Archive | March 18, 2016

FIFA signs China’s Wanda as partner….

Mar18

Lionel Messi of Argentina controls the ball in the 2014 World Cup final

Conglomerate Wanda Group has become the first Chinese top-tier partner of world football governing body FIFA. It is the first big deal of new FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s reign, and the first since the scandals that engulfed the organisation. Wanda Group operates in a number of sectors including property, retail, sport, hotels, film and stores. It has entered at the highest level of sponsorship rights and the deal covers the next four World Cups until 2030. The financial size of the partnership has not been revealed, but it is believed to be one of the biggest in FIFA’s history. FIFA’s top five sponsors – Coca Cola, Gazprom, Adidas, Visa, Hyundai – paid some $180m to the governing body between them in 2015. Although Wanda is the first Chinese firm to enter at this top level, another Chinese firm, Yingli Solar – a solar panel provider – was a second-tier FIFA sponsor of the 2010 and 2014 World Cups.

Oshoala signs for Arsenal Ladies….

Mar18

Asisat Oshoala

Arsenal Ladies have completed the signing of Nigeria international Asisat Oshoala. The 21 year-old striker spent the 2015 season with Liverpool, where she became the first player from Africa to feature in the Women’s Super League. She scored three goals in 12 league appearances for the Reds. On the international stage, Asisat has represented Nigeria with distinction at youth and senior level. In 2014, she was player of the tournament at both the Under-20 World Cup and the African Women’s Championship. She was also named the BBC’s Women’s Footballer of the Year in 2015. Manager Pedro Losa said: “Asisat is a fantastic talent and will be a great addition to our squad. She is quick, with excellent feet and has proven she can score goals so it’s very positive she has decided to join us.”

Go girl !!!