September 2023 – Page 4 – Football Flame

Month: September 2023

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SERIE A

Italy’s Bonucci takes legal action against Juventus

 Leonardo Bonucci of 1. FC Union Berlin looks on prior to the Bundesliga match between 1. FC Union Berlin and RB Leipzig at An der Alten Foersterei on September 3, 2023 in Berlin, Germany.Italy defender Leonardo Bonucci is taking legal action against his former club Juventus after claiming he was left feeling "humiliated".Bonucci joined Union Berlin for free in August after being frozen out of the Juve squad following a reported fallout with manager Massimiliano Allegri."I have decided, after great suffering, to pursue a lawsuit against Juventus," said Bonucci, 36."I felt drained of everything, humiliated."Bonucci spent 12 years in Turin over two spells and won Serie A eight times with Juventus in addition to helping Italy win Euro 2020.He was left out of Allegri's squad for the Unite...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Walker signs two-year Man City contract extension

Kyle Walker of England controls the ball during the 150th Anniversary Heritage Match between Scotland and England at Hampden Park on September 12, 2023 in Glasgow Scotland. Kyle Walker has put pen to paper on a new deal at Manchester City. The deal runs until the end of the 2026 season. Walker joined City in 2017 and has gone on to win five Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups, two Community Shields, the UEFA Champions League and the European Super Cup. Walker’s previous deal was set to expire at the end of the 2024 season.Kyle Walker has signed a two-year contract extension at Manchester City, the Premier League champions have announced.“Kyle Walker has signed a new Manchester City contract, keeping him at the club until the summer of 2026,” read a statement on the cl...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Sancho to train separately from Man Utd first team

Manchester United's Jadon Sancho during the pre-match warm-up during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Manchester United at St. James Park on April 2, 2023 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom.Man Utd winger Jadon Sancho will train away from the first team until issues with manager Erik ten Hag are resolved.Ten Hag left Sancho out of his squad for the loss at Arsenal earlier this month, saying the winger's training performances had been below standard.Sancho, 23, rejected the Dutchman's reasoning and claimed he had been "a scapegoat for a long time".United said in a statement Sancho would be on a "personal training programme away from the first team".The statement added that the decision was made "pending resolution of a squad discipline issue."The news comes in a wee...
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LALIGA

Real Madrid dominate La Liga’s salary limits as Barcelona struggle

The president of Real Madrid, Florentino Perez, holds a press conference after receiving the Real Madrid Basketball Club on May 23, 2023, in Madrid, Spain. La Liga has set the new salary limits for each of the clubs in the Spanish top flight for the 2023-24 season, revealing a huge gap between Real Madrid and the rest of the competition. The salary limits are based on the income and expenses of each club, allowing them to spend 70% of their turnover on players, staff, and other associates’ salaries. The aim is to ensure the financial sustainability and competitiveness of the league.Real Madrid have the highest salary limit in La Liga by a wide margin, with €727m. This is an increase of €44m from the previous season, when they had €683m. The increase is due to their prudent financ...
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NEWS

Stephen Kenny to remain as Republic of Ireland manager

 Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny before the UEFA EURO 2024 Championship qualifying group B match between Republic of Ireland and Netherlands at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny will remain at the helm of the Boys in Green until at least the end of the current Euro 2024 qualification campaign.Kenny's performance as manager has come under intense scrutiny after the recent losses to France (in Paris) and Holland (in Dublin) meant that the Republic sank to second-from-bottom in the group with one win (against Gibraltar) and four losses. The Republic host Greece on October 13 and then complete their campaign with trips to Gibraltar and Holland. After the qualifiers FAI CEO Jonathan Hill said a review will be held of the team's ...
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TRANSFERS

Real Madrid handed Alphonso Davies transfer boost

 Alphonso Davies of FC Bayern Munchen dribbles with the ball during the UEFA Champions League Quarterfinal Second Leg match between FC Bayern Munchen and Manchester City at the Allianz Arena on April 19, 2023 in Munich, Germany.Real Madrid have been linked with a number of high-profile names in recent times. Alphonso Davies certainly falls under that category. The Bayern Munich player’s current deal runs out in the summer of 2025 and it is believed that Los Blancos could try to sign him next year if he does not end up agreeing a new contract with the Bundesliga champions by then.Davies has been considered one of the brightest young talents in world football for a long time now. His development at Bayern Munich has not been as rapid as was expected though.He put European football on no...
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TRANSFERS

Italy’s Marco Verratti leaves PSG for Qatar’s Al Arabi

 Marco Verratti of Italy looks on during the Netherlands v Italy - UEFA Nations League 2022/23 Third-place match between Netherlands and Italy at the FC Twente Stadion on June 18, 2023 in Enschede, Netherlands.Italy midfielder Marco Verratti has left Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to join Qatari side Al Arabi, the clubs said on Wednesday.Verratti has signed a three-year deal with the Qatar Stars League club, who have paid a reported 45 million euros ($48.31 million) for the 30-year-old, according to the Italian media."I was very proud to wear the colors of Paris St Germain for more than a decade, to rub shoulders with so many great players, and to win 30 trophies," Verratti told PSG's website."Paris, the Club and its supporters will always have a very special place in my heart. I will be P...
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NEWS

Fernandez scores as Argentina win without Messi

 Lionel Messi (R) of Argentina sings the national anthem with teammates prior to a FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier match between Bolivia and Argentina at Hernando Siles Stadium on September 12, 2023 in La Paz, Bolivia. Argentina rested Lionel Messi but still beat Bolivia 3-0 to make it two wins from two in World Cup qualifying.Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez opened the scoring, with further strikes from Nicolas Tagliafico and Nicolas Gonzalez sealing victory in La Paz.Brazil also secured their second win after beating Peru 1-0 thanks to a 90th-minute goal from Marquinhos.Marcelo Bielsa suffered his first defeat in charge of Uruguay after Ecuador came from behind to win 2-1.Bielsa's side, who beat Chile on Saturday, took the lead through Agustin Canobbio, but a goal in each half from Felix...
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Spain routs Cyprus 6-0 in Euro 2024 qualifying after judge issues Luis Rubiales order

 Ferran Torres attacking midfield of Spain and FC Barcelona celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during the UEFA EURO 2024 European qualifier match between Spain and Cyprus at Estadio Nuevo Los Carmenes on September 12, 2023 in Granada, Spain.Spain's men restored normal service on the field Tuesday, beating Cyprus 6-0 in a European Championship qualifying game two days after disgraced soccer federation president Luis Rubiales resigned.Rubiales still managed to cast a further shadow over Spanish soccer that has been in turmoil because of his conduct at the Women's World Cup final on Aug. 20 and in the fallout since.At almost exactly the time Gavi gave Spain an 18th-minute lead Tuesday, a television interview given by Rubiales began broadcasting on a British cable news channel....
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NEWS

Managerless Germany beat France in friendly

 Antoine Griezmann of France looks dejected following the team's defeat during the International Friendly match between Germany and France at Signal Iduna Park on September 12, 2023 in Dortmund, Germany.Germany gained a home friendly victory over France in their first match since the sacking of German boss Hansi Flick.Ex-striker Rudi Voller was in interim charge, with Flick dismissed following the 4-1 loss to Japan on Saturday.Bayern Munich forwards Thomas Muller and Leroy Sane scored the goals for the hosts in a match played at Borussia Dortmund's Signal Iduna Park stadium.Antoine Griezmann netted a late penalty for France after Sane fouled Eduardo Camavinga, but it was not enough.It was France's first defeat since they were beaten on penalties by Argentina in the 2022 World Cup fina...
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NEWS

Scotland wait for Euro 2024 place after Norway win

 Norway's forward #09 Erling Braut Haaland (C) scores the 1-0 during the EURO 2024 first round group A qualifying football match between Norway and Georgia in Oslo on September 12, 2023. Scotland must wait until next month at the earliest to earn the two points that would seal a Euro 2024 place after Norway beat Georgia 2-1 in Oslo.Steve Clarke's side won their first five qualifiers, but Spain and Norway could both still breach their tally of 15 points, with the top two qualifying.The 12 October meeting with the Spanish in Seville is the Scots' next chance to secure a spot in Germany in 2024.They would qualify even with defeat if Norway drop points in Cyprus.The Norwegians did not do that on Tuesday, Erling Haaland heading in the opener midway through the first half, before Marti...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Everton close to being sold to American investment firm

 Everton's English midfielder #37 James Garner controls the ball during the English Premier League football match between Aston Villa and Everton at Villa Park in Birmingham, central England on August 20, 2023. Premier League strugglers Everton are close to being sold to Miami-based investment firm 777 Partners.The financially-stricken Toffees resumed discussions with the American company after talks with MSP Sports Capital collapsed in August.The takeover will bring to an end the tumultuous tenure of owner Farhad Moshiri, who first invested in 2016.A source close to Moshiri said Everton have sought investment for a while, but the deal is not yet complete.Sean Dyche's side lie 18th in the league after picking up just one point from their opening four games so far this season.Ever...
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TRANSFERS

Former Dortmund Forward Modeste joins African Champions Al-Ahly

 Anthony Modeste of Borussia Dortmund ,looks,gestures,thoughtful during the Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund and TSG Hoffenheim at Signal Iduna Park on September 2, 2022 in Dortmund, Germany.Former Borussia Dortmund forward Anthony Modeste joined Egyptian and African Champions Al-Ahly, just one year after he signed for the German club with high expectations to replace Erling Haaland.Frenchman Modeste joined Dortmund to fill in for Sebastien Haller who was diagnosed with a malignant testicular tumour. Haller had only just joined the club to replace current Manchester city goal-machine Haaland.Modeste, 35, scored only twice in 19 Bundesliga games with Dortmund last season, one of them was a last-gasp equaliser to complete a sensational two-goal comeback and snatch a 2-2 draw a...
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LALIGA

Joao Felix tells Xavi where he wants to play at Barcelona

 Joao Felix second striker of Barcelona and Portugal reacts during the LaLiga EA Sports match between CA Osasuna and FC Barcelona at Estadio El Sadar on September 3, 2023 in Pamplona, Spain.Barcelona forward Joao Felix has revealed he wants to play on the left for his new side and feels that it’s the best position for him in Xavi’s side.Felix has arrived on a season-long loan from Atletico Madrid and says he’s feeling good despite a lack of game time recently.“I feel good, with confidence. Physically, too, despite not having had many minutes lately. I am prepared to arrive in Barcelona and start strong. I want to work to help the team,” he said.“I see myself comfortable starting from the left wing. I’ve been playing there for some time now and I think it’s where Xavi likes to put me t...
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TRANSFERS

Real Madrid reportedly prepared to pay £200m for Kylian Mbappe

 France's forward Kylian Mbappe eyes the ball during a training session in Clairefontaine-en-Yvelines on September 10, 2023 as part of the team's preparation for upcoming friendly football match against Germany. Real Madrid are reportedly prepared to spend as much as £200m to secure the signing of Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe.In the summer of 2022, it appeared highly likely that the 2018 World Cup winner would make a long-anticipated transfer to the Bernabeu.However, the France international made a dramatic U-turn, committing his immediate future to PSG but giving himself the option of departing at a later date.Since then, a resolution has been found for Mbappe to be reintegrated back into the fold, since scoring five goals from just two starts and one substitute out...
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SERIE A

Pogba provisionally suspended after drugs test

 Paul Pogba of Juventus FC looks on during the Serie A Tim match between Empoli FC and Juventus FC at Stadio Carlo Castellani on September 3, 2023 in Empoli, Italy. Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has been provisionally suspended from playing after a drugs test found elevated levels of testosterone in his system.Italy's national anti-doping tribunal (Nado) said Pogba was tested after Juve's 3-0 win at Udinese on 20 AugusThe 30-year-old France international, an unused substitute, was randomly selected for post-match drug testing.If found guilty of doping, he could face a ban of between two and four years.Juventus said in a statement: "Juventus Football Club announces that today, 11 September, 2023, the footballer Paul Labile Pogba received a precautionary suspension order from the ...
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NEWS

Spanish FA president Rubiales resigns over Hermoso kiss

 Luis Rubiales, President of RFEF, is seen during the press conference of Jorge Vilda to announce the squad for the FIFA Women’s World Cup at Ciudad del Futbol on June 12, 2023, in Las Rozas, Madrid, Spain.Luis Rubiales has resigned as president of the Spanish Football Federation following criticism for kissing Spain forward Jenni Hermoso at the Women's World Cup final presentation ceremony.Hermoso, 33, said the kiss after Spain beat England was not consensual and she filed a legal complaint last Tuesday.Rubiales said he had submitted his resignation to federation acting president Pedro Rocha in a statement."I cannot continue my work," he told Piers Morgan on his television show.The 46-year-old has also resigned from his position as vice-president of Uefa's executive committee.The fal...
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NEWS

Nigeria vs São Tomé and Príncipe: Osimhen Hat-Trick Powers Nigeria to Thumping Win in AFCON Qualifier

 Victor Osimhen of Nigeria on action against Sao Tome and Principe in AFCON qualifier.Victor Osimhen grabbed a hat-trick as Nigeria signed off their TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a thumping 6-0 win over Sao Tome on Sunday.The Super Eagles were dominant from the outset and Osimhen headed them in front after just 13 minutes.Ademola Lookman added a second with a neat finish before Osimhen netted a penalty after the break to put the result beyond doubt.Taiwo Awoniyi and Samuel Chukwueze also got in on the act as Nigeria ran riot.Osimhen completed his treble late on to cap a sensational individual display.The Napoli striker ends qualifying as Nigeria's top scorer with ten goals from just five appearances.Following the win the Super Eagles sealed their place a...
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NEWS

Republic’s Euro hopes all but over after Dutch loss

 Wout Weghorst of Netherlands scores his side's second goal during the UEFA EURO 2024 European qualifier match between Republic of Ireland and Netherlands at Dublin Arena on September 10, 2023 in Dublin, Ireland.The Republic of Ireland's Euro 2024 qualification hopes are all but over after the Netherlands came from a goal down to edge an entertaining qualifier in Dublin.Adam Idah gave the Republic a dream start with a fourth-minute penalty after Virgil van Dijk's handball.But the Dutch hit back with a spot-kick of their own through Cody Gakpo.Substitute Wout Weghorst's winner then condemned the Republic to a fourth defeat in five qualifiers.It leaves manager Stephen Kenny's side six points adrift of the second-placed Dutch having played a game more, with a home match against Greece an...
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NEWS

Hansi Flick sacked as Germany boss following poor run

 10 September 2023, Lower Saxony, Wolfsburg: Soccer: National team, after the international match against Japan, public regeneration training of the DFB team. National coach Hansi Flick (M) gives instructions.Hansi Flick has been sacked as head coach of Germany following a meeting with shareholders, just nine months before Euro 2024.The former Bayern Munich manager had a hugely unsuccessful stint in charge of the national team, with a 4-1 loss to Japan appearing to be the final straw.The former Bayern Munich manager had a hugely unsuccessful stint in charge of the national team, with a 4-1 loss to Japan appearing to be the final straw.In a statement released by the national side, it was confirmed that following a 'shareholders meeting', Flick was dismissePresident of the German Footba...
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