Graham Potter believes Reece James has all the attributes to become a Chelsea “legend” after his starring role in a 3-0 Champions League win over AC Milan on Wednesday.
James teed up Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for Chelsea’s second following Wesley Fofana’s opener, before the England international added a third with a fierce close-range strike.
At the age of 22 years and 301 days, he became the youngest Chelsea player to both score and assist a goal in the same Champions League game.
Potter was thrilled with the wing-back’s contribution and is confident he has what it takes to go down as one of the club’s greats.
“I think Reece is just a fantastic player and he’s a young player,” Potter said in a press conference. “He’s developing all the time; he will get better and better as we go.
“I’ve really enjoyed working with him; he’s got a lot to offer. He’s fantastic, he can play in any game in the world, he’s just tremendous.
“He’s so important for us. My job is to try and help him reach his potential and his potential is he could be a Chelsea legend. That’s the level that he has, the potential that he has.
“But for that to happen he has to be part of a successful team and that’s what we’re working towards.”
Fofana’s first-half strike was his first for the club following the defender’s big-money move from Leicester City, but his match ended just 14 minutes later when he hobbled off after hurting his knee in a clash with Milan forward Rafael Leao, who has been touted as a target for the Blues.
Potter was unsure of the severity of the injury and confirmed the 21-year-old will undergo a scan on Thursday.
“We don’t know yet [how serious the injury is], we will do a scan tomorrow,” he added. “Fingers crossed.
“I wouldn’t want to speculate on it now but we’re concerned and hope for the best.
“He’s not had much luck but he’s a young guy, a strong guy. We’ll support him but not too much to report.”
Chelsea host Wolves, who sacked Bruno Lage on Sunday, in the Premier League before travelling to San Siro next week for the reverse fixture with Milan.
Both sides in the two-year long civil war in northern Ethiopia have now agreed to attend peace talks this weekend in South Africa following an invitation by the African Union.
Tigrayan rebelsconfirmed they would take part after the Addis Ababa government confirmed its participation earlier on Wednesday.
The Tigray rebels have however raised some questions about the invited participants, observers, guarantors and the role of the international community.
“Considering we were not consulted prior to the issuance of this invitation, we need clarification to some of the following issues to establish an auspicious start for the peace talks,” said a statement signed by Tigrayan leader Debretsion Gebremichael.
Hearts of Oak combative midfielder Abdul Aziz Nurudeen is set to undergo surgery today after doctors working on him gave him the green light for his surgery to be conducted.
A confirmed medical report indicates that Nurudeen will undergo a thigh surgery at the Netcare Linksfield clinic in South Africa on Thursday, October 6, 2022. The pre -surgery formalities on the player were conducted on 27th September 2022.
The medical team to conduct the surgery will be led by experienced surgeon, Dr. McCready. The doctor who operated on both Lawali and Daniel Kodie.
He is expected to stay in South Africa for his recuperation after which he will return to Ghana to continue with his rehabilitation.
Ahead of the surgery, Nurudeen has expressed his happiness for the scheduled surgery.
“I am not happy to be sitting out of the games. That is what I am paid for. My desire is to always get onto the pitch and get the work done. But I also admit that injuries are a part of the game,” he told the club’s website.
“This is certainly good news for my career. Hopefully it will all go well and I will go through the process and get back stronger for my team and country.”
Nurudeen added, “I need the prayers of all Phobians. To the leaders of the team, most especially the Board Chairman, I say a big thank you for making sure that this has happened.
“I am most grateful to all. I pray God gives me the strength to be back stronger than I was so I can contribute positively to this team” the player said.
“To my team mates, I want to assure them that I truly acknowledge their support and assure them that hopefully I will join them soon. To the teaming fans, I will say “I will be back to support my team to win more laurels.”
Until his injury, Nurudeen was a key figure in Hearts’ squad and was expected to lead the defensive midfield role in Ghana’s CHAN team, the Black Galaxies.
Toni Kroos insists Real Madrid want to secure qualification for the Champions League knockout phase “as soon as possible” following victory over Shakhtar Donetsk.
The holders maintained their 100 per cent start in Group F with first-half goals from Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior sealing a 2-1 win at Santiago Bernabeu.
Despite converting just two of their 36 shots on goal, Madrid moved five points clear at the group summit after winning their opening three games in the competition for the first time since the 2014-15 campaign.
Los Blancos could book their place in the last 16 with victory over Shakhtar in the return fixture in Warsaw next week, which would be the ideal scenario for Kroos.
“The idea is to finish the group as soon as possible,” the midfielder told Movistar+. “We have nine points out of nine, we have played three very good games, and we want another victory in Warsaw.
“There are days when the ball does not want to enter, it has been a game to win 7-1 or something. But in the end, it is three points, and it has been a deserved victory.
“In the end, it’s hard to believe we won only 2-1, but there are days like that. The ball will go in over the next few games.”
Head coach Carlo Ancelottiwarned his players against complacency after they were pegged back against the run of play by Oleksandr Zubkov’s spectacular strike.
But the Italian was thrilled at seeing his side creating so many chances; Madrid only registering more shots on goal in a single Champions League match against Roma in March 2016.
“[I am] satisfied because I think we played very well; the front three combined very well in front, pressing more,” Ancelotti added. “We have had many opportunities, but we have not succeeded. The important thing was to have opportunities.
“We have lowered the intensity [at 2-0 up]; we thought we were comfortable. I gave a call for attention at half-time because the game was not over.
“It’s pretty normal that it can happen. We were playing very well, it seemed easy, but these were the dangerous matches. You get ahead of yourself.
“I think it’s important to leave this group behind next week, so we can focus on the league.”
Rwandan prosecutors are requesting 16 years in prison for Dieudonné Kagame Ishimwe, the Rwanda beauty pageant organiser accused of sexual abuse, local media report.
His trial started on Wednesday, but a judge immediately decided it would be held behind closed doors despite the defendant’s wish for it to be open to the public.
Mr Ishimwe is accused of soliciting or offering sexual favours and harassing some contestants in the Miss Rwanda contest.
He denies both charges.
Mr Ishimwe was arrested in May after one of the beauty contestants made the accusations against him.
The authorities have since suspended the pageant.
The court is expected to decide on the case later this month.
The authorities in Zambia have charged a former health minister with corruption.
Chitalu Chilufya is accused of conspiracy to defraud the state $17m (£15m) over the supply of health kits when he served as minister in the last administration, according to a statement by the anti-corruption commission.
He was charged alongside former permanent secretary Mulalelo Kakulubelwa and three directors of a local pharmacy.
They were among prominent personalities arrested on Wednesday over various alleged offenses.
Opposition politician Kelvin Bwalya Fube was arrested by the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) for alleged failure to report a suspicious transaction, contrary to money-laundering laws.
Journalist Margaret Musonda was arrested for being in possession of property worth over $1.1m suspected of being proceeds of crime.
They have not pleaded to the charges and were released on bond.
Dusan Vlahovic said he was “honoured” to play alongside Angel Di Maria after the Argentina international claimed three assists in Juventus’ Champions League win over Maccabi Haifa.
Adrien Rabiot scored a brace either side of Vlahovic’s cool second-half finish as Juventus triumphed 3-1 to boost their hopes of progressing from Group H on Wednesday, but Di Maria was the star of the show.
At 34 years and 233 days old, Di Maria became the oldest player to record a hat-trick of assists in the Champions League since data began in 2003-04, as well as the first player to do so for an Italian club.
Since Di Maria made his first Champions League appearance in the 2007-08 season, meanwhile, only Lionel Messi can match his tally of 35 assists in the competition.
Asked about Di Maria’s influence by Sky Sports, Vlahovic said: “I don’t know what to say. I am honoured to have the opportunity to play with him, to see him every day, to learn from him. I would like to make the most of my moments with him on the pitch.”
Vlahovic was pleased to see Juventusend a three-match losing streak in the Champions League, but saw room for improvement in his own performance.
“I could do better and do more,” he added. “I had to make better use of the assists of my team-mates, but we won. We have to improve and work with our heads down in silence.
“Attackers live on goals. I am always focused on the team, then the goals come as a consequence.
“If I think I have to do something, I just put weight on myself and I don’t do things with clarity. I have to be more calm and focused.”
Meanwhile, under-pressure Bianconeri coach Massimiliano Allegri praised Di Maria’s display, but was concerned by his team’s lack of control in the final 15 minutes.
“Di Maria is good, the important thing is to get the ball to him, the first and second assists were of excellent craftsmanship,” he said in his post-match news conference.
“The boys immediately realised that you cannot not play for a quarter of an hour. The games must be closed earlier, this does not mean to stop playing, but to play less and be more bad.
“We were too light, then the games are about psychology, and we risked 2-2. This doesn’t have to happen.
“The defensive phase is a mental issue. Everything seemed easy, we gave up as a team. We didn’t foul [ahead of] their goal, that’s not good. Goal difference will also be important.”
Looking ahead to next week’s return fixture in Israel, two-goal hero Rabiot said: “We will have to be concentrated, but with this attitude, I am convinced that we will win. We must continue like this.
“I’m happy to have scored, but it’s more important to win, and tonight we did it well. We played well – a little less in the second half – but we’re on the right path.”
A witness testifying at the trial of Félicien Kabugafor his role in the 1994 Rwandan genocide, which got underway last week at a United Nations tribunal in The Hague, said on Wednesday that he should have stopped the propaganda broadcast on his radio station calling for the killing of Tutsis.
Kabuga is being charged with three counts of genocide and two counts of crimes against humanity. In his late 80s, he was captured in Paris two years ago after decades on the run.
He initially refused to appear before the UN court but was in attendance at the proceedings on Wednesday for the first time.
‘I note the presence of Mr. Kabuga this morning by video link from the UN detention unit. I confirm having been advised that he is able to view the proceedings and to hear them in the Kinyarwanda language, said the presiding judge, Iain Bonomy.
Killing spree
In 1994, over a period of about 100 days, ruling Hutu majority extremists killed more than 800,000 minority Tutsis and moderate Hutus.
Prosecutors accuse Kabuga of using his infamous radio station, Radio Television Libre des Milles Collines, to fuel the genocide.
The anonymous witness, who worked at the Rwandan Ministry of Information at the time, told the court that if one is in charge of an institution and members of that institution commit faults, the chief is the first one to be responsible
‘The chairman of the RTLM was indeed the first person who needed to make sure that the sub-paragraph of the article in question was complied with by the staff,’ the witness said.
Despite warnings from the Rwandan Ministry of Information, the witness continued, the ‘RTLM did not correct anything but rather redoubled its efforts to propagate its divisionist propaganda’.
‘This hatred and division continued to such an extent that members of the Tutsi population were killed throughout the country,’ the person added.
Kabuga has pleaded not guilty to the charges. The trial will likely last for months with prosecutors expected to call more than 50 witnesses.
Kyle Walker’s availability for the World Cupis up in the air after Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola declared the England right-back suffered an abdominal injury that will keep him out “for a while”.
Walker, 32, was substituted in the first half of City’s 6-3 derby win against Manchester United on Sunday after making his seventh start from his side’s eight Premier League fixtures this campaign.
He also started four of England’s six UEFA Nations League games since the beginning of June, resulting in three defeats and a draw.
However, Walker is now set for “weeks” on the sidelines in the shadows of the World Cup, according to Guardiola.
“[He will be out] for a while,” he told reporters following City’s 5-0 Champions League thrashing of Copenhagen on Wednesday. “I don’t know exactly, but weeks.
“Something abdominal, so he will be a while. We don’t know how long. Maybe the club will make a statement in the next day, but for a while he will be out.
“I don’t know [about availability for the World Cup]. I cannot say anything else, I don’t know.”
AC Milanmanager Stefano Pioli rued his side’s poor play in Wednesday’s 3-0 loss against Chelsea, saying the kind of mistakes made by his team “cannot be committed in the Champions League”.
The scoring was opened by Chelsea’s big-money signing in the middle of defence, with Wesley Fofanascrapping home a loose ball in the box following a corner in the 24th minute.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Reece James then put the game to bed in the second half with goals in the 56th and 61st minutes respectively, and they were able to restrict the visiting Italians to one shot on target for the entire game.
Pioli lamented his side’s mistakes, saying teams in the Champions League will always punish you.
“Errors? It is true that they cannot be committed in the Champions League,” he told reporters. “We forced choices that weren’t forced. We have lost our distance. It is a pity because, beyond their qualities, we could have done something more.
“It has nothing to do with little experience, it has nothing to do with those who were not there. We had to be more lucid, in ball recovery and aggression, we had to do better.
“The second goal changed our attitude, our mentality. We weren’t able to stay as a team as we usually do. At these levels you pay dearly for these things.”
He added on Sky Sports: “We had to do better. It’s clear that when you make so many technical mistakes you allow opponents to put you in difficulty.
“I think the team was ready to play this type of match. There were spaces to be more precise and we gave too much field to the opponents.
“Defeats must help us grow. The locker room was rightly disappointed and angry, but this will give us great motivation and drive.”
This result leaves Chelsea and Milan both on four points in Group E, trailing undefeated Salzburg (one win, two draws).
The defeat marked the sixth time in the competition that Milan have lost by three goals or more and the first time since March 2014 against Atletico Madrid.
The attack committed by jihadists at the end of September in Gaskindé in northern Burkina Faso, killed 37 people, 27 soldiers, and ten civilians, announced Wednesday at the headquarters of the Burkinabe army.
“The combing and search operations carried out” since the attack “has resulted in the following toll: 10 civilians killed, 27 soldiers killed, 29 wounded, including 21 soldiers, seven civilians, and a volunteer for the defense of the country”, a deputy of the army, according to the headquarters, which said that three people are “still missing”.
The 27 soldiers killed will be buried Friday in Ouagadougou.
On September 26, a supply convoy bound for the town of Djibo, the capital of the Sahel region in the north of the country, was attacked by gunmen.
In a statement posted on social media and authenticated by the U.S. SITE jihadist monitoring center, the al-Qaeda-affiliated Islamic and Muslim Support Group (GSIM) claimed responsibility for the ambush.
The army-escorted convoys supply northern towns under blockade by jihadist groups that have recently blown up bridges on major highways.
The town of Djibo, which had not seen a road supply convoy arrive for some 40 days, according to the transporters’ union, was supplied by helicopter on Tuesday with 70 tons of food, according to the army.
Burkina Faso was the scene of a putsch on Friday, eight months after a first coup.
Captain Ibrahim Traoré, the new strongman of Burkina Faso, overthrew Lieutenant Colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, blaming him in particular for the lack of results in the fight against jihadists.
Since 2015, regular attacks by armed movements affiliated with al-Qaeda and the Islamic State (IS) group have killed thousands and displaced some two million people.
Paris Saint-Germain head coach Christophe Galtier said his players held a “feeling of frustration” after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Benfica in the Champions League.
Lionel Messibecame the first player to score against 40 different sides in the Champions League with a superb 22nd-minute strike, but a Danilo Pereira own goal ensured the teams went into half-time level.
Despite the French champions having the better chances in the second half, they failed to find a winner as they took just a point back to Paris, though they remain top of Group H on goals scored.
PSG have now won just once in their last seven away Champions League matches and are without a clean sheet in their last 11 games in the competition, and Galtier told RMC Sport: “There is a feeling of frustration among the players because they have made a lot of effort.
“We had chances in both periods, even if Benfica had some in the first period and that our goalkeeper was busy and efficient. They were quite dangerous.
“We had a fairly good technical mastery with a lot of people up front. In the first half, we didn’t have many chances, even though we scored a wonderful goal.
“In the second half, we asked the boys to have more mobility, more depth and more input from the wings. We had a good second half.”
PSG finished with 15 shots to Benfica’s eight and completed 700 passes, yet for all their firepower were held firm by the team that will visit Parc des Princes next week.
Messi appeared to be a possible doubt for the return fixture, when he made way with 10 minutes remaining for Pablo Sarabia despite PSG chasing a winner, but Galtier eased any fears of an injury.
“After making a sprint, he [Messi] felt tired,” Galtier added. “He came off, because he felt tired and a fresh team-mate was much better at that moment in the game.”
With the World Cupin Qatar starting in a little over six weeks, European football’s biggest clubs are experiencing an even tighter schedule than usual.
While acknowledging the season is a unique one, Galtier warned his players are paying the price for the congestion.
“It’s a very special season, there is fatigue, breakage,” he added. “Today we lost Nuno Mendes and we realise that, in this overloaded calendar, there are a lot muscular incidents and injuries.”
Captain Ibrahim Traoré has been appointed president of Burkina Faso.
His appointment on Wednesday comes less than a week after the latest coup in the West African country, the second in less than nine months.
“The President of the Patriotic Movement for Safeguarding and Restoration (MPSR) will serve as Head of State and Supreme Commander of the National Armed Forces. He is the guarantor of the independence of the judiciary. If the President is unable to act, his powers are exercised by the First Vice-President and, if necessary, by the Second Vice-President”, said Captain Kiswendsida Farouk Azaria Sorgho, spokesperson for the Patriotic Movement for Safeguarding and Restoration (MPSR), speaking on national television.
Burkina Faso plunged into turmoil last weekend when Lieutenant-Colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba — who had seized power in January — was toppled by newly emerged rival Ibahim Traoré who headed a faction of disgruntled junior officers.
Earlier this week, delegates from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) visited the country on a fact-finding mission and held meetings with religious and traditional leaders as well as the new military ruler.
The National House of Chiefs has called on President Akufo-Addo to pay them economic, sitting and traveling allowances amidst current economic hardship.
President of the National House of Chiefs, Ogyeahohoo Yaw Gyebi II who spoke on behalf of the chiefs when they gathered at Manhyia on Wednesday, October 5, to address illegal mining activities in the country said government needed to pay the outstanding quarterly allowances owed them.
“We urgently appeal to your government to pay Nananom’s outstanding quarterly allowances. We also demand economic, sitting and traveling allowances to reflect present-day economic conditions.”
Ghana’s economy has fared badly in the last couple of months with economists pointing to record high inflation rates, fuel price hikes, and the Cedi depreciation as the basis for their claim.
Government has consistently blamed the situation on the ravages of Covid-19 and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war but has assured that it is implementing measures to mitigate the impact such as seeking an IMF programme in the interim.
Amidst the downturn, Ghanaians have lamented the impact the economic situation is having on their cost of living.
In view of this assertion, Ogyeahohoo Yaw Gyebi II has urged Russia, being led by President Vladimir Putin to cease fire in the ongoing Ukraine invasion.
The last 23 hostages held by gunmen who carried out a major attack on a train in northwestern Nigeria at the end of March have regained their freedom, authorities in Africa’s most populous country announced Wednesday.
Nigeria, which is preparing to elect a new president on February 25, is plagued by widespread insecurity. Criminal groups are attacking villages almost daily, stealing cattle and kidnapping local officials on the roads or travelers for ransom in the northwest and central parts of the country.
On March 28, eight people were killed and dozens abducted when assailants detonated a bomb on a railway track and opened fire on the train from the capital Abuja to Kaduna.
Six months later, the authorities announced that they had secured the release of the “last 23 passengers” still being held hostage, in a statement signed by the head of the Defence Staff Action Committee, Usman Yusuf.
Contacted by AFP, the head of security in Kaduna State Samuel Aruwan confirmed the release of the hostages and their care by the authorities.
No jihadist group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack.
The criminal gangs in the northwest operate for financial reasons, with no ideological claims. However, recent alliances between bandits and jihadists are raising many concerns.
Several security sources believe that fighters from the jihadist group Ansaru, affiliated with al-Qaeda, cooperated with criminal gangs in the train attack.
Ansaru, which split from Boko Haram in 2012, is the only known jihadist group based in the northwest for several years.
Nigerian authorities refer to an attack carried out “by Boko Haram terrorists,” but they generally use the term “Boko Haram” to refer indiscriminately to all jihadist groups present in Nigeria.
In early August, Nigerian President Muhammadu Buharisaid that 31 passengers were still being held hostage, but that the use of force to free them had been ruled out.
The kidnappers had demanded in several videos the release of some of their imprisoned commanders in exchange for the hostages. On several occasions, they had threatened to execute the captives while releasing some of them.
Security is a major issue in the presidential election to be held on February 25.
President Buhari is completing his second term in office and has been criticized by many for his inability to curb the rampant violence of criminal, jihadist and separatist groups across the country.
The Nigerian army is deployed on multiple fronts, notably in the northeast, the scene of a jihadist insurgency for more than 13 years that has left more than 40,000 dead and two million displaced.
It is also fighting criminal groups in the northwest and a separatist insurgency in the southeast.
Roma head coach Jose Mourinho says he is not thinking about breaking Sir Alex Ferguson’s mark for winning the most European competition games during the Champions League era.
Mourinho matched former Manchester United boss Ferguson with 106 victories in the Champions League and Europa League when he led Roma past HJK 2-1 in the Europa League last month.
Only Carlo Ancelotti has more victories (120), with the era dating back to the Champions League’s introduction in 1992.
Ferguson and Mourinho had a tense rivalry during the Scot’s latter days at Old Trafford, spawning from the Portuguese’s breakout stint at Porto before regularly locking horns during his first spell at Chelsea.
The Portuguese, who led the Italian club to Conference League glory last term, can surpass the former Manchester United manager when Roma take on Real Betis in the Europa League on Thursday.
“It’s not an extra motivation,” Mourinho told reporters. “I am proud of the 106, and when the 107th arrives, either tomorrow or next week, I don’t know, but when it comes it’ll be a proud moment in my career.
“I’ve always said that I’ll think about this kind of thing when I finish my career. When I finish my career I have so many things to think about and remember, but at this moment, no.
“Right now, the only thing that I am worried about is winning the next game, I’m always [thinking about] the next one and the next one is tomorrow.
“As I said before, it will certainly be difficult, it is a high-level game, very high. But there’s no such thing as winning one more game than Sir Alex.
“This is not [why I want to win]. I want to win because we need to.”
Mourinho has won 85 Champions League games and 21 Europa League games, compared to Ferguson’s 105 wins in Europe’s top club competition along with one UEFA Cup (Europa League) victory.
The former Inter, Real Madrid and Porto boss has two Champions League titles and two Europa League titles to his name, the latter with United. Ferguson, who retired in 2013, lifted the Champions League three times.
Ancelotti, who has won the Champions League four times, moved to 103 Champions League wins with Madrid’s 2-1 triumph over Shakhtar Donetsk, while he has 13 Europa League wins too.
Mourinho: “Dybala is okay, he’s in good shape and he will play tomorrow.
“It’s going to be a tough game for us – they won a trophy in Spain last year, and that’s never easy if you are not one of the three big clubs there.”#ASRoma#UEL#RomaBetis
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand declared “we haven’t seen” a player like Jude Bellingham at his age after the Borussia Dortmund teenager helped guide his team to a 4-1 Champions League win at Sevilla.
Bellingham scored one and assisted one as Dortmundeased to victory in Spain on Wednesday, with other goals coming from Raphael Guerreiro, Karim Adeyemi and Julian Brandt, while Youssef En-Nesyri pulled one back for the hosts.
Bellingham, 19, who captained the Bundesliga side, became just the second teenager to score in the first three games of a Champions League campaign.
The only other player to achieve that feat is his former BVB team-mate Erling Haaland, who did so with Salzburg in the 2019-20 season.
Bellingham’s tally of three Champions League goals this season is already a joint-high among English teenagers for a single campaign, along with Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney, back in 2004-05.
“What he’s doing in his position at his age, we haven’t seen,” Ferdinand said, working as a pundit for BT Sport.
“The best of our generation, [Frank] Lampard, [Steven] Gerrard, [Paul] Scholes, [Patrick] Vieira, Roy Keane, they weren’t doing this.
“He’s still got to go on and prove it over a long period of time, but they weren’t doing what he is doing right now [at the same age].
“Influencing games at this level, captaining teams at this level, and mentally this kid’s a beast.”
Fellow pundit and former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole added: “Along with Erling Haaland, he’s the best young player in the world, that’s for sure.
“I watched him play for England over the two [Nations League] games [against Italy and Germany] and he was our best player.
“His dad I believe was a semi-pro footballer so he’s obviously been guided right… When we grew up with Frank [Lampard] and his dad was a footballer obviously, a top footballer, and Frank had this maturity about him… Bellingham’s got that as well, coupled with his undoubted God-given talent and his drive, he’s unstoppable.”
Bellingham has long been linked with a move back to England, having joined Dortmund from Birmingham City in 2020, with Liverpool, Manchester City, United and Chelsea all reportedly keeping an eye on developments, along with LaLiga giants Real Madrid.
“One thing that’s for sure – whoever gets him – is [his] temperament,” Ferdinand said.
“When you’re making big transfers and big moves like that in the spotlight, temperament is a key element you need to get right. This kid has already proved that it isn’t a question mark.”
Over the weekend, Counselor George Lutterodt disclosed that his Non-Governmental Organisation, The Counselor Lutterodt Foundation, led by one Miss Ofran, has won an award in the United States of America.
The controversial counsellor in an interview with GhanaWeb mentioned that the prestigious award scheme recognised their female president for her humanitarian work for society.
“The president of this foundation who was appointed in 2019 as the chairperson and the president of the organisation in the United States of America. Miss Yaa Ofran happens to win the first award of the foundation in this year’s 11th Edition of the 3G Media Awards.
“One of the biggest awards schemes in the United States of America. It recognised the Humanitarian Services that this woman has been doing, and based on it, they decided to acknowledge her by giving her an award and the foundation as a whole.”
As per Mr Lutterodt, the association in 2021 was also recognised with a citation and two honours that were presented to the president and executive president in NewYork.
“This happens to be the second award to be received in America, A citation of Honour was received the last year 2021, in November in new jersey for our humanitarian service and this year the President and the Chairperson have also won the humanitarian award on behalf of the foundation.
“This took place in New York on October 1, 2022. We are grateful to God and thankful to organisers and Miss Yaa Ofran the award winner,” he added.
Background
The Counselor Lutterodt Foundation was established in 2015 and gained recognition in the United States with the Revenue Authority to have the 501C tax clearance identification.
The tax-paying, non-governmental organization, was set up to help the needy, people living with cerebral palsy, diabetes, asthma, and mother and child support. The foundation aims at helping to build a better health situation in Ghana and beyond.
American rapper, Usher Raymond, has been spotted roller skating wearing a yellow shirt with the ‘Gye Nyame’ symbol boldly imprinted on it.
In a video post shared on dance page, Chopdaily, Usher performed several dance steps while leading a group of young men who micmicked his dance moves in smooth sailing..
This will be the first ever video shared of the artiste since he left Ghana after his massive performance at the Global Citizen Festival that took place at Independence Square on September 24, 2022.
Usher travelled from America to Ghana with a female vocalist, SZA with whom he toured Chorkor and its environs.
The artistes met and greeted people in their various households and spent time with some basic school pupils.
Reports noted that the showbiz personalities were at Chorkor on the ticket of an NGO to support the goal of the Global Citizen Festivals, which was to help the poor and end poverty ‘NOW’.
Davido disclosed that it was through friends that his father got to know about his passion for music.
Although his family had laid down rules regarding career and work, such that whenever each of them graduate from the University, his father either employs them in one of his companies or gets the person a job in a firm owned by one of his rich friends.
He noted that he was the first person to break away and venture into entertainment.
It is a no-brainer that celebrities are often provided special treatment wherever they go.
From special seats reserved at events and even being the preferred customers to be served first, these individuals are given the advantage of being a priority.
In recent times, some Ghanaian celebrities have publicized their various encounters with strangers who have offered them favours without hesitation.
The likes of popular media personality, Bridget Ottoo, and actress LydiaForson have narrated stories of how some total strangers have either rescued them from tight situations or offered them thoughtful gestures.
In one of the above events, however, there has been the intent to reward the ‘Good Samaritan’.
The actress in a series of tweets detailed that a mystery man paid for all the items she bought from a shop and also appreciated her activism on social media.
The outspoken actress in a detailed narration of the encounter on social media, said although she insisted on paying for her items, the man’s inflexible desire to take care of the bill made her give in eventually.
“To the kind gentleman who paid for my groceries today, wheeled my cart to the car, and left without asking for anything in return, I just want to say THANK YOU. The last thing he said before leaving was ‘I just need you to know some of us see and appreciate everything you do,” she stated on Twitter.
To the kind gentleman who paid for my groceries today, wheeled my cart to the car,and left without asking for anything in return,I just want to say THANK YOU.
The last thing he said before leaving was “ I just need you to know some of us see and appreciate everything you do.”🥺
“I fell sick while driving home a few days ago and needed water, I had no physical cash on me except momo. I was also embarrassed to ask those in traffic, I mean who would take momo for just 2 cedis water? I began to dehydrate more, I had passed at least 4 bottle water sellers on the kpone stretch, then I saw this young lady, I whispered that I wanted water and can only pay via momo. She declined the momo and gave me the water when she saw the state I was in. I drank the water, washed my face, and rested a bit. She didn’t want me to pay, so I insisted on taking her number to thank her later.
“I drove off thanking God and thinking how this girl saved me in ways she would never know. I called her the next morning to thank her and went ahead to send her momo to show just how grateful I am. she called back, shocked and happy,” she stated on Facebook.
To reciprocate her kindness, Bridget said she intends to make an impact in her life.
“We had a long conversation and I discovered she’s an SHS dropout, she’s agreed to meet me to talk and I honestly can’t wait to see where this goes, I hope I can also make an impact in her life. The people with the least can be so kind. I’m grateful to Portia,” she added.
Sulemana Abdul Samed, reportedly Ghana’s tallest man as he stands 9.6 feet tall, has disclosed plans to settle down and raise a family.
Nicknamed “Awuche,” Sulemana hails from Gambaga in the North East Region.
Speaking on BBC News Pidgin in October this year, he said: “I have plans of getting married, taking a wife and giving birth to see how my children will look like.”
The supposed tallest man in Ghana intimated that he is okay with his physical outlook.
“This is how Allah chooses it for me and then, I am okay. I don’t have a problem with the way God has created me.”
Awuche has become a photo icon in his community, attracting several women who go crazy over his height.
“When ladies want to take a photo with me, they normally want me to put myself on them…to hold them so that they can feel they are taking a picture with the tallest man. Every three to four months, I grow tall,” he told BBC.
In the said video, which has been making rounds on the internet, the unidentified man ruthlessly flogged the baby, while he helplessly cried in the video.
The ‘barbaric’ nature of the abuse has since sparked fury among social media users who have drawn the attention of the police.
Sonnie Badu, who also seems disgusted by the act, has waded into this conversation.
The US-based Ghanaian pastor has called for the arrest of all persons involved, including those who sat aloof and watched the incident happen.
“I can’t play the full video as I’m already full of tears. Please arrest all three men! The one abusing the child, the one videoing it, and the one sitting down,” he wrote on Instagram.
Meanwhile, the police have responded to the several calls while stating that efforts are underway to track down the individual involved, have him arrested, and rescue the child.
The institution has also announced a reward of GH₵2,000 for anyone who is able to provide credible information that could lead to the arrest of the male adult involved in the act.
Two opposition MPs are to spend more time in detention after a magistrate denied them bail in a case which has attracted public attention and criticism.
Job Sikhala and Godfrey Sithole have been in pre-trial detention since June, when they were arrested and charged with inciting people to commit public violence.
Copyright: Zimbabwe parliament
Image caption: Godfrey Sithole serves the constituency of Chitungwiza North
It followed clashes between members of the ruling party and opposition at a funeral wake. They deny the charges.
The opposition Citizens Coalition for Change has accused the government of weaponising the law against its members. More than a dozen others face similar charges.
Repeated requests for bail have been rejected at both the magistrates’ and high courts, prompting an outcry.
On Wednesday the magistrate rejected the latest bail application in which the defence had argued changed circumstances, including a public petition with more than 48,000 signatures to President Emmerson Mnangagwa calling for their release.
The defence also argued that the continued detention was more political than legal, echoing concerns expressed by groups such as Amnesty International that it was unjust.
The court ruled on Wednesday that public opinion was not fact and that it would not be swayed by it or be dragged into political issues.
Some of the world’s top oil-producing countries have agreed to cut the amount they export in a decision expected to raise petrol prices around the world.
Members of Opec+ – a group that includes Saudi Arabia and Russia – said they would slash production by two million barrels per day.
The group said it wanted to stabilise prices, which have fallen in recent months as the world economy slows.
But the decision raised fears that prices for motorists will climb.
Expectations that countries were planning to pump less had already pushed oil prices higher this week, including by almost 2% to more than $93 a barrel on Wednesday.
A spokesman for the RAC motoring group said the reduction announced Wednesday would “inevitably” lead to higher oil prices, forcing up the wholesale cost of fuel.
“The question is when, and to what extent, retailers choose to pass these increased costs on at their forecourts,” spokesman Simon Williams said.
It comes despite pleas from the US and others to pump more, after oil prices spiked this spring when the war in Ukraine disrupted supplies.
In a statement, the White House said US President Joe Biden was “disappointed by the short-sighted decision”. The US pledged to continue to release oil from national stockpiles “as appropriate” and look at other ways to try to rein in prices at the pump.
The move is also likely to disrupt US-led efforts to set a price cap for oil from Russia, a plan the US had suggested as a way to limit money flowing into the country and being put toward military use.
Opec members defended their decision as a response to significant “uncertainty” about future demand for oil, amid fears that the global economy is headed to a recession.
“The decision is technical, not political,” United Arab Emirates Energy Minister Suhail al-Mazroui told reporters as Opec+ members gathered in Vienna to discuss the plans.
Boxers from the two nations were banned from competition in March following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The International Boxing Association’s president is Russian Umar Kremlev and it counts Russian state-backed energy giant Gazprom among its chief sponsors.
In a statement, it said it “strongly believes that politics shouldn’t have any influence on sports”.
Adding it remained “politically neutral and independent”, the IBA – formerly known as the AIBA – added: “IBA calls for peace and remains a peacemaker in any conflicts. Moreover, the IBA has obligation to ensure equal treatment towards the athletes and competition officials, regardless of their nationality and residence.
“Both Russian and Belarus teams will be able to perform under their flags, and the national anthems will be played in case they win a gold medal.
“According to the decision, the technical officials of Russia and Belarus will also be back in the competitions.”
On Friday, the IBA suspended the Ukrainian boxing federation after it had written to IBA members calling for Kremlev to resign or be voted out of office.
The IBA does not recognise Kyrylo Shevchenko as the Ukrainian federation’s president, insisting it is Volodymyr Prodyvus, an ally of Kremlev who left Ukraine after the Russian invasion.
Two days later, IBA delegates voted to reject a proposal to hold new presidential elections, with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) saying it was “extremely concerned” by the result.
The IBA was stripped of involvement in last year’s Tokyo Olympics because of governance, finance, refereeing and ethical issues, while it will also not be involved in the running of qualification events or competitions at the Paris 2024 Games.
Boxing was left off the initial list of sports for the 2028 Games.
As managers, Sir Alex Ferguson and Jose Mourinho won dozens of trophies and now they can claim another accolade because two of their famous phrases have made it into the Oxford English Dictionary (OED).
They are part of 15 football terms added before the men’s Fifa World Cupstarts next month.
Origin: The name of Johan Cruyff (1947-2016), Dutch association footballer and manager + TURN n.
A manoeuvre used by one player to evade another, in which the player with the ball feints a pass while facing in one direction before immediately dragging the ball behind and across his or her standing leg with the other foot, turning, and moving away in the opposite direction.
False nine
A centre forward who often drops further towards midfield than is typical of this role, becoming more involved in creative play and leaving space for team-mates to attack; (also) the position occupied by such a player.
Gegenpressing
Origin: A borrowing from German.
A style of play in which a team upon losing possession puts immediate and intensive pressure on the opposition, even deep in the opposition’s half, in an attempt to regain the ball at the earliest opportunity, prevent the opposing team from capitalising on possession, and force mistakes in dangerous positions.
Panenka
Origin: The name of Antonín Panenka (b. 1948), Czech association footballer who scored a penalty of this type in the final of the 1976 UEFA European Championship.
A penalty kick in which the taker lightly chips the ball into the centre of the goal at the moment that the goalkeeper dives to one side. Frequently (and in earliest use) as a modifier, as in Panenka penalty, Panenka chip, etc.
Park the bus
Origin: Originally after Portuguese estacionar o autocarro (Jose Mourinho)
To play in a very defensive way, typically by having the majority of outfield players close to their own goal and showing little attacking intent.
Mourinho claimed that this is what Spurs had done against his Chelsea team in 2004, playing in such a negative way that they might as well have put their team coach in the goalmouth.
The original wording was “they brought the bus and left the bus in front of the goal as we say in my country”.
Rabona
Origin: Argentinian Spanish rabona, short for hacerse la rabona to play truant (1876 or earlier)
An unorthodox way of kicking a ball in which the kicking leg crosses behind the standing leg before making contact; (also) a pass, cross, etc., made in this way. Frequently as a modifier, as in rabona cross, rabona goal, etc.
Outfield
The area of the pitch away from the goals, or from the opposition’s goal. Now chiefly as a modifier, designating a player other than a goalkeeper.
Over the top
In sporting contexts: up and over the top of a person or thing; over the head of an opposing player.
Row Z
The very back of a theatre, stadium, etc.; spec. (Sport, esp. Association Football) a notional area high and far back in the stadium humorously said to be the destination of a powerful but inelegant clearance, wildly misdirected shot, etc.
Squeaky bum time
Origin: The term was coined by Sir Alex Ferguson, then manager of the Association Football club Manchester United in 2003, with reference to his team challenging for the title in the closing stages of the English Premier League season.
A particularly tense period of time, esp. one leading up to the climax of a competition or event.
Tiki-taka
Origin: A borrowing from Spanish.
A style of play characterised by highly accurate short passing and an emphasis on retaining possession of the ball.
Top-scoring
Achieving a higher score than other participants in a sporting event, or (more generally) another event in which scores or grades are awarded.
Total football
Origin: After Dutch totaalvoetbal.
An attacking style of football in which every outfield player is able to play in any position as required during the course of a game, to allow fluid movement around the pitch while retaining the team’s overall structure as players exchange positions and fill spaces left by others.
Trequartista
Origin: A borrowing from Italian.
An attacking player who operates in the space between the midfielders and the strikers and whose primary role is to create opportunities for team-mates to score.
Zonal marking
A system of defensive play in which an individual player is assigned a particular area on the field of play to defend.
Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper will remain in his role following meetings at the club.
The 42-year-old’s position was in doubt after his side fell to the bottom of the Premier League following Monday’s 4-0 loss to Leicester.
However, it has been decided he should be given more time in recognition of his achievement in getting Forestpromoted after a 23-year absence.
The club have also named Filippo Giraldi as sporting director.
Giraldi’s appointment is viewed as an attempt to guide the club through their current difficulties and give them the structures needed to progress as a Premier League club.
Cooper was appointed manager in September 2021 and took them back to the top flight for the first time since 1999 at the end of his first season in charge.
He then spent £145m on 21 players in the summer transfer window.
Despite the heavy spending, Forest have won just once in the league this season, with Monday’s defeat at the King Power Stadium their fifth loss in a row.
Italian Giraldi spent nine years at Watford, initially as a chief scout before moving into the technical director role in 2014.
It is felt his experience will prove invaluable in ensuring Forest have the best possible chance of avoiding an immediate return to the Championship.
Formula 1’s governing body has delayed the publication of its inquiries into whether any team breached the sport’s budget cap last year.
The FIA told F1 teams last week that it planned to issue certificates of compliance or otherwise on 5 October.
But the FIA said in a statement on Wednesday that it was “a long and complex process that is ongoing”.
It would be “concluded to enable the release of the certificates on Monday, 10 October,” the statement said.
The delay is likely to infuriate the teams, who are all in Japan ahead of this weekend’s Grand Prix at Suzuka.
Japan is eight hours ahead of UK time and teams had been waiting for an announcement of the FIA’s results so they could issue their responses. The statement was not released until just before 16:00 in the UK, which is midnight in Japan.
And the new publication date means that it will be made public whether teams have been found in compliance on the day most are flying back to Europe from Japan.
Wednesday’s delay is the fourth time the FIA has given teams a date only to push it back.
At first, teams were told the results would be published on Friday 30 September, then Monday 3 October, then 5 October.
The issue has become a contentious one in F1, after Mercedes and Ferrari said at the Singapore Grand Prix last weekend that it was an open secret within the sport that two teams had broken the $145m (£114m) cap.
Neither explicitly named the teams in question, although Mercedes F1 team principal Toto Wolff did refer to specific allegations that have been made about Red Bull.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner reacted angrily to his rivals’ interventions, saying he regarded the remarks as defamatory and would take further action if they were not withdrawn.
Mercedes and Ferrari rejected Horner’s request.
Horner insisted that he was “absolutely confident” in Red Bull’s submission to the FIA, adding: “We believe we are comfortably within the cap.”
The FIA said: “There has been significant and unsubstantiated speculation and conjecture in relation to this matter, and the FIA reiterates that until it is finalised, no further information will be provided.
“The FIA also reiterates that any suggestion that FIA personnel have disclosed sensitive information is equally baseless.”
There are two levels of offence according to F1’s financial regulations – ‘minor’ and ‘material’.
The dividing line between the two is 5% of the cap, or $7.25m last year.
Senior sources have told BBC Sport that if any team is found to have been in breach last year, the offence is likely to be minor
Potential penalties for a minor offence include a reprimand; deduction of constructors’ or drivers’ championship points for the year in question; suspension; limitations on aerodynamic or other testing; a reduction of that team’s cost cap.
For a material breach, the possibility of exclusion from the championship is included.
The budget cap reduced to $140m in 2022 and is coming down to $135m in 2023. The exchange rate is fixed to the pound at a specific level – so the cap is not affected by the recent reduction in the value of sterling.
The board said its decision not to sanction the fight was communicated to the boxers and promoters on Wednesday morning.
Benn said he had spoken to Eubank, they had both taken medical and legal advice and “want the fight to happen for the fans”.
“He believes in me. It’s not who I am, it’s not what I’m about. He was understanding,” Benn added.
“Throughout my whole career I’ve never had any issues before. I’m a clean athlete and we’ll get to the bottom of this.”
Eubank said he was ready to fight, although added: “There was no phone call. We haven’t spoken since this has been announced.”
Benn’s promoter Eddie Hearn, of Matchroom Boxing, told BBC Sport: “As we stand right now, the British Boxing Board of Control is not sanctioning the fight.
“That does not mean the fight is off, but there is a process we have to go through.
“Conor Benn is not suspended, he is free and clear to fight. There’s lots going on with the lawyers.”
A statement earlier on Wednesday from promoters Matchroom and Wasserman Boxing said Benn had not been charged or suspended and that he and Eubank are still keen to fight.
The pair are scheduled to meet in a catchweight bout at the O2 Arena, 30 years after their fathers, Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank Sr, faced each other in the ring.
The promoters’ statement said: “We have been made aware that a random anti-doping test for Conor Benn conducted by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association returned an adverse analytical finding for trace amounts of a fertility drug.
“Mr Benn has since passed a doping control test conducted by the UK Anti-Doping Agency, the anti-doping authority to which the British Boxing Board of Control has delegated its doping control testing for the bout. Mr Benn has passed all doping control tests conducted by Ukad.
“Both fighters have taken medical and legal advice, are aware of all relevant information and wish to proceed with the bout this Saturday.”
It is conceivable the promoters could find another body to sanction the bout.
A fight between David Haye and Derek Chisora was sanctioned by the Luxembourg Boxing Federation 10 years ago despite neither boxer having a licence at the time.
“It’s been done before and it’s not something I’ve looked at before or something I necessarily agree with,” said Hearn.
“But at the end of the day there has to be some harsh conversations with the board to understand what the process is moving forward.
“This is not a situation where we want to run rogue and come up with an alternative plan. We want our governing body to be comfortable.”
Benn tested positive for the female fertility drug clomifene at the end of August or beginning of September, said Kalle Sauerland of Wasserman Boxing, the promoters who represent Eubank.
The drug, also known as clomiphene, is on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s list of banned substances.
Sauerland told Talksport he did not regard it as a performance-enhancing drug but said “it can raise testosterone”.
“We discussed it straight away with the most important person from our side, the athlete,” he said.
“He was happy to continue and spoke to Benn directly.”
A 157lbs limit has been put in place for the catchweight bout.
Eubank Jr faces the task of dropping down from 160lbs, where he has spent most of his career, while Benn was 146.5lbs when he beat Chris van Heerden in April.
Failure to make the contracted weight by either fighter on Friday would result in a £100,000 fine for each pound recorded over the limit.
“All I can do is be a professional and make sure I’m ready to fight. I’ve done my job. It’s now in the hands of the promoters, governing bodies,” Eubank told Matchroom’s YouTube channel.
“Of course there’s concerns. I’m a clean fighter, I’m prepared, I’ve cut the weight and I’m ready to go.”
Eubank and Benn’s fathers famously met twice in the 1990s, with the former winning the first fight and the rematch ending in a draw.
Virgil van Dijksays the well-being of players in the UK is “forgotten” amid criticism of Liverpool team-mate Trent Alexander-Arnold.
There has been an intense focus on the defender’s recent performances after an indifferent start to the season.
“Everyone here is very good to praise a player very high up to the sky and let them fall as hard as they can,” said Netherlands defender Van Dijk.
“That’s what we, as players, have to deal with.”
Van Dijk, 31, added: “We forget about the wellbeing of players, we forget about that stuff and everyone is talking about how we should all accept it.
“For him to just carry on working – not only him but other players as well – and deal with it and show a reaction is what we need, all of us.
“To do that I think it’s important that we back him and the manager and the club and the fans.”
Liverpool have struggled for form generally this season – winning just two of seven Premier League games – but Alexander-Arnold’s displays have been of particular focus.
Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville said Alexander-Arnold, 23, has the potential to be one of the world’s best right-backs if he worked on his defending.
After last month’s Nations League games, England manager Gareth Southgate said the Liverpool defender’s “all-round game” was behind that of Newcastle United right-back Kieran Trippier, potentially putting his World Cup place in doubt.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp responded by labelling Alexander-Arnold “exceptional” and saying he would pick him in any team he managed.
Speaking after Tuesday’s Champions League win against Rangers, where he scored a free-kick, Alexander-Arnold said he was just focusing on performing on the pitch.
“No matter what I always try and think positively,” he told BT Sport. “People will say things but for me it is about going out there and helping the team win games.
“It’s been a slow start to the season for me but I’m looking forward to the rest of the season.”
Van Dijk believes the debate surrounding Alexander-Arnold is typical of what modern day players have to put up with, unlike those from previous eras.
“If the players from 10, 20 years ago were under the microscope we are at the moment there would also be a lot of players struggling,” he said.
“It will always come to you and it’s not easy to just completely shut it out and keep your head down – or you need to live under a rock and just turn up for training and then go back home and go to the game and go back home.
“We have to deal with it but it is not easy, let’s put it that way.”
Belinda Bencic fought back to defeat Eugenie Bouchard in an Ostrava Openfirst-round contest that took over two and a half hours to settle.
Bouchard took the first set, but Bencic came from behind to advance with a 6-7 (7-9) 6-1 6-4 victory on Tuesday.
Eighth seed Jelena Ostapenko, runner-up in the Korea Open, suffered a premature exit as Aliaksandra Sasnovich consigned the former French Open champion to a 6-2 6-2 defeat.
Emma Raducanu also went out in straight sets, with Daria Kasatkina beating the 2021 US Open champion 7-5 6-4.
Catherine McNally blitzed to a 6-1 6-2 victory over Anna Blinkova, while Alycia Parks progressed past Karolina Pliskova to secure the first top-20 win of her career.
Top seed Ons Jabeur swept aside Ann Li with relative ease in a 6-2 6-3 victory at the Jasmin Open to reach the last 16.
Veronika Kudermetova, the second seed, breezed past Varvara Gracheva with a commanding 6-1 6-0 win.
Anastasia Potapova, Petra Martic, Magdalena Frech and Harriet Dart were among the other victors.
Novak Djokovic breezed past Cristian Garin in the Astana Open, taking just 62 minutes to secure a 6-1 6-1 victory in his opening match of the ATP 500 event.
Having won his 89th tour-level title on Sunday in Tel Aviv without dropping a single set, fourth-seed Djokovic wasted no time in securing a win to set up a second-round clash against Botic van de Zandschulp.
Also in Kazakhstan, third seed Stefanos Tsitsipas made hard work of his second-round tie against Luca Nardi, requiring two tie breaks in a two-hour showdown in a 7-6 (7-2) 7-6 (7-3) victory to secure a spot in the last eight.
Andrey Rublev, Roberto Bautista Agut and Adrian Mannarino also sealed their places in the quarter-finals at the Astana Open on Wednesday, while Marin Cilic and Emil Ruusuvuori won their first-round matches.
Meanwhile, Taylor Fritz defeated James Duckworth 6-2 6-7 6-1 in the Japan Open, where there was also a victory for Denis Shapovalov against Steve Johnson.
In the doubles, top seeds Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis overcame home duo Yoshihito Nishioka and Kaichi Uchida, with second seeds Matthew Ebden and Max Purcell also progressing past the round of 16 stage.
Bayern Munich CEO Oliver Kahn labelled Jude Bellingham “an excellent player” as he addressed speculation over a potential move for the Borussia Dortmund midfielder.
The England international has been tipped as the next of the Black and Yellow’s young superstar breed to depart, following Erling Haaland’s exit to Manchester City ahead of the current campaign.
A return to his native country and the Premier League has been heavily mooted, though Dortmund – who handed Bellingham the captaincy for their 3-2 loss to Koln over the weekend –hope he will yet remain.
But despite their admiration for the player, the 19-year-old will not be moving to the Bundesliga champions, with Kahn insisting they are already well-stocked for his position.
“Of course, I think Bellingham is an excellent player,” Kahn told Sport Bild when asked if there would be any interest in a swoop for the teenager.
“But we’ve got Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka, Ryan Gravenberch, Marcel Sabitzer. I can say we’re well-equipped in that position. We’re not worried about that at all.”
Obviously very annoyed by the outcome of today’s game but what a special honour to captain this great club for the first time. No time to let our heads drop, many more chances to correct the mistakes of today in the next games. Heja BVB.🖤💛 pic.twitter.com/XQ5YSFx4pg
Bellingham is anticipated to be a starting member of Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions squad at the Qatar 2022 World Cup, having been a member of their Euro 2020 party which finished as runners-up.
News that City midfielder Kalvin Phillips, a mainstay of the England midfielder, will undergo shoulder surgery has cast doubt on his place, with Bellingham having deputised during the September international break.
The Prince of Wales paid a visit to St George’s Park today to mark the 10th anniversary of the home of England’s national teams.
Along with chatting to Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate, His Royal Highness observed training sessions involving the men’s senior deaf team and the men’s powerchair development squad before meeting girls and boys from community clubs.
Since opening in 2012, St George’s Park has made a huge contribution to the success enjoyed by sides at all levels, most recently highlighted by the Lionesses winning Euro 2022.
FA CEO Mark Bullingham said: “St George’s Park continues to deliver on the vision we set out 10 years ago to provide consistent world-class support for our England teams.
“Since St George’s Park opened, our teams have won 12 tournaments and we are confident that our best-in-class facilities, coaching and learning will support more success for future generations.
“Our investment supported by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, Sport England and the National Lottery continues to drive success for the English game.”
The Staffordshire facility now hosts over 80 England team camps a year across men’s and women’s seniors, development and para squads.
They all benefit from 13 outdoor pitches, full-size indoor 3G pitch and indoor Futsal arenas, strength and conditioning gym and facilities such as cryotherapy, hydrotherapy and physiotherapy suites.
Alongside its role in delivering a pathway for England’s elite teams, St George’s Park is also home to the FA’s education arm, England Football Learning.
Did you know?
Before it became a centre of world-class football, the St George’s Park site had a rich history. It went from being used as a hunting ground where wolves and wild boars roamed free to entertaining the aristocracy.
The land was purchased in 2001 and plans for St George’s Park were first put in place. In 2008, the FA reignited the project after two-and-a-half years of planning and extensive research.
St George’s Park was officially opened by the then Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on October 9, 2012. The final build costs were £105million.
In 2015, the senior women’s team won bronze at the World Cup. An extra-time penalty goal ensured England beat Germany for the first time in 31 years.
History was made earlier this year as the Lionesses ended 56 years of hurt, becoming English football’s first senior trophy winners since 1966 by emerging victorious on home soil at Euro 2022.
Former Juventus and Inter full-back Kwadwo Asamoah has announced his retirement from playing at the age of 33.
Asamoah, who was capped 74 times by Ghana and appeared at two World Cups, most recently featured for Cagliari at club level in the 2020-21 season.
He confirmed on social media he has officially called time on one chapter of his career and will now become a player agent.
Versatile defender Asamoah started his career at Udinese and made 279 appearances in Serie A – the most for an African player in the competition’s history.
Asamoah joined Juve from Udinese in July 2012 and won 13 titles across six seasons with the Turin giants before spending two years with Inter.
Injuries curtailed his time at Cagliari, for whom he made his final appearance in a goalless draw against Milan in May 2021.
United States captain Becky Sauerbrunn has declared the squad are “heartbroken and frustrated” after an independent enquiry found widespread misconduct in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).
Former US Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates released a report on Monday saying abuse and sexual misconduct spanned multiple teams and coaches, while the NWSL and US Soccer failed to put in “basic measures” to safeguard players or “respond appropriately when confronted with player reports and evidence of abuse”.
The revelations have overshadowed the national side’s preparations to face Englandat Wembley on Friday, with Sauerbrunn stating the squad have been left furious with the situation.
“The players are not doing well. We are horrified and heartbroken and frustrated and exhausted and really, really angry. We are angry that it took a third-party investigation,” she said at a press conference on Tuesday.
Sauerbrunn also called for the removal of individuals from both organisations who failed to protect the players.
We commend the @nwsl_players and @USWNTPlayers for their extraordinary efforts to hold @ussoccer and the @NWSL accountable. We stand with these courageous women in their fight to be treated with dignity and respect.
“I think for so long this has fallen on the players to demand change. That is because the people in authority and decision-making positions have repeatedly failed to protect us and they have failed to hold themselves and each other accountable,” she added.
“Who are you actually protecting and what values are you upholding? You have failed in your stewardship.
“Every owner and executive and US Soccer official who has repeatedly failed the players and failed to protect the players who have hidden behind legalities and have not participated in these investigations should be gone.”
OL Reign defender Alana Cook added that the situation has marred the upcoming clash against England, saying: “I think we have such a momentous occasion on Friday playing at a sold out Wembley Stadium.
“It’s marred by this report, and it’s marred by the atrocities that have been condoned and tolerated and allowed to go on.”
Portland Thorns owner Merritt Paulson and Chicago Red Stars owner Arnim Whisler have already announced they will step aside from their stewardship of the clubs following the release of the report.
Both Paulson and Whisler were cited within the report, the former accused of enabling ex-Thorns boss Paul Riley, who has faced accusations of sexual coercion from former players, while the latter was deemed to have dismissed concerns over the abusive behaviour of former coach Rory Dames.
Norwich extended their unbeaten league run to nine matches with a hard-earned 1-1 Championship draw at Reading.
But the visitors missed the chance to go top of the table with a victory after leaders Sheffield United lost 1-0 at home to QPR.
In an even first half, Reading went closest to breaking the deadlock when Norwich goalkeeper Tim Krul saved spectacularly from an Andy Carroll header.
Home midfielder Jeff Hendrick also shaved an upright, with Krul struggling, from a long-range effort.
Norwich went ahead in the 50th minute, when skipper Grant Hanley struck from a corner, but Reading equalised 10 minutes later through Hendrick.
Norwich had won seven and drawn one of their previous eight league outings, which included three-successive victories on the road, the latest a 1-0 win at Blackpool on Saturday.
The Norfolk side had scored in 12 consecutive league and cup fixtures, while Reading – with six wins in their past eight matches – remain in third place to sit one spot behind Norwich on the back of a 3-1 victory over strugglers Huddersfield on Saturday.
Norwich dictated the early exchanges, trying to build patiently from the back with a series of precise, if a shade laboured, passes.
Reading’s vigorous pressing tactics made sure that the visitors were unable to settle into any regular rhythm, with main striker Teemu Pukki often isolated.
As Norwich’s initial intent faded, Reading began to push forward with a greater sense of urgency and could have gone ahead in the 19th minute.
Winger Junior Hoilett, who is World Cup-bound with Canada, crossed deep from the right for Carroll to power in a header.
But Krul made a superb save to parry the ball to safety.
Soon after, Krul was beaten by an ambitious 25-yarder from Hendrick that grazed the outside of a post on its way behind.
Norwich gradually fought their way back into contention, with Hanley nodding over from a Liam Gibbs cross.
Hanley did much better, five minutes into the second period, when Norwich went in front.
Marcelino Nunez provided the corner on the right, Josh Sargent flicked the ball on and centre back Hanley pounced decisively at the far post.
Reading appeared deflated, after all their hard work, but responded positively and drew level on the hour mark.
Good work by Hoilett gave Hendrick the space on the edge of the area and he beat Krul at the near post with a low shot.
Norwich replied swiftly, with Nunez seeing a shot defected over.
And defender Andrew Omobamidele could have snatched a late winner only to head wide from a Danel Sinani corner.
Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes is not worrying about the form of other teams, instead calling on the squad to take responsibility for their disappointments.
United’s four-match winning streak in the Premier League came to an end with a 6-3 defeat to Manchester City on Sunday – the fourth loss in all competitions for Erik ten Hag’s side this season.
That left United nine points behind early pacesetters Arsenal in the league, albeit with a game in hand, and eight points behind their cross-city rivals.
Attention now switches to the Europa League, where United face Omonia Nicosia on Thursday, and Fernandes believes the focus should be on their games – while suggesting in recent years there has been too much comparison with other sides.
“The responsibility is playing for this massive club and everyone has to feel that responsibility, it doesn’t matter who has the armband on the pitch,” he said.
“There is still a long way to go but we know what we want to achieve. We know what the manager wants from us as a team, but we’ve got to get back to good results and we have a chance to do that straight away tomorrow.
“We don’t focus on anyone else. We focus on ourselves. That has been a problem for the club in previous years that we want to compare ourselves with other teams, but we can’t do that.
“We have to look at ourselves and look at the problems and what we can improve. We can’t think about Arsenal, Liverpool or other teams. We just have to win every game that is in our hands.
“We saw our mistakes in that defeat [at Manchester City] and we have to make sure we don’t do them again. It was a bad game, we conceded six goals, but we have to get ourselves back on the winning track.”
Eddie Hearn insists the all-British showdown between Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn is still ON.
Saturday’s domestic grudge match was thrown into doubt earlier today when it came to light that trace amounts of a fertility drug had been detected in a sample Benn had submitted to VADA.
The British Boxing Board of Control stepped in to declare the scheduled fight at London’s O2 Arena was “prohibited” and “not in the interests of boxing”.
He said: “We’ve just seen the British Boxing Board of Control’s statement, which is pretty straightforward. It’s with the lawyers going backwards and forwards right now.
“Both guys signed up to a multitude of testing for this fight and the UKAD testing, which is the testing agency the BBBofC use, have all been clear and negative, while there was an adverse finding on a VADA test previously.
“So there’s not been an official doping violation but there’s a process that has to be followed. Conor is not suspended by the British Boxing Board of Control. Ultimately, he can’t be because he’s gone through all the tests from UKAD.
“But clearly the British Boxing Board of Control will take a position on it.
“Both camps are prepared to progress with the fight but conversations have to be had with the lawyers, the teams and the British Boxing Board of Control.”
Hearn also confirmed that unbeaten Benn, 26, would be present at this afternoon’s open workout as scheduled.
The Destroyer’s promoter added: “You’ll see him here. It’s a very difficult situation for him.
“We’ve seen people previously make their mind up before news or official confirmation comes out, so it’s a very difficult time for him.
“But he’ll be here going through the process. We’ve put a lot of work into this show and we’ll see what happens from here.
“Like I said, from Eubank’s side and Benn’s side, they feel the fight should progress. But we’ll have to have conversations with the British Boxing Board of Control through the lawyers and see where this process ends.”
It remains to be seen whether Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn will trade blows on Saturday night
Speaking at that workout, Benn said: “I’ve not committed any violations. I’ve not been suspended. So as far as I’m concerned, the fight is still going ahead.
“I’ve spoken to Chris personally and we still want the fight to go ahead. We want the fight to happen for the fans.
“Throughout my whole career, all my tests have come up negative. I’m a clean athlete and we’ll get to the bottom of this.
“Chris fully believes in me. I’m a professional athlete and he was understanding.”
After news of Benn’s failed VADA test emerged, Matchroom and Eubank Jr’s promoters Wasserman Boxing issued a joint statement.
It said: “We have been made aware that a random anti-doping test for Conor Benn conducted by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association returned an adverse analytical finding for trace amounts of a fertility drug.
“The B sample has yet to be tested, meaning that no rule violation has been confirmed. Indeed, Mr Benn has not been charged with any rule violation, he is not suspended and he remains free to fight.
“Mr Benn has since passed a doping control test conducted by the UK Anti-Doping agency, the anti-doping authority to which the British Boxing Board of Control has delegated its doping control testing for the bout.
“Mr Benn has passed all doping control tests conducted by UKAD.
“Both fighters have taken medical and legal advice, are aware of all relevant information and wish to proceed with the bout this Saturday.”
The rivals are due to face off almost 30 years since their fathers Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank Sr met in the rematch of their iconic rivalry.
But while the bout has captured the imagination of fight fans, it has also caused controversy due to the contracted fight weight of 157lb, with Eubank Sr urging people to boycott the event amid concerns over safety.
When the bout was signed, Eubank Jr revealed he would like his father to be in his corner. However, it remains to be seen whether that will be the case should it go ahead.
Thierry Henry questioned why Barcelona were not awarded a penalty in their contentious 1-0 loss to Inter Milan, despite “20 billion cameras” spotting Denzel Dumfries’ handball.
Inter claimed a valuable victory at San Siro in Tuesday’s Champions League tie through Hakan Calhanoglu’s brilliant first-half strike.
But Barca were left furious after a Pedri equaliser was ruled out by VAR for handball against Ansu Fati in the build-up, before having a late penalty call rejected.
A cross towards Fati was cut out by the hand of Dumfries, but Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic and his officials decided against awarding the visitors a stoppage-time penalty.
It is a decision that left Xavi furious, with the Barca boss already on a yellow card for protesting the disallowed goal, and one the Catalans will reportedly formally complain about.
Speaking alongside referee consultant Christina Unkel, who was trying to defend the decision, former Barcelona striker Henry ridiculed VAR’s inability to spot the handball.
“[Dumfries] takes the ball away from Ansu Fati,” he told CBS. “I usually never say anything about disallowed goals.
“But Christina, do you, the referees, have the right to sometimes say that you were wrong? Are you ever taught to say you were wrong?
“He was wrong, bye. There is nothing to explain. He was wrong. It happens. It happened to me, it happens to many people. He was wrong.
“The guy in the truck [VAR official] didn’t call the ref. I don’t know what experience he has, but even my son could have seen there was a hand.
“He would have seen it. He saw it, he even texted me to say, ‘There’s a hand’. You’ve got 20 billion cameras and you can’t see it? Please! It happens but it was wrong.”
The defeat could be damaging for Barca as they now trail second-placed Inter by three points at the halfway stage in Group C, with leaders Bayern Munich six points better off.
Xavi, who became the first Barca coach to lose his first three away Champions League games, was “outraged” by the display of the match officials.
“First they explain to us that Ansu handled but another team-mate scored, then with the other incident, it is not clear what happened,” he said at his post-match press conference.
“It is my opinion. I would have liked to speak to the referee, because he did not blow the whistle. At the moment, I am outraged, it is an injustice and it makes no sense.
“Now we still have three finals left, we have already lost in Munich and we start again. But there is indignation.
“In general, it was a great injustice. The referee should give explanations, instead he goes away and nothing happens. He has to come here and explain.”
Barcelona welcome Inter to Camp Nou next week before concluding their group-stage campaign with a home match against Bayern and a trip to bottom side Viktoria Plzen.
The Eredivisie champions were reduced to 10 men in the 73rd minute when Dusan Tadic was given his matching orders but they were already trailing 5-1 at the Johan Cruyff Arena at that point.
Mohammed Kudus had opened the scoring for the hosts before goals from Giacomo Raspadori, Giovanni Di Lorenzo and Piotr Zielinski put Napoli in charge at the break.
Things continued to go from bad to worse in the second half as Raspadori, Khvixha Kvaratskheila and Giovanni Simeone added to the tally to compound Ajax’s misery.
And Schreuder admits the fallen Dutch giants simply cannot compete with Luciano Spalletti’s side and Liverpool, who currently sit first and second respectively in Group A, leaving Ajax facing a shootout with Rangers to drop into the Europa League by securing third place.
He said: “If you look at Napoli and Liverpool you will see they are a size too big for us. That is obvious.
“I don’t think we are good enough as a team at the moment.”
Ajax hammered Rangers 4-0 in their opening Champions League game last month but were brought back down to earth by a 2-1 defeat at out-of-sorts Liverpool.
And with their dominance in the Eredivisie also being tested by league leaders AZ Alkmaar, Schreuder is struggling to live up to the standards set by predecessor Erik ten Hag.
Ajax return to league action at FC Volendam on Saturday before heading to Naples for Wednesday’s rematch with Spaletti’s men.
But Schreuder is not confident about his team’s chances of transforming their fortunes in Europe.
The Dutcman, 49, added: “If you’re realistic, it gets harder and harder [to get out of the group]. We have to win there next week.
“We will have to take a different approach because this is unworthy of Ajax. This is unacceptable. This is unworthy of Ajax.”
Did you know?
Napoli scored six goals in European competition for the first time last night, becoming the first Italian side to do so in a Champions League away match.
They are also the first Italian team score six or more goals in any Champions League game since Juventus beat Olympiacos 7-0 in the group stage in December 2003.
Ajax conceded six goals for the first time in any European match. They are without a home win against a side from Italy in Europe in their last 12 such matches (drawn six and lost six).
Napoli have picked up maximum points from their first three Champions League group stage matches in a single season for the first time in the competition. They have never scored as many goals (13) or conceded fewer (two) after three group games.
Napoli have scored 13 goals in three Champions League fixtures this season — four more than any other side in the competition.
Ajax ace Kudus has scored in each of his three Champions League appearances this season.
Son Heung-min has defended Antonio Conte’s principles following recent criticism aimed the Tottenham head coach’s way for recent results.
After seeing out a 0-0 draw with Eintracht Frankfurt in the group stages of the Champions League, Spurs are now without a win in their past four away matches in all competitions.
Despite starting the season well, Conte has been questioned for the way he has approached recent fixtures, including a 3-1 defeat to fierce rivals Arsenal in the Premier League.
However, Son does not see this as an issue and stated the importance of sticking with Conte and his ideas.
He said: “We saw last season that nobody believed we would be here right now. Last season nobody believed we’d be in the Champions League.
“The gaffer always wants more, more, more and as [a player] I want to follow his way, or you know what’s coming. If we don’t follow him then you know you struggle.
“We have to follow, there is no option because he’s a winner and I think this is what we do – sacrifice and do the hard things.”
Spurs find themselves in second place of Champions League Group D, with their next European fixture coming against Marseille on November 1.
Sadio Manehas backed Karim Benzema to win this year’s Ballon d’Or, stating Real Madrid’s talisman “easily deserves” football’s greatest individual accolade.
Benzema had an outstanding 2021-22 season, helping Madrid win LaLiga and the Champions League, with Los Blancos defeating Mane’s Liverpool in the final.
Since the start of last season, Benzemahas scored 48 goals and provided 16 assists in all competitions for Madrid. In the same time, only Kylian Mbappe and Robert Lewandowski (both 50) have netted more times.
The France striker also overtook Raul as Madrid’s second-highest goalscorer, behind only Cristiano Ronaldo.
Now at Bayern Munich after leaving Liverpool, Mane has also been shortlisted for the Ballon d’Or.
He played a key role in Senegal winning the Africa Cup of Nations, while also propelling Liverpool to EFL Cup and FA Cup triumphs, though the Reds fell just short in Europe and in the Premier League.
After scoring one and setting up another in Bayern’s 5-0 rout of Viktoria Plzen in the Champions League on Tuesday, Mane was asked who he believes should scoop the prize.
“[Benzema’s] had a great, great season with Real Madrid, he’s won the Champions League… I think he easily deserves it, so I’m happy for him,” Mane told reporters.
“I know I won the Africa Cup of Nations, it was a relief for me and for the whole country, and I’m really happy to have won my first AFCON with my country. But I think it’s Karim who deserves it, and I honestly believe that.”
Madrid legend, Jorge Valdano spoke to MARCA radio on the matter.
He said: “There is no other name for the Ballon d’Or after an extraordinary season. [Benzema] played football of exceptional quality and he has added goals and leadership.
“He who is intelligent evolves in all aspects and he is the best example.”
The 2022 Ballon d’Or ceremony will take place on October 17 in Paris.
Ukrainehave joined Spain and Portugal in a joint bid to host the 2030 World Cup, it was announced on Wednesday.
Spain and Portugal had already joined forces with an “Iberian bid” to host but Ukraine have joined as a third host, with the bid now being referred to as a “European bid”.
Reports on Tuesday revealed Ukraine’s involvement, and it was confirmed on Wednesday by the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) at UEFA’s Swiss headquarters, with Europe’s governing body backing the bid.
According to reports, the plan is for Ukraine to play host to one group in the 48-team tournament – which will be the second with expanded teams after the 2026 World Cup in North America; hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Ukraine previously hosted the 2012 European Championship alongside Poland, while Portugal hosted the same tournament in 2004. Neither has hosted the World Cup previously but Spain hosted it in 1982.
The European bid will compete with others for the rights to host the 2030 tournament, with a final decision to be made in 2024.
Currently, a South American proposal from Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay and Chile has been made, while it is reported a joint bid from Greece, Saudi Arabia and Egypt is also in the works.
Another inter-federation bid may involve Israel, partnering with the United Arab Emirates or Bahrain, while Morocco could launch a joint bid with other northern African nations having failed with previous bids for the tournaments in 1994, 1998, 2006 and 2010.
Australia could also be an option, with reports previously indicating a joint proposal could be made alongside either New Zealand or Indonesia.
A plethora of joint bids appear to suggest that this year’s World Cup in Qatar could be the final tournament to be hosted by a single nation, with the appeal of hosting the tournament in numerous countries increasing – particularly to involve those who would not be able to host a tournament individually.
The increase to a 48-team World Cup would also put further strain on individual nations to host an entire tournament, with a total of 80 matches to be played – an increase on the 64 that will be played in Qatar.
Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez says he has had to learn to adapt to life in the Premier League after a difficult start, adding: “I needed to calm my nerves”.
The Uruguay international was the flagship signing of the Reds’ transfer window and netted in his first two appearances for the club in a blaze of early potential.
But a red card for an altercation with Crystal Palace’s Joachim Andersen shortly afterwards handed him a three-match ban that has left him struggling to acclimatise since.
Nunez arguably delivered his best performance since the opening weeks in Tuesday’s 2-0 home win over Rangers in the Champions League, and now feels he is making steps forward once more.
“The truth is that it was a little difficult to adapt, but I believe that, as training and games go by, I will adapt little by little,” he told TNT Sports Brasil.
“[After the red card] was a very tough time. I was suspended for three games, I know I made a big mistake, and now I’m aware that it won’t happen again.
“I have to calm my nerves during the games and talk less. We all make mistakes and I know it will serve as a learning experience.
“The important thing is to leave my mark on the team, someone who can always contribute by playing well and, if I don’t score, I have to be calm.”
Difficulties with the language barrier have seen Nunez lean heavily on Jurgen Klopp’s assistant Pep Lijnders to bridge the gap, but the German has reassured his star of his support.
“I don’t know English and he doesn’t know Spanish,” Nunez said about Klopp.
“But the relationship with the coach is that he supports me, gives me confidence and I have to repay that on the field.”
Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk has leapt to the defence of team-mate Trent Alexander-Arnold amid recent criticism of the right-back’s performances.
Alexander-Arnold has been the subject of plenty of scrutiny following his poor defensive performances in the Premier League and Champions League.
The defender’s mistakes in Liverpool’s 3-3 draw with Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday, in particular, drew heavy criticism from fans and pundits.
The 23-year-old also failed to feature in either of England’s two Nations League games last week, with Gareth Southgate making it clear Alexander-Arnold is not his first-choice right-back.
But van Dijk, speaking after Liverpool’s 2-0 win against Rangers on Tuesday in which Alexander-Arnold opened the scoring with a stunning free-kick, said: “We know the quality he has and he showed it again today.
“He has been showing it over the last couple of years; he has developed as one of the best right-backs in the country.”
Netherlands international Van Dijk also questioned the culture surrounding player welfare and media scrutiny in English football.
He said: “I’ve been in the UK now for eight, nine years and everyone here is very good to praise a player very high up to the sky and let them fall as hard as they can.
“That’s what we, as players, have to deal with. Everyone is talking about how we should accept it.
“For him to just carry on working – not only him but other players as well – deal with it and show reaction today is what we need, all of us. I think it’s important that we back him.”
Liverpool’s victory against Rangers leaves them second in Group A behind Napoli, who beat Jurgen Klopp’s men 4-1 in the opening group game.
The breakdown of an all-British heavyweight clash between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury is down to the former’s promoter Eddie Hearn, claims Bob Arum.
A bout between the two – both world champions at varying points in their career – looked to be on the rocks last week after Fury repeatedly issued deadlines to sign a contract for a December 3 date.
Earlier this week, Matchroom Boxing chairman Eddie Hearn admitted the fight looked dead in the water for now after negotiations collapsed.
And Fury’s promoter Arum claims it was his opposite number who is to blame for the turn of events, claiming he “sabotaged” any potential deal.
“He wanted to kill it because even as late as [Monday], if he’d have said let’s all get together and sit in a room and get everything finalised, it could have been done in a couple of hours,” Arum told Sky Sports.
“He didn’t want the fight to happen from the get-go, so he slow-played it.
“I’ve been in this business almost 60 years, so I can tell when somebody doesn’t want something to happen and then slow-plays a negotiation.
“I knew that Eddie would find a way to sabotage the fight. He has nothing left really in his stable and he is clinging to AJ as his only potential attraction.”
Someone sent me a video of your man Eddie, talking about the Wilder fight with you a while back and he says in there if you want a fight made, you, your team and your lawyers move quickly to make it happen.
Fury’s consistent public demands for an agreement have seen him criticised for apparently attempting to backtrack out of any fight, but Arum refutes any suggestion he is to blame.
“Tyson Fury is Tyson Fury,” Arum added.
“He hasn’t been trained in law school so he wants a fight, if he’s imposing deadlines which aren’t really deadlines because he’s sending a message, get off your asses and get this thing done.
“It was clear that was the case. So, nobody should be blamed for this fight not happening, not Tyson, not AJ, not anybody else other than Eddie Hearn.”
The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has ordered the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG)to compensate all customers who have been affected by the malfunctioning of its prepayment meter system.
In a press release on October 4, 2022, PURC indicated that ECG shall compensate affected customers in the form of one-time electricity credit from October 1 to 7, 2022.
The ECG has been directed to notify customers of the compensation due them. Also, the compensation shall be clearly displayed on customer receipts.
Over the weekend, consumers complained that they were unable to buy electricity credit using the prepayment meter system despite the ECG stating that the challenges faced had been resolved.
“The Electricity Company of Ghana wishes to inform all stakeholders, especially our cherished customers on our prepayment metering system that the issue with the 3rd Party Vending Points has been resolved,” part of the statement released on October 1 read.
On Monday, the Electricity Company of Ghana revealed that they have fixed the vending challenges customers were facing with the prepaid metering system across the country.
However, many say they continue to experience such challenges. Customers who have thronged ECG offices have had to leave without being attended to.
Meanwhile, the PURC has directed the ECG to extend its working hours at all affected locations to 8PM.
Also, the electricity service provider is to employ temporary staff to ensure that affected customers are speedily attended to and a credited with the approved compensation by October 7, 2022.
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