Tag: FIFA

11Jan By dthataNo Comments

Sport

Pinnick, Others Dragged Before FIFA

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president Amaju Pinnick’s bid to become a FIFA Council member and any other candidate vying for various positions in March’s Confederation of African Football (CAF) elections in Morocco will be subjected to FIFA’s ratification. Pinnick is looking to replace Guinea’s Almamy Kabele Camara at the 37-member FIFA Council which is the main decision-making body of the world football body that sets the vision for FIFA and global football. But CAF said in a release on Sunday that “At the request of the Interim President of CAF, Mr. Constant Omari, a virtual meeting of the CAF Emergency Committee was held on Saturday with the committee deciding that the Governance Committee of CAF together with the FIFA Review Committee must determine as soon as possible a...

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9Jan By dthataNo Comments

Sport

CAF Bans Ahmad, Clears Two For Presidential Elections

The Confederation of African Football has disqualified embattled president Ahmad Ahmad from seeking reelection in March’s elections following his five-year ban from all football activities by FIFA. Ahmad was declared ineligible to run again by CAF’s Governance Committee which carries out eligibility checks of candidates for the positions of President and Members of the Executive Committee in accordance with article 44 of CAF statutes. The Governance Committee led by Ivorian Michel Kizito Brizoua-Bi, however, approved the candidature of Senegal’s Mr. Augustine Emmanuel Senghor and Mr. Jacques Bernard Daniel Anouma of Côte d’Ivoire. Two other candidates for CAF president, South African Mr. Patrice Tlhopane Motsepe and Mr. Ahmed Yahaya of Mauritania were deemed to require further...

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27Nov By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Raiola joins Ibrahimovic’s crusade over FIFA 21 player rights

Zlatan Ibrahimovic's agent has backed his client's calls for legal action to be taken against the video game developer Mino Raiola has taken aim at EA Sports over player image rights in FIFA 21, insisting that too many stars are open to exploitation. AC Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic caused a stir on social media at the start of the week as he called out FIFA and EA Sports for failing to ask for his permission before including his name and likeness in the latest version of their annual football video game. Tottenham winger Gareth Bale offered his support to Ibrahimovic by starting the hashtag "#TimeToInvestigate", with FIFPro subsequently coming out to defend their policies in a lengthy statement.

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26Nov By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

“FIFA should retire No.10 for all teams in tribute to Maradona” – Former Chelsea coach, Andre Villas-Boas

Former Chelsea coach and current  Marseille boss, Andre Villas-Boas has urged FIFA to retire the No.10 jersey famously won by the late Diego Maradona as he believes no player should ever wear the famous number again.   According to Andre Villas-Boas, the No.10 jersey should be retired from all teams in tribute to Diego Maradona after the Argentine icon’s death on Wednesday November 25 after suffering a heart attack.     Maradona will be remembered as one of the best to ever have played the game and the No.10 jersey became synonymous with the him.   Speaking about the late football legend after his side’s 2-0 defeat to Porto in the Champions League on Wednesday night, Villas-Boas said; “It is very bad news, as well as the loss of a board membe...

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25Nov By dthataNo Comments

Sport

Nominees For The Best FIFA Football Awards™ 2020 Revealed

Shortlists for the player, goalkeeper and coach prizes announced Public voting via FIFA.com: votes can be cast until 9 December at 23:59 CET The Best FIFA Football Awards™ 2020 takes place on 17 December. FIFA has revealed the candidates shortlisted for seven of the individual trophies that will be presented at The Best FIFA Football Awards™ ceremony on 17 December 2020. Two expert panels – one for women’s football and one for men’s football – have selected the candidates for each category. The nominees are listed below in alphabetical order: The Best FIFA Women’s Player: Lucy Bronze (England / Olympique Lyonnais / Manchester City WFC) Delphine Cascarino (France / Olympique Lyonnais) Caroline Graham Hansen (Norway / FC Barcelona) Pernille Harder (Denmark / VfL Wol...

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30Oct By dthataNo Comments

Sport

NFF Gets Fifa’s $1m Palliative, $600, 000 Mini Stadia Fund

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has revealed that it finally received the $1 million palliatives promised it by the world football governing body, FIFA. The federation also said it has received $600, 000 from the football body for the construction of two mini stadia in the country. Announcing the receipt of the funds on his Twitter handle yesterday, NFF President, Amaju Pinnick, said the federation got the fund on Monday and has also reconfirmed what it is meant for from FIFA. He added, “As a further breakdown, the $1 million for palliatives is composed of $500,000 for men’s football and $500,000 for the women’s game. FIFA has also promised to send the Federation an additional $500,000 sometime in January 2021, also as part of COVID-19 palliative efforts. “FIFA also s...

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29Oct By dthataNo Comments

Sport

NFF, FIFA Celebrate Ex-Eagles Star, Obafemi Martins At 36

The Nigeria Football Federation and Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) have sent birthday wishes to former Super Eagles striker Obafemi Martin at 36. Both football bodies took to their verified Twitter handles to celebrate Martins. The NFF wrote :”Happy birthday @Obafemimartins. Have a good one.” And according to FIFA:”@Obafemimartins is a man who knows how to celebrate in style. We hope the former @NGSuperEagles forward is backflipping about on his 36th birthday.” Martins made his Super Eagles debut in 2004 scored 18 goals in 42 appearances before retiring from international football in 2015. He featured at three Africa Cup of Nations with the Eagles in 2006, 2010 and 2010 winning bronze in all the editions he attended. He was a member of the Eag...

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27Oct By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

FIFA president, Gianni Infantino tests positive for Coronavirus

FIFA president, Gianni Infantino has tested positive for COVID-19, football's world governing body said in a statement on Tuesday, October 27.   Infantino, 50, reported mild symptoms and is in self-isolation and will quarantine for at least 10 days, FIFA added.   A statement read: "FIFA President Gianni Infantino has received confirmation today that he has tested positive for coronavirus. The FIFA President, who has reported mild symptoms, has immediately placed himself in self-isolation and will remain in quarantine at least for 10 days.   "All people who came into contact with the FIFA President during the last few days have been informed accordingly and they are being requested to take the necessary steps.   "FIFA sincerely wishes President In...

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23Oct By dthataNo Comments

Sport

Checkout Latest FIFA World Ranking As Nigeria’s Super Eagles Dropped

Reaction as Nigeria male national team, Super Eagles has dropped in the latest broadcasted FIFA World Ranking released today. The world football governing body, FIFA announced the latest rankings on it’s official website. Top 10 Countries In Latest FIFA Rankings 1.Belgium (Lukaku & Co) 2.France (Mbappe & Co) 3.Brazil (Neymar, among others) 4.England (Kane) 5.Portugal (Ronaldo) 6.Spain (Ramos) 7.Uruguay (Cavani) 8.Argentina (Messi) 9.Croatia (Modric) 10.Colombia (Rodriguez) The next FIFA Country World Ranking will be shared on 26th of November, 2020. With this latest Fifa World rankings what is your thought ?

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6Oct By dthataNo Comments

Sport

Kevin Akpoguma: FIFA Approves Ex-German Youth Star’s Switch To Nigeria

The 25-year-old has already teamed up with the Super Eagles for their upcoming friendlies, having been cleared by the world football governing body Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) President, Amaju Pinnick has confirmed Fifa’s approval of Kevin Akpoguma to switch allegiance to Nigeria. The defender was born to a German mother and a Nigerian father and has represented Germany at various youth levels. Akpoguma is, however, still eligible to feature for the Super Eagles since he is yet to play for the European country’s senior team. *The centre-back has been delivering consistent performances for Bundesligaside Hoffenheimsince joining the club in 2015. Last season, he made 18 league appearances for the Kraichgauer to help his side finish sixth in the campaign. Ahead of the...

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9Sep By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Chelsea capable of winning the Premier League – Ezeji

The Blues have been the busiest of all English top-flight sides in the summer transfer window Ex-Chelsea striker Victor Ezeji believes the Blues can win the Premier League this season following their plethora of signings in the transfer window. The London side were unable to spend during the last summer window due to a ban by Fifa, which found them guilty of a serious and systemic breach of the rules regarding their dealings with overseas players under the age of 18. It was, however, lifted this January after winning an appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sports.

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6Sep By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Yobo: How NFF, Caf, Fifa and fans celebrated Super Eagles legend at 40

The ex-Nigeria captain has been sent wonderful messages by the governing bodies and his supporters as he reaches a new age The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the Confederation of African Football (Caf), Fifa and football fans have celebrated with Joseph Yobo on his 40th birthday. Yobo was born in River State on September 6, 1980, and started his career in his home country with the Michellin-Harcourt academy. The versatile defender left for Belgium in 1997, joining the Standard Liege youth setup and wasted no time in earning a place in the senior team following his solid defensive displays.

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4Sep By dthataNo Comments

News

FIFA Is Looking Into Didier Drogba’s Disqualification For FA Presidency

World football governing body, FIFA, has set up a Committee to look into the ongoing electoral dispute in the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF), of which centre stage is the disqualification of football legend Didier Drogba from contesting the position of President. The Committee will be hearing from all stakeholders, including the former Chairman of FIF’s electoral body, René Diby, FIF’s General Secretary, Sam Etiassé and, possible, Didier Drogba, whose candidacy is at the centre of the upheaval. René Diby resigned his position after Etiassé accused him of accepting Drogba’s application due to public pressure and some alleged death threats. The Committee is set to consist of two representatives from FIFA – Rolf Tanner and Sarah Solémalé – two yet-to-be-named representatives from ...

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29Aug By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

FIFA suspends Ivorian federation election after the body disqualified Didier Drogba from presidential elections

Chelsea legend, Didier Drogba's hopes of becoming the next president of the Ivory Coast Football Federation has been given a new lifeline after football's governing body, FIFA on Friday August 28th requested the suspension of the Ivory coast Football federation's election after the body disqualified the former Chelsea striker from the elections. FIF's threw away Drogba's candidacy saying he had only received the official support of two of a required four Ivorian clubs. Drogba's election team said on Thursday it expected FIF's decision which claimed he was ineligible to run for the position. "Drogba's staff isn't surprised by this decision to reject the bid. But we remain unfazed. We will react to conform to the texts which surround this election," Mahamadou Sangare, a member of D...

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6Aug By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Premier League Proposes Changes to VAR Ahead of Next Season

The Premier League could stop drawing offside lines on-screen from next season, the UK Mirror reports. Sky and BT Sport have used the lines during live games, when VAR has been used to rule on marginal decisions, which has led to the phrase “armpit offsides”. Premier League bosses chose to show the lines being drawn by the VAR at Stockley Park, to offer clarity as to why goals were being ruled offside. A total of 34 goals were ruled out for offside by VAR last season and most times by the smallest of margins. And the long-winded process of the lines being drawn put off fans and pundits. Although the rest of Europe’s big leagues also use the lines, the leagues do not offer them to the broadcasters. The Premier League have not made a final decision on whether to ca...

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2Aug By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

FIFA Reacts as Arsenal Defeat Chelsea to Win FA Cup

FIFA has congratulated Arsenal for winning this year’s FA Cup final. The Gunners beat London rivals Chelsea 2-1 at an empty Wembley Stadium on Saturday. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was the star of the show with two goals, cancelling out Christian Pulisic’s opener. The world football governing body took to their official Twitter feed, to hail Arsenal’s achievement. The tweet read: “14 – @Arsenal12 – @ManUtd8 – @ChelseaFC8 – @SpursOfficial “Arsenal had the joint-3rd most FA Cup triumphs when the 21st century began. “They’ve astonishingly won the last 7 finals in which they’ve played to leapfrog fierce rivals Spurs & Man Utd & go clear at the top.” On Aubameyang’s performance, FIFA added: “70 – @Aubameyang768 – @MoSalah65 – @sterling7 “Since Aubameyang’s deb...

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12Jul By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

2022 World Cup year will be a difficult year for Super Eagles – Gernot Rohr

Super Eagles head coach, Gernot Rohr, has predicted that 2022 will be a difficult year for the Super Eagles if they qualify for the Fifa World Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations, both happening in 2022.   The Covid-19 pandemic disrupted the global football calendar forcing the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to postpone several competitions, including the 2021 Afcon.   AFCON was scheduled to hold between June and July in 2021, but has been moved to January 2022, the same year the World Cup in Qatar will occur.   Rohr who in May, agreed a two-and-half-year contract extension with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to continue as the Super Eagles coach until December 2022, says that the hectic qualifying schedule in 2021 might affect the team the fo...

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21Jun By dthataNo Comments

Sport

Super Falcons Home Kit Nominated For Best Jersey At 2019 Women’s World Cup

The home kit of the Super Falcons at the 2019 Women’s World Cup in France has been nominated for best jersey at the tournament. This was announced on FIFA’s Women’s World Cup verified Twitter handle on Sunday. The Super Falcons home kit was selected alongside that of Australia, Norway and Germany. FIFA Tweeted that the jerseys were mentioned the most during the World Cup and decided to ask fans to chose their favourite in a poll on their handle. After the conclusion of the votes the jersey with the highest per cent will be declared the winner. The Super Falcons made it to the round of 16 at last year’s World Cup where they lost 3-0 to German in the first knock out stage. Since sportswear giants nike unveiled it in 2018, the current Nigerian home kit has continued to r...

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9Jun By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

How African teams can advance past World Cup quarter-finals – Kanoute

The furthest any African country has gone at the World Cup is the quarter-finals with Cameroon, Senegal and Ghana being the only nations to achieve it Former Mali striker Frederic Kanoute has advised African countries to work on their organisation, dedication and their professionalism if they aspire to go beyond the quarter-final stage at a Fifa World Cup tournament. No African country has gone past the last-eight in the global competition with Cameroon the first to achieve it in 1990 before Senegal and Ghana followed suit in 2002 and 2010 respectively. At the most recent edition which took place in Russia two years ago, the five countries who represented the continent - Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal and Tunisia - all failed to make it past the group stage.

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9Jun By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

‘Alexander-Arnold’s great but won’t win Ballon d’Or’ – Murphy disputes Cafu’s assessment of Liverpool star

The former Reds midfielder acknowledges that “you never say never”, but he cannot see an Anfield academy graduate being named the world’s best player Trent Alexander-Arnold is a “wonderful talent”, admits Danny Murphy, but the former Liverpool midfielder has refuted claims from Cafu that the 21-year-old full-back will someday be recognised as the best player in the world. A Brazilian legend has claimed that an exciting talent currently filling the same position as he once graced will one day come into contention for FIFA Best and Ballon d’Or prizes. Cafu has told FIFA’s official website of Alexander-Arnold: “He’s a sensational player, a rare talent.

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7Jun By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

FIFA Confirms Paying $700,000 Owed To Super Falcons For World Cup Participation In 2019

World football governing body, FIFA, has confirmed it has paid Nigerian Football Federation the outstanding $700,000 owed to the Super Falcons for participation in the 2019 Women’s World Cup. Nigeria’s women’s team, the Super Falcons participated in the Women’s World cup in June 2019 and as at February 2020 had not received payment of $1m for participation. The NFF were due to receive $1m for reaching the Round of 16 in France, but $240,000 was deducted for the Super Falcon’s extended stay in France and rescheduled flight after their sit-in protest. In February, FIFA explained the payment delays. “Regarding your request, as part of our long-term vision to invest into the development of women’s football at all levels, prior to last year’s Fifa Women’s World Cup in France, Fifa a...

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2Jun By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

George Floyd: FIFA Releases Statement on Players Demanding Justice for Late American

FIFA has urged football competition organizers to apply ‘common sense’ and consider not sanctioning players demanding justice for George Floyd, a handcuffed 46-year-old black American man, during games. FIFA said this in a statement to the Associated Press on Monday. Floyd died on May 25, 2020, at the hands of a White police officer in Minneapolis. DAILY POST had reported that football players, including Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho, used last weekend matches in the German Bundesliga to reveal messages expressing solidarity with Floyd. The statement read: “FIFA fully understands the depth of sentiment and concerns expressed by many footballers in light of the tragic circumstances of the George Floyd case. “The application of the laws of the game is left for the competitions’ ...

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30May By dthataNo Comments

Sport

‘Five-Sub Rule Could Count Against Us’ – Barcelona Coach, Quique Setien Says

Barcelona could suffer from the new rule that allows teams to make five substitutions in a match instead of three, their coach Quique Setien has said. FIFA has made the temporary change to ease the physical strain on players, who are returning to a congested period of games after a lengthy break due to the coronavirus pandemic. The law could favour the bigger clubs like Barcelona, who have deeper squads and better players ready to come off the bench. But Setien believes Barcelona, who are two points clear at the top of La Liga, will also find opponents are now fresher towards the end of games. “I think it will actually harm us,” Setien said on Friday night in a video conference with the Las Palmas Football Federation. “We know we settle a lot of matches in the final minu...

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23May By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Why Many Ex-footballers die of Depression, Suicide – Egbe

A FIFA match agent and C.E.O Monimichelli Sports facility & Construction limited, Mr. Ebi Egbe, has attributed the increased depression and high rate of suicide cases among ex-football internationals to lack of investment and diversification while in active football. Egbe, who stated that many footballers around the world fail to understand that there’s a life after their active football years, noted that they create a lifestyle around their income which sometimes becomes very difficult to sustain years after. In an exclusive interview on Saturday in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa state capital, with DAILY POST, Egbe said, “Ex-players are getting extremely depressed, some even commit suicide all around the world and not just in Bayelsa State; if nothing is done about it, ...

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21May By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Wenger calls for FFP reform to support ’emerging clubs’ amid Newcastle takeover talk

The former Arsenal boss would like to see a relaxation of the rules for ambitious clubs that are careful not to endanger their long-term future FIFA's head of global football development Arsene Wenger has called for the reformation of Financial Fair Play (FFP), stating his belief that the current set of rules benefits the established elite European clubs and prevents investment from smaller sides, which he believes is “not normal”. Implementation of the regulations came into play at the beginning of the 2011-12 season, with the scheme aimed at protecting the long-term survival of clubs by ensuring they do not spend more than they earn and thus create financial problems in the future. And while former Arsenal manager Wenger feels that there are positives to FFP, he would like to se...

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18May By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Onigbinde raps NFF on Rohr’s new contract

National team handler Adegboye Onigbinde has described the quest to extend the contract of Gernot Rohr as coach of the Super Eagles by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) as nothing but a ‘circus’. Rohr has been on the job since 2016 and it was under his watch that the Super Eagles qualified for both the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup and the Egypt 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). While the team failed to progress to the knockout stages of Russia 2018, they came out of Cairo with a bronze medal. The Octogenarian emphatically said his stand on Rohr should not be presumed as that of a job seeker, adding he is enjoying his retirement at 82 after contributing his quota to the development of Nigerian football. “When I  heard about the renewal of coach Rohr’s contract, I put up a...

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13May By dthataNo Comments

Sport

FIFA Decides To Cancel The 2020 ‘The Best’ Awards Ceremony

FIFA have decided to cancel the 2020 'The Best' awards ceremony, according to Marca The ceremony was due to take place in Milan in September, but that will no longer happen because of the coronavirus pandemic. That means the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo won't be up for the coveted The Best Men's Player award, which will be left vacant. FIFA president Gianni Infantino has been clear from the very start of this pandemic that matters will be dealt with using common sense and maximum precaution. FIFA have already suspended the Under-20 and Under-17 Women's World Cups until February 2021, as well as the Futsal World Cup until 2021. The only competition of FIFA's that hasn't been suspended yet is the Club World Cup, which is set to take place in Abu Dhabi in Decem...

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12May By dthataNo Comments

Sport

FIFA Postpones Women’s Under-17 World Cup To 2021 Due To Coronavirus Pandemic

World football governing body, FIFA has postponed the women’s Under-17 World Cup, which was scheduled to hold in India in November. It’s now happening in February 2021, adding to a growing list of sporting events hit by the Coronavirus pandemic. The tournament, to be played in five cities across the country, will now start February 17, football’s governing body said. “All the host cities have put in a lot of effort and commitment so far, and we are happy that the new dates will allow them to make up for the lost time and provide momentum going forward,” the local organising committee said after the FIFA announcement. FIFA also unveiled new dates for this year’s U-20 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica and Panama. It will now be played from January 20 to February 6, 2021. The 20...

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12May By dthataNo Comments

Sport

See How La Liga Intends To Carry Fans Along During Games To Make Up For Lack Of Crowds

La Liga officials are exploring ways to make up for the absence of fans when football returns, and one such idea is to show tweets from fans in the stadium during the game. League president Javier Tebas recently admitted that they were planning some ‘interesting and groundbreaking’ alternatives to fans for when football returns on 12 June, but there was no mention of what those ideas were. However, in a video conference call with the Iberian-American Institute of Sporting Law (via Marca), Tebas went into more detail on how they will compensate for the lack of fans, with tweets and innovative camera angles both in their plans. “Sometimes, we’ve watched games behind closed doors where there is an echo or the horrible sight of empty stands,” Tebas said. “We’re working on modern, ...

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8May By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

NFF Confirms Liverpool Midfielder has Chosen Nigeria Over England

The president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick, has confirmed that Liverpool-owned midfielder, Ovie Ejaria, wants to play for the country. DAILY POST had reported that Ejaria has picked the Super Eagles over the English national team. Pinnick, speaking with ESPN, says paperwork has already been filed with world football’s governing body, FIFA. The only delay is Ejaria’s Nigerian passport which has expired. Two out of the five documents NFF must submit to FIFA, are a copy of Ejaria’s passport evidencing his Nigerian nationality and a copy of an identification evidencing his English nationality. “Yes, he has agreed to play for Nigeria. His documents have been sent to FIFA since,” Pinnick said to ESPN. ...

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8May By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

FIFA to Approve Five Substitutions Ahead of Football Return

FIFA will approve an increase from three to five substitutions per match, when football returns amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Referees, chief, Nicola Rizzoli, feels football’s governing body will accommodate the requests of individual associations. It is believed that an increase in replacements, will reduce the strain on players with fixture lists across the globe set to become more congested. Games will also be played in higher temperatures than normal, with the Premier League hoping to restart in June and continue throughout the summer. “I believe FIFA intend to allow five substitutions. “In a phase of the season with many games one after the other and in elevated temperatures, we’ll have to all take a step forward to help everyone,” Rizzo, w...

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30Apr By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

“I miss traveling” Jerome Boateng says as he talks about Bundesliga’s possible restart.

When the new year bells rang and ushered in 2020, who would have thought the world would be on a forced global holiday? But here we are today missing the life we used to call normal and gearing up for what would be a new normal post COVID-19. An important part of life and livelihood the global pandemic has halted is sporting activities, we miss all of the entertainment, emotions and of course source of livelihood sport brings and we surely can’t wait for sports to return in its full capacity. Ghanaian born Germany national team and Bayern Munich star, Jerome Boateng during an Instagram Live Chat with his brother, Kevin Prince Boateng spoke on what he misses most which is what he would do first after this is over. Passenger in his song Let her go said you only hate the road when you’re m...

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29Apr By dthataNo Comments

Sport

FIFA Calls For Premier League Cancellation

FIFA’S medical chief is calling for the Premier League season to be cancelled. Michel D’Hooghe compared the deadly coronavirus pandemic to World War Two and insists football should not resume until September — with the start of NEXT season. The Belgian’s demands were described as “sensible” by Brighton striker Glenn Murray. And they are a huge blow for hopes of a summer restart. D’Hooghe warned: “The world is not ready for competitive football. It is not a matter of money — it is a matter of life and death. “If there is one moment where absolute priority should be given to health and medicine, it is this. “That is why I ask everybody to be very careful before starting competitions again. “I will be happy if we can have nothing before the start of next season. “If t...

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25Apr By dthataNo Comments

Sport

We Did Not Collect Bribe To Host World Cup In 2018, Russia Said

Bribery Charges by FIFA , which they tagged as ‘Conspiracy theory’ Russia have denied the fact that they were favoured in a bid to host world Cup. An indictment in the US District Court filed this week gave details of alleged bribes paid to top FIFA officials to vote for Russia and Qatar to the host the football tournaments in 2018 and 2022 respectively Prosecutor affirm that Jack Warner of Trinidad and Tobago were given $5million in bribes to vote Russia to host in 2018. The money allegedly came from 10 different shell companies including entities in Cyprus and the British Virgin Islands, passing through accounts in the United States. Russia denied outrightly that they did not bribe any official in 2018 in a quest to host world Cup “Russia received the rights to host the W...

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24Apr By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Ndidi blames Vardy and Schmeichel for ePremier League demolition

After bowing to Diogo Jota on Thursday, the midfielder joked his Leicester City teammates were the reason he lost Wilfred Ndidi has suggested Jamie Vardy and Kasper Schmeichel's refusal of him playing Fifa 2020 caused the problem against Diogo Jota. Ndidi suffered an 8-2 obliteration against the Wolverhampton Wanderers star in the ePremier League invitational Round of 16 game. In the tournament designed to keep fans and players engaged during the lockdown, Jota as the captain scored four times to qualify for the quarter-final.

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22Apr By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

‘It’s time for a change’ – Willian backed to swap Chelsea for Juventus

Former Shakhtar Donetsk boss Mircea Lucescu believes Juve would be the ideal next destination for the winger with him set to leave the Blues Former Shakhtar Donetsk boss Mircea Lucescu has backed Willian to complete a move away from Chelsea this summer, with Juventus touted as a possible landing spot. Willian quickly established himself as a key member of the Chelsea squad after being snapped up from Anzhi Makhachkala for £30 million ($37m) in the summer of 2013. The Brazil international has racked up more than 300 appearances for the Blues in total, while getting his hands on two Premier League titles and the Europa League. The 31-year-old enjoys the full trust of current boss Frank Lampard, having featured in 37 games in all competitions this season, but as it stands, is set to...

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21Apr By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Watching Thibaut? Real Madrid in Raiola talks for AC Milan keeper Donnarumma

Thibaut Courtois' future at Real Madrid is again in doubt. In Italy, it's claimed Real are working the Serie A transfer market to find a new goalkeeper. Sportmediaset says Real are eyeing Juventus keeper Wojciech Szczesny - though the player they're prioritising is AC Milan's Gigio Donnarumma. Real president Florentino Perez is in talks with Donnarumma's agent, Mino Raiola, about bringing the Italy international to Madrid for next season. Florentino knows Donnarumma has refused to consider new contract talks with Milan. His current deal expires in 2021. Just last month, Raiola revealed: "My relations with Real Madrid are very good. I am in contact with José Angel (Sanchez, managing director) and I like to chat with him about football or about FIFA because his opinion interests ...

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19Apr By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Fernandes proving to be the leader Man Utd need on and off the pitch

Despite the suspension of all football due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Portuguese playmaker has continued to prove himself the ideal signing One word keeps cropping up whenever anyone talks about Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes: leader. The Portugal star has had an instant impact at Old Trafford, making an impression on his team-mates, manager, st aff and former players – though not just with his on-the-field performances. Yes, the 25-year-old has impressed on the pitch. He has brought creativity and a spark to the midfield that had been lacking and created more chances, played more key passes in key areas, taken more shots and secured more assists than any of this team-mates since arriving in January, but it is the smaller details that have made him standout even ...

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14Apr By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

​Ighalo must accept enormous pay-cut for Man Utd move

Manchester United loan star Odion Ighalo must forgo a lot of money if he wants to move to the team permanently. The Nigerian has been a sensation since arriving from Shanghai Shenhua in January scoring in all his competitive starts for the team. Ighalo is wanted by United permanently, but the Daily Star claims they do not want to sign him on his existing £300,000-a-week wages. They would prefer to pay him closer to £100,000-a-week, as it would be in line with his place as a rotation player in the squad. The 30-year-old must now decide if he wants to continue playing for the club he has supported as a child, or if he prefers the financial security of his Shenhua contract. His loan deal expires on May 31, but that may be extended by FIFA depending on if and when the existing P...

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13Apr By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

FIFA considering changes to transfer windows system

FIFA are considering changes to the transfer windows system due to the coronavirus suspension. FIFA could introduce a third transfer window to help clubs to recover when football resumes. If some leagues continue well into the year then FIFA are considering a flexible approach to transfers to allow teams to buy and sell players at different times. At present, teams are permitted to sign players in two windows, in summer and winter but that now seems likely to change as a result of the pandemic. FIFA's director of football regulations said: "We could see the opening of a third transfer window," to German TV channel ARD Sportschau

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11Apr By dthataNo Comments

Sport

Coronavirus: No Match Is Worth Risking Life – FIFA President

The President of Fédération Internationale de Football Association, FIFA, Gianni Infantino has said that it would be more than irresponsible to restart competitions too early amid the coronavirus pandemic, stating that no match is worth risking a life for. Infantino, who made this known on Thursday through Royal Spanish Football Federation, RFEF, said that sports have been brought to a halt due to the COVID-19 outbreak which has killed more than 95,500 people globally. He said “As our main priority, our principles, the ones we employ in our competitions and also we invite everyone to follow, is that health comes first. “I cannot stress this enough. No match, no competition, or any league is worth risking any human life for. “It would be more than irresponsible to resume the...

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20Mar By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Arsene Wenger Poaches Arsenal Staff to FIFA

Arsene Wenger has raided his former club, to poach Jason Rosenfeld for a new role at FIFA, The Athletic reports. Rosenfeld has been in charge of the Gunners’ data and analytics for almost a decade. Wenger left the Emirates in 2018 and has since taken up a role as Head of Global Football Development with FIFA. The Frenchman has identified analytics as an area that needs improvement in the global game and has brought in Rosenfeld to assist him. The two men had a good working relationship, with Rosenfeld having overseen StatDNA, an analytics company Arsenal bought in 2012. StatDNA was bought for £2million and moved in-house, with the club rebranding it to Arsenal Data Analytics.

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20Feb By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Cristiano Ronaldo Pays Tribute to Mbappe

Juventus superstar, Cristiano Ronaldo, has paid tribute to Paris Saint-Germain forward, Kylian Mbappe in recognition of the 21-year-old’s remarkable achievements so early in his career. Mbappe led France’s national team to win the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. He has also been impressive for PSG since joining the French Ligue 1 champions from Monaco in 2017. Mbappe has scored 84 goals and registered 48 assists in 116 appearances for PSG, but Ronaldo believes the France international is the present and the future of the world’s football. “Mbappe is the present and the future of the world’s football,” Ronaldo said as quoted by Marca. “Mbappe is a fantastic player. He is very fast, and will be the future of the game.”

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19Feb By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Arsene Wenger Working to Change VAR Offside Rules

Former Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger, is working to re-write the offside law, in order to end controversial Video Assistant Referee (VAR) decisions, the UK Mirror reports. Wenger believes players in attacking positions should be deemed onside, if any part of their body is in line with the last opponent. The Frenchman, who is now FIFA’s Chief of Global Football, feels the introduction of VAR has heavily favoured defenders. Part of his role includes working on the International Football Association Board (IFAB), the body that sets the laws of the game. Goals are being disallowed for marginal calls, with a player ruled offside if any part of the body which can be used to score strays beyond the last defender “I am in the middle of the controversial situation with VAR and i...

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7Feb By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Siasia Begs for Financial Assistance

Samson Siasia said he needs the support of all Nigerians to raise a sum of £250,000. The erstwhile Super Eagles coach said he came out to beg Nigerians for financial assistance because he could not get the money from people he had contacted privately. Speaking on NTA’s Sports Parliament on Thursday night, Siasia stated that he needs a sum of £250,000 to get a legal team to defend himself at the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS). DAILY POST recalls that the former footballer was given a life ban by the world’s football governing body, FIFA, last year. FIFA said Siasia was involved in match-fixing allegations; saying he accepted to take bribes from an individual to manipulate matches. But Siasia retorted that he has never involved in any match-fixing in his entire care...

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4Feb By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

FIFA ends intervention in African football

FIFA is ending its six-month intervention in African soccer’s governing body, it said on Sunday, after the mission to speed up the reform of football on the continent was “successfully completed,” reports Reuters. World soccer’s ruling body also confirmed that its secretary general, Fatma Samoura’s role as “general delegate for Africa” had ended on Feb. 1. FIFA effectively took over the running of African football after the corruption scandals, which consumed the Confederation of African Football (CAF) last year, including allegations against CAF president Ahmad Ahmad, which he has denied. FIFA confirmed at the time that Ahmad, a former cabinet minister in his native Madagascar, was being investigated by its ethics committee although he was not suspended. Ahmad was also briefly de...

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23Jan By dthataNo Comments

Sport

Samson Siasia Beg Nigerians To Help Raise 250,000 Euros To Appeal FIFA Ban

Former Super Eagles Coach, Samson Siasia filmed a video pleading with well-meaning Nigerians to donate 250,000 euros. The former football striker was banned for life from participating in all football match by the world football governing body, FIFA in 2019 after he was found guilty of accepting bribes in order to manipulate matches. Reacting to this, the former Nigeria coach filed an appeal with FIFA and the Court of Arbitration for Sport against the life ban. Siasia decided to reach out to Nigerians to help him raise funds so he can be able to defend himself and hopefully overturn the lifetime ban placed on him by the world football governing body. In the short video, the former Nigeria coach said; “Good day Nigerians, my name is Samson Siasia. I am coming to you at a ...

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19Jan By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Champions League: Del Piero Predicts Club to win Trophy this Year

  Juventus legend, Alessandro Del Piero, has backed Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City to win this season’s UEFA Champions League trophy ahead of Premier League rivals, Liverpool. Del Piero believes Guardiola’s men are favourites to win the Europe top-flight tournament ahead of reigning champions, Liverpool because the Reds will be focus on winning their first League title since 30 years. The Champions League round of 16 first-leg fixtures will kick-off on February 18 and 19. “I still believe that Manchester City have a real chance to win the Champions League this season,” Del Piero told ESPN. “So many years they came close – VAR one year, VAR the next year and it didn’t happen. I think we’ll have a great idea after the next round. “There are some changes in the mar...

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18Jan By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Premier League Managers Write FIFA to Change Handball rule

  Premier League managers have written to FIFA, asking for the controversial handball rule to change, the UK Mirror reports. The new ruling states that any contact between hand and the ball in an attacking phase of play, is deemed to be an offence. This has led to a number of goals being disallowed after VAR reviews, despite obvious non-intentional contact. West Ham midfielder, Declan Rice, was harshly penalised during his side’s defeat to Sheffield United last week. Wolves also saw Pedro Neto’s goal against Manchester United in the FA Cup ruled out, after the ball struck Raul Jimenez in the build-up. The League Managers’ Association (LMA) has written to FIFA, listing instances where goals have been harshly ruled out after VAR intervention. Wolves boss, Nuno E...

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16Jan By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

FG Cautioned on Sports Broadcast Rights

Nigeria’s leading sports marketing and broadcasting company, HS Media Group, has urged the Federal Government to strategically support the local industry in line with its recent reforms, which is aimed at competitiveness in sports broadcasting in the country. HS Media Group, which provided live broadcast for the Africa Cup of Nations held in Egypt last year, said that the government should empower and position the nation’s public broadcaster, the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) to bid for sports broadcast rights of premium tournaments, including the English Premier League, the Spanish LaLiga in addition to the existing partnership with Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) and the Confederation of African Football (CAF). According to HS Media Group President/...

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