Sports

22, June 2025

Premier League Football Gossips ⁰

Marc Guehi is ready to see out the final year of his contract at Crystal Palace, while Marcus Rashford remains hopeful of joining Barcelona.

Liverpool-target Marc Guehi, 24, is prepared to see out the final year of his contract at Crystal Palace if the centre-back does not get the right offer for his career, despite the Eagles being keen to cash in on the England defender. (Guardian), external

Italian champions Napoli have joined Inter Milan in the race to sign 22-year-old Manchester United Danish striker Rasmus Hojlund, who is open to being sold by Ruben Amorim. (Gazzetta Dello Sport – in Italian), external

Arsenal’s move for Real Madrid winger Rodrygo, 24, has hit a stumbling block because of the Brazilian’s wage demands of £10.2m-a-year. (AS – in Spanish), external

Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal made an enquiry for Napoli midfielder Scott McTominay, 28, but the Serie A side did not even discuss a deal as they have no intention of selling the Scotland international. (Football Italia), external

Chelsea are open to the sale of Senegal striker Nicolas Jackson, 24, with Italian clubs Juventus and Napoli both interested. (Gianluca Di Marzio – in Italian), external

Arsenal’s desire to bolster their midfield could result in the Gunners making a move for Brentford’s 31-year-old Denmark midfielder Christian Norgaard. (Mirror), external

Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana, 29, wants to stay and fight for his place with the Cameroon international subject to interest from Monaco. (Guardian), external

Bayern Munich still hold out hope of signing Spain winger Nico Williams, 22, from Athletic Bilbao, despite an agreement having already being reached between the player and Barcelona. (Mundo Deportivo – in Spanish), external

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford, 27, has not given up hope of a move to Barcelona despite the Catalans being on the brink of signing Williams. (Times), external

Paris St-Germain have resumed talks to sign 22-year-old Ukraine defender Illia Zabarnyi from Bournemouth. (L’Equipe – in French), external

Manchester United and England winger Jadon Sancho, 25, is prioritising a move to Napoli over fellow Serie A side Juventus. (Sky Sports Italia – in Italian)

Source: BBC

17, June 2025

Indomitable Lions: Marc Brys heading to Saudi club Al-Nassr ⁰

Following the near-certain departure of Stefano Pioli from Al-Nassr, the Saudi club is actively searching for a new head coach. Unexpectedly, the spotlight has turned to the national team manager.

Pioli, who replaced Luís Castro last autumn, failed to achieve any notable success with Al-Nassr: no trophies were lifted, and the team did not qualify for the AFC Champions League.

Belgian coach Marc Brys, 62, has been leading the Cameroon national side since last year, according to Belgian outlet Het Laatste Nieuws. Brys previously coached in Saudi Arabia between 2013 and 2015, managing Al-Raed and Najran SC — a factor that has caught the attention of Al-Nassr’s management.

Brys’s appointment in Cameroon sparked significant controversy, as he was selected by the Ministry of Sports without the consent of the Cameroon Football Federation, headed by Samuel Eto’o. This caused a serious rift between the two parties. However, Eto’o later apologized, and since then Brys has guided Cameroon to the final stages of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), remaining unbeaten with seven wins in 12 matches.

According to Walfoot.be, Al-Nassr’s leadership is impressed by how Brys handled the delicate situation. They are keen to appoint a coach capable of managing a star-studded squad featuring Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mané, Marcelo Brozović, and Aymeric Laporte. Despite this glittering lineup, the club has not lifted the Saudi league title in six seasons, with the last triumph coming under Rui Vitória.

Brys boasts over 20 years of coaching experience in Belgium. Before moving to Africa, he spent three and a half seasons in charge of Leuven.

Additionally, Brys has international experience from stints in Jordan with Al-Faisaly and in the Netherlands with Den Bosch and FC Eindhoven.

Source: Footboom

11, June 2025

Football: Senegal hands England stunning 3-1 defeat, casting doubt over Tuchel fit ⁰

England slumped to a 3-1 home friendly defeat by Senegal on Tuesday to ramp up the scrutiny on boss Thomas Tuchel one year out from the World Cup.

Goals from Ismaila Sarr, Habib Diarra and Cheikh Sabaly inflicted England’s first ever defeat against African opposition at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground after Harry Kane had given the hosts an early lead.

Tuchel was scathing in his criticism of his side’s dreary display in beating minnows Andorra just 1-0 in World Cup qualifying on Saturday.

The German, who was appointed with the task of ending England’s wait since 1966 for a major tournament win, has now suffered his first defeat in four games in charge.

‘The new Kaiser Chief’: Thomas Tuchel set to be England’s first German manager

“Not good enough. We had moments, but with and without the ball things aren’t clicking, we’re not finding the right tempo,” said England captain Kane.

“We’ve lost that aggressive nature that we had.”

Tuchel responded by making 10 changes, with Kane the only player to retain his place.

It took just seven minutes for the Bayern Munich striker to maintain his record of scoring in every game since Tuchel took charge.

Former Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy should have done better when he could only parry Anthony Gordon’s shot into the path of Kane, who tapped in his 73rd international goal.

Dean Henderson was given a rare chance to impress in the England goal as Jordan Pickford was relegated to the bench.

The Crystal Palace stopper made impressive saves from his club team-mate Sarr and Idrissa Gana Gueye.

But he was helpless when Sarr made the most of a lack of concentration from Kyle Walker to meet Nicolas Jackson’s cross and fire into the bottom corner.

England had never lost to African opposition in 21 previous matches but Senegal had been beaten just once from open play since losing to the Three Lions at the 2022 World Cup.

Diarra was afforded acres of room to run in behind the England defence and slot between the legs of Henderson to put the visitors in front just after the hour mark.

Mendy made amends for his role in the opening goal with fine saves to deny Bukayo Saka and Morgan Gibbs-White a swift equaliser.

England thought they had levelled late on when Jude Bellingham smashed home from a corner.

But the goal was ruled out for a handball by Levi Colwill before the ball broke to the Real Madrid midfielder.

Senegal made the most of that reprieve to seal a famous win in stoppage time when Sabaly rounded off a slick counter-attack.

Boos rained down from the disgruntled home support to leave Tuchel with plenty to ponder before England are next in action in September.

Source: AFP

9, June 2025

Football: First black Premier League referee Rennie dies aged 65 ⁰

Uriah Rennie, the Premier League’s first black referee, has died aged 65.

Rennie officiated more than 300 games between 1997 and 2008, including 175 Premier League matches.

Anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out said Rennie was “a trailblazer in every sense”, adding: “He will always be a Premier League legend by becoming its first black referee, providing leadership, talent and visibility that proved inspirational to many.

“Uriah played a massive role in shaping the game as we know it today. Football should always be grateful to him.”

The Premier League said: “Uriah was a pioneering trailblazer whose legacy will live on, continuing to inspire future generations.”

Rennie recently revealed he was learning to walk again after a rare condition left him paralysed from the waist down.

Born in Jamaica, he moved to Sheffield as a child and grew up in the Wybourn area of the city.

He started refereeing in local football in 1979 before making history in 1997 when he oversaw a top-flight match between Derby County and Wimbledon.

“Incredibly sad news about the passing of Uriah Rennie. A Black pioneering referee and leader in the game,” said Leon Mann, co-founder of the Football Black List.

“We owe so much to those who push open the doors. Uriah should never, ever be forgotten.”

Rennie had been a magistrate in Sheffield since 1996 and campaigned on issues including improving equality and inclusion in sport, mental health and tackling deprivation.

He had a master’s degree in business administration and law and, in November 2023, was awarded an honorary doctorate by Sheffield Hallam University for his distinguished contributions to sport and his work with South Yorkshire communities.

In May, Rennie was installed as the new chancellor of the university.

Sheffield & Hallamshire County Football Association, external described their former chair as a “trailblazing referee” who “broke down barriers, shaped our football community and inspired generations to come.”

Source: BBC

8, June 2025

Football: Portugal beat Spain in penalty shootout ⁰

Portugal beat neighbours Spain in a penalty shootout to settle a frantic final in Munich and win their second Nations League trophy.

Cristiano Ronaldo pulled Portugal level at 2-2 in the 61st minute, but there was nothing else to separate the two sides when the referee signalled the end of normal time.

Subbed off before extra time, Portugal captain Ronaldo dropped to the turf and sobbed tears of joy on the sidelines after Ruben Neves slotted home the winning penalty following Diogo Costa’s save from Alvaro Morata’s spot-kick.

Winners of the 2023 edition, Spain had opened the scoring in the 21st minute when Martin Zubimendi poked home after Portugal failed to clear their lines.

Their lead was short-lived as Nuno Mendes slammed a low, angled strike past Unai Simon and into the far corner of the net five minutes later.

Mikel Oyarzabal, who netted a late winner in last summer’s European Championship final against England, restored La Roja’s advantage before the break.

But Ronaldo came to Portugal’s rescue as he shrugged off Marc Cucurella to reach Mendes’ deflected cross and hook a volley in from close range.

Goncalo Ramos, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes and Nuno Mendes all calmly fired their penalties home before Morata’s weak effort was stopped by Costa.

And as Neves converted the final spot-kick, Portugal became the first team to win two Nations League titles – denying Spain, who were vying for the same honour.

Source: BBC

8, June 2025

Football: Italy’s Spalletti reveals own sacking in news conference ⁰

Luciano Spalletti has announced his own sacking as Italy’s head coach at a news conference on Sunday after his side lost 3-0 to Norway in a World Cup qualifier on Friday.

Italy conceded three first-half goals in Oslo to fall to defeat in their opening qualifier for the 2026 tournament

The 66-year-old said he would still take charge of Monday’s game against Moldova, but it will be his last with the national team.

“Last night we were very together with president [Gabriele] Gravina. He told me that I will be relieved of my position as coach of the national team,” said Spalletti.

“I had no intention of giving up. I would have preferred to stay in my place and continue doing my job. I’ll be there tomorrow evening against Moldova, then we’ll resolve the contract.”

The Italian, who eventually stormed out of the news conference, has been in charge since 2023 and led the team at Euro 2024 where Italy were knocked out in the last 16 by Switzerland.

Spalletti, who has managed Napoli, Inter Milan and Roma in Serie A, has taken charge of 23 matches as Azzurri head coach and won just 11.

Italy are in Group I of Uefa World Cup qualifying alongside Norway, Moldova, Estonia and Israel.

“I’ll be there tomorrow night against Moldova,” added Spalletti. “These are the results under my management and I have to take responsibility.

“I love this shirt, this job and the players I’ve coached. Tomorrow night I’ll ask them to demonstrate what I asked even if I haven’t been able to get them to express their best.”

Source: BBC

7, June 2025

Football: Cristiano Ronaldo says Ballon d’Or ‘should go to Ousmane Dembele ⁰

Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo said Saturday the individual honour should be awarded to a player who won the Champions League.

Speaking ahead of Sunday’s Nations League final in Munich between Portugal and Spain, the veteran said “trophies” should determine who wins the Ballon d’Or.

“In my opinion, whoever wins it should be on a team that has won trophies. The Ballon d’Or winner should be in a team that has won the Champions League,” the 40-year-old forward told reporters.

First awarded in 1956 by French magazine France Football, the Ballon d’Or is awarded to the player considered the best over the previous season.

Paris Saint-Germain’s 5-0 thumping of Inter Milan in the Champions League final last Saturday led to growing calls for Ousmane Dembele to win this season’s gong.

Spain starlet Lamine Yamal’s superb display in Thursday’s 5-4 Nations League semi-final win over France however had some arguing the teenager should be awarded the Ballon d’Or, which would make the 17-year-old the youngest winner in its history.

France coach Didier Deschamps backed Dembele for the award, saying “considering the season Ousmane is having, he deserves it and that’s all I wish for him”.

At a press conference in Stuttgart on Saturday, France captain Kylian Mbappe told reporters he backed Dembele.

“Does anyone really need me to explain? Right now we’re talking about Lamine Yamal and Ousmane Dembele, but I’m voting for Dembele.”

Ronaldo said he “cannot tell you who deserves it” this season.

Ronaldo’s five wins is bettered only by Argentinian Lionel Messi, who has won the award eight times.

The duo had a monopoly on the award for a decade from Ronaldo’s first win in 2008 to his last in 2017.

The current holder is Spain and Manchester City midfielder Rodri.

Source: AFP

1, June 2025

PSG crush Inter Milan to end long quest for Champions League glory ⁰

At long last, Paris Saint-Germain have their hands on the big one.

After a string of embarrassing Champions League debacles, PSG fans had come to despair of ever winning the biggest trophy in European club football.

When victory finally came on a balmy night in Munich, it proved almost too easy, with a thumping 5-0 defeat of three-time winners Inter Milan – the widest margin of victory in the competition’s 70-year history.

PSG’s astonishing triumph caps a rollercoaster journey that began in 2010 with a lunch at the Élysée Palace attended by Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, the Qatari emir whose tiny gas-rich country was poised to change European club football forever.

Fifteen years, several billion euros, and some notorious Champions League fiascos later, the team owned by Qatar Sports Investments are finally at the apex of the sport.

It’s been a steep learning curve for the Parisian upstarts, who had to first ditch their ‘Galactico’ delusions before finding the winning formula.

On paper, the team that triumphed in Munich was PSG’s least eye-catching in years, stripped of the likes of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Neymar, the frustratingly inconsistent poster boy for the club’s “bling-bling” era.

But it was also their most accomplished – and in no small measure.

In two years at the helm, coach Luis Enrique has transformed PSG from an assortment of overpriced soloists to a youthful, cohesive and tactically disciplined unit that has delivered some of the most entertaining football this season.

Source: France 24

30, May 2025

Yaoundé: FECAFOOT unanimously approves 2025 budget ⁰

The Cameroon Football Federation (Fecafoot) has taken a decisive step forward with the unanimous approval of its 2025 budget during an extraordinary general assembly held on May 24 in Odza, Yaounde. This landmark decision follows months of discussions and signals a new chapter for Cameroonian football, setting the stage for unprecedented strategic investments.

Presiding over this critical session via videoconference, Fecafoot President Samuel Eto’o witnessed full agreement among the federation’s leaders. The unanimous vote reflects a renewed unity within the governing bodies of the national football scene.

“This assembly marks a fresh start for our football,” said Elizabeth Mosima, an observer of Cameroon’s sporting institutions. Attendees approved all proposed amendments focusing on strategic goals set for July 2023.

The meeting also ratified decisions from the executive committee’s December 16, 2024 session in Mbankomo. These resolutions include a financial restructuring plan and an optimized allocation of resources aimed at developing grassroots football.

Such consensus stands in contrast to previous divisions that had stalled key decisions. This restored unity promises more effective management of federation affairs moving forward.

The impact of this budget extends well beyond numbers. It outlines a clear roadmap to modernize the country’s football infrastructure and enhance the performance of national teams.

Coming at a time when Cameroonian football strives to reclaim its stature on both the continental and global stages, the planned investments are expected to benefit the Indomitable Lions as well as domestic leagues.

The unanimous support during the vote bolsters the legitimacy of the budgetary directions championed by Eto’o’s leadership, inspiring hope for a vibrant future in Cameroon’s football landscape.

Source: Footboom

30, May 2025

Football: Bayer Leverkusen to sign Cameroonian talent Christian Kofane ⁰

Bayer Leverkusen have reached an agreement with Christian Kofane (18) of Albacete. The Cameroonian forward scored eight goals and provided one assist for the second division side last season, and will cost a reported €5m.

Bayer Leverkusen have fought off interest from Porto, Benfica and AS Monaco to sign Kofane, whom Real Madrid also ‘put out feelers’ for, per Kicker. Should the Bundesliga side reach a full agreement to sign Kofane, the 18-year-old attacker will be loaned back to Albacete.

Kofane only moved to Spain from Cameroon in November 2024 and was intended for Albacete’s youth teams but after impressing, made his first team debut in January 2025, and went on to play 19 second division games under Alberto González.

The signing of Kofane would add further youth to Bayer Leverkusen’s attack, who already have promising Artem Stepanov within their ranks. The 17-year-old Ukrainian will spend next season on loan at 2. Bundesliga side Nürnberg.

Source: Yahoo Sports