Author: Timi-Zacchaeus Oluwaferanmi

A groundbreaking football format is set to launch in the UK and US in 2025, blending professional footballers, social media influencers, and innovative gameplay. Dubbed the Baller League, this six-a-side competition promises to redefine the sport’s entertainment value, much like the crossover success of influencer boxing. With a March 2025 debut, the UK version of the league has already garnered significant attention, thanks to big-name appointments like YouTube star KSI as president and football legends Gary Lineker and John Terry as team managers. Origins of the Baller League The Baller League was conceived in Germany in 2023 by entrepreneur Felix…

Zambia and Orlando Pride striker Barbra Banda has added another accolade to her growing list of achievements, having been voted BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year. The 24-year-old was selected by football fans worldwide after receiving the majority of votes from the BBC Sport website. Banda beat stiff competition from an illustrious shortlist that included some of the biggest names in women’s football. The five nominees, based on performances between September 2023 and August 2024, were chosen by a panel of international experts, including players, coaches, and administrators from across the game. A Surprise Win Speaking to BBC Sport after…

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has labeled Mohamed Salah “selfish” following the forward’s public expression of frustration over Liverpool’s failure to offer him a new contract. Salah, 32, has been a key player for the Reds, with 12 goals in all competitions this season, yet his current deal is set to expire at the end of the campaign. Speaking after Liverpool’s commanding 3-1 victory over Southampton, Salah revealed to reporters that he is “probably more out than in,” hinting at his dissatisfaction with the lack of movement on a new contract. The comments have sparked a flurry of opinions, with Carragher,…

Tensions are rising among Manchester United Women’s fans despite an unbeaten Women’s Super League (WSL) campaign so far under manager Marc Skinner. Although Skinner, 41, guided United to their first-ever major trophy with the FA Cup victory six months ago, fans’ frustrations over performances have led to a growing “Skinner Out” movement. Placards demanding Skinner’s departure have appeared at matches, with boos audible during home games. Criticism intensified following United’s run of three successive league draws against Brighton, Arsenal, and Aston Villa, which saw them drop valuable points in their bid to challenge league leaders Chelsea. United currently sit fifth…

Premier League clubs have approved significant changes to the rules governing commercial deals, despite opposition from Manchester City, Newcastle United, Aston Villa, and Nottingham Forest. The amendments to the Associated Party Transaction (APT) regulations were passed in a meeting in London on Friday, with 16 clubs voting in favor and four against. A Landmark Vote The changes address the integration of shareholder loans into the APT framework and reverse some amendments made earlier this year after an independent tribunal deemed aspects of the rules unlawful. These regulations aim to prevent clubs from benefiting from artificially inflated sponsorship or commercial deals…

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has committed his future to the club by signing a two-year contract extension, ensuring he remains at the Etihad until 2026. This decision comes after a period of uncertainty surrounding his future and follows a challenging phase for the reigning Premier League champions. Why Guardiola Chose to Stay The 53-year-old Catalan admitted he had considered leaving at the end of the season, particularly after a difficult four-game losing streak—the worst run of his managerial career. However, he felt compelled to remain, emphasizing his responsibility to the club: “When the situation comes, and the problems we…

Khadija “Bunny” Shaw scored both goals as Manchester City defeated Hammarby 2-1 in Stockholm to secure a spot in the UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter-finals with two group games remaining. Match Highlights Keating’s Heroics Secure Win City goalkeeper Khiara Keating delivered crucial saves, including a remarkable double stop against Cathinka Tandberg and Blakstad, to preserve the lead. Controversy: Shaw Struck by Object The match was marred by an incident where Shaw appeared to be struck by an object thrown from the stands during her goal celebration. Referee Silvia Gasperotti booked Shaw for excessive celebration, despite the apparent provocation. City’s Perfect…

Lewis Hamilton led both practice sessions on the opening day of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, ahead of McLaren’s Lando Norris and his Mercedes teammate George Russell. Hamilton was just 0.011 seconds faster than Norris in the second session, and 0.396 seconds clear of Russell in the first. However, reigning champion Max Verstappen had a challenging day, ending up 17th in his Red Bull, struggling with tire grip and over one-lap pace. The Dutchman, who can clinch his fourth title this weekend, acknowledged the team’s difficulties, stating, “It feels massively tire-related… it is like driving on ice.” Verstappen’s title hopes…

Chelsea captain Reece James has been dealt another injury blow, as manager Enzo Maresca confirmed the 24-year-old will miss the Blues’ Premier League clash against Leicester City on Saturday due to a hamstring issue sustained in training. James, who only recently returned to action after undergoing hamstring surgery last season, experienced a “small” problem during training earlier this week. While Maresca downplayed fears of a lengthy absence, he admitted caution would be exercised to prevent aggravating the injury. “We have just one injured player and that’s Reece,” Maresca said. “Unfortunately, he felt something small in training two days ago, and…

Giannis Antetokounmpo delivered a dominant performance on Wednesday night, scoring 41 points to lead the Milwaukee Bucks to a 122-106 victory over the Chicago Bulls. The two-time MVP showcased his versatility with eight rebounds and nine assists, helping the Bucks secure their fourth win in five games. The Bucks’ resurgence has been critical after a slow start to the season, where they won just two of their first ten games. With this victory, they improved their record and climbed to ninth in the Eastern Conference standings. Brook Lopez and Damian Lillard also made key contributions, adding 21 and 20 points,…