FIFA has formally evaluated Saudi Arabia’s unopposed bid to host the 2034 FIFA Men’s World Cup, with the Gulf nation receiving an unprecedented score of 4.2 out of 5, the highest in the governing body’s history. While FIFA’s report lauds Saudi Arabia’s potential to use the tournament as a “catalyst for reforms,” critics have slammed the decision, highlighting the kingdom’s contentious human rights record and environmental concerns. A Platform for Reform or Greenwashing? The bid evaluation frames the tournament as a medium human rights risk but emphasizes the opportunity for positive change under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy. FIFA’s report…
Author: Timi-Zacchaeus Oluwaferanmi
Simona Halep, the two-time Grand Slam champion, has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the handling of doping cases in tennis, following Iga Swiatek’s recent one-month suspension. The controversy centers around the differing treatment of doping violations by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA), which Halep believes unfairly targets her while offering more lenient treatment to others. On Thursday, the ITIA announced that Swiatek, the world number two, had tested positive for trimetazidine (TMZ), a banned heart medication, after providing an out-of-competition sample in August 2024. Despite the violation, the ITIA accepted that Swiatek’s contamination was unintentional, resulting from a regulated melatonin…
England’s Lucy Bronze, Lauren Hemp and Keira Walsh are among the nominees for the women’s player of the year at the 2024 Fifa Best Awards. Lioness Mary Earps, who has won the women’s goalkeeper of the year in the past two editions, is shortlisted again. England and Arsenal winger Beth Mead is nominated for the inaugural Marta Award, which has been introduced to honour the best goal in women’s football. Mead has been shortlisted for her second goal against West Ham in November 2023. Brazil great Marta, after whom the award has been named, is also among the nominees. Emma…
Lando Norris has hit back at Max Verstappen’s recent comments, suggesting the Red Bull driver “should start doing comedy” after Verstappen claimed he could have won the 2024 Formula 1 world title driving for McLaren. Verstappen, who secured his fourth world championship at last weekend’s Las Vegas Grand Prix, made headlines by suggesting that the McLaren car was faster for much of the season and that he would have wrapped up the title earlier had he been driving for the team. “He can say whatever he wants. Of course, I completely disagree, as I would,” Norris said. “He’s good, but…
Frank Lampard’s return to management with Coventry City marks a pivotal moment in his career after a series of mixed fortunes. Following an unsuccessful second spell at Chelsea, which ended in January 2021, Lampard now takes charge of Coventry with high expectations to rebuild his reputation. Lampard replaces the beloved Mark Robins, whose near-miss in the 2023 play-off final and FA Cup heroics left a strong legacy. Coventry’s current position in 17th place in the Championship, just above the relegation zone, makes Lampard’s task difficult but not impossible. The club’s owner, Doug King, has placed immense trust in Lampard, believing…
Jadon Sancho’s return to Chelsea’s starting lineup was nothing short of spectacular, as the England winger played a pivotal role in their 2-0 victory over Heidenheim in the UEFA Conference League. This result extended Chelsea’s perfect record in the competition, maintaining their flawless start with four wins out of four. Sancho, making his first start since October 20 due to illness and injury, provided assists for both goals. His first set up Christopher Nkunku, who netted his fifth goal in four group phase games, while the second was a perfect ball for Mykhailo Mudryk to seal the win with just…
Manchester City stars Erling Haaland and Rodri have earned nominations for the 2024 FIFA Best Men’s Player Award, marking the Premier League’s sole representation. The duo’s inclusion follows City’s historic achievement of winning four consecutive league titles, a first in English football. Rodri, who claimed the 2023 Ballon d’Or, is considered a leading contender for the prestigious award, alongside Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr., the runner-up in October’s Ballon d’Or voting. Jude Bellingham, the third-place finisher, is also a strong contender and could become the first Englishman to win the FIFA Best award. Other notable nominees for the prize include Kylian…
Ruben Amorim marked his Old Trafford debut as Manchester United manager with a pulsating 3-2 Europa League victory over Bodo/Glimt. While the triumph brought joy to United fans, the 39-year-old Portuguese admitted to grappling with anxiety as he attempts to embed his footballing philosophy into a squad still adapting to his demands. United’s dramatic win was secured thanks to a brace from Rasmus Højlund and an early goal by Alejandro Garnacho, allaying fears after Bodo/Glimt stunned the home crowd with two first-half goals in quick succession. The sight of Amorim roaring with relief as Højlund netted his first goal epitomized…
Manchester City faces a defining moment in their season as they prepare to take on Premier League leaders Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday. With Pep Guardiola’s side enduring their worst form in years, the stakes could not be higher. Winless in their last five games across all competitions, City sits eight points behind Liverpool in the title race. A defeat could widen the gap to a daunting 11 points, leaving Guardiola’s treble-winning side at risk of falling out of contention for the Premier League crown. City’s Unprecedented Struggles For a club accustomed to dominance, the current downturn is unfamiliar territory.…
Rangers delivered a scintillating performance in Nice, securing a commanding 4-1 victory that manager Philippe Clement hailed as “close to perfection.” The result not only boosts their Europa League progression hopes but also underlines the Scottish side’s ability to thrive on the European stage. First-Half Blitz Stuns Hosts Despite an early scare, Rangers raced to a stunning three-goal lead by half-time. Vaclav Cerny’s deflected strike opened the scoring, followed swiftly by a brilliant flick from Mohamed Diomande. A calamitous back-pass from Nice gifted Hamza Igamane the third, sending the traveling fans into raptures. Nice, sitting fifth in Ligue 1, struggled…
