Author: Timi-Zacchaeus Oluwaferanmi

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.…

Spanish club Sevilla have confirmed the termination of Kelechi Iheanacho’s contract, drawing a premature end to the Nigerian forward’s time at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium. The Super Eagles striker had joined the Rojiblancos on a free transfer in the summer of 2024 after leaving Leicester City. His contract was originally set to run until June 2026, but after just one season marked by limited opportunities, both parties have now agreed to part ways. A Short Stay in Spain Iheanacho’s move to Sevilla was seen as a fresh start following Leicester’s relegation from the Premier League. The Spanish side hoped…

Alexander Isak has brought the curtain down on his time at Newcastle United with a heartfelt message to the club’s fans following his record-breaking move to Liverpool. The Sweden international striker joined the Merseyside giants on deadline day in a dramatic £125 million transfer, making him the most expensive signing in British football history. His departure ends a three-year spell at St James’ Park, one that saw both triumph and controversy. From Hero to Record Sale Isak arrived at Newcastle in 2022 from Real Sociedad for £60 million, a club record at the time. His impact was immediate. Combining pace,…

England manager Thomas Tuchel has handed recalls and opportunities to Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Jarell Quansah for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia. The surprise call-ups underline Tuchel’s determination to balance experience with fresh energy as England prepare for back-to-back fixtures that could prove pivotal in their qualifying campaign. Loftus-Cheek’s Return After Seven Years For Loftus-Cheek, now 29 and plying his trade at AC Milan, the call-up marks a remarkable return to the national team fold. The midfielder last wore the Three Lions shirt in November 2018, coming on as a substitute in a friendly against the…