Sports

21, August 2023

Football: Thierry Henry to coach France at 2024 Olympics ⁰

Thierry Henry was on Monday named as coach of France’s Under-21s and will be in charge of the team competing at next year’s Olympics in Paris.

The 46-year-old former Arsenal and France striker replaces Sylvain Ripoll and returns to management after leaving his role as Belgium assistant following last year’s World Cup.

Henry, who won the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 with France, has struggled to hit the same heights in coaching that he reached as a player.

He lasted barely three months as Monaco coach in the 2018-19 season and stepped down at MLS club Montreal Impact in February 2021 after just over a year at the helm.

He has also worked previously with Arsenal’s youth teams and twice served on the Belgium coaching staff, helping the country finish third at the 2018 World Cup.

Henry, scorer of 51 goals in 123 games for France, has been working as a TV consultant in recent times.

He could have a team built around Kylian Mbappé at the Olympics, with the France captain making no secret of his desire to play at the tournament, which is largely reserved for players aged 23 or younger.

Henry’s first match as France Under-21 coach is a friendly against Denmark in Nancy on September 7, four days before his team’s opening Euro 2025 qualifier away to Slovenia.

Source: AFP

20, August 2023

Premier League: Mbeumo scores twice as Brentford beat 10-man Fulham 3-0 ⁰

Bryan Mbeumo scored twice as Brentford beat 10-man Fulham 3-0 away in a west London derby in the English Premier League on Saturday.

Yoane Wissa also played a key role, putting Brentford ahead shortly before the halftime break after a defensive mistake by Fulham and then earning a penalty that also saw Tim Ream sent off for a second booking.

Mbeumo converted from the spot for the second week in a row after his composed effort rooted goalkeeper Bernd Leno to the spot as the ball went in via the left post.

Fulham searched for a way back during nine minutes of added time through cameos from Willian and new signing Adama Traore but instead it was Brentford that padded the scoreline as Kristoffer Ajer’s well-timed cross found Mbeumo for another goal.

It was Brentford’s first win of the season after opening with a 2-2 home draw against Tottenham last weekend, when Fulham won at Everton.

Source: AP

20, August 2023

Football: Eto’o appoints head coach of women’s team ⁰

Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) president Samuel Eto’o Fils appointed Jean Baptiste Bisseck as the new head coach of the women’s national football team on Friday.

Bisseck replaces Gabriel Zabo, who had served since 2021.

Bisseck, who previously coached men’s top division sides Canon Sportif and Coton Sport, is expected to take the women’s team to new heights, FECAFOOT officials said.

The new coach will have his first test next month when Cameroon faces Kenya in a double header of second-round qualifiers for the 2024 Olympic Games.

Source: Xinhuanet

18, August 2023

FECAFOOT Poverty Culture: 25 clubs go to war against Eto’o, threatens to boycott 2023-2024 season ⁰

A storm is currently shaking the foundations of Cameroon Football Federation. With the ship taking on water everywhere, almost 25 of the 35 professional clubs are threatening to boycott the next season unless major changes are made within the Cameroon Football Federation (Fécafoot).

The source of this controversy lies in the presidency of Fécafoot, a position that is called into question on a daily basis and is proving to be a major point of contention. For these clubs, Samuel Eto’o is definitely no longer the right man for the job. The concerns raised by the former Indomitable Lion’s opponents are amplified by tumultuous events. Notably: “match-fixing, the suspension of some twenty referees for manipulating match results, and the lack of transparency regarding the exact amount of sponsorship money”, they list.

Moreover, the situation has become even more complex with the recent ruling of the CAS (Court of Arbitration for Sport), which annulled all resolutions passed by the Fécafoot General Assembly on August 27, 2022. This reinstates Guibaï Gatama on the body’s Executive Committee, as well as François Kouedem as head of the Western Regional League. It also cancels the dissolution of the Professional Football League of Cameroon (LFPC), among others.

Clubs want Eto’o’s head

Faced with this situation, the 25 aforementioned clubs, meeting in Douala, formulated a series of conditions, the most important of which are three in number. Firstly, they are calling for an extraordinary session of the Fécafoot General Assembly to officially declare the vacancy in the presidency of the Federation. For them, this is a crucial step in bringing about significant change.

Secondly, they have made a firm resolution to take part in the professional championships of the 2023/2024 season only if leadership and administration are entrusted to the LFPC, considered a guarantor of fairness and sporting integrity. Thirdly, they call for the urgent convening of a General Assembly of the LFPC to prepare for the launch of the professional leagues for the coming season.

An empty gesture (?)

In Samuel Eto’o’s entourage, the position of these clubs does not move many.”It’s the umpteenth blackmail by club presidents. Their only problem is that they can no longer line their pockets with the Federation’s subsidies, as Mr Eto’o ensures that they are used for the benefit of the players”, argues a pro-Eto’o.

Before the 25 professional clubs, the Association des Clubs de Football Amateurs du Cameroun (Acfac) met on July 21 to demand the resignation of Samuel Eto’o and his entire Fécafoot Executive Committee. In the meantime, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has opened an investigation against the head of Cameroonian soccer.

Source: Sportsnewsafrica

16, August 2023

Football: Man City beat Sevilla on penalties to win UEFA Super Cup ⁰

Manchester City won the UEFA Super Cup for the first time on Wednesday but needed penalties to beat Sevilla after a 1-1 draw in Athens.

Youssef En-Nesyri’s towering first-half header gave the Spaniards the lead.

European champions City were far from their slick best, but hit back to force the game to penalties through Cole Palmer’s header.

City were then perfect from the spot and prevailed 5-4 in the shootout after Sevilla defender Nemanja Gudelj smashed against the bar.

Pep Guardiola has bemoaned his side’s lack of preparation for the new season and it showed under the baking heat in the Greek capital.

City badly missed the creative presence of Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva through a combination of injury and illness.

A four-month absence for De Bruyne due to a serious hamstring injury has exacerbated the loss of firepower offered by Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez since last season.

West Ham’s Brazilian international Lucas Paqueta has been linked with a move to the Etihad and this performance may serve as further proof City need to strengthen before the end of the transfer market.

Sevilla began their La Liga season with a disappointing 2-1 home defeat to Valencia.

But just as they did last season in lifting a seventh Europa League despite a 12th-placed league finish, they rose to the big occasion.

Sevilla goalkeeper Yassine Bounou was playing what is expected to be his final game for the club before a move to Saudi side Al Hilal.

The Moroccan international denied City a perfect start when he clawed away Nathan Ake’s powerful header that was destined for the bottom corner.

But Guardiola’s men soon became ponderous in possession and were punished on 25 minutes.

Gvardiol start

Josko Gvardiol was making his first start for City since a 90 million euro ($99 million) move from RB Leipzig.

The Croatian international was beaten to Marcos Acuna’s cross by En-Nesyri, who bulleted a header in off the post.

City’s sluggishness was in evidence again at the start of the second-half when Lucas Ocampos skipped past Kyle Walker’s desperate lunge to set up En-Nesyri with a golden chance to double Sevilla’s lead.

The Moroccan striker was one-on-one with Ederson but fired straight into the Brazilian goalkeeper’s legs.

Sevilla were left to rue that miss as City hit back against the run of play on 63 minutes.

Mahrez’s departure has opened the door to City academy graduate Palmer to the first-team and the England under-21 international, who also scored against Arsenal in the Community Shield, is taking his chance.

Rodri was City’s hero with the only goal in the Champions League final against Inter Milan and the Spaniard this time provided the assist with a perfectly measured cross for Palmer to cushion a header past Bounou.

En-Nesyri was guilty of another wasted one-on-one moments later as Ederson flew off his line to make a block.

Erling Haaland had scored twice in all of his previous three appearances against Sevilla, but the Norwegian barely got a sight of goal before the spot-kicks.

Instead, City’s best chance to win the game in normal time fell to Ake as the Dutchman’s downward header was tipped over.

However, there was no perfect ending for Bounou as Haaland, Julian Alvarez, Mateo Kovacic, Jack Grealish and Walker all held their nerve to score in the shootout.

Source: AFP

15, August 2023

Roger Milla weighs in on CAF-Eto’o affair ⁰

While the Confederation of African Football has announced the opening of an investigation against the President of the Cameroon Football Federation over allegations of inappropriate conduct, Samuel Eto’o is receiving support from a number of Cameroonian soccer players, including Indomitable Lions legend Roger Milla.

The CAF vs Eto’o split is likely to occupy the media landscape of African soccer, and Cameroon in particular, for a long time to come. Following concerns raised by Cameroonian soccer stakeholders, FECAFOOT president Samuel Eto’o is facing an investigation opened by CAF into “allegations of inappropriate conduct”. A wave of support for Cameroon has risen up to oppose CAF’s decision.

While Samuel Eto’o defended himself in a statement issued by his lawyer, castigating the accusers and expressing indignation at CAF’s stance, an Indomitable Lions legend came to the rescue of the Cameroon national team’s all-time top scorer. Roger Milla doesn’t beat about the bush when it comes to attacking CAF. As far as I’m concerned, they (CAF) don’t have the right,” raged the 1976 and 1990 African Ballon d’Or winner. We’re not playing in an African Cup. This is a national championship.They can’t come and investigate Cameroonian soccer.What do they give to Cameroonian soccer to allow themselves to carry out an investigation? Nothing at all! So let’s not exaggerate, we don’t need an investigation here”.

Comex comes to Samuel Eto’o’s rescue

In addition to the Cameroon soccer legend, Samuel Eto’o has also received the support of the Executive Committee of the Cameroon Football Federation. In a statement published on its official website on Saturday August 12, 2023, the Comex said: “The Cameroon Football Federation is surprised and outraged by such an approach adopted by the apex body of continental soccer, which, having received complaints from so-called ‘Cameroonian soccer players’ denouncing ‘reprehensible behavior’ did not see fit to officially refer the matter to it. Such an attitude violates the principles of adversarial proceedings, respect for fairness and sporting ethics, which are essential in the resolution of disputes” we read.

Source: Sportsnewsafrica

14, August 2023

Indomitable Lions: Swansea confirm departure of midfielder Olivier Ntcham ⁰

Swansea have confirmed the departure of Cameroon midfielder Olivier Ntcham.

The 27-year-old joined Swansea on a free transfer in September 2021 following a four-year spell at Celtic and scored 12 goals in 82 appearances.

“All regulatory paperwork required to be submitted by Swansea City regarding the player’s exit has now been completed,” the Sky Bet Championship club said in a statement.

Samsunspor posted pictures on their social media channels on August 8 announcing that Ntcham had signed a three-year contract at the Turkish Super Lig club.

Source: Nation.cymru

12, August 2023

Football: PSG sideline Mbappe for season-opener as Dembele arrives ⁰

French superstar Kylian Mbappe has been left out of Paris Saint-Germain’s season opener on Saturday deepening the stand-off between the France captain and the Ligue 1 champions.

France captain Kylian Mbappe is embroiled in a contract dispute with Paris Saint-Germain

As Mbappe’s contract dispute with the Qatari-backed club rumbles on PSG announced a new signing – Ousmane Dembele on a five-year-deal from Barcelona.

He is the ninth summer arrival at a side which has lost Lionel Messi to Inter Miami, and may soon be facing up to life without Mbappe.

In an affair that has dominated transfer market headlines Mbappe has refused to sign an extension to his PSG deal, meaning he can leave for free next year, with Real Madrid long seen as his preferred destination.

PSG want to sell him now and bring in a significant transfer fee for a player who cost 180 million euros ($198m) from Monaco in 2017.

“The position is very clear. If Kylian wants to stay, he must sign a new contract. We can’t let the best player in the world today leave for free. It’s impossible,” PSG president Nasser al-Khelaifi said last month.

Mbappe has not been allowed train with the first team and played only one of PSG’s five warm-up games and was not invited to the pre-season tour in Japan and South Korea.

Despite his sidelining Mbappe was one of the first to welcome Dembele to the Parc des Princes.

“Welcome home my brother, so happy to see you here, the adventure begins,” Mbappe posted on social media to greet Dembele with whom he won the World Cup in 2018.

The 26-year-old Dembele joined Barcelona in 2017 from Borussia Dortmund and had extended his contract last year until 2024.

PSG took advantage of the player’s 50 million euros ($54 million) release clause to sign the former Rennes forward.

“I’m very happy to join Paris Saint-Germain and can’t wait to play in my new colours,” Dembele said in a PSG statement.

“I hope to continue to grow here and make all who love the club proud.”

Ninth signing

Dembele, who has 37 caps for France and scored four goals, joins three other World Cup winners at PSG — Mbappe, Presnel Kimpembe and Lucas Hernandez.

PSG's latest signing - Ousmane Dembele — PSG’s latest signing – Ousmane Dembele

He is the club’s ninth summer signing after defenders Milan Skriniar and Lucas Hernandez, midfielders Manuel Ugarte and Cher Ndour, forwards Marco Asensio, Lee Kang-in and Goncalo Ramos and goalkeeper Arnau Tenas.

At Barcelona, despite early problems adjusting to the Catalan side and injuries, Dembele scored 40 goals in 185 matches, winning three league titles in 2018, 2019 and 2023 and two Spanish Cups 2018 and 2021.

PSG are bolstering their attacking options with the futures of Mbappe and also Neymar uncertain.

“The passion and determination shown by Ousmane when he joined PSG is fantastic and is the attitude required for all our players,” said Khelaifi.

“We are proud to have another French World Cup winner in Paris Saint-Germain at the moment to enter a new great era for our club.”

New PSG coach Luis Enrique also left out Brazilian Neymar from Saturday evening’s game with the forward suffering a “viral syndrome”.

The club are reported to be open to selling the former Barcelona star and Italian midfielder Marco Verratti, who has also not been called up against Lorient.

Enrique is expected to start three newcomers in attack – Lee, Portuguese Ramos and Spaniard Asensio.

Source: AFP

11, August 2023

FECAFOOT Crisis: Eto’o’s lawyer attacks CAF ⁰

At a time when CAF has opened an investigation into allegations of improper conduct in the management of Samuel Eto’o within the presidency of the Cameroon Football Federation, the Indomitable Lions legend’s lawyer denounces the soccer governing body’s communication, which he deems “pernicious and toxic”.

Soccer in Cameroon is in a tense state, with a tense confrontation between a number of players and the President of the Cameroon Football Federation. Indeed, this war has reached the CAF board. On Wednesday August 9, African soccer’s governing body announced the opening of an investigation into Samuel Eto’o over “allegations of inappropriate conduct”. Complaints from several Cameroonian soccer stakeholders have landed on CAF’s table, prompting the body to open the investigation. “Although the allegations are prima facie serious, Mr Samuel Eto’o is presumed innocent until an appropriate judicial body concludes otherwise”, CAF was quick to inform.

Samuel Eto’o replies

Samuel Eto’o was quick to respond. In a statement published on Thursday August 10, the Indomitable Lions legend’s lawyer condemned CAF’s stance. “This hasty position on the part of CAF is all the more surprising in that it already refers to allegations which appear serious at first sight, even though to date Mr Eto’o Fils has not been notified of any of the accusations allegedly made against him,” the statement read. The FECAFOOT president’s lawyer also denounced “pernicious and toxic communication”.

In the press release, Samuel Eto’o reassured Cameroon’s soccer stakeholders that the implementation of his reform program, which began on December 11, 2021, would be respected. He added that these accusations were made by Cameroonian soccer players whose personal interests are threatened:”At a time when the hard work he is carrying out with his executive committee is beginning to bear fruit, as demonstrated by the recent triumph of the U20 national team at the Francophonie games, he invites the Cameroon soccer family to show resilience in the face of repeated and unjustified attacks by the enemies of soccer, who intend to hold our king sport hostage in order to continue serving their personal and selfish interests”.

Source: Sports News Africa

10, August 2023

Cameroonian footballer denied a visa to play in Glasgow after he made pro-Russia statements ⁰

Servette have hit out after midfielder Gael Ondoua — a Russian citizen — was unable to obtain an entry visa from UK authorities ahead of tonight’s Champions League qualifier with Rangers at Ibrox.

The Cameroon international grew up in Russia and made headlines during last year’s World Cup by wearing the country’s flag on his boots.

With the Swiss side already missing seven players due to injury and suspension, coach Rene Weiler’s problems for the first leg have only increased.

At last night’s media conference, Servette officials would not go into details but released a statement saying the club ‘deplores this situation and supports its player and his team, which will have to deal without a major player in its workforce for non-sporting reasons’.

It also confirmed the club had spent two weeks trying to find a solution and had enlisted the SFA’s help.

Source: Dailymail0nline