian side Santos, still has two years left on his contract at PSG.
The French side still wants to win the Champions League for the first time and after seeing Lionel Messi leave the club this summer for Inter Miami, and Mbappe stalling on signing a new deal, losing Neymar would be a huge blow to take for their silverware ambitions.
Neymarâs transfer key to Felix
Sports Brief has previously reported the immediate future of Atletico Madridâs Joao Felix was hugely dependent on the transferdecision of Neymar Jr.
With the Brazilian now set to stay at the French capital, Felix would look to explore his other options which would include staying at the La Liga club.
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