In place of the fired Frank Lampard, Sean Dyche is anticipated to be selected as Everton‘s new manager.
Following discussions with Everton’s management, Dyche and former Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa emerged as the top two candidates.
The former Burnley manager is currently in the lead, contrary to original perceptions that Bielsa was the owner Farhad Moshiri’s preferred pick.
The Toffees aim to appoint their new manager before the weekend.
The 67-year-old Bielsa raised concerns about taking over in the middle of the season and if the team would be able to handle his intense and physically taxing style.
Additionally, there were concerns about the pricey package his appointment would require.
Dyche is now the front-runner after negotiations failed to produce a solution; however, it is unclear how long the contract will last because the 51-year-old is unlikely to only seek a short-term arrangement.
The next day, on February 4, Everton will play host to Premier League champions Arsenal at Goodison Park.
Dyche also won over Everton, and it now appears clear that the Burnley manager will be assigned the job of saving their problematic season.
With the Toffees sitting in 19th place in the Premier League standings and Lampard having accumulated just 15 points in 20 games, Lampard was fired.
In his ten years at Burnley, Dyche led the Clarets to two Premier League top-half finishes and two promotions from the Championship.
Burnley qualified for Europe for the first time in 51 years thanks in part to Dyche, who guided them to seventh place in the top tier in 2017–18.
Since investing in the team in February 2016, Moshiri will name his sixth manager.
Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie is edging closer to a Premier League switch.
Bianconeri boss Max Allegri is supposedly willing to let the 24-year-old depart Turin this month if the price is right, with both Arsenal and Leeds said to be keen on acquiring the USA international.
Ahead of Juve’s clash with Monza on Sunday, we take a closer look at McKennie’s career to date and what he could offer his prospective buyers.
Leap of faith
McKennie spent the bulk of his childhood in Texas but did enjoy three years living in the German city of Kaiserslautern between the ages of six and nine.
That stint would prove to be a sign of things to come, with the promising prospect opting to turn down a senior contract offer from FC Dallas and instead join Bundesliga outfit Schalke in 2016.
It was a bold move for a teenager to uproot his entire life so drastically, but one that has paid off in glorious fashion.
Progressing through Schalke’s youth and reserve ranks quickly, McKennie established himself as a regular in Domenico Tedesco’s midfield during the 2017-18 campaign and was influential as Die Knappen secured an impressive second-placed finish behind Bayern Munich.
His reputation sky-rocketed further during the following season, when his impressive versatility — plugging gaps ranging from centre-back to centre forward — caught the eye of some of Europe’s grandest clubs.
By the summer of 2020, he was joining Serie A giants Juventus in a loan deal that would quickly be made permanent for an initial outlay of around £16million.
Italian job
Weston McKennie has been a reliable performer for Juventus in Serie A this season
Though McKennie’s fortunes in Italy have been mixed, he has never looked out of place at the highest level.
In his first season, only Adrien Rabiot and Dejan Kulusevski topped the American’s 46 appearances across all competitions, with Juve finishing fourth in Serie A and lifting the Coppa Italia.
His performances at the base of midfield were largely impressive, also chipping in with six goals — though it was not enough to save his head coach Andrea Pirlo from the sack.
Club legend Allegri subsequently returned for a second stint in charge of the Old Lady and kept faith with McKennie in his new-look side, before disaster struck in February last year.
A fractured metatarsal sustained in a Champions League tie at Villarreal would rule the 41-cap international out until the season’s final fixture.
Though he has wrestled his starting berth back this term, reports in Italy suggest Allegri is confident of finding a suitable replacement should the club receive a lucrative offer for his services.
In demand
Arsenal and Leeds are said to be leading the chase for McKennie — two clubs experiencing very contrasting campaigns.
The Gunners are flying high at the top of the Premier League and Mikel Arteta is looking to bolster his squad for the run-in, with central midfield known to be an area of concern.
If Martin Odegaard, Thomas Partey or Granit Xhaka were to get injured, question marks hang over the quality of their backup options and McKennie would be a vast improvement in that regard.
He also covers plenty of other positions, so logically, he is the dream addition to an already thriving group.
A move to West Yorkshire could appeal for different reasons, however.
Though the Whites are locked in a relegation scrap, the opportunity to play regular football and join Jesse Marsch’s American revolution alongside Tyler Adams and Brenden Aaronson would surely tempt McKennie.
Exciting chapter
USA team-mates Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie could soon be playing together at Leeds
At just 24, McKennie’s best years are still to come and his physical and technical skillset should see him settle quickly into Premier League life.
Though it will understandably be hard to leave behind the lure of Champions League football, Elland Road appears the perfect venue for him to learn the ropes in England’s top tier.
The move would represent a serious coup for under-fire Marsch, following on from the captures of FC Salzburg defender Max Wober and Hoffenheim forward Georginio Rutter earlier this month.
Intriguingly, Marsch’s fellow American Chris Armas was hired as assistant head coach on Wednesday, suggesting the Leeds board are fully standing by their man.
If they secure McKennie, the 49-year-old can have few excuses when it comes to steering his side away from the bottom three.
Stefan Bajcetic, a midfielder for Liverpool, has agreed to a new, long-term contract with the team.
The 18-year-old moved to Liverpool from Celta Vigo in late 2020 and has since made it to the first team.
Prior to the 2022–23 season, Bajcetic trained with the senior team, and he has made 10 appearances thus far.
With Jurgen Klopp’s team, his remarkable performances have earned him a new contract, and Bajcetic admits he is enjoying a season that has beyond his expectations.
“It’s crazy [how quickly things have happened],” he told the club’s official website. “A year ago I was playing Under-18s football, and now I’ve started some games [and] made my debut.
“[I have] even scored a goal. That was something I never expected to happen this year. It’s amazing to see how fast it went.
Late in August, following the Reds’ 9-0 thrashing of Bournemouth in the Premier League, Bajcetic made his senior debut.
He has since made numerous more Premier League appearances for Liverpool and scored a goal in their Boxing Day victory over Aston Villa.
His extension is the most recent deal for Klopp’s team, who only made one significant signing during the midseason window when they acquired Cody Gakpo from PSV.
This weekend’s FA Cup action for Liverpool includes a trip to Brighton & Hove Albion in the fourth round on Saturday.
Despite Chelsea’s interest, Malo Gusto will continue at Lyon, according to club president Jean-Michel Aulas, who also stated that the right-back will stay in Ligue 1.
The Premier League powerhouses, who oversaw a high-spending January transfer window, have been mentioned as potential destinations for the young player.
International youth of France The most recent candidate to be mentioned for a relocation, Gusto, supposedly already has a six-and-a-half-year contract with personal terms set.
However, according to sources, Lyon rejected a £17.6 million offer from the Blues on Wednesday, and according to Aulas, the 19-year-old will not be moving this month.
“I have the pleasure to explain that Malo Gusto, one of Lyon’s big talents, will continue to play for Lyon until at least June 30,” he wrote on Twitter.
Gusto’s contract with the Ligue 1 team, which is now ninth with just one victory in their past five games in the top division, expires at the end of the upcoming season.
Puisque je participe de manière active avec Vincent Bruno Laurent à ce grand mouvement de l’hiver j’ai le plaisir de conforter L’équipe sur KTE mais aussi de préciser que Malo 1grand espoir de l’OL continuera de jouer avec l’OL au moins jusqu’au 30/06/23 https://t.co/wI0ybCMeIc
In order to get Chelsea to boost their offer or wait until the end of the season, the club is said to value him closer to £35 million (€40 million).
Gusto has made 47 appearances for his hometown club and is vying for a spot on Didier Deschamps’ France senior team.
He would join Chelsea as their seventh new player of the transfer window, and after Monaco defender Benoit Badiashile, he would be the second player from Ligue 1.
Other long-term additions to Stamford Bridge include David Datro Fofana, Andrey Santos, Mykhaylo Mudryk, and Noni Madueke. Joao Felix also came on loan from Atletico Madrid.
Following his dismissal earlier this week, Frank Lampard expressed gratitude to the Everton supporters and praised a “special club with a huge heart.”
After Everton’s 2-0 loss against West Ham, which put them in 19th place and tied on points with Southampton in last place, Lampard was fired on Monday.
Chelsea’s all-time leading scorer Lampard joined Everton in January of last year, taking the place of Rafael Benitez, who was unpopular and contentious among Toffees supporters.
Lampard formed a connection with Everton’s fanbase but could not avoid a relegation scrap. However, a run of three wins from Everton’s final six games of the season ensured their survival, with a 3-2 comeback win over Crystal Palace at Goodison Park guaranteeing their long run in the top tier continued.
The sale of talisman Richarlison in June, and the continued injury issues of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, hindered Everton this season. They have won just three times in the league, and Lampard paid the price, becoming the sixth manager to be dismissed by Farhad Moshiri since he invested in the club in 2016.
On Thursday, Lampard posted a goodbye message on his official Instagram account, with the statement also shared by the League Managers Association (LMA).
“Coming into Everton last year I knew we were in a tough moment and I will always be proud of the incredible work and support from everyone involved to keep the team in the Premier League last season,” Lampard wrote.
“Thanks to everybody that played their part as the whole club came together. I will never forget the incredible night against Palace that we shared.
“I want to thank all Evertonians for the welcome that you gave to myself, my staff, and my family. It truly is a special club with a huge heart, and an incredible history.
“I’m disappointed that we couldn’t achieve more together and wish all the players and everyone at Everton FC the very best for the future.”
Lampard, who spent just under a year in charge, won only nine of his 38 Premier League matches, meaning his win percentage (23.7) is better than only that of Mike Walker (19.4) when it comes to Everton managers to have overseen at least 10 games in the competition. He won a further three cup matches.
It has been a whirlwind week at Everton. Following Lampard’s dismissal, they had expected to announce the signing of Arnaut Danjuma on loan from Villarreal.
Yet Danjuma failed to complete the formalities of the transfer and instead joined Tottenham.
Owner Moshiri has denied reports that the club is up for sale, though acknowledged he is looking for investment. MSP Sports Capital, an investment firm with stakes in several European teams as well as Formula One’s McLaren Racing, are reportedly interested.
Meanwhile, Everton’s search for Lampard’s replacement is gathering pace. Former Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa flew into London on Thursday for talks with the club’s hierarchy and is said to be Moshiri’s first choice.
Ex-Burnley boss Sean Dyche is reportedly a reserve candidate, while Ralph Hasenhuttl, West Brom’s Carlos Corberan and Davide Ancelotti, assistant to his father Carlo at Real Madrid, have also been linked.
Stats Perform understands that academy graduate Anthony Gordon has not attended training this week, with Newcastle United reportedly hoping to sign the winger.
Despite the fact that Atletico Madrid appears destined for another season without a trophy, Diego Simeone has underlined his satisfaction with the team.
The Argentine watched as his team lost a one-goal advantage to rival Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey quarterfinals at Santiago Bernabeu, losing 3-1 after extra time.
Atletico’s departure practically puts an end to the season’s chances of winning any trophies; the club is presently fourth in LaLiga, 13 points behind league leader Barcelona, and is also out of Europe.
In his post-match remarks, Simeone reiterated his dedication to the Rojiblancos, stressing he has not yet decided to go on his own.
“I am enormously happy to be at Atletico,” he said. “[I have been] from the day I arrived. I am going to give everything I have until I leave.
“I will give myself a thousand per cent with this team and with the club. Now, I only have [it] in my head to work with joy and enthusiasm.
“I have done that from the day I arrived [and I will do so] until the day [that] I have to go. That will come some day [but not now].”
With the score tied at 1-1 in extra time and Stefan Savic being sent off for receiving consecutive cautions, Atletico finished the game with 10 players.
After the game was done, the Atleti players’ resentment about Dani Ceballos not receiving a second yellow for a foul earlier in the game erupted.
Goalkeeper Jan Oblak claimed that when playing their competitors, the match officials treat his team unfairly and that they should be prepared for such challenges.
“If it is a red for us, it should be a red for them too,” he added. “I think they should have had their second yellow card.
“It’s been decided that way and we’re used to it by now. Even so, we’ve fought to the end against everyone.”
In honor of Pep Guardiola, Mikel Arteta has made a statement before their FA Cup fourth-round match.
Before taking over at Emirates Stadium in December 2019, the manager of Arsenal worked under Guardiola at Manchester City. He is currently engaged in a Premier League title chase with his former boss.
Arteta stated he was inspired by Guardiola at a press conference ahead of Friday’s match between the Gunners and City at the Etihad Stadium. He compared Guardiola’s influence on football to that of Johan Cruyff.
“I feel gratitude, first of all, because he inspired me as a player, and he inspired me and gave me the opportunity as a coach,” the Spaniard said.
“I wouldn’t probably have had the career that I had as a player, the understanding of the game or the purpose that I had as a player if he hadn’t been at that time at Barcelona.
“And I wouldn’t be sitting here and having that willingness and that love for coaching if we hadn’t crossed in my life and he hadn’t given the opportunity that he gave me. That’s it.”
Before joining Rangers in 2002, Arteta played for Barcelona’s C and B teams for three years. Guardiola was a member of the Blaugrana’s first team at the same time.
“I was looking at him and I just wanted to do it what he was doing,” Arteta explained. “And I loved the way he played and the way he was transmitting on the pitch and his understanding what was happening on the pitch. It was an inspiration, since I was 18 years old.”
Prior to his successful tenures at Bayern Munich and City, Guardiola helped convert Barca into a dominant force as the team’s head coach. Arteta stated he had learned a lot from working closely with Guardiola.
“I think the influence that Pep has had on football in the past 20 years, it’s just incredibly powerful,” he said. “He changed the game, like Johan did in the past… we have been inspired by a lot of things that he’s done.
“Everyone has to build his own career and his own pathway. A career is not for six months, or a year, or two years. Let’s see and let everybody develop the way that they should.”
After a string of disappointing results, Alfred Schreuder was fired as head coach of Ajax.
After Erik ten Hag left for Manchester United at the end of the previous campaign, Schreuder took over as the team’s manager. At first, Schreuder seemed to fit in well in Amsterdam, winning his first six league games and hammering Rangers 4-0 in Ajax’s opening Champions League match of the year.
However, the Eredivisie’s form also suffered greatly as a result of their elimination from the Champions League group stage; they had not won a league match since October, even though that time period also included a break for the 2022 World Cup.
The club opted to take action following Thursday’s 1-1 home draw with struggling Volendam after failing to win any of their previous seven Eredivisie games (D6 L1), putting them fifth in the standings, seven points behind leaders Feyenoord.
A statement from the Dutch giants read: “The many points lost and the team’s lack of development are the main reasons for this decision.
“The club management no longer has confidence in further cooperation.”
Matthias Kaltenbach, an assistant coach, was also fired, according to Ajax.
The club’s chief executive Edwin van der Sar added: “It is a painful decision, but also a necessary one.
“After a good start to the season, we then lost an unnecessary number of points… In recent weeks it became increasingly clear that [Schreuder] could not turn the tide, while we believe that despite the many transfers he had a strong and championship worthy squad at his disposal.
“We have also lost a lot of points in recent weeks and unfortunately we did not see any progress.”
In order to avoid suffering following their comeback victory over Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey by a score of 3-1, Karim Benzema advises Real Madrid to score goals sooner in games.
Until Rodrygo canceled out Alvaro Morata’s opening goal in the closing 15 minutes of regular time at the Santiago Bernabeu, Los Blancos were unable to score.
His outstanding solo goal on Thursday’s quarterfinal match forced extra time, and subsequent goals from Benzema and Vinicius Junior solidified the reversal for the home team.
The current Ballon d’Or winner notes that his team struggled at times to earn a berth in the final four, but emphasizes that they always had the ability to rebound.
“It was a very difficult and complicated game,” the France international reflected afterwards. “But with the players and talent we have, we knew we could make a comeback of it.
“Perhaps we need to score goals sooner, because we don’t like to suffer. Atletico positioned themselves well, got in behind, and that cost us. Rodrygo’s response was a great goal.”
Vinicius’s goal provided a happy ending to a trying day that saw an effigy of the Brazilian winger being hanging from a bridge close to Real Madrid’s training facility ahead of the derby.
In his post-game remarks, coach Carlo Ancelotti congratulated the 22-year-old and said there was never any question he would miss the game despite the incident.
“Vinicius has always wanted to play and was very focused on the game,” he said. “He played a great game. What happened elsewhere today has been very regrettable.”
Member of Parliament for the Asawase Constituency and Minority Chief Whip, Muntaka Mubarak, has revealed that Minority leader Haruna Iddrisu is upset by the NDC Executive’s decision to not go by the agreed measure to address a leadership reshuffle.
Muntaka revealed that discussions between Mr Iddrisu and newly appointed Minority Leader, Cassiel Ato Forson were not fruitful.
“I can tell you that the meeting was not fruitful. He mentioned some measures that they had to take, but that was not done. I can tell you that he was irritated at the meeting,” Muntaka said during a press conference on Thursday.
Mr Muntaka advised the new minority leadership to be patient and allow consultations to be held before they assume their roles.
Dr Ato Forson on Thursday promised to do everything within his power to unite the caucus before he eventually assumes his position on February 7 when Parliament resumes from recess.
His comment contradicts claims by Dr Ato Forson who said that he had held fruitful discussions with his former leader following his appointment by the party.
Some NDC MPs have petitioned the party leadership over recent changes on their front bench in the lawmaking house.
The legislators believe the reshuffling is premature and does not augur well for the opposition party going into the next elections given the lack of consultation.
Addressing the media on Thursday, January 26, 2023, at the behest of the NDC parliamentarians, MP for Zebilla East and former Majority Leader, Cletus Apul Avoka stressed that only a decision arrived at after broad deliberations will be accepted.
“The basis for our prayer is that the party suspends the reshuffling as indicated by the General Secretary until such a time that a holistic meeting of stakeholders with consultations before a decision is taken.”
“It is on this backdrop that the national executives of the party a few weeks ago decided that all appointees in the party and parliament should remain in office after we conclude the parliamentary and presidential primaries. We are therefore surprised that the reshuffling is reaching the caucus in Parliament. We think that this is premature.”
With a 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semifinal, Manchester United secured a place at Wembley Way.
Only a miracle turnaround in the second leg, which is scheduled for next week, can prevent United from playing in the League Cup final at the national stadium next month after goals from Marcus Rashford, Wout Weghorst, and Bruno Fernandes in the first half and a late third at the City Ground.
Rashford’s goal, which he scored after sprinting 50 yards, Weghorst’s first goal for the team since joining on loan from Burnley, and Fernandes’ decisive late goal effectively ended the tie.
With the victory, United is poised to play in its first domestic championship game at Wembley since losing the 2018 FA Cup final, and Erik ten Hag will have the opportunity to end the team’s trophy drought, which dates back to 2017, in his first season at Old Trafford.
With four titles won in 12 years under Brian Clough, Forest has a history in the League Cup that is almost as extensive as United’s. Forest will view this as a squandered opportunity to head to Old Trafford next week with something to grasp onto.
Sam Surridge had a goal disallowed in the first half, and Morgan Gibbs-White and Brennan Johnson also had good opportunities.
However, Ten Hag’s team easily won on the Trent River’s banks and will mark February 26 on their calendars for a trip to Wembley, while Forest will need to channel their late manager Clough in the hopes of a miracle.
The two teams memorably faced off in the 1992 League Cup final at Wembley, which United won on the strength of a goal from Brian McClair. The current crop of players demonstrated their desire to return there this year.
Rashford continued his stellar form with a spectacular individual goal, and Ten Hag was rewarded for selecting his strongest team possible with an early lead.
It was his 10th goal in 10 games since the resumption after the World Cup and his form has been the driving force behind United’s impressive run of results.
There were more goals for the taking in a dominant start for the visitors but Antony twice drifted shots wide of the post from good positions after cutting in from the right.
Forest had been overrun in the opening 15 minutes but they came to life and thought they had levelled in the 23rd minute.
A brilliant counter-attack saw Gibbs-White feed Sam Surridge, who produced a fine first-time finish into the bottom corner.
However, it was ruled out after VAR found Surridge’s knee to be offside.
Forest to their credit did not let that disappointment affect them and they continued to push forward and had chances for an equaliser.
David de Gea produced a flying save to keep out Gustavo Scarpa’s volley from the edge of the area, then got down well to stop a Gibbs-White effort before watching Johnson fire over after gliding past a couple of United tackles.
Having soaked up that pressure, United got a killer second goal on the stroke of half-time.
They expertly manoeuvred the ball from back to front and, after Hennessey palmed out Antony’s shot, Weghorst reacted first to fire home the rebound and break his United duck.
The hosts struggled to recreate the verve they showed in the first half and United kept them at arm’s length.
Indeed, it was the visitors, who won 8-1 on their last visit to the City Ground in 1999, who strengthened their grip on the tie.
Christian Eriksen had earlier hit the crossbar before Fernandes drilled home a low finish in the 89th minute, with ecstatic United supporters appearing to fall through a broken hoarding during the celebrations.
Roy Keane, a former Manchester United captain, has said that Marcus Rashford has the appearance of a “lean, fighting machine.”
The England star continued his stellar play by giving United the lead against Nottingham Forest in the first leg of their EFL Cup semifinal at the City Ground.
Only Erling Haaland (31) of Manchester City has scored more goals for a Premier League club than Rashford (18) this season.
“We were pitch-side when the players came out and he looked lean. You wouldn’t want to be up against him – all the best,” Keane said to Sky Sports.
“He looks like a lean, fighting machine.”
Under Erik ten Hag, the 25-year-old has flourished, demonstrating a significant improvement from his five goals in 32 games (18 starts) from the previous season.
“Sometimes it’s about confidence – there is where he’s peaking now. He’s played a lot of games for United and big games for England in the last few years,” Keane added.
“Sometimes the penny drops for a player in terms of decision-making and putting the ball in the back of the net. And they’ve needed him.
“The question mark I’ve had over Marcus in the last few years is, has he got that personality to step up to the plate?
“United have had some great strikers over the years, and I think they need someone like that. Marcus has to say he wants that responsibility to be the main man. The best players turn up week in and week out. It looks like he’s now enjoying that responsibility, which is great to see.”
Keane was informed that Rashford has flourished since Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure and that he has scored 10 goals in 10 games across all competitions since the conclusion of the 2022 World Cup, more than any other player for teams in the major five leagues of Europe during that time.
It was put to Keane that Rashford has thrived since the exit of Cristiano Ronaldo, having scored 10 goals in 10 games in all competitions since end of the 2022 World Cup, the most of any player for clubs in Europe’s big-five leagues in that time.
“When a player leaves the club the responsibility goes onto another player,” Keane replied.
“He’s 25, not a child, sometimes when the timing is right you can be ready for that. He doesn’t get the niggly injuries anymore with his groin, he seems to have cleared it up. He looks in a great place mentally, too, which is huge. He said he reckons he took too much on away from football – and being a top footballer is hard enough.
“So putting the other stuff on the back burner and focusing on being a top player for Manchester United has seen him get his priorities right.”
Asamoah Gyan, Ghana’s all-time leading scorer, has suggested that the Black Stars require a coach who will be resolute in making his own judgments and not submit to direction from the Ghana Football Association (GFA).
He believes that having a tough coach will put the Black Stars back where they belong and that having specific attributes could help the team.
Following Otto Addo’s resignation from his position following the Black Stars’ early withdrawal from the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup, the Ghana FA is looking for a new head coach.
James Kwasi Appiah, who wants to lead the club for a third time, and Chris Hughton are two coaches who are considering applying for the open position.
“We need an experienced coach, someone with strong credentials…Even if he is an inexperienced coach we should be able to identify what the coach has taught the players in terms of their style of play,” he is quotes by JoySports to have told Dan Kwaku Yeboah on YouTube.
“You can take an inexperienced coach but make sure he understands the game, someone who will make the people understand his philosophy,” he added.
“Someone who can take charge, not someone who takes orders, you have to be strict and take charge of what you are doing,” Gyan added.
Before the Black Stars reassemble for the next phase of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches, a new head coach is anticipated to be selected.
Both the Nations League and the qualifiers for the European Championship and World Cup will have new formats, according to UEFA.
The Nations League underwent revisions that took effect in 2018, including the addition of a knockout round in which the League A group winners and runners-up compete in two-legged quarterfinals.
League A and League B’s third-place teams will play League B and League C’s runners-up in a two-legged promotion/relegation play-off.
With the new qualifying system, 12 groups of either four or five teams will be chosen, with the group winners qualifying and the runners-up either also qualifying or entering play-offs.
“The introduction of the UEFA Nations League was a success story, replacing friendly games with more competitive matches,” said UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin.
“And now, by introducing the new knock-out phase, teams will be given even more opportunities to progress while keeping the same number of games within the international match calendar.
“The predictability of the European Qualifiers has also been addressed and tackled, with a fresh new format that will offer all the teams an equal chance to qualify for major tournaments.”
🆕 The #UEFAExCo has today approved new formats for UEFA men’s national team competitions coming into effect in September 2024.
⚽ It means more compelling UEFA #NationsLeague and European Qualifiers to boost excitement without increasing the number of matches.
After Euro 2024, the qualifying changes will take effect.
At a meeting of the executive committee on Wednesday, it was also decided to shift the Super Cup from its original host city of Kazan, Russia, to Athens, Greece, for the upcoming season.
The Champions League and Europa League championship match will take place at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium in the Greek capital on August 16, according to UEFA.
On Wednesday, an unidentified man residing at Kwashiman in Accra, physically abused his girlfriend after she accused him of cheating.
In a video circulated on social media, the victim narrated her ordeal while seated on the ground sobbing.
She stated that every time she visited her boyfriend, she met a constant face that made her question whether her boyfriend was being unfaithful. No longer able to bear the suspicious behaviour of her boyfriend, she confronted him.
“He always claims I have been cheating on him, but I have come to meet this same lady here in his house three times. I complained about this and then he pounced on me. He beat me. The lady is still in the room,” the victim told some individuals who were concerned about her wellbeing.
Domestic violence in this day and age? He assãulted his girlfriend after she caught him ‘in bed’ with another woman this afternoon.
The accused, suspected to be in his 30s, is said to have denied beating his girlfriend. According to passers-by, he said they quarreled over an issue.
“When we asked you, you told us that you were just quarreling. That she hit you and you also retaliated, but you were not telling us the truth,” they said.
While being interrogated, the accused tried to console his girlfriend by wiping her tears while washing her face with water. He stated that his actions were not deliberate.
Section 3 of the Domestic Violence Act, 2007, states that a person in a domestic relationship who engages in domestic violence “commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of not more than five hundred penalty units or to a term of imprisonment of not more than two years or to both.”
“The Court may in addition to imposing a fine or a prison term, order the offender in a case of domestic violence to pay compensation to the victim as the Court may determine,” the law adds.
Their league winning streak dates all the way back to June 2021, when they last suffered a loss to Atletico Madrid.
The only three losses Barca experienced over that span all occurred in Europe.
They may not be able to challenge for a clean sweep this season though, having been expelled from the Copa de la Reina on Tuesday for fielding an ineligible player, though the club intends to appeal the decision.
Even if the FA Cup match is “very, very different” from the Premier League matchup next month, Mikel Arteta anticipates learning a lot about Arsenal from their matchup with Manchester City.
Leaders Despite not having played second-placed City yet this season, Arteta’s team has established a five-point lead over the defending champions with a game remaining.
Since the Arsenal manager wants to gauge his players against top competition, their first encounter of the season will now take place in the fourth round of the cup.
“It’s a big test for us against, in my opinion, the best football team in the world,” Arteta said.
“We’re looking forward to it, because it’s going to tell us a lot about where we are.”
That tie will take place at the Etihad Stadium, before the teams do battle in the league at Emirates Stadium next month.
Asked how one result might impact on the other, Arteta was dismissive.
“I think they’re going to be two very, very different games,” he said. “The context is extremely different. Let’s see.”
The numbers bear that out, with Pep Guardiola winning 13 of his 16 matches against Arsenal as City manager but suffering his only two defeats in this fixture in their two FA Cup clashes. Arsenal have won four in a row against City in this competition.
Arteta added: “Obviously it’s important to play well and to win; that gives you more momentum, more confidence and prepares you better for the next match. That’s our focus, to do that on Friday.”
The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has drawn the attention of the general public to the adverse effect the abuse of Nitrous Oxide gas, also known as laughing gas has on their health.
Nitrous Oxide gas is used as a propellent and a preservative in the food industry and a medical anesthetic analgesic.
The caution comes after the FDA observed the abuse of the gas at nightclubs and parties in the forms of balloons and canisters to induce euphoria and laughter.
In a press statement dated January 24, the Authority noted that misuse of Nitrous Oxide gas is extremely hazardous to the health of individuals as it increases the likelihood of suffering from blood pressure, heart attack and anaemia.
“Abusers of Nitrous Oxide gas are also prone to the risk of suffocating and loss of consciousness,” the statement added.
Long-term recreational abuse of Nitrous Oxide gas could also compromise the immune system, mental and neurological disorders (hand and foot numbness and limb spasms), depression and incontinence.
The FDA has therefore admonished nightclubs, pubs and party organizers to desist from the inappropriate use of Nitrous Oxide gas in their facilities.
The public has also been urged to promptly report to the Authority on the abuse of Nitrous Oxide gas.
Meanwhile, the FDA has said it is collaborating with other relevant stakeholder agencies to address the emerging safety concerns.
“In the meantime, the” FDA assures the public of its commitment in ensuring public health and safety through continuous public education, engagement and sensitization of the public on the risks of substances of abuse,” the statement added.
At the June Nations League finals, Italy, the defending European champion, will play Spain, while Croatia, a semifinalist at the 2018 World Cup, will play the Netherlands.
Italy, who missed the World Cup in Qatar for the second time in a row, won their group ahead of Hungary to advance to the Nations League semifinals. This group also included Germany and England.
The Azzurri were defeated 2-1 by Spain at the same stage of the competition in 2021 before losing to France in the championship game. Spain stands in Roberto Mancini’s team’s way of the championship game.
Luis de la Fuente will take over as Spain’s head coach after Luis Enrique left the team following their unexpected World Cup loss against Morocco. Spain defeated Portugal to win Group A2.
The Netherlands, who lost in the final of the 2019 Nations League Finals in Portugal, will play Croatia at home in Rotterdam’s De Kuip.
After losing to eventual champions Argentina in the World Cup quarterfinal, Ronald Koeman took over as manager of the Oranje, replacing Louis van Gaal.
While everything will be different for Spain and the Netherlands in June, Croatia’s lineup will seem familiar thanks to talismanic midfielder Luka Modric, who has committed to continuing his international career after helping the team earn bronze in Qatar.
The third-place play-off and final will be held on June 18, following the semi-final matches on June 14 and 15.
While Spain and the Netherlands will have completely new lineups in June, Croatia will have a more recognizable lineup thanks to stalwart midfielder Luka Modric, who has committed to continuing his international career after helping the team earn bronze in Qatar.
On June 14 and 15, the semi-final matches will be played, and on June 18, the third-place play-off and championship match will be contested.
After Tottenham infiltrated Everton‘s pursuit of the Villarreal attacker, Arnaut Danjuma has joined the north London club on loan through the conclusion of the current campaign.
Danjuma, a 2020 Premier League dropout with Bournemouth, appeared destined for struggling Everton.
Stats Perform is aware Everton, which fired Frank Lampard on Monday, had anticipated that Danjuma would arrive at their Finch Farm training facility on Tuesday to finalize the details of his transfer. His physical with the struggling Merseyside club had already been completed.
Spurs made a last-ditch attempt to sign the Dutch international, who ultimately decided to join Antonio Conte’s team in their quest for Champions League qualifying because the paperwork for the transfer was still lacking.
Son Heung-min, Dejan Kulusevski, and former Everton talisman Richarlison will have competition from Danjuma, whose deal is contingent on international clearance, as Spurs attempt to compete for a spot in the top four.
Since joining Villarreal in 2021, the 25-year-old has established himself as a consistent goal threat, tallying 22 goals in 51 appearances for the Yellow Submarine.
One of just two LaLiga players since the start of the previous campaign to reach double digits in goals with both his left (10) and right (12) feet in all competitions is Danjuma, who plays for Real Madrid.
Danjuma’s decision to join Spurs represents another blow for crisis club Everton, who have been linked with Marcelo Bielsa, Ralph Hasenhuttl and Sean Dyche in their search for Lampard’s successor.
Tottenham, meanwhile, are hoping to make further additions in what remains of the transfer window, with Sporting CP right-back Pedro Porro reportedly a target.
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 133-115 on Tuesday, despite LeBron James scoring 46 points.
With a recent record of 36-9, the Clippers have now defeated the Lakers 10 times in a row. With a 26-24 record after the victory, the Clippers move up to fifth place in the west, passing the Lakers, who currently sit in 13th place with a 22-26 record.
The Clippers’ highest scorer was Paul George, who led the team with 27 points on 11-of-20 shooting, nine rebounds, and four assists. The club made 19 three-pointers at a 50% clip.
In helping the Clippers win their third straight game, Kawhi Leonard contributed 25 points along with nine rebounds, three assists, two steals, and two blocks. As Luke Kennard (calf) and John Wall (abdominal strain) near returns, more reinforcements may be on the way.
James was outstanding for the Lakers, making nine of fourteen triples on 16-of-29 shooting from the field while also contributing eight rebounds, seven assists, two steals, and one block.
With 46 points, the four-time NBA MVP is now 177 points away from tying Kareem Abdul-all-time Jabbar’s scoring mark of 38,387.
James appeared set for a 50-point game, scoring 15 points in the fourth quarter, before the Clippers put the game to bed on an 8-0 run and send James to the bench for good with five minutes remaining.
In December, Laporte resigned from his position as FFR president after receiving a two-year prison term with a year of probation and a €75,000 fine for corruption.
Within hours of the conviction, the former France coach was also relieved of his duties as vice-chairman of World Rugby and given a two-year suspension from all rugby-related activities.
He adamantly denied any misconduct and plans to challenge the court’s penalties. In light of Laporte’s efforts to clear his record, the FFR has not yet permanently removed him from office.
Around 2,000 French rugby clubs decided on Tuesday whether to accept Patrick Buisson’s nomination as interim president of the FFR.
“It’s perfectly scandalous the prosecutors have chosen the date of Patrick Buisson’s election for the questioning and that the disclosure of this questioning was made on the same day,” Versini-Campinchi added.
France are due to host the Rugby World Cup in September.
FIFA has launched FIFA Digital Skills, an educational programme designed to develop the expertise of professionals in the global football community on all things digital, through a dedicated e-learning platform and a series of live masterclasses.
As administrative and business activities continue to develop due to emerging technologies, the programme will be a crucial tool for member associations seeking to hone their skills in many areas. Representatives from FIFA’s 211 member associations now have access to masterclasses from some of the world’s biggest and most innovative brands.
Through the platform’s peer-to-peer learning function, users can also host tailored sessions focused on their own experiences. From best practice case studies from football stakeholders to analyses of the latest technological trends from the brands driving the digital revolution, FIFA Digital Skills aims to leverage the power of the digital world to maximise the strategic and operational effectiveness of those running the game globally.
“As the world changes around us, we need to invest in people so that they are better placed to embrace the future,” said FIFA’s Chief Member Associations Officer, Kenny Jean-Marie. “We are proud to launch a platform that will be a one-stop resource for member associations, allowing them to access valuable information and encourage learning as part of the football community in the area of digital. I am proud that we are providing this platform, and that the member associations will be contributing to the process by sharing their success stories to benefit us all.”
FIFA’s Director of Strategy, Digital and FIFA+, Charlotte Burr, added: “The FIFA Digital Skills initiative is powered by FIFA +, our world-class digital destination for football fandom. We already have nearly 100 MAs on board and more than 400 participants learning and sharing their experiences, and we want to continue to use FIFA+ as a platform to give the entire world of football a voice, telling their stories and bringing their beautiful game to light. The FIFA Digital Skills initiative will provide best practices from experts and organisations for the 211 MAs to develop their digital capabilities to appeal to future fans and, ultimately, grow football for all.”
In support of FIFA’s commitment to strengthening football professionals’ competencies worldwide and exploring new technologies that can positively impact the game and the wider industry, the initiative complements the wide-ranging educational products and services available to FIFA’s member associations. FIFA Digital Skills’ unique offering aims to provide a 360-degree view of digital’s role in enhancing football across all levels of the game – from grassroots to the elite.
Having launched at the end of 2022, participants from across the globe have had the opportunity to engage with the programme and take their digital skills to the next level.
“I really appreciated the FIFA Digital Skills initiative because it’s a whole package of how to successfully create a great digital marketing plan and strategy for our association,” commented Fatouma-Degan Mohamed Idriss, Djiboutian Football Association.
“We had a wonderful time and learnt very valuable lessons,” added Ahmad Abuzaid, Jordan Football Association. “Great experience, the case studies allowed us to see in a practical way the points to improve in our digital strategy and the templates allowed us to review the entire marketing strategy of the federation for more efficiency,” said Franchelle Bijou Boutamba Mouyabi, Gabonese Football Federation.
Presnel Kimpembe, a defender for Paris Saint-Germain, claimed he was not notified that Kylian Mbappe would take over as the team’s vice captain.
In the absence of usual captain Marquinhos, Mbappe led PSG to a 7-0 victory over Pays de Cassel in the Coupe de France on Monday. Mbappe scored five goals in the victory.
Mbappe is now PSG’s vice-captain, the team’s head coach Christophe Galtier announced to the media following the game.
Marquinhos’ predecessor was Kimpembe, who hasn’t played since November because of a heel ailment.
Rumours on Tuesday suggested Kimpembe had agreed to step down from the position to allow Mbappe to take up a leadership role.
Tuesday saw the group stage of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Algeria come to a shocking conclusion as Cameroon and Mali were eliminated.
Twice-placed finalists Mali needed just a draw against Mauritania to win Group D, but instead fell short 1-0 as Mamadou Sy’s goal in the 53rd minute advanced his nation to the quarterfinals.
Cameroon, which hosted the previous tournament and finished fourth, needed just one point to win Group E, but Niger won 1-0 to take the top spot.
Before the quarterfinals, the competition for footballers who play for clubs in their nation of origin now takes a two-day break.
Friday’s matches pit title favorites Algeria against the Ivory Coast in Algiers and Senegal against Mauritania’s neighbors in Annaba.
On Saturday, Mozambique and Madagascar square off in Constantine, while Niger takes on two-time runner-up Ghana in Oran.
With Morocco and the Democratic Republic of the Congo winning the Chan twice each, Tunisia once, and Libya twice, none of the eight survivors have ever taken home the trophy.
Following the predictable success of Algeria and Senegal in Groups A and B last weekend, minnows have made headlines with Madagascar’s victory in Group C on Monday.
Before facing Mali, Mauritania had lost all six matches in two other appearances, and fought a goalless draw with Angola in Algeria last week.
That automatically made them underdogs against Mali, whose proud Chan record included reaching the 2016 and 2020 finals.
But the Mauritanians never allowed the Malians to settle in the first match of a double-header in the western city of Oran and Sy outjumped Souleymane Coulibaly to nod the match-winner.
Following a dour draw with Congo Brazzaville, Niger were given little chance of stopping Cameroon, who were watched by football federation president and former superstar Samuel Eto’o.
Cameroon had looked likelier to score until the match was turned on its head in the 69th minute as an Ousseini Badamassi free-kick deflected off Thomas Bawak into the net.
Needing an equaliser to survive, Cameroon lay siege to the Nigerien goalmouth, but several poorly-taken free-kicks summed up a night to forget for the central Africans.
To help Manchester United become the best team in football, Erik ten Hag wants Marcus Rashford to pledge his future to the club.
Rashford is United’s leading scorer so far this year with eight goals in the last eight games.
The England international has scored 17 goals in 28 games, compared to 12.8 predicted goals, and scores once every 124 minutes (xG).
The contract for Rashford expires in 2024, but Ten Hag is optimistic that a new deal will be reached.
“This is the best place to be because we want to construct the best team – first in England, then Europe, then the world,” said Ten Hag ahead of Wednesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Nottingham Forest.
“It is confidential, talks between clubs and players, [but] he understands Manchester United is his club and also in this environment, this team, he is playing his best football.
“He is improving, he is giving 100 per cent.
“He can bring his qualities and this team can help him be in the right position to score goals. The team is constructed so that his qualities come to the fore.
“He knows he is important for us and if we want to succeed, we need him.”
While Rashford is thriving on one side of United’s attack, Antony – a big-money signing from Ajax last year – has struggled after a fast start to his career in England.
Ten Hag is not concerned, though.
“He is not losing games,” the Dutchman said of the Brazil winger.
“He is playing and the team is winning and that already gives a message of how well he is performing.
“He can do better. I see space for improvement, and we want him to be more direct.”
Mike Tyson, a former heavyweight boxing champion, is facing a $5 million lawsuit after being charged with raping a woman forcefully in a limo in the early 1990s.
The alleged victim said in an affidavit submitted in Albany County, New York, that she met Tyson at a club and was welcomed into his limousine.
She thought he was going to take her and someone else to a party. Before allegedly raping the victim, Tyson allegedly made an effort to kiss her while they were driving to the party, which she rejected.
“I met Mike Tyson in the early 1990s at a dance club called Septembers,” the affidavit read. “My friend and I were hanging out with him and his limousine driver. Tyson told us about a party and asked us to join him. My friend was going to drop off her car and Tyson said he would pick her up in the limousine.”
“He then pulled my pants off and violently raped me,” the lawsuit stated. “As a result of Tyson’s rape, I suffered and continue to suffer from physical, psychological, and emotional injury.”
The accusations were brought under the recently passed Adult Survivors Act in New York, which grants victims of sexual abuse a one-year window in which to bring claims that would otherwise be barred by the statute of limitations.
The unidentified victim is seeking $5 million in damages, as she has “been unable to maintain and/or develop healthy relationships with men or anyone in general” and has “experienced extreme emotional suffering including but not limited to nightmares, panic attacks and flashbacks.”
Back in February 1992, Tyson was convicted of rape in Indianapolis. He was sentenced to six years in prison and was released on parole after three years.
Barcelona has vowed to “take every possible action” to have the decision to exclude their women’s squad from the Copa de la Reina overturned.
For the past three years, the Catalans have won both the Spanish league and cup, however it has since been revealed that they fielded an ineligible player in their 9-0 victory over Osasuna in the last 16 of the current cup campaign.
On January 10, Osasuna was outmatched, but due to Barcelona striker Geyse playing and scoring although she was supposed to be serving a suspension, the team was proclaimed the victor on a technicality.
Brazilian Geyse was dismissed from her prior competition game while representing Madrid CFF in a quarterfinal matchup against eventual champions Sporting Huelva.
Barcelona believe there are grounds for the ruling to be successfully challenged, with ESPN reporting the club are adamant Geyse was not listed on pre-match lists of disciplinary disqualifications issued by cup organisers the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).
In a statement issued after Tuesday’s expulsion, the Camp Nou giants said: “FC Barcelona announces that the club is to continue to fight for the women’s team’s rights after they were sanctioned by the competition committee for fielding an ineligible line-up, with an appeal to be presented in due course.
“Should the sanction not be revoked on appeal, FC Barcelona will take every possible action, as it is considered that the line-up ended up being deemed ineligible due to technicalities in this case.”
Barcelona, who beat Real Sociedad 3-0 in the Supercopa on Sunday, appear well on course to claim the Spanish league title for a fourth season in a row after winning 14 consecutive games in the competition since the start of the season.
Barcelona have also been fined €1,001 by the RFEF over the ineligibility episode, while Sevilla have been thrown out of this season’s cup, too, after Nagore Calderon played in a 1-0 win against Villarreal, when she too had a suspension hanging over her from last season.
Sevilla said they presented arguments against such a punishment but will not appeal any further.
In an exciting first leg of the Carabao Cup semifinal victory against Southampton, Joelinton scored the game-winning goal to advance Newcastle one step closer to Wembley.
With 17 minutes remaining on a breathless night at St Mary’s, the Brazilian, who twice saw a goal disallowed and committed a poor error, sealed a 1-0 victory for the Magpies by converting a low cross from substitute Alexander Isak.
Saints believed they had quickly equalized through Adam Armstrong, a Newcastle academy graduate, but VAR’s intervention resulted in the goal being disallowed for handball.
Joelinton’s first-half attempt was controversially called out for what officials determined to be a handball, and early in the second period he wastefully shot over with the goal open.
Defender Duje Caleta-Car was ejected four minutes from time for a second bookable offense, and Southampton concluded the tense match with 10 men.
The home team had plenty of opportunities to tie or go ahead of the north-east team, but Nick Pope was in brilliant form to stop Che Adams and Armstrong’s disappointment against his old team.
As Newcastle sought to win its first significant domestic prize since 1955, manager Eddie Howe urged his team to push themselves more upon arrival on the south coast.
The high-flying Magpies stuck with the team which began Saturday’s goalless Premier League draw at Crystal Palace, while struggling Saints made four changes, including full debuts to January signings Carlos Alcaraz and Mislav Orsic.
Howe’s men had the better of an uninspiring opening period which lacked quality and chances but contained a major talking point.
Newcastle midfielder Joe Willock was at the heart of the most promising openings.
The former Arsenal player twice fired woefully over when unmarked, before sparking the contentious 39th-minute incident by bursting clear on the left and cutting inside Lyanco to force a low stop out of Saints goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu.
Although Mohammed Salisu managed to block Callum Wilson’s initial follow-up effort, Joelinton thumped home the resultant loose ball, only for referee Stuart Attwell to penalise him for handball.
VAR was introduced for this round of the competition but, despite serious debate about where the ball struck Joelinton, the onfield decision was not overturned.
There were then worrying scenes when Southampton winger Moussa Djenepo was forced off after a heavy collision with visiting goalkeeper Pope, to be replaced by Armstrong.
Newcastle were resounding 4-1 winners on this ground in the Premier League in November, leading to the dismissal of former Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl.
Miguel Almiron opened the scoring that day and he created two golden chances early in the second period as the away side attempted to eradicate that first-half frustration.
Joelinton somehow fired over in the 53rd minute following Almiron’s neat one-two with Sean Longstaff on the right, before Sven Botman hit the side-netting from a more difficult opening a minute later.
Pope registered nine successive clean sheets after conceding here just under three months ago.
The England keeper underlined his international credentials by twice denying Adams, the first time after the Saints substitute was sent clean through by Alcaraz, before Newcastle snatched the advantage.
Sweden striker Isak burst away from Lyanco on the right and delivered a perfect low cross for Joelinton to finally put his name on the scoresheet.
Newcastle’s sold-out away end was still revelling in the prospect of a first Wembley cup final since 1999 when Southampton thought they had levelled.
Armstrong scruffily finished after Samuel Edozie turned the ball across goal but the joy was cut short by Stockley Park.
Tempers then threatened to boil over in the closing stages.
A coming together between Bruno Guimaraes and Lyanco sparked a mass brawl, before Caleta-Car, cautioned for scything down Almiron in the first half, was sent off for upending Allan Saint-Maximin.
Isak came close to doubling the advantage in added time but hit the side- netting after rounding Bazunu.
Newcastle now have a fixture-free week to prepare for the return meeting, while Saints go to St James’ Park following an FA Cup fourth-round clash with Blackpool.
Former Deputy Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, will now lead the Minority side in Parliament to discuss government business.
Dr Ato Forson takes over from Haruna Iddrisu, the Tamale South MP.
The change in leadership was announced by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in a letter to the Speaker of Parliament
Dr Forson would be assisted by Mr Kofi Armah Buah, the new Deputy Minority leader who takes over from Mr Klutse Avedzi.
Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka is no longer the Deputy Minority Chief Whip. That position is now occupied by Kwame Agbodza, who will be assisted by Banda MP, Ahmed Ibrahim and Ada legislator, Comfort Doyo Ghansah respectively.
The NDC is yet to reveal the rational behind the changes, but it is reported that some members of the NDC are against the leadership’s decision.
Anyone caught watching porn will be executed by Kim Jong Un’s new secret squads as part of the North Korean dictator’s campaign to combat “foreign influences.”
According to evidence from a defector in a recent study, enforcers are trying to outlaw foreign television, haircuts, and even birthday parties.
The ‘gruppa’ or ‘non-socialist groupings’ squads are charged by Pyongyang with pursuing infractions of the official ideology of the Communist Party.
‘The groups operate as a hidden tool, which is used by the government to achieve their ultimate objectives of ubiquitous surveillance and the ability to thoroughly oversee each and every resident,’ the report says.
Foreign media, particularly anything deemed to be ‘Western’, is strictly prohibited in North Korea – which brainwashes its population to unquestionably support Kim Jong Un and his ruling regime. Any dissent is severely punished.
The dictator views South Korea as an American puppet state, and is highly sensitive to any of its media crossing the border from China, fearing the influence it may have.
For some time now, any sign that someone may have been consuming media from the South has resulted in brutal consequences.
Now, according to the report by the Database Centre for North Korean Human Rights (NKDB) based in Seoul, Kim is tightening his grip even more with the gruppa.
Citizens are being prosecuted for anything from defection, drug dealing, smuggling and begging, to being absent from work, traffic offences, adultery, dying one’s hair, religious practices and taking part in ‘decadent culture’ – which can include parties.
‘It is worse than the Kim Jong Il era,’ one testimony quoted in the report said.
‘The border has become tighter, more barbed wire fences have been installed. Also, there were instructions to directly fire at any person crossing the border.
‘[…] I’ve heard about people being shot for distributing impure cultural contents. There was one person who was executed for watching pornography and prostituting at his place after Kim Jong Un took office.’
‘First they check how you dress. Then what type of music you listen to, what videos you watch, whether you have dyed your hair […] You cannot have a birthday party as a group,’ the defector said, according to the report.
‘They keep saying not to have gatherings and drink alcohol because when people are drunk, they will end up singing one or two South Korean songs for sure.’
The report said that the secret informants are becoming increasingly preoccupied with the smuggling and distribution of South Korean media.
Outlawed songs, movies and television shows such as ‘Squid Game’ or ‘Crash Landing on You’ are sometimes smuggled into the country on USB flash drives.
One of the methods used by the ‘non-socialist groups’ is to cut off power to the homes of people suspected of watching banned media, and therefore preventing them from removing DVDs of videotapes from the payer and hiding their ‘guilt’.
Punishments range from demotion at work, being fired, or even sent to a re-education or labour camp. In the most extreme cases – such as being found to have been watching pornography – people could be executed by firing squad.
‘If you consume sexual media content in North Korea, you are either punished with a lifetime term of “reform through labour” or even executed by firing squad. Watching typical South Korean or American material will lead to a sentence of fewer than ten years of ‘reform through labour,’ according to another defector’s testimony.
Earlier this month, it was reported that four students were expelled from university and forced to work in a coal mine because they sounded as if they had been watching too much foreign TV, by using accents or phrases from the South.
It is believed the students likely picked up the way of speaking through watching media outlawed by the ruling party.
Following his retirement, Gareth Bale wasted no time in picking up the golf clubs and declaring his participation in the forthcoming Pebble Beach Pro-Am.
Following his involvement in the 2022 World Cup, the former Tottenham, Real Madrid, and Wales star announced his retirement from football earlier this month, ending an illustrious career that featured five Champions League championships.
The 33-year-old said on social media that the February 2 golf tournament in California will feature professionals and other famous people in the starting lineup.
Bale wrote: “Delighted to announce I will be playing in the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am at the start of next month! Let’s go.”
It will surprise few given Bale’s renowned love of golf, famously drawing the ire of Real Madrid fans when he posed with a flag while on international duty that read: “Wales. Golf. Madrid. In that order.”
Other confirmed celebrities for the tournament so far include actors Bill Murray and Jason Bateman, as well as Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Any argument that Thomas Muller’s absence against RB Leipzig indicates that the forward’s future at Bayern Munich is in doubt was rejected by Julian Nagelsmann.
Muller entered the game in the 83rd minute of Bayern’s Friday 1-1 draw with Leipzig.
Due to injury, the 33-year-old has participated in just nine Bundesliga games this season.
At the World Cup, Muller was likewise a disappointment as Germany lost in the group stage.
Nagelsmann claims that Muller’s status as a replacement has been overemphasized by the media.
“With Thomas, this is a bigger topic in public than it is for us,” he told reporters ahead of Tuesday’s clash with Koln.
“When you’ve been injured for so long, you’re always challenging [for your place].
“Thomas also wants the competition. He has an outstanding character, but I haven’t made up my mind about if he plays.”
The champions struggled to generate many opportunities in the second half at Red Bull Arena, as Muller was unable to lead Bayern past Leipzig.
After Marcel Halstenberg’s equalizer following Eric Maxim Choupo-first-half Moting’s goal, which was Bayern’s 50th Bundesliga goal of the season, Nagelsmann urges the attack to be more aggressive.
“We didn’t build up optimally, it was too slow,” he claimed. Sometimes, after winning the ball, we took good actions, but we chose poorly.
“I also warned the team beforehand about Leipzig’s strength in transition… There were one or two less-than-perfect situations on both sides.”
Koln, on the other hand, go into Tuesday’s game having thrashed Werder Bremen 7-1.
“I think the seven goals mean something more to Koln than to us,” Nagelsmann said. “They do that very well, they’re active and good at counter-pressing.
“[Coach] Steffen Baumgart does that very well. They always play with an open mind, very offensive. We have to be aggressive.”
Maximo Perrone, a talented young international from Argentina, has officially joined Manchester City from Velez Sarsfield.
The 20-year-old reportedly cost City £8 million when signing and has a contract that expires in June 2028.
Perrone just made his debut at Velez in March of last year, but the central midfielder rapidly cemented himself as an important member of the senior squad, occasionally donning the captain’s armband.
Although City are reportedly paying more than his rumored £7 million release clause, it was expected to be much greater if Velez did manage to ensure his future through 2024. His contract had entered its last year.
Perrone is the latest in a string of exports to fetch Velez a considerable fee in the past six years, with Thiago Almada, Matias Vargas, Santiago Caseres, Maxi Romero and Nicolas Dominguez bringing in roughly £47m between them.
We’re delighted to have completed the signing of Máximo Perrone from Vélez Sarsfield. The midfielder will join us after the U-20 South American Championship.
Slavko Mati, the head coach of Hearts of Oak, has made an application to lead the Black Stars, Ghana’s national football team.
Even though he only agreed to a two-year deal with Hearts of Oak in October of last year, Mati is prepared to quit his current job in order to compete for the national team role.
According to reports, Mati is unconcerned about any potential criticism from the Hearts of Oak Board of Directors because he kept them in the dark about his plan to apply for the position with the national team. Mati has guided the Phobians to six victories, four ties, and two losses since taking over as coach.
With a UEFA Pro Licence, Mati has had a varied coaching career, working in China, Qatar, Slovenia, as well as his own Serbia. Prior to joining Hearts of Oak, his most recent position was as manager of Bulgarian top-flight team Septemvri Sofia, where he served until October 9, 2022.
Mati’s application will be taken into consideration along with others when the Ghana Football Association (GFA) selects a new coach for the Black Stars.
Although Mati’s selection as the new coach of the Black Stars is still uncertain, his application demonstrates his drive and enthusiasm for the position.
The GFA is expected to make a decision on the new coach in the coming weeks.
The savage five-goal performance by Kylian Mbappe in Monday’s Coupe de France victory for Paris Saint-Germain over Pays de Cassel did not appear to surprise Christophe Galtier.
With a convincing 7-0 victory at Lens’ Stade Bollaert-Delelis, PSG easily advanced to the round of 16, with Mbappe contributing to all but one of their goals.
The sixth-tier opponent, which was technically the home club, did not appear intimidated and displayed some skillful play in the early going. However, once Mbappe gave PSG the lead after 29 minutes, the floodgates opened.
By halftime, Mbappe had scored three goals and assisted Neymar, who added two more goals after the break to become the first PSG player to score five goals in a single game.
Carlos Soler – the scorer of PSG‘s other goal – also impressed, but it was Mbappe and Neymar whom Galtier focused on.
“Kylian Mbappe’s a goalscorer, he’s obsessed with goals and attacking,” the coach told beIN SPORTS.
“I’m not going to say he’s going to gain confidence [from scoring five goals], but he’s up to his standard.
“It was important for him and Neymar to play the full game. They combined a lot and looked for each other a lot. It was good for them.”
Such a contest represented the risk of a major shock for PSG, but there was never any real danger of a defeat as the Parisians produced a thoroughly professional display.
Mbappe believes that reflected the respect they have for lower-league opposition.
“We’re happy, we came to qualify and respect this team,” he said.
“Respect means playing at our level. We’re happy. It was a great opportunity for [Pays de Cassel], and for us because we also come from amateur football.
“We are very happy to come and play, and it is an important competition for Paris Saint-Germain.”
On the other side of things, Pays de Cassel coach Samuel Goethals spoke of his pride despite the heavy defeat, highlighting how playing in front of such a crowd was by no means a regular occurrence.
“It’s still a source of great pride,” he added. “The game was complicated, we did things within our means. I’m super proud of the group.
“We knew the balance of power was going to be very unbalanced, and it was unprecedented for each of us to play in front of 35,000 people, but I saw a yellow and black stadium, it was magnificent to experience.
“You have to be real, we are in Regional One, the sixth division, we are amateurs, and this was seen on the field. I would have preferred that we conceded one or two goals less, but [the match’s speed] was too fast.”
According to Roberto Sistici, the agent for Milan Skriniar, Inter have “no chance” of extending the defender’s contract past its June expiration date.
When a move to Paris Saint-Germain failed to materialize as expected last year, Skriniar started renegotiating a new contract with Inter.
However, his agent said on Monday that Inter ultimately declined their offer in December, and he has since informed the club that other teams are in negotiations.
Skriniar, who received a red card in Monday’s 1-0 loss to Empoli, is widely believed to eventually join with PSG, while Sistici declined to disclose the names of the teams he is in contact with.
“The truth is that the decision to place Milan Skriniar on the transfer market in the summer was made by Inter, obviously not by the player,” Sistici told TeleNord.
“It was a choice by the club that led to a negotiation between Inter and PSG, of which we had obviously been informed. At a certain point, the negotiation broke down, and we had also been informed of this step, a decision that was not up to us and which the player accepted calmly, with professionalism and absolute respect for the contract.
“Last autumn, we responded to all the meeting requests made by the club. After a series of preliminary meetings, we presented our financial request and subsequently, at the beginning of November 2022, the club presented us with a proposal.
“About a month later, before Christmas, I communicated to Inter the decision not to accept their offer, a choice reiterated at the beginning of January, before the Supercoppa, when I also informed the managers [Giuseppe] Marotta and [Piero] Ausilio that we thought we were free to listen to offers from other clubs.
“Maybe it wasn’t mandatory communication, but for the player and myself it was the most correct way to proceed, knowing that seriousness and transparency are the best way to proceed for us. I repeat, we have never missed any appointment with Inter.”
He added: “We didn’t talk about PSG, just as we didn’t leak our and Inter’s positions, given that with Inter we had agreed to handle the matter with the right confidentiality, in the interest of serenity and the performance of the team and of the player.
“There are contacts with some clubs. Not Italian [clubs].”
Inter coach Simone Inzaghi responded after the shock loss by saying the club were “trying to resolve” the situation with Skriniar, without clarifying whether he meant by selling the player or making a new contract offer.
At a similar time, PSG coach Christophe Galtier was also asked about Skriniar following the Parisians’ 7-0 Coupe de France win over Pays de Cassel.
He did not offer much clarity either, though he acknowledged PSG were convinced last year they had done enough to sign him.
“I cannot say if he will arrive this winter [January], or this summer,” he told beIN SPORTS. “He is a player we’ve been tracking for a long time.
“In fact, we thought that we had already got him last summer.”
After Saturday’s defeat at West Ham extended their miserable run of nine losses in 12 Premier League games, Everton fired manager Frank Lampard.
With the Toffees tied for last place in the Premier League and with a goal differential keeping them above Southampton, Lampard, 44, leaves Goodison Park less than a year after taking on the position.
In an odd turn of events, national newspaper reporters began covering the story on Monday at midday, but the club itself didn’t issue a comment until late in the day, which infuriated Evertonians on social media.
The Everton board, who have been the target of angry fans at the poor state of the Merseyside club, finally snapped after the team lost 2-0 on the road at struggling West Ham.
Former England and Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard, who led his team to a spirited 1-1 draw against reigning champions Manchester City on New Year’s Eve, will no longer hold the hot seat at Goodison.
The three-time Premier League champion departed Derby in July 2019 to take the helm at Chelsea, where he served until January 2021 when Thomas Tuchel took over.
Meanwhile, Everton will now start looking for their eighth permanent manager in seven years.
A club statement read: “Everyone at Everton would like to thank Frank and his coaching staff for their service during what has been a challenging 12 months.
“Frank and his team’s commitment and dedication have been exemplary throughout their time at the Club, but recent results and the current league position meant this difficult decision had to be taken. We wish Frank and all his backroom team well for their future in the game.
“The Club has started the process to secure a new manager and will provide updates on the appointment in due course. Paul Tait and Leighton Baines will take training until a new manager is appointed.”
Next up for the Toffees is a daunting encounter with league leaders Arsenal on February 4.
#EFC can confirm that Frank Lampard has left his post as Senior Men’s First Team Manager today.
Paul Tait and Leighton Baines will take training until a new manager is appointed.
After his late three-pointer against the Golden State Warriors proved to be the difference, Royce O’Neale claims that all of his Brooklyn Nets teammates are rising to the occasion.
On Sunday, the Nets won their second straight game thanks to O’Neale’s three-pointer with under a minute remaining that gave them a two-point advantage.
At the Chase Center, Kyrie Irving, the team’s talisman without injured Kevin Durant, made two free throws with 14 seconds left to complete a 120-116 comeback victory.
Midway through the fourth quarter on Sunday, Golden State held a 106-93 advantage, and O’Neale praised the Nets’ mindset and confidence.
“There’s a lot of confidence going around,” O’Neale told reporters.
“Everybody’s taking the challenge, stepping up, finding out ways to win games.”
Irving was key, teeing up O’Neale’s crucial three-pointer to cap a ninth assist of the game. He finished with 38 points and seven rebounds.
“Kyrie had been getting to the basket, hitting tough shots and at that moment, he drove, two people double-teamed and he found me open,” O’Neale said.
“I just needed to have the confidence to knock it down.”
Irving added: “They did a great job of staying on my body, keeping the game physical, making it tough.
“I felt like my team-mates had a lot of great looks, drawing the defense to lose their man.
“Royce being wide open, I felt like that was the best shot for our team, so I gave up the ball, trusted him to make it and luckily it went in.”
The Nets are fourth in the Eastern Conference, while the Warriors – reigning NBA champions – are down in 10th in the West after suffering a sixth loss from their last nine games.
The Los Angeles Lakers overcame a 25-point hole to defeat the Portland Trail Blazers in a game of two halves on Sunday at the Moda Center.
The Lakers had just been on the wrong end of the joint second-largest scoring differential in a quarter since the NBA added the three-point arc in 1979 when they entered the half behind by 25 points.
In the second quarter, Portland outscored the guests 45-13, but LeBron James and his teammates refused to quit.
The Lakers overcame a 25-point deficit to win by nine points in the second half by scoring 75 points while allowing just 41.
“I guess it’s only one or two ways, you can either go out and you can lay down and get ready for the next game or you can see what happens in the third quarter, make a game of it,” James said after the victory.
“And for us as competitors, and our team and our makeup this year, we’re not a lay-down team. That’s just not the makeup of our club.”
James scored 37 with 11 rebounds as he closed in further on Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s all-time scoring record, while Thomas Bryant added 31 with 14 rebounds as the Lakers produced their second-biggest half-time deficit comeback win in franchise history.
“They jumped on us and knocked us down,” James added. “Thank God for the standing eight count.”
After undergoing knee surgery, Nick Kyrgios is prepared to do all he can do to return to his best.
When he had to drop out of the Australian Open, the Wimbledon runner-up from last year was “devastated.”
After an MRI of his knee revealed a cyst caused by a little lateral meniscus tear, Kyrgios was disqualified from his home grand slam.
The world number 21 disclosed on Monday that he had surgery and is eager to get started on the road to recovery.
He posted on Instagram: “Surgery complete. I’ll be doing everything I can do get back to my best. To the real ones checking in and sending the vibes…. I love you.”
Kyrgios won the seventh ATP Tour singles title of his career in Washington last August and claimed the Australian Open men’s doubles title with Thanasi Kokkinakis in his homeland 12 months ago.
The 27-year-old was beaten by Novak Djokovic in his maiden major singles final at the All England Club last July.
Pablo Barrios has been promoted to the senior team after agreeing to a new contract with Atletico Madrid that runs through 2028.
The 19-year-old came off the bench in a 3-2 loss to Cadiz in LaLiga in October and then played against Porto in the final Champions League group-stage match a few days later.
Barrios has distinguished himself in Diego Simeone’s squad during the World Cup’s midseason break with goals in the Copa del Rey victories over Arenteiro and Real Oviedo.
The teenager made his LaLiga debut in the team’s 2-0 win over Elche last month and was selected to start the 1-0 loss to Barcelona on January 8th.
In total, Barrios has featured in six of Atletico’s seven games across all competitions since the World Cup, four of which have come as a starter.
Barrios joined Atletico’s academy in 2018 from rivals Real Madrid.
🖊 Pablo Barrios extends his relationship with our club until 2028 and becomes a first team player.
Olivier Giroud intends to extend his contract with Milan, and he is also not yet prepared to end his international career with France.
The 36-year-contract old’s with the Serie A team expires in June, and since Les Bleus were defeated by Argentina in the 2022 World Cup final, there have been concerns about his future with his country.
Hugo Lloris and Karim Benzema have previously announced their retirement from the national team, but Benzema missed the game in Qatar due to injury.
Giroud, who finished the tournament as France’s all-time leading scorer, has no intention of doing the same.
“For the moment I continue with the national team. I was struck by the fact that Hugo has decided to leave, our relationship is special,” he told Canal Football Club.
“Anything can happen, I have not withdrawn from the international stage and for this reason I remain callable.
“I have to understand if I still want to wear the blue shirt, which means a lot to me, I want to take some time before deciding.”
Giroud has faced similar questions around his club future, as his deal with Milan expires at the end of the season, but he is keen to continue at San Siro.
“I want to renew with Milan, with the victory of the Scudetto I entered the hearts of the fans,” he added.
“I’m talking to the club, if there is a chance to finish my career at a high level at Milan I will. I could choose an exotic destination; I’ve always liked MLS.”
Milan sit second in Serie A, 12 points adrift of leaders Napoli, ahead of Tuesday’s clash against Lazio.
In order to serve retail consumers who might not want a rollover of their cocoa bills, the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), the Bank of Ghana, and the commercial banks have reached an agreement that permits banks to utilise COCOBOD’s deposits/placements with the banks.
This comes after the BoG first instructed banks not to reimburse customers for their maturing cocoa bills investments due to COCOBOD’s cash flow issues.
The Central Bank stated in a statement that it anticipates the short-term cash flow issues COCOBOD is currently experiencing would be resolved quickly to allow the cocoa regulator to fulfill its investment responsibilities.
“COCOBOD has assured us that the outlook for the 2023 crop season is good, and Cocoa purchasing are ahead of last year. We therefore expect that this short-term cash flow challenges facing Cocoa Board will be resolved soon to enable COCOBOD to meet its obligations to investors.”
On Thursday, January 19, 2023, a six-month Cocoa bill with face value of ¢940.42 million matured.
The Central Bank said “BoG went through the usual processes to reissue on behalf of COCOBOD a new six-month Cocoa bill to raise funds to cover the maturing obligation, but unfortunately, the auction failed and was severely undersubscribed resulting in a shortfall of¢ 855.42million”.
“At a meeting held on Friday, 20th January 2023 among the banks, COCOBOD and Bank of Ghana, it was agreed that all institutional investors will roll over their maturing cocoa bill for Tender 6155. Financial Institutions have agreed to roll over their cocoa bills investments”, it explained.
It added that “cocoa bills, like the Bank of Ghana bills, were designed as instruments to be held just by financial institutions. Unfortunately, it has come to the notice of the Bank of Ghana that some Financial Institutions sold their instruments to their retail clients. To reduce the cash flow challenges on retail holders of cocoa bills, the Bank of Ghana, COCOBOD and the commercial banks have agreed to allow banks to use COCOBOD’s deposits/placements held at the various banks to cater for retail customers who may not want a rollover of their cocoa bills”.
The Ministry of Health is yet to receive a number of Toyota Hiace Deluxe Ambulances which were initially to be delivered on January 15, 2022.
According to the Auditor-General, the Health Ministry entered a contract signed on 15 December 2021 for the supply of 26 Toyota Hiace Deluxe Ambulances valued at US$4,049,460.12 but made part payment.
An amount of US$607,419.02 out of the total was paid vide PV No. IPF 22-007 of 2 September 2022,” per the report.
It has been over a year since the ambulances were to be delivered and over three months after some payment was made.
Providing reasons for the delay, the Chief Director of the Health Ministry explained that the supplier applied for extension to meet some technical specifications.
It was assumed that the supplier could apply for price variation to unduly increase the cost of the contract which could have been avoided if the ambulances had been supplied as scheduled.
In view of this, additional specifications have been recommended and the contract has therefore been extended to March 2023.
Cognizant of past events, the Auditor-General has instructed the Chief Director to ensure that the ambulances are delivered no further than the extended date of March 2023.
The Auditor-General in its recent report has revealed that an amount of GH¢13,726,079.86 was paid by QHC Project Ltd to the Ministry of Health without recourse to the Minister of Finance and financial assessment by the Debt Management Unit after entering a lease agreement.
The Ministry of Health entered into a 25-year Finance Lease Agreement with QHC Project Limited at a total lease value of GH¢15,265,000.00 in April 2020.
According to the report, the underlying assets were uncompleted buildings in Adaklu in the Volta Region which were managed by QHC Project Ltd.
The buildings were to be used as an isolation centre during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, the Auditor-General found out that the Ministry could not use the facility for the intended purpose and is, therefore, remodelling the building at an additional cost of GH¢20,382,247.70 out of which GH¢13,726,079.86 had been paid.
After a review of the finance lease process, the Auditor-General discovered that “the lease amount was paid to the lessor without recourse to the Minister of Finance and financial assessment by the Debt Management Unit.”
“During our visit to the facility in November 2022, we observed that the remodelling being undertaken by ADB Ghana Ltd. (contractor) had not been completed and the works include remodelling and equipping the existing buildings to be used as holding, treatment and isolation centres,” the report added.
During investigation, the Chief Director of the Ministry of Health is said to have attributed the leasing of uncompleted buildings to the emergency circumstance of the COVID-19 pandemic which necessitated the critical need to open up an Isolation Centre along the Eastern border of the Country to receive patients when the pandemic struck and when positive cases were rising.
For failing to meet the objective of the lease, the Auditor-General has directed the Chief Director of the Ministry of Health should refer the agreement to the Minister of Finance to have the Debt
Management Unit carry out financial assessment, including the option of purchasing the facility outright at a reasonable price and thereafter, secure retroactive approval from the Minister of Finance.
“We also recommended that the Chief Director should negotiate for the unexpired portion of the lease amount to be deducted from the purchase price when outright purchase is considered. We further recommended an investigation into the choice of an uncompleted building during the peak of the pandemic to hold isolated patients,” the report also noted.
Meanwhile, Management has responded that a team from the Ministry of Finance undertook on-site monitoring of the project and added that as recommended, the process for outright purchase is ongoing and that negotiations have been concluded and awaiting the Ministry of Finance & Attorney-Generals’ review and advice.
The Auditor-General’s report has revealed that a transaction by theFinance Ministry in 2020 has caused the government to lose an amount of GH¢1,754,156.25 in taxes.
According to the report, on 6 May 2020, Ministry of Finance paid Smart Infraco Limited GH¢23,388,750 for the provision of Smart Workspace platforms for Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to facilitate Virtual Workspace.
However, the ministry failed to deduct withholding tax of GH¢1,754,156.25 on the payment made to Smart Infraco Limited.
“The Ministry of Finance explained that the amount of GH¢23,388,750.00 was part payment to Smart Infraco Limited and therefore the total tax on the contract sum would be deducted from subsequent payments to the Smart Infraco Limited,” the report added.
The Auditor-General has therefore directed the Ministry of Finance to recover the said amount from the company, as well as pay same to the Commissioner General of Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).
Section 116 of the Income Tax Act, 2015 (Act 896) states that, a resident person, other than an individual, shall withhold tax on the gross amount of the payment at the rate specified in the First Schedule when the person makes a payment to another resident person who does not fall within subsection (1) or Section 114 for (a) the supply or use of goods, (b) the supply of any works, or (c) the supply of services, in respect of a contract between the payee and the resident person.
With regards to further transactions made by the ministry, the report also noted that a total amount of GH¢543,058,709.13 was recorded as expenditure on the Government Integrated Financial Management System (GIFMIS) and lodged in an account.
Out of this account, 194 payment vouchers totalling GH¢543,058,709.13 were processed and paid, the report noted.
The Auditor-General has advised that “payments to service providers and transfers to MDAs in respect of COVID-19 expenditures should be processed and paid through the GIFMIS.”
In 2009, the Ministry of Finance launched the Ghana Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS) with the objective of improving budget comprehensiveness and transparency, consolidated cash management, monitoring and control of outstanding commitments, and payroll management.
The Electricity Company of Ghana is undertaking planned maintenance works and as such some areas in Accra will witness power outage today.
According to the ECG in a public notice, power would be out from 9am to 4pm.
Areas to be affected by the company’s maintenance works include; Teshie Tsuibleoo, Teshie ultimate, Adenta P&T land, Shalom Estate, Teshie first junction, Teshie guess inn, Focus Hospital, Mr Smith, Teshie Camp 2.
The others are Pantang Village, Abokobi, Dodowa town, Appolonia, Saasabi, Oyibi and Adomrebe.
Meanwhile, the ECG has apologised to Ghanaians for the inconvenience caused. It has however promised improved service delivery after its maintenance works.
Following the announcement of the 6th National COVID-19 Vaccination Days, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) reports that it has barely reached 10% of its target.
The Service designated January 20, 2023, through January 24, 2023, as immunization days due to an increase in COVID-19 infections in some countries, notably China.
The service regrets that the attendance has not been very spectacular.
However, Dr. Kwame Amponsa-Achiano, the Service’s programme manager for the Expanded Programme on Immunization, expressed optimism that turnout will increase in an interview with Citi News.
“So far, it’s been fine, not exactly as we expected, but at least it made some inroads. We are happy that some people are taking some vaccines. It’s early days yet, we have data for only day one… If you look at data for day one, we are doing about 10% of our target.”
“That is data from only thirteen regions, we haven’t had the reports from the other three regions yet, so we are still expecting,” Dr. Kwame Amponsa-Achiano stated.
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