The 21-year-old was the target of two offers from Arsenal in January before agreeing to a new contract with the Seagulls.
Chelsea also still has interest in Nicolas Jackson of Villarreal.
It is believed that there would be little delay in the exits of Kai Havertz to Arsenal, Edouard Mendy to Al Ahli, Hakim Ziyech to Al Nassr, and Kalidou Koulibaly to Al Hilal.
Chelsea have already agreed a £30m deal to sell Mateo Kovacic to Manchester City as the clear-out at Stamford Bridge continues.
They also remain in talks with Villarreal over the signing of forward Nicolas Jackson.
Sky Sports News has been told Chelsea are prepared to pay the €35m release clause but are exploring a structured outlay.
It’s thought Villarreal want the majority – if not all – paid up front. Personal terms are not expected to be a problem.
Kai Havertz could soon become one of the Premier League’s most expensive signings of the summer transfer window despite enduring a difficult season with Chelsea.
Arsenal are close to agreeing a £65m deal for the German after a three-year spell at Stamford Bridge during which he has struggled to find consistency following his £75m arrival from Bayer Leverkusen.
How would Havertz be remembered at Chelsea? Which club would be getting the better end of the deal? And what are the qualities that make him so appealing to Arsenal and Mikel Arteta?
Sky Sports’ Joe Shread and Nick Wright tackle the Chelsea and Arsenal angles respectively.
Ahead of Lionel Messi’s official introduction as a player for Inter Miami, one of his new teammates is generating attention, albeit for unfortunate reasons.
Goalkeeper Nick Marsman is currently recovering from a venomous spider bite that occurred while he was on vacation in Florida.
Marsman, who will have the opportunity to play alongside Messi, experienced this distressing and painful incident.
Confirmation of the incident came from Marsman’s wife, Nathalie Den Dekker, who shared images of her husband in the hospital on Instagram.
De Dekker followed it up with a bittersweet caption that read;
“The downside of living in a tropical climate… is when you go to the zoo and get bitten by a poisonous spider. End up being hospitalised for three days.”
She then further revealed that the former Feyenoord star was already discharged and was continuing with his recovery at home.
As the Mirror reports, Marsman has hardly played this season, with Drake Callender often preferred as the number one choice.
The club, which is currently rooted at the bottom of the Eastern Conference, will be hoping that the arrival of Messi will change their fortunes in their bid to qualify for the playoffs.
Bale’s advice to Messi ahead of MLS move
Sports Brief has also reported thatGareth Bale has weighed in on the Major League Soccer (MLS) following Lionel Messi’s high-profile transfer to Inter Miami, offering his perspective on the league.
The former Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid winger, who called time on his career at 33, suggested that there is less pressure in the MLS due to the teams being more accepting of losses.
Bale’s comments come in response to Messi’s move to the United States after the latter concluded his two-year stint with Paris Saint-Germain.
Ramelow warned that simply relying on talent is not enough to secure victories. Germany recently suffered a 2-0 defeat to Colombia in a friendly match, marking their third loss in their last four games.
In another game during this stretch, they managed a 3-3 draw against Ukraine through a late comeback in a charity match.
The disappointing performance continued for Germany in the 2022 World Cup, where they were eliminated in the group stage.
Ramelow, who was a World Cup runner-up in 2002, suggests that German football as a whole is grappling with a mentality problem.
“I think there’s multiple issues. That was not just about a bad performance in Qatar. The problems lie much deeper,” he told Stats Perform.
“This is what aggravates everything. Having seen the game yesterday, I have only seen 15 minutes, that was enough. It shows which state the team has been in for weeks and months. Or maybe you have to say years.
“In that regard, we have big problems in Germany concerning youth players. I think [the team] lacks mentality. Talent alone doesn’t win you games. Talent alone also doesn’t bring you team spirit.
“People talk a lot about team spirit. Where is that team spirit? All those years, we have been saying that we have great talent. Maybe that’s true but after this long period of suffering, you have to recognise that we have a lot of talent, but as I said, it lacks mentality, it lacks team spirit.
“We are not able to form a team, a unit. Be it Hansi Flick or any other coach, and you can see that in many Bundesliga teams. I think mentality is very, very important. A manager once told me something I will never forget: ‘Passion is more important than skill’.
“You have to see how the players will develop. I don’t know when it continues, in September or October. The ones that will be available then. There is quality but currently but at the moment this is not enough to compete with teams like [Colombia] or Ukraine and Poland.”
Ramelow sympathises with Flick, and is unsure a change of coach would necessarily result in a change of fortunes. The pressure, though, is on ahead of Euro 2024.
“I think we all agree that the coach and his staff have an important role,” he added. “We know what the business is like and the fact that the manager has to listen to a lot of criticism now is justified.
“He also accepts that. I see a lot of helplessness right now. No one in the interviews can say how things will continue. We all know we have good young players, which is fine, but to reach the final stages of an international tournament again is being considered very difficult. But what is the solution now?
“I feel like the manager had a lot of helplessness. He won’t give up and it will go on as he said. He wants to prepare well for the next games. His task is to put a good team together and to bring back passion and mentality. You have to see a unit.
“Mentality is also a matter of character. A coach can barely train that. You either have it or you don’t but he has to form a team and the results have to be good. I’m not saying anything new here, the business is tough. I think you could put anyone else on the touchline, it would be difficult for every coach.”
Chairman of the Senior Staff Union of theTema Oil Refinery (TOR), Bright Adongo, has emphasized that the decision to lease the refinery to Torentco Asset Management Group for $22 million over a six-year period is vital for revitalizing the refinery’s operations.
In an interview on Accra’s Citi FM, Adongo expressed his belief that not proceeding with the planned lease could potentially result in the complete collapse of the refinery.
“The benefit is enormous, security wise, economic wise and it makes sense that you are keeping jobs and all that.
If you get a running refinery and there are wars somewhere and you cannot get the finished product, you can bring your crude oil from the fields, process and transform it to get the economy running,” he added.
The Union Chairman revealed that the refinery was seriously challenged as it was among others highly indebted to utilities, had only few product storages (20 out of 59) and had not increased salaries of workers for the past five years.
Responding to the query on what happens if the company ran down the refinery, Mr Adongo emphatically stated that he believed no private businessman would make an investment with the aim to see it go down.
“If they are to run the plant down definitely then the plant cannot deliver as it has to. If you are a private man, your intention is to fix those items that need to be fixed.
So obviously I don’t see a private man who would want to take over a facility and make a significant investment, and he will want to break the plant down,” he added.
The Senior Staff Union of TOR has already backed the government’s decision to lease the refinery to Torentco Asset Management.
The union believes that leasing TOR would help revamp and reposition the company for sustainable operations.
The union also addressed concerns raised by analysts regarding the lease agreement, emphasizing the urgent need to restore TOR’s functionality. They cited years of political interference, mismanagement, and insufficient investment as contributing factors to its decline.
In its statement, the union stated, “It is on the basis of this, that we the Senior Staff Workers Union of TOR (PMSU of UNICOF) welcome the decision by the board and the government to engage a strategic partner to revamp the refinery and bring it back to operation to contribute to fuel security in the country and stabilisation of the Ghana Cedi.”
The lease of the TOR has attracted great national concern after some analysts raised issues concerning the terms of the agreement.
The refinery will be leased to Torentco Asset Management Group for $22 million for 6 years and is expected to refine up to 8 million barrels annually.
Government’s decision to lease the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) to Torentco Asset Management has faced strong criticism from Benjamin Boakye, the Executive Director of the Africa Center for Energy Policy (ACEP).
Boakye has expressed his concerns over the deal, emphasizing that it raises significant concerns due to the absence of a competitive bidding process.
During an interview on Eyewitness News on June 21, Mr. Boakye expressed concerns about Torentco’s lack of experience in the petroleum industry.
“In the last year alone, I have seen many companies interested in taking over the asset [TOR]. So open it up, be transparent about it, ask everybody who is interested and say I want $1 million, or I don’t want money, who wants it, and what will you give me in return? And then you have bids that you can compare and choose the best out.
The public will be interested in how you do it and agree with the process or disagree with it”.
He stressed, “You just select someone because you think TOR is not making money and just give the company out in a manner that they are doing, I think raises a lot of red flags and even raises concerns about whether the barest minimum being promised can be delivered.
We don’t trace them to any serious company that we can be comfortable with and say we know this reputable company is behind it and for anything at all you can call or shame them.
This is a new local Ghanaian company formed here in Ghana in January 2023, with no track record. If they fail to deliver, how do hold them accountable? They don’t have any track record of dealing in petroleum businesses”.
However, the Senior Staff Union of TOR in astatement said Torentco is the only viable option available to bring back TOR into operation since successive governments are hesitant to inject capital into its operations.
The refinery will be leased to Torentco Asset Management Group for $22 million for 6 years and is expected to refine up to 8 million barrels annually.
Marca reports that Bernardo Silva, the midfielder for Manchester City, is nearing completion of his transfer to the Saudi Pro League.
The 28-year-old has been the subject of speculation regarding a €70 million move away from the Etihad during this summer transfer window.
Both Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona were rumored to have expressed interest in the Portuguese international.
However, it appears that Silva is poised to join the growing list of European stars making a move to Saudi Arabia.
Silva is under contract with City until 2025, but it is reported that he is open to leaving the club in order to seek a new challenge. Silva played an integral role under Pep Guardiola last season, featuring 55 times across all competitions, netting seven goals and eight assists.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante are amongst the most notable stars who will play in Saudi Arabia next season as the country looks to follow in the footsteps of neighbours Qatar and prepare a bid to host the 2030 World Cup.
Afreximbank, a Pan-African multilateral financial institution, is responsible for financing and facilitating trade within and outside of Africa.
With its focus on fostering industrialization, intra-regional trade, and economic growth in Africa, Afreximbank employs creative financing structures to provide solutions that aid in transforming trade dynamics across the continent.
The deal was signed by officials of the company and the bank on Tuesday at the just-ended Afreximbank 30th Annual General Meetings which took place in Accra.
George Owodo, Chief Finance Officer of Springfield and Oluranti Doherty, Director, of Export Development of Afreximbank signed on behalf of their organisations.
Speaking to Joy Business News after the signing ceremony Mr Kevin Okyere, Chief Executive Officer of Springfield said it was a great day for African companies in building an alliance with a great African financial institution like Afreximbank.
The facility, he said, will enable his company to add more value to its oil block and was very excited about the opportunity.
According to him, the facility will tremendously impact the development of the West Cape Three Points Block 2, particularly the unitisation process of the Afina-Sankofa field which is yet to be concluded.
In October 2019, the Afina-1 well made two discoveries that included gas, critical and light oil at a water depth of 1030 metres drilled to a total depth of 4085 metres.
This more than doubled Springfield’s proven oil reserves to 1.5 billion barrels and added almost 1Trillion Cubic Feet of gas to the existing discoveries.
The current undiscovered potential of the Block is estimated at over 3 billion barrels of oil and gas in multiple leads and prospects within multiple proven reservoir units.
Springfield is the Operator and Majority Interest Holder of West Cape Three Points Block 2 with the Ghana National Petroleum Company and its exploration subsidiary, EXPLORCO holding the remaining interest.
The 32-year-old midfielder was presented with a new contract offer by City, but it seems that he has negotiated a more lucrative three-year deal with the reigning Spanish champions.
Gundogan played a crucial role in Manchester City’s successful pursuit of the Treble this season, and manager Pep Guardiola was keen on retaining his services.
The Germany midfielder played 51 games in 2022-23, scoring 11 goals.
Gundogan’s influence was crucial in the closing weeks of City’s season with six goals in his final seven games – including a double in the 2-1 FA Cup final win over Manchester United.
He played 90 minutes in the Champions League final as City beat Inter Milan 1-0 to add to their Premier League and FA Cup triumphs this season.
Guardiola said earlier this month City director Txiki Begiristain was “working” to keep Gundogan and he “hoped he can be successful”.
Gundogan’s departure follows City agreeing a £30m deal with Chelsea to sign Croatia midfielder Mateo Kovacic.
Gundogan joined City from Borussia Dortmund for a reported £20m in 2016 and made 304 appearances for the club, scoring 60 goals.
During his seven years at Etihad Stadium he has won 14 trophies – five Premier League titles, one Champions League, two FA Cups, four Carabao Cups and two Community Shields.
He was made club captain at the start of 2022-23 following the departure of Brazil midfielder Fernandinho.
UEFA has announced thatJose Mourinho, the manager of Roma, has received a four-match suspension in European competitions for verbally insulting referee Anthony Taylor following the team’s defeat to Sevilla in the Europa League final.
The incident occurred when Mourinho confronted Taylor in a car park after Roma’s penalty shoot-out loss, following a 1-1 draw in Budapest.
Mourinho has been banned from “the next four UEFA club competition matches in which he would otherwise participate, for directing abusive language at a match official”, European football’s governing body said.
Roma have also been fined 50,000 euros ($54,744) and banned from taking away fans to their next European match “for the lighting of fireworks, throwing of objects, acts of damage and crowd disturbances”.
The Italian club were also fined 5,000 euros over the “improper conduct of their team” and ordered to “contact the Hungarian Football Federation within 30 days” due to damages caused by their supporters in the stadium.
Taylor was harassed by Roma fans at Budapest airport with his family the day after the controversial final.
An Italian man was charged with affray after the ugly clash.
Referees’ body PGMOL said: “We are appalled at the unjustified and abhorrent abuse directed at Anthony and his family as he tries to make his way home from refereeing theUEFA Europa League final.”
Taylor booked 13 players, seven of them from Roma, while the bad-tempered game was littered with delays due to the unusually high number of fouls.
It was Sevilla’s seventh Europa League triumph and the first European final defeat of Mourinho’s managerial career.
Over the course of nearly 20 years, Gyan has made an unforgettable impact on the sport, leaving behind an impressive array of records.
From his remarkable goal-scoring feats in the African Cup of Nations and the FIFA World Cup to his outstanding accomplishments at both club and international levels, Gyan’s name has become synonymous with triumph and recognition.
However, on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, Asamoah Gyan officially declared his retirement from football, marking the end of a distinguished career that spanned more than two decades.
A look at Asamoah Gyan’s top 10 records
Ghana’s all-time top scorer
Gyan is the all-time leading goal scorer for the Ghana national team. He has scored over 51 goals in his international career, surpassing the previous record held by Abedi Pele.
Youngest goal scorer for Ghana
At the age of 17 years 362 days, Asamoah Gyan became the youngest player to score for Ghana’s senior national team, the Black Stars.
Gyan scored the goal on his debut against Somalia in the 77th minute in a 2006FIFA World Cup qualifier, three days before he turned 18 years; helping Ghana to win that game, and making him the youngest ever player to score for Ghana.
First Ghanaian to score at World Cup
Gyan helped Ghana qualify for their first World Cup in 2006 and made an impact by scoring in their historic 2-0 victory against the Czech Republic. His goal was Ghana’s first-ever goal at the World Cup.
BBC African Player of the Year
Gyan was named the 2010 BBC African Footballer of the Year after delivering remarkable performances.
With three goals in the Africa Cup of Nations and three goals in the World Cup in South Africa, he outshone competition from fellow players such as Andre Ayew, Didier Drogba, Yaya Toure, and Samuel Eto’o to claim the prestigious award.
Africa’s highest scorer at World Cup
Gyan scored for Ghana in three successive World Cup tournaments in 2006, 2010 and 2014 to etch his name in history. His tally of six goals makes him Africa’s highest scorer at the World Cup, with Roger Milla trailing by a goal and Ahmed Musa two goals behind.
The first player to score in 9 consecutive major international tournaments
Gyan also holds the record as the first player to score in nine consecutive major tournaments. He achieved this milestone in the 2006, 2010, and 2014 editions of the World Cups. He scored at each AFCON tournament he played in between 2008 to 2017. He only failed to score at the 2019 AFCON
One of the fastest players to reach 50 international goals
Gyan scored 50 international goals for Ghana in just 103 appearances, reaching the milestone faster than Ronaldo (114 matches) and Messi (121 games) did for their respective national teams.
Most goals scored in a single season for Al Ain FC
While playing for Al Ain FC in the United Arab Emirates, Gyan set a record by scoring an astounding 44 goals in a single season, cementing his status as one of the most prolific goal-scorers in the league’s history.
Al Ain’s 2nd all-time top scorer
Gyan’s remarkable achievements at Al Ain FC include winning numerous domestic trophies and becoming the club’s second-highest scorer of all time. With an impressive tally of 128 goals in all competitions, he trails only Ahmed Abdullah, who scored 180 goals for the club.
Ghana’s top-scorer at the AFCON
Gyan is the highest-scoring Ghanaian player in the history of the African Cup of Nations. He has netted numerous goals for the Black Stars in the tournament, contributing significantly to their success over the years.
Ghana player of the decade
Gyan received the Player of the Decade award at theGhana Football Awards in 2021 in recognition of his exceptional performances for his country.
He was chosen based on his performance from 2010-2020. Standing out in a competitive category, the veteran striker solidified his place in football history.
The first recipient of theChristian Wulff scholarship was honored during the Graduation Ceremony held on October 12, 2019.
This scholarship is granted to a remarkable BA or MA student who has demonstrated exceptional academic accomplishments and remarkable involvement within the BI community.
Eligibility
This scholarship is offered to any BA or MA student.
Must have outstanding academic achievements and engagement in the BI community.
Benefits
The scholarship covers 50% of the tuition fees from the beginning of your studies.
Application
The Christian Wulff scholar is nominated by thepresident and the deans of BI’s faculties. The winner is announced at the graduation ceremony.
Sports broadcaster Patrick Osei Agyemang, also known as Countryman Songo, has strongly criticized Black Stars coach Chris Hughton, accusing him of failing to establish a clear playing style for the national team.
With only one victory and two draws in recent matches since Hughton’s appointment, concerns have been raised by fans who desire to see the team achieve more wins.
Countryman Songo, a vocal critic of the Black Stars, expressed his disappointment with the team’s recent performance against Madagascar.
According to him, Chris Hughton has not been able to coin a playing style for the Black Stars and this has been evident in the poor performance of the team.
“We have to be able to tell the formation and tactics that the Black Stars are playing. What is the system that this coach is playing, he doesn’t have one. We haven’t developed the Black Stars.
“Let’s pay attention to our Black Stars and criticise them because their style of play is not nice currently,” Songo said.
He added that the Black Stars already have a playing style which is known by many football fans and all the coach has to do is to build on it to be able to be successful.
“Football has developed to the extent that everyone is playing European football but still when you go to South America there are teams that have still maintained their DNA and added a little of European football,” he said.
Adding, “Those days in the Black Stars the midfielders spread the ball to the wings and were sending in the crosses from left and right. Now we don’t see that but that is the DNA of Ghana football.”
Former player for the Black Stars, Thomas Duah, has expressed his belief that no individual, including the current expatriate coach Chris Hughton, possesses the capability to improve the national team.
This statement follows Ghana’s inability to secure AFCON 2023 qualification after a draw against Madagascar in Antananarivo.
According to Duah, the current performance of the team has brought the system of player selection for national representation under scrutiny.
Thomas Duah responded to the question of whether Chris Hughton is building the Black Stars in the right direction:
“Nobody can build the Black Stars; anyone who claims otherwise is a liar. We’re only practising ‘trying your luck’ and nothing else. Listen, the system for inviting players is flawed, and it is causing our national teams to fail,” he said.
“How do you build a team by bringing in different players for different games, and how do you find cohesion and understanding?” We don’t put together teams like that.
Look, there are five or four Bayern Munich club players in the German national team, and there are more than five Barcelona players in the Spanish national team, so there is always telepathy.”
“Ours isn’t like that. The local players have been left out; gone are the days when the Black Stars insisted on only local players, and that was what won us the trophy,” he added.
Unnamed Saudi Arabian clubs are reportedly preparing their initial offer for Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey.
As per Fabrizio Romano, the clubs are willing to pay €40 million for the player in a structured payment plan.
“Understand Saudi clubs are prepared to pay €40m in instalments to Arsenal for Thomas Partey. He’s a concrete option for Saudi — his exit is possible as revealed on Sunday.”
Romano also confirmed that some European clubs have expressed interest in Partey who is yet to decide his future.
“No decision yet on player side. He also has approaches from Europe. No new deal talks at the moment.”
The Ghanaian is on Arsenals’ outgoing list as the club aims at freeing up their wage bill to make room for new signings.
However, the Gunners are only willing to cash in on Partey, who has two years left in his contract, for the right price.
Thomas Partey, who has been a big contributor to Arsenal’s resurgence, joined the Gunners in 2020.
The club is looking to replace the 30-year-old as they aim at signing West Ham United midfielder, Declan Rice to rebuild their midfield.
Arsenal have had their first bid of £90 million for Rice rejected. The Hammers are said to be demanding £120 million.
Neymar Jr., a forward for the Brazilian national team, thinks that African nations have struggled to win the FIFA World Cup because their athletes don’t give as much as they do for their club clubs.
The Paris Saint-Germain player claims that in contrast to their South American counterparts, African players frequently lack the same level of passion when representing their nations on the international stage.
Neymar Jr. remarked that while some of the world’s best athletes are from Africa, they do not display the same zeal when wearing their national team jerseys.
He said, “Africa does not win a World Cup because African players play for Europe. It’s different with us Brazil, no matter where we are trained we prefer to defend the jersey of our country.”
“African players have talent, but they don’t show it for their national teams. African players don’t have much passion to represent their countries like South Americans, that’s why Brazil has 5 World Cups,” he said as quoted by FirstMag LeVrai.
Historically, the best performance by an African country in the World Cup has been reaching the semi-finals, achieved byMorocco in the 2022 tournament.
Other countries like Ghana, Senegal, and Cameroon have come close to success by reaching the quarter-finals.
Didier Drogba, an iconic figure in African football, has attributed the continent’s challenges in the World Cup to frequent changes in coaching staff.
The legendary Ivory Coast player argues that in order for African teams to be competitive, they should adopt long-term projects with coaches and refrain from dismissing managers hastily in response to minor setbacks.
During his address at the 2023 Afreximbank Conference in Accra, Drogba stressed that this practice is widespread across African countries and advised against it, highlighting how it hampers team cohesion and development.
“It is not just about Ivory Coast but it is the same everywhere. We hire a national team coach. We win all the qualifying games for the World Cup of the Africa Cup of Nations.
“We go to the Africa Cup of Nations and we lose in the quarter-final, the next day or the next hour the manager is out. And we hire a new manager, this guy is coming in and he knows that for example in Ivory Coast national team you have Yaya Toure, Kolo Tour, Salomon Kalou, Didier Zokora, Didier Drogba.
“He [the new coach] is watching the premier league weekend, he is not going to think much, he is going to play the same team otherwise for him it’s easy to put the same team and we go like that same circle. Two years later he is out, you don’t build anything by hiring new managers. Give them time.”
The former Chelsea man referenced France manager Didier Deschamps situation, stating that he would have lost his job in 2016 if he were head coach of an African side.
“Look at Didier Deschamp, he has been with the French national team for almost a decade.
“He lost the Euros in 2016 in France can you imagine if this happened in Ivory and Ghana?” Didier Drogba said at this year’s Afreximbank Conference in Accra.
Since Africa’s debut at the World Cup in 1934, the continent has had only four representatives in the quarter-final with only one managing to reach the semis.
The list includes Cameroon, Nigeria, Ghana and Morocco. Morocco became the first African country to reach the semi-finals in 2022 when they beat Spain.
Felix Afena-Gyan, a young player in the Black Stars, expressed his reaction to Asamoah Gyan’s retirement on Twitter.
The forward, who currently plays for US Cremonese, referred to the renowned goal scorer as his source of inspiration and idol
“My inspiration. My Idol. Thank you for making us dream Asamoah Gyan,” Felix Afena-Gyan shared in a post on Twitter.
Ghana great, Asamoah Gyanon Tuesday, announced his retirement, indicating that it’s time to hang his boots.
“Mr. President, Ministers of State, members of the board, fellow Speakers, nananom, niim3, naam3, I want to take this great opportunity, a stage that is difficult in every footballer’s career, a moment all footballers do not wish, but when nature dawns, that thin voice will keep echoing into the ears … IT IS TIME … that voice has been clear in my ears, and I have succumbed to it, IT IS TIME,” Asamoah Gyan said.
The former Sunderland forward continued, “IT IS TIME TO HANG THE JERSEY AND BOOTS IN GLORY as I retire officially from active football, … but then again, I am minded by views shared by great businesses men and sporting gurus, “YOU DO NOT LEAVE YOUR LOVE.”
This is the second time Erik ten Hag’s team has had a bid rejected by Chelsea. Mount is unlikely to agree to new terms.
Manchester United’s second offer for Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount has been rejected.
The second offer is believed to be worth £50 million, including £5 million in performance-related add-ons and £45 million in guaranteed money.
United clearly want to sign the England international but have a valuation in mind, which they are unlikely to go beyond.
Negotiations are expected to continue for Mount, who has one year left on his Chelsea contract.
Sky Sports News reported earlier this month United had made an opening offer worth £40m for Mount, which Chelsea also immediately knocked back.
Erik ten Hag first bumped into Mount when he was Ajax head coach. On loan at Vitesse Arnhem, the 18-year-old’s free-kick led to his side’s third goal as they beat Ajax 3-2 in March 2018.
Ten Hag, then in charge of just his eighth game at Ajax, reportedly tried to sign Mount for the Dutch club on loan from Chelsea the following season.
Fourteen goals and 10 assists in his first full campaign of senior football, largely from central midfield, had caught Ten Hag’s attention.
The likelihood of Mount staying at Stamford Bridge is remote with the midfielder unwilling to sign a new deal.
Chelsea know this is the time to cash in on a player who has just one year left on his contract.
After initially joining Chelsea on loan from Real Madrid in 2018, Mateo Kovacic later secured a permanent move to the club for a fee of £40 million.
The Croatian midfielder has enjoyed a successful tenure at Stamford Bridge, winning four significant trophies, including the coveted Champions League title in 2021.
Kovacic’s contract with Chelsea is set to expire in one year’s time, and he has amassed an impressive 221 appearances for the club thus far.
It’s true that Kovacic’s impact in the final third has been modest at best, while his reluctance to shoot from dangerous positions has always been a curiosity given his excellent technical ability.
But it’s also true that Kovacic was never signed to be an attacking, goal-scoring midfielder, as a total of 18 goals in eight years for his three previous clubs should have shown.
Instead, the Croatia international’s strengths lie at the heart of midfield. Since he arrived in the Premier League in the summer of 2018, Kovacic ranks fifth for both completed take-ons and passes per 90 among midfielders.
He excels at receiving the ball under pressure, moving upfield by beating the opponents’ press and linking the defence to the attack – skills that are often overlooked due to his limited attacking output.
But it’s those skills that have likely endeared him to Manchester City, who follow Real Madrid and Inter Milan in adding their name to the glittering CV of Kovacic, who has already won 18 trophies – including four Champions Leagues– during his career.
It’s easy to see Kovacic slotting seamlessly into Pep Guardiola’s side, either as competition for Rodri as the pivot – which would spell bad news for Kalvin Phillips – or as a potential replacement for impending free agent Ilkay Gundogan as one of the No 8s.
Cashing in on Kovacic before his contract runs down is sensible for Chelsea but, if Guardiola wants a player, it’s usually a sign that they’re a player worth having.
Liberian President George Weah has praisedNapoli striker Victor Osimhen for his outstanding performance during the Nigerian national team’s qualification match for the 2023 African Cup of Nations against Sierra Leone.
On Sunday, June 18, Nigeria faced a tough challenge before securing a 3-2 victory over Sierra Leone in Liberia, with Kelechi Iheanacho scoring the winning goal.
Osimhen played a crucial role in the match, scoring two goals before the hosts equalized in the second half, with the game seemingly heading for a draw.
However, Iheanacho’s remarkable strike secured the win for Nigeria.
According to the reports in Sun and Daily Post, Weah expressed happiness about the form of Osimhen urging the former Lille star to continue shining for his club and the national team.
George Weah hails Osimhen
“That is what I call a striker. Good positioning always. Very athletic and knows where to be each time the ball is coming. He is so strong and a fighter par excellence.”
Meanwhile, Osimhen has been tipped to become the next African best footballer of the year following his incredible performances last term for Napoli.
Earlier, Sports Brief had reported how Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen stated emphatically that he deserves to be at the top in Africa and the world going by his excellent performances last season winning the Scudetto with Napoli.
Last term was the best so far in the career of the Nigerian star as he did not only win the Serie A title alone with Napoli but also finished as the top scorer with 26 goals.
Osimhen set the record as the first African to win the Golden Boot award in Serie A which is a landmark achievement.
The former Lille strongman made it clear that he had a good season with Napoli.
Son Heung Min has put an end to speculations surrounding a potential transfer toSaudi Arabia with a brief statement regarding his future.
The talented South Korean player did not perform at his peak for Spurs during the 2022/23 season, leading to discussions about the possibility of his departure from the Premier League.
ESPN reports had indicated that Son had caught the attention of clubs in Saudi Arabia, with Al-Ittihad being the most likely destination for the 30-year-old.
Al-Ittihad recently became the second Saudi Arabian club to secure a major signing after unveiling Karim Benzema, who signed for free after his Real Madrid contract ended.
Son’s stance on his future
Despite links to Saudi Arabia, Son clarified that he would not be leaving the Premier League anytime soon as he believes he has ‘unfinished business’.
“I have many things to do in the Premier League,” he said as quoted on The Sun.
“Money doesn’t matter to me now, and the pride of playing football, to play in my favourite league is important.
“I want to play more for Tottenham.”
The Middle East club, managed by former Tottenham boss Nuno Espirito Santo, were reportedly willing to offer Tottenham £51m for Son’s services.
Which other stars could join Saudi?
Despite Son’s unwillingness to leave the Premier League, the Saudi Arabia league is still set to reap massively from other big names.
Chelsea stars N’golo Kante,Edouard Mendy and Kalidou Koulibaly are all poised to leave London for the Middle East, with Kante set to become an Al Ittihad player.
Football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano also announced on Tuesday that Hakim Ziyech had verbally agreed with Al-Nassr, a club that Cristiano Ronaldo currently plays for.
European clubs call for Saudi investigations
Elsewhere, Sports Brief reported growing suspicion over the transfer dealings between Saudi Arabia clubs and Chelsea.
The Middle Eastern nation has become a good hunting ground for elite football players following Cristiano Ronaldo’s blockbuster move to Al-Nassr in January.
There are concerns that Chelsea and Wolverhampton Wanderers are using the lofty offers from the Middle East nation to balance out their books.
Former midfielder for Ivory Coast and Manchester City, Yaya Toure has been appointed first team coach at Standard Liege in Belgium’s premier division.
Before to the 2023–23 season, the 40-year-old will join the technical staff as Carl Heofkens’ assistant coach alongside Frazer Robertson.
For the past 18 months, Toure has served as Tottenham Hotspurs’ Academy coach in England.
“With the arrival of Yaya TOURÉ as T2, the staff of our 1st team is now complete. Yaya will assist Carl HOEFKENS along with Geoffrey VALENNE and Frazer ROBERTSON,” wrote the club on their official website.
The former Barcelona star expressed gratitude to Tottenham for giving him the opportunity to hone his skills as manager.
“I would like to thank everyone at the Tottenham Hotspur academy for their support in the 18 months I spent with the club. A special media to Dean Rastrick, Chris Powell and all the young players. Thank you,” he wrote on Twitter.
The former Ivory Coast international enjoyed a stellar career abroad where he played for the likes of Barcelona and Manchester City. He also played for AS Monaco and had a short spell in China.
Toure named Tottenham U18 coach
Earlier, Sports Brief reported that African football great, Yaya Toure has been named Tottenham Hotspur youth team coach ahead of the 2022/23 season.
The Manchester City legend has been working with Tottenham’s developmental team since December as he acquired his coaching badges.
And according to the Evening Standard, the 39-year-old is set to join the North London club’s coaching staff on a permanent deal.
Toure rejects former agent’s claim
Former Manchester City midfielder,Yaya Toure, has furiously reacted to his ex-agent’s claims that he placed a curse on the club’s UEFA Champions League ambitions.
Dimitri Seluk, Toure’s former agent, stated on Monday morning that the Ivory Coast legend has lifted the curse after patching up his differences with City manager Pep Guardiola.
Following Guardiola and City’s 2020 UEFA Champions League final defeat, reports went rife that Toure had cursed the club.
Guinness World Records has acknowledged and honoured Cristiano Ronaldo for his outstanding accomplishment of winning 200 caps for Portugal.
During Portugal’s June 20 play against Iceland in the Euro 2024 Qualifiers, the Al-Nassr hero completed this amazing achievement.
Ronaldo received an official certificate from Guinness World Records recognising him as a record holder as a mark of respect for his historic achievement.
Additionally, he received a Portugal shirt adorned with the number “200” printed prominently on the back, symbolizing his record-breaking caps, per Sportskeeda.
Despite his record-setting achievement, the 38-year-old, who also holds the title of Portugal’s all-time leading scorer, declared that he has no intentions of retiring from international football anytime soon, reaffirming his commitment to continue making an impact on the international stage.
On the occasion of his 200th appearance for Portugal, Ronaldo increased his tally, scoring the match-winner as the 2016 European champions strengthened their grip at the summit of Group J, Eurosport reports.
Cristiano Ronaldo reaches 200 caps
In a related publication, Sports Brief reported that Ronaldo scaled yet another breathtaking peak in his glistening career as he represented Portugal in the 2024UEFA Euro Qualifiers against Iceland on Tuesday, June 20.
Ronaldo has already established himself as the undisputed leader in international appearances, surpassing Bader Al-Mutawa of Kuwait earlier this year.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner, who currently plies his trade in Saudi Arabia for Al-Nassr, accomplished a groundbreaking milestone as the first player to reach 200 caps for his country.
Ronaldo makes Portugal vow
Meanwhile,Ronaldo said on Monday that he would ‘never give up’ playing for Portugal as he prepares to make his 200th international appearance against Iceland in Euro 2024 qualifying, Sports Brief reported.
In surprising news, reports suggest that Luis Suarez, the former Liverpool and Barcelona striker currently playing for Grêmio in Brazil, is contemplating retirement from his illustrious football career.
The 36-year-old, widely regarded as one of the finest strikers of his generation, is said to be considering this decision due to persistent knee pain.
Despite making 25 appearances for Grêmio this season, Suarez has reportedly informed the club about his intention to retire as a result of the troublesome knee injury, according to Marca.
This new development all but quashes any possibility of Suarez’s reunion with his long-time friend and former teammate Lionel Messi.
Messi recently agreed to join Major League Soccer outfit Inter Miami, and it was rumoured that Suarez could follow the Argentine.
Suarez’s career timeline
Regardless of his decision, there is no denying that Luis Suarez has had a career many football players would love to have.
He came up with FC Nacional in his home country before moving to the Netherlands at the tender age of 19, joining Dutch outfit Groningen, as per Transfermkt.
At Groningen, he impressively netted 15 goals and seven assists in 37 games, attracting the interest of FC Ajax, who wasted no time taking up his services.
It was at Ajax that Suarez really made a name for himself, bagging 111 goals and 68 assists in three seasons with the club, eventually joining Liverpool in January 2011.
His 11-year stint in Europe also saw him play for Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, but it was at Barca where he will be remembered fondly as one of the members of the most formidable attack in history also comprising of Lionel Messi and Neymar.
As part of the notorious MSN at Barcelona, Suarez netted 195 goals and got 113 assists as he won four La Liga title , the Champions League and other pieces of silverware with the Catalan giants before leaving in 2020.
He is also the leading marksman for his nation Uruguay with 68 goals.
Asamoah Gyan retires
Sports Brief also reported on the retirement of Ghana legend Asamoah Gyan, whose heart was broken by Luis Suarez’s handball in the 2010 World Cup.
Spanning nearly two decades, Gyan’s illustrious career blossomed with countless unforgettable moments, leading many football enthusiasts to consider him as the greatest player of his generation and even transcending the boundaries of time.
Despite a fairly decent career, Gyan’s football stint has been filled with heartbreaking moments as well.
After announcing his retirement from professional football, Ghana legend Asamoah Gyan has received celebratory messages from both former and current Black Stars players.
In an emotional press statement shared online, the former captain of the Black Stars concluded his successful football journey.
Ghanaians, along with fellow players, have expressed their admiration for Asamoah Gyan’s accomplished career.
Crystal Palace midfielder Jeffrey Schlupp in the comment section of Gyan’s post on Instagram dubbed the former Sunderland man as ‘Real Legend’.
Former Black Stars goalkeeper, Fatawu Dauda also commented “Legendary” under Gyan’s Instagram.
Former Black Stars player Anthony Baffoe via a post on Twitter hailed Gyan for his career and personality.
“What a career what a player what a personality in and off the pitch -you deserve all the respect Capitan…there is only 1 Asamoah Gyan…thank you thank you thank you.”
Meanwhile, Cremonese forward Felix Afena Gyan described the Black Stars’ all-time top scorer as his idol.
“My inspiration. My Idol. Thank you for making us dream Asamoah Gyan,” Felix Afena-Gyan shared in a post on Twitter.
Former Black Stars striker, David Accam reacting to Gyan’s post on Twitter wrote: Congrats on a great career. It was nice to share the pitch with you.
Asamoah Gyan enjoyed a fruitful career that started at Liberty Professional in 2003 and ended at Legon Cities in 2021 when he last played active football.
He played for 11 different clubs, including Liberty, Udinese, Modena F.C, Stade Rennais, Sunderland, Al Ain FC, Shanghai Port F.C, Shabab Al Ahli Club, Kayserispor, NorthEast United FC, and Legon Cities.
Gyan is Ghana’s all-time leading scorer with 51 goals in 109 games during his international career.
He is one of Africa’s revered strikers, holding the record as Africa’s top scorer at the World Cup with 6 goals.
He scored Ghana’s first-ever goal at theWorld Cup in 2006 and scored the precious goal that sent the country to the quarter-final in 2010, becoming the third African nation to achieve the feat until Morocco bettered the record in the 2022 World Cup.
He played at seven Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, including two finals. Unfortunately, he lost both. He is Ghana’s second-top scorer at the AFCON with 8 goals.
Unless there are unexpected surprises, inflation is expected to decline gradually but still stay above the upper range of 8±2% until the end of 2025, as stated in the May 2023 Monetary Policy Report fromthe Bank of Ghana.
The report suggests that risks to the inflation forecast are mostly biased towards a lower outcome, given the relative stability of the exchange rate, a decrease in ex-pump petroleum prices, and the impact of base drift effects.
Consequently, these factors may dampen the upward movements in administrative prices.
Given these considerations, the Monetary Policy Committee decided to maintain the Monetary Policy Rate at 29.5% in May 2023.
Headline inflation had already declined significantly by 12.9% between December 2022 and April 2023. “The percentage of items in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) basket with inflation exceeding 50% is receding, an indication of a return to the disinflationary path.
Core inflation has also trended downwards, further supporting the disinflation process”.
However, inflation surged slightly to 42.2% in May 2023.
But the Bank of Ghana believes its latest forecasts suggest a disinflationary path on the horizon, supported by the monetary policy tightening, relative exchange rate stability, and some favorable base drift effects.
Headline inflation decelerated from a peak of 54.1% in December 2022 to 45.0% in March, and further down to 41.2 percent in April 2023, driven by both food and non-food prices.
Food inflation eased to 48.7% in April 2023, from 50.8% in March 2023, and 59.7% in December 2022. Nonfood inflation also declined to 35.4%, from 40.6% in March and 49.9% in December 2022.
The decline in headline inflation was occasioned by a deceleration in prices of both imported and locally produced goods.
Overall, the regulator of the banking industry said, price pressures have eased significantly across all items in the basket, largely supported by tight monetary policy, base-drift effects, relative stability in the exchange rate, and declining international crude oil pricesand, in turn, downward adjustments in ex-pump petroleum prices.
Mr. Dame had requested the court to prioritize the case and hold hearings on a daily basis, emphasizing the state’s right to a speedy trial.
However, lawyers representing the embattled former Assin North MP argued for a longer adjournment to allow him to campaign for the forthcoming by-election.
“He is introducing political matters which are extraneous. He is saying the accused is involved in a national assignment. Who gave him a national assignment?
“It is a selfish quest to contest in this election knowing very well that there is a criminal case pending before him.
“The Supreme Court has declared your election unconstitutional and you know that he is facing a criminal prosecution and he could be convicted and jailed.
It is in the interest of justice for the matter to be expeditious – the case be heard on a day-to-day basis.”Mr Dame said.
The court agreed with this view and fixed the hearing for June 20 to June 23.
Lawyers for Mr Quayson have whoever filed processes urging the court to review this decision.
Mr Tsikata on Tuesday urged the court to adjourn proceedings to June 28 to afford him ample time to campaign.
Deputy Attorney General Alfred Tuah Yeboah told the court his office had not been served with the court processes.
He asked that the trial continues and that the arguments against the day-to-day hearing can be dealt with on Wednesday.
This did not sit well with Mr. Tsikata who pointed out that they had serious reservations about how the AG’s office was handling the case.
“There is actually proof of service on the docket. The matters that are the subject matters of the motion, logically precede the continuation of the trial. We were referring to the extraneous, prejudicial and unjustified and insulting remarks that were made by the Attorney General in seeking an application for a day-to-day hearing.
“And that was after my learned friend had made it clear, that the accused person is in fact a parliamentary candidate for an election that has been fixed for the 27th of June.” Mr Tsikata stated.
The Deputy AG however insisted it was only fair the AG had the chance to respond to the issues especially because of the claims of the comments made by the Attorney General.
The chiefs of Assin North have issued a warning to political leaders, urging them to exercise caution in their statements to prevent any potential disruption to the peace of the region before, during, and after the upcoming by-election.
Despite the diverse mix of tribes, religions, and ethnicities in the area, the traditional authorities emphasized that the community remained united and committed to preserving peace.
They affirmed their unwavering dedication to safeguarding the prevailing harmony and unity as the Tuesday, June 27 by-election approaches.
“For us, we have come a long way, and have a history of peaceful coexistence among ourselves despite the tribe, religion, and ethnic diversity which have always remain indivisible.
“It is this love for each other, underpinned by the biblical directive of love your neighbour as thyself, that today Assin is rated as the most peaceful place in the country, and we thank God for that,” Nana Yaw Owusu Aduomi, the Chief of Assin-Praso, told the Ghana News Agency in an interview.
To him, the sustenance of unity and peace of the country over the years was a feat that was well deserved and should not be taken for granted.
“Let’s be careful with what we say and how we say it to ensure that it does not bring political instability, and unnecessary tension in a peaceful area because peace is the pinnacle for development,” he indicated.
The Chief’s upbeat about peace and use of intemperate language was borne out of the steady rise of political tension and apprehension due to high stakes in the by-election.
He said some recent pockets of ethnic sentiment and unsubstantiated contentions being peddled by some political actors could disturb the peace of the area and must stop.
He admitted the fact that there had not been political acrimony in the area, however, the New Patriotic Party (NPP), the National Democratic Congress (NDC), and the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG) had deployed various schemes to win votes, resulting in high anxieties.
Reinforced by the hung parliament which had split NPP and NDC into almost equal, he said the two political parties, had a lot to fight for, hence the different maneuvering and tactics.
He wondered why leaders of political parties had for years agreed to be decorous in their public discourse but had failed to punish members for misguided statements to deter others.
“The politicians had sometimes defended those reckless statements as rebuttals, in the context that: “This person said that, and that person also went to say this.”
“Such positions only came to hurt the nation because “none of them is helpful.”
For the media, he charged them to be careful about the platforms they offered to political actors.
They must ensure that people who got onto their platforms did not abuse the public space with reckless statements that would jeopardize the peace of the area and the country at large.
Nonetheless, Nana Aduomi called on the government to redeem its promises to construct the Assin-Praso town roads and bring back the tollbooth in the community, which was relocated due to the road construction.
Two graduate students studying Nursing at Brock University who demonstrate financial need will be awarded this bursary.
Eligibility
To be eligible to apply for internal awards, scholarships, and bursaries, the graduate student must be registered as a full-time student.
A student who is withdrawn from the university or has a change of status will have their scholarship eligibility reviewed and adjustments to their financial support.
Must study Nursing.
Must demonstrate financial need.
Benefits
The scholarship is worth $5,707.
Application
When applying for graduate studies atBrock University, you must fulfill the requirement of completing and submitting the Graduate Student Internal Entrance Scholarship/Award Application.
This application will be accessible on your applicant portal account as a mandatory document for admission. Once you have submitted your application for graduate studies, you will receive an email containing instructions on how to activate your applicant portal account.
FIFA is poised to investigate reports concerning two separate incidents of alleged racism during international matches that took place on Monday.
In the match between the Republic of Ireland Under-21s and Kuwait Under-22s in Austria, the game was abandoned following an accusation that a player from the Kuwaiti team racially abused one of Ireland’s substitutes.
Similarly, the senior international match between New Zealand and Qatar, also held in Austria, was prematurely halted after the New Zealand Football Association revealed that one of their players, Michael Boxall, was subjected to a racist comment by an opponent from Qatar during the first half.
FIFA will now examine these incidents as part of their ongoing efforts to combat racism in football.
Even though the Ireland match was a tier two friendly and not requiring formal FIFA approval to be played, the fact that the Football Association of Ireland said in a tweet on Monday evening it would be reporting the matter to FIFA would oblige the game’s global governing body to investigate.
The New Zealand match was played under FIFA jurisdiction, meaning the referee’s report will be sent to the global governing body as a matter of course.
FIFA would be expected to take a tough stance if one or both of the allegations are found proven.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino said last week: “It’s very important not just to talk about racism and discrimination, but to take action in a decisive and convincing manner – zero tolerance.
“There is no football if there is racism – so let’s stop the games.
“The referees have this opportunity in FIFA competitions as we have this process for stopping the game, and actions have to be taken at every level, at national level as well.”
Gianni Infantino has met Brazil and Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior, the victim of several shocking racism incidents while playing for his club this season, and sent a powerful message, saying that football cannot go on when there is discrimination.
Infantino made the remarks after meeting with the Brazil squad in Barcelona, including Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior who has been on the receiving end of repeated racial abuse in Spain this year.
The Football Association of Ireland posted a tweet on Monday which read: “The FAI regrets to announce that today’s U21 international against Kuwait has been abandoned after a racist remark was made by a Kuwaiti player towards one of our substitutes.
“The FAI does not tolerate any racism towards any of our players or staff and will be reporting this seriousmatter to FIFA and UEFA.”
The Kuwaiti federation published a tweet in which Olympic football team director Jarrah Al Ateeqi claimed the match had been abandoned “due to roughness and excessive tension between the players”.
Following Bukayo Saka’s impressive performance, where he scored his first senior career hat-trick during England’s dominant 7-0 victory over North Macedonia in the Euro 2024 qualifying match, manager Gareth Southgate was questioned about the 21-year-old’s progression towards the pinnacle of soccer’s elite level.
“He’s there,” Southgate replied matter-of-factly.
“When he broke into the team at Arsenal what struck us was that in a team that were having a difficult time he was performing at a really high level,” Southgate said. “Then when the team were playing well he was still a key player and performing at a really high level.
“So, that says a lot about his mentality, his ability to deal with pressure. And that’s the environment that we’re in all the time. He’s exceptional to work with.”
At the end of a long season in which Arsenal finished runners-up to Manchester City in the Premier League, Saka could have sat the game out with the injury, Southgate said.
“To see the joy on his face, he’s such a popular member of the team. And so humble, works incredibly hard.”
The 21-year-old Saka was joined up front by captain Harry Kane, who scored record-extending 57th and 58th goals for his country, and Marcus Rashford in a forward line that fans on social media were calling the best England have had in a while.
Is it a strike force Southgate would like to build around?
“I think for different games, different profiles of players are important, and of course, you can never be sure that we’re going to have everybody available,” he said.
“So that’s why nights like tonight, when the team were going well – we said to them at half time, ‘You have to keep enjoying a night like tonight, you have to keep driving and finish it well’, because it’s not often you have the team at that sort of a moment really.”
Despite what Southgate called “an outrageous” scoreline, Kane did not open the floodgates until the 27th minute.
“That wasn’t really how we were expecting the game to be because there’s no evidence that Macedonia would suffer like that,” Southgate said.
“There’s no evidence that the game, in the end, would be as straightforward as it was. Certainly in the opening 20 minutes, it didn’t work that way.
“So it’s a huge credit to our senior players who have set a brilliant tone all week.”
England do not resume qualifying matches until September 9 and Southgate is looking forward to the downtime after a unique season interrupted by the World Cup in Qatar.
“I’ve said all along, everybody has to collaborate on the calendar because there’s no point us just talking to the Premier League and sorting the FA Cup or the League Cup out, it’s broader than that,” he said.
“I don’t like to talk about it at these moments because otherwise there’s every excuse to not perform on a night like tonight.
“The players have shown psychologically we refreshed them, we gave the bulk of them two weeks off. That came with a bit of a risk, but they responded really well. And I think psychologically they’re refreshed coming into these games and viewed it as a sort of mini pre-season before they go and have another couple of weeks break.
Pep Guardiola has shared his thoughts on the potential signing of French forward Kylian Mbappe by Manchester City.
Mbappe’s future has become uncertain after he recently sent a letter to his current club, Paris Saint Germain, expressing his hesitation to commit to them and indicating his desire to wait before deciding on his next destination.
The 24-year-old’s contract with PSG is set to expire in 2024.
This has left the French giants in a conundrum on whether to cash in on Mbappe or to allow him to play for the club next season and risk losing him for free.
The uncertainty around the star’s future has put several clubs on high alert, including Real Madrid, who tried to sign the Frenchman unsuccessfully previously.
Another club with the financial muscle to sign a player like Mbappe is Manchester City, who recently established themselves as arguably the best club in the world at the moment thanks to a treble triumph last season.
Pep Guardiola was recently asked about the Citizens’ stance on the PSG superstar and if the club would potentially make a move, and his answer was quite interesting.
“We will not sign Kylian Mbappé, he’s not joining Man City,” Guardiola told @elchiringuitotv in an interview. “All of you know where he wants to go…”
Mbappe’s stance on next club
As far as Mbappe’s reported stance is concerned, he has stated he would rather stick it out at Paris Saint-Germain and honour his current contract to the end.
Meanwhile, The Sun reports Real Madrid are already exploring other options after the departure of Karim Benzema, and are now likely to move for Newcastle flop, Joselu.
Further reports claim the loan transfer is already done and the announcement of the Spaniard as a member of Los Blancos is said to be subject to an official announcement.
Messi celebrates World Cup anniversary
Elsewhere, Sports Brief reported on how Lionel Messi marked a World Cup anniversary with an inspiring message, six months after Argentina won the trophy.
After edging out France in a penalty shootout, La Albiceleste won the title for the third time in the nation’s history – and the first one of Messi’s glittering career.
The Argentine veteran bagged seven goals and provided three assists in eight games and received the prestigious Golden Ball for his performances in Qatar.
The world players’ union FIFPRO has emphasized the importance of FIFA ensuring equal conditions for all players participating in the qualification process for the upcoming Women’s World Cup.
In a report published on Tuesday, FIFPRO highlighted significant disparities in the conditions provided during qualification events organized by the six global confederations.
Some of these conditions were deemed subpar and not meeting the standards expected in elite international football.
FIFPRO’s call is for FIFA to address these discrepancies and ensure a level playing field for all players involved in the qualification process.
World Cup qualification should also be a standalone event across all confederations, rather than being achieved via performance in other tournaments such as the Copa America, FIFPRO said.
New payment model guarantees support for every @FIFAWWC team and player
FIFPRO has praised FIFA for “listening to the voice of players” in ensuring that players at the finals in Australia and New Zealand this summer will benefit from the same playing and preparation conditions as their male counterparts did in Qatar last year.
However, it believes it is now vital that conditions are equalised for all female players involved in qualification.
“During qualification the conditions that the players are exposed to and expected to deliver in, during some of the biggest competitive moments of their lives, are not up to the standards of elite international football, putting both the players and the sport at risk,” the foreword to the Qualifying Conditions Report co-signed by FIFPRO president David Aganzo and general secretary Jonas Baer-Hoffmann read.
“In highlighting these conditions and the status of players across the globe, FIFPRO firmly calls on the industry to take a closer look at the qualification processes in each of the six confederations.
“This is so we all can commit to meaningful changes that look at the overall opportunities the FIFA Women’s World Cup can deliver to a greater number of players than those that just appear at the final tournament in July and August this year.”
Fifty four per cent did not receive a pre-tournament medical examination, 70 per cent did not receive a pre-tournament ECG and 39 per cent did not have access to mental health support.
Two-thirds of the players surveyed had to take leave or unpaid leave from another form of employment to participate in these tournaments, the report found.
Thirty-one per cent said training pitches were not of an elite standard, while 32 per cent said match day pitches and stadia were not of an elite standard.
Two-thirds said recovery facilities were either not of an elite standard or not provided at all, while 70 per cent reported that the gym facilities were not of an appropriate level.
“Any stat that’s below 100 per cent in terms of access to important medical checks and things like that is completely unacceptable,” FIFPRO director of global policy and strategic relations for women’s football Sarah Gregorius said.
“We just want to work with whoever wants to work with us, particularly FIFA and the confederations, to understand why that is the case and how that can be prevented (from happening again) because that is certainly not something that should be acceptable to anybody.”
The PA news agency understands the report has been shared with FIFA and the confederations.
FIFA has declined to comment on it directly, but would point to the steps it has taken to close some of the gaps which exist in the women’s game, both in enlarging the World Cup to 32 teams and increasing compensation to players and national associations.
The women’s international calendar was agreed on by all confederations on the FIFA Council after an extensive consultation process, while qualification criteria and tournaments are defined by the confederations rather than FIFA.
FIFA has also sought to improve investment in the women’s game by challenging broadcasters and sponsors, with president Gianni Infantino threatening a World Cup blackout in some countries if broadcasters did not increase their offers for the rights.
A deal with some major European markets, including the United Kingdom, was agreed last week.
The awards, which are given out annually, honour and highlight the great dedication of the matchday hospitality and special events personnel that toil ceaselessly at stadium locations throughout the UK.
The awards honour the hidden work that goes on behind the scenes to produce great events like football games and sold-out concerts at more than 40 football, rugby, and cricket venues.
Paul Cuttill, LFC’s vice-president of stadium operations, said: “A lot of our stadium operations work is often unseen. This is incredible recognition, and we are proud to be awarded Operations Team of the Year.
This award is a huge accolade for everyone involved in our matchday and events operations.”
Last season alone, the operations team was involved in 26 football matches across the Premier League, Emirates FA Cup, Carabao Cup, Champions League and Barclays Women’s Super League.
There were also two LFC Foundation charity games and three sell-out concerts, plus hundreds of private events and award ceremonies.
This tireless work was also alongside a major stadium renovation, with the Anfield Road Stand expanding to add 7,000 seats.
After rumours that the former Liverpool captain was debating accepting a job offer as coach ofSaudi Premier League team Al-Ettifaq, Steven Gerrard has stated he has made the decision not to accept the position.
The 43-year-old moved to Aston Villa, where he was fired in October, after leading Rangers to their first Scottish Premiership championship in ten years in 2021.
“I was invited over there to look at a potential offer, which I did,” the former England captain told Channel 4.
“I have been analysing that over the last couple of days. But, as we stand right now, I won’t be taking that offer up.”
Several high-profile names have been linked with moves to Saudi Arabia in recent months after Cristiano Ronaldo signed with Al-Nassr in December.
Manchester United is feeling confident about reaching an agreement for a new long-term contract with forward Marcus Rashford sources have informed ESPN.
The England striker’s current deal is set to enter its final year this summer, but talks have intensified towards the end of the previous season, leading to positive progress in extending his stay at Old Trafford.
According to the same sources, Rashford is expected to be rewarded for his impressive performances last season with a lucrative financial package that would position him among the highest earners at the club.
The 25-year-old excelled in his first season under Erik ten Hag, scoring 30 goals in all competitions and 17 in the Premier League.
Sources have told ESPN that progress made under Ten Hag has been a key factor in Rashford’s decision to stay.
Paris Saint-Germain have expressed an interest in the past while Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola and Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino are both admirers but Rashford, according to sources, was always keen to remain at United as long as he felt the club could match his ambition.
Ten Hag is hoping to revamp his forward line during the summer transfer window with the addition of another striker.
There is interest in Harry Kane,Victor Osimhen, Rasmus Hojlund, Randal Kolo Muani and Lautaro Martinez but so far United have been hampered by their budget restrictions and what they believe to be unrealistic valuations.
Sources have told ESPN that the club have between £100 million ($127m) and £150m ($192m) to spend on new players this summer, although the figure will be bolstered by funds raised from outgoings.
United are open to offers for a number of first-team players including Harry Maguire, Fred, Anthony Martial, Scott McTominay, Donny van de Beek, Anthony Elanga, Eric Bailly, Alex Telles, Brandon Williams and Dean Henderson.
Arsenal is actively pursuing a deal to acquire Ajax defender Jurrien Timber as part of their ambition to strengthen their squad in the summer transfer window.
The Gunners are also engaged in talks to sign West Ham captain Declan Rice and Chelsea forward Kai Havertz.
Negotiations with Ajax for the transfer of Jurrien Timber have been characterized as “very positive,” and there seems to be a mutual willingness among all involved parties to finalize the deal.
Timber has two years left on his contract and is valued at around €50m – some reports suggest one bid has already been rejected. Arsenal are working internally on a valuation and payment structure.
Timber is a player the Gunners looked at in January and have been monitoring his progress over the past season as they look to increase competition in defensive positions.
Additionally, the club are continuing to work on deals for West Ham captain Declan Rice and Chelsea forward Kai Havertz.
Again, Arsenal have been discussing valuations and payment structure before submitting second bids. It’s understood there is encouragement all three players want to join.
Arsenal want to be ambitious in this window and continue to backmanager Mikel Arteta,with any move for Rice likely break the club’s transfer record.
They also retain an interest in Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo – among others – and are keeping an eye on his situation having had two bids rejected in January.
Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva has received a lucrative offer to join the Saudi Pro League, and talks have already been held according to the Athletic.
However, Silva intends to turn down the opportunity.
Despite his rejection, the Saudi clubs remain determined in their pursuit of high-profile signings this summer.
It is reported that Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante and Edouard Mendy are also poised to join SPL clubs, while Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo have already made the move.
Silva is under contract with Man City until 2025, but has been strongly linked with a move away.
Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain are both reportedly interested and the midfielder would prefer to continue to ply his trade in Europe.
Barcelona were interested in signing Silva in January but couldn’t raise the €70 million needed, while Man City were reluctant to part ways while the season was ongoing.
He played a vital role inManchester City’s treble-winning campaign last season, featuring 55 times across all competitions, chipping in with seven goals and eight assists.
There are reports suggesting thatOle Gunnar Solskjaer could make a return to Manchester United if Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani’s bid is successful.
The potential new owner is interested in offering a role to the retired striker and former manager.
Solskjaer, who was a key player in Sir Alex Ferguson’s successful era in the late 90s and early 2000s, later returned to the club as a manager after the sacking of Jose Mourinho.
During his time as manager, the Norwegian oversaw a mixed period, failing to secure any major trophies but achieving a respectable second-place finish behind Manchester City.
However, he was ultimately sacked in 2021, leading to the appointment of Ralf Rangnick on an interim basis.
Rangnick left at the end of his short-term contract with current boss Erik ten Hag, starting off last summer.
Solskjaer’s role at Manchester United
The Daily Mail now reports that Sheikh Joassim will be willing to give the former boss a role at Old Trafford should his bid be successful.
The Qatari is believed to be among the frontrunners t acquire Manchester United, with current owners Glazer family looking to sell a part or the whole club.
The race is now down to Sheikh Jassim and Britain’s richest man Jim Ratcliffe.
The report indicates that the Qatari Royal is keen on leaving the running of the club to former legends and Solskjaer’s name has been floated as one of the candidates.
It is highly unlikely that the running of the club in this sense will mean a change of managers, with ten Hag having done a splendid job in his first season in charge.
Last month, the revealed that he was interested in getting back to work.
“I’ve got another job in me if it’s the right chance and exciting enough. There are so many clubs, but I’m not going to work just for the sake of working. It has to be something special, a new culture, or a club that really excites me.
Or maybe they will want me back at United in some capacity, who knows?” as quoted by the Mirror.
Mbappe on Sheikh Jassim’s radar
Sports Brief had also reported that even before his dream of acquiring Manchester United goes through, Sheikh Jassim is already plotting big-money moves should he take over as the new owner.
He intends to make some high-profile signings, led by Kylian Mbappe, who despite extending his Paris Saint-Germain contract last year, continues to be linked with a move away.
Real Madrid have always been the perceived option for the 24-year-old, and it will be interesting to see just what lengths Sheikh Jassim would be willing to pursue to see the transfer materialise.
Cristiano Ronaldo recently made a candid confession about feeling nervous when wearing the jersey of the Portuguese national team.
Despite being the leading top scorer for his country with an impressive 122 goals, the Al-Nassr superstar openly admitted his feelings ahead of his upcoming 200th cap for the Selecao against Iceland on Tuesday, June 20.
In an interview with Record, Ronaldo provided clarity on why he experiences nervousness while playing for Portugal.
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid ace explained the reasons behind his emotions, as quoted by the Daily Post.
“I’m always nervous in the national team. With the anthem, I’m always nervous. It’s good. It’s a sign of responsibility, pride, and motivation; representing the national team is the height of the career.”
The 38-year-old continued: “Representing family, parents, friends… If I hope to do more. Obviously, that is why I’m here. That is why I keep on walking.”
Ronaldo, who is in no rush to call time on his international career, highlighted his contribution to the national team while revealing what could prolong his Portugal career.
“Living the moment, day by day, seeing my form, I think I’m still doing well, helping, scoring goals and good performances. As long as I’m motivated and everyone else, if those by my side like my presence and leadership, I will not give up the selection in any way.
“As Bruno Alves said, I will not give away my place for free. Feeling like an asset is pride and motivation. What I want most is to help Portugal,” he added.
If Ronaldo takes the field for his 200th cap against Iceland, this extraordinary milestone will firmly establish him as the first men’s player in international football history to reach the incredible achievement of earning 200 appearances for his country, per Transfermarkt.
Ronaldo’s pitch invader gesture
Sports Brief also reported that Cristiano Ronaldo melted the hearts of football fans with his heartwarming gesture during Portugal’s Euro 2024 Qualifiers against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Ronaldo, who is on the precipice of international history, was making his 199th cap for Portugal, as Roberto Martinez sought to continue his perfect start to life as Selecao boss.
A pitch invader, who was wielding a Portugal flag, hugged the 38-year-old before bowing on his knees to pay homage, then lifted Ronaldo and performed his trademark ‘Siuuu’ celebration amidcheers and applause.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, said the country’s current economic problems are a result of credit rating agencies’ repeated downgrades of Ghana’s economy.
Such “reckless downgrades,” according to Akufo-Addo, are not in the best interests of developing nations like Ghana.
Speaking in Accra at the African Export-Import Bank’s 30th anniversary celebration, Akufo-Addo claimed that such ratings place unnecessary pressure on African economies.
Stressing the impacts of the ratings, president Akufo-Addo said being “the AU champion for African financial institutions and leader of a country that recently had to deal with one of the most difficult periods in his post-independent history, difficulties that were exacerbated by the reckless behaviour of rating agencies that engaged in pro-cyclical downgrades that shut Ghana out of the capital market and turned a liquidity crisis into a solvency crisis.”
Akufo-Addo also highlighted the risks and costs associated with African nations relying on foreign capital markets.
In his keynote address, the president said that it is important for Africans to build their own indigenous financial institutions in order to achieve economic growth through domestic resource mobilization and private sector development.
He explained the drawbacks of depending on foreign capital, citing financial leakages, high borrowing rates, and interest payments as key issues.
According to him, such reliance undermines the growth of domestic financial institutions and hampers the development of African economies.
He ended his speech by proposing some interventions that African leaders should embrace to overcome the current economic challenges.
He emphasized the importance of capitalization and effective coordination with the African Union.
“Unless we have strong financial institutions, we are not going to develop. We have learnt over the decades that relying on foreign capital is both risky and costly.
It has resulted in huge financial leakages to a high cost of default-driven borrowing rates and interest payments and underminesthe growth of our financial institution’s domestic resource mobilization and private sector development.”
More than 100 violations of the financial fair play rules of the competition dating back to 2009 were brought against City in February.
If found guilty, the team might lose points or perhaps be kicked out of the league, although City has vehemently denied any wrongdoing and promised to fight their case.
There are speculations that this procedure could go on for several more years, although it is uncertain how long it will take.
Khaldoon Al Mubarak pinpoints the main emotion he felt in the immediate aftermath of City’s momentous #UCL win.
Watch part one of the Chairman's annual end-of-season interview ⤵️
Speaking in his annual end-of-season interview with the club’s media channels, Khaldoon said: “So obviously I can’t talk about them (the charges), unfortunately, for legal reasons.
“What I would typically always do is comment after, so I think we’re going to go through the legal process.
“These are proceedings that take whatever time they take and when we’re done, we’ll have a conversation. I’ll give you my very blunt views, I promise you that.
“I have very strong views on that, but I am going to be unfortunately very restrained today.”
City went on to win the treble last season.They overhauled Arsenal to claim a fifth Premier League title in six years, followed up by winning the FA Cup and then beat Inter Milan in the Champions League final.
Off the field the club have also grown, recording record revenue last year.
To many critics of the club, which is supported by the vast wealth of owner Sheikh Mansour, the Premier League charges cast a shadow over their success.
Khaldoon feels these people are judging the club too quickly without checking all the facts.
He said: “It’s very frustrating because it takes so much from the great work that’s happening at this club and it’s happening not just on the football pitch.
“What these players have achieved this year, the treble, is incredible. I hope people focus and judge them for their football and what they’re achieving on the pitch and what they’re achieving in every competition they’re in.
“The club as a whole is very well run. Today, the value of this group is over six billion dollars. We’ve created so much value – we’ve brought in world-class investors. Why? Because we have a commercial machine here that is one of the best in the world.
“We’re the number one football brand in the world. The club generates a tremendous revenue.
“People will throw at us ‘the biggest spenders’, ‘you have the biggest squad’. I wish people can just pause and ask the question, and get the facts and then comment.”
In terms of on-field achievements, winning theChampions League for the first time this year fulfilled a long-held ambition.
Khaldoon said: “With the Champions League, we’ve tried so hard for so many years. Then to finally, finally do it – it’s relief, it’s happiness, but it’s really more relief. We finally have that trophy right here.”
Khaldoon added that City’s consistency in the Premier League was the record of which he is “most proud” and the club are targeting more trophies.
“You always can top it,” he said. “I can see how it does get better. It always can get better.”
Khaldoon also paid tribute to captain Ilkay Gundogan and hopes the German stays at the club.
Gundogan played a key role in the run-in but is out of contract this summer.
Khaldoon said: “When you need him in the big games, he’s always there, and I hope there’s more chapters to that legacy. Obviously, Ilkay has to make big life decisions for him.
Midfielder N’Golo Kante, who will be a free agent at the end of June, is close to agreeing a deal to join Al Ittihad.
Chelsea had held talks over a new deal, but understand Kante’s desire to seek a new challenge.
Such is the mutual respect and goodwill between all parties the 32-year-old, who missed the majority of last seasonwith injury, will leave with Chelsea’s best wishes after seven years of service.
Edouard Mendy
Edouard Mendy
Al Ahli are in advanced talks over the signing of goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
The 31-year-old lost his place to Kepa last season, only featuring for Chelsea once after the winter World Cup.
Mendy is contracted until 2025, but Sky Sports News understands incoming manager Mauricio Pochettino plans to go into next season with Kepa as his first-choice goalkeeper.
Kalidou Koulibaly
Image:Kalidou Koulibaly only signed for Chelsea in 2022
Joselu, a forward for Espanyol and Spain, has joined Real Madridon a season-long loan with a potential permanent option, the club announced on Monday.
Only Robert Lewandowski and Karim Benzema scored more LaLiga goals than Joselu, 33, did for Espanyol last season, when they were demoted from Spain’s top division.
He played for Spain in the UEFA Nations League final four, and in their 2-1 semifinal triumph over Italy, he scored the game-winning goal after replacing Italy in the 84th minute.
Madrid have been looking to bring in a striker after Benzema and Mariano Diaz left this month, leaving Vinicius Junior and Rodrgyo as the club’s only senior forwards.
Joselu — whose full name is Jose Luis Mato Sanmartin — first signed for Madrid from Celta Vigo in 2009 and scored a career-high 26 goals for reserve team Real Madrid Castilla in 2011-12.
He made one appearance for the first team, scoring in an 8-1 win over Almeria in May 2011, before moving to Hoffenheim in Germany.
Spells at Eintracht Frankfurt, Hannover 96, Stoke City, Deportivo La Coruna and Newcastle United followed before Joselu re-found his goalscoring form at Alaves, scoring 36 LaLiga goals over three seasons between 2019 and 2022.
Amove to Espanyol in July last year saw him find the best form of his career, earning a first Spain call-up at the age of 32 in March, during which he scored twice in three minutes in a 3-0 Euro 2024 qualifying win over Norway.
Sources have informed ESPN that the Brazilian Football Association (CBF) is contemplating the appointment of Davide Ancelotti, son of Carlo Ancelotti, to a coaching position within the national team.
CBF president Ednaldo Rodrigues has consistently expressed his preference for Ancelotti to take charge of the Brazilian team after the departure of Tite following the 2022 World Cup.
However, Ancelotti, who is currently the manager of Real Madrid, has stated his intention to fulfill his contract at the Bernabeu, which has one more year remaining.
Sources told ESPN Brazil the CBF are looking at how best to handle the interim period, with one option being appointing Davide Ancelotti — who is serving as his father’s assistant at Madrid — to work with Brazil interim manager Ramon Menezes in the meantime.
Sources close to Ancelotti told ESPN they would not rule out the Italian taking charge of Brazil in June 2024, when hisMadrid contract expires.
A meeting to discuss the situation is due to take place at the end of this month.
Davide Ancelotti, 33, first became his father’s assistant at Bayern Munich in 2016, and has since worked as his right-hand man at Napoli, Everton and now Madrid, where he is highly rated.
Brazil have already played friendlies with Morocco and Guinea — winning 4-1 in Barcelona on Saturday — since the World Cup and will face Senegal on Tuesday.
They are due to play six World Cup qualifying matches between September and November 2023, followed by a break until September 2024.
Plans have also been announced for a friendly with Spain in March 2024 — which RFEF president Luis Rubiales has said will take place at the Bernabeu — as part of an anti-racism campaign over the abuse faced by Brazil and Madrid forward Vinicius Junior.
The Copa America is due to take place between June and July 2024, in the United States.
Carlo Ancelotti has coached clubs including Juventus, AC Milan, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Madrid in a 28-year managerial career — becoming the only coach to win four Champions Leagues — but has never taken charge of a national team.
Aleksander Ceferin, head of UEFA, stated on Sunday that European clubs should not be concerned about a player exodus to Saudi Arabia and that the Middle Eastern nation was misjudging its decision to invest in stars who were towards the end of their careers.
This year, record-breaking contracts were offered to Lionel Messi, Luka Modric, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Karim Benzema by Saudi Arabian teams.
They are all at least 35 and have won every Ballon d’Or given since 2008.
More players are expected to follow after four top Saudi Arabian clubs were effectively nationalised this month when taken into majority ownership by the Public Investment Fund sovereign wealth operation chaired by Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman.
Portugal international Ruben Neves is the latest player to be linked with a move, with Sky Sports reporting that Wolverhampton Wanderers have accepted a £47m bid from Al Hilal for the 26-year-old, who had been a target for Barcelona.
Ceferin was asked by Dutch broadcaster NOS if he was afraid of a player exodus, and answered emphatically: “No, no, no.”
“I think that it’s mainly a mistake for Saudi Arabian football. Why is that a problem for them? Because they should invest in academies, they should bring coaches, and they should develop their own players.”
“The system of buying the players that almost ended their career is not the system that develops football,” he added. “It was a similar mistake in China when they all brought players who are at the end of their career.”
Didier Drogba was the star recruit to the Chinese league in 2012 as clubs there bought Europe-based forwards such as Nicolas Anelka and Frederic Kanoute. However, the Chinese league and men’s national team have made little progress internationally in the years since.
“Tell me one player who is top, top age and who starts his career and went to play in Saudi Arabia?”Ceferin asked during the interview on the sideline of the Nations League Finals hosted in the Netherlands. “But it’s not about money only. Players want to win top competitions. And top competition is in Europe.”
The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is starting to come together as 14 teams have secured their spots in the tournament during the June international window.
With 14 places already confirmed, there are 10 more slots to be filled, which could happen during the September window.
Notably, Zambia, led by a former head coach of the Black Stars, will be making their comeback to the continental stage after their last appearance in the 2015 edition of the tournament.
From Group A, Nigeria booked their ticket to the tournament following their 3-2 away win over Sierra Leone on Sunday, June 18, with Napoli’s Victor Osimhen scoring a brace in the game.
Burkina Faso and Cape Verde will also be at the continental showpiece next year with both teams on 10 points each heading into the last round of qualifiers. The latter’s qualification comes following a 3-1 home win over Burkina Faso in Group B.
Group C is still open with Namibia and Cameroon fighting for the two slots available.
Egypt will also be on the plane to Cote D’Ivoire after their 2-1 win away from home over Guinea at home on Sunday evening while Guinea’s qualification is yet to be confirmed.
The slots in Group E are still open with Ghana, Angola and Central African Republic all eligible to book spots at the 2023 AFCON depending on the outcome of the last round of qualifiers.
The Black Stars failed to secure an early qualification to the tournament following a disappointing draw against Madagascar while Angola beat CAR to keep qualification hopes alive.
Algeria and Senegal are also part of the 14 teams to have confirmed their places at the next edition of the continental showpiece.
Here is a full list of teams that have booked their slots at the 2023 AFCON:
The 2022/23 MTN FA Cup was won byDreams Football Club at the conclusion of the season after their victory over King Faisal on Sunday, June 18.
With goals from Abdul Aziz Issah and Sadiq Alhassan, the Believers were able to win their first major championship in club history.
Issah gave Dreams a fantastic start to the match by scoring the game’s first goal just 19 minutes into the intriguing finale.
King Faisal, who were hoping to enjoy glory from the cup final after suffering relegation from the Ghana Premier League, were handed a further blow after Sadiq doubled the lead for Dreams after a solo run in the final third of the pitch.
A late fight back was far from favourable for the Kumasi-based side as they ended suffering a 2-0 loss at the Dr. Kwame Kyei Sports Complex.
The victory also means Dreams have a first major trophy to their name and will have the opportunity to represent Ghana at next season’s CAF Confederation Cup.
Manchester City defender Kyle Walker is keen on a permanent move to Bayern Munich according to Florian Plettenberg of Sky Sports Deutschland.
Advanced discussions are said to be taking place between Walker and the German champions.
After spending six years at Manchester City, the 33-year-old reportedly wishes to leave the club in the summer.
This decision comes following a challenging season for Walker, where he struggled to secure regular playing time under manager Pep Guardiola.
Walker was not included in the starting lineup for Manchester City’s Champions League final victory against Inter Milan, as Manuel Akanji was preferred instead.
This situation has made the English international open to the possibility of a transfer.
The report reveals that whilst Manchester City and Bayern Munich have not yet reached an agreement, all parties are optimistic that a deal can be reached, with Bayern’s head coach Thomas Tuchel proving to be vital in convincing Walker to join the Bavarian club.
The Premier League champions will be eager to offload Walker this summer to ensure he does not depart on a free transfer next year, with the right-back having just one year remaining on his current deal.
Walker has also been linked with a return to his boyhood club Sheffield United, however, this now looks unlikely, with the Blades unable to offer Champions League football.
