Rwanda’s president, Paul Kagame mentioned in a televised “Ask the President” session with the Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA), the need for immediate action to tackle various challenges affecting Rwandan football, including the issue of witchcraft.
President Kagame expressed his concerns about unethical practices, specifically mentioning the involvement of certain individuals, particularly coaches, in activities related to witchcraft within the sport.
He called for measures to address these issues and ensure the promotion of ethical conduct in Rwandan football.
“Instead of adequate training, you find them engaging in witchcraft or bribery, which is the first thing that needs to be addressed,” he said.
Despite substantial investment in the sports sector, the country’s teams have struggled to achieve success.
Rwanda’s national football team have only qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations once, in 2004, and are currently bottom of their qualifying group having yet to win a match.
Mr Kagame is a well-known football fan, and follows English club Arsenal. Rwanda’s Tourism Authority has had a controversial £30m ($42m) sponsorship deal with the club since 2018.
Following a complete recovery from a recent heart scare, Luton Town’s captain, Tom Lockyer, has reached an agreement on a new contract with the club.
The details of the contract remain undisclosed.
The 28-year-old Welsh defender underwent surgery to address an atrial fibrillation after collapsing during Luton’s victorious Sky Bet Championship play-off final against Coventry.
Lockyer played a vital role in Luton’s promotion to the Premier League, earning recognition with a spot in the Championship’s Team of the Season.
Lockyer was key to Luton’s promotion to the Premier League, earning a place in the Championship’s Team of the Season, and Luton boss Rob Edwards described his new deal as “a huge signing”.
Edwards told the club’s official website: “Of course, after Wembley his health was the main thing, and that’s where all our thoughts went to straight away after the final whistle.
“It was brilliant that we were able to see him sitting up and celebrating in the hospital, just a shame he couldn’t be there with us.
“But within a week or two he was back up and about feeling really positive, had every check that was possible so our medical side were really happy with everything.
“It was a really scary moment, we all know that, but the main thing is he is OK and ready to crack on with us into the Premier League and we’re all so happy about that.”
Lockyer, who joined Luton from Charlton in September 2020, made his 100th Hatters appearance in the first leg of their play-off semi-final at Sunderland in May.
He scored five goals in all competitions last season and his header in the second leg of Luton’s play-off against Sunderland sealed their place in the Wembley final.
Lockyer said: “I’m so happy. I’d really like to build something special here at Luton Town.
“I’ve got an incredible relationship with the fans, the manager, all the boys. I love the club and I love being here.”
Mauricio Pochettino took charge of his inaugural training session as the new Chelsea manager, having been appointed in May on a three-year contract on July 4.
With the squad lacking confidence after finishing 12th in the Premier League last season, Pochettino faces the immediate challenge of revitalizing their spirits.
In his first interview, he struck a chord by expressing his determination to restore Chelsea to its rightful place.
During the interview, the former Tottenham Hotspur boss issued a rallying cry to his players, urging them to step up and embrace leadership roles on the pitch if they aspire to achieve significant accomplishments.
“We need leaders, not followers, in every single area and we will push every person to bring their best and give their best for the club,” Pochettino stated, via Chelsea’s official website.
With numerous exits already witnessed and more players expected to follow in the summer, Pochettino will be required to come up with a new captaincy pool.
Current skipper, Cesar Azpilicueta, is on his way to Atletico Madrid on a free transfer after serving the Blues religiously for the last 11 years. His vice-captain, Jorginho, swapped West London for North London in January.
Other wearers of the band last season, likeN’Golo Kante, Matteo Kovacic, and Mason Mount, have also left the club. The Evening Standard reports that Pochettino will make up a decision on his new captain at the end of the preseason.
Who will captain Chelsea next?
Thiago Silva is the strong favourite to take over captaincy duties on a full-time basis. The veteran Brazilian centre-back is still going strong as he gets into the final year of his Chelsea contract.
Other candidates include academy graduate Reece James, goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga – who has worn the armband before – and Raheem Sterling, who was one of the captains at his former club, Manchester City.
Chelsea are set to tour the United States for their preseason matches, with the new skipper to be announced sometime then.
Pochettino makes stylish Cobham arrival
Sports Brief also reported on Pochettino arriving at Cobham in style to officially begin work, having been held back by an exit clause in his Paris Saint-Germain contract when he was sacked.
He arrived in a Mercedes-Benz V-Class SUV along with his assistant, Jesus Perez, and his son, Sebastiano, who works as a fitness coach. The fans applauded his style on social media.
After spending only one season with Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich, there are indications that forward Sadio Mane might be departing from the Allianz Arena.
Despite the team’s overall success, Mane’s debut campaign in Germany did not go as smoothly as expected.
In 38 appearances, the Senegalese forward managed to score only 12 goals, which fell short of the desired impact.
Furthermore, in April, Mane faced suspension following a confrontation with his teammate Leroy Sane.
Rumors have surfaced suggesting that Bayern Munich could be open to considering offers for the 31-year-old, despite having spent £25 million to acquire him from Liverpool just a year ago.
Mane to join Saudi league?
According to reports from transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, initial talks and approaches with the Saudi teams have taken place, but they are only at an early stage.
Mane would become the latest in a long list of names to join the Saudi Pro League this summer if he was to move on from Bayern.
The likes of Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, and Ruben Neves have all already moved to the division, with several more names expected to follow suit in what are turning out to be mega-money moves.
Al-Ahli are said to be one club interested in signing the Senegalese forward, wanting to reunite him with former Liverpool team-mate, Roberto Firmino, who joined earlier this week.
Mane was voted Bundesliga flop of the season by the players themselves last term in a poll carried out by Sky Germany, as quoted by Givemesport.
He received 47.1 percent of the vote, with second-place Joshua Kimmich picking up 7.1 percent from his colleagues.
If he doesn’t leave, he could yet be given a chance to redeem himself at Bayern under Thomas Tuchel, who led the side to Bundesliga success for the 11th year in a row.
With the potential arrival of Harry Kane, a sale of Mané would not only free up more money for Bayern to use but it will also free up space for attacking options.
Mane excited after winning Bundesliga
Sports Brief previously reported Mane shared his excitement after Bayern Munich won the Bundesliga on the final day of the season.
On a dramatic day in the German league, Bayern needed a win against Koln with the hope that Borussia Dortmund would slip at home to Mainz.
Having taken the lead through Kingsley Coman, the Bavarians were pegged back with nine minutes remaining after Dejan Ljubicic levelled for the hosts from the spot.
With Dortmund losing 2-1 in the other game, the Black and Yellows were set to be crowned champions. However, their dreams were dashed after Jamal Musiala netted a late winner for Bayern Munich.
A number of new regulations are expected to be implemented with just over a month until the start of the 2023–24Premier League season.
The highly anticipated campaign is scheduled to kick off in August, and the fixture schedule has already been published, showcasing a lineup of exciting matches for the opening weekend.
According to Sky Sports, the reigning champions, Manchester City, will begin their title defense with an intriguing clash against Burnley on August 11, marking a reunion with former player Vincent Kompany.
The report further states that the season will reach its conclusion on the weekend of May 19 next year, featuring matches such as Manchester City versus West Ham United and Arsenal versus Everton.
However, these captivating encounters will take place under a fresh set of rules that will be implemented at the commencement of the season.
EPL rules for next season
Sportbible reports that next season will look a little different for fans and players, with four new rules taking effect from August onwards. The new guidelines have been set by the International Football Association Board, the body mandated to make rules.
Key among the new rules is a ‘greater allowance’ for time lost due to goal celebrations. As such, there is a possibility of more time being added on at the end of each half if teams take longer to celebrate after scoring.
Secondly, as is now the case, goalkeepers will no longer be able to cause any form of distraction to penalty takers when spot kicks are awarded, perhaps due to Emiliano Martinez’s antics.
Thirdly, reserve assistant referees on the sidelines will now equally have increased participation, receiving equal support and assistance as the primary on-field officials, commonly known as the ‘man in the middle’.
The fourth new guideline is that players can now avoid being yellow-carded for ‘unsporting behaviour’ if they are making a deliberate attempt to play the ball.
Lastly, there is the change to the controversial offside law. Under the new guidelines, a player who is ‘clearly offside’ should not become onside every time an opponent moves and touches the ball.
FIFA to test handball rules
Earlier, Sports Brief reported on Arsene Wenger’s calls for a change to the offside rules being seemingly set to bear fruit with the world governing body for football, FIFA set to trial new proposals.
The legendary former Arsenal manager has been vocal in his calls for the current rules to be changed, having served as FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development since he left the team in 2018.
Under the current dispensation, a player is often deemed offside when any part of their body that can play the ball is ahead of the last defender, often leading to Video Assistant Referee checks.
Former Bayern Munich and Manchester United star Bastian Schweinsteiger has made a surprising statement, attributing the failure of the German national team to Pep Guardiola.
Schweinsteiger, during an interview with talkSPORT, expressed his belief that Guardiola’s influence is to blame for Germany’s recent shortcomings on the international stage.
In the previous World Cup, Germany, under the guidance of Hansi Flick, failed to progress past the group stage for the second consecutive tournament.
Since then, they have struggled to secure victories in their last four international matches, including a disheartening 2-0 loss to Colombia on home soil a mere two weeks ago.
Schweinsteiger has connected these disappointing performances to Guardiola’s impact.
Schweinsteiger, 38, said: “It’s a situation that’s very tricky for the German national team and football in general.
“There has been a lot of change.
“When Pep Guardiola joined Bayern Munich [as manager in 2013-14] — when he came to the country — everyone believed we have to play his kind of football, passes and everything. We were kind of losing our values.
“Most of the other countries were looking at Germany as a fighter, we can run until the end and everything.
“Those strengths got lost through the last seven, eight years.
Germany’s youngsters finished bottom of their group in the recent European Under-21 Championship in Georgia and Romania, failing to win any of their three games.
Guardiola will be pleased to hear it is not all his fault though.
Schweinsteiger added: “I’m just trying to explain in one or two sentences but obviously I could take longer.”
The General Secretary of the Convention People’s Party (CPP), Nana Yaa Akyempim Jantuah, has expressed concerns about the lack of recognition for the legacy and contributions of Ghana’s first president, Dr. Osagyefo Kwame Nkrumah.
Speaking to the media on Wednesday, July 5, she stated that it is disappointing that Dr. Nkrumah has still not received a national funeral, unlike other former presidents of Ghana.
“It’s been 50 and more years since the late president died and no one is talking about it. After his corpse was flown to Ghana and a small ceremony was made for him, it ended there.
“Ghana has not held a national funeral for the first president who gained independence for the country,” she added.
To revive and honour Dr Osagyefo Kwame Nkrumah’s legacy, she suggested that successive governments should pay tribute to him by prominently featuring his name and image exclusively on the country’s currencies.
This proposal aims to ensure that his significant contributions to Ghana’s history and independence are remembered and celebrated.
“If you want to resurrect him, put his face on our currencies and make July 1 a Republic Day because his toil has brought us this far.”
She further expressed her discontent, stating that it is unfounded for the government to allocate funds for renovating Dr. Osagyefo’s residence when his efforts have not been regarded.
The CPP General Secretary’s remarks come after President Akufo-Addo commissioned the newly renovatedKwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, making it accessible to the public from today, July 4, 2023.
The park, which is located on the coast of Accra, was built by the late Jerry John Rawlings in 1990 in honour of Dr Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first President. It was subsequently opened to the public in 1992.
Since its construction, the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park had not seen any revamp.
On July 19, 2022, the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Awal, cut sod for the commencement of the rehabilitation and redevelopment of the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and Mausoleum.
This was after the government in 2018 secured a US$40 million loan facility from the World Bank through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture to strengthen the tourism environment.
Now in its upgraded state, the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park houses a presidential library, an audio-visual fountain which incorporates captivating visuals and synchronised music, an upgraded road and drainage network among others.
Historical records indicate thatOsagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first president, passed away in 1972 due to prostate cancer. His death occurred in Romania, where he had been living in exile.
Following his death on April 27, 1972, the body of Kwame Nkrumah was transported to Guinea, where he had been appointed as a co-president prior to his passing.
His corpse was later flown back to Ghana in a special Guinean Air Force plane.
Ever since his death, his corpse has been embalmed and preserved at the mausoleum, designed by Don Arthur.
The mausoleum also houses his wife Fathia Nkrumah.
Reports from local officials and state media suggests that , heavy rainfall in Chongqing and other parts of southwestern China has resulted in the deaths of fifteen people, with four individuals still missing.
China has been experiencing extreme weather conditions, including heavy rains and intense heatwaves, as global temperatures continue to rise.
The residents of Beijing and various other regions have been advised to stay indoors due to temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit).
The recent torrential rains in Chongqing represent one of the most severe natural disasters in China this year, claiming multiple lives.
“The heavy rains, mainly seen in the areas along the Yangtze River, have triggered floods and geological disasters, disrupting the lives of more than 130,000 people in 19 districts and counties,” state-run news agency Xinhua said.
Images from state broadcaster CCTV posted on social media on Tuesday showed torrents of muddy water in Chongqing’s heavily affected Wanzhou District overflowing embankments and pieces of debris being swept away.
And the Communist Party-backed People’s Daily posted photos of ongoing rescue efforts Wednesday, showing emergency responders helping residents evacuate flooded residential buildings.
On the outskirts of Chongqing, workers on Tuesday discovered that a closed-off railway bridge had collapsed after it was “damaged by the impact of mountain torrents”, CCTV said.
The government dispatched a working group to Chongqing early on Wednesday morning to oversee disaster relief efforts.
More is still to come, with officials warning that China is set to face “multiple natural disasters in July, including floods, severe convection weather, typhoons and high temperatures”.
In response, President Xi Jinping has ordered that “authorities at all levels must give top priority to ensuring people’s safety and property”, Xinhua said Wednesday.
China’s finance ministry has issued 320 million yuan ($44.2 million) in disaster relief to affected regions, which it said would be used by local governments to boost emergency search and rescue efforts.
– Widespread damage – In neighbouring Sichuan province, authorities said more than 460,000 had been affected by the heavy rain this month, Xinhua reported.
About 85,000 people have been evacuated from their homes as a result of the rain, officials said, with “flash floods in mountainous areas” and “possible mudslides in some parts” of China expected this week.
Scientists say that rising global temperatures — caused largely by burning fossil fuels — increase the likelihood of extreme weather events such as the flash floods and heatwaves experienced in many Asian countries in recent weeks.
China recorded an average of four days in which temperatures exceeded 35 degrees every month in the first half of this year, the highest since national records began in 1961, according to aNational Meteorological Center statement on Sunday.
In June, Beijing sweltered through a total of 14 days of temperatures exceeding 35 degrees, matching the record set in July 2000, according to the state-run Beijing Evening News.
During a conversation withFrench President Emmanuel Macron, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky raised concerns about Russia’s alleged plans for “dangerous provocations” at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which is currently under Moscow’s control.
This exchange of statements followed mutual accusations between Kyiv and Moscow regarding preparations for an incident at the plant, which happens to be the largest in Europe.
The ongoing conflict has raised fears about the potential safety risks faced by the nuclear facility as a result of Russia’s invasion.
“I warned Emmanuel Macron that the occupation troops are preparing dangerous provocations at the Zaporizhzhia plant,” Zelensky said in a statement after a phone call with his French counterpart.
“We agreed to keep the situation under maximum control together with the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency),” he added.
In his evening address, Zelensky said Russia had “installed objects similar to explosives” on the plant, according to Ukrainian intelligence.
“Perhaps to simulate the hit on the plant. Maybe they have some other scenario. But in any case, the world sees it,” the Ukrainian leader said.
“Radiation is a threat to everyone in the world.”
The claim about the explosives was earlier made by the Ukrainian army, which warned of the “possible preparation of a provocation on the territory of the Zaporizhzhia power plant in the near future”.
It claimed that “external objects similar to explosive devices were placed on the outer roof of the third and fourth reactors” at the site.
“Their detonation should not damage power units, but may create a picture of shelling from the Ukrainian side,” it said, alleging that Moscow would “misinform on this”.
In Moscow, an advisor to Russia’s Rosatom nuclear agency, Renat Karchaa, accused Kyiv of planning an attack on the plant.
“Today, we got information that I am authorised to announce… On July 5, literally at night, in the dark, the Ukrainian army will try to attack the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant,” Karchaa told Russian state television.
He claimed that Ukraine planned to use “high-precision, long-range weapons” as well as drones.
Russia and Ukraine have regularly accused each other of putting the plant’s safety at risk since the outbreak of the war in February 2022.
Luis Enrique has been officially announced as the new head coach of Paris Saint-Germain, signing a two-year contract following thedeparture of Christophe Galtier.
The 53-year-old previously stepped down as the manager of the Spanish national team after their elimination in the World Cup last-16 match against Morocco in December.
This appointment marks his return to club management since leaving Barcelona in 2017.
During his tenure at Barcelona, which spanned three seasons, Luis Enrique achieved significant success, including winning the Champions League once, LaLiga twice, and the Copa del Rey three times.
Speaking upon his unveiling, he expressed his delight at joining Paris Saint-Germain and his anticipation for the new experience ahead.
“It’s so exciting to meet new people, to live in this city, to learn a new language and, above all, to manage PSG.
“I want to thank the club for the confidence they have shown in me. It took us very little time to talk about what we could do here with the project.”
He takes over during an uncertain period for PSG, despite the club finishing top of Ligue 1 for the ninth time in 11 seasons in May.
Lionel Messi has left the French champions for Inter Miami, while the futures of Kylian Mbappe and Neymar are uncertain.
Mbappe has informed the club that he intends to leave when his contract finishes next summer but Luis Enrique is philosophical about the situation.
He said: “A lot of things can happen. I will keep it private as it’s professional secrecy.
“I cannot give confidences but we will try to make the best possible squad for PSG.”
“We have one of the best coaches in the world. Not just because of what he has done but because of the way he plays football. We want this club to play the best attacking style of football in the world.”
Shortly after Manchester United officially announced the transfer of midfielder Mason Mount, former Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand made a bold statement.
Ferdinand expressed his belief that Mount will thrive at Old Trafford, while also suggesting that Chelsea will come to regret their decision to sell the talented midfielder.
On Wednesday, July 5, Manchester United introduced Mount as their newest signing, completing a deal reportedly valued at £60 million.
The transfer saga surrounding Mount finally concluded, with Manchester United successfully securing the services of the English international, who had only one year left on his contract with Chelsea.
In his first sentiments as a Red, Mount revealed his delight at joining the club, adding that United would provide “an exciting new challenge”.
“Having competed against them, I know just how strong a squad it is that I’m joining, and I can’t wait to be part of this group’s drive to win major trophies. The 24-year old said as quoted on the Man United website.
After confirmation of the first summer signing, Rio Ferdinand took to his social media to react to United acquiring a new Number 7 following the exit of Cristiano Ronaldo.
“Really pleased with Mount coming in. Young, talented & hungry. He has the experience of big games with pressure which comes when playing for Utd,” Ferdinand started before taunting Chelsea fans with a ‘regret’ claim.
“As a player, he will bring us goals, creativity, a work ethic & a willing runner into the opposition box.
“He definitely adds to what we have in the squad and is different from the others in midfield. I actually think in timeChelsea will regret selling Mount. Now for a No.9.”
As reported on BBC, Mount met up with Erik Ten Hag and was impressed with the gaffer’s plans for the club.
He was offered the Number 7 shirt during discussions as a show of how much they wanted him to become the club’s first summer signing. The shirt number was previously worn by Ronaldo and before that, David Beckham.
Chelsea departures
The England international is the latest Chelsea player to leave Stamford Bridge, as he follows a string of superstars to the exit door.
Ruben Loftus Cheek (AC Milan), Kai Havertz (Arsenal), Kovacic (Man City), N’golo Kante (Al-Ittihad), Koulibaly and Edouard Mendy (Al Hilal) are some of the big names that have left Chelsea ahead of Mauricio Pochettino’s reign at the club.
Mount’s cute video copying CR7
There were also reports ofMason Mount’s video as a child where he was mimicking Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ronaldo is arguably football’s biggest influencer with his lifestyle, fashion and goal celebration, a global phenomenon copied by colleagues and football lovers worldwide.
Mount is not left out of being a Ronaldo fanboy and spoke about how he modelled his freekick technique after the Portuguese, from his days at Cobham Academy.
In a groundbreaking move, Forest Green Rovers, a team in EFL League 2, have appointed Hannah Dingley as caretaker manager, making her the first woman coach for a professional men’s team.
The decision comes after Forest Green’s relegation from League 1 and the subsequent dismissal of manager Duncan Ferguson, who held the position for just six months.
Chairman Dale Vince, known for his environmental activism and for turning Forest Green into a vegan club, has made this historic decision to appoint Dingley to lead the men’s team in the upcoming 2023-24 season.
“Hannah was the natural choice for us to be first team interim Head Coach — she’s done a fantastic job leading our Academy and is well aligned with the values of the club,” Vince said.
“It’s perhaps telling for the men’s game that in making this appointment on merit, we’ll break new ground — and Hannah will be the first female Head Coach in English [men’s] football.”
Dingley joined Forest Green four years ago and has been operating as the only female Academy boss in the English game.
But she has now been handed the chance to take charge of the senior team while the search for a permanent appointment goes on — Dingley could yet be handed the job on a full-time basis.
“I’m really excited for this next step of my career,” Dingley said. “Pre-season has just begun and the full season kicks off very soon. It’s an exciting time in football. I am grateful for the opportunity to step up and lead such a progressive and forward-thinking club.”
FormerChelsea striker Didier Drogba has said that football players in Africa should be wary of fake agents peddling promises of fame and fortune.
Through his foundation, Drogba has teamed up with global football players union FIFPRO and the International Labour Organisation to raise awareness about the risks.
“Please, I need you to hear this,” former Ivory Coast international said in an animated campaign video to players. “Be very careful who you trust. Never trust the person who wants your money.”
FIFPRO recently surveyed 263 players from seven African countries and found that more than 70% were contacted unsolicited by someone who promised to help them switch clubs.
Most often, players approached were offered the chance of a trial (43%) or a contract with a club (39%) — and 56% did not get a trial promised to them, while 44% did not sign a contract they expected to sign.
“FIFPRO has heard many stories about players being approached by people pretending to be agents that promise to arrange a trial or a contract with a new club,” FIFPRO said in a statement.
“The reality is less glamorous… In some of the worst cases players find themselves stranded abroad without money to return home.”
Drogba said that young players in particular are at risk in their eagerness to secure an agent.
“Your best agent is not the guy you may trust, the best agent you can have is your performances,” Drogba told reporters in a video call this week. “This never lies. So the more you perform, the more clubs are coming to watch you play.
“What I see is a lot of kids looking for an agent to find me a club. That’s not how it works. It’s the performance that gets the attention of the clubs and good agents.”
As part of FIFA’s new regulations, as of Oct. 1 2023, every football agent must have a FIFA licence, which requires passing an exam.
The campaign includes a pamphlet for players with practical advice such as how to identify a fake agent, what to look for in a contract, and a player’s rights as a foreign employee.
“Some of our friends paid their entire family savings, everything they had, but they never played abroad,” Drogba said in his animated video. “Instead, they were left stranded at an airport, or in a shabby space, under a stadium with 20 others, or living under a bridge or even thrown in jail in Asia.
“And I’m not talking about one player. But thousands just like you, with the same hopes and dreams who have been cheated and left with nothing… I don’t want you to be the next.”
The 45-year-old is one of the most successful African players in Premier League history. He scored 164 goals for Chelsea, winning four league titles and the Champions League and was twice awarded the Premier League Golden Boot.
French champions, Paris Saint-Germain, have announced the appointment of former Barcelona andSpain coach Luis Enrique as their new coach.
The 53-year-old has signed a two-year deal with the club. Luis Enrique had been without a team since his dismissal as the coach of the Spanish national team in December of last year.
He takes over from Christophe Galtier, whose departure from PSG was confirmed earlier on the same day.
Luis Enrique was officially presented by PSG at a press conference held at their state-of-the-art training facility in Poissy, located in the north-west of Paris.
The club’s president, Nasser al-Khelaifi, was also present during the unveiling.
“I’m delighted to be joining Paris in order to enjoy a new experience,” Luis Enrique said in a club statement.
“It’s so exciting to meet new people, to live in this city, to learn a new language and, above all, to manage PSG.”
The new coach, whose full name is Luis Enrique Martinez Garcia, is the eighth man to lead the club since the transformative Qatari takeover of 2011 and, like those before him, will be charged with bringing them the success in the Champions League that has so far proved elusive.
PSG have never won Europe’s most prestigious club competition, coming closest when they lost in the final to Bayern Munich in 2020.
They have gone out in the last 16 in five of the last seven seasons, losing to Bayern at that stage in the campaign just finished. That defeat proved costly for Galtier.
Luis Enrique arrives with pedigree in the Champions League, having won it as coach of Barcelona in 2015 when a brilliant team led by an attack of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez beat Juventus in the final.
He now joins a club beginning their latest rebuild following the departure of Messi at the end of his two-year stay.
Mbappe future in doubt
There are doubts surrounding the future ofsuperstar forward Kylian Mbappe after he told the club he would not renew a contract that expires next year.
Several high-profile new signings are expected to be confirmed as the club prepares to start pre-season training in the coming days, with a tour to Japan scheduled for later this month.
Luis Enrique brought to an end a three-year stay at Barca in 2017 and then became Spain coach in 2018.
However, he quit in June 2019 and announced the death of his nine-year-old daughter from bone cancer two months later.
He returned to the Spain post in November of that year, retaking the reins from Robert Moreno, and took La Roja to the Euro 2020 semi-finals and the 2021 UEFA Nations League final before being fired after their elimination from last year’s World Cup in the last 16 in a penalty shoot-out against Morocco.
Galtier had only been in charge for one season and still had a year to run on his contract, but his departure had been expected ever since the end of the last Ligue 1 season a month ago.
“Paris Saint-Germain and Christophe Galtier have decided to terminate his contract as coach of the first team,” the club said in a statement.
“Everyone atParis Saint-Germain thanks Christophe Galtier, as well as his assistants Thierry Oleksiak and Joao Sacramento, for their professionalism and commitment over the course of the season, and wishes them the best in their future careers.”
Galtier led PSG to a French record 11th title but that success was also overshadowed by their disappointing exit from the Champions League and a French Cup last-16 loss to Marseille.
The final weeks of Galtier’s reign were also marred by accusations that he made racist remarks about players during his previous job at Nice.
He has vehemently denied the accusations but will stand trial in December on charges of “moral harassment and discrimination on the grounds of actual or supposed membership or non-membership of a particular ethnic group, nation, alleged race or religion”, according to prosecutors in Nice.
The offences are punishable by three years’ imprisonment and a 45,000-euro ($49,000) fine.
Mount, 24, completed a move to United today, signing a five-year contract with the possibility of extending it for an additional 12 months.
This marked the end of Mount’s 18-year tenure with Chelsea, a decision that was undoubtedly difficult for him.
James, who shared a journey with Mount from their youth days at Chelsea to representing their country together, openly conveyed his anguish at seeing his childhood teammate leave their beloved club.
Writing on Instagram, he said: “Ma brother man. Where do I start?
“I’ve known you since six, we grew together and took similar paths in breaking into the first team.
“Something that seemed virtually impossible. I’m proud to say I done it alongside you.
“I’ve seen you as a little boy and watched you grow into the man and player you are today — you’ve done yourself and your family proud.
“We’ve had some of the best days of our career together that’ll stick with me forever.
“It’s sad to say goodbye. I wish you nothing but happiness, good health and the best of luck on your new adventure!
“You’ll always be blue at heart!”
Within minutes of James posting his heartfelt farewell, Mount thanked his former team-mate.
He replied: “My brother from day one, so many memories shared together. Thank you RJ.”
After completing his switch to Old Trafford, Mount said: “It’s never easy leaving the club where you grew up but United will provide an exciting new challenge for the next phase of my career.
“Having competed against them, I know how strong a squad it is that I’m joining and I can’t wait to be part of this group’s drive to win major trophies.
The fitness community is still coming to terms with the passing of beloved influencer, Jo Lindner.
Better known as “Joesthetics”, Lindner’s death was confirmed by his girlfriend, Nicha via Instagram on Saturday, July 1.
In her post, Nicha divulged that Lindner had complained of neck pain, days before passing away.
“He was in my arms.. than this is just happening too fast.. 3 days ago he kept said that he pain his neck .. we not really realize it… until it too late,” she wrote.
Moments after Nicha’s post, thousands of tributes poured in towards the late Lindner, who had over 9 million followers on Instagram.
What killed Lindner?
Lindner had been very open about using performance-enhancing ‘medicine’ throughout his fitness journey to achieve his dream physique.
Perhaps his openness about his use of steroids and his vulnerability when discussing a subject that is still frowned upon in 2023 has made him highly likeable in the fitness community.
In his last post, Lindner mentioned that he had lost a considerable muscle mass ‘after going off everything in the past year’.
Because of this, and his inability to recover his initial levels, the bodybuilder reverted to ‘testosterone replacement therapy’, better known as TRT.
“Trust me I tried to stop but be aware it might have long term effects for your life. TRT is a big commitment keep that in mind,” he said in the post.
TRT is typically used to restore the body’s normal level of testosterone, a hormone that is crucial in muscle growth.
The risks involved
Modern research has found that using TRT is not the safest and could put one at risk of potential long-term ailments.
According to Mayo Clinic, one risks suffering from stroke, heart attacks, or death from heart disease from continued drug use.
Other research has also suggested that the use of TRT can increase the growth of prostate cancer cells.
What is an aneurysm?
An aneurysm occurs when part of an artery wall weakens, making the weakened part balloon or widen out.
They most commonly occur in the aorta, brain, back of the knee, gut, or spleen. Part of the devastating effects of an aneurysm is internal bleeding, which can sometimes prove to be lethal.
There are several risk factors for an aneurysm, including a past injury, and sometimes it can be hereditary, according to the American Heart Association.
Formula One officials have unveiled the most extensive calendar in the history of the sport, featuring a record-breaking 24 races slated for the upcoming season.
The season will commence on March 2 with the Bahrain Grand Prix held on a Saturday, and it will conclude over 10 months later on December 8 with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Notably, the British Grand Prix is scheduled for July 7 at Silverstone, avoiding any overlap with the men’s Wimbledon final and the last day of the Open Championship golf tournament at Royal Troon.
24 races in 2024 with big steps forward in regionalisation 🌏
The Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai is also pencilled in for its first F1 race since 2019.
F1 races traditionally take place on a Sunday, but next year’s schedule kicks off with back-to-back Saturday night races, first in Bahrain and then in Saudi Arabia, to accommodate Ramadan.
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said: “There is huge interest and continued demand for Formula One, and I believe this calendar strikes the right balance between traditional races and new and existing venues.
“Our journey to a more sustainable calendar will continue in the coming years as we further streamline operations as part of our Net Zero 2030 commitment.
“We have plenty of racing to look forward to in 2023, including the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix, and our fans can look forward to more excitement next season.”
2024 Formula One Calendar
March 2 – Bahrain Grand Prix (Sakhir) March 9 – Saudi Arabian Grand Prix (Jeddah) March 24 – Australian Grand Prix (Melbourne) April 7 – Japanese Grand Prix (Suzuka) April 21 – Chinese Grand Prix (Shanghai) May 5 – Miami Grand Prix (Miami) May 19 – Emilia Romagna Grand Prix (Imola) May 26 – Monaco Grand Prix (Monte Carlo) June 9 – Canadian Grand Prix (Montreal) June 23 – Spanish Grand Prix (Barcelona) June 30 – Austrian Grand Prix (Spielberg) July 7 – British Grand Prix (Silverstone) July 21 – Hungarian Grand Prix (Hungaroring) July 28 – Belgian Grand Prix (Spa-Francorchamps) August 25 – Dutch Grand Prix (Zandvoort) September 1 – Italian Grand Prix (Monza) September 15 – Azerbaijan Grand Prix (Baku) September 22 – Singapore Grand Prix (Marina Bay) October 20 – United States Grand Prix (Austin) October 27 – Mexico City Grand Prix (Mexico City) November 3 – Brazilian Grand Prix (Interlagos) November 23 – Las Vegas Grand Prix (Las Vegas) December 1 – Qatar Grand Prix (Lusail) December 8 – Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (Yas Marina)
On Wednesday, Barcelona made an official announcement regarding the signing of defender Iñigo Martínez on a free transfer.
The 32-year-old player had recently departed from Athletic Club. Martínez joins Barcelona on a two-year contract and will add depth and competition to the center-back position, alongside Ronald Araújo, Andreas Christensen, Jules Koundé, and Eric García.
Barcelona had previously attempted to sign Martínez last year but failed to reach an agreement with Athletic Club, resulting in the player staying with the club despite the risk of losing him as a free agent this year.
However, Barcelona continued to express their interest in acquiring Martínez, and negotiations gained momentum at the beginning of the year following Gerard Piqué’s retirement from football.
According to ESPN, in March, Barcelona and Martínez reportedly reached a verbal agreement.
The defender’s contract with Athletic Club expired last month, paving the way for his move to Barcelona.
Barcelona’s defense was a notable strength as they secured their first LaLiga title since 2019 this season, keeping 26 clean sheets in 38 league games under the leadership of manager Xavi Hernández.
However, Xavi was keen to add a left-footed centre-back to his options, with Martinez also adding experience to what is a relatively young backline.
Martinez began his career with Real Sociedad, making over 200 appearances for the club before joining their Basque rivals Athletic in a deal worth €32 million ($34.8m) in 2018.
He made 177appearances for Athletic and helped the club beat Barca to win the Spanish Super Cup in 2021, but will now embark on the next chapter of his career at the Spanish champions.
Former Black Stars coach Kwesi Appiah has been persuaded by sports journalist Daniel Kwaku Yeboah to turn down an offer from Asante Kotoko to lead the team.
Dan Kwaku Yeboah said that the Porcupines do not intend to make the necessary investments in the team to develop a formidable team for the manager and that, ultimately, the supporters will turn against him and damage the reputation he has worked so hard to establish.
“You were part of the squad that the African Cup in 1983. You’ve coached Black Stars and made a name for yourself. I’m like your younger sibling and the advice I would give you is that, don’t make a mistake by accepting the Kotoko job.
Because Kotoko have no plans of investing and buying top players. They will dent the good reputation you’ve built and insult you. Capito, as your younger brother, this is my opinion,” he said on his YouTube channel.
According to reports, former Ghanaian international and ex-Black Stars coach James Kwasi Appiah met with Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II at the Manhyia Palace on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. Although the purpose of the meeting has not been officially announced, there are speculations that Appiah could be appointed as the next coach of Asante Kotoko on a long-term contract.
Appiah has a history with Asante Kotoko, having previously served as an assistant coach from 1992 to 1995 before taking on the role of head coach from 1995 to 1996. He also had a stint as Ghana’s assistant coach from 2007 to 2012, working under Claude le Roy and Milovan Rajevac.
In recent years,Appiah has held coaching positions with Kenpong Football Academy from 2021 to 2023, as well as managing Sudanese side Al Khartoum. He also served as the head coach of the Black Stars for a third time between 2017 and 2020.
The Spanish coach took up the position in 2016, taking over from Manuel Pellegrini. Prior to his arrival in England, Guardiola had spent three successful years at Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga.
During his remarkable seven-year tenure at Manchester City, the former Barcelona manager has achieved great success, triumphing in nearly every major competition.
Numbers behind Guardiola’s stint
ESPN reports that Guardiola has been in charge of City in 413 games since his arrival and has managed to win an impressive 300 matches across all competitions.
More than 1,000 goals have been scored by the Spaniard’s charges, with an incredible 14 trophies lifted in the process.
Key among the trophies include five Premier League titles and the Champions League.
Other trophies the 52-year-old has won during his spell with the Cityzens include two FA Cups, four League Cups, and two Community Shields.
The 2022/23 campaign was Guardiola’s most successful season during his tenure at the Etihad Stadium, as he helped City become only the second Premier League team after rivals Man United to win the treble.
The Manchester club beat Arsenal to the Premier League crown before seeing off United in the FA Cup final at Wembley.
The side added the Champions League to their trophy haul after they stunned Serie A giants Inter Milan in the final in Istanbul.
Messi praises Guardiola
Earlier, Sports Brief reported Guardiola has been crowned the ‘best coach in the world’ by Lionel Messi following the former’s treble success with Manchester City.
After years of heartbreak and near misses, Guardiola – widely recognised for unlocking Messi’s extraordinary potential – finally got his hands on the coveted UEFA Champions League trophy as the manager of Man City.
Following his retirement from football due to recurring injuries, former Ghanaian Youth International Saddick Adams has expressed his eagerness to assist emerging football talents in navigating the contractual challenges he personally faced.
Saddick Adams found himself entangled in a contentious transfer deal between Atletico Madrid of Spain and Tunisia’s Etoile du Sahel.
At the age of 33, Saddick Adams is determined to offer guidance to young players, particularly in terms of decision-making and ensuring they have proper representation.
He believes that with the support of agencies and managers, aspiring footballers can make informed choices and avoid the career setbacks he encountered.
“That’s what I’m also trying to get into because I said in the beginning g that during our time it was difficult to have an agency or any manager who can make certain decisions.
“But I think this time there are a lot of agencies and managers who are helping the young ones to make decisions because if I had that kind of support and management, I would not have gone and signed two contacts which brought issues to my career,” Saddick Adams told Radio Gold Sports.
He added “So I’m also trying to go into that to try to educate the upcoming ones to also not make that mistakes.”
Dwayne Johnson, widely known as The Rock and a former WWE champion, has made a return to theFast and Furious franchise following the resolution of a rumored feud with co-star Vin Diesel.
Johnson, who gained immense popularity in the entertainment industry, successfully transitioned from his wrestling career to becoming a Hollywood star. His portrayal of the character Luke Hobbs in the Fast and Furious series contributed significantly to his acting success.
However, Johnson distanced himself from the franchise for a period of time due to a reported feud with Vin Diesel. Fortunately, the two have now resolved their differences, leading to Johnson reuniting with his former colleagues.
It’s worth noting that Johnson has agreed to a condition set by Vin Diesel, which he had previously declined four years ago.
Dwayne Johnson’s last appearance in the Fast and Furious franchise was in Fast and Furious Presents: Hobbs and Shaw, followed by a cameo in Fast X.
Although the movie was well-received by fans, it faced criticism for its lack of connection to the original Fast and Furious series, which left fans dissatisfied.
According to a report from Essentiallysports.com, the reason for this disconnection was Johnson’s disagreement with a condition set by Vin Diesel.
Diesel insisted that the Hobbs and Shaw spin-off be linked to the main Fast and Furious Universe. However, due to their ongoing feud, Johnson declined the offer.
Fortunately, the upcoming Fast and Furious spin-off aims to rectify this issue by serving as a bridge between Fast X and the highly anticipated Fast 11.
This approach will allow fans to feel more connected to the film series and may even pave the way for Dwayne Johnson’s appearance in Fast 11.
Dwayne Johnson and Vin Diesel first shared the big screen together in 2011. However, a minor conflict between them in 2016 quickly escalated into a major Hollywood drama.
As a result, Johnson distanced himself from subsequent Fast and Furious installments, fueling the feud with Diesel.
The 18-year-old, considered one of Europe’s most promising talents and likened to Lionel Messi, is set to sign with the 14-time Champions League winners.
According to The Athletic, Barcelona made significant efforts to attract the attacking midfielder, but he ultimately chose Real Madrid.
The deal is expected to be finalized this week, with Real Madrid paying slightly over Guler’s €17.5 million release clause.
Guler, who has already earned four caps for the Turkish national team, has played 51 matches for Fenerbahce, scoring four goals and providing nine assists.
Additionally, Madrid is reportedly willing to offer more than the release clause and Fenerbahce will retain a 20% sell-on clause.
The signing of Guler would be part of the club’s policy of attracting young talent, which has brought the club so much success in recent years, and which this season has had another chapter with the signing of Jude Bellingham when he was only 19 years old.
Fine season at Fenerbahce
In the 2022-23 season, he made 35 appearances, scoring six goals and registering seven assists for Fenerbahce.
One of his most recent and best performances came in the Turkish Cup final when they defeated Basaksehir 2-0.
He was decisive with an assist and he picked up the Man of the Match award.
Guler has since broken through Fernerbahce’s first-team plans, helping them lift the Turkish Cup last season.
Should Guler secure a transfer to AC Milan ahead of the 2023-24 campaign, he could prove to be a great coup for them. He would likely fill the void left by Brahim Diaz, who has re-joined Real Madrid.
Black Meteors were presented with proof of their qualification bonus cheques before consenting to participate in their final group gameat the 2023 U-23 AFCON on June 30, 2023, according to sports journalist Atta Poku.
Ghana had defeated Mozambique and Algeria to secure their place in the tournament hosted by Morocco.
Atta Poku, who was present at the team’s camp in Morocco, stated that the players insisted on receiving their outstanding bonuses and even threatened to boycott the match against Guinea.
In response to the players’ demands, the management committee displayed evidence of the bonuses being paid, which ultimately persuaded the players to agree to play the game.
“They started asking for their money on Tuesday night after conceding 5. On Wednesday evening…they had a meeting with them for 45 minutes at the hotel.
“They had similar meetings three times before playing their game against Guinea. Barnieh and Danlad were there…,” he said on Sompa FM.
“Thursday before the game, they were demanding the bonus. Friday, they were still demanding in the dressing room.
“They(the management committee) showed them a screenshot of the cheque that it has been paid in Ghana and it will reflect before they played. So if you were wondering why they couldn’t play, this is it,” he added.
Ghana went on to share spoils with Guinea. The draw confirmed their exit from the tournament, finishing third in Group A with 4 points.
Father of Chelsea full-back Reece James, Nigel James, has shared his perspective on the challenges faced by UK-born Ghanaian wingerCallum Hudson-Odoi, suggesting that “bad moments” have impeded his progress.
Odoi is widely regarded as one of the most talented players to emerge from the Chelsea Academy, a sentiment that Nigel wholeheartedly agrees with.
“Who Callum? 100 percent, 100 percent, 100 percent,” he said on The Beautiful Game Podcast when quizzed about the most talented player to emerge from the Chelsea academy.
However, Odoi has faced criticism from some Chelsea fans who have begun to doubt his potential to become a top player for the club.
Nigel explained that Odoi’s slow progress in his career can be attributed to a series of difficult injuries, which have had a significant impact on his form.
These setbacks have posed obstacles for the young forward and hampered his development.
“I’d say coming through the academy, if Callum played in the team, you basically say we’ve won the game. Yeah, we’ve won the game. He takes players inside-out, he had the confidence from young doing that and is a great kid. We can sit and many people have their opinions of why, but that’s the game for you. You just don’t know and it’s moments in this game.
“At the academy level, he had a lot of moments of being special and he is still a special player now. But he has had moments when things don’t work for him so often, but he is still a top player. You pick up a couple of injuries and you lose form and that’s what everyone is going to remember,” he said.
He established that Odoi would need a good run of games to get back to his best, adding that the former England U-21 star will remain a top player until he decides not to play football again.
“We are all human beings and there’s a confidence inside you that you may look like you are confident, but inside you, you could be not so confident.
And you just need a run of games and for the club to give you those run of games for you to go again. He is still a top player and he will always be a top player until he stops playing football.”
Callum Hudson-Odoi, who broke into theChelsea first team in 2018, enjoyed a marvellous start to his professional career until he ruptured his Achilles in April 2019. He went on to miss the remainder of the 2018/2019 season.
He spent the 2022/2023 season on loan at Bayer Leverkusen where he failed to establish himself to secure permanent transfer.
According to The Atlethic, Odoi is pushing for a permanent exit from Chelsea after returning from his loan spell.
Firmino’s departure from Anfield came after the expiration of his contract at the end of the previous season.
During his time at Liverpool, which began in 2015 following his transfer from Hoffenheim, Firmino made 362 appearances, scoring 111 goals, and providing 79 assists.
He played a pivotal role in Jurgen Klopp’s successful tenure, including winning the Champions League in 2019, securing the Premier League title the following season, and achieving the FA Cup and Carabao Cup double in 2022.
Firmino now follows in the footsteps of former Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy by joining Al Ahli, based in Jeddah.
The club earned promotion to the Saudi Pro League last season after facing relegation in the 2021-2022 season.
Upon confirming his departure from Liverpool in May, Firmino expressed his heartfelt farewell message to the fans through Instagram, cementing his status as a beloved figure amongst the supporters.
It read: “My last match in Anfield was incredible!
“And my whole time in Liverpool has been nothing but wonderful. I will never forget the roar of the Kop and the passion from all of you.
“The family and myself will forever carry this great club in our hearts.
“We are so grateful for everything we were allowed to experience with you in these 8 years — the wins, the losses, the titles, the heartbreaks — this all helped me to become the man I am today.
It is expected thatGhanaian football star Mohammed Kudus would command a significant transfer fee if he were to move during the upcoming summer transfer window, according to Dutch journalist Mike Verweij.
Verweij mentioned during the Kick Off podcast that while Kudus’s price tag would be substantial, it wouldn’t reach the same magnitude as the fee Ajax received for selling Antony to Manchester United last summer.
“Brighton are the most serious. But if Manchester United become serious about Kudus, then Erik ten Hag can do great things for his former club again just like when he bought Antony for €100m (£86.5m).
Kudus won’t go for the same price but his price would surely go up,” Mike Vermeij said.
During the 2022/23 football season, Mohammed Kudus starred for Ajax although he had issues with injuries.
He finished the season with 18 goals after making 42 appearances in all competitions.
He also provided seven assists.
This summer,Mohammed Kudus is wanted by several clubs including Manchester United and Brighton & Hove Albion.
The Brazilians were deeply disappointed by their performance in the 2022 edition of the tournament, where they were knocked out in the quarter-finals by Croatia, while their arch-rivals Argentina went on to win the trophy.
Tite, who had been in charge for six years, decided to step down after their elimination.
After months of negotiations with Ednaldo Rodrigues, the head of the Brazilian Football Federation (CBF), Ancelotti agreed to take over as the coach of Brazil.
Despite previously stating that his role at Real Madrid would be his last after nearly three decades in coaching,Ancelotti’s mindset changed when presented with the opportunity to take on one of the most prestigious and demanding positions in football.
The Brazilian hierarchy cited Ancelotti’s impressive track record of winning trophies, as well as his relaxed demeanor and ability to foster strong relationships with players, as the factors that attracted them to him as their new coach.
“We went after him not only due to his record, but also because he is a decent person,” Rodrigues told beIN Sports recently.
“Those who have worked with him say that he is open, cultured, and he appreciates Brazilian football.”
One moment his love of Brazilian football was put on hold was when he was assistant coach to Arrigo Sacchi as Italy lost to Brazil on penalties in the 1994 World Cup final.
With Brazil, Ancelotti will have some familiar faces from Real Madrid.
Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo and Eder Militao have been key players in his latest spell with Real which has resulted in six trophies.
“He is the best coach in the world,” said Vinicius, who has developed under Ancelotti and formed a close bond with the coach who supported the 22-year-old Brazilian when he was the target of racist abuse last season.
Ancelotti will be the fourth non-Brazilian to coach Brazil. The last was Argentine Filpo Nunez who was in charge for one game in 1965.
Ancelotti has won the Champions League twice with both AC Milan and Real Madrid.
He has won domestic league titles with Real and Milan, in England with Chelsea, in Germany with Bayern Munich and in France with Paris Saint-Germain.
‘It is a dream’
Ramon Menezes has been in charge of the Brazil team since Tite stood down on a caretaker basis.
The Brazilian federation had announced earlier on Wednesday that Fluminense’s Fernando Diniz would take charge of the team for the coming year.
“Fernando Diniz will lead theBrazilian team for a year, and I’m sure he will do it with great competence, as always during his professional career,” said Rodrigues in a video statement.
The 49-year-old will be in charge of the first six South American qualifying games for the 2026 World Cup this year, including the clashes with world champions Argentina and Uruguay.
“It is a dream, an honour and a huge pride to serve the national team,” Diniz said.
Brazil will start their qualifying campaign in September at home against Bolivia and then away against Peru.
Marcus Stewart expresses his hope that the club’s initiative of raising funds for the Darby Rimmer MND Foundation through the launch of a new kit will continue to amplify the voices of those affected by the disease.
Ipswich’s latest shirts, sponsored by Ed Sheeran once again, have become their fastest-selling merchandise.
This comes as the Tractor Boys prepare for their return to the Sky Bet Championship following their promotion fromLeague One last season.
Throughout the month of July, Ipswich will donate £2 to the Darby Rimmer MND Foundation for every home shirt sold.
This contribution supports Stewart’s fundraising endeavors for the charity after his own diagnosis with motor neurone disease last year.
The sales of the new home kit during the opening weekend, including its debut in Town’s pre-season friendly against Felixstowe & Walton United, raised over £11,000.
The design of the home shirt draws inspiration from Ipswich’s successful 1999-2000 campaign, which culminated in their promotion through the Championship play-off final at Wembley.
The team went on to finish fifth in the top flight the following season.
Stewart scored 19 league goals – coming second behind Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and ahead of Thierry Henry in the race for the Golden Boot – which helped George Burley’s team secure qualification for the UEFA Cup.
The former Town frontman, 50, has been taken aback by how well the new kit has been received and so bringing in welcome additional funds for the charity
“I don’t think the club have sold that many new kits on the first day ever,” Stewart told the PA news agency.
“Ipswich have been great. We haven’t approached them about getting these things to happen, it is them who have come up with the ideas.
“They have been very proactive in helping out the charity in a big way and it all creates awareness as well.”
Stewart’s own diagnosis came after 12 months of testing and was revealed during September last year.
MND is a degenerative condition which affects the brain and nervous system. It is a life-shortening disease and there is no cure. Although it will progress, symptoms can be managed to achieve the best possible quality of life.
Currently head of player development atNational League South club Yeovil, another of his old teams, Stewart, supported by his wife Louise, hopes to continue to front campaigns for the Darby Rimmer MND Foundation while he is able.
The foundation was launched by former professional footballer Stephen Darby and armed forces veteran Chris Rimmer, who were both diagnosed with the disease. Rimmer died aged 39 in April last year.
Former Leeds Rhinos rugby league player Rob Burrow is living with the condition after his diagnosis in 2019.
Burrow’s former team-mate Kevin Sinfield is another who has helped improve awareness of MND and raised millions of pounds for charity through his endurance efforts.
“I am lucky. At the moment, I still have got my voice, still have got my mobility,” said Stewart, who played in every tier of the English professional game.
“I have a little bit of a profile, not as big as Kev and Rob, but I am there to be the voice of the people who haven’t got a profile, who haven’t got mobility and a voice because of the disease.
“As long as I am well and good – I am still exercising and able to work – I am going to do my best to get out there and be a voice for the other people while I can, like Kev and a lot of people are doing for MND, the silent ones who are doing their bit in their own time.”
In recent times, there has been a public outcryfor kidney support. In some studies, Tannor et al.(2019) explained that limiting the use of herbal preparations may mitigate chronic kidney in developing countries.
However, I am yet to read one empirical study that revealed that the recent incidence of kidney diseases is triggered by herbal medicines. There is a need to research our local diets and their possible impacts on our health.
This is because, in recent times, emerging studies are proving that a diet rich in resistant starch could help improve our kidneys and neglect them affecting our kidneys.
Recently, Rhonda Witwer, the founder of resistantstarch.com educated me more on resistant starch diets and their impact on our health due to one of the articles she read on resistant starch diets in our local foods.
Hence, in this article, I explore more studies on kidney health and resistant starch diets.
The Kidneys
The truth is that most people are not focused on their kidneys. From a consumer wellness perspective, kidney health isn’t a “thing” at all. It probably should be, given the rapid growth of kidney disease in developing countries.
The CDC 2017 Fact Sheet contains many helpful American statistics.
The kidneys serve as a filter for the bloodstream. If the kidneys are not working well, harmful metabolites begin to accumulate in circulation in the blood.
Dialysis can be used to filter and remove many of these compounds. Some compounds are particularly problematic because they cannot be removed by dialysis as they are bound to albumin and are very large.
Gut Health and its Impact on the Kidneys
Two protein metabolites in particular are of particular concern in kidney health: indoxyl sulfate (IS) and p-cresyl sulfate.
Both of these compounds are produced in the gut and are broken down from amino acids in proteins (indoxyl sulfate is a tryptophan derivative and p-cresyl sulfate is a derivate of tyrosine and phenylalanine).
One study by Lau & Vaziri (2017) established that the intestinal microbiota is the nucleus of this systemic inflammation and oxidative stress characteristic of chronic kidney disease.
However, the gut microbiome differs in those with CKD compared to healthy adults. It is not clear, however, whether the kidneys or the intestinal tract causes or contributes to the inflammation and oxidative stress.
However, what we do know according to a study by Lau(2018), urea infiltrates the gut, increasing the production of ammonia and ammonium hydroxide, which causes damage to the intestinal gut barrier and promotes intestinal wall inflammation.
Others explained that the protein fermentation in the gut could start the process instead. In any case, this ‘gut-kidney axis’ is an area of active research.
Resistant starch and the kidneys
Resistant starch could impact the kidneys in three major ways thus helping to maintain their health:
(1) Resistant starch reduces toxic nitrogen-containing compounds in the blood plasma produced in the gut, notably indoxyl sulfate.
(2) Resistant starch reduces inflammation and oxidative stress.
(3) Resistant starch impacts Vitamin D metabolism.
Explanation
Resistant starch reduces plasma toxins by increasing fecal bulk.
An old study by Cummings BJN (1996) found that every 1 gram of resistant starch consumed, provides about 1.6-2.6 grams of extra fecal mass created, depending on the source and structure of the specific resistant starch.
However, we know from studies, a diet rich in green bananas and plantain can deliver as high as over 80% of resistant starch diet. This means that such diets are good to maintain our kidney health.
Because resistant starch diets resist digestion and go straight to the colon and ferment to generate more good bacteria;
Another study by Birkett et al.(1996) explained this bacterial growth consumes nitrogen and is a “healthy” way to dispose of protein. The study further established that resistant starch reduced intestinal ammonia, phenol, cresol, and total phenols.
Another animal study by Le Leu (2007) found that resistant starch reduces the protein fermentation by-products in the gut.
This means the fecal bulk removes protein breakdown and nitrogen-based compounds from the body. Thus, the nitrogen-containing compounds are not absorbed into the body and do not have to be disposed of through the kidneys.
One of these nitrogen-containing compounds, Indoxyl sulfate, is a uremic toxin that induces inflammation and leukocyte activation.
It is associated with increased mortality in CKD patients. Two clinical trials confirmed that resistant starch reduces indoxyl sulfate and other compounds in the blood plasma of people with chronic kidney disease.
The first study was conducted by Dr. Timothy Meyer and his colleagues at Stanford University showed that 18 grams of resistant starch/day reduced indoxyl sulfate by 27% in 40 patients on hemodialysis in California, USA.
This study also showed a trend of a 24% reduction of p-cresol sulfate, reduced plasma urea, nitrogen, and plasma album, but these were not statistically significant(Sirich 2014).
The second study was conducted by Dr. Denise Mafra and her colleagues at the Universidade Federal Fluminense in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil found that 16 grams of resistant starch/day reduced indoxyl sulfate levels in 31 chronic kidney disease patients undergoing hemodialysis in Brazil (Esgalhado 2018).
This study also found reduced plasma levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and IL-6 and a trend to reduced protein carbonyl levels.
There was no difference in plasma levels of p-cresyl sulfate. Animal studies have also shown similar benefits (Chen BBB 2016, Kieffer AJPRP 2016).
Resistant starch reduces inflammation.
Dr. Denise Mafra’s clinical trial in Brazil established that reduced inflammation biomarkers, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and oxidative stress markers thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). In addition, there was a trend to reduced protein carbonyl (p-0.06)(Esgalhado 2018)
Another clinical study also found reduced inflammation and oxidative stress biomarkers in hemodialysis patients.
Dr. Vaziri of UC Medical School in Irvine, California, and his collaborators at the Tabriz University of Medical Sciences in Iran fed 46 hemodialysis patients 25 grams of resistant starch/day for 8 weeks and showed reduced TNF-a, IL-6, and malondialdehyde.
Serum urea and creatinine concentrations also significantly declined (Tayebi Khosroshahi 2018). There was no significant difference in hs-CRP, serum interleukin-1b, and total antioxidant activity.
These participants also reported improvements in constipation.
A new animal study by Martin Kriegel and his colleagues at Yale University demonstrated that resistant starch improved the gut barrier and reduced the translocation of bacteria in mouse models of lupus. (Zegarra-Ruiz CHM 2018).
While the focus of this study is not kidney-related, it demonstrated that resistant starch restored the gut barrier. Loss of integrity of the gut barrier is a major contributor to systemic inflammation.
This mechanism could also be contributing to reducing inflammation and oxidative stress seen in clinical trials.
Dr. John Arthur and Dr. Boris Zybailov at the University of Arkansas are also working on the impact of resistant starch on kidney health.
They also found that resistant starch produces massive changes in proteins as well as the entire gut microbiome in animal models.
They concluded that resistant starch shifted the microbiome from mucin degraders to butyrate producers (Zybaylov 2018). They found that the increased butyrate led to enhancements of oxidative stress and inflammation as well as other biological processes.
This team has also initiated an NIH-funded clinical trial with resistant starch in children and adults with stage 3 chronic kidney disease (Clinical Trials.gov Identifier NCT03356990).
Dr. Vaziri has published additional animal studies investigating various mechanisms related to resistant starch and kidney function(Kieffer 2016, Vaziri 2014)
Resistant starch attenuated the urinary loss of Vitamin D metabolites in animal models (Koh 2016, Smazal 2013, Koh 2014).
The kidneys activate 25-hydroxycholecalciferol to 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol. Though this research is still early, it adds to the body of evidence demonstrating positive kidney health benefits following the dietary consumption of resistant starch.
There is now sufficient clinical evidence to conclude that dietary consumption of resistant starch helps maintain healthy kidneys and healthy kidney function.
Additional information is available in some excellent review articles: Lau & Vaziri Clinical Science 2018, Moraes & Mafra European Journal of Nutrition 2016
Take Home
Before processed foods, our forefathers daily ate 30-50 grams of resistant starch every day – in intact whole grains, beans, under-ripe bananas and plantain, leftover fufu, and raw starchy foods such as cassava related, cocoyam, maize diets, yams et al. This means they were eating good starchy diets then.
In the modern era, we turn away from these good resistant starch diets thinking they were bad for our health rather.
In the modern era, people eating a “modern” diet get only 2 to 5 grams of resistant starch a day. Loss of this critical nutrient is contributing to the chronic health problems suffered by billions of people around the world according to studies on resistant starch.
What you have to know is that any food that contains resistant starch simply means: starch that resists digestion in the small intestine.
It reaches the large intestine and feeds the good bacteria that live in our guts. It turns out that this gut fermentation is really important to our metabolism.
Scientific studies are showing that we need to return to the historically consumed slow-to-digest resistant starch and eat far less easy-to-digest, soft, highly refined carbohydrates.
Studies have demonstrated positive kidney health benefits following the dietary consumption of resistant starch.
Though unripe bananas and plantain are rich sources of resistant starch diets, people with kidney disease should limit them due to their high potassium content. Doctors recommend less than 2,000 gm of potassium per day.
NB: Prof. Nyarkotey has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations to justify his write-ups.
My articles are for educational purposes and do not serve as Medical advice for Treatment. I aim to educate the public about evidence-based scientific Naturopathic Therapies.
The author is a Professor of Naturopathic Healthcare and President of Nyarkotey College of Holistic Medicine & Technology (NUCHMT)/African Naturopathic Foundation.
DISCLAIMER: Independentghana.com will not be liable for any inaccuracies contained in this article. The views expressed in the article are solely those of the author’s, and do not reflect those of The Independent Ghana
The substance was found in a work area during a routine inspection conducted by the US Secret Service.
Fire and law enforcement sources, as reported by the Washington Post, confirmed the preliminary positive test.
It’s worth noting that President Joe Biden and his family were not present at the White House during the incident, as they were residing at the Camp David residence at the time.
The White House complex was closed as a precaution around 20:45 local time (01:45 BST) on Sunday after Secret Service officers found the white powder “inside a work area” of the West Wing, Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi told the BBC in a statement.
Mr Guglielmi said the fire department was quickly called and found the substance to be “non-hazardous”.
He did not confirm the preliminary test results, saying the item has been sent for additional testing and that an investigation is ongoing, including on how the substance entered the White House.
The BBC’s US partner, CBS News, reported a senior law enforcement source as saying the substance was found in a storage facility in a cupboard routinely used by White House staff and guests to store mobile phones.
CBS reported that two law enforcement officials and a recording of a radio dispatch from Sunday confirmed the substance tested positive for cocaine soon after it was found.
Cocaine is a Schedule II drug under the Controlled Substances Act, meaning it has a high potential for abuse, according to the US Drug Enforcement Administration.
The West Wing is a large, multi-level part of the White House that contains the offices of the president of the United States, including the Oval Office and the Situation Room.
It also houses the offices of the vice-president, the White House chief of staff, the press secretary, and hundreds of other staff who have access.
President Kiir himself has announced his intention to seek re-election, marking the first elections since South Sudan gained independence.
While no other candidate has formally declared their candidacy, it is expected that First Vice-President Riek Machar will also participate in the race.
Since South Sudan gained independence in 2011 after a protracted civil war, President Kiir has held the presidency.
However, the nation continued to experience internal strife, leading to a renewed civil war in 2013 when President Kiir and Mr. Machar’s relationship deteriorated.
In an effort to bring an end to the five-year civil war, a power-sharing agreement was signed between the conflicting parties in August 2018.
The mandate of the transitional government, which was due to end in 2022, was extended to allow the leaders to address challenges with the implementation of the peace agreement.
On Tuesday, Mr Kiir said those challenges would be addressed “before the elections” set for December next year.
He said: “Hi Chelsea fans, given the speculation over the last six months this may not come as a surprise to you.
“But it doesn’t make it any easier to tell you that I’ve made the decision to leave Chelsea.
“I feel you deserve more than just a written statement, so I wanted to tell you directly how grateful I’ve been for all of your support over the last 18 years.
“I know some of you won’t be happy with my decision but it’s what’s right for me at this moment in my career.
“Winning the Youth Cup, my Player of the Year awards, the Super Cup, the Club World Cup and of course that unforgettable night when we won the Champions League.
“I want to say thank you to the academy, Jim [Fraser] and Neil [Bath], for being so influential to me from such a young age.
“The managers I’ve worked under, Frank [Lampard], Thomas [Tuchel] and Graham [Potter], the backroom staff, the unsung heroes of Cobham, all of my team-mates over the years that have become my brothers.
“My family for the continuous love and support and most importantly you guys for sticking with me throughout. Wish you all the best.”
Napoli striker, Victor Osimhen, has expressed his full support for Jose Peseiro, stating that he believes the former Venezuela coach is the ideal candidate to lead the Super Eagles in the upcoming 2023 African Cup of Nations.
The Nigerian Football Federation officials are still deliberating on Peseiro’s future as the coach of the three-time African champions, as his contract expired at the end of June.
When did NFF hire Peseiro?
Peseiro’s journey as the Super Eagles boss started after the team failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, losing the playoffs against Ghana.
“The coach is tactically sound and he is in control of the Super Eagles squad, which is very, very important.
“He knows what he wants.”
Osimhen meets billionaire Tony Elumelu
Earlier, Sports Brief reported how Victor Osimhen was spotted with billionaire, Tony Elumelu as both shared exciting moments somewhere in Lagos.
Following a remarkable season with Napoli, having netted 26 league goals to help the Partenopei to the Serie A title for the first time in over three decades, Osimhen returned home for vacation.
He was spotted at his former hood, Olusosun, where he reunited with his old pals in that community around the Ojota area.
The striker also visited the Olusosun Primary School as well as the Oregun Secondary School, which he attended before hitting it big in football.
Super Eagles striker, Umar Sadiq, recently posted a heartwarming photo of himself and his daughter Aisha as he continues his recovery from injury.
The 26-year-old former Roma player sustained a right knee injury during a match for Real Sociedad on September 11 last year, forcing him to miss the remainder of the season.
The injury was a significant setback for Sadiq and his fans, who had high hopes for his goal-scoring abilities at Real Sociedad last season.
Nonetheless, the photo of Sadiq and his daughter stepping out onto the pitch together brings a touch of joy amid his ongoing recovery.
Umar Sadiq and daughter Aisha
Real Sociedad had a successful season even without the presence of Umar Sadiq in their squad.
They secured a fifth-place finish in the league, earning them a spot in the Europa League.
Despite not being able to contribute on the pitch, Sadiq expressed his gratitude to God for blessing him with a wonderful daughter, as seen in the picture he shared on his official Instagram page.
Umar Sadiq hails daughter Aisha
”Aisha, you are a blessing and the mother of the believers, and all I pray is my GOD should keep protecting and guiding you to the straight path.”
In the comment session, Sadiq was criticized for not covering his daughter Aisha with the traditional hijab, in a report also seen on Pulse andNaija Sports.
Earlier, Sports Brief had reported that Victor Osimhen has offered his maximum support for Jose Peseiro, claiming that the former Venezuela gaffer is the right man for the Super Eagles ahead of the 2023 African Cup of Nations.
The Nigerian Football Federation chiefs are yet to make their final decision on the future of Peseiro as a handler of the three-time African champions after the expiration of his contract at the end of June.
Peseiro’s journey as the Super Eagles boss started after the team failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, losing the playoffs against Ghana.
Former Barcelona footballer and current president of the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT)Samuel Eto’o, could potentially face legal consequences for allegedly neglecting to provide his daughter, Erika de Rosario Nieves, with a monthly allowance of €1,400 for the past five years.
Last February, a Madrid court officially recognized Eto’o as Nieves’ biological father and ordered him to pay a monthly child support allowance.
However, it has been reported that Eto’o has not fulfilled this obligation over the past five years, resulting in an accumulated debt of nearly €90,000.
Nieves’ lawyer, Fernando Osuna, has confirmed the outstanding amount owed.
Osuna said, per El Diario de Sevilla and quoted by Daily Post: “He owes more than five years of pension to his daughter and continues to defy justice. Erika’s economy is fragile, while Eto’o lives in luxury.”
The lawyer even suggested the Cameroonian’s alleged failure to pay child support could constitute an ‘abuse of power’, while not complying with a court order may even result in jail time for Eto’o if the court deems it necessary.
Nieves’ mother’s lawsuit against Eto’o
The lawsuit is also said to have revealed that Eto’o told Nieves’ mother, Adileusa, that he would ‘act responsibly with respect to the common child’ despite his preference that she ‘did not give birth’.
However, according to the details of the case, the retired Cameroonian striker allegedly began avoiding the woman’s attempts to discuss their child’s upbringing and also cut off all communication.
In 1999, Adileusa gave birth to Nieves at the Alarcon Foundation Hospital in Madrid, with the circumstances of their relationship and the birth of their child forming a key part of the legal proceedings.
Eto’o declared father of Erika
In a related publication, Sports Brief reported that FECAFOOT President, Eto’o was declared the biological father of a 24-year-old woman by a court in Madrid.
The final verdict was reached on February 17, marking the culmination of a legal process initiated back in 2018 and which reached its shocking conclusion.
Senegal and Bayern Munich winger, Sadio Mane, has identified Ghana as one of the top contenders to win the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast next year.
Mane, who was part of the 2021 AFCON-winning team, believes that alongside Egypt, Morocco, and Cameroon, the Black Stars have a strong chance of clinching the title.
Although Ghana is still working towards securing qualification for the tournament following a draw with Madagascar in the penultimate AFCON qualifier, Egypt, Morocco, and Cameroon have already secured their places in the competition scheduled for January.
“The AFCON is full of surprises, but we know the usual best teams like the hosts, Nigeria, Egypt, Morocco, Ghana, Algeria and Cameroon,” he said, as quoted by Joueurs Cameronais.
The Black Stars have struggled in recent times, getting eliminated at the group stage of their last two tournaments.
The team failed to progress beyond the group stage ofthe last AFCON with Morocco, Gabon and Comoros advancing ahead of the four-time African champions.
At the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Ghana finished bottom of their group with Portugal and South Korea progressing to the round of 16, as reported by nbcwashington.com.
Black Meteors arrive after AFCON disappointment
Earlier, Sports Brief reported that The Black Meteors of Ghana have finally arrived home in Accra after a disappointing U-23 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Ghana failed to secure one of the tickets to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris after exiting the tournament at the group stage.
Following the 1-1 draw against Guinea in their final group game, the Black Meteors finished third in Group A and were beaten to the semi-final spot on goal difference.
Badu unhappy with Ghana football
Former Black Stars midfielder, Emmanuel Agyemang Badu has been lamenting over the state of Ghanaian football following the Black Meteors’ AFCON U-23 exit.
The Ghana U23 team were eliminated from the tournament in Morocco at the group stage, and will not qualify for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
This is the third time in a little over a year that a Ghanaian national team has failed to progress beyond the first round of an international competition.
Hibernian FC has revealed that their newly signedgoalkeeper, Jojo Wollacott,will wear the number 13 jersey for the upcoming season.
The Ghanaian international joined the club on a three-year deal, the details of which were not disclosed, and is expected to play a significant role for the team.
Wollacott reunites with his former coach at Bristol City, Lee Johnson, who is now with Hibernian FC.
His arrival will provide healthy competition for captain David Marshall in the goalkeeping department.
Having made his debut for the Ghana national team, Wollacott’s career has seen remarkable progress.
He initially played in the English League 2 before impressing and earning a move to League One with Charlton Athletic last summer, where he featured in 20 games.
Now, the Black Stars goalkeeper will ply his trade in the Scottish top-flight following his transfer to Hibernian.
An awesome video has emerged on social media where Nigerian businessman Cubana Chief Priest was seen hanging out in a nightclub with Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen and billionaire Tony Elumelu.
For the past few days, Osimhen has been spending his holidays in Nigeria after a successful season at Napoli where he helped the team to win the Scudetto after 33 years.
The former Lille hitman also became the first African to win the Golden Boot in the Serie A.
In Lagos, Osimhen went to his Primary school and his childhood house and also played street games with some of his friends.
According to the video Cubana Chief Priest posted on his official Instagram page, the show promoter was happy to be hosting Osimhen.
Osimhen linked with Premier League
The holidays will soon be over for Osimhen and he is expected to return to Napoli ahead of next season’s campaign.
Clubs in the Premier League like Chelsea and Manchester United are interested in the services of the Nigerian star.
However, Napoli chiefs will have to decide whether to sell Osimhen this summer or not.
Earlier, Sports Brief had reported how former Super Eagles midfielder Ogenyi Onazi urged fans, friends, and family members of Napoli striker Victor Osimhen not to be angry with him if he refuses to do something for them financially.
Osimhen is one of the best strikers in the world following his incredible performances last season at Napoli where he helped the club to win the Scudetto after 33 years.
Osimhen also helped the Super Eagles to beat Sierra Leone 3-2 in the African Cup of Nations qualifying match that gave Nigeria the ticket for the 2023 edition of the Championship in Ivory Coast.
Former Ghanaian international andBlack Stars coach James Kwesi Appiah had a meeting with Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II at the Manhyia Palace on Tuesday, July 4 according to a report by Nhyira FM, a radio station based in Kumasi.
The purpose of the visit has not been officially disclosed, but there are speculations that Appiah could be appointed as the next coach of Asante Kotoko on a long-term contract.
On Monday, June 3, the Patron of the club dissolved the entire management and board after the expiration of their contract.
The current board, led by Dr. Kwame Kyei and Chief Executive Officer Nana Yaw Amponsah, has been summoned to the Manhyia Palace on Wednesday, July 5, to give an account of their term in office.
Following this recent development, a new board for Asante Kotoko will be announced by the Manhyia Palace before the start of the 2023/24 season.
Kwesi Appiah previously had a coaching stint with Kotoko between 1992 and 1995 as an assistant coach, later becoming the head coach from 1995 to 1996.
He also served as Ghana’s assistant coach from 2007 to 2012 under Claude le Roy and Milovan Rajevac.
His most recent coaching roles include managing Kenpong Football Academy from 2021 to 2023, as well as Sudanese side Al Khartoum.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has urged its members to support the proposed new nomination fees for the upcoming Presidential and Executive Council elections.
This call comes in response to concerns raised by New Edubiase United, a Division One League Club, about the current leadership allegedly pressuring members to sign documents to extend the election timeline beyond their mandate.
The GFA has reassured members that there is no coercion involved and that the aim of the new nomination fees is to facilitate the smooth organization of the elections.
“…the Executive Council of the GFA proposed in item 12 of the agenda an “Approval of GFA Election Nominations Fees”. On what basis are we going to discuss this matter, when members do not even know when the GFA elections would be held?
“We have also been made aware of the GFA’s deliberate attitude of:
a. coercing some members of the GFA to secretly sign documents in order to postpone the GFA Elections, which is arguably supposed to take place this year to a later date;
b. coercing some members of the GFA to secretly sign documents giving authority to the GFA Executive Council to amend Articles 31 and 32 and in particular Article 32 (2) (q) of the GFA Statutes 2019.”
But, the FA through its General Secretary, Prosper Harrison Addo, said the claims and fears are from the truth.
“Your fear that the GFA Election would be held beyond the mandate of the current Executive Council is not supported by the facts,” a portion of the letter said.
“You presented your club at the recent engagement by the Executive Council with Division One clubs (same engagements were held with GPL, WPL clubs, etc).
“At the meetings, members(clubs) were informed categorically that an Elective Congress will be held before the end of the mandate of the current Executive Council.
“You were also informed that the Election Committee had held meetings and was working on the Roadmap and would ensure that the elections take place as required by the GFA Statutes,” it stated.
The letter, however, drew New Edubiase’s attention to the fact that there’s a proposal before Congress seeking approval of new nomination fees for the elections.
The proposal, submitted on June 24, 2023, suggested that the nomination fee of the President be increased from GHC 5,000 to GHC 50,000 while that of the Executive Council will be increased from GHC 2,500 to GHC 15,000.
“…the Election Committee will need the approved Nomination Fee from the Congress of the 10th of July 2023 before Nominations are opened by including the fees in the Election Roadmap and Guidelines,” the letter stated.
The GFA will assemble in Kumasi for its 29th Ordinary session of Congress. The approval of the new nomination fees will pave the way for the roadmap for the elections to be organised later this year.
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has officially parted ways with Christophe Galtier, terminating the manager’s contract at the conclusion of the 2022-23 season.
Despite leading PSG to a league title in the previous season, the French coach fell short in the UEFA Champions League, as the team was eliminated by Bayern Munich in the round of 16.
Galtier, who previously managed clubs such as Nice, Lille, and Saint-Etienne, joined PSG last summer.
However, reports indicate that he is set to be replaced by former Spain and FC Barcelona manager Luis Enrique.
The termination of Galtier’s contract is viewed as a necessary step before the announcement of Luis Enrique as the new head coach for PSG, according to renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Galtier’s departure adds to a series of high-profile exits from PSG, including Lionel Messi and Sergio Ramos.
Galtier’s stint as PSG coach
According to TransferMarkt, Galtier assumed the role of manager at the club on July 5, 2022 on a two-year deal which would have expired on June 30, 2024.
However, his team’s disappointing performance in the latter part of the season seems to have been the final straw.
Nevertheless, during his tenure, Galtier led the team from the dugout in 50 matches, securing 34 victories, 6 draws, and suffering 10 defeats.
Under his guidance, PSG scored 120 goals and conceded 53, averaging 2.21 points per game. He achieved success with the team by winning the French Super Cup and clinching the Ligue 1 title.
Galtier arrested over racism allegations
Adding to the Frenchman’s misery, Galtier was also detained in France in connection with an inquiry into claims of discrimination at OGC Nice.
UK-based Ghanaian sports journalist Rahman Osman, has stated that Chelsea Football Club has reportedly compensated Ghanaian defenderBaba Abdul Rahman with $4 million after terminating his contract.
The club has managed to pay off 80% of the remaining amount on Rahman’s contract.
Osman also mentioned that Chelsea will receive a percentage if Rahman goes on to participate in any European competition for his next club.
“Chelsea is not the same club that it was under Roman so they are trying to move on a lot of players.
Baba’s contract was supposed to be terminated but it had to do with money. He was on a four million-a-year deal,” Rahman Osman said.
He added, “We have been told that has been able to get 80% of the money. PAOK signed him for free. Chelsea say if he plays in the Conference League or European competition, they will get a fee.”
According to Osman, Baba “will lose significantly because he was on a four million now he is going to get 1 million a year.”
The left-back initially joined Chelsea in 2015 from German club Augsburg for a fee believed to have been around £14 million.
Despite showing promise, Rahman had limited opportunities to showcase his talent at Stamford Bridge, featuring in just one season for the Blues.
Baba Rahman went on several loan spells since joining the Premier League giants.
The former Asante Kotoko player went on loan at Schalke 04, Reims, Mallorca and POAK. His last loan spell was in the English Championship with Reading.
Although Rahman’s current contract withChelsea is set to expire in the summer of 2024, both parties have mutually agreed to part ways this summer.
Baba Abdul Rahman is set to join Greek football club POAK on a two-year deal.
Jack Grealish has recently constructed a bar in his lavish multimillion-dollar residence, following his wild celebrations to mark Manchester City’s historic season, according to reports.
City achieved the remarkable feat of winning the treble by securing the UEFA Champions League title against Inter Milan, in addition to clinching the Premier League trophy and the FA Cup by defeating Arsenal and Manchester United, respectively.
Several online videos showcased Grealish leading the exuberant celebrations, reaching a climax after City’s triumph in Istanbul.
Despite the festivities, Grealish was seen the next morning still wearing his football kit before jetting off to Ibiza.
He also made headlines for assisting the police in controlling the crowds during an open-air trophy parade.
Contrary to expectations, the new bar in Grealish’s home is said to offer only healthy beverage options such as wheatgrass shots and spirulina smoothies, as reported by The Sun.
This choice of drinks may cater more to the preferences of Grealish’s fiancée, Sasha Atwood, who reportedly follows a rigorous early morning gym routine.
The ‘healthy bar’ is among the new leisure items the former Aston Villa captain has introduced, in addition to a plunge room, a sauna, a spa, and a changing room.
Grealish involved in gruelling drills
This was much-needed for the winger, who would want to get himself into peak condition after watching from the sub’s bench without playing a single minute.
After the game, Grealish was also mobbed by a group of eager stewards, who were eager to take photos withthe Man City superstar and acquire his autograph.
Forward for the Ghana national team (Black Stars) and Crystal Palace Jordan Ayew, , has expressed his desire to play in theGhana Premier League (GPL) in the future.
Ayew, who currently resides in Accra when in Ghana, stated that he would be open to joining a team based in Accra.
“I have the Ghana Premier League in mind. One day, I could play for a team in Accra because that’s where I live,” Ayew said, as quoted by GTV Sports Plus.
With almost 15 years of professional experience since starting his career in 2009, Ayew acknowledges that his playing days are approaching their end.
Throughout his career, he has represented renowned clubs in Europe such as Olympique Marseille, Aston Villa, and Crystal Palace, among others.
If Ayew fulfills his goal of playing in the GPL, he would join a growing list of Black Stars players who have returned to the local league towards the end of their professional careers.
Agyemang Badu, Sulley Muntari, and Samuel Inkoom are among the players who have made such a move.
Notably, Inkoom is still actively playing and recently joinedHearts of Oak for his second season, having joined the team in January 2022.
The Asantehene Otumfuo Nana Osei Tutu II has issued a directive to dissolve both the board and management of Asante Kotoko, a Ghanaian football club.
The board, which was established in 2020, was chaired by businessman Dr. Kwame Kyei, with Mr. Jude Arthur serving 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 of Joshob Construction Company), Nana Ankobeahene of Asanteman – Baffour Kwame Kusi, Alhaji Lamin, and Joseph Yaw Adu.
Despite having a board composed of knowledgeable and experienced individuals, the inability to resolve significant conflicts led to limited success.
One of the key issues was the persistent conflicts between board chair Dr. Kwame Kyei and Chief Executive Officer Yaw Amponsah over the past three years.
In a recent interview with Kumasi-based Wontumi FM, Nana Yaw Amponsah acknowledged that the relationship between himself and Dr. Kwame Kyei had deteriorated.
“I don’t have any issue with Dr. Kwame Kyei as I sit. I give him the maximum respect wherever and whenever I meet him, but our relationship and how to communicate as CEO and his board chairman is not good like the beginning.”
While the fractious relationship between the pair and the divisiveness among board members are said to have displeased theAsantehene, sources say, in the owner’s assessment, the board and its management failed mandate, which, among many things, was to create a commercial viable entity.
A new direction for the club will be communicated in due course.
Paris Saint-Germain forward Neymar Jr. has been issued a substantial fine by local authorities for violating environmental regulations with his beach house in Brazil.
The fine amounts to 16 million Brazilian Reais, equivalent to approximately $3.33 million.
Neymar’s offense involved the construction of an artificial lake on his property without proper authorization.
Construction work was halted as a result, and now Neymar is facing the consequences for not adhering to planning regulations and allowing unauthorized building activities to take place.
Environmental rules violated by Neymar
A statement from the council concerned as quoted by Goal says four fines have been issued for environmental violations in the construction of an artificial lake at the player’s mansion.
It goes on to say that dozens of infractions have been detected and point out that Neymar is carrying out work subject to environmental control without authorization and has overseen the removal of land and suppression of vegetation without authorization as well as capturing and diverting a water source without the relevant documentation.
Authorities cordoned off the site last month and ordered all activity to cease, but DW news reported that Neymar threw a party there and bathed in the lake.
On top of the fine, the case will also be investigated by other environmental control bodies. including the local attorney general’s office, and the state civil police environmental protection office.
Neymar jeopardises Premier League future
Sports Brief earlier reported that Brazilian star Neymar might have jeopardised his chances to secure a potential Premier League move.
This comes after thePSG man urged fans to secure tickets for a Cruise Ship party which would span for over 72 hours during the festive, which is usually a busy time for Premier League clubs.
It remains to be seen if Premier League clubs interested in the forward would look past this and go ahead with signing the PSG number 10.
After a remarkable tenure of over 30 years, Geoff Shreeves has made the announcement that he will be departing from Sky Sports.
Shreeves became part of the network in 1992 and has since become a constant presence as a touchline reporter.
Additionally, he has hosted popular shows such as The Debate, Sunday Supplement, and The Football Show.
In a statement, he said: “There’s an old saying that you always have to know the best time to leave even the greatest party.
“And that’s what my 32 years at Sky have been – the most fantastic party I could ever imagined attending.
From the first kick of a ball in the live coverage of the Premier League to Manchester City’s title celebrations last season – with plenty in between.
“Sky have been incredibly generous in recognition of my service and I can’t speak more highly of so many people I’ve worked with there over three decades.
I now have the opportunity for new experiences which I’m looking forward to announcing in the very near future.”
Shreeves, who had started his working life as an estate agent, began his career in football at the 1990 World Cup and was touchline reporter the day Sky televised its first Premier League game,Nottingham Forest’s 1-0 win over Liverpool in August 1992.
Sky Sports’ director of football Gary Hughes said: “Geoff has been an integral part of the Sky Sports football team and the best tunnel reporter in the business, interviewing the biggest names at the biggest games for over 30 years.
“Geoff leaves with our sincere thanks and best wishes for the future. As Sir Alex always said, Well done, Geoff!”
Erling Haaland is poised to become the most expensive asset ever in the Fantasy Premier League, as the initial set of player prices was revealed on Monday.
The Manchester City striker had an outstanding debut season in England, netting an impressive 36 goals, making him an extremely sought-after player among FPL owners.
Haaland will start the season with a remarkable price tag of 14 million euros, surpassing any previous player cost.
However, he joins the ranks of Thierry Henry, Robin Van Persie, and Cristiano Ronaldo, who have all been priced similarly in the past.
Meanwhile, the list released by the Premier League’s website shows that Mohamed Salah’s price has dropped from 13 million euros to 12.5 million euros. Despite Liverpool’s underwhelming season overall, the three-time Golden Boot winner still managed to score 19 goals.
Heung-min Son’s price has also dropped from 12m euros to 9m euros after registering a disappointing season. The South Korean won the Golden Boot in the 2021/2022 season.
Martin Odegaard and Bruno Fernandes will cost 8.5m euros each, while Chelsea’s new boy Christopher Nkunku will go for 7.5m euros.
More prices are expected to follow in the course of the week, with Harry Kane expected to rank highly as well. TheTottenham Hotspur striker’s future remains uncertain, with Bayern Munich interested.
Mbappe, who has decided against renewing his contract with PSG, is being targeted by Los Blancos as the French club wants to avoid losing him for free next year.
According to Sportskeeda, Madrid has declined to meet Mbappe’s two demands in order to prioritize the happiness of Vinicius Junior.
The 24-year-old World Cup Golden Boot winner desires to play as a winger rather than in a central role, but Vinicius currently occupies that position.
Furthermore, Mbappe has expressed a wish to don the prestigious No. 7 jersey at Real Madrid. However, Vinicius recently acquired that number and is expected to keep it for the foreseeable future.
Mbappe’s Madrid move faces roadblock
Meanwhile, the much-discussed potential transfer of Mbappe from Paris Saint-Germain to Real Madrid faces a significant hurdle due to his loyalty bonus, PSG Talk reports.
The Frenchman’s loyalty bonus is apparently worth €70 million (pre-tax); therefore, Mbappe does not want to lose that money after he demanded he be paid upfront.
Real Madrid’s pursuit of the French forward aligns with their ambition to bolster their attacking options and reinforce their squad with marquee signings, but they will not be coerced into paying the loyalty bonus.
Mbappe enjoys holiday amidst saga
Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Mbappe has been spotted on vacation in Miami amid his uncertain club football situation.
The 24-year-old was seen basking in the Florida sun as he tried his hand at a game of beach Jenga.
After a gruelling but hugely successful season, in which he netted 41 goals in 43 games for PSG in addition to 13 goals for France, Mbappe took a deserved break from footballing activities and the talk regarding his future.
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