Author: Adejuyigbe Francis

The mother of embattled Spanish football federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales has locked herself in a church and said she is on hunger strike in protest at her son’s treatment, Rubiales’ cousin confirmed on Monday. Ángeles Béjar shut herself inside the church of the Divine Shepherdess in Rubiales’ hometown of Motril, Andalusia, on Monday, EFE reported. She said her protest would continue until the “inhuman, bloodthirsty witch hunt which my son is being subjected to” came to an end. Rubiales was handed a provisional 90-day suspension from all football-related activities by FIFA on Friday — while Spain’s Supreme Sports Council is also…

Spain prosecutors say they have opened a preliminary sex abuse investigation into Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales. There has been widespread criticism of Rubiales, 46, after he kissed forward Jenni Hermoso on the lips following Spain’s Women’s World Cup final win. The Prosecutor’s Office says it has started the investigation because “the sexual act was not consented”. Rubiales was suspended on Saturday by world football’s governing body FIFA. The previous day, Rubiales had insisted he would not resign. The Spanish government has asked for Spain’s Sports Tribunal (TAD) to suspend him – a request which will be discussed at…

Romelu Lukaku has agreed to a wage cut to try and facilitate a loan exit from Chelsea to Roma. After failing to find a permanent buyer for Lukaku, who has rejected multiple approaches from Saudi Arabia throughout the summer, Chelsea have begrudgingly decided to let Lukaku depart on loan once again. Roma soon emerged as the likeliest landing spot for Lukaku, but the Belgian’s high wages and Chelsea’s refusal to pay a penny towards his earnings away from the club threatened to complicate proceedings. To try and facilitate a move, Lukaku has agreed to cut nearly a third of his salary and has shaken…

Cesar Luis Menotti, who led Argentina to a title at the 1978 FIFA World Cup, is hospitalized in Buenos Aires and reportedly in grave condition. The player-turned-manager is even known as a philosopher and considered one of the most important figures in the sport. Menotti, 84, might not make it out of the hospital. His situation is being reported as “very delicate,” although neither the Argentine Football Association (AFA) nor his family have provided any information on the matter. Jose Ramon Fernandez, a legendary journalist for ESPN in Spanish, was the one to reveal the bad news. “I have some bad news,” Fernandez…

Assistant boss Juanma Lillo admitted he did not enjoy standing in for Pep Guardiola after Manchester City’s hard-fought 2-1 win at Sheffield United. The Premier League champions looked to have been undone by the Blades after Jayden Bogle scored in the 85th minute to make it 1-1 but Rodri stepped up with another important goal for his club a few minutes later. And Lillo was quick to deny any enjoyment in his role with Guardiola still recovering from back surgery. He said: “I much prefer being with Pep. Especially when it’s a question of health, I don’t enjoy this at…

Manchester United have offered Real Madrid the chance to sign Anthony Martial as a replacement for the injured Vinicius Junior. A loan deal with an option to make the move permanent has been proposed. Bayern Munich are looking to sign Man Utd midfielder Scott McTominay on loan and could allow Ryan Gravenberch to move in the opposite direction.  Napoli are prepared to rival Man Utd for Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat. Liverpool are ready to move for Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix if they end up losing Mohamed Salah to Saudi Arabia.  While a move for Felix remains conditional, Liverpool are intent on pursuing Crystal Palace midfielder Cheikh Doucoure and have not been scared off by a £70m asking price. Chelsea have identified Bayer Leverkusen right-back Jeremie Frimpong as a possible…

Roberto Mancini announced as new manager of Saudi Arabia Men’s Football Team. The appointment comes shortly after Mancini quit his job as coach of Italy The 58-year-old led Italy to victory at Euro 2020, beating England on penalties in the final at Wembley. The team went on a world record 37-game unbeaten run but failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup. He has signed a contract until 2027. His first match in charge will be on 8 September against Costa Rica at St James’ Park, Newcastle. “I believe this is a great opportunity for me, to experience football in…

The 16-year-old academy product dazzled for Xavi’s side as they won a topsy-turvy encounter 4-3 on Sunday Lamine Yamal saved Barcelona to continue an excellent start to his senior career in Catalunya. He assisted one, could have scored two, and was crucial in Barca’s winner as they narrowly beat Villarreal in a chaotic contest on Sunday. Barca nearly conceded twice early, but were saved by first a neat stop from Marc-Andre ter Stegen and then the offside flag, and they soon capitalised on their opponent’s inability to finish. Yamal, the 16-year-old winger entrusted with his second straight start, provided an…

England skipper Harry Kane scored twice on his home Bundesliga debut for Bayern Munich as the champions continued their winning start to the league season. Kane became the first English player to score in his first two Bundesliga games when he clipped a penalty down the middle just before half-time. The ex-Tottenham forward wrapped up the 3-1 win after the break with a lovely finish with the outside of his foot. Thomas Tuchel’s side dominated possession throughout. After a sluggish start, Bayern got into their stride and opened the scoring when Leroy Sane’s shot hit the post and went in…

Darwin Nunez scored twice in stoppage time to complete a remarkable turnaround and give ten-man Liverpool a dramatic victory against Newcastle United at St James’ Park. Liverpool were battling against the odds and second best for much of a thrilling encounter, falling behind to Anthony Gordon’s 25th-minute goal after he cashed in on Trent Alexander-Arnold’s mistake, then seeing captain Virgil van Dijk sent off for a foul on Alexander Isak three minutes later. Alisson kept Liverpool in it by miraculously turning Miguel Almiron’s shot on to the woodwork in the first half, the forward also hitting the post after the…

Rodri scored a terrific late winner to earn Manchester City victory over battling Sheffield United at Bramall Lane and send the champions top of the Premier League. Jayden Bogle thought he had earned the Blades a point with a drilled equaliser after 85 minutes, but Spain midfielder Rodri blasted into the top left corner three minutes later to give City the win. Erling Haaland earlier missed a first-half penalty before heading the opener from Jack Grealish’s cross just after the hour mark. The win was Pep Guardiola’s 200th Premier League win as City manager in just his 269th game, the…

West Ham United continued their unbeaten Premier League start by stunning Brighton with a clinical counter-attacking display as James Ward-Prowse scored his first Hammers goal. The win means West Ham end the day top of the Premier League on goals scored, although Manchester City and Liverpool could both leap above them with wins on Sunday. Ward-Prowse opened the scoring when he tapped in from two yards out in the 19th minute after good work from Michail Antonio. Jarrod Bowen added a second for the visitors in the 58th minute, bringing down Said Benrahma’s cross before poking the ball into the…