Author: Timi-Zacchaeus Oluwaferanmi

Swedish former crime-club chief Fredrik Gardare has dropped a bombshell, alleging that multiple Premier League footballers are implicated in match-fixing—a claim grounded in evidence he says was seized during a 2021 raid but never pursued further by authorities. (The Sun, GB News) Gardare, who formerly headed a Swedish police unit tackling organised crime in sport, said his team raided an illegal casino in late 2021. Among the phones confiscated, one device reportedly contained extensive Telegram messages showing players discussing manipulations of match events—including yellow cards, corners, and other betting-relevant occurrences in both European leagues and international Nations League matches. (The…

A rare basketball card jointly signed by NBA legends Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant has sold for a record-breaking $12.9 million (£9.56m), making it the most expensive sports trading card in history. The 2007-08 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Dual Logoman Autographs Jordan & Bryant card went under the hammer at Heritage Auctions in the United States, attracting a flurry of global interest before eventually being purchased by an anonymous bidder. The extraordinary sale has eclipsed the previous card record, held by a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card, which fetched $12.6m (£10.8 million) at auction in August 2022. While Mantle’s iconic…

Former UFC champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson has expressed his concern after his son, Raja Jackson, was involved in a shocking incident at a wrestling event in California which left performer Stuart Smith, better known by his ring name “Syko Stu,” in critical care. The incident occurred during a Knokx Pro Wrestling show, where Raja, a 25-year-old professional mixed martial artist, unexpectedly intervened in a match. What was initially billed as a scripted stunt between Jackson and Smith spiraled into real violence, leading organisers to condemn the act as “irresponsible and reprehensible.” According to video footage streamed live on the platform…

The Football Association has opened an investigation after a banner displayed by Crystal Palace supporters at Selhurst Park depicted Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis holding a gun to the head of midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White. The controversial banner was unfurled during Sunday’s 1-1 draw between Palace and Forest, overshadowing the Premier League encounter. Alongside the illustration of Marinakis pointing a firearm at Gibbs-White, the banner carried the words: “Mr Marinakis is not involved in blackmail, match-fixing, drug trafficking or corruption!” The display has sparked outrage at the City Ground, with senior Forest sources describing themselves as “hugely disappointed” that such material…

Former Nigerian international Dimeji Lawal has expressed strong confidence in the Super Eagles squad released for next month’s decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, stating that the team has enough quality to secure vital victories over Rwanda and South Africa. Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle unveiled a provisional 31-man list on Friday, with Nigeria set to host Rwanda in early September before travelling to Bloemfontein to face South Africa on September 9. The two fixtures are being widely described as make-or-break games for Nigeria’s World Cup qualification hopes. Currently, Nigeria sits fourth in Group C with seven points, trailing…

Arsenal have been dealt a significant blow ahead of their showdown with Liverpool on Sunday, with Bukayo Saka ruled out for up to four weeks after sustaining a hamstring injury in the 5-0 demolition of Leeds United at the Emirates. Club captain Martin Odegaard is also a major doubt after suffering a shoulder injury during the same match, leaving Mikel Arteta with big selection questions as the Gunners prepare for one of the season’s toughest away trips. Saka, 23, was withdrawn early in the second half after scoring Arsenal’s second goal on Saturday. Initial scans suggest the winger could miss…

Bayer Leverkusen’s new era under Erik ten Hag began in disappointing fashion as his side slipped to a 2-1 home defeat against Hoffenheim.

Napoli began the defence of their Serie A crown with a commanding 2-0 victory away at Sassuolo, as Scott McTominay and debutant Kevin De Bruyne found the net in an assured opening display for Antonio Conte’s side. A champion’s start The reigning champions wasted little time in stamping their authority. After just 17 minutes, Napoli took the lead through McTominay, who continued where he left off last season. The Scottish midfielder, recently shortlisted for the 2025 Ballon d’Or after a stellar campaign, rose highest to meet Matteo Politano’s precise cross and powered a header past the Sassuolo goalkeeper. It was…

Arsenal delivered a statement performance at the Emirates, thrashing Leeds United 5-0 in front of 60,110 fans. New £60m signing Eberechi Eze was unveiled before kick-off, and the atmosphere carried through as Mikel Arteta’s side put on a show. Jurrien Timber opened the scoring with a header before assisting Bukayo Saka for the second just before half-time. Viktor Gyökeres, Arsenal’s £64m striker, netted his first league goals, including a stoppage-time penalty won by 15-year-old debutant Max Dowman, who became the Gunners’ second-youngest player in history. The afternoon wasn’t without concern, as both captain Martin Ødegaard and Saka were forced off…

Nigeria international striker Victor Boniface is on the verge of sealing a move to AC Milan, with the forward completing the final stages of his medical tests in Italy this weekend. The 24-year-old, who currently plays for Bayer Leverkusen, arrived in Milan on Friday to undergo the first part of his medical assessment at the club’s facilities and later at the offices of CONI, the Italian Olympic Committee, as is required for all new arrivals in Serie A. He continued the process on Saturday with more detailed checks at the Galeazzi Hospital in Milan, where Milan’s trusted orthopaedic surgeon was…