Sunday, 31 December 2023
LLORIS LEAVES SPURS TO JOIN MLS CLUB LAFC
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| Reuters |
France's World Cup-winning goalkeeper Hugo Lloris has joined Major League Soccer club team Los Angeles FC from Tottenham Hotspur, both clubs said on Saturday.
The 37-year-old Lloris, whose contract with Spurs was due to expire in June, has signed a one-year deal with an option to extend for 2025 and 2026 after an 11-year stay in London.
"Thank you for your support since day one. It's been a great privilege to be one of you and one of your captains as well," Lloris said in a video posted on Spurs' social media.
"It's the end of the chapter, but you will always be in my heart. Spurs will always be a special place for me and my family. Thank you for all the memories we shared. I wish you the best."
BOWL ROUNDUP: NO. 6 GEORGIA CRUSHES NO. 5 FSU IN ORANGE BOWL
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| Carson Beck. USA TODAY Sports |
Carson Beck passed for two touchdowns in two quarters and No. 6 Georgia steamrolled No. 5 Florida State 63-3 on Saturday in a record showing at the Orange Bowl in Miami Gardens, Fla.
Beck completed 13 of 18 passes for 203 yards before exiting as the Bulldogs won by an Orange Bowl-record 60 points. The previous largest margin of victory was 55 when Alabama routed Syracuse 61-6 on Jan. 1, 1953.
Kendall Milton rushed for 104 yards and two touchdowns and Daijun Edwards also ran for two scores as Georgia (13-1) pummeled a previously unbeaten Florida State squad. The Seminoles (13-1) were missing several key players on both sides of the ball, most of them either declaring for the NFL draft or entering the transfer portal.
Freshman Brock Glenn completed 9 of 26 passes for 139 yards and two interceptions in his second straight start for Florida State. Glenn became the starter after star Jordan Travis broke his leg and Tate Rodemaker sustained a concussion and later entered the portal.
SABALENKA EQUIPPED WITH NEW MINDSET TO HANDLE PRESSURE OF 2024 SEASON
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| Reuters |
Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka does not expect the new season to be easier despite her breakthrough performances at the Grand Slams in 2023, but the world number two said her fearless approach can help her handle any challenges.
Sabalenka claimed her maiden Grand Slam title at Melbourne Park earlier this year and finished runner-up to Coco Gauff at the U.S. Open to briefly top the rankings. She also reached semi finals of the French Open and Wimbledon.
Saturday, 30 December 2023
FIFA SUSPENDS NEW AGENT RULES WORLDWIDE UNTIL CASE IN EUROPE SETTLED
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| Reuters |
FIFA has temporarily suspended its new agent regulations (FFAR) worldwide until the European Court of Justice gives its decision following injunctions against implementing some of the new rules, world soccer's governing body said on Saturday.
Agents have been at loggerheads with FIFA after they lost an appeal in July to block new regulations that would cap their transfer commissions and introduce exams that agents must pass to secure a licence.
However, courts in Germany and Spain issued temporary injunctions against implementing some of the regulations in domestic transfers earlier this year.
MAPINDUZI CUP FIXTURES | MAPINDUZI CUP 2023-2024
Have a look at Ratiba na Matokeo - Mapinduzi Cup 2023/2024 Updates, this competition forms part of the 60th Anniversary Celebrations of the Zanzibar Revolution, which expelled the Sultan from power on January 12, 1964, with all matches being played at Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar , a stadium which was recently renovated and had its Crowd Capacity expanded to 15,000 Seats.
The teams that are participating in the Mapinduzi Cup 2023/2024 are, Mlandege FC, Singida Fountain Gate, Vital'O FC, Simba SC, Yanga SC, APR FC, AzamFC, URA FC (Replaced by JKU) , Bandari FC, (Replaced by Jamus) , KVZ FC, Chipukizi FC, Jamhuri SC.
Update: the Groups have now changed following the withdrawal of Bandari FC of Kenya and URA FC of Uganda and the entry of JKU of Zanzibar and Jamus of South Sudan, read more here on the updated Groups here: Mapinduzi Cup 2024 : Bandari na URA Zajitoa.
The Annually held tournament in Unguja is highly regarded; some have compared it to the World Cup for Zanzibar, Mapinduzi Cup 2023 / 24 sees a number of teams from Zanzibar, Mainland Tanzania, and beyond come together to provide football fans with the entertainment they desire.
BRAZIL 🇧🇷 PAYS TRIBUTE TO LEGEND PELÉ A YEAR AFTER HIS DEATH
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| X |
Brazilians paid several tributes to legend Pelé on Friday, one year after the three-time World Cup winner's death at age 82 due to a colon cancer.
A ceremony held at Rio de Janeiro's Christ the Redeemer, one of the South American nation's most famous postcard locations, featured a projection of a Brazil shirt with Pelé's name and No. 10 on the statue and a message from Pope Francis -- Pelé was a devout Catholic throughout his life.
DOMINIC THIEM ADVANCES AFTER BRUSH WITH DEADLY SNAKE AT BRISBANE L
BRISBANE, Australia -- Former US Open champion Dominic Thiem had a brush with one of Australia's most venomous snakes during a qualifying match at the Brisbane International on Saturday.
The former world No. 3 was a set down to Australian James McCabe, 20, in a first-round qualifying match when fans courtside spotted the snake.
Security personnel quickly arrived, but the umpire had to stop play as the snake slithered on to the court to the shock of the players and fans.
"I really love animals, especially exotic ones," Thiem said. "But they said it was a really poisonous snake and it was close to the ballkids, so it was a really dangerous situation.
"It's something that has never happened to me and is something I'll definitely never forget."
VAR REVIEW: WEST HAM GOAL, LIVERPOOL OFFSIDE, ØDEGAARD HANDBALL
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| Getty |
Video Assistant Referee causes controversy every week in the Premier Leagueq, but how are decisions made, and are they correct?
After each weekend, we take a look at the major incidents to examine and explain the process in terms of VAR protocol and the Laws of the Game.
In this Christmas edition of the VAR Review: Why West Ham United's first goal was allowed to stand against Arsenal, Martin Ødegaard's handball against Liverpool, and Harvey Elliott's disallowed goal at Burnley.
Dec. 28: Arsenal 0-2 West Ham United
Possible ball out of play: Soucek goal
What happened: West Ham took the lead in the 13th minute when Jarrod Bowen cut the ball back from the goal line for Tomás Soucek to score, but did the ball go out of play?
VAR decision: Goal stands.
VAR review: Yet again Arsenal suffered from the view of the ball being obscured by a player, meaning that VAR Craig Pawson could not be sure the whole of the ball was over the goal line.
For Newcastle United's winner against Arsenal earlier this season, the ball wasn't in view on the goal-line camera and was then hidden on a possible offside against goal scorer Anthony Gordon.
This time, it was Bowen's leg that was covering the line and blocking the view of the ball. Although the probability is that the whole of the ball had crossed the line, the VAR had no proof of this.
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| The ball was hidden when Jarrod Bowen cut it back from the goal line. Premier League |
There's no easy solution, and it's not something that could be fixed simply by adding more cameras as there's always the chance the ball could be occluded by multiple players. Indeed, in the Bowen situation, Oleksandr Zinchenko is on the line inside the goal, so even having a camera on both sides of the pitch wouldn't guarantee a decision was possible.
Hawk-Eye in tennis judges only on predictive elements of where the ball will bounce, as it cannot be out of play when in the air. Similarly, in cricket there is a small, defined area the ball can pass through to hit the stumps. In both sports, the ball cannot be obscured.
With football, the area where the ball could go out of play is much greater, and it's likely further developments in ball tracking, which will come with semi-automated offside, are the long-term solution. But, for now, and as at the World Cup last year for Japan's goal against Spain, we have to rely on the goal-line cameras.
With Manchester United's disallowed goal against Brighton & Hove Albion, there was nothing that blocked the view down the goal line to prove the whole of the ball was out.
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| Marcus Rashford failed to keep the ball in play. Premier League |
Dec. 23: Liverpool 1-1 Arsenal
Possible penalty: Handball by Ødegaard
What happened: Mohamed Salah looked to turn past Martin Ødegaard on the edge of the area. Referee Chris Kavanagh wasn't interested in a penalty, but the VAR, David Coote, checked it.
VAR decision: No penalty.
VAR review: This seems to be the VAR trying to find justification not to give a penalty, rather than acting on what's clear from the replays.
Ødegaard wasn't falling to the ground, so the exemption that a supporting arm touched the ball isn't applicable.
There's another clause that says there should no offence if the arm is being brought back into the body to avoid the ball -- the reason Coote gave for not awarding a penalty.
Yet Ødegaard appears to scoop at the ball. This should have been a penalty, and the Independent Key Match Incidents Panel will surely log it as a VAR error.
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| Martin Ødegaard should have given away a penalty for handball. BBC |
Possible penalty: Alexander-Arnold challenge on Havertz
What happened: Kai Havertz moved into the penalty area in the 82nd minute and went down after being challenged by Trent Alexander-Arnold. Again the referee ignored appeals for a spot kick.
VAR decision: No penalty.
Possible penalty: Alexander-Arnold challenge on Havertz
What happened: Kai Havertz moved into the penalty area in the 82nd minute and went down after being challenged by Trent Alexander-Arnold. Again the referee ignored appeals for a spot kick.
VAR decision: No penalty.
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| Kai Havertz went to ground in the penalty area, but there was little likelihood of a VAR penalty. Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images |
Dec. 26: Burnley 0-2 Liverpool
Possible goal: No foul by Núñez on Taylor
What happened: Liverpool thought they had doubled their lead in the 28th minute through Cody Gakpo, but referee Paul Tierney blew for a foul by Darwin Núñez on Charlie Taylor (watch here.)
VAR decision: No goal.
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| Darwin Núñez was ruled to have gone into the back of Charlie Taylor. NBC |
VAR review: The probability is there was no foul by Nunez, yet it's difficult to say from the replays there definitively was no contact by the Liverpool player. It's the possible contact into the back, rather than from Nunez's leg, that the VAR will have looked at.
It was difficult for the VAR, Simon Hooper, to be sure enough to say there's been a clear and obvious error.
It's highly unlikely the goal would have been ruled out had it been given on the field, so Liverpool can count themselves unfortunate.
The independent panel might say this was a refereeing error, but not clear and obvious for the VAR to get involved in.
Possible offside: Salah on Elliott goal
What happened: Liverpool again thought they had a second goal in the 55th minute when Harvey Elliott drilled home from inside the area. However, the VAR checked for a possible offside against Salah.
VAR decision: Goal disallowed.
VAR review: Salah was in goalkeeper James Trafford's line of vision, so there's a strong case for offside. The VAR then has to make a judgement on impact.
The closer an attacker is to the goalkeeper, the greater the impact and the chance the goal will be disallowed.
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| Mohamed Salah is offside when Harvey Elliott takes his shot. Premier League |
Trafford moves to his right, away from the path of the ball, and the VAR has to consider whether the keeper would have done the same without Salah there. Whether Trafford will definitely save the ball isn't a consideration, only that his ability to do so has been impeded. It's hard to argue against that in law.
However, Salah had been pushed forward moments earlier, which led to him being offside, so shouldn't that be taken into account? The push wasn't careless, reckless or using excessive force, which is needed for there to be foul (and thus given as a penalty as Salah was inside the area.)
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| Mohamed Salah is in James Trafford's line of vision. BBC |
Once the offside has been determined, the officials can only disallow the goal or award a spot kick. And there's no likelihood that a penalty is ever going to be awarded when the ball isn't within playing distance.
There's no consideration for a push that isn't a foul that gives a team an advantage in an offside situation.
This happens regularly on set pieces -- from attackers too as they try to beat the defensive offside line. It's just rare for it to have such a direct impact upon a goal.
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| Mohamed Salah gets a small push into an offside position by a Burnley defender. BBC |
Dec. 27: Everton 1-3 Manchester City
Possible penalty overturn: Handball by Onana
What happened: Manchester City pushed forward in the 62nd minute, and Nathan Aké attempted a shot on goal, which was blocked by the raised arm of Amadou Onana. Referee John Brooks was uncertain of the spot kick as City's players appealed furiously, before it was awarded on the advice of the assistant.
VAR decision: Penalty stands, scored by Julián Álvarez.
VAR review: Everton boss Sean Dyche complained that it wasn't deliberate, yet the law is much more about making the body unnaturally bigger than it being a deliberate act. And even if there can still be an argument that an arm position is a consequence of natural movement, the higher it is raised, the more likely it will be penalised.
Onana's arm is up and it blocks a shot, which means there's always a strong chance a penalty will be awarded -- however harsh it might seem.
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| Amadou Onana has his arm raised, leading to a penalty. Michael Regan/Getty Images |
The handball law as it is today can only bring inconsistencies in decision-making, because there are just so many clauses and exemptions for referees to take into account. Gone are the days when "common sense" decisions could be made. Onana's handball is definitely what we can term a "modern penalty."
So should Manchester United have been awarded a penalty for a raised arm by Tottenham Hotspur's Cristian Romero at the start of the season then? Romero's was out, but not at head level like it was with Onana. But you can't blame supporters for being confused at how one is a spot kick and the other isn't, with there being similarities over arm position and proximity.
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| The independent panel ruled the VAR was correct not to award a penalty against Cristian Romero. BBC |
Dec. 22: Aston Villa 1-1 Sheffield United
Possible foul: Ramsey on Foderingham
What happened: Aston Villa thought they had taken the lead in the 59th minute when Leon Bailey fired home from Ollie Watkins' square pass, but there was a VAR check for a foul in the buildup on goalkeeper Wes Foderingham.
VAR decision: Goal disallowed.
VAR review: Morally, it feels right that this goal was ruled out because there was a clear foul on Foderingham, with Jacob Ramsey holding onto the goalkeeper's arm as he jumped to punch away the ball.
But in protocol, it's a different matter and perhaps the goal should have counted.
Five Sheffield United players touched the ball before Watkins regained possession and eventually created the goal. So, how can the attacking phase remain the same?
The first four touches would be irrelevant, as the phase can only be reset by controlled possession and not involuntary deflections or stretched plays.
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| Wes Foderingham was definitely fouled by Jacob Ramsey. Nick Potts/PA Images via Getty Images |
Yet when George Baldock took the ball, he was able to move forward with it at his feet, taking three touches. Surely that has to be controlled possession to reset the phase, meaning the VAR cannot go back and disallow the goal for the foul on Foderingham?
But there are other clauses in the protocol: the ball still being in and around the penalty area should be considered, while the referee and VAR must take into account "what football expects."
Opinion will be split, as it was such an obvious foul on Foderingham that meant he couldn't clear the ball and that, directly or indirectly, led to the goal. But with Baldock having had control of the ball, both sides have valid arguments.
Although Ramsey was also having his shirt held by a defender, there wasn't enough in this for it to be considered a penalty.
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| George Baldock appears to have controlled possession to reset the phase. BBC |
Dec. 27: Chelsea 2-1 Crystal Palace
Possible penalty: Foul on Nkunku by Richards
What happened: Christopher Nkunku broke into the area in the first half and went to ground, appearing to take a fresh air shot. Referee Michael Salisbury waved away the penalty appeals, and it was checked by the VAR, Chris Kavanagh (watch here.)
VAR decision: No penalty.
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| Christopher Nkunku clips the leg of Chris Richards as he prepares to shoot. Chelsea |
VAR review: Arsenal fans will no doubt point to the red card David Luiz received against Wolves in February 2021 in similar circumstances. Willian José was through on goal and his studs clipped the knee of Luiz, who hadn't made a challenge. A penalty was awarded on the field, with the Arsenal player sent off for denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity.
The Gunners lost an appeal against the dismissal because in law a penalty and red card isn't an incorrect decision -- yet it remains subjective.
This incident was very similar in nature, with Nkunku catching the leg of Chris Richards as he drew his foot back to shoot.
It's a penalty that would have to be given by the referee. Likewise, if Luiz hadn't been penalised, then the VAR would have got involved.
Possible offside: Jackson when scoring
What happened: Nicolas Jackson had the ball in the back of the net in the 76th minute, but had he strayed offside? (watch here)
VAR decision: Goal disallowed.
VAR review: There's a clear gap in the offside lines from when Thiago Silva played the ball forward, but the ball came off Eberechi Eze before it fell to Jackson, so how could it be offside?
The law demands that Eze's actions are a controlled, deliberate play of the ball for the phase to be reset; a block doesn't count. It's a deflection, so the phase remains active from when Silva got involved.
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Eberechi Eze deflects the ball on, which doesn't reset the offside phase. Crystal Palace |
Possible penalty: Eze foul on Madueke
What happened: Chelsea were on the attack in the 85th minute when the ball dropped to the edge of the area. Eze challenged Noni Madueke, with the Chelsea player going to ground. Crystal Palace looked to break but could make nothing of it. When play stopped, the VAR advised a review (watch here.)
VAR decision: Penalty, scored by Madueke.
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| Eberechi Eze fouls Noni Madueke. Crystal Palace |
VAR review: There's a clear bend of Madueke's knee as Eze makes contact, so an easy penalty for the VAR to send to the pitchside monitor.
Referee Salisbury was probably uncertain as the two players moved their legs in a similar fashion, across each other. Eze's reaction at the point of contact made it clear he was concerned he had committed a foul, and the spot kick was the correct decision.
Dec. 28: Brighton 4-2 Tottenham
Possible penalty: Kulusevski foul on Welbeck
What happened: The ball bounced across the penalty area in the 20th minute, and just as Danny Welbeck looked to get on the end of it, he went to ground claiming a penalty. Referee Jarred Gillett played on, but a few moments later the VAR advised that play should be stopped for a review (watch here.)
VAR decision: Penalty, scored by João Pedro.
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| Dejan Kulusevski pulls back Danny Welbeck. Brighton |
VAR review: Pushing and pulling happens inside the area all the time; for a penalty it's about judging when that crosses from normal football contact into something that impedes an opponent.
This was an obvious spot kick, with Dejan Kulusevski creating the "coat-hanger effect" by pulling the shirt out from the body. That's not the only determining factor, as whether that pulling is prolonged and whether it has a clear impact on being able to play the ball is also taken into account.
Kulusevski was booked for the foul, and Gillett would have talked through a possible red card at the monitor for denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity. There was just enough doubt to prevent the red card, with a possible challenge by a defender.
It's been compared to Aston Villa striker Watkins' penalty appeal against Sheffield United just before Christmas, but the two freeze frames alone don't tell the full story.
There's a case for a foul Vinicius Souza, who has a hand on Watkins, although probably not enough for the VAR spot kick. And while Souza does then have hold of the striker's shirt as he goes to ground, this isn't in the act of pulling him back from playing the ball, as happened to Welbeck.
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| Vinicius Souza holds Ollie Watkins' shirt, yet at this stage the striker is not challenging for the ball. BBC |
Dec. 23: Tottenham 2-1 Everton
Possible foul: Gomes on Emerson
What happened: Everton thought they had pulled a goal back in the 50th minute when André Gomes won the ball off Emerson Royal, then played in Dominic Calvert-Lewin to score. However the VAR, Michael Oliver, began a check for a foul in the buildup.
VAR decision: Goal disallowed.
VAR review: It's a foul, but is there enough in it to be classed a clear and obvious error? It's on the borderline. The camera angle from behind the goal seems definitive, and it appears to show Gomes going into the back of Emerson with his knee and causing the Spurs player to lose the ball.
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| André Gomes was ruled to have fouled Emerson Royal. BBC |
ARSENAL MUST DO BETTER IN BOTH BOXES TO WIN PREMIER LEAGUE, ARTETA
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| Reuters |
Arsenal's 2-0 defeat to West Ham United was a missed opportunity to return to the top of the Premier League and manager Mikel Arteta said his side must improve at both ends of the pitch to have any hope of winning the title.
Despite holding 75% possession and taking 30 shots with eight on target, Arsenal failed to score against their sixth-placed London rivals at home on Thursday. They also registered 77 touches in the West Ham box, the most for a team in the top flight that failed to score since 2008-09.
Last season's runners-up now sit two points behind leaders Liverpool at the halfway stage of the campaign.
INEOS 'WANT TO WORK WITH ME ' - MAN UNITED BOSS TEN HAG
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| Erik ten Hag will meet with INEOS in the coming days and weeks. Photo by Martin Rickett/PA Images via Getty Images |
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has not spoken to INEOS after chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe acquired a 25% stake in the club, but said the new investor wants to work with him.
United confirmed the deal -- worth around £1.3 billion ($1.6bn) -- on Sunday, with Ratcliffe also intent on investing further $300 million into the club to "enable future investment into Old Trafford." He will also take responsibility for football operations at United.
Ten Hag said the move is positive for the club, and hopes to meet with Ratcliffe and INEOS in the coming weeks.
PICKING 2023 WINNERS: MBAPPÉ, HAALAND AND LEWIS DUNK?
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| You know Erling Haaland will feature in this best of 2023 recap, but for what? Michael Regan/Getty Images |
Everybody loves a good, completely arbitrary cut-off point, right? They can be useless, but sometimes they can, quite usefully, twist the lens through which we view something ever so slightly, just enough to reveal a new perspective. And so what better time to do that than the end of the calendar year?
While typically we constrain ourselves to the 38-game season model spanning across two calendar years, what if we take a different view? Rather than looking at this season and last season as two separate entities, what if we just let them bleed together and become one for the calendar year?
We know who won everything last season and who scored all the goals. We know who's winning this season and scoring all the goals. But who won the most and who scored all the goals in 2023?
Let's take a look at the defining players and teams of the past calendar year.
KIPTUM AIMING TO BREAK TWO-HOUR BARRIER AT ROTTERDAM MARATHON IN 2024
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| USA TODAY Sports |
Kelvin Kiptum has enjoyed a remarkable 2023, breaking the men's marathon world record, and the Kenyan now wants to run the first sub-two-hour marathon in Rotterdam next April.
In October, running in just his third marathon, Kiptum took 34 seconds off the previous record in winning the Chicago Marathon in two hours and 35 seconds. He also won the London Marathon in April in 2:01:25, which at the time was the second-fastest time ever for a marathon.
When asked what was next in his sights, Kiptum told Gazzetta dello Sport: "It's already known, the Rotterdam Marathon on April 14.
Friday, 29 December 2023
ALEX RODRIGUEZ, PARTNER CLOSE TO.CONTROL OF TIMBERWOLVES, LYNX
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| Alex Rodriguez & Marc Lore. Reuters |
Alex Rodriguez and business partner Marc Lore are expected to exercise their option to buy another 40 percent of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx, giving them controlling interest of both franchises, ESPN reported.
They could take action to move forward with the purchase from current majority owner Glen Taylor as soon as Thursday. They have a Sunday deadline.
With the move, Rodriguez and Lore will own 80 percent of the teams, pending approval by the NBA Board of Governors. Per ESPN, Rodriguez and Lore could have majority ownership wrapped up by early 2024.
SOURCE: MANCHESTER UNITED'S ANDRÉ ONANA REQUESTS DELAY ON AFCON CALL
André Onana is in talks with the Cameroon FA in an attempt to delay his release for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), a source has told ESPN.
The Manchester United goalkeeper has been named in the Cameroon squad ahead of the tournament, which starts in the Ivory Coast on Jan. 13.
Onana, a £43 million summer signing from Internazionale, has indicated he will participate but, according to a source, wants to limit his time away from Old Trafford as much as possible.
Cameroon are set to hold a warm-up camp in Saudi Arabia, where they will play a friendly against Zambia on Jan. 9.
However, Onana is keen to make himself available for United's FA Cup third-round tie against Wigan Athletic at the DW Stadium on Jan. 8. Cameroon begin their AFCON campaign against Guinea on Jan. 15.
The knockout rounds begin on Jan. 27 with the final scheduled for Feb. 11. United have a Premier League game against Tottenham on Jan. 14 and a possible FA Cup fourth-round tie on Jan. 27 and 28 before Premier League games against Wolves on Feb. 1, West Ham United on Feb. 4 and Aston Villa on Feb. 11.
Onana retired from international duty during the World Cup in Qatar before returning in September. Once he joins up with Rigobert Song's squad for AFCON, Erik ten Hag will have to hand a first-team debut to second-choice goalkeeper Altay Bayindir. The 25-year-old hasn't played for United since his summer move from Fenerbahce, but featured for Turkey during the last international break.
Ten Hag also has 37-year-old Tom Heaton in his squad.
Song dropped Bayern Munich striker Eric-Maxim Choupo Moting, who first debuted for the Indomitable Lions at the 2010 World Cup but paid a price for having missed Cameroon's last three outings.
"Choupo Moting is a very good player. But my staff and I want the continuity of recent times. He is an important player, but we had to make a choice in line with what we have been doing for some time now," Song told a press conference as he named his 27-man squad.
Cameroon will be without Brentford striker Bryan Mbeumo, who underwent surgery on his right ankle earlier this month.
Song surprised with the selection of 17-year-old Wilfried Nathan Doualla, who plays in the Cameroon league and has never been previously called-up.
It will be a fifth Cup of Nations finals appearance for captain Vincent Aboubakar.
After their opening match in Group C against Guinea, Cameroon will face holders Senegal and then Gambia.
Full Squad:
Goalkeepers: Devis Epassy (Abha Club), Simon Ngapandouetnbu (Olympique de Marseille), Andre Onana (Manchester United), Fabrice Ondoa (Nimes)
- Rob Dawson
AUSTRALIAN OPEN UPS PRIZE MONEY BY 13% FOR TOTAL POOL OF $58.4M
MELBOURNE, Australia -- Australian Open tennis officials have announced an increase in prize money by 10 million Australian dollars ($6.8 million) for the upcoming tournament which begins on Jan. 14 at Melbourne Park.
Tournament director Craig Tiley said in a statement Friday that the Grand Slam tournament will now offer 86.5 Australian dollars ($58.4 million) in total prize money.
The U.S. Open announced in August that it was increasing its total prize money and player compensation to a record $65 million, which is the highest among the four Grand Slam tournaments.
ARSENAL DIDN'T LOOK LIKE TITLE CONTENDERS IN WEST HAM LOSS
LONDON -- The debate over whether Arsenal can handle a Premier League title run-in just grew louder.
After falling short last season despite holding an eight-point lead at the beginning of April, the principal challenge this time around for manager Mikel Arteta was evolving the Gunners into a more robust proposition to last the pace.
There had been clear signs of progress in that regard this season, but the manner of Thursday's 2-0 defeat to West Ham will spark familiar questions about whether Arsenal can triumph in what is threatening to be a multiway fight to be champions.
A row will continue over the opening goal given the ball may have drifted out of play as Jarrod Bowen pulled it back for Tomás Soucek to score after 13 minutes. VAR official Craig Pawson took a long look but no camera angle could conclusively overturn the on-field decision and a goal was awarded.
Regardless, Arsenal lacked the composure associated with serial title-winners. Their defending -- which led to Gabriel Magalhaes hitting the ball against Oleksandr Zinchenko to give Bowen a chance to pounce -- was calamitous on the first goal. Their response in possession was even more troubling. Wasting chances at one end and conceding another soft goal at the other was a recipe for disaster.
Thursday, 28 December 2023
CAN BRAILSFORD MASTERMIND NEW CYCLE OF SUCCESS AT MAN UNITED?
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| Reuters |
Amidst the euphoria of Manchester United's stunning 3-2 comeback victory over Aston Villa on Tuesday, one figure sat calmly in the Old Trafford stands processing what had just occurred.
A sizeable majority of supporters in the stadium might not even have recognised Dave Brailsford. But over the coming months he is likely to become a familiar figure.
While INEOS founder Jim Ratcliffe's 25% acquisition of the 20-times English champions will not be officially signed off until early 2024 -- former kingpin of British cycling Brailsford will be scheming about what needs to change at a club that has been in steady decline since Alex Ferguson retired.
Fans might well ask why Brailsford, the brains behind Britain becoming a cycling powerhouse and who made INEOS Grenadiers (formerly Team Sky) multiple Grand Tour champions, would be entrusted with one of the biggest challenges in soccer.
After all, the 59-year-old, who Ratcliffe made INEOS's Director of Sport, has no obvious background in the sport.
Brailsford's "marginal gains" manta turned British cyclists into winning machines and while he took on a technical role with INEOS-owned French Ligue 1 club Nice in a bid to take on the Paris St Germain, the jury is still out on his impact.
United fan Ratcliffe, whose 25% purchase plus investment of $300 million will give him control of football operations, has been tight-lipped about who will do what in the new regime.
TRANSFER TALK: ARSENAL TARGET BAYERN DEFENDER DE LIGT
TOP STORY: Arsenal target Bayern defender De Ligt
Arsenal are interested in signing Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt, says The Athletic.
De Ligt, 24, joined Bayern from Juventus in July 2022 for around €77 million but the Netherlands international has struggled for fitness and could depart in the summer.
The Gunners are looking to bolster their defence and also have Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck and 17-year-old Ajax defender Jorrel Hato on their shortlist.
Any signing is unlikely in January as Mikel Arteta's side have plenty of options, but a new arrival over the summer is very possible.
USMNT star Cardoso moves to Betis
ESPN
Real Betis have completed the signing of United States men's national team midfielder Johnny Cardoso from Brazilian club Internacional, the LaLiga club announced.
Cardoso, 22, has signed a contract until June 2029.
Neither club confirmed the fee for Cardoso's transfer but sources told ESPN Brasil, Betis paid an initial €6m ($6.3m) to sign the player and as part of the deal, Internacional have kept a 20% from any future transfer of the player.
Juventus to land Montenegro starlet Adzic
ESPN
Juventus have won the race to sign Montenegro starlet Vasilije Adzic from Podgorica, Sky Italia reports.
The Bianconeri have fought off strong competition from several Serie A clubs, including Bologna, and are set to land the teenage playmaker.
Adzic, 17, is expected to arrive to Turin next week to undergo a medical before putting pen to paper on a long-term contract with the Italian giants. However, he will only join Juve once he turns 18 in May.
Adzic has scored six goal and set up two more in 23 appearances for Montenegro's defending champions Podgorica this season.
Neves transfer to cost United even more?
ESPN
Manchester United want to bring in Benfica midfielder Joao Neves, says O Jogo.
Neves, 19, is tipped to become one of the best in Europe but is reported to be in talks over a new contract at Benfica. If he signs up then the Portugal international's release clause would increase from €120m to €150m and that could present an issue for United.
Milan line up Popovic deal
ESPN
AC Milan are set to complete the signing of Partizan Belgrade midfielder Matija Popovic once he turns 18 on Jan. 8, according to Calciomercato.
Popovic, 17, will join the Rossoneri as a free agent as his contract expires on Dec. 31
The Serbia U17 international will reportedly arrive in Milan next week to undergo a medical before putting pen to paper on a five-year contract.
A reported target of Manchester City, Popovic has scored 21 goals in 25 games for Partizan's U19 squad.
Craig Burley has seen this Manchester United move before
ESPN
Man City, Bayern and Barcelona watching Savinho
ESPN
Girona forward Savinho will remain at the club until the end of the season despite strong interest from Manchester City, according to local reports.
Savinho, 19, is on a season-long loan at Girona from Troyes, with both clubs owned by City Football Group, the umbrella company of Manchester City.
The Brazilian winger has scored four goals and set up five more in 18 league appearances to help surprise-package Girona remain at the top of LaLiga.
Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Barcelona are closely monitoring Savinho, whose contract with Troyes expires in June 2027. And City are reportedly ready to make an offer to sign him in June.
NO. 18 CLEMSON CRUSHES QUEENS
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| USA TODAY Sports |
PJ Hall scored a game-high 27 points, 20 of which came in the first half, to lead No. 18 Clemson to a 109-79 victory over visiting Queens on Friday.
RJ Godfrey added 19 points on 8-for-9 shooting from the field as Clemson (10-1) breezed past the
thanks to 69 first-half points -- its third most points in a half in school history, and the most since 1993. Joseph Girard III also tallied 19 points for the Tigers, whose 109 points were their most since scoring 118 points in a February 2002 win over Wake Forest. Chauncey Wiggins scored 13 points and added six rebounds for the Tigers.
BJ McLaurin and AJ McKee scored 18 points apiece for Queens (6-8), which never led in its third straight loss. Chris Ashby totaled 14 points and Deyton Albury had 10.
The Tigers raced out to a 40-27 lead at the 6:35 mark of the first half, thanks to back-to-back buckets from Godfrey.
NBA APPEOVES MARK CUBAN'S SALE OF MAVS' MAJORITY STAKE
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| NBA.com |
The NBA Board of Governors approved Mark Cuban's sale of the controlling interest in the Dallas Mavericks to casino mogul Miriam Adelson and her family.
Patrick Dumont, Adelson's son-in-law and the president and CEO of Las Vegas Sands Corp., will serve as the Mavericks' governor.
The transaction is expected to close this week, according to a news release from the league on Wednesday.
According to earlier reports, Cuban is expected to maintain control of the Mavericks' basketball operations.
ALL ROADS LEAD TO PARIS FOR THE 2024 OLYMPICS
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| Reuters |
All sporting roads lead to Paris next year with the first post-COVID Olympic Games looming large on the horizon but the two-week extravaganza will merely be the centrepiece for another 12 months of compelling theatre.
Four continental soccer tournaments beginning with the Asian Cup in Qatar and Africa Cup of Nations in the Ivory Coast in January, will mean little respite for players and fans.
Germany will stage the European Championship in June and July with the hosts running out of a time to put together a team capable of reviving past glories. At the same time, the Copa America takes place in the United States in what will be regarded as a rehearsal for the 2026 World Cup.
Saudi Arabia will enhance its status as a global sporting hub in February when Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury meet in Riyadh to decide the undisputed heavyweight boxing title -- a clash in which the hype will reach stratospheric proportions.
As further proof, if any were needed, of Gulf states' appetite for staging major events, swimmers and divers will get an early chance to put down markers for Paris when the Aquatics World Championships takes place in Qatar in February -- the first time it has been held in the region.
After a miniscule break, the tennis season resumes days after Christmas and the Australian Open will welcome Spanish great Rafa Nadal who is returning to Grand Slam action in what will probably be his farewell year.
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