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.
Erling Haaland has learned an important lesson about not refusing the requests of young fans, regardless of the game’s outcome, following an incident involving some Norwegian children.
Despite Haaland scoring a goal, Norway faced a disappointing 2-1 home defeat to Scotland in the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying series, conceding two late goals.
Although Haaland had given the hosts the lead with a penalty midway through the second half, Scotland managed to stage a comeback with two goals in just three minutes after Haaland had been substituted towards the end of the match.
The result puts Norway in a precarious position, having picked up just one point from three games and playing Cyprus next at home before ending the post-season international break.
Young Norway fans boo Haaland
The 22-year-old was the last to hop into the team bus and was met by a group of young fans who chanted his name and were expecting a meet and greet.
As spotted in a video published on Twitter by Mail Sport, he waved at the kids and went straight into the bus, which left the kids disappointed and booed him.
Theformer Borussia Dortmund forward struggled throughout the game, particularly in the first half, where Squawka noted that he had just eight touches, completed three passes and recorded zero shots.
Fans claimed he was still suffering from the hangover of City’s wild treble celebrations, which went on for days before he teamed up with the national team. In contrast, others claimed his regular creator Kevin De Bruyne is not his national teammate.
Solbakken explains Haaland’s struggle
Sports Brief reported that Norway national team boss Stale Solbakken explained Haaland’s struggles during their 2-1 loss to Scotland.
He was hauled off in the 84th minute, but the head coach admitted it should have come at least 10-12 minutes earlier as he asked to be subbed off.
He added that thePremier League golden boot winner was uncomfortable with the heat in Oslo as it was about 30°C hot and he was completely empty.
Arsenal striker, Folarin Balogun, scored a goal as the United States emerged victorious in the CONCACAF Nations League on Sunday. Following the victory, Balogun expressed his dissatisfaction with his club’s management, stating that he will not agree to another loan move.
Last season, Balogun, who recently switched his national team allegiance from England to the US, had a successful loan spell at Reims in the French Ligue 1, netting an impressive 21 goals.
With a clinical strike on Sunday, he further enhanced his growing reputation and secured a 2-0 victory for the US against Canada, earning a medal in only his second appearance for his new national team.
The 21-year-old said he now plans to take some vacation time but made clear he is not in the mood for another temporary transfer.
“What I can say is that I definitely won’t go on loan again,” he said.
“I’m not sure (about) the discussions that are going to take place, I’m not sure what’s going to happen. But I’m just committed to now, I try to stay present. I obviously want to enjoy the moment with my team and my family,” he said.
The New York-born striker moved to England aged two and joined Arsenal’s youth system, spending a six-month spell on loan at Championship club Middlesbrough in 2022.
Despite his breakthrough season in France, he will face a tough battle to break into the starting line-up at the Emirates where Brazil international Gabriel Jesus is the first choice centre-forward.
Arsenal also have another promising young striker in Eddie Nketiah and that situation has led Balogun to be linked with European clubs such as Inter Milan and AC Milan.
Balogun’s goal against Canada, where he latched on to a through ball from Gio Reyna and confidently fired home a first-time effort, crowned an impressive start to his life with the US team.
After making his switch in May, he joined the team in Los Angeles for a short training camp and then made his debut in a 3-0 win over Mexico on Thursday before Sunday’s trophy success.
“It’s amazing. It’s amazing. I mean, it’s a dream scenario for me,” said Balogun.
“To be here now, the transition is amazing. I’m just overwhelmed with delight,” he added.
The striker said he had been able to fit in quickly with his team-mates but said he had been impressed by the quality of the team he has joined.
“I think the thing that surprised me the most was just the actual talent in this group. I think there’s so many players who are going to go on to have top careers, who are all so young, including me,” he said.
US interim head coach B.J Callaghan praised Balogun’s impact on his team.
“I give him a lot of credit and I give the team a lot of credit for welcoming him in with open arms, making him feel part of it.
“You get the best out of players when they feel most comfortable calm and confident.
“I’m not surprised at all how quickly Balogun was able to integrate into the group and now have a really strong performance like he had tonight,” he said.
Former manager ofReal Madrid, Zinedine Zidane, has commented on his coaching plans in light of speculation linking him to the vacant position of head coach at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
Zidane has been without a managerial role since his departure from Real Madrid for the second time in 2021.
On the other hand, PSG appears to be preparing for a change in management ahead of the upcoming season, as current manager Christophe Galtier is expected to part ways with the club.
Zidane has been linked with a move to replace Galtier at PSG while former Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann is reportedly the frontrunner to take over at Parc des Princes.
Speaking on when he will continue his coaching career, Zidane said (via RMC Sport): “I miss it, but physically…it will come. … I don’t know when but it will come.”
During a press conference in Accra on Sunday, June 18, Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta stated that several structural reforms are currently in progress regarding the $3 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) deal.
He explained that these reforms align with the government’s Public Financial Management Strategy, which aims to shift operations from Central Government to General Government.
This shift, he said, is critical as it facilitates clear oversight over key state institutions including Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) especially Cocobod and Electricity Company of Ghana ECG, and others in the energy sector- and other quasi-State Institutions, whose operations have a significant and direct fiscal impact on Ghana’s economy.
To put it in perspective, he said “about 25% of our assessed debt burden emanates from noncentral Government operations, mainly from State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) such as COCOBOD and those in the Energy Sector.
“Our ability to institute better governance standards of these institutions to address their liabilities and promote their growth will be significantly improved, especially in this period of collective reform.
“Crucially, we must all remain committed to the agreed wide-ranging and strong structural reforms designed to address structural weaknesses and build resilience in key areas including tax policy and tax administration, expenditure commitment control and arrears clearance, financial stability, financial sector plans, review of statutory funds, governance and corruption, debt management, fiscal credibility, and energy sector/cocoa sector SOEs reformation.”
Mr Ofori-Ofori-Atta further indicated that “with legacy debt in the Energy Sector reaching about US$2 billion as at the end of May 2023, and an estimated shortfall of US$5.9 billion between 2023 and 2025, due to the current conditions of SOEs and Independent Power Producers (IPPs) in the value chain in the sector, the sector has been prioritised for comprehensive reforms.
“It is expected that structural reforms in the sector should reduce the shortfall by at least US$2.95 billion over the period.”
It is recalled that Fitch Ratings earlier said that the energy sector in Ghana represented the largest driver of Ghana’s national debt, with the country owing independent power producers a staggering $1.58 billion.
Fitch Ratings also revealed that while Ghana initially approached the IPPs to restructure their debts as part of the External and Domestic Debt Restructuring, the companies objected to the proposal.
Certified audiologist and lecturer at the University of Education Winneba (UEW), Cyril Mawuli Honu, advises parents and guardians to be cautious when disciplining their children.
He cautions against actions such as slapping a child or delivering knocks to their head, as these actions can potentially cause harm to the child’s brain and ears.
“When it comes to babies and children, beating and slapping is what we call trauma. Depending on the severity, trauma could destroy a particular part of the ear.
For instance, a slap can get the ear drum perforated, or destroy the arrangements of the three bones in the ear, hence affect hearing” Mawuli Honu stated.
He added that such slaps can cause tinnitus and a disturbance of the vestibular system hence make the victim lose balance.
“There are other ways to punish and child such as; time out, naughty corner, and natural consequence.
Beating and hitting do not always correct the child but could even toughing the child’ he admonished.
“I was not deaf at birth but as time went by, my father got into alcoholism and he became wicked.
So if I acted wrongly, he would lock up the door, beat me up and slap me mercilessly. It continued for sometime till I woke up one morning with a problem in my ears.
My parents took me to the hospital for a check up on my ears but I started having challenges with hearing and eventually I became deaf” Fred Atto recounted his sad experience via his sign language interpreter to Johnnie Hughes on 3FM Sunrise Morning Show.
He entreats parents, guardians, teachers and people to refrain from slapping children as a form of punishment.
“I don’t want any child to go through my experience. It is not good. I think slapping a child as my father did for me to become deaf is not good” he emphasized.
Fred Addo holds an HND in Civil Engineering but is currently working as a cleaner but faces communication challenges and discrimination.
On Sunday morning, the NDC Flag-bearer, John Dramani Mahama, paid a visit to the husband and family of a party member who tragically lost her life in an accident in Dansame, locatedwithin the Assin North Constituency.
Accompanied by the NDC Parliamentary candidate for the Assin North by-election, James Gyakye Quayson, as well as national, regional, constituency executives, and members of parliament, the delegation expressed their condolences to the grieving family.
They also announced the party’s assistance and support as the family prepares for the burial and funeral ceremonies of the deceased.
A statement issued by the National Communications Officer Sammy Gyamfi said the family was presented with an amount of GH¢5,000 to assist with preperations towards the funeral rites of our deceased comrade.
Mr Mahama and James Quayson also visited the injured victims at the Praso hospital to check on their recovery.
This was after the former President suspended his Assin North campaign yesterday, to visit those admitted at the Fosu hospital upon hearing news of the ghastly accident, the statement added.
“The hospitals bill for the treatment of all injured persons at the Praso and Fosu hospitals, have been fully paid and an amount of money deposited to cater for any incidentals by theNDC Flag-bearer,” it further said.
The NDC’s Parliamentary Candidate for the Assin North By-elections, James Gyakye Quayson promised to institute a sustainable support scheme for the children of the deceased.
The Wasipe Youth Forum, a group based in the North Gonja District of the Savanna Region, is urgently requesting the National Security to withdraw the police presence in the Daboya community.
Following a recent raid that resulted in the arrest of four suspects, in addition to the previous arrest of 118 individuals this month, the concerned youth took to the streets of Daboya to express their discontent.
They burned tires as a form of demonstration, highlighting their dissatisfaction with the ongoing arrests and what they perceive as ongoing mistreatment and abuse of residents.
“Their Rambo style of arresting innocent residents is unprofessional and an outright infringement on our human rights and the National Peace Council must intervene,” the group said.
“We believe in our minds that the some big names at the presidency are hiding behind camera to sponsor the rift between Gonjas and Mamprusis.
“The torture and brutality meted out to our people by the police is an indication they have the backing of some big wigs.
“We are saddened that till now the security despite all the ill treatment and brutality imposed on the people, cannot tell the reason for their actions.”
The Lukula and Mempeasem communities were totally burnt following a renewed land dispute between Gonjas and Mamprusis.
Drivers and traders in the Dr. Mensah area of theKumasi Central Market are urgentlyappealing to city authorities to address a growing pit that poses a significant threat.
Commuters are expressing concern about the danger it poses and the potential risks to the lives of drivers and traders who frequently pass through the area.
Initially starting as a small hole, the section now resembles an abandoned mining pit and has expanded along a major road in the Dr. Mensah area of the Kumasi Central Market.
The part of the market where the pit is developing is a very busy trading area where drivers, traders, and commuters compete for space daily.
Yaa Agyeiwaa, who sells at that part of the central market, recounted how a commuter who was not aware of the pit fell into it.
She said, “It was one afternoon on a Wednesday when we noticed that a portion of the area was caving in. I told my colleague here about what I saw, and he also called the driver whose vehicle was parked there.
Just as he moved the vehicle, it caved in. Passersby have been complaining about how scary the pit is. One commuter fell into the pit the other day, and I had to call people around to help bring him out.”
The area where the pit has developed is also where taxi drivers ply their trade and transport passengers to parts of the Kumasi metropolis.
The drivers have accused city authorities of turning a blind eye to the problem.
One of the drivers, Baah Wiredu, told Citi News, “The authorities will wait until there is a disaster before they come around.
This is not what we are looking for. We as drivers have made efforts to draw the attention of authorities.
Someone called the KMA Boss, but he told us it was the duty of Urban Roads to fix this. But he could have used his office to get the right people to do it.
The authorities are only interested in getting our votes during elections, and when they are voted for, they forget. We want them to come and fix this for us.”
Passengers who pick up vehicles at this station are equally worried about the development.
The news team caught a first-time user of that part of the market, Afia Agyemang, who was shocked by what she saw.
“I was very shocked to see the pit. I was so scared too. Imagine it rains and the place is filled with water. People who are not aware will easily drown. The authorities must be swift in fixing it,” she appealed.
Officials at the Urban Roads Department confirmed to Citi News that the development has been brought to their attention, and steps are being taken to fix the pit.
However, traders and drivers want this to be done immediately to avert a possible disaster.
In order to stabilise the economy, the government has promised that the structural and financial reforms it has planned won’t result in job losses.
TheInternational Monetary Fund has approved the government’s Post-COVID-19 Plan for Economic Growth (PC-PEG), which includes changes to jump-start the economy.
Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta said during a press conference on Sunday, June 18, that the reforms are not intended to result in job losses but rather to enhance the economy.
“We expect multilateral support of about US$2.0 billion for 2023 and US$6.2 billion between 2023 and 2026.
We expect the World Bank to provide a total support of US$1.6 billion whilst the AfDB provides a total support of US$200 million over the programme period.
In addition, we expect to mobilize catalytic funding of US$30 million in 2023 and US$330 million between 2023 and 2026 from bilateral creditors.”
“Government intends to invest these resources to advance macroeconomic stability and shared economic growth.
Government is very intentional in ensuring that growth and job creation are not sacrificed in the process of restoring macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability.
Specific interventions to support the economic recovery process include: improving the business environment, reducing the cost of doing business and enhancing export competitiveness,”Mr. Ofori-Atta added.
The Minister further stated that the government is poised to collaborate with its external partners and other government agencies to attract significant private capital to complement its efforts.
“While aggressively mobilising domestic revenue, we remain focused on mobilising complementary sustainable external resources for our recovery and reform efforts to build the resilience that will promote shared prosperity for our people, while protecting and improving the lives of our more vulnerable population.
A special collaborative effort between the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Trade, Ministry of Agriculture and GIPC will be part of the programme on the thematic working group on growth to attract significant private capital.”
Today, on June 19, 2023, Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, a hopeful flagbearer for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), will submit his nomination forms at the party’s headquarters in Asylum Down, Accra.
Accompanied by prominent figures within the party such as former national and regional officers, former Members of Parliament, constituency executives, Electoral Area Coordinators, and Polling Station Executives, Dr. Akoto will make his official bid for the flagbearer position.
Following the submission of his nomination forms, Dr. Akoto will address the media and a large gathering of party supporters who share his vision. Those close to the respected politician anticipate that he will deliver a significant statement, emphasizing his vision for both the party and the nation as a whole.
This statement is expected to resonate deeply with his followers and generate enthusiasm for his candidacy.
This vision, if adopted and implemented, will change the fortunes of the party and massively transform Ghana’s economy, according to Dr. Akoto’s close associates.
The nomination forms were picked on behalf of the former Minister for Food and Agriculture by a group of farmers and friends on May 29, 2023, as a sign of support for his presidential ambition.
By filing the nonination forms on Monday, the two-time Member of Parliament for Kwadaso, will be the third aspiring candidate to file his nomination forms after former Minister for Trade and Industry,Alan Kyerematen, and Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
Both Alan and Bawumia submitted their forms last Monday, June 12, 2023, and Friday, June 16, 2023, respectively.
The NPP opened nominations on May 26, 2023, with aspirants given up to June 24 to submit forms.
So far, 10 presidential hopefuls have picked up nomination forms to contest the NPP’s flagbearer slot.
They include: Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto, a former Minister of Food and Agriculture, Kennedy Agyapong, the Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Mr Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, the immediate past Minister of Trade and Industry, Kwabena Adjei Agyapong, a former General-Secretary of the Party, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Vice-President of the Republic of Ghana, and Joe Ghartey, the Member of Parliament for Essikadu-Ketan and former Minister of Railway Development.
The rest are Boakye Agyarko, former Minister of Energy, Prof. Addai Nimoh, former MP for Mampong, Dr. Kofi Konadu Apraku, a former Minister of Trade and Industry, and Kwadwo Nsafoa Opoku, an expert in energy and related matters.
A Special Delegates Congress will be held on August 26, 2023, to select five of the presidential aspirants.
The top five aspirants will then contest for the flagbearer slot on December 4, 2023, to elect one to lead the party in the 2024 general elections.
In the final game of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification series, the Black Stars and Islands drew 0-0 on Sunday, June 18.
The Black Stars’ inability to score even one goal, according to Coach Chris Hughton, is the most discouraging aspect of the game.
“We are very disappointed. We came here with the attitude and mindset to win. To win a football match you need to score goals. We found it difficult. We needed to be more forceful to create more opportunities to score.
“The fact that we didn’t score is the most disappointing thing,” Black Stars head coach Chris Hughton said in his post-match interview.
The draw today means Ghana’s qualification to the 2023 AFCON has been delayed.
Despite a disparity in valuation, negotiations for both deals have been characterized as positive.
Earlier this week, Arsenal made their initial offer for Declan Rice, which West Ham rejected.
The offer was believed to be valued at £80m plus potential add-ons. Simultaneously, Arsenal initiated contact with Chelsea regarding a potential transfer for Havertz.
There is a growing sentiment that both players are interested in moving to Arsenal. Contrary to earlier reports, Arsenal is also closely monitoring Moises Caicedo from Brighton.
Mikel Arteta could face competition for Rice with Manchester City monitoring the England midfielder’s situation.
Manchester United are also interested but it is thought they will only make a bid if they have new owners.
West Ham want £120m for their captain though would accept a lower offer that includes players going to them.
Arsenal’s pursuit of Havertz, 24, could be further complicated by interest from Bayern Munich.
Sky in Germany are reporting that the German champions have changed their mind and Havertz is now on their transfer shortlist this summer.
Reports had suggested Arsenal were targeting Southampton’s Romeo Lavia, leaving Chelsea a clear path to go after Moises Caicedo, however Sky Sports News has been told the Gunners are keeping an eye on the Brighton midfielder.
Arsenal will start their 2023/24 Premier League season at home to Nottingham Forest on Saturday August 12.
The Gunners then face two London derbies against Crystal Palace and Fulham before hosting Manchester United in their first ‘Big Six’ match of the season in early September.
The first north London derby of the season takes place at the Emirates Stadium on September 23, with the return fixture on April 27 – the fourth last game of the campaign.
Mikel Arteta’s side’s first game with last season’s title rivals and treble winners Manchester City comes within the first eight games of the campaign on October 7 at home, with the reverse fixture at the Etihad on March 30.
Just before Arsenal go to the Etihad, they have back-to-back London derbies against Brentford and Chelsea, with a tricky line-up of Brighton and Aston Villa to come in the fortnight after playing Guardiola’s City.
The Gunners end the season with a home game against Everton on May 19, a week after visiting Manchester United for their final away game.
Former coach of Ghana, Avram Grant, accomplished a stunning accomplishment by guiding Zambia to their first appearance in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in eight years.
By defeating Ivory Coast 3-0 at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola, Zambia secured their spot in the tournament for the following year.
The 2012 African champions played with a strong presence the entire time, knowing that they needed to win to move above of Ivory Coast at the top of the group and qualify for the prestigious competition.
The match took an unfortunate turn for experienced defender Serge Aurier, who inadvertently scored an own goal, giving Zambia an early advantage.
Leicester City’s Patson Daka and Klins Kangwa further extended the lead with their well-executed goals, sealing a convincing victory for the former Chelsea manager’s men.
Jordan ‘Jordi’ Amissah, the goalkeeper for Sheffield United, is relishing his experience with the Ghanaian national team, the Black Meteors.
The German-born player made the decision to represent Ghana, his parents’ home country, after receiving an invitation to join the team for the Africa U23 Cup of Nations held in Morocco.
Amissah has joined the Black Meteors in Egypt as they continue their preparations for the tournament, which also serves as a qualification competition for the upcoming Summer Olympics next year.
An excited Amissah took to social media to share his experience in camp with his colleagues.
