Chelsea Football Club, formerly owned by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, is to pay a settlement of 10 million euros to UEFA. The settlement comes after UEFA raised concerns about potentially incomplete financial reporting between 2012 and 2019, during the club’s previous ownership.
Juventus has been expelled by UEFA from the Europa Conference League, the third-tier European competition for the upcoming season. This decision comes as a result of a false accounting case that previously led to the deduction of 10 points from the two-time European champion in Serie A, causing them to miss out on the Champions League qualification places.
Nigeria’s national women’s football team, the Super Falcons, has performed remarkably well in the FIFA Women’s world cup 2023 as an underdog. They managed to secure a spot in the round of 16 after a scoreless draw against Ireland. By finishing second in Group B, just behind tournament co-host Australia, they have shown impressive determination and skill.
French football star Kylian Mbappé has allegedly turned down a meeting and contract offer from Saudi Arabian football club Al Hilal, as per multiple reports. Mbappé has recently been the subject of intense discussion in the sporting world due to rumors that Al Hilal was prepared to break the world record transfer fee and offer €300 million for the talented Paris Saint-Germaine (PSG) striker.
In a thrilling match at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, Nigeria staged an impressive comeback against Australia, leaving the co-hosts in a tough spot to qualify for the last 16. Here’s a detailed account of how Nigeria claimed a shocking victory against Australia. Australia’s Emily van Egmond successfully converted Caitlin Foord’s pass to score the opening goal. Soon after Australia’s lead, Nigeria equalized with Uchenna Kanu’s composed finish, followed by Osinachi Ohale’s powerful header, making it 2-1.
Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has joined Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq in a high-profile deal valued at £12 million, with potential add-ons included. The farewell announcement came a day earlier, where Henderson conveyed his departure from Liverpool after an impressive 12-year tenure. Throughout his illustrious career with the club, Henderson secured notable achievements, including victories in the prestigious Premier League and Champions League.
In an announcement on social media, David Silva, the 37-year-old Spanish football legend, has decided to retire from the sport, ending his impressive 19-year playing career. The highly successful playmaker enjoyed a decade-long tenure at Manchester City, where he won four Premier League titles. In 2020, Silva made a move to Real Sociedad but was unfortunately sidelined by a serious knee injury during pre-season, leading to his retirement decision.
Barcelona has been provisionally cleared to participate in the highly anticipated 2023-24 Champions League. This comes in the wake of a UEFA investigation triggered by allegations that the club made payments to a referees’ chief to secure favorable decisions on the field. The investigation, initiated by European football’s governing body, was launched after claims surfaced regarding payments made by Barcelona to influence refereeing decisions in their favor. The club, however, vehemently denies any wrongdoing.
Everton have completed the signing of winger Arnaut Danjuma on a season-long loan from Villarreal. The Netherlands forward agreed terms with the Toffees in January, but joined Tottenham after they made a late move. The 26-year-old made nine appearances for Spurs before returning to Spain at the end of the season.
Marseille have signed Chelsea striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The 34-year-old Gabon forward scored just three goals in 22 appearances for Chelsea after joining from Barcelona in a £10.3m deal last September. Neither club have revealed whether Marseille have paid a fee for the France-born player.
Everton have signed Ashley Young on a free transfer after he left Aston Villa. The 38-year-old England international has signed a one-year deal at Goodison Park, becoming Everton’s first signing of the summer.
Rangers have re-signed defender Leon Balogun on a one-year deal following his departure from QPR. The 35-year-old’s return comes after an ankle injury suffered by Leon King on Tuesday, which will rule the youngster out for a ‘significant period of time’.
Tunisia’s tennis star Ons Jabeur produced a superb comeback to beat Aryna Sabalenka from Belarus at Wimbledon in the women’s semi-finals.
Nigerian-born mixed martial arts (MMA) champion Israel Adesanya has posted images on Twitter of him training US tech billionaire Mark Zuckerberg. It comes head of a potential cage match between the boss of Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, and his rival Elon Musk – the South African-born entrepreneur who now heads Twitter.
USA forward Christian Pulisic has completed his £20m move from Chelsea to Italian club AC Milan. Pulisic, 24, has signed a four-year deal with the Serie A side, with the option of a further year. He scored 26 goals in 145 games at Chelsea and played in the 2021 Champions League final win over Manchester City.
In an interview with Gary Neville on The Overlap, Dele Alli revealed how childhood trauma had contributed to the problems he has encountered in recent years. “There were a few incidents that can give you a brief understanding,” he said. “At six, I was molested by my mum’s friend who was at the house a lot. My mum was an alcoholic.” “I was sent to Africa to learn discipline.
Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy has left Chelsea after three years to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli. Mendy, 31, is the latest high profile player to move to the country and follows former Blues teammates Kalidou Koulibaly and N’Golo Kante who left the during this transfer window. He won the Champions League in 2020-21 and kept 49 clean sheets in 105 games.
Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta has ended a trophy-laden 11 years at the club and signed a one-year deal at Atletico Madrid. The 33-year-old Spain defender won every available honour at Stamford Bridge, including two Premier League titles and the Champions League. Azpilicueta had 12 months left on his Chelsea contract. “It is difficult to express how I feel, it has been incredible,” he said.
Granit Xhaka has left Arsenal to join German side Bayer Leverkusen in a 25m euro deal. The Switzerland midfielder, 30, has signed a five-year deal with the Bundesliga club. Xhaka, who joined the Gunners in 2016 and was briefly captain in 2019, had a year left on his contract but was expected to leave the club this summer.
Manchester City have submitted a planning application for a £300m expansion of Etihad Stadium. The club want to increase the current capacity of 53,400 to 60,000 by expanding the North Stand.
Naija Sports Crib 