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28May By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Australia names 29-man squad for final World Cup qualifiers

 Graham Arnold, Head Coach of Australia looks on during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Qualifier match between Oman and Australia at Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex on February 01, 2022 in Muscat, Oman.Two players who achieved recent European club honours were among a squad of 29 named by Socceroos coach Graham Arnold on Saturday for Australia’s final World Cup qualifying campaign in Qatar in June. Ajdin Hrustic became a Europa League champion with Eintracht Frankfurt in Seville this month while Tom Rogic won the Scottish Premier League with Celtic FC. The players are set to arrive in Qatar’s capital Doha over the next three days as Australia attempts to qualify for a fifth consecutive World Cup. The Socceroos' qualification hopes come down to a playoff match against United Arab Emirat...

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26May By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Fifa World Cup trophy arrives in Kenya

The World Cup Trophy is on display at Meskel Square after it was brought to Ethiopia within the 2022 FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on May 25, 2022.The coveted Fifa World Cup trophy has arrived in Kenya for the much-awaited, two-day tour. The trophy is on a world tour ahead of the World Cup to be held in Qatar in November and December.The plane carrying the 18-carat golden trophy, which is considered the most expensive and significant in modern-day sport, touched down at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi a few minutes after 12pm.Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Sports, Amina Mohamed, led government officials, including Tourism and Industrialisation CSs Najib Balala and Betty Maina respectively, in receiving the trophy at JKIA. Nairobi Governor Anne Ka...

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26May By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Fati gets late winner as Barcelona down All Stars 3

 Ansu Fati of FC Barcelona is challenged by Scott Neville of the All Stars during the match between FC Barcelona and the A-League All Stars at Accor Stadium on May 25, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. Teenage striker Ansu Fati got a late winner as Barcelona survived a scare to beat Dwight Yorke´s A-League All Stars in a 3-2 thriller in front of 70,000 fans in Sydney on Wednesday. The Catalan giants only arrived in Australia on Tuesday morning on a whistlestop 48-hour visit, barely a day after completing their league season with a 2-0 loss to Villarreal, which saw them finish 13 points adrift of champions Real Madrid. They showed few effects from the long trip to turn on the style for a noisy pro-Barca crowd, dominating the first half and going into the break 1-0 ahead after French st...

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26May By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Neymar wants to stay at PSG despite rumours over his future

 Neymar Jr of Paris Saint-Germain looks on during warmup before the Ligue 1 Uber Eats match between Paris Saint Germain and ESTAC Troyes at Parc des Princes on May 08, 2022 in Paris, France.Neymar says he would like to stay at French champions Paris Saint-Germain despite rarely justifying his world record fee of 222 million euros ($236 million) and amid rumours the club would like him to leave. The 30-year-old Brazilian signed an extension to his contract last year taking him up to 2025. However, another disappointing season blighted by injury has placed question marks over his future at the Qatari-owned club. French sports daily L´Equipe claimed in Wednesday´s edition PSG "would not be opposed to Neymar leaving." The former Barcelona star -- who scored his 100th goal for PSG sinc...

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26May By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Fab five for manager Mourinho in Europe

 Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of AS Roma celebrates with the UEFA Europa Conference League Trophy after their sides victory in the UEFA Conference League final match between AS Roma and Feyenoord at Arena Kombetare on May 25, 2022 in Tirana, Albania. An emotional Jose Mourinho has celebrated what he called a historic achievement having become the second manager to win five major European titles, after Italian Giovanni Trapattoni, as his AS Roma side clinched the Europa Conference League. Mourinho, who had previously won the Champions League, Europa League and the UEFA Cup, completed a unique European trophy haul as Roma beat Feyenoord 1-0 in Tirana, Albania on Wednesday to ensure he could add the inaugural Conference League to his collection. That is five European finals for FC Po...

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24May By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Gareth Southgate hands Jarrod Bowen and James Justin their first England call-ups

England Head Coach Gareth Southgate poses for photos on the red carpet during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final Draw at Doha Exhibition Center on April 1, 2022 in Doha, Qatar.West Ham forward Jarrod Bowen and Leicester's James Justin received their first England call-ups as Gareth Southgate named his squad for June's Nations League matches.Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson, Aston Villa skipper Tyrone Mings and Arsenal youngster Emile Smith Rowe were absent from the 27-man selection.Kyle Walker, Kieran Trippier, Kalvin Phillips and Fikayo Tomori, fresh from winning Serie A with AC Milan, were included in the Nations League squad, but there was no recall for in-form Leicester playmaker James Maddison.Bowen and Justin were the standout inclusions in Southgate's squad for the four Nations L...

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24May By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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World Cup can make post-pandemic world a ‘better place’: Infantino

Gianni Infantino, president of the Federation International Football Association (FIFA), during a panel session on the opening day of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, on Monday, May 23, 2022.FIFA President Gianni Infantino said on Monday at the World Economic Forum that world football's governing body has used compensation received from corruption probes to re-invest in the sport and "regain trust" in the organization. The U.S. Department of Justice confirmed last year that FIFA would receive $201 million in compensation for losses sustained in global soccer corruption schemes. Infantino revealed that FIFA has "put their house in order" and used that money to help grow the game, following the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The 52-year-old also said the W...

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24May By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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PSG star Kylian Mbappe reveals he was also in talks to join Premier League club

Kylian Mbappe talks about his new contract with PSG until 2025 during the Press Conference of Paris Saint-Germain at Parc des Princes on May 23, 2022 in Paris, France.Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe has confirmed that Real Madrid were not the only club he held talks with over a free transfer, also speaking to Premier League giants Liverpool about a move.The Frenchman, whose previous deal with the Ligue 1 champions had been due to expire next month, was widely expected to move to the Spanish capital this summer and become the highest-paid player in the world in the process.But unexpectedly over the weekend he announced a dramatic U-turn, confirming that he had decided to stay at PSG and signing a new contract until 2025.Mbappe is believed to have been handed the most lucrative contra...

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22May By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Rangers’ Scottish Cup win eases Europa League pain

Giovanni van Bronckhorst, Manager of Rangers lifts the Scottish Cup trophy following victory in the Scottish Cup Final match between Rangers and Heart of Midlothian at Hampden Park on May 21, 2022 in Glasgow, Scotland.Rangers ended a tumultuous week by winning the Scottish Cup after beating Hearts 2-0 after extra time in the final on Saturday.Rangers lost the Europa League final on Wednesday night in a penalty shootout, and it went into another extra time on Saturday thanks to Craig Gordon’s save with his foot from Joe Aribo near the end of regulation time at Hampden Park.However, they dug deep yet again and two goals in three minutes by substitutes Ryan Jack and Scott Wright gave them the Scottish Cup for the first time since 2009.Giovanni van Bronckhorst won the cup playing for Rangers i...

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22May By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Lyon wins Women’s Champions League stunning Barca in final

 Ada Hegerberg of Olympique Lyon lifts the UEFA Women's Champions League Trophy following her team's victory in the UEFA Women's Champions League final match between FC Barcelona and Olympique Lyonnais at Juventus Stadium on May 21, 2022 in Turin, Italy. Lyon has its trophy back. The French club beat defending champion and favorite Barcelona 3-1 on Saturday to earn a record-extending eighth Women’s Champions League trophy. “We felt a strength from all the team, I think everyone was motivated 200%,” said player of the match Amandine Henry, who scored a stunning opening goal. “We had said since the beginning of the season that we wanted to win this trophy back. So we really wanted to make our mark on the field. And I think we did it more through mental strength than physical.”...

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22May By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Mbappe reverses course decides to stay at PSG

 Kylian Mbappe of Paris Saint-Germain arrives to the stadium for the Ligue 1 Uber Eats match between Paris Saint Germain and ESTAC Troyes at Parc des Princes on May 08, 2022 in Paris, France.Kylian Mbappe to Real Madrid saga has taken another twist with the forward now favorite to stay at PSG. Mbappe’s move to the Spanish capital was seen as a foregone conclusion as he had agreed to personal terms with Madrid.  There were some concerns in the Madrid camp with Mbappe’s mother/agent confirming that both clubs’ proposals had been accepted and it was up to the 23-year-old to decide his future. According to reports the World Cup winner personally notified Madrid’s president Florentino Perez that he will be staying put. Mbappe will now sign a lucrative three-year con...

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20May By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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“I don’t know”: PSG coach Pochettino on Kylian Mbappe’s future at club

 Kylian Mbappe of Paris Saint-Germain looks on during warmup before the Ligue 1 Uber Eats match between Paris Saint Germain and ESTAC Troyes at Parc des Princes on May 08, 2022 in Paris, France.Paris Saint-Germain coach Mauricio Pochettino insisted Friday he has no idea where Kylian Mbappe will play his club football next season as the striker's contract in the French capital comes to an end. Mbappe is expected to reveal in the coming days whether he will join Real Madrid or accept a lucrative offer to stay at PSG, with an announcement potentially being made in the hours after the French champions play their final game of the Ligue 1 season at home to Metz on Saturday. "I don't know what his decision is. I think it's a personal matter for Kylian and for the club," Pochettin...

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20May By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Ibrahima Konate Snubbed By France

Liverpool's Ibrahima Konate poses with the trophy after the Emirates FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium, London. Picture date: Saturday May 14, 2022.Ibrahima Konate is undefeated and has two medals, with another two up in the air, since joining Liverpool FC. Despite his achievements, he won’t be playing for the French National Team in the very prestigious and totally essential UEFA Nations League after the Champions League final.This was what Deschamps had to say about Konate’s exclusion:“Yes, I’m following [Konate], he’s in a team which is competing in the Champions League final and for the title in England. But since he’s been at Liverpool, he’s mostly played in a four-man defence and there is competition [in the France team]. I brought William [Saliba] last time and he always plays in a ba...

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19May By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Female referees will take charge of games at the Qatar World Cup

Detail of the Qatar 2022 World Cup logo during the FIFA World Cup 2022 Qatar qualifying match between Wales and Czech Republic on March 30, 2021 in Cardiff, United Kingdom.Three female referees and three female assistant referees were included among 129 officials selected for World Cup duty by FIFA on Thursday.Premier League officials Anthony Taylor and Michael Oliver are also on the list and will oversee games during the tournament that begins in November.Stephanie FrappartThe 38-year-old has been on the FIFA international referees list since 2009, becoming the first female official of a Ligue 1 match in April 2019 for Amiens against Strasbourg.Frappart was appointed to take charge of the 2019 Women's World Cup final between the United States and Holland and then the men's UEFA Super Cup ...

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19May By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Giovanni van Bronckhorst defends Aaron Ramsey over missed penalty in Europa League final

Kevin Trapp of Eintracht Frankfurt saves the fourth penalty from Aaron Ramsey of Rangers in the penalty shoot out during the UEFA Europa League final match between Eintracht Frankfurt and Rangers FC at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on May 18, 2022 in Seville, Spain.Giovanni van Bronckhorst has defended Aaron Ramsey after his missed penalty cost Rangers in their Europa League final against Eintracht Frankfurt.The final went to extra time and then a penalty shootout after Joe Aribo’s opening goal was cancelled out by Rafael Borre in the second half.James Tavernier, Steven Davis, Scott Arfield all scored their penalties before Ramsey’s low effort was saved by Frankfurt goalkeeper Kevin Trapp.Borre then converted Frankfurt’s fifth penalty to secure the trophy for the Bundesliga club.Asked how ...

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18May By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Thousands of Fans arrive in Seville ahead of Europa League final

18 May 2022, Hessen, Frankfurt/Main: Fans of Bundesliga soccer club Eintracht Frankfurt in their white T-shirts wait at the departure counter at Frankfurt Airport this morning. Around 50,000 Eintracht supporters are expected to attend the Europa League final against Glasgow Rangers in Seville, although the club's ticket quota is only 10,000.Fans of Eintracht Frankfurt of Germany and Rangers of Scotland gathered in sunny Seville on Tuesday ahead of the 51st edition of the Europa League final."It's just something you dream of as a kid that you don't actually think you'd see," said Scott Dowling, a Rangers fan as he prepares to watch his side in their fifth European final. "I think following a Real Madrid, a Manchester United, you expect it. But for us, it is a once-in-a-lifetime thing. ...

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16May By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Official: Barcelona to take on Real Betis for the Spanish Supercup semi-finals

The logo of the Supercopa is pictured on the eve of the Spanish Super Cup semi final between Valencia and Real Madrid on January 7, 2020, at the King Abdullah Sport City in the Saudi Arabian port city of Jeddah.After securing second place in La Liga with a 0-0 draw against Getafe, Barcelona have also officially secured their place in the Supercopa de Espana for next season, also known as the Spanish Super Cup.As the rules dictate, the runners of La Liga take on the winners of the Copa del Rey, while the winners of La Liga lock horns against the runners up of the Copa del Rey. The winners of each game battle it out in the finals.This season, Real Betis won the Kings’ Cup beating Valencia in the final. Hence, Barcelona have been pitched against Manuel Pellegrini’s side for the semis, while L...

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15May By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Infantino Gets Support For Third Term From Southern Africa

Gianni Infantino during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final Draw at Doha Exhibition Center on April 1, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. The Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) has thrown its weight behind incumbent Gianni Infantino ahead of FIFA presidential elections next year, an indication that he will enjoy widespread support across Africa.New COSAFA president Artur de Almeida e Silva made the announcement on Saturday in the presence of Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Patrice Motsepe.“We believe Gianni Infantino represents the best candidate to lead global football for another four years,” Artur de Almeida said.“He has repeatedly displayed his desire to grow African football and has backed up his words with action.”Infantino is likely to stand for a thi...

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15May By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Monaco climb to second in French league

Monaco’s French forward Wissam Ben Yedder (R) fight for the ball with Brest's French defender Jean-Kevin Duverne (L) during the French Ligue 1 football match between AS Monaco and Brest on May 14, 2022, at the Louis II stadium in Monaco, southern France.Wissam Ben Yedder's rapid hat-trick has helped Monaco rally from 2-0 down to beat Brest 4-2 for a ninth straight French league win on Saturday and move above Marseille into second place and the automatic Champions League place.Brest went 2-0 up midway through the first half, but Ben Yedder scored a penalty just before the interval.The France forward then netted in the 51st minute with a fine solo goal and a sharp header in the 55th. He has nine goals in the past nine games, and his strike partner Kevin Volland made it 4-2 in the 70th after ...

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13May By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Son and Neymar to showdown in June friendly match

Son Heung-Min of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates scoring his sides third goal during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on May 12, 2022 in London, United Kingdom.Son Heung-min, the captain of the Korean national football team, is having a showdown with Neymar, the Ace of Team Brazil, one of the finest groups of footballers on earth.The Brazilian Football Confederation announced a list of 27 players that will play for the A-matches in June. Currently topping the FIFA World Rankings, Brazil will play South Korea (ranked 29th) and Japan (23rd) on June 2 and June 6, respectively. Historically, South Korea is lagging far behind Brazil, with an official record of one win and five defeats. The only victory South Korea managed to take home...

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