FIFA, football’s global governing body, is facing criticism over allegations that it has failed to pay the final installments owed to hundreds of players across Europe, whose contracts were not honoured by their clubs. The money, promised through FIFA’s Fund for Players, was due in September 2023, but sources from several countries claim that many players are still waiting for their payments. The affected players, many of whom are now unemployed or retired, were relying on the final payments, which are said to be vital for their financial stability. A total of £3.09 million is owed to 420 players, with…
Author: Timi-Zacchaeus Oluwaferanmi
Emma Raducanu has withdrawn from the Hong Kong Open as she continues her recovery from a foot injury, despite reporting that she is making “good progress.” The 21-year-old British player, currently ranked world number 55, sustained the injury during her quarter-final match at the Korea Open against Daria Kasatkina on 21 September. Since then, Raducanu has had to pull out of five consecutive tournaments and has played in only two events since July. Raducanu expressed optimism about her recovery on social media but stated she needs more time before she is match-fit. She hopes to make her return in time…
In the rugged region of Brittany, northwest France, football has long been a cultural mainstay. For decades, the area has produced some of France’s brightest football stars, such as Eduardo Camavinga and Ousmane Dembélé, through the academies of regional giants Nantes and Rennes. However, one club has emerged from the shadows of these powerhouses in a story that defies the odds: Stade Brestois 29. Last season, Brest achieved the unthinkable—qualifying for the Champions League after years of financial struggle and survival in France’s lower leagues. The club, which had once been relegated to the amateur ranks due to bankruptcy, is…
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed concern over Riccardo Calafiori’s injury during their 1-0 Champions League win over Shakhtar Donetsk, noting that the situation is “a bit of a worry.” The Italian left-back, who was signed for up to £42 million from Bologna in the summer, was forced off after seemingly twisting his right knee. This injury adds to Arsenal’s growing list of sidelined players, including Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, and Jurrien Timber. Calafiori, making only his seventh start for Arsenal, was heavily involved in the match, often tucking in from his left-back position to contribute with 42 passes. His potential…
Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis has been handed a five-match stadium ban after being found guilty of improper conduct for spitting on the floor as match officials walked past in the tunnel. The incident occurred following Forest’s 1-0 Premier League defeat to Fulham at the City Ground on 28 September. An independent regulatory commission issued the ban, describing Marinakis’ actions as an “egregious display of disrespectful behaviour.” The controversy unfolded after Forest’s unbeaten start to the season was broken by a VAR-awarded penalty in favour of Fulham. Referee Josh Smith, assistant referee James Mainwaring, and fourth official Tim Robinson reported…
Wilfred Ndidi has officially joined an elite group of Nigerian footballers by reaching 200 Premier League appearances. The Leicester City midfielder’s remarkable consistency and performances have made him the ninth Nigerian to achieve this milestone in England’s top-flight league. Here is the full list of Nigerian players with the most Premier League appearances: 1. Shola Ameobi – 298 appearances 2. Nwankwo Kanu – 273 appearances 3. Alex Iwobi – 261 appearances 4. Yakubu Aiyegbeni – 252 appearances 5. John Obi Mikel – 249 appearances 6. Victor Moses – 220 appearances 7. Victor Anichebe – 205 appearances 8. Wilfred Ndidi –…
For Shakhtar Donetsk, the grim reality of war in Ukraine is a constant companion. The shadow of conflict looms over every match, training session, and decision made by the club. The most recent stark reminder came in September, when a Russian missile strike hit the hotel the team was scheduled to stay at ahead of their match against Kryvbas. The attack, which took place in Kryvyi Rih, claimed four lives, underscoring the dangers that players and staff face on a regular basis. Sergei Palkin, Shakhtar’s chief executive, reflected on the harrowing incident. “Can you imagine this? Our team staying in…
Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini has revealed that Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman’s recent international duty impacted his fitness in their 2-0 victory over Venezia. Gasperini noted that Lookman struggled defensively during the Serie A clash on Saturday, which led to his substitution. “He (Lookman) struggled to get back and help out in defence, so he was not playing for the team. Venezia were improving, and I needed to tie the team together more,” Gasperini said in an interview with DAZN. The Italian coach’s remarks underscore the difficulties players often face when returning from international duty, particularly when long-haul travel and…
In a major announcement, Glasgow has officially been confirmed as the host city for the 2026 Commonwealth Games. The Scottish city, which previously hosted the Games in 2014, will now take on the responsibility of staging a slimmed-down version of the prestigious multi-sport event. This news comes after months of uncertainty following the withdrawal of the original host, Victoria, Australia, due to rising costs. The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) made the confirmation on Tuesday, setting the dates for the event between 23 July and 2 August 2026. Unlike previous editions, Glasgow will host a more compact Games, featuring just 10…
Everton are preparing a January move for AC Milan winger Samuel Chukwueze as they look to strengthen their attack in the winter transfer window, The Merseyside club, currently 16th in the Premier League, aims to bolster their squad in a bid to avoid another relegation battle. Chukwueze, who has been on Everton’s radar for some time, has struggled for regular playing time at Milan this season under coach Paolo Fonseca. Of his eight appearances in all competitions, six have come from the bench. This lack of consistent minutes has led to growing speculation about the Nigerian winger’s future at the…
