TheNewsGuru

Tag: Fifa

  • Chelsea midfielder, Kante undergoes successful surgery, out of World Cup

    Chelsea midfielder, Kante undergoes successful surgery, out of World Cup

    Chelsea midfielder, N’Golo Kanté, has undergone an operation on his hamstring injury and would be sidelined for four months.

    This was made known on Tuesday in a statement by the club via its website.

    According to the statement: “N’Golo Kante has undergone an operation on his hamstring injury. The midfielder visited a specialist with the club’s medical department to explore the options for his rehabilitation approach and it was mutually agreed for N’Golo to have surgery to repair the damage. Following a successful operation, N’Golo is now expected to be sidelined for four months.”

    Chelsea midfielder, Kante undergoes successful surgery, out of World Cup

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that Kante has joined the list of clubs whose players would miss the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, which will take place from November 20 to December 18, with 32 teams to compete in eight groups.

    Kante is a French professional footballer and France is expected to play its first match at 2022 FIFA World Cup against Australia on November 22.

    FIFA is set to pay the sum of $209m to clubs whose players feature at the World Cup while Insurance benefits add up to $134m.

    The 31-year-old suffered a setback while on the comeback trail following injury in mid-August.

    Kante’s issue is the latest in a long line of problems to have plagued him over the last 12 months, with last season also decimated by injury.

    The midfielder was limited to only 21 Premier League starts last time out and has not played since Chelsea’s dramatic 2-2 draw with Tottenham almost three months ago.

    Kante’s contract is due to expire next summer and talks over an extension have stalled after he wanted a longer-term agreement than the two-year deal offered that included a club option for an extra year.

    While keen on extending his stay in west London, Kante will be able to talk to foreign clubs over the prospect of a free transfer in January.

    Kanté is widely praised for his work rate and defensive acumen. He made his senior professional debut with Boulogne in 2012, appearing as a substitute in one Ligue 2 match, and played an entire season in the third division the following year.

    After that he joined Ligue 2 side Caen on a free transfer, finished third and won promotion to Ligue 1. He stayed with the club for one more year. In 2015, Kanté joined Leicester City for a fee worth £5.6 million.

    Kanté was an integral part of the Leicester City team that went on to become surprise Premier League champions in 2016. The following year, he joined Chelsea for a fee worth £32 million and again won the league, making him the first outfield player to win consecutive English league titles with different clubs since Eric Cantona in 1992 and 1993.

    With Chelsea, he has won the FA Cup, the UEFA Europa League, the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup, the FIFA Club World Cup. Individually, Kante has been awarded the Premier League Player of the Season, the PFA Players’ Player of the Year, the FWA Footballer of the Year, the UEFA Men’s Midfielder of the year and the Trophées UNFP for Best French Player Abroad twice.

    Kanté made his senior international debut for France in 2016 and was included in the squad that finished runners-up at the 2016 European Championship.

    In 2017 Kanté was named the French Player of the Year, a first for a player from the Premier League in seven years, and twelve months later was a key member of the 2018 FIFA World Cup winning squad.

  • RAPE: Manchester United forward, Mason Greenwood arrested over contact with alleged victim

    RAPE: Manchester United forward, Mason Greenwood arrested over contact with alleged victim

    Manchester United forward, Mason Greenwood, has been arrested on suspicion of contacting the alleged victim.

    The 21-year-old Manchester United striker and forward, who was initially granted bail after his arrest on suspicion of rape, assault, and making threats to kill, has been arrested again on suspicion of breaching his bail conditions.

    Greenwood, who has not played for Manchester United since January, was arrested on Saturday morning, after being accused of breaching the conditions of his bail by contacting the alleged victim.

    A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: “Greater Manchester Police are aware of an allegation regarding a 21-year-old man breaching his bail conditions and an arrest has been made on Saturday 15 October 2022. Inquiries are ongoing at this time.”

    Greenwood was released on bail on February 2 and has been awaiting his fate ever since. The Bradford-born forward joined the club’s youth academy at the age of six and was just 17 when he made his first-team debut.

    He was originally due to answer his bail on April 30 but the decision was pushed back after a court hearing in June.

    RAPE: Manchester United forward, Mason Greenwood arrested over contact with alleged victim

    Though he’s suspended by Manchester United, he still receives his £75,000-a-week salary pending the outcome of any criminal proceedings.

    Greenwood has been removed from FIFA 22 and dropped by sponsors Nike in the wake of the allegations.

    TheNewsGuru.com confirmed that Greenwood will not feature in the game. All merchandise bearing his name has been axed from the official Manchester United site and teammates have unfollowed him on Instagram.

    With the rape case against him still not settled, his promising domestic and international career remains in jeopardy.

    Coming through the youth system, Greenwood scored in a UEFA Europa League match against Astana in September 2019, to become the club’s youngest-ever goalscorer in European competition at the age of 17 years, 353 days.

    His senior international debut for England came in September 2020, in a UEFA Nations League game against Iceland.

    In January 2022, Greenwood was arrested on suspicion of raping and assaulting a woman, and a few days later on suspicion of sexual assault and threats to kill. Since then, Greenwood has not trained with, or appeared for, either his club or his national team.

  • Amaju Pinnick officially hands over NFF to Ibrahim Gusau

    Amaju Pinnick officially hands over NFF to Ibrahim Gusau

    Ibrahim Gusau, the new President of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), on Tuesday in Abuja formally took over the reins from the immediate-past President, Amaju Pinnick.

    Gusau had on Sept. 30 in Benin City won the presidential election at the NFF Elective General Assembly.

    Ademola Olajire, the Federation’s Director of Communications, disclosed in a statement that the hand over ceremony took place at the NFF Conference Room at the Sunday Dankaro House.

    Olajire listed as being present at the ceremony NFF Executive Committee members such as Yusuf Ahmed, Aisha Falode, Essien Udofot and Sharif Inuwa.

    Others at the event included NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi, Deputy General Secretary Emmanuel Ikpeme, as well as other management staff.

    Olajire stated that Pinnick, while handing over, charged the Federation’s management and other staff to give Gusau and his team maximum support, just as they gave him and his team.

    “I thank you for your loyalty and support in the past eight years, and the encouragement and support of the Executive Committee that I worked with.

    “It was an awesome experience all through and I give God the glory. Football is the winner.

    “I ask for the forgiveness of all those that I might have offended one way or the other, and I crave your support for the new team.

    “The General Secretary is a formidable individual, a great administrator and a good man at heart.

    “He is a man capable of stabilising the new Executive Committee. I have no doubt that alongside other members of management and staff, they will propel Nigerian football to new heights,” Pinnick was quoted as saying.

    Olajire also quoted him as saying that he remained a part of the system and would still be available to offer advice and suggestions whenever such was sought.

    “As a FIFA Council Member, I am technically in charge of 22 countries, including Nigeria.

    “I will always do my best to protect and project the interests of Nigeria at all times.

    “My administration gave its all and raised funds for the programmes of the NFF and the national teams, and built discipline within the national teams.

    “However, I see the new administration surpassing whatever we achieved. The new President is a strategist who is humble, dynamic and innovative.”

    Gusau on his part lauded Pinnick, saying the warm relationship between the old and new guard was a reflection of the wonderful relationship forged among members within eight years.

    “We assure you (Pinnick), that we will always reach out to you for your advice and encouragement whenever the need arises.

    “We wish you the very best in your duties and tasks at FIFA and CAF,” he had said.

  • U17 Women’s World Cup: Flamingos surrender to Germany after first half Miracle goal

    U17 Women’s World Cup: Flamingos surrender to Germany after first half Miracle goal

    European champions Germany on Tuesday beat Nigeria’s under-17 women’s national team 2-1 in their opening match at the 2022 FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup in Goa, India.

    Team top goalscorer Opeyemi Ajakaye struck the woodwork in the 18th minute as the Flamingos started brightly, but defender Miracle Usani headed the rebound wide.

    However, Miracle entered the tournament’s books when she powered into the net a free-kick in the 30th minute to give Nigeria hope.

    Goalkeeper Faith Omilana came up with two great saves to preserve Nigeria’s lead as the Flamingos led 1-0 at the break.

    However, the well-drilled Germans scored twice in the second period to scoop all three points.

    Svea Stold equalised four minutes into the second half and Albert Mura added a second 12 minutes later.

    The Flamingos will be back on the turf of Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Friday to seek the three points against New Zealand.

    Nigeria are in Group B of the competition alongside Germany, Chile and New Zealand. Nigeria will take on Chile on Monday in their third and final group phase match.

    The 2022 FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup which began on Tuesday in India will end on Oct. 30.

  • Nigeria’s Super Eagles drop in FIFA Rankings

    Nigeria’s Super Eagles drop in FIFA Rankings

    The Super Eagles of Nigeria has dropped two places in the latest men’s ranking released by the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) on Thursday.

    The Nigerian senior male team is now ranked 32nd in the world as against 30th in the month of September.

    The latest ranking was published on FIFA’s official website Thursday, 6th of October.

    Super Eagles played two frindly games in September against the Algerian home based Eagles and their Foreign professionals, they drew 2-2 in their first game and lost 2-1 in the second.

    Jose Peseiro’s side, however, maintained the number four position in Africa.

    Meanwhile, the Teranga Lions of Senegal, Atlas Lions of Morocco, and Carthage Eagles of Tunisia are Placed first, second and third respectively in Africa.

    Two-time African champions Algeria completed the top five teams on the continent.

    The Super Eagles’ next game is a friendly encounter against C.Ronaldo’s  Portugal in Lisbon on November 17.

     

  • Indonesia Pitch Stampede: It’s dark day for football – FIFA

    Indonesia Pitch Stampede: It’s dark day for football – FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) President, Gianni Infantino, has said that the stampede that happened at the Kanjuruhan Stadium in Indonesia was a dark day for football.
    The incident claimed 174 lives after police fired tear gas in the air to disperse angry fans who invaded the pitch after Persebaya Surabaya beat Arema FC in East Java on Saturday.
    According to East Java Police Chief, Nico Afinta said about 300 Indonesians were injured and taken to hospitals for treatment but disclosed some died on the road.
    Meanwhile, in an address  on Sunday in Zurich, Infantino said the whole world is still in Shock over the incident
    He said, “The football world is in a state of shock following the tragic incidents that have taken place in Indonesia at the end of the match between Arema FC and Persebaya Surabaya at the Kanjuruhan Stadium

    “This is a dark day for all involved in football and a tragedy beyond comprehension. I extend my deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims who lost their lives following this tragic incident.”

    FIFA, the international football governing body, bans tear gas at football stadiums.

    “Together with FIFA and the global football community, all our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, those who have been injured, together with the people of the Republic of Indonesia, the Asian Football Confederation, the Indonesian Football Association, and the Indonesian Football League, at this difficult time.” Infantino added.

    Liga 1 has since been suspended temporarily by the Indonesian President, Joko Widodo, to allow investigations and improvement of safety policies going forward.

  • FIFA bans Nigerian player Okonkwo for doping violation

    FIFA bans Nigerian player Okonkwo for doping violation

    Former Nigeria junior international Orji Okonkwo has had his four-year ban for doping violation by the Italian National Anti-Doping Tribunal extended worldwide by world football –governing body, FIFA.

    In its ruling on the case for worldwide extension of the ban, brought before it by Italian NADO, Chairperson of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, Jorge Ivan Palacio affirmed that the player had been cited properly, he has had the opportunity to state his case, the decision has been communicated properly, the decision complies with the regulations of FIFA and extending the sanctions does not conflict with public order or with accepted standards of behaviour.

    “Consequently, the Committee decided to extend the sanction imposed on the player by the Italian NADO on 20 June 2022. More specifically, the player is sanctioned with a four (4) years suspension from all football-related activities in accordance with the Decision.”

    The four-year ban on the player is between 25th February 2022 and 24th February 2026.

    24 year-old Orji Okwonkwo is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays for Italian club Bologna, as a striker.

  • FIFA warned over potential 2030 World Cup bid by Saudi Arabia

    FIFA warned over potential 2030 World Cup bid by Saudi Arabia

    Staging the 2030 men’s World Cup in Saudi Arabia would be “virtually impossible” if FIFA correctly applies its human rights criteria to any bid it makes, Amnesty International has said.

    The Middle Eastern country, which has been widely criticised for its human rights record, is reportedly interested in hosting the centenary finals alongside Egypt and Greece.

    There are reports that consideration is being given to a bid to host the finals, which would be in the winter like this year’s upcoming tournament in Qatar.

    It would be Saudi’s boldest move into the world of sports yet.

    This is following the country’s Public Investment Fund buying a controlling stake in Newcastle United last year and the staging of Formula One races and high-profile boxing bouts.

    Amnesty insists FIFA must rigorously apply human rights criteria when weighing up any possible bid involving Saudi Arabia.

    It said this will be in order to avoid the “mistake” made by the FIFA executive committee in 2010 in awarding the 2018 and 2022 finals to Russia and Qatar respectively.

    “After the purchase of Newcastle United, the staging of the Anthony Joshua fights and the hugely controversial LIV golf venture, it feels almost inevitable that Saudi Arabia will also seek to host the 2030 World Cup.

    ”This will be as a sort of crowning glory to its sportswashing operations,” Felix Jakens, Amnesty UK’s individuals at risk campaigns manager said in a statement released.

    “Under Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi sportswashing has gone into overdrive at the very time that human rights have deteriorated alarmingly.

    “If Saudi Arabia becomes an official bidder for the 2030 World Cup, FIFA should avoid the mistakes it made with Qatar and Russia.

    ”It should ensure there’s a rigorous assessment of human rights risks in awarding the tournament to Riyadh.

    “As things stand, it’s virtually impossible to see how FIFA can square Saudi Arabia’s appalling human rights with its own principles and responsibilities on human rights.”

    Neither FIFA nor Saudi Arabia have made any official comment regarding a bid to date.

    Spain and Portugal are interested in hosting the finals in eight years’ time.

    Also, Uruguay —- who hosted the inaugural finals in 1930 —- are set to bid alongside Argentina, Chile and Paraguay.

  • NFF Election: Akinwunmi lists 4-point agenda to lift Nigerian football

    NFF Election: Akinwunmi lists 4-point agenda to lift Nigerian football

    The 1st Vice President of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Seyi Akinwunmi, on Sunday unveiled a 4-point agenda of his bid to become the President of the the body in the September presidential election.

    Akinwunmi revealed the 4-point agenda at a media interactive session held at Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, Lagos.

    The NFF 1st Vice President has declared to run for the NFF presidency scheduled for Friday, Sept. 30, in Benin-City, Edo State.

    Akinwunmi is hoping to take over the baton from the incumbent, Amaju Pinnick, who came into office eight years ago

    Akinwunmi who doubles as the Chairman, Lagos State Football Association (LSFA) said that as an experienced football administrator, he possessed the right credentials to take over the mantle of leadership at the NFF.

    “I am equipped for this job; I have gone through all the cadre of football administration in Nigeria.

    “I started as a grassroots mobiliser, after which I served as the Legal Adviser on Football matters in Lagos State and also appointed into the Presidential Football Development by the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan.

    “I was also appointed as the Legal Adviser to the then Minister of Sports on Football matters and I intervened when FIFA wanted to ban Nigerian Football over some infraction.

    “I was elected as the Chairman of LSFA and during this time I initiated many projects like, Eko Football Festival, Soccerres and the CAF Beach Soccer in Nigeria and then, the 1st VP of NFF,” he said.

    Akinwunmi said as an administrator, he had been the light of moving the football administration forward in Nigeria.

    “I came through the ranks to the top hierarchy in Nigerian football and the present board has come a long way from where we met the football administration.

    “There are some things we have done right and also things we need to improve upon, I know that history will be our judge. I take responsibility for anything we did not do well and glory for things well done.

    “The past circumstances should not hinder me to drive my passion to reach the goals I think Nigerian Football can get to as I will bring my all to the administration of Nigerian football.

    “My desire is to put Nigerian Football at par with any competing football federation in the world,” he said.

    Akinwunmi also gave the 4-point agenda which are based on football development, business of football, infrastructure and technology.

    “I desire to achieve my ambition in NFF on four pillars. The first is football development, which includes grassroots restructuring and development of the league.

    “Second is the business of football, such as investments that can yield return, we also need partners and sponsorships which is the icing on the cake and not the cake itself.

    “Thirdly, infrastructure, we need to encourage people to invest in the league by building small stadium, which they can improve upon, and also in housing scheme,” he said.

    “Fourth is the use of technology for match tickets, to identify the hooligans from the genuine fans,” he said.

  • Road to the World Cup – The perennial festival of football fanfare

    Road to the World Cup – The perennial festival of football fanfare

    When the inaugural World Cup was hosted in Uruguay in 1930, football had become a keenly supported, highly competitive & glamorous sport that generated huge profits for it’s administrators at the time. FIFA, the world governing body for football had recorded some significant success in controlling the affairs of football for several years before deciding to run it’s global tournament & even though in the early days, it was difficult to have countries outside Europe & South America participate in World Cup, the game has since evolved to see more and more countries participate fully in the buildup to the World Cup.

    92 years & counting, 21 editions and ongoing, 17 host nations across 5 continents, 79 different national teams have played in the group stages of the Finals, 8 winners in-between all 21 previous editions; the FIFA World Cup is the singular most watched sporting event on earth with almost a billion persons watching the finals in Germany 2006 between France & Italy (Italy won that finals via penalty in a match that saw former 3x FIFA Player of the Year & French captain, Zinedine Zidane, pick up a red card for a cynical yet infamous head-butt foul on Marco Materazzi).

    Brazil are the only country to have played in every World Cup since 1930, 21 appearances in total so far; Brazil have also won the most World Cup finals (5 times) with Italy & Germany closely behind them on 4 World Cup trophies each. Uruguay, Argentina & current holders, France are on 2 trophies each with England (1966) & most recently, Spain (2010), on 1 World Cup win each.

    In terms of hosting per continent, Europe has hosted the World Cup more times than every other continent in the world combined at 11 editions, while Africa just recently hosted its only tournament with the 2010 edition held in South Africa. Korea/Japan 2002 was Asia’s first World Cup tournament which saw co-hosts, South Korea reaching the Semi-finals & almost breaking a jinx of being the first non-European or South-American nation to reach a World Cup final. Qatar 2022 would be the second edition of the FIFA World Cup hosted on Asian soil.

    The number of teams participating in the World Cup has changed over the years from the 13 teams that participated in the 1930 finals in Uruguay to the 16 team tournament in the subsequent 10 editions from 1934 till 1978 (except the 15 teams in France 1938 when Austria merged into Germany & the 13 teams in the Brazil 1950 tournament because India, Turkey & Scotland withdrew from the tournament). From Spain 1982 till USA 1994 there were 24 teams playing in the World Cup group stages & it was upgraded to the current 32 team tournament from France 1998 till date.

    In January 2017, FIFA confirmed that by the 2026 World Cup in USA, Canada & Mexico it will increase the number of teams playing in the World Cup to 48 teams to allow for more slots for CAF, AFC, OFC, CONMEBOL & CONCACAF nations to participate in the tournament. Though the slot allocation is yet to be announced, it’s confirmed that there would be 16 groups in the tournament & we can expect to see as many more matches played in the time frame of the tournament in 2026.

    Just Fontaine holds the record for the most goals scored in a single World Cup, scoring 13 goals in the 1958 World Cup alone. Miroslav Klose holds the record for the most number of World Cup goals, 16 goals scored across four World Cups (2002 – 2014). Mexico’s Rafael Marquez holds the record for being the only player to have featured in 5 World Cups as a captain. Brazil holds the record of featuring in every World Cup from 1930 till date. Germany & Brazil are tied on the record of most matches played in the World Cup (109 games played each). The Germans have featured in 8 final games, 13 semi-finals & 16 quarter-finals. Brazil have won the most games at the World Cup (73) & scored the most goals (229) in their 21 edition appearances, last reaching the finals in 2002 (vs Germany) & the semi-finals in 2014 on home soil (a humiliating 7-1 loss to Germany enroute to their infamous win in 2014).

    No African, North/South American, Oceania or Asian nation has ever placed in the top 3 at the World Cup with South Korea coming closest in 2002 when they lost to Turkey in the Third Place Match and placed 4th overall in the standings at the first ever Asian hosted World Cup. by thedavidadesina