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Tag: Fifa

  • FIFA names Kebbi beach soccer player among top100 global best

    FIFA names Kebbi beach soccer player among top100 global best

    Emeke Hego-Ogbonna, a beach soccer player with the Kebbi state Beach Soccer Club, has been named amongst the top 100 top players in the world by FIFA, the world football governing body, an official has disclosed.

    Alhaji Mahmud-Hadejia, President, African Beach Soccer Union (ABSU) confirmed this on the side lines of the ongoing second season of the Kebbi State Beach Soccer League (KBSL) 2021/2022 edition, holding in Birnin Kebbi, with 10 clubs vying for the trophy.

    Hego-Ogbonna, also a Nigerian beach soccer international with the Super Sand Eagles, was the highest goal scorer at the 2019 Nigeria Copa Lagos International Tournament, and had won the MVP at the CAF beach soccer African Cup of nations with Nigeria in 2016.

    Mahmud-Hadejia said: “Just like regular football, there are professional beach soccer players across the world.

    “My friend from Portugal who just came, has worked with one of the Portuguese beach soccer professional players, a legend in Rabah Madjer, who was a top beach soccer player in the world. We want to have a lot of Madjers here in Kebbi too.

    “In Nigeria, beach soccer worldwide, under FIFA, recently announced the top 100 beach soccer players in the world and a player from Kebbi Beach Soccer Club (KBSC), who played and won the National Beach Soccer League (NBSL), was named among the top 100 Beach Soccer Players in the World.”

    He described this as a big achievement for Kebbi, advising that sustainable efforts be made by all stakeholders, from the state government to private firms like WACOT Rice, BAM Projects and Cosgrove Investments, who had shown interest and commitment to develop the game, to produce more of such players.

    “From here, the Kebbi Fishers are going to compete in the World Winners Championships in Europe to compete with some of the best in the world.

    ”At the continental level, we have all come together to promote the culture of beach soccer in African countries through the African Beach Soccer Union (ABSU),” he assured.

    Earlier, the National Deputy President of ALGON, Alhaji Shehu Marshal-Jega disclosed that the association, across the 774 Local Government areas in Nigeria, would upgrade the infrastructure used for beach soccer sport across the country.

    “This is because we are very close to the grassroots and we are partnering with the Kebbi Beach Soccer Association to uplift the standard of the game in the state and in Nigeria at large.

    “Here in Kebbi, we are going to do it and all the 774 LGAs in Nigeria will fully participate in uplifting the standard of the game in Nigeria,” he pledged.

    He appealed to private investors to partner with beach soccer, just as the Kebbi State Government was doing, to fully catch the youth in their tender ages and empower them through sports.

    Marshal-Jega, also the Chairman, Jega LGA, as well as Kebbi Chairman of ALGON, commended the state governor, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, for investing in youth and women in the state, observing that by empowering them, the future of the nation was certainly bright.

  • FIFA World Cup plan would have “destructive impact” – Clubs

    FIFA World Cup plan would have “destructive impact” – Clubs

    FIFA’s plans for a biennial World Cup would lead to a “direct and destructive impact on the club game”, Europe’s top clubs organisation said on Friday.

    The European Club Association (ECA) said FIFA’s approach to the reforms of the international match calendar were in “direct and unilateral breach of certain legal obligations.”

    The association joined European soccer’s governing body, UEFA in opposing the proposals.

    The ECA, which represents 234 European clubs, did not state what obligations it was referring to, but the organisation has made a series of agreements with UEFA and FIFA regarding the calendar.

    “Football clubs have always been a fundamental and respected voice in shaping the future of the IMC (international match calendar).

    “They are the cornerstone of football, being the drivers of competitions; the primary hub and home of player development and investment; and the fulcrum of fans and their local communities.

    “This is why the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which governs the relationship between ECA and FIFA, places the IMC at its core.

    “This MoU between the clubs and FIFA was agreed upon following detailed negotiations and joint approval on the IMC, as well as the processes that govern the IMC,” the ECA added.

    FIFA is conducting a feasibility study into holding the World Cup on a biennial basis, a change from the current four- yearly cycle.

    Arsene Wenger, former Arsenal manager, who is now FIFA’s head of Global Football Development, said this month he was “100 per cent convinced” about the benefits of the switch.

    The association said it has been ready to discuss a “modernised” calendar, but there has been a lack of consultation from FIFA.

    “ECA has, therefore, followed with grave concern and alarm FIFA’s launch of active PR campaigns and much pretence, apparently seeking to railroad through reforms to the IMC, particularly the introduction of a biennial World Cup,” it said.

    On Monday, FIFA said it had “reached out to its member associations and other stakeholders (representatives of the players, clubs, leagues, confederations) marking the beginning of a new phase of consultation.”

    UEFA president, Aleksander Ceferin, warned this month of a potential European boycott of the World Cup if FIFA’s plans went ahead.

    While South American confederation CONMEBOL has also been strongly critical of FIFA’s approach, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) said it “welcomes the extensive consultation process initiated by FIFA”.

    CONCACAF, which governs the game in North and Central America and the Caribbean, said it was looking at the proposals “with an open mind.”

    Any vote on changes would likely have to be passed by the full FIFA congress of 211 national associations.

  • UEFA urges FIFA to stop pushing World Cup plan

    UEFA urges FIFA to stop pushing World Cup plan

    European football’s governing body UEFA has urged FIFA to stop pushing its plan for a two-year World Cup and instead to engage in “genuine consultation” over reform of the international match calendar.

    FIFA is conducting a feasibility study into holding the World Cup on a biennial basis, a change from the current four-yearly cycle, but has made no secret of its desire to switch to such a format.

    Arsene Wenger, the former Arsenal manager who is now FIFA’s head of Global Football Development, said this month he was “100% convinced” of the switch.

    “UEFA is disappointed with the methodology adopted, which has so far led to radical reform projects being communicated and openly promoted before having been given, together with other stakeholders, the chance to participate in any consultation meeting,” UEFA said in a statement on Wednesday.

    UEFA said there were numerous concerns about the impact of such a switch including the “dilution” of the World Cup’s value, risks of players being over-worked and women’s football suffering from annual men’s tournaments.

    “These are just some of the serious concerns that the FIFA proposal provokes at first glance.

    “And they cannot be dispelled simply with unsubstantiated promotional slogans on the supposed benefits of a thicker calendar for final tournaments,” the statement added.

    UEFA said it had asked, on Sept. 14, for a meeting with FIFA and the 55 European member associations but has yet to get a reply.

    FIFA did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

    UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin warned this month of a potential European boycott of the World Cup if FIFA’s plans went ahead.

    “We can decide not to play in it,” Ceferin, head of European soccer’s governing body, told The Times newspaper.

    “As far as I know, the South Americans are on the same page. So good luck with a World Cup like that.

    “I think it will never happen as it is so much against the basic principles of football

  • Infantino reveals how Nigeria can host FIFA competitions

    Infantino reveals how Nigeria can host FIFA competitions

    FIFA President, Gianni Infantino on Thursday, in Abuja, revealed how Nigeria can be made a destination for top Grade A football matches and FIFA competitions.

    Infantino gave the insight when the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare took him on a tour of the renovated main bowl of the Moshood Abiola national stadium.

    The FIFA boss, who was visibly happy with the re-grassed pitch at the stadium, said well maintained stadia with good pitches was key to hosting grade A matches.

    He said FIFA was ready to work more closely with Nigeria to develop the game and host more grade A matches in the country.

    “We (FIFA) have to make sure when a country, when a government with the President, the minister and private persons are investing in football, in stadia, we work with them to give something back.

    “It’s obvious that stadiums like this (Moshood Abiola stadium) and others in Nigeria deserve the best quality games.

    “They deserve top national team games, top club games and it’s not just about Nigerian football or African football, it’s about global football,

    “We are working together to see what kind of new opportunities, competitions we can bring for men and women to fill this stadium and make the heart of the stadium beat for fantastic spectacle that all of Nigerian love, which is football,” he said.

    Earlier, the minister said the Federal Government will continue to invest in sports development and facilities.

    The FIFA President, in company of the minister, had earlier visited President Muhammadu Buhari at the State house, as part of his engagement.

  • EPL clubs agree to defy FIFA, to play banned South American players

    EPL clubs agree to defy FIFA, to play banned South American players

    Premier League clubs are ready to defy FIFA and play their banned South American players this weekend.

    There are 11 players due to be suspended from playing by FIFA after they failed to appear for their international sides when clubs refused to send them to red-list countries.

    Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea were set to be the hardest hit following a backlash from South American nations who attempted to take revenge when top-flight clubs blocked their stars from travelling.

    The Sun says Premier League cubs have agreed that they will not make any complaints if their rivals field those players that should be banned.

    It comes after Premier League chief executive Richard Masters wrote to clubs and suggested a resolution is in sight on Wednesday.

    FIFA invoked a ‘five-day’ restriction on those involved, which would include Liverpool’s Brazilian trio Alisson, Fabinho and Roberto Firmino, opponents Leeds’s Raphinha, Manchester City’s Ederson and Gabriel Jesus, Chelsea’s Thiago Silva and Manchester United’s Fred.

    The other three players affected were Wolves striker Raul Jimenez of Mexico, Newcastle’s Paraguay forward Miguel Almiron and Watford’s Francisco Sierralta, of Chile.

    It was announced on Friday that Jimenez has been cleared to play for Wolves against Watford after the Mexican FA withdrew their complaint.

  • FIFA recognises, endorses Aisha Buhari Cup as ranking tournament

    FIFA recognises, endorses Aisha Buhari Cup as ranking tournament

    World football governing body, FIFA, has endorsed the maiden edition of the Aisha Buhari Invitational Tournament as a ranking tournament.

    With this endorsement, the women’s football competition scheduled for 15th – 21st September in Lagos has gone beyond attaining bragging rights and will become more competitive.

    The information from FIFA was contained in a letter sent to the Director of Organization of the tournament, Ms Aisha Falode and signed by Sara Booth (MBE), Head of Competitions (Women’s Football Division).

    The letter read, inter alia: “We are working very closely with CAF on this particular topic as we want to make sure that all African teams that are playing friendly matches are eligible for ranking points.”

    FIFA has also given the local organizing committee authorisation to go ahead and stage the one-week tournament which will take place at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena and Agege Stadium.

    Hosts Nigeria, Cameroon, South Africa, Mali, Ghana and Morocco are the six teams to battle for honours at the tournament being staged in honour of the country’s First Lady, Dr (Mrs) Aisha Muhammadu Buhari.

    See fixtures for the tournament below:

     

  • NFF accepts FIFA correction, Ahmed Musa has 98 caps not 100

    NFF accepts FIFA correction, Ahmed Musa has 98 caps not 100

    The Nigeria Football Federation has admitted error in its earlier counting of Super Eagles’ captain Ahmed Musa’s record.

    The Federation said FIFA was right in its counting, in a statement titled, ‘NFF defers to FIFA on Ahmed Musa’s record’.

    While NFF earlier said Musa had made 100 appearances for the Eagles, FIFA said he had 98 caps for the national team after featuring in Nigeria vs Cape Verde 2022 World Cup qualifier.

    NFF in a statement on Wednesday said deferred to FIFA’s own record of 98 caps for Super Eagles’ captain Ahmed Musa, after the nullification of two of the matches he played in which should have made his tally 100.

    “We defer to FIFA in this regard, so Ahmed Musa has 98 caps. If he features, as expected, in the home-and-away matches against Central African Republic in October, he will clock the tally of 100 and the celebrations will follow in full flow,” NFF’s Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire, said on Wednesday.

  • Brazil, Argentina face FIFA disciplinary probe over suspended match

    Brazil, Argentina face FIFA disciplinary probe over suspended match

    World football governing body FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings involving both the Brazilian and Argentinian football associations following the suspension of Sunday’s 2022 World Cup qualifier in Sao Paulo.

    The match was called off amid extraordinary scenes as officials, believed to be from Brazil’s health authority, stormed on to the pitch in Sao Paulo shortly after kick-off.

    Their action was over an alleged coronavirus breach by the visiting team’s England-based players.

    FIFA president Gianni Infantino described the situation as “crazy” on Monday, and the world governing body’s disciplinary committee will now investigate the circumstances which led to the suspension.

    “Following the analysis of the official match reports related to the World Cup qualifier between Brazil and Argentina, FIFA can confirm that disciplinary proceedings have been opened involving both member associations,” a statement from FIFA read.

    “The two teams were asked to provide further information on the facts which led to the suspension of the match, which will be gathered and then thoroughly reviewed by FIFA’s disciplinary committee. Updates will follow in due course.”

    According to ANVISA, the Brazilian Health Surveillance Agency, Argentina’s four English Premier League (EPL) players are alleged to have declared false information on official forms to the country’s authorities.

    The players are: Cristian Romero and Giovani Lo Celso of Tottenham and Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez and Emiliano Buendia.

    In doing so, they are deemed to have broken quarantine rules.

    The Spurs duo can expect to be fined when they return to club duty, it was gathered.

    Top-flight and EFL clubs had announced they would not permit players to travel to countries on the UK Government’s COVID-19 “red list”.

    This had prompted Infantino to write to Prime Minster Boris Johnson to request exemptions, which were not forthcoming.

    It had previously been agreed with Aston Villa that Martinez and Buendia would not be involved for Argentina’s next match against Bolivia.

    This was to minimise their period of unavailability after arriving back in the UK and needing to quarantine.

    Argentina later confirmed Martinez and Buendia had been authorised to now return to their club.

    While they will not feature against Chelsea in the EPL on Saturday, they should be clear to play again for the visit of Everton on Sept. 18.

    However, it is understood Tottenham are currently unsure when Romero and Lo Celso are due back.

    It was understood that they were not given permission to join up with Argentina, and they will be hit with fines when they eventually return to club duties.

    Romero, a summer signing from Atalanta, and Lo Celso started Sunday night’s match, along with Aston Villa goalkeeper Martinez, but Buendia was not in the matchday squad of 23 players.

    ANVISA said it had been confirmed, following passport checks, that the four players “failed to comply with the rule for the entry of travellers on Brazilian soil”.

    This was after declaring they had not passed through the UK in the last 14 days, which would have necessitated quarantining on arrival.

    The situation was considered “a serious health risk”.

    The local health authorities were advised “to determine the immediate quarantine of players, who are prevented from participating in any activity and must be prevented from remaining in Brazilian territory”.

    The Argentina team responded to the entrance of the officials and the police by walking off the pitch and down the tunnel.

  • 48.5bn dollars spent on international transfers from 2011 to 2020 – FIFA

    48.5bn dollars spent on international transfers from 2011 to 2020 – FIFA

    A total of 48.5 billion dollars (about N19.98 trillion) in international transfer fees have been paid in the decade until 2020, football’s world governing body FIFA said on Monday.

    FIFA, in coming to this conclusion, analysed 133,225 cross-border transfers and loans between 2011 and 2020.

    Ten years ago, 2.85 billion dollars was spent, while the highest annual amount was reached in 2019 with 7.35 billion dollars.

    Fallout from the coronavirus pandemic meant that 2020’s figure was 5.63 billion dollars.

    All transfers between clubs from different countries must be officially registered in FIFA’s Transfer Matching System (TMS), which was introduced in October 2010.

    Europe’s August transfer window closes on Tuesday.

  • $48.5bn spent on international transfers from 2011 to 2020 — FIFA

    $48.5bn spent on international transfers from 2011 to 2020 — FIFA

    A total of 48.5 billion dollars (about N19.98 trillion) in international transfer fees have been paid in the decade until 2020, football’s world governing body FIFA said on Monday.

    FIFA, in coming to this conclusion, analysed 133,225 cross-border transfers and loans between 2011 and 2020.

    Ten years ago, 2.85 billion dollars was spent, while the highest annual amount was reached in 2019 with 7.35 billion dollars.

    Fallout from the coronavirus pandemic meant that 2020’s figure was 5.63 billion dollars.

    All transfers between clubs from different countries must be officially registered in FIFA’s Transfer Matching System (TMS), which was introduced in October 2010.

    Europe’s August transfer window closes on Tuesday.