Author: Timi-Zacchaeus Oluwaferanmi

England Under-17s’ 2-1 friendly victory over Venezuela in Duisburg was overshadowed by two stoppages caused by reports of racist abuse, prompting the Football Association (FA) to launch discussions with organisers and governing bodies over potential action. The match, staged in Germany as part of preparations for next month’s European Championship qualifiers in Lithuania, was halted twice in the second half after allegations that one or more Venezuelan players directed racist language towards an England footballer. It is not clear which individual was targeted, but England’s players, visibly shaken, walked off the pitch on both occasions while the referee consulted with…

Djed Spence says he hopes to inspire the next generation as he prepares to become the first Muslim footballer to represent England’s senior men’s team. The Tottenham Hotspur full-back, who has six England Under-21 caps, has received his first senior call-up for World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia. His inclusion crowns a remarkable turnaround in fortunes after years of loan spells and limited playing time. Though the Football Association does not keep records of players’ religions, it is understood that Spence could make history if he features for Gareth Southgate’s side. “A blessing” The 25-year-old admitted his faith has…

Manchester United are reportedly prepared to sanction the departure of goalkeeper André Onana to Saudi Arabia, with the Pro League’s transfer window still open. The 29-year-old Cameroon international, who joined United from Inter Milan in 2023, could become the latest Premier League player to be lured by lucrative Middle Eastern offers. According to Teamtalk, United are willing to let Onana leave if the right offer arrives. The club’s stance reflects both financial pragmatism and the growing pull of Saudi clubs who continue to invest heavily in international stars. Casemiro stays put One United player who will not be heading east,…

West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paquetá is weighing up legal action against the Football Association (FA) after being cleared of spot-fixing charges in what has been described as the largest disciplinary case in English football history. The Brazilian, 28, was accused of deliberately collecting yellow cards to influence betting markets, an allegation first raised in August 2023. By May 2024, the FA had charged him on four counts of intentionally seeking bookings. The case cast a long shadow over his career and scuppered an £80 million transfer from West Ham to Manchester City. Last month, an independent Sports Resolutions commission…

For the first time in the history of English women’s football, minimum salaries will be introduced for players in the top two tiers of the professional game this season. The move, announced by WSL Football, represents a landmark step toward fully professionalising the Women’s Super League (WSL) and WSL 2. WSL Football, which oversees England’s professional women’s leagues, did not disclose the exact salary amounts, but confirmed the minimum will constitute a “full-time wage.” The salaries will be determined by factors including player age, league level, and professional experience, following consultation with the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA). Full details are…

Bayelsa Queens of Nigeria will contest the final of the WAFU B Women’s Champions League after overcoming USFA of Burkina Faso 2-1 in a tense semi-final encounter on Tuesday night in Abidjan. The Nigerian champions, led by head coach Whyte Ogbonda, showed resilience and composure after falling behind early, booking a place in Friday’s final where they will meet hosts ASEC Mimosas of Côte d’Ivoire. The showpiece is scheduled for the Charles Konan Banny Stadium. Fighting back after early setback The semi-final got off to a dramatic start as USFA took the lead in the second minute. Comfort Yeboah stunned…

PGMOL chief Howard Webb has admitted officials made a “misjudgement” in disallowing Josh King’s goal for Fulham during their 2-0 defeat at Chelsea last weekend, reigniting debate around VAR’s role in the Premier League. The 18-year-old striker thought he had put the Cottagers ahead in the 22nd minute at Stamford Bridge, only for the effort to be ruled out after a lengthy review. VAR intervened to highlight a foul in the build-up, with Rodrigo Muniz judged to have stepped on Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah’s foot while turning near the halfway line. Referee Michael Salisbury disallowed the goal following the review,…

Nigeria striker Asisat Oshoala has taken the next step in her glittering career, sealing a permanent move to Saudi Women’s Premier League side Al-Hilal. The 30-year-old forward signed a two-year contract with the Riyadh-based club, bringing an end to her brief spell with Bay FC in the United States’ National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). Oshoala only joined Bay FC in February 2024 after a record-breaking stint at Barcelona Femeni, but Al-Hilal moved swiftly to secure her signature as the Saudi league continues to attract global talent. A new challenge in Saudi Arabia The move represents another milestone for the Super…

England forward Lauren James has opened up about the pain, pressure and prejudice she faced during Euro 2025, revealing that injury and criticism overshadowed what should have been one of the proudest moments of her career. The 23-year-old Chelsea star started all six matches in Switzerland as the Lionesses defended their European crown, but recurring fitness issues meant she was unable to deliver her best football in the latter stages. James was forced off at half-time in the semi-final against Italy and again before the break in the final win over Spain. Speaking at Chelsea’s Cobham training ground, where she…

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have officially opened camp in Uyo with 13 players reporting for duty ahead of their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying fixtures against Rwanda and South Africa. The camp, based at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, began to bubble with activity on Monday as captain William Troost-Ekong, goalkeeper Amas Obasogie, defender Felix Agu, and midfielder Raphael Onyedika were among the earliest arrivals. Their presence set the tone for what promises to be an intense build-up to the two qualifiers that could shape Nigeria’s path to the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.…