Mark Jackson was forced to apologize after the NBA revealed he was the only voter who didn’t include Denver Nuggets star, Nikola Jokic in the MVP ballot.
The longtime ESPN analyst found himself in hot water after excluding Jokic from his top five.
He instead chose Joel Embiid, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jayson Tatum, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Donovan Mitchell.
Jackson issues apology over MVP
Jackson made an appearance on SiriusXM NBA Radio a few hours after the votes were unveiled to address the controversy, per Sports Illustrated.
He focused on the word ‘mistake’ as he attempted to do damage control, saying:
“Mistake. One thing I live by, you make a mistake, you own it. I’m not a guy that does it for clicks or to be trending. Absolute mistake made by me. I am thinking, ‘How did I make that mistake?’”
Jackson questioned after Jokic snub
However, the apology didn’t stop fans from blasting Jackson on social media.
Manchester United manager Marc Skinner believes that approaching the sold-out Women’s FA Cup final against Chelsea as a business-like event will give his team the best chance to win their first major trophy.
The match, which is set to break attendance records, will take place at Wembley.
Skinner draws lessons from his previous experience when Manchester City defeated his Birmingham team 4-1 in the 2017 FA Cup final, emphasizing the need to strip away emotions and focus on the task at hand.
Skinner said: “What we got wrong at Birmingham is that we made it a massive event. We made it bigger than it should have been.
“Everyone knows it’s a big deal, but we put quotes on the wall from players and families. We made mistakes, and that was naivety.
“It became an emotional event rather than a clear business-like event.
“You can celebrate after if you win the cup and be as emotional as you want, but the reality is there’s going to be enough emotions in the game that we need to save them up.
“I’ve learned from that and we have to manage stages of the game better than we did at Birmingham. These are the factors we are looking to develop for this one.”
United’s women’s team have had a remarkable rise since their formation in May 2018.
They were promoted from the Championship in their inaugural season and currently top the Women’s Super League, holding a one-point lead over serial winners Chelsea who have a game in hand.
Emma Hayes’ Chelsea are chasing a third successive league and cup double, but Skinner insists the Wembley clash will have no bearing on the title race.
He said: “I’m not thinking about that at all. I am solely focused on a one-off game.
“For the first time I’ve allowed our players to separate the games and we are looking at this before two difficult games in the league (against Manchester City and Liverpool).
“This has no effect in our league and we are going to treat it as such, play it as the one-off event that it is.”
Skinner is adamant there is no extra pressure on him on Sunday, even though women’s football will be under a fierce spotlight both in the stadium and around the country with a nationwide television audience.
“It’s not pressure I don’t have every day,” said Skinner. “I even think there’s more pressure on us than Chelsea, Arsenal or Manchester City because we are Manchester United.
“I’m sure there will be some nerves, but I’m fuelling my focus and attention to maximise this because, if we win, it will be massive.”
United captain Katie Zelem is available after suspension as Norway defender Maria Thorisdottir misses out with the foot injury that ended her season prematurely.
The Manchester City forward had an outstanding debut season, scoring 51 goals and playing a key role in City’s Premier League success and cup runs.
Sam Kerr of Chelsea received the women’s award. Haaland secured 82% of the FWA vote, surpassing Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard of Arsenal.
He said: “To win the FWA award in my first season in English football is an honour.
“I try every single day to be the best I can be and to be recognised like this means a lot to me.
“I have loved my time at City so far. My team-mates are incredible and provide me with the chances to score goals.
“I want to thank all of them because I could not have won this award without them. I also owe so much to Pep and the team behind the team here at City.
“I am now focused on ensuring I finish the season as strongly as possible and helping City win trophies.”
.@ErlingHaaland's record-breaking first season at City has seen him named as the 2023 Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year! 👇
Australia striker Kerr, 29, has won the women’s Footballer of the Year award for the second successive season, with Aston Villa’s Rachel Daly and Chelsea team-mate Lauren James completing the top three.
Kerr currently has 26 goals in 34 club appearances this season as Chelsea, currently second in the Women’s Super League table, reached the FA Cup final and also the semi-finals of the Champions League.
Haaland and Kerr are set to receive their awards at the FWA Footballer of the Year 75th anniversary dinner in London on May 25.
For the second year running, @SamKerr1 has been named the Football Writers' Association Women's Footballer of the Year! 😍
Javier Tebas, the president of La Liga,has praised Vinicius Junior as one of the best players in the world right now and questioned why the Brazilian wasn’t included in the FIFPRO eleven for 2023.
After watching the 22-year-old Brazilian forward play against Manchester City in the first leg of the Champions League semifinal on Tuesday, Tebas was in awe of the player’s extraordinary talent.
Vini will likely be the next Real Madrid player to win the Ballon d’Or as a result of his accomplishments, the La Liga manager has predicted, according to AS Soccer.
“He is one of the best players in the world. It surprised me that he wasn’t in the FIFPRO XI or in the debate for the Ballon d’Or. He is up there with the three or four best players in the world, and he will win the Ballon d’Or.”
The Brazilian has scored a total of 23 goals this season for Real Madrid, and will be expected to play a crucial role in the Champions League reverse fixture against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
Carragher backs Vini as best
Meanwhile, Liverpool legend and TV pundit, Jamie Carragher said Real Madrid star, Vini has the potential to become the best player in the world, Tribal Football reports.
The former Reds man believes the Brazilian forward is currently one of the top five players in the world, considering his form for reigning La Liga champions Real Madrid.
Vinicius scored a stunning goal to give Real Madrid the lead in their UEFA Champions League semi-final first-leg against Manchester City earlier this month.
The Brazilian winger, who has formed a lethal partnership with the Frenchman since the start of last season, gifted the current Ballon d’Or holder with custom Airpods Pro.
Benzema and Vinicius have built a strong friendship both on and off the field, with the
latter’s gesture highlighting the nature of the camaraderie that exists between them.
Despite his absence, Mitrovic had been training regularly with the team and had scored 11 goals in 21 games in the Premier League, after helping Fulham secure promotion from the Championship with a record-breaking 43 goals in the previous season.
“Mitrovic is back and it’s always good to have him back,” said Silva, whose side travel to bottom-club Southampton on Saturday.
“It’s been tough, I won’t hide it from you. His behaviour has been really good all this period, with support from ourselves. He knew from the first day it was going to be different from a normal ban or normal injury.
“He was always working with the team. It was a tough period for him, of course. It will be good to have him back.
“It was a strong feeling for us, it’s clear it was an exaggerated thing. We admitted as a club that you cannot react in that situation.
It’s clear, he did it, he admitted the mistake but the number of games, if you compare with other situations, is completely different. We as a club keep strong and we keep supporting him.”
Silva has rotated who he has used in the central attacking position in the Serbia striker’s absence, withCarlos Vinicius taking on the role during Monday’s 5-3 win against Leicester and scoring his fourth of the season.
Daniel James and Bobby Decordova Reid have also been deployed as strikers as the Cottagers maintained the push to break their record top-flight points tally of 53, which was set by Roy Hodgson’s side in 2009.
Silva was especially impressed with Vinicius’ performance in the rout of Leicester.
“It’s what any manager wants really,” Silva added. “It was the reason why we signed Carlos.
Of course with more game time, and making good things, bad things, mistakes, make the players grow of course with some important goals.
“It’s given (him) the confidence he needs. It’s nice to see him performing better and better the last few games.
“It’s important to have a player like Mitro, a player like Vini, and I have to say even we won two games with Daniel James as a striker and Bobby as a striker. Different profile and we were able to win that game against Everton and Leeds at home.
“That shows that everyone knows his role, everyone is fighting for the club and can pop up in certain moments of the season.”
Silva declined to comment on whether negotiations had begun with the club over a new contract, with his current deal expiring at the end of next season.
“Nothing new,” he said. “It’s a moment of the season when everyone is going to talk about managers, about players, about everything. There are rumours around everything.
“When you do a good season of course, it’s a consequence of the performance, the way the team is playing. It’s a normal situation. If there’s something new, we’re going to announce it.”
Frimpong Manso, a former manager of Asante Kotoko, has stated that the current squad of the team has not reached the level of performance necessary to match the stature of the club.
He made this statement in response to the criticism the players have been receiving from Kotoko fans due to their poor performance in the 2022/2023 Ghana Premier League season.
Frimpong is of the opinion that the players are not yet experienced enough to maintain the level of consistency that the club requires to succeed.
“The Kotoko club is very demanding, they want to win every game but most of their players are up and coming and it will take a lot of time for them to get to the expected level the fans demand,” he said as quoted by GhanaSportsPage.
He entreated the fans to accept the reality, arguing that their expectation does not correlate with the quality of players at the club.
“If the fans do not accept this and still demand a lot from them, then it must be looked at again,” Coach Frimpong Manso stated.
“So for me, I think the quality of the players does not correspond with the expectations of the fans.”
Asante Kotoko have won just three of their last ten matches, drawing four and losing three.
The defending champions are 6th on the league table with 44 points after 30 matches with four games to end the season.
The introduction of theVideo Assistant Referee (VAR) a few seasons ago was intended to aid officials in making accurate decisions during games.
While it may have caused a loss of momentum in some instances, it did assist in several situations.
However, when the VAR makes an incorrect decision, it can create a chaotic scenario, as seen with Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid on May 9.
Ancelotti, who rarely appears agitated, was visibly frustrated by the incident.
He is the epitome of calmness and sobriety on the touchline but against Manchester City, he was absolutely sure his team had been robbed.
KDB’s goal should not count
Kevin De Bruyne had just scored a thunderbolt to equalise proceedings. There was nothing wrong with the Belgian’s shot, only that a few seconds earlier, Bernardo Silva had retrieved the ball after it had crossed the line for a throw-in, but the officials failed to spot it.
VAR failed to review the incident and Ancelotti was so furious that he got himself booked. One can only imagine the scenes if that becomes the goal that eliminates Real Madrid next week.
As history shows, there have been more scandalous decisions in the Champions League in the past; goals and decisions that stood that weren’t supposed to.
Let’s take a look at some of these controversies.
1. RVP’s red card at Camp Nou
Well, this was more of a harsh booking. This game was characterised by Jack Wilshere’s masterclass, helping Arsenal carry a 2-1 advantage to the second leg.
Barcelona V Arsenal
The Champions league
Picture; Andy Hooper
Van persie sent off
Robin Van Persie was through on goal but fluffed his shot wide, only to turn around and see the offside flag raised.
The centre referee adjudged the Dutchman had kicked the ball away after hearing the whistle and he sent him off on a second yellow. Arsenal would go on to lose the tie 4-3.
2. Luiz Adriano at Shakhtar
The Brazilian striker enjoyed a glittering nine-year spell in Ukraine, but it was marked by a few dubious moments. The biggest of them all was a group stage match against Nordsjælland in 2012.
Adriano got a hat-trick in that game, but his first goal elicited reactions. Willian, then at Shakhtar, had played the ball back to the opposition, as fair play after an injury.
To everybody’s bewilderment, Adriano chased down the ball, rounded the goalkeeper and scored. The referee allowed it to stand.
Like everyone else, Nordsjælland’s goalkeeper had expected the ball to roll back to him so that he could restart play, but the opposition man had other ideas.
3. Cristiano Ronaldo vs Bayern Munich
As Thomas Muller will tell you, Cristiano Ronaldo has always been the antidote to Bayern Munich in the Champions League. Only that in 2017, the Bavarians’ faithful felt aggrieved after he scored two goals from an offside position.
The five time Ballon d’Or winner put the ball past Manuel Neuer in extra time while in an offside position. Minutes later, the same happened when Marcelo squared the ball to him while he was in front of the ball, which technically, is not allowed.
Both goals were allowed to stand. While VAR had not been introduced then, it did not make the decisions any less scandalous.
For Ancelotti and his troops, they can only hope that De Bruyne’s goal won’t be the difference in this tie – because such defeats sting.
Courtois sure Madrid will progress
Sports Brief also reported that Thibaut Courtois is optimistic about the chances of Real Madrid progressing to the UCL final ahead of his side’s second-leg semi-final clash with Man City.
Vinicius Junior and De Bruyne traded breathtaking goals as Los Blancos and the Citizens shared the spoils in the first leg of their last four blockbuster at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.
Madrid’s veteran shot-stopper, Courtois – who pulled off some stupendous saves in the tie – is confident his side will have the last laugh regardless of Man City’s impregnable home record.
When asked to choose between Argentine superstarLionel Messi and Brazilian legend Ronaldinho, Bojan Krkic has given his preference towards Messi.
Bojan had the opportunity to play alongside both football icons during his four-season stint at Barcelona after graduating from the club’s La Masia academy.
As per PSG Talk, the 32-year-old has picked Messi as the better player of the two Barcelona legends due to his prolonged success and continued dominance in the sport, having won the Ballon d’Or award seven times.
“It’s difficult to say this; I don’t think so. Probably it’s Messi because Messi is playing fantastic football for over 20 years which is something unbelievable.”
He added: “But Ronaldinho played probably two or three years at the top level, but for those two or three years, he was unstoppable.”
Messi won all there is to win at club level with Barcelona, claiming 35 trophies including four Champions League titles, 10 La Liga victories, and seven Copa del Rey crowns.
Meanwhile, Ronaldinho won two La Liga titles, two Spanish Super Cups, and one Champions League with the Catalans.
Ronaldinho was something different
Meanwhile, Krkic also admitted he was starstruck playing alongside Ronaldinho and described the Brazilian legend as ‘something different’, Talk Sport reports.
Thenow-retired Barcelona man described his ex-teammate as the most special person he played with during an interview with Andy Goldstein and Darren Bent.
Before leaving La Liga giants in 2011, Krkic made 162 appearances for the Catalan club, scoring 41 goals.
Guardiola makes plea to Messi
Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Messi faces a decisive month, ahead of his rumoured departure from Paris Saint-Germain when his contract expires in the summer.
He joined the Parisians in 2021 after 21 successful years in Barcelona, as a result of the Spanish club being unable to register him due to their financial limitations.
Pep Guardiola’s message to Messi suggested he believes the veteran should choose Camp Nou, despite Al-Hilal offering him £552 million per season to join them.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced that Monkeypox is no longer classified as a global public health emergency, almost a year after the threat was first raised.
While the virus remains present and could result in future outbreaks and waves, the organization stated that the highest level of caution is no longer necessary.
The global health body’s chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called on countries to “remain vigilant”.
It can be passed on by close contact with someone who is infected.
What is monkeypox?
Its official name is Mpox and it is caused by the monkeypox virus, a member of the same family of viruses as smallpox, although it is much less severe.
Initial symptoms include fever, headaches, swellings, back pain, aching muscles.
Once the fever breaks a rash can develop, often beginning on the face, then spreading to other parts of the body, most commonly the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
Anyone with the virus should abstain from sex while they have symptoms, to help prevent passing it on to others.
Vaccines can protect people too.
More than 87,000 cases and 140 deaths have been reported from 111 countries during the global outbreak, according to a WHO count.
But almost 90% fewer cases were recorded over the last three months compared with the previous three-month period, meaning the highest level of alert is no longer required, Tedros said.
In the UK, only 10 cases have been reported since the beginning of the year.
The announcement comes just a week after the UN agency also declared the Covid emergency over.
Declaring a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) signals that countries need to work together to manage a shared threat, such as a disease outbreak.
There is now just one WHO-declared PHEIC – for poliovirus, which was declared in May 2014.
Dr Katy Sinka, head of sexually transmitted infections at the UK Health Security Agency, said: “If you’re eligible and still need to take up the vaccine, please come forward ahead of the summer months to ensure you have maximum protection.
“First doses of the vaccine will end on 16 June and both doses will cease at the end of July.”
Jamie Foxx is still being treated at the hospital.
Foxx is one of the most adored celebrities that gets along with everyone.
After having an episode that his family wants to keep secret, the Academy Award winner reportedly needed to be resurrected.
Although everything points to a potential brain disorder, nothing has been confirmed as of yet.
What we can say is that the folks from Radar Online spoke directly to one of Jamie Foxx’s sources about what is happening right now.
The expectations are mixed in terms of his health as he continues in observation at the hospital.
Even though the actor’s spokespeople keep saying he is okay, there still remains the issue that Foxx still hasn’t left the hospital.
Add all the secrecy to that and this can obviously become an impossible to predict scenario where anything could happen.
In fact, the source that offered this report hinted that his family might even be contemplating a ‘worst case scenario’ type of situation.
This is what the source said to Radar Online: “Jamie’s people are saying he’s doing OK and improving, while doctors try to get to the bottom of his problems – but he wouldn’t be in a hospital this long if he was anything close to OK.”
Jamie Foxx’s friends are not sharing his health updates
Getting to the bottom of what happened might be an impossible task unless Jamie Foxx’s people want details of what happened to become public.
For outlets such as CNN, this secrecy surrounding Jamie Foxx’s health status falls perfectly in line with his brand of keeping things quiet.
The event was attended by 25 representatives from various CSOs, including the umbrella body, Citizens Engagement Platform Seychelles (CEPS).
The purpose of the gathering was to discuss the bank’s country strategy and portfolio and explore possibilities for collaboration in achieving sustainable and inclusive development in Seychelles.
Among the topics addressed were energy transition and youth development.
Attendees include the African Development Bank’s Director General for East Africa, Mrs. Nnenna Nwabufo, the Principal Secretary for National Planning in Seychelles, Ms. Elizabeth Charles Agathine, the Director for Special Programs at the Office of the President, Ms. Maria Mulindi, and the CEO of CEPS, Mr. Alvin Laurence.
Mrs. Nwabufo reiterated the Bank’s commitment to engaging civil society organizations in implementing the Bank’s High 5s for inclusive, sustainable growth and development in Seychelles.
The bank instituted CSO Open Day as a platform for sharing information on its portfolio, shared learning, and an opportunity for civil society bodies to provide feedback on the Bank’s country engagement.
Ms. Agathine reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working with CSOs and other stakeholders to solve the country’s development challenges. “We believe working together can create a more just, inclusive, and sustainable society.”
Recognizing the role of CSOs in the development process, Ms. Mulindi encouraged the participants to develop a keen interest in the Bank’s development projects.
This would ensure the realization of the intended social benefits for the people while strengthening the Bank’s impact on livelihoods.
The Bank presented its strategy and results achieved since 2021. The presentation made by Mr. Tilahun Temesgen, Chief Regional Economist, highlighted the key challenges, including cross-cutting issues.
Alvin Laurence, Executive Director of the Citizens Engagement Platform Seychelles, an umbrella organization of civil society organizations in Seychelles.
CEPS CEO Laurence gave an overview of civil society engagement in Seychelles, challenges and possible opportunities for collaboration.
Some of the critical recommendations raised at the event were:
1.Request for a more participatory development process. The CSOs recommended a platform for multistakeholder dialogue, which includes government, private sector and civil society with a particular focus on the energy transition and solutions for renewables.
3.Education curricula should match the respective industry, especially in the tourism and renewable energy sectors. They emphasized the need for a transition plan from fossil fuel to clean energy.
Former Super Eagles star, Jonathan Akpoborie has stated emphatically that Napoli striker,Victor Osimhen deserves to dethrone Sadio Mane to become the next African footballer of the year.
Osimhen has registered his name in the history books at Napoli after helping the Serie A giants win the Scudetto this season, and he is also leading the goal-scoring chart this term.
The Nigerian star also recently surpassed George Weah’s record of 46 goals in the Italian top flight to become the league’s top African scorer of all-time.
Speaking exclusively to Complete Sports, Akpoborie praised Osimhen for his superb performances this term for Napoli and tipped him to be crowned the African Best Footballer this year.
Jonathan Akpoborie hails Osimhen
“Osimhen is our pride and I am happy with his incredible goal-scoring records this season with Napoli.”
“Breaking Weah’s record is not an easy feat and I believe his general performance this season will help him to claim the African Ballon d’Or.”
Akpoborie also claimed there was no player in Africa who could match Osimhen’s record and that alone should propel the Nigerian towards winning the award.
Sadio Mane struggles for form
Looking at Senegalese striker,Sadio Mane this season, he has been struggling at Bayern Munich and is even expected to leave at the end of the term.
As things stand, no one would expect the former Liverpool star to retain his award.
Michael Essien celebrates Osimhen
Earlier, Sports Brief reported how Ghana and Chelsea legend, Michael Essien congratulated Nigerian striker, Osimhen, after he won the Serie A title with Napoli.
The Super Eagles forward inspired the Naples side to their first league title in 33 years, scoring 23 goals this season and likely to add to his tally in the remaining games.
In winning the league with Napoli, the 24-year-old also broke Weah’s long-standing Serie A record as the African player with the most goals in the Italian top flight.
Fabio Capello, the former coach of Real Madrid,has praised Victor Osimhen and Erling Haaland, stating that their styles of play are similar.
Both strikers have been making headlines in Europe this season for their impressive goal-scoring abilities.
Haaland is currently leading the Premier League goal-scoring charts with 35 goals, while Osimhen is the top scorer in Italy with 23 goals.
Osimhen has already won the Serie A title with Napoli, with four games to end the season as Haaland and his teammates at Man City are targeting winning the Premier League title this term.
According to reports on Brila and Punch, Capello says Haaland and Osimhen have been wonderful this season for their clubs.
Capello hails Osimhen, Haaland
“I don’t think Haaland is under pressure, because he has anger inside.
“He lives for goals. Osimhen has the same thing, they live for this. They fight, they want to win, they help their teammates, and they transmit this determination that makes you win games.
Haaland’s father clashes with fans
Earlier, Sports Brief had reported how unpleasant scenes were witnessed at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on May 9 after Erling Haaland’s father, Alfie clashed with Real Madrid fans.
The senior Haaland was in the Spanish capital to watch his son and his Manchester City teammates play Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final.
There is still uncertainty surrounding the future of Kylian Mbappe at Paris Saint-Germain, as the team is expected to undergo significant changes for the upcoming 2023/24 season.
Despite PSG’s lackluster campaign, the 24-year-old striker has been a standout performer and key asset to the reigning Ligue 1 champions who are on track to retain their title.
Sportskeeda reports that Real Madrid has expressed renewed interest in signing Mbappe and is willing to break the current world record transfer fee to secure the services of the 2022 World Cup Golden Boot winner.
Los Blancos are yet to reveal how much they are willing to pay but it has been confirmed the Spanish champions are willing to smash the €220million fee PSG paid to signNeymar from Barcelona in 2017.
Mbappe who has scored a total of 36 goals this season in all competitions, has two years remaining on his current deal with PSG.
Mbappe favourite to win Ligue 1 MVP
Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe is ranked as one of the favourites to be crowned as the 2022/23 Ligue 1 most valuable player, Goal reports.
The 24-year-old forward who won the accolade in the 2021/22 season, has scored a total of 24 goals this season for PSG in the league as the Parisians look set to retain their league crown.
Mbappe will however have to battle top stars like Lyon’s Alexandre Lacazette, current PSG teammate Lionel Messi and Lille forward Jonathan David for the prestigious gong.
Mbappe set to announce his PSG departure
Earlier, Sports Brief reported Paris Saint-Germainis set to face one of its toughest summers since the club was bought by Qatari Sports Investments in June 2011, following its not-too-successful 2022/23 campaign.
PSG is reportedly set to part ways with seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, Lionel Messi at the end of the season after a fallout with the Argentine superstar, and Kylian Mbappe could be next to depart Parc des Princes.
Former football agent, Francois Gallardo revealed the French star is also nursing a desire to leave the Ligue 1 champions when the season ends.
Lionel Messi is set to depart fromParis Saint-Germain in the upcoming summer transfer window, but his next destination is still uncertain.
Recent reports had indicated that the Argentine football star had signed a whopping £522 million deal with Saudi Pro League team Al-Hilal, which would have pitted him against his old adversary Cristiano Ronaldo in the Middle East.
However, Messi’s father, Jorge, has refuted such rumors, stating that his son has not yet reached any agreement with any club.
We take a closer look at the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner’s situation.
Goodbye Paris
The only thing that can be categorically ruled out at this stage is the prospect of Messi extending his stay in the French capital.
When the 2022 World Cup winner signed a two-year deal with PSG back in August 2021, expectations were high — and on the pitch, Messi has delivered.
His 20 goals and 19 assists across 37 appearances this term have been instrumental in putting Les Parisiens on the cusp of a second straight Ligue 1 title.
However, the French champions have once again failed in their pursuit of a maiden Champions League crown and recent fan anger has been directed towards the club’s highest earning stars.
A contract extension was therefore already looking bleak before last week’s unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia appeared to put a final nail in the coffin.
Though Messi has since apologised for the two-day visit and is back in training, the damage caused between player and club appears beyond repair.
Money talks
Lionel Messi could join his old rival Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia
Fittingly, Saudi Arabia is one of the destinations that has been touted for Messi next season.
Al-Hilal, the 18-time Pro League champions, are supposedly desperate to land the megastar and pit him against his old foe Ronaldo, who plays for their domestic rivals Al-Nassr.
Adding in the fact he has an ambassadorial role with the country’s tourist board, a move certainly makes sense — though the player’s father says talk of a pre-agreement is fabricated.
Posting on social media, Jorge Messi said: “There are always rumours and many use the name of Lionel to gain notoriety, but the truth is only one and we can assure that there is nothing agreed with anyone.”
American dream
Many of the footballing world’s biggest stars choose to wind down their career in America’s MLS — and Inter Miami could be a perfect fit for Messi.
Part-owned by none other than David Beckham, the Florida-based outfit were only formed in 2018 and are still very much in their development phase as a club.
Last season’s sixth-placed finish was their best league performance to date and the club’s backers are keen to build on that success with a blockbuster signing.
MLS analyst Taylor Twellman claimed this week that Miami’s offer for Messi remains “on the table”, though the club accept they are not currently at the front of the queue.
Emotional return
The ideal destination for Messi himself would likely be a return to his beloved Barcelona.
He remains the Catalan club’s all-time top scorer with a stunning 672 strikes across 21 glorious years, earning him God-like status among the club’s supporters.
It is widely acknowledged that Messi never wanted to exit the Camp Nou in the first place, only leaving due to the club’s horrendous financial situation.
Though he and Barca would undoubtedly love a return this summer, those issues still persist — making a reunion seemingly just a pipe dream.
While there remains even a slight chance, however, football romantics around the globe will be willing for the great man to return home.
Jose Mourinho, the manager of AS Roma, has addressed recent reports linking him to a potential move to Ligue 1 powerhouse Paris Saint-Germain in the upcoming summer transfer window.
While PSG is on the verge of securing their 11th French league title under current coach Christophe Galtier, his position is reportedly in doubt following the team’s underwhelming exit from the Champions League in the round-of-16 stage, extending their wait for a coveted European trophy.
Meanwhile, Sky Sports reports that Mourinho has been touted as the potential replacement for Galtier.
The veteran Portuguese tactician has been contacted by PSG’s top hierarchy owing to his superior man-management skill and ability to handle players with big egos.
Reacting to the reports, Jose, who is in the final year of his contract with Roma, appeared to laugh at the reports linking him to PSG.
“If they called, they didn’t find me, I’ve never spoken to them,” Mourinho told Sky Italia via GOAL.
Meanwhile, the 60-year-old is preparing his Roma side for their Europa League semi-final assignment against Bayer Leverkusen on Thursday, May 11.
Roma’s top-four hopes suffered a massive blow after their 2-0 loss to Inter Milan at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday, a game played with a depleted squad due to injuries.
The team were 1-0 down at half-time. The Special One gave an inspiring team talk to the young players at half-time, which spurred them to victory.
PSG contact Mourinho
Sports Brief previously reported that Jose Mourinho is a proven winner and it is no surprise the veteran Portuguese manager is now on the radar of Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain.
PSG are desperate to win the UEFA Champions League and the club’s latest setback in the last-16 first-leg tie against Bayern Munich has got the French club looking for options.
PSG’s sporting director Luís Campos has contacted his fellow countryman and AS Roma head coach Mourinho as they look to replace Christophe Galtier.
During a night when football fans around the world were eagerly anticipating Erling Haaland‘s performance, it was Vinicius Junior who exceeded expectations and stole the show.
The young Brazilian forward has been consistently demonstrating his potential to those who have been watching and listening, establishing himself as one of the sport’s rising stars.
Despite playing alongside established stars like Karim Benzema at his club and Neymar in the Selecao setup, Vinicius’ performances have often gone unnoticed or underrated.
Taking the ball from a powerful Eduardo Camavinga run on May 9, the Brazilian was widely expected to find one of his two striking partners, only for him to size up Ederson in the Manchester City goal and send a thunderbolt of a strike that wheezed past his international teammate.
Bar his constant injury concerns, Neymar was arguably the best player after the big two. From his skillset to vision to aura and flair, he was the complete package.
As stats show, to compare Vinicius to Neymar and even allude he is better than his senior compatriot will be a little bit of a stretch. But again, he is only 22 years.
And as Lewis Hamilton keeps reminding us, keep dreaming of the impossible.
Comparing Vinicius to Mbappe and Haaland
He might not be ready to lace Neymar’s boots yet, but it is time the 22-year-old was involved in this Kylian Mbappe vs Haaland debate that is shaping up nicely.
Well, for starters, he showed Haaland levels on his own home turf, forget the hearty smile and hug he shared with the Norwegian at the end of the game. The onus will be on Haaland to respond next week.
Vinicius Jr and Erling Haaland after the game. No controversy in Europe, only in Spain, but apparently it’s only Vinicius’ fault.
Mbappe might be a tad higher than both of them; given that he scores, he assists and dazzles neutrals with filthy skills.
For Haaland, we all know what he does. He has an affinity for hitting the back of the net the same way yours truly loves milk and toasted bread. 50 plus goals in your debut season in England is borderline nuts.
Vinicius’ stronghold, like Mbappe, is his pace and mazy feet. This is a player who has come of age after Benzema accused him of playing against them. He has since improved on his finishing and passing accuracy.
His only downside compared to the current top two is that he doesn’t score as often as them, but his current goal and assist ratio in the Champions League is insane. He has contributed to a goal in his last 11 starts.
We can sing Haaland and Mbappe’s praises all day long, but Vinicius is here and at only 22 years, he is nowhere near his prime. He can only get better. He is forcing us to take note.
Vinicius equals Ronaldo’s record
Sports Brief reported that Vinicius etched his name in the annals of the Champions League following his splendid goal againstManchester City at the Bernabeu.
The Brazilian, who recently won his third Player of the Month award for Madrid, unleashed a bullet of a goal to break the deadlock in the semi-final tie between two of Europe’s finest teams this season.
Vini’s goal against Man City in their first-leg semi-final clash means he levels Ronaldo’s record of either scoring or assisting in 11 consecutive games.
Erling Haaland received praise from Pep Guardiola for his performance against Real Madrid, although the Manchester City manager believes that the opposition’s setup hindered the Norwegian striker’s ability to play his usual game.
Despite Haaland being a goalscoring hero, he was unable to make much of an impact during the crucial first leg of the semi-finals, where Kevin De Bruyne’s brilliant strike helped secure a 1-1 draw for City after Vinicius Jr had opened the scoring.
Antonio Rudiger, who defended against Haaland with great tenacity, kept the 22-year-old at bay for much of the match.
In fact, the 51-goal star was restricted to just 21 touches throughout the evening on Tuesday night. That was the least out of every player that started the contest at the Bernabeu, including both goalkeepers.
City keeper Ederson even made more passes than Haaland, registering 19 to the Norwegian’s 13.
Speaking after the match, Guardiola explained why his main man was marked out of the match, insisting that Real Madrid’s defensive plan worked a treat.
The ex-Barcelona manager said:“The pockets and distances between the central defender and full-backs was occupied.
“It was not easy for Erling. He moved well and had his chances.”
The Italian remarked: “Defensively we were good. Rudiger against Haaland did well and the midfield had control.
“The performance was good and we are happy. We have strong motivation for the next game.”
City will be thanking De Bruyne for getting themselves back in the contest in a relatively cagey affair despite the sheer quality on show at the Bernabeu.
Former Chelsea defender Rudiger had a good game against Haaland
It was his powerful strike that gave Thibaut Courtois no chance as he hammered one in from outside the area after being laid off by Ilkay Gundogan.
And speaking after the match, City teammate Rodri admitted that they were indebted to De Bruyne.
The Spaniard said: “He [Kevin de Bruyne] is a massive player for us. Always he has been great and he helped us in the moment we most needed it.
“We were suffering a bit because they were keeping the ball and with the goal he gave us the confidence to keep pushing. It is a good result for us.
“We knew no matter what happened here it would not be the end. At home, we will need the people to support us.”
That goal means the Premier League leaders have a slight advantage when they return to the Etihad, playing in front of their own fans.
But no one can rule out Real Madrid, a club that has won the Champions League 14 times – more than anyone else – and has a collective 29 Champions League medals in the dressing room.
Vinicius Jr proved that in the first-half when his rocket saw Rio Ferdinand lose the plot and break the deadlock.
There were other flashpoints including Ancelotti uncharacteristically losing his cool, Jack Grealish getting thrown into an advertising board and Toni Kroos escaping a red card.
All signs point towards a true classic at the Etihad next Wednesday where the winner will face either Inter or AC Milan in the final.
Haaland was forced to subsist on scraps of food during the first leg because the Real Madrid defender kept him at bay.
According to UEFA, Haaland, who now tops the Champions League goal scorers list with 12 goals, was unable to increase his total.
Rudiger ensured he had a very quiet evening at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium as Man City shared the spoils with the current UCL holders.
The German’s bizarre yet effective approach ensured the Citizens’ top marksman, who was averaging a Champions League goal every 58 minutes in his career, did not increase his tally, per ESPN.
@leafricangooner marvelled at Rudiger’s unconventional style of dealing with Haaland:
“This Rudiger guy is something else. Have to give it to him, though. He got the job done.”
Another user, @HalaHaneef, added:
@Tango4Bango applauded Rudiger for marshalling Haaland:
“Reason Haaland was the biggest player on that pitch yesterday. Gotta be double extra effort to make the “GOAL TERMINATOR” uncomfortable. Nice job, Rudiger.
@MadridClout simply said:
“Rüdiger totally pocketed Haaland last night.”
@favourea_ wrote:
“Man loves this types of game eh! It’s like he was born for these sorts of challenges.”
Rudiger warns Man City
Earlier, Sports Brief reported on Real Madrid defender, Rudiger being unfazed by the task of progressing to the final of the UEFA Champions League.
The German put in a masterclass performance to help his team play out to a 1-1 draw against Premier League giants,Man City on Tuesday night.
Rudiger rarely put a foot wrong throughout the first leg, including reducing Norwegian goal-scoring machine, Haaland to a much quieter game.
Antonio Rudiger, a defender for Real Madrid, is not intimidated by the challenge of reaching the final of the UEFA Champions League at the cost of Manchester City.
Rudiger displayed a masterful performance, helping Real Madrid secure a 1-1 draw against the Premier League giants on Tuesday evening at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.
The hard-tackling centre-back had a flawless performance throughout the first leg, effectively neutralizing Norwegian goal-scoring sensation Erling Haaland, who had a surprisingly uneventful match.
Ahead of the reverse fixture in Manchester next Wednesday, Rudiger – who knows the Etihad Stadium very well after five successful seasons with Chelsea – is confident of helping Madrid oust the Citizens, Metro reports.
The German international was asked about the level of confidence his team had heading into the make-or-break second leg and in typical fashion, he offered a defiant response.
“We are Real Madrid, we are always confident,” Rudiger said, as quoted by Madrid Zone.
Rudiger is aiming for his first Champions League title with Los Blancos and his personal second UCL crown after helping Chelsea beat Man City in the 2021 final.
Grealish warns Rudiger and Madrid
Meanwhile, Jack Grealish said Man City are confident of finishing the job against Real Madrid at home to reach the Champions League final, after a 1-1 draw in their semi-final first leg on Tuesday.
The Citizens have won all 14 games at the Etihad Stadium this year by a score of 49 to seven, as Pep Guardiola’s men close in on a potential treble of the Premier League, UCL, and the FA Cup.
“At the Etihad [Stadium], at the moment, we feel unstoppable,” Grealish told BT Sport, as reported by Sports Brief.
The current holders of Europe’s premier club competition, Los Blancos are bidding to win a record-extending 15th UCL crown but will first have to overcome Man City.
Pep Guardiola’s charges are unbeaten since February in all competitions and for this reason, Man City are the favourites to claim the ultimate win against Real Madrid.
Dani Carvajal is confident that Real Madrid has nothing to worry about when they travel to the Etihad Stadium for the second leg of their Champions League semi-final next week.
In the first leg, played on Tuesday at the Bernabeu, the two sides put on an exciting display, with Vinicius Junior scoring a breathtaking goal to give Real the lead in the first half.
Kevin De Bruyne matched that with a similarly stunning goal in the second half, levelling the score at 1-1, leaving the tie delicately poised for the return fixture.
Real right-back Carvajal said: “They have world-class players, they move the ball very well, they’re tactically very well worked – but I don’t think we saw a City side that are superior to Madrid.
“The team goes home knowing that we played well and that if we get things right, if we take our chances in Manchester, we have a chance of going through.
“We go there with nothing to fear. We have to go there to win, to play our game, and the team believes in it.”
City dominated early on at the Bernabeu but it was Real that took the lead against the run of play when Vinicius lashed home from 25 yards on 36 minutes.
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) May 10, 2023
Carvajal particularly pushed things to the limit and was involved in a running battle with Jack Grealish. At one point he barged the England midfielder into the advertising hoardings and then fell to the ground theatrically when Grealish reacted angrily.
“It’s a semi-final, everyone is playing to the limit, every challenge is a war,” the Spain international said.
City drew level on 67 minutes, during a period when Real had been dominating, when De Bruyne connected with a fierce drive from a similar range to Vinicius.
The draw was the least the Premier League leaders deserved but Real did have a gripe over the equaliser, with suggestions the ball may have gone out of play in the build-up.
Carvajal said: “In general I think the referee (Portugal’s Artur Dias) was good, he controlled it pretty well. It’s complicated to referee a Champions League semi-final.
“We have to congratulate him for that but if the ball did go out then that’s an error that could cost us the tie.”
Liverpool has only three games left in the current season.
If they win all three and get some support from teams such asManchester United, Newcastle, and Tottenham Hotspur, they could qualify for the Champions League.
The team is expected to undergo significant changes before the next season, with both departures and arrivals expected as part of a significant rebuilding plan for Jurgen Klopp’s squad.
According to Mirror UK, Jorg Schmadtke is set to be appointed as the new sporting director to replace Julian Ward, just a year after replacing the hugely successful Michael Edwards.
Schmadtke will be saddled with the responsibility of overhauling the team. Sports Brief looks at five players whose departures are confirmed, all of whom are leaving due to expired contracts.
1. James Milner
Theveteran midfielder will leave Anfieldafter eight successful years. At 37 years, he is nearing the end of his career but is willing to play for Brighton next season, having agreed to a one-year contract, according to talkSPORT.
2. Roberto Firmino
The Brazilian forward, an important part of a deadly front three alongside Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, will leave the club in the summer. He is yet to announce his next destination, with Barcelona and AS Roma rumoured to be interested.
3. Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain
The former Arsenal midfielder has been a part-time player at Merseyside but will leave this summer as his contract will not be renewed, according to The Athletic. He could remain in the Premier League, having received interest.
4. Naby Keita
The Guinean midfielder’s injury-ladened time at Anfield is set to end in the summer. According to Metro UK, he cost the Reds £52.75m, but things never worked out between the two parties.
5. Arthur Melo
According to Guardian, Liverpool signed Arthur on loan from Juventus for £3.75m to solve midfield problems, with an option to make it permanent, but he has made a cameo of just 13 minutes and will return to Italy.
Five midfield options for Liverpool
Sports Brief previously considered five midfielders Liverpool can sign to revamp their midfield after cooling their transfer interest in Borussia Dortmund teenager Jude Bellingham due to the transfer cost.
Klopp reportedly needs three midfielders, and the club is linked to Brighton’s Alexis Mac Allister, Chelsea’s Mason Mount and an out-of-favour Bayern Munich midfielder.
Alfie Haaland, the father of Erling Haaland, a striker for Manchester City, has dismissed the incident that resulted in his removal from his seat at the Bernabeu during Tuesday’s evening match as a harmless joke.
A video circulating on social media revealed Haaland, who is 50 years old, engaged in a verbal altercation with Real Madrid fans while celebrating Kevin De Bruyne’s equalizer goal for City in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final.
Ok. RM was not happy we were celebrating KDB goal. Other than than that we had to move because RM fans not happy with 1-1 https://t.co/PWpk6EAPUp
Former Leeds andManchester City midfielder Haaland cupped his ears in response to taunts from supporters near the executive box before he was guided away from the area by security staff.
Reports in Spain suggested Haaland had thrown food in the direction of home fans, which he denied, saying he had been asked to move to another location close by.
“RM was not happy we were celebrating KDB goal. Other than than that we had to move because RM fans not happy with 1-1,” the Norwegian wrote on Twitter.
Ok. I did not. Not true.We had some good banter with Madrid fans. They were not happy when City scored. Typical. Then we had to move 50 meters away. Nothing more. All happy. Well nearly…😉 https://t.co/tOQPToxEKN
In response to a report he had thrown peanuts at Real Madrid fans, Haaland said: “I did not. Not true.
“We had some good banter with Madrid fans. They were not happy when City scored. Typical. Then we had to move 50 meters away. Nothing more. All happy. Well nearly.”
Erling Haaland has enjoyed a standout first season with City, scoring 51 goals in all competitions.
George Weah, the sole recipient ofAfrica’s Ballon d’Or award, has advised Victor Osimhen, the forward for Nigeria and Napoli, to aim for winning the prestigious award.
Osimhen, aged 24, played a significant role in Napoli’s triumph as they secured their first Serie A title in 33 years.
He also surpassed Weah’s longstanding record for the African player with the highest number of goals scored in the Italian Serie A, by scoring his 47th goal during the match against Fiorentina on the previous Sunday.
Despite his recent success, Weah – who won the 1995 European best award- in congratulating the striker urged him to go for more accolades and believes the Super Eagles attacker has what it takes to win the Ballon d’Or.
I want to admonish you not be contented. There are many more of my records for you to break. I wish you go on to achieve greater success.
“I watched your goal against Udinese when your 52nd -minute header won the Scudetto for Napoli. Your movement, your passion, your determination and hunger brought back many memories to me.
I wait for your 100th Goal in all competitions in Italy so that you can celebrate (but don’t remove your shirt like I did or you will get a Yellow Card),” wrote Weah on Facebook.
“You have won one Scudetto. Great! When I won my first Scudetto with Milan, I said to myself, why one, why not two? I went on to win another Scudetto with Milan. I went on to win the Ballon D’or.
So why not two or more for you Victor? The sky is your limit. With your dedication, commitment, humility, hard work, you can conquer the World. Africa needs another World Best. Africa needs another European Best. You Victor, can deliver that for us,” he added.
Osimhen is leading the goal king race in Italy with four games to end the season.
Osimhen pens message to Weah
Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Napoli striker, Victor Osimhen has paid tribute to African football legend,George Weah, after breaking his long-standing Serie A record.
The Super Eagles striker netted his 47th Serie A goal – his 23 of the campaign – in the 1-0 win over Fiorentina on Sunday.
The 74th minute penalty against La Viola now places him above the former AC Milan striker, who held the record for 23 years.
Mr. Haaland was present in Madrid to support his son and his Manchester City team in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid.
The incident was unpleasant and witnessed by many.
Erling Haaland speaks with Vinicius Junior at the end of their game on May 9. Photo by Burak Akbulut.
Source: Getty Images
Despite early pressure and dominance from Pep Guardiola’s team, it was the record European champions who struck first thanks to a fine belter from Vinicius Junior.
Haaland had a rare dull day, with the Norwegian being subdued by Madrid’s centre-back pairing of Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba. He had two flimsy shots on target on a night Guardiola elected not to use his substitutes bench.
Perhaps frustrated with the situation, Alfie Haaland was accused of insulting Real Madrid fans, with footage showing him cupping his ears towards them.
As Daily Mail reports, he was also accused of throwing food at the opposition supporters before security intervened and escorted him out of his private box.
With his son previously linked with a move to the Spanish giants, this altercation could severely dent those hopes when that time comes. This was Haaland’s first-ever game at the iconic stadium.
He will be hoping for a better outing as City hope to reach their second UCL final in history.
Aguero slams Guardiola’s UCL tactics
Sports Brief also reported on Sergio Aguero blasting Guardiola’s ‘baffling’ decisions during Man City’s Champions League clash against Real Madrid.
The Citizens took on the reigning UCL champions in a mouthwatering first-leg semi-final encounter on May 9 at the iconic Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.
Aguero was less than impressed with a tactical move made by Guardiola during the match, with the Spaniard leaving all his subs on the bench.
Diogo Dalot’s remarks regarding the potential replacement for David De Gea appear to align with the sentiments of the Manchester United dressing room towards the Spanish goalkeeper.
De Gea’s mistake during the match against West Ham United gifted the opposition a goal and resulted in a defeat for United, which was a significant setback to their hopes of securing a top-four finish in the Premier League.
This season, the former Atletico Madrid goalkeeper has faced criticism for his inability to possess the necessary footwork for building attacks from the back, a system that United’s coach, Erik ten Hag, is known to prefer.
According to Mirror UK, the shot-stopper’s contract expires in the summer but he had agreed to an extension, only for his manager to reportedly tell him he is not guaranteed a starting role next season.
Dalot praises Diogo Costa
According to Sports Mole, Porto’s Diogo Costa and Brentford’s David Raya are considered potential replacements, with De Gea set to be a back-up goalkeeper next season.
Man United right-back and an international teammate of Costa, Dalot has clarified his feelings about his childhood friend who could be coming to England in the summer.
“I grew up with him, he’s my friend, there’s a great relationship between us. I know perfectly well that he has the capacity to one day be a world reference,” he was translated as telling Mais Futebol.
While Dalot did not seem certain the move to Manchester United would materialise, he believes Costa would be a big-name player where he goes.
“I don’t know if he’ll be at Manchester United or another big club in Europe. He shows at FC Porto that he is a differential goalkeeper and has helped the club a lot. If he continues there, I’ll be extremely happy. If he leaves, I hope he has the greatest success in the world.”
United fans lament De Gea
Sports Brief also reported thatUnited fans want De Gea out of the club after his recent string of poor performances, which have led to opposition scores.
The news of the club reportedly extending his contract was not well-received, but it has since emerged that the Spaniard is not guaranteed to start.
Yaw Dabo, a Ghanaian actor, has been making waves on social media after his appearance on the Spanish TV show Marca following Real Madrid’s UEFA Champions League match against Manchester City.
Despite claiming to be 24 years old during the interview, the small-statured actor expressed his excitement about the 1-1 draw at Santiago Bernabeu and believes that Real Madrid will advance to the final.
In the match, Kevin De Bruyne’s 67th-minute goal canceled out Vinicius Jr’s first-half goal, resulting in a draw.
As the European champions head to England for the second leg, the tie remains evenly balanced.
In a video shared severally on social media, Dabo is seen analyzing the game, praising Real Madrid for cutting supplies to Manchester City striker Erling Haaland.
Dabo is currently on an European tour and has already visited PSG, Borussia Dortmund and Ajax.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid will be hoping to get a positive result at the Etihad as they eye back-to-back Champions League final.
Kudus welcomes Dabo to Ajax Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Ghanaian footballer Mohammed Kudus took time off to show actor Yaw Dabo around following his visit of the Netherlands.
Dabo has been in Europe since last week touring some big clubs as he monitors how these teams are run due to his involvement in the game.
The diminutive actor owns a soccer academy in Ghana and has taken the opportunity to establish relationship with some of these European clubs.
Yaw Dabo visits Dortmund
Ghanaian actor, Yaw Dabo continued his tour of Europe with a visit to German giants Borussia Dortmund.
The president of Dabo Soccer Academy spent time at the club’s training venue, where he was also given a tour of the club’s facilities byformer Ghana coach Otto Addo.
Dabo met some of Dortmund’s stars, including English midfielder Jude Bellingham and teen sensation Youssoufa Moukoko.
Pep Guardiola made a ‘baffling’ decision during Manchester City’s Champions League match against Real Madrid, according to Sergio Aguero.
The semi-final matchup between City and the defending champions took place on Tuesday, May 9, at the Santiago Bernabeu.
According to Marca, the European powerhouses agreed to a 1-1 draw in the thrilling match, leaving the tie wide open going into the second leg, which will be played at the Etihad Stadium.
During the first half, the hosts’ Vinicius Jr. scored a stunning goal to start the scoring before Kevin De Bruyne controversially equalised for City in the 66th minute.
Vinicius Jr opened the scoring for the hosts in the first half with a stunner before Kevin De Bruyne controversially equalised for City in the 66th minute.
Aguero hits out at Pep
Despite the encouraging result, Aguero was less impressed with a tactical decision made by Pep Guardiola during the match.
Sportbible reports that Guardiola did not make a single substitution in the Champions League match, a move that left Aguero baffled.
The City legend slammed his former manager for the decision, insisting his fellow countryman Julian Alvarez should have been given an opportunity to play.
“What I don’t understand is why he didn’t put Julián [Alvarez on]… I wonder, but well it’s Pep. He doesn’t marry anyone,” he said via @City_Xtra.
“If it was up to me, I’d play Julián in almost every game – we need him to be active and have a spark,” he added.
Fans mock Haaland
Earlier, Sports Brief reported a section of fans has taken to social media to mock Erling Haaland for allegedly going missing duringManchester City’s Champions League cracker against Real Madrid.
Haaland was part of City’s squad that settled for a 1-1 draw against the reigning champions in the first leg of the semi-final fixture staged at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday night.
The Norwegian hotshot went into the clash off a fantastic run of form that had seen him score an eyewatering 51 goals across competitions.
Additionally, if they qualify for the group stage, they have committed to holding all their Champions League fixtures at the same venue.
This season, Jonas Eidevall’s team has already played three WSL games at the stadium, including the record-breaking match against Tottenham where they set a new league attendance record.
Furthermore, they sold over 86,000 tickets across games against Manchester United and Chelsea.
The team also played five of their Women’s Champions League games at the Emirates, which included a sold-out semi-final second-leg against Wolfsburg. However, the German side managed to win in extra time.
Arsenal are in a tussle to qualify for next season’s Champions League but, if they do progress, every fixture from the group stage onwards will be hosted in N5 rather than at Meadow Park.
The successes of this season have built on a groundswell of support for women’s football following on from England’s Women’s Euro victory last summer.
Now, Arsenal are keen to continue the trend of hosting more games at the Emirates, with Eidevall saying recently he believes it would be possible to host all women’s fixtures there at some point in the future.
“We’re delighted to confirm that our women’s first team will play five WSL games at Emirates Stadium next season,” Arsenal chief executive Vinai Venkatesham said when the announcement was made on Wednesday morning.
“We’ve received fantastic support at Emirates Stadium this year, setting a new record attendance in the WSL and achieving a memorable sell-out for our recent UEFA Women’s Champions League semi-final against Wolfsburg earlier this month.
“This latest announcement ensures that as many supporters as possible can enjoy the matchday experience with us, as we continue to support the sustainable growth of women’s football.”
The competition between the world’s most lethal forwards for supremacy is heating up as the Champions League enters its final stages, as well as the contest to be named top scorer.
We go over the favourites to see who is still in the running.
Erling Haaland (12 goals, one assist)
Erling Haaland scored two more goals against Southampton
Records continue to tumble for the Norwegian sensation — no player has ever scored more goals in a single Champions League season for an English club than Haaland’s 12 this term, level with Ruud van Nistelrooy’s efforts for Manchester United in 2002-03.
Mohamed Salah (eight goals, two assists)
Mohamed Salah has endured a difficult Premier League season
Liverpool star Mohamed Salah was on fire in Europe this season and scored his eighth goal in just seven matches to hand his side a 2-0 lead over Real Madrid in the first leg of their last-16 showdown.
Unfortunately for the Egyptian, the Reds went on to lose 5-2 at Anfield and were knocked out after a 1-0 defeat at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Vinicius Junior (seven goals, six assists)
MADRID, SPAIN – FEBRUARY 2: (L-R) Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid, coach Carlo Ancelotti of Real Madrid during the La Liga Santander match between Real Madrid v Valencia at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on February 2, 2023 in Madrid Spain (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Vinicius Junior broke the deadlock at the Bernabeu on Tuesday night and will hope to add to his tally in the return fixture in Manchester.
Vinicius relishes the European stage, having been involved in 22 goals in his last 22 Champions League appearances (11 goals, 11 assists).
Kylian Mbappe (seven goals, three assists)
Kylian Mbappe could not inspire a Paris Saint-Germain comeback in Munich
The Frenchman failed to inspire his side past Bayern Munich in the last 16 and finished on a respectable seven goals from eight outings.
Joao Mario (six goals, two assists)
Joao Mario
Joao Mario struck in both legs as Benfica breezed past Club Brugge in the last 16 — equalling the great Eusebio’s club record of scoring in five consecutive European games.
But he was an anonymous presence as the Eagles crashed out at the hands of Inter Milan in the last eight, 5-3 on aggregate.
The young Spanish defensive midfielder made his National team debut in 2005 and has since made 719 first team matches.
After 18 years at the Camp Nou, Barcelona legend Sergio Busquets has revealed he would leave the team at the end of the current campaign.
The young Spanish defensive midfielder made his National team debut in 2005 and has since made 719 first team matches.
The 34-year-old made the following statement on the Blaugrana website: “It has been an honour and a source of pride to have been able to wear this badge but everything must come to an end.
“It has [not] been an easy decision but the time has come.”
Busquets’ final act for the club is set to be lifting his ninth LaLiga title, with Barca currently 13 points clear with five games to play.
A true legend of the LaLiga giants, Busquets was also at the heart of three Champions League triumphs.
He formed an iconic midfield partnership with current boss Xavi and Andres Iniesta, with the trio particularly thriving duringPep Guardiola’s reign in Catalonia.
The Spain international was handed the captaincy when Lionel Messi left in 2021 and has made 39 appearances in all competitions this term.
Initial reports suggest a move to Saudi Arabia or MLS could be in the offing for the 2010 World Cup winner.
His father and agent, Jorge Messi, wanted to dispel recent rumors about his son’s future.
According to a report by the Daily Mail, it was claimed that Messi had already agreed to a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia.
The report suggested that the World Cup winner would sign a contract worth £522 million with Al-Hilal and reignite his rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo.
Messi’s father has since shot down the rumours, saying that the media sources knowingly publishing fake news lack respect, Football Espana reported. Jorge released a statement on social media, explaining that his son has not agreed on a deal with any club.
“There is absolutely nothing with any club for next year. The decision will not be made before Lionel finishes the season with PSG. Once the season is over, it will be time to analyse and see what is there, and then make a decision,” part of the statement read.
The statement criticised the publications that use Messi’s name to gain publicity.
“It seems to me a lack of respect towards the media that do their due diligence, that there are those who consciously and deliberately deceive, without providing any proof of their claims,” Jorge said in the statement.
Messi’s wife hesitant about move
Lionel Messi’s potential move to Saudi Arabia has received a subtle blow, with his wife, Antonella Roccuzzo, reportedly hesitant about the deal.
Messi has received a mega offer from Al-Hilal in a deal believed to be valued at least 400 million euros per year to ditch European football for the Middle East.
It is becoming increasingly apparent that the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner will leave Paris Saint-Germain at the end of this season, Sports Brief reported.
Ahead of Tuesday’s first-leg tie in the Champions League semi-final, Real Madrid’s Rodrygo Goes has expressed admiration for Manchester City striker Erling Haaland.
The two teams met in last year’s semifinal, which Real Madrid won 6-5 on aggregate, including a thrilling 3-1 comeback at the Bernabeu.
Since then, City has acquired Haaland, who has scored an impressive 51 goals across all competitions since joining Pep Guardiola’s side from Borussia Dortmund last summer.
The Norwegian goal machine has also forged an effective link with his teammates outside the box.
According to UEFA, Haaland is the top scorer in this year’s Champions League, scoring 12 goals in just eight appearances this season.
And Speaking with RTVE, via Madrid Universal, Rodrygo said:
“Haaland scores a lot of goals, no one knows how to stop him. I hope he doesn’t score against us.
“Manchester City is always scary. They’re a great team, they play very well, but we are confident that we can win.”
Rodrygo’s 2022/23 season
In Real Madrid’s previous five games, Rodrygo has three goals and an assist to his credit. Under Carlo Ancelotti, the Brazilian has had a strong season and has established himself as a regular starter.
The Brazilian has made 30 league appearances for Real Madrid this season, contributing eight assists and six goals.
He also creates 10 major chances and averages 1.4 critical passes per game, per Madrid Universal.
City are on course to secure a historic treble under the tutelage of Pep Guardiola, with the club in the race to lift the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League.
The Citizens have been in incredible form and are currently topping the charts with 82 points, four points ahead of second-placed Arsenal.
Despite Al Nassr’s position in second place on the Saudi top-flight table, their missed opportunity to temporarily overthrow Al Ittihad from the top spot left Ronaldo visibly frustrated during the Monday evening match.
Despite making several attempts, including a disallowed goal due to an offside call, the 38-year-old was unable to rally his team to victory.
Furthermore, Al Khaleej’s goalkeeper, Al Haidari, repeatedly thwarted Ronaldo’s efforts, adding to his disappointment.
The 1-1 stalemate means Al Nassr’s feint chances of winning their first league crown since 2019 appear to be fading away, which clearly left the ex-Real Madrid star frustrated.
After exchanging shirts with his Portuguese compatriot on the other side of the divide, a member of the visitors’ backroom staff tried to take a selfie with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner but was shoved by a frustrated Ronaldo, per GOAL.
Ronaldo’s partner blamed for draw
Al Nassr manager Dinko Jeličić appears to fault Cristiano Ronaldo’s attacking partner Anderson Talisca following his side’s costly draw with Al Khaleej on Monday, May 8, Sports Brief reported.
The Knights of Najd had the chance to temporarily usurp Al Ittihad at the summit of the Saudi Pro League. However, they fluffed their lines, sharing the spoils with the visitors.
Following the end of the game, Dinko, who is serving as Al Nassr coach on an interim basis following the sack of Rudi Garcia, appeared to blame the disconnect between his two attackers – Ronaldo and Talisca.
Ronaldo ‘tricked’ into joining Al Nassr
Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Brazil legend Rivaldo has claimed that Cristiano Ronaldo was ‘fooled’ into signing for Saudi Arabia giants Al Nassr. Ronaldo sealed a sensational January transfer move to the Riyadh-based outfit after he left Manchester United.
The veteran striker had his contract at Old Trafford terminated following his explosive interview with Piers Morgan.
According to Brazil icon Rivaldo, Ronaldo may have been ‘fooled’ into signing for the Saudi giants, with the ex-footballer claiming the forward could be unhappy in his new surroundings.
Michael Essien, a former Ghanaian footballer who played for Chelsea, has offered his congratulations to Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen on winning the Serie A title with Napoli.
Osimhen played a key role in helping Napoli secure their first league title in 33 years, scoring 23 goals in the Serie A this season.
With four matches remaining, he has the opportunity to increase his tally. By winning the league, the 24-year-old also surpassed George Weah’s long-standing Serie A record for the most goals scored by an African player in the Italian league, netting his 47th goal against Fiorentina last Sunday.
“Bravoo,” Essien wrote on Twitter with emojis applauding the striker.
Osimhen’s accomplishment has been celebrated across the continent with the likes of Didier Drogba all paying tribute to the striker.
His prolific goal scoring form has seen him become a target for German giants Bayern Munich as well as French side Paris-Saint Germain, as reported by GOAL.
The FIFA U17 World Cup winner’s future will be decided in the summer transfer window.
Meanwhile, Essien spent a season-and-a-half in the Italian Serie A with AC Milan between 2014 to 2015.
Reports indicate that, Mauricio Pochettino is already actively working to identify the weaknesses in the current Chelsea side, even before his appointment as the club’s new permanent head coach is confirmed.
Chelsea is expected to finalize the appointment of the Argentine soon. The team has underperformed this season and is currently bloated with players.
Reports suggest that Pochettino will need to conduct a mass clear-out of players in order to start afresh and improve the team’s performances. Football London has reported on this development.
There have been reports that some players have had to change in the corridors after the club brought in eight new players in January alone.
Players like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Hakim Ziyech, and Cristian Pulisc could make way as the rebuild process begins in West London.
Pochettino’s plans for Chelsea
But even as a number of players leave, Metro UK reports that Pochettino will require three new players to form the basis of what he wants to achieve at Stamford Bridge.
The report further adds the former Paris Saint-Germain manager is keen on signing a new goalkeeper, a central midfielder, and a striker.
No specific names have been given just yet, but it is saidPochettino wants players with Premier League experience. His pursuit for a goalkeeper spells doom for Kepa Arrizabalaga and Edouard Mendy – the latter who has barely played this season.
The idea of a central midfielder is presumably someone who can partner with January’s acquisition, Enzo Fernandez.
The striking department is self-explanatory, with Chelsea out of luck in that area since the departure of Diego Costa.
The likes of Harry Kane, Declan Rice, and Manuel Ugarte have all been linked with moves to Chelsea.
Pochettino: What Chelsea can expect from
Poch’s lack of trophies during his first spell with Tottenham has always been a consideration when judging his suitability to manage a top club.
However, as Sports Brief previously reported, Pochettino might be Chelsea’s solution to a team which has had many questions asked of it this season.
He can be relied upon to being stability to Stamford Bridge, provide direction, and reign in player power – something Potter’s tenure certainly lacked.
Ryan Mason, who is currently serving asTottenham’s second interim manager, has received praise from defender Ben Davies for his contributions to the team.
Tottenham achieved their first victory under Mason’s leadership on Saturday with a 1-0 win over Crystal Palace.
Mason made changes to Antonio Conte’s 3-4-3 system, which had been used frequently before his arrival.
Tottenham lined up in a 4-4-2 out of possession and it helped them keep a first clean sheet in the Premier League since February 26 with more confidence restored to a group who have experienced crushing defeats to Bournemouth, Newcastle and Liverpool in the past month.
“It’s something we’re all well aware of and one that we needed for a long time. It’s a good start for us and hopefully we can kick on for the final games now,” Davies said of the shut-out against Palace.
“It’s not the easiest situation to come into (for Ryan). We’ve got limited amount of games so it’s hard for him to come in and completely change things and do it his own way.
“But there’s been a clear message that we need to be as good as we can with the ball and tighten up without it.
“It’s pretty basic but that’s the way we’ve been training and working. Ryan’s instilled that belief in us that we’re able to do that.”
Davies, who has largely played left of a back three this season, was used as a full-back last weekend before being asked to push higher up the pitch when Spurs attacked.
On the right wing was January recruit Pedro Porro and it was the Spain international who set up Harry Kane’s winner to help make up for some poor defensive showings at St James’ Park and Anfield recently.
Davies added: “Pedro is still a young player. We know the intensity and scrutiny of the Premier League, you make one little mistake and it’s highlighted for the world to see.
“Look, we all know how good a player he is. We’ve seen it on the training pitch. When you iron out those mistakes I think we’ve got a top player on our hands.
“Sometimes when you’re new to the club and the Premier League, you probably feel a lot of demand, especially when it comes to the transfer fee, to try to impress.
“Sometimes it’s about making sure you do the basics and do the simple things right first. I think he did that. He defended well and then when he got the opportunity (to attack) he was good.”
Tottenham’s win over Palace moved them up to sixth and kept them on course to qualify for a European competition.
“Our aspiration is to play European football and be involved in as many competitions as we can,” Davies insisted.
Kolo Toure, a former Manchester City defender, believes it’s just a matter of time before the club wins the Champions League under their current manager, Pep Guardiola.
City are currently aiming for a treble and are set to face Real Madrid, who have won the European competition a record 14 times, in the first leg of a highly anticipated semi-final match on Tuesday at Santiago Bernabeu.
Despite Guardiola having lost six out of nine Champions League semi-finals, no other manager has lost more at this stage.
But Toure is convinced a City success in Europe’s elite club competition will come sooner rather than later and believes this could be the year for Guardiola to win his third Champions League crown, and first with City.
“It is a matter of time, we all know that and you can see that,” Toure, who played for City between 2009 and 2013, told Stats Perform.
“City has been dominant in the Premier League, of course.
“And in Champions League, they haven’t got as far, but they’ve been so unlucky a few times. In football, you need that luck element, it’s maybe that one or two per cent.
“At the moment it doesn’t go to Man City, but you can feel it’s coming. For Pep, he knows it is coming anyway.
“He is breeding the team he wants. Of course, when you’re not winning it and for a manager of his stature, everybody is just trying to put the pressure on, but there’s no pressure because within the Champions League you play against unbelievable teams.
“Keep calm, keep the process, keep improving the team if it doesn’t work. Sometimes they are teams who will press very well. You have to be able to value the game, you cannot be predictable.
If they know you’re going to pass short, they will go at you, and you can lose the ball and that can be damaging.
“And there are moments you have to feel as a player that, ‘we have to go over because this guy is pressing so well’. City have that and for me, it can help them to reach the Champions League [final].
“You just need to find that key element with which will help them to win that Champions League, which for me is coming.”
This season Carlo Ancelotti’s side have already seen off Liverpool and Chelsea in the knockout stages, but Toure is confident City can progress after beating RB Leipzig 8-1 on aggregate and then ruthlessly dismissing Bayern Munich 4-1 over two legs.
Toure said: “For me, when I look at both teams, I see City going on further because I believe that they have the right team. Now, when I say the right team, I mean they are really well-balanced.
“Defensively, they look really strong. In the middle they are strong, but at the same time, they are in form. They look really, really good this year.
“With [Manuel] Akanji signing, they look very good [in defence]. Going forward they have Erling Haaland which brings another dimension in the game because City always been a team that always want to play short ball all the time, but now Kevin De Bruyne can go over the top as well.
“One thing Pep has been doing really well this season, it’s been managing the [minutes] really well, managing the energy.
“Every time they’re winning 2-0 or 3-0, he just takes the key players out, to rest them to make sure they don’t get fatigued to make sure they don’t get injured.
“That management this season will help the players to be fresher because when you go to the end on the Champions League, it is right at the end of the season, and sometimes players are tired [physically] and they are mentally tired because they’ve been playing so many games. That will make you fatigued, that’s where you lose the lucidity that you need.
“A few years ago, you always saw them and at the end of the season not feeling that fresh because we’ve been over overworked really. But this season, I look at the Manchester City team and they look really fresh.”
After the match in Spain, City will travel to Everton in the Premier League on Sunday before the return leg against Madrid in Manchester on May 17.
Mario Gomez, a former European champion, believes that Real Madrid is “the best team of this generation” and that they have a good chance of winning the Champions League once more this year.
Madrid won their 14th European championship in spectacular way last season, defeating Manchester City, Chelsea, and Paris Saint-Germain in a series of intense knockout matches.
Los Blancos defeated Liverpool 1-0 in the Champions League final in Paris after making it there despite dropping a match in the round of 16, quarterfinals, and semis.
Gomez, a former striker for Bayern Munich, described Madrid as the “true beast” of Europe’s top club championship as Carlo Ancelotti’s team got ready to play them in a rematch of last year’s semifinal match.
“With Real Madrid, over the last 10 years, how many times have we thought, ‘it is over for them’, and they just come back every time,” Gomez said in an interview with the Go Turkiye YouTube channel.
“They are the true beast of the Champions League, absolutely unbelievable.
“Since I was very little, I have been a Barcelona supporter, but I really enjoy this Real Madrid side.
“They believe until the last second, so, for me they are the best team of this generation.
“For that reason, I think that they will go really far. I don’t know if they will win it, because football is unpredictable, but they can reach the final.”
Turkey striker Cenk Tosun was speaking alongside Gomez, and having worked with Ancelotti during a stint in the Premier League with Everton, he believes the Italian could be set for more glory in Istanbul next month.
“It is always a special event to have theChampions League final here in Turkey,” Tosun said. “Of course, Real Madrid is the winner of last season and a clear favourite.
“They have the same manager as last year, Mr. Ancelotti. I worked with him at Everton and I really like him, he is a special person for me, so I would pick Real Madrid to win it.”
Gomez appeared as a substitute as Bayern beat Bundesliga rivals Borussia Dortmund in the 2013 Champions League final, as part of a memorable treble won by Jupp Heynckes’ team.
Reflecting on that win, Gomez said: “It was one of the most beautiful days in my life, because we were in the final one year before against Chelsea, and we lost [on penalties].
“To this day nobody knows how we lost that game. In 2012-13 we really had the power and energy to show people that it was our year, it was our time.
“The final wasn’t that good. Dortmund were as strong as us, if not better, but in the end, we got the trophy. When we got handed the trophy and lifted it in front of the fans, it was amazing.
“The four years I spent there were just incredible. There were so many special players in that team.
“I’ll start with the two wingers. They were the stars and I was just the finisher. On the left-hand side we had Franck Ribery.
“On the other wing, Arjen Robben. Totally different from Franck. He always wanted to finish.
“With Arjen I always had to predict the keeper’s movement, and if they saved his shot, I was there for the rebound. I scored many goals liked that!”
While much of the focus has been on the Premier League title match between Manchester City and Arsenal, things have recently become ugly for a few clubs at the other end of the league.
The fear of being relegated has set in with only four games remaining, and clubs are risking everything to make sure they avoid the drop.
At least eight clubs were in danger of closing a few weeks ago. However, Bournemouth, Wolves, and Crystal Palace have since fought their way to safety.
With 37 points right now, West Ham are also essentially secure, even if they fall short of the fabled 40-point threshold.
This leaves five clubs; Nottingham Forrest, Everton, Leicester City, Leeds United and Southampton in the danger zone.
The first two recorded huge wins on May 8 but will still need to do more in the coming weeks.
Should any of these clubs go down, they will be in danger of losing their key players, who would almost certainly find new clubs in the top flight. Sports Brief has compiled a list of players who are likely to move on if their clubs go down.
1. Leicester City
There is absolutely no way the massively talented James Maddison will play in the championship.
Maddison can play behind the striker, as a winger or in midfield and would attract plenty of admirers.
Newcastle United are already keeping tabs on him. His midfield compatriot Youri Tielemans has also in the past attracted interest from Arsenal.
Other mentions; Harvey Barnes
2. Southampton
Name a better dead ball specialist than James Ward-Prowse; we will wait. The Southampton skipper is unlikely to go down with his team. His leadership qualities and pass range could come in handy for a different team. Same applies to Manchester City graduate Romeo Lavia who has been one of the positives of the Saints’ season.
Other mentions; Carlos Alcaraz
3. Leeds United
It is hard to understand how the Lilly Whites are struggling with their talented squad. Wilfried Gnonto has been linked with top clubs like Juventus, Napoli and PSG.
Ilan Meslier is also perceived as one of the best young goalkeepers and could attract interest from clubs like Chelsea and Manchester United, who are in the market for new custodians.
Other mentions; Patrick Bamford.
4. Everton
Should the Toffees go down, England’s national team’s number-one shot-stopper Jordan Pickford will certainly move on. Pickford could easily slot in at a top-six club. Dominic Calvert-Lewin has also been an exciting striking prospect despite his injury issues.
Other mentions; Dwight McNeil
5. Nottingham Forrest
Steve Cooper’s side bought an excess of 20 players who have so far failed to gel properly. Brennan Johnson has been arguably their best player and the onus will be on him to find new employers if they can’t maintain top-flight status. Morgan Gibbs White could also be an option for clubs looking for an adept ball carrier.
Keylor Navas would have been an obvious pick but he is on loan.
Other mentions; Taiwo Awoniyi
There is no shortage of talent in the teams fighting for relegation. Top-flight clubs could easily move in and sign players at considerable amounts.
Premier League’s biggest time wasters
Sports Brief has also reported that interesting data has exposed Newcastle United as the biggest time-wasters in the Premier League this season.
The Magpies, under Eddie Howe, have been a force to reckon with and are well on course to qualifying for the Champions League.
Their brilliance came to play once again on Sunday, May 7, albeit via defeat against title hopefuls Arsenal, who emerged with a 2-0 win under difficult circumstances at St James’ Park.
City, who were heartbreakingly defeated by the Spanish giants in the semifinals a year ago, have a chance to atone this time around.
On Tuesday, the Bernabeu will host the first leg of their most recent match, and Guardiola is not thinking about the previous 12 months. Instead, he is focused on the game at hand.
The City manager said: “It was tough but we made an exceptional first game in Manchester and played a really good game here.
Today marks the 22nd anniversary of the worst stadium disaster in Africa and the third-deadliest in the world. On May 9, 2001, about 126 football fans died in a stampede after a match between Accra Hearts of Oak and Kumasi Asante Kotoko.
This tragedy revealed the weaknesses of Ghana’s stadia security and management. It sent shock waves through the nation and the world.
In this article, we will look back at the disaster and its aftermath, and how it has affected Ghana’s football culture. We will also consider the lessons learned and the challenges that still remain.
The Event On May 9, 2001, a football match between Ghana’s two most successful teams, Accra Hearts of Oak and Kumasi Asante Kotoko, took place at the Accra Sports Stadium, also known as the Ohene Djan Stadium. The match was expected to be tense and exciting, as both teams were competing for the league title. Officials had taken extra security measures to prevent crowd disturbances.
The match was goalless until the 80th minute when Hearts scored two goals in quick succession. This angered the Kotoko fans, who felt that the referee was biased and unfair.
They started throwing plastic seats and bottles onto the pitch, protesting the result. The police responded by firing tear gas into the crowd, hoping to disperse them. However, this caused more panic and chaos, as fans tried to escape the gas and the stadium.
Accra Sports Stadium disaster
The stadium had a compromised design, with fewer exits than originally planned. Some gates were locked, preventing fans from leaving. The Ghana Institute of Architects later called the stadium a “death trap”.
As fans rushed to the exits, they trampled on each other, creating a deadly stampede and crush. Some fans suffocated from the tear gas, while others died from trauma.
The incident lasted for about an hour, leaving behind a horrific scene of bodies piled up on the floors and stairs of the stadium.
Some fans who had passed out from the gas were mistakenly taken to the morgue, where one of them regained consciousness after someone stepped on his foot. Medical staff had already left the stadium, as the incident happened near the end of the match.
The official death toll was 126, making it the worst stadium disaster in Africa and the third-deadliest in the world.
Most of the victims were young men and women who had gone to watch their favourite teams play.
The Aftermath The Accra Sports Stadium disaster shocked and saddened the nation and the world. Ghana’s president, John Agyekum Kufuor, declared three days of national mourning and ordered an official inquiry into the incident.
The Ghana Premier Football League suspended play for a month. FIFA and CAF expressed their condolences and solidarity with Ghana.
Many people donated blood and money to help the survivors and families of the victims.
The official inquiry blamed the police for overreacting with reckless behaviour and indiscriminate firing of plastic bullets and tear gas.
It also accused some officers of dishonesty and indefensible laxity.
Six police officers were charged with 127 counts of manslaughter, but they were later acquitted by a court that ruled that the prosecution had failed to make a case and that the asphyxia may have been caused by the stampede and not the tear gas.
The inquiry also recommended improvements to stadium security and first aid facilities, and that nationwide rapid response teams should be set up. It also called for better training and supervision of police officers deployed at public events.
It urged football authorities to enforce discipline and fair play among players, officials and fans.It suggested that plastic seats should be replaced with metal ones that could not be easily removed or thrown.
The Accra Sports Stadium was renovated in 2007 according to FIFA standards, with new seats, gates, lights and turf installed.
However, some critics argued that politics may have deferred the attention of the National Sports Council to maintain the stadium properly and that it was again in disrepair 15 years after the disaster.
The Memorial Since 2001, various corporations and philanthropists have memorialized the tragedy with donations, events and campaigns to raise awareness and prevent future disasters. One of them is Herbert Mensah, who was Asante Kotoko chairman from 1999 to 2003.
He established the Stadium Disaster Fund to support the survivors and families of the victims, and organized annual memorial services in Kumasi.
He also initiated a peace walk between Hearts and Kotoko fans to promote unity and harmony among rival supporters.
A bronze statue was erected outside the stadium depicting a fan carrying another fan to safety with the inscription title, “I Am My Brother’s Keeper” in honour of the victims of the tragedy.
A memorial was set up for the deceased
The statue serves as a reminder of the human cost of the disaster and the need for solidarity and compassion among football fans.
The Accra Sports Stadium disaster remains a dark and painful chapter in Ghana’s football history, but also a catalyst for change and improvement in stadium safety and security.
It also shows the resilience and spirit of the Ghanaian people, who have not given up on their love for the beautiful game, despite the tragedy.
Following their victory in the Copa del Rey, Florentino Perez has praised Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo Goes, two players from Real Madrid, for their outstanding performance.
The Brazilian pair worked together to great effect, leading Real Madrid to a 2-1 win over Osasuna in the Spanish FA Cup on Saturday night.
Throughout the season, Vinicius and Rodrygo have been key players for Los Blancos, and they demonstrated their skill early on in the game by scoring the first goal in just 109 seconds.
Los Blancos took an early lead following a brilliant play down the left flank by Vini Jr, who danced along the byline past a couple of defenders before putting the ball on the plate for his compatriot, who made no mistake to prod home, Sportskeeda reports.
Lucas Torro pulled parity for Osasuna after halftime but Rodrygo, who has carved a niche for himself as the man for the big occasion, restored the lead for Carlo Ancelotti’s men slotting home from close range after Toni Kroos’ deflected effort fell kindly to him.
And speaking after the match, Perez was full of praise for his star forward and said, as quoted by Fabrizio Romano on Twitter:
“Vinicius Junior is the best player in the world in his position. We should defend players who produce something special like him.
“Rodrygo is a very, very good player. And he’s still so young. He’s gonna give Madrid fans a lot of fantastic years.
This season, Vini has registered 22 goals and 21 assists, surpassing his tally of 42 goal contributions last season.
Rodrygo equals Messi’s record
Meanwhile, Rodrygo continues to etch his name in the annals of Real Madrid and Spanish football history with his latest goal-scoring heroics in the final of the Copa del Rey.
The Brazilian forward scored on either side of half-time to help Los Blancos win their first Spanish Cup title since 2014 at the expense of Osasuna on Saturday evening.
Rodrygo also became the first player since Lionel Messi to score multiple goals in the Copa del Rey final with his brace against Osasuna, according to ESPN.
Vini destroys Villarreal defenders
In a related Publication, Vinicius Junior channelled his inner Ronaldinho to score a sublime goal to continue his purple patch of form this season.
The Brazil international put in another assured performance from the left flank. However, his efforts proved futile as Real Madrid suffered a shock 3-2 defeat against Villarreal on Holy Saturday.
Despite the heartbreaking defeat, Vinicius left an indelible impression on the game with a goal akin to Ronaldinho’s stunning goal against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu in 2005.
TheGeneral Legal Council has issued a statement refuting recent media reports suggesting that lawyers will soon be obligated to take exams in order to renew their licenses.
The statement, dated May 8, 2023, clarified that the reports were based on a misinterpretation of remarks made by the Chief Justice during the enrollment ceremony for 196 new lawyers on May 5, 2023.
The Council quoted a portion of the Chief Justice’s speech in its statement.
“Lawyers in the country will soon be mandated to complete a minimum of a 12-hour professional development programme in a year before the renewal of their license.
This is to help broaden their knowledge and contribute to their growth in the profession.
In line with that, plans were far advanced to make the programme, which was enshrined in the Legal Profession (Professional Conduct and Etiquette) Rules, 2020 (Legislative Instrument 2423) a prerequisite for the issuance of a practicing license to all lawyers under the Legal Profession Bill which would soon be made law,” the Council noted that reports were published which sought to suggest that lawyers will soon be required to write an exam.
In the statement, the Council noted that the portion of the speech by the Chief Justice in no way suggests that any such initiative will be introduced, rather it said, there will be a ‘Continuing Professional Development’ programme, which is a standard requirement in some jurisdictions around the world.
“There was no mention of Lawyers being required to write examinations at all before a renewal of License and indeed no such amendment to the Law is about to be made,” portions of the statement read.
Carlo Ancelotti, the manager of Real Madrid, has emphasized the importance of stopping Manchester City as a team and not just their star striker, Erling Haaland, in their upcoming Champions League semi-final match on Tuesday.
The 14-time champions will be hosting the hungry visitors led by the Norwegian hitman who has scored 51 goals in 45 games across all competitions, including 12 in eight Champions League matches.
However, Ancelotti believes that City is an unstoppable force as a team, and his strategy is to try and foil their entire squad.
“Obviously Haaland is a very dangerous player. He’s showing impressive qualities, above all in goalscoring. He’s a threat obviously,” Ancelotti told a news conference Monday.
“Just talking about Haaland means not talking about a complete team that plays good football, defends well, attacks, that has ideas.
“We’re not setting up for a game to stop Haaland, but to stop a team that seems unstoppable, but I think we can have chances to have an equal game, one that we can win.”
City have been foiled time and time again in their quest to win the Champions League, but Haaland’s lethal edge gives them a strong chance of beating Madrid and reaching the final.
Ancelotti said he thought Manchester City have more avenues to cause danger with Haaland in the side.
“It’s a more complete team than last year. They had a very good forward in Gabriel Jesus, but he has different characteristics to Haaland,” continued the Italian coach.
“Today, they can take advantage more of long balls, because they have a very tall striker, and behind him is (Kevin) De Bruyne, so they can win balls in the air.
“They have not changed their style, they are very well organised at the back and a team that handles the ball very well.”
Former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney recently suggested City would “blow away” Madrid in the tie, a comment which Los Blancos midfielder Toni Kroos laughed off.
Madrid beat Manchester City in last season’s semi-finals despite losing in the first leg, and the German was quick to recall it.
“It was the same a year ago, no? That Madrid were out, and we did it,” Kroos told reporters.
“I remember words from last year, not Rooney’s — who is a guy I like a lot, apart from what he said — but it doesn’t affect us.
“It doesn’t motivate us more either, because it’s impossible to be more motivated than we are.”
Former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney recently suggested City would “blow away” Madrid in the tie, a comment which Los Blancos midfielder Toni Kroos laughed off.
Madrid beat Manchester City in last season’s semi-finals despite losing in the first leg, and the German was quick to recall it.
“It was the same a year ago, no? That Madrid were out, and we did it,” Kroos told reporters.
“I remember words from last year, not Rooney’s — who is a guy I like a lot, apart from what he said — but it doesn’t affect us.
“It doesn’t motivate us more either, because it’s impossible to be more motivated than we are.”
Victor Osimhen, a Nigerian footballer, has honored George Weah, a former AC Milan player, after breaking his record to become the highest-scoring African player in the history of the Italian Serie A.
Osimhen scored the only goal in Napoli’s 1-0 win over Fiorentina to achieve this feat.
The 24-year-old striker surpassed Samuel Eto’o’s previous record for the most goals scored by an African player in a single Serie A season.
Osimhen expressed his admiration for Weah, whom he considers an African football legend, in a heartfelt post on Twitter.
He hailed Weah’s achievements and expressed his gratitude for the support he has received on his journey.
“While growing up, I have always admired the great achievements of so many African legends, and His Excellency Mr George Weah is one of them—an icon in the world of football and also a leader to his people. Someone who has motivated and inspired millions of young talents alike.
“Yesterday, it was a great honor to break his record as the top-scoring African player in Serie A history—an achievement I will forever cherish. Mr George Weah has set a foundation of excellence for individuals like me to emulate, and his legacy will forever be remembered.
“I celebrate this milestone with everyone who has inspired and supported me on this journey. Thank you for your contributions. God is the greatest,” Victor Osimhen stated.
Jorginho, an Arsenal midfielder, has given an explanation for why his coach, Mikel Arteta, has chosen to start him instead of Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey in recent matches.
Jorginho was in the starting lineup for Arsenal’s victories against Chelsea and Newcastle United.
Following the match against Newcastle, Jorginho stated that he and Partey have distinct playing styles and skillsets, which provide Arsenal with more options in midfield.
According to him, he and Partey have given Mikel Arteta options in midfield and only have one responsibility to be ready anytime when called upon.
“I think we are two different players that can adapt for the coach in different games. I think the coach has two good choices and depending on what game, and what type of players he wants on the pitch. The only thing we can do is be ready when he needs us and give our best to help the team,” Jorginho said in an interview.
Over the weekend,Mohamed Salah scored his 100th goal at Anfield and set a new record for Liverpool by scoring in nine consecutive home games during their 1-0 victory over Brentford in the Premier League.
This win, combined with Manchester United’s loss to West Ham, has given Liverpool a chance to finish in the top four and qualify for the Champions League next season.
During the match between West Ham and Manchester United, the goalkeeper David De Gea made a mistake which led to Said Benrahma, who is Algerian, scoring the only goal of the game.
Here, AFP Sport highlights African headline-makers in the major European leagues:
ENGLAND
MOHAMED SALAH (Liverpool)
The Egyptian, who has been voted African Footballer of the Year twice, slammed home at the second attempt fromVirgil van Dijk’s header to register his 30th goal of the season in all competitions.
RIYAD MAHREZ (Manchester City)
Mahrez was the creator for both City’s goals, scored by Ilkay Gundogan, as the defending champions moved a step closer to retaining their title with a 2-1 win over Leeds.
Twice the Algerian cut inside off the right wing before laying perfectly-weighted passes into the path of Gundogan to slot home from the edge of the box.
SAID BENRAHMA (West Ham)
Benrahma’s goal all but guaranteed West Ham’s top-flight status for another season as the Hammers beat Manchester United 1-0.
But the Algerian had De Gea to thank for his 10th goal of the season as the Spaniard somehow let a weak shot from distance through his grasp.
ITALY
VICTOR OSIMHEN (Napoli)
The Nigerian international capped the best season of his career by ramming home the penalty — his 23rd goal in Serie A this term — which gave Napoli a 1-0 win over Fiorentina in his team’s first home match since being crowned Italian champions for the first time in 33 years.
Osimhen had scored the goal which sealed the title at Udinese midweek and gave his partying fans more reason to cheer with a strike which makes him the highest scoring African player in the history of Serie A overtaking Liberian legend George Weah.
GERMANY
SEBASTIEN HALLER (Borussia Dortmund)
The Ivory Coast international scored Borussia Dortmund’s second goal in a 6-0 thrashing of Wolfsburg. Haller turned in a low cross from Karim Adeyemi on 28 minutes as Dortmund secured a vital win to keep their title hopes alive and remain within a point of leaders Bayern Munich.
Haller, who missed the first half of the season following a testicular cancer diagnosis, has scored five goals since his return to action in February.
ILHAS BEBOU (Hoffenheim)
The Togo striker scored a tap-in as his side beat Eintracht Frankfurt 3-1 to take a huge step toward safety in theBundesliga relegation fight.
Bebou latched on to an Angelino cross to make it 3-0 on the stroke of half-time and take his tally to five this season as Hoffenheim came out fighting with a brilliant first-half performance.
FRANCE
SEKO FOFANA (Lens)
The Ivory Coast international midfielder opened the scoring to put Lens ahead in a crunch Ligue 1 game against Marseille before Belgium’s Lois Openda added a second goal for the side from northern France.
Dimitri Payet notched a late consolation for Marseille but the 2-1 win propelled Lens into second place behind Paris Saint-Germain, two points ahead of their beaten rivals from the south.
&w=707&quality=100)
&w=707&quality=100)
