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UEFA Warns Clubs Over participation in Breakaway Super League

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Europe’s football ruling body UEFA is set to approve sweeping Champions League reforms on Monday and has issued a stern warning to clubs amid a latest Super League threat.

Sources told dpa that clubs from England, Italy and Spain were part of the latest plan, and news reports spoke of a league comprising 20 teams which could start in 2022.

Reports named Premier League clubs Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham and Chelsea as part of it.

Others include Italy’s Juventus and Milan clubs AC and Inter, and the Spanish trio of FC Barcelona, Real and Atletico Madrid.

Fifteen or 16 of the 20 clubs in all are to be permanent members, while the remaining four or five are to qualify for the event.

According to the New York Times, the League would “generate hundreds of millions of dollars in additional revenue for the participating teams, which are already the richest clubs in the sport.”

2019/2020 Champions League title-holders Bayern Munich and runners-up Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) are said not to be among the clubs who have not signed up or expressed interest.

In a statement, UEFA and football leagues and federations from England, Italy and Spain spoke of “a cynical project.

“It is a project that is founded on the self-interest of a few clubs at a time when society needs solidarity more than ever.

“As previously announced by FIFA and the six Federations, the clubs concerned will be banned from playing in any other competition at domestic, European or world level.

Their players could also be denied the opportunity to represent their national teams.

“We thank those clubs in other countries, especially the French and German clubs, who have refused to sign up to this.”

The Premier League said it “condemns any proposal that attacks the principles of open competition and sporting merit which are at the heart of the domestic and European football pyramid.”

The FA also condemned the plans and German Football League chief Christian Seifert said his body “rejects any kind of European Super League concept”.

It was said it would “irreparably damage the national leagues as the basis of European professional football.”

The latest development comes on the eve of a UEFA executive committee meeting.

The meeting, apart from finalising the host cities for the summer’s Euro tournament, is also to approve a Champions League reform from 2024 onwards.

The powerful European Club Association (ECA) and UEFA’s club competitions committee were reportedly in agreement Friday about the reform.

Under this, the elite event is to be increased from 32 to 36 teams and each team plays 10 instead of six group games in what is known as “the Swiss model.”

Two of the additional four clubs are to be controversially picked via historic results not through qualification via domestic action.

The large number of additional matches is a threat to domestic competitions and fan groups have also voiced their dissent.

An even bigger outcry is expected if a Super League becomes reality.

The reports said European officials were discussing counter-measures which could include banning Super League clubs from next season’s Champions League.

“We will consider all measures available to us, at all levels, both judicial and sporting in order to prevent this happening.

“Football is based on open competitions and sporting merit; it cannot be any other way,” the UEFA statement said.

“We call on all lovers of football, supporters and politicians, to join us in fighting against such a project if it were to be announced.

“This persistent self-interest of a few has been going on for too long. Enough is enough.”(dpa/NAN)

SPORTS

Tinubu Hails Super Falcons for Winning 10th WAFCON Title

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President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Super Falcons on their triumph at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, where they clinched a record 10th continental title.The Nigerian team staged a dramatic comeback on Saturday night in Rabat, Morocco, defeating the hosts 3-2 in front of a passionate home crowd to lift the trophy.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu described the team’s performance as a testament to the resilience and fighting spirit of Nigerians.

Tinubu said, “The Super Falcons’ spectacular performance tonight in Rabat, coming from behind to beat a spirited Moroccan side playing in front of a passionate home crowd, exemplifies the determination that defines the Nigerian spirit.

”“With hard work, dedication, and tenacity, you have achieved the mission the nation dreamed of and prayed for. The nation looks forward to welcoming our champions. Congratulations! Nigeria celebrates you,” he added.

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SPORTS

Okoye Banned over Betting Scandal

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Udinese and Nigeria goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has been handed a two-month ban by the Italian Football Federation following a high-profile betting scandal linked to a match against Lazio during the 2023/2024 season.

The 24-year-old goalkeeper was found guilty of sporting misconduct after allegations emerged that he deliberately sought a yellow card during the league match against Lazio.

The suspicious booking triggered an investigation into abnormal betting patterns related to that specific incident.

According to a statement from the FIGC, Okoye was accused of intentionally committing an act that led to his caution in order to influence betting outcomes.

The case has raised fresh concerns over the integrity of players’ conduct and the growing influence of illegal betting syndicates on professional football.

Following a thorough disciplinary inquiry, the FIGC’s National Federal Tribunal officially confirmed its decision on Tuesday, announcing that Okoye would serve a two-month ban from all official matches.

The ban will commence from the first official game of the 2025/2026 season.

The court statement, issued by the Disciplinary Section of the National Federal Tribunal, read, “The National Federal Tribunal, Disciplinary Section, definitively ruling, imposes on Emil Maduka Okoye the sanction of two (2) months of disqualification in official matches, starting from the beginning of the first official competition of the 2025/2026 sporting season.”

This ruling means Okoye will miss six competitive matches, including Udinese’s season opener in the Coppa Italia against Carrarese on August 18, as well as the first five Serie A fixtures.

He will become eligible for selection again from October 19 when Udinese face newly promoted Cremonese away from home.

The outcome has sparked debate across both Italy and Nigeria, especially given Okoye’s national team status.

It also adds to growing scrutiny on the actions of players involved in controversial betting-related misconduct in recent years.

Okoye, who previously served as Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper and played at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, has not yet publicly commented on the ruling.

He has struggled to regain his top form since that tournament and faced criticism for inconsistent performances. The suspension now places further doubt on his chances of reclaiming a regular starting role at both club and international level.

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Ayra Starr, NBA Star for Giants of Africa Festival

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Nigerian pop sensation Ayra Starr and LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard have been added to the list of stars for the Giants of Africa Festival 2025, which will be held in Kigali, Rwanda, from July 26 to August 2.

Giants of Africa Festival 2025 will bring together 320 young athletes from 20 African nations, and more than 20,000 spectators for a week of community, culture, basketball, education, and entertainment.

Ayra Starr will perform at the festival’s closing concert on August 2, joining a powerhouse line-up that includes Afrobeats stars Kizz Daniel and Timaya.

Additionally, local Rwandan artist Alyn Sano is now set to perform at the festival’s inaugural Threads of Africa Fashion Show on July 31.

Launching a week of unforgettable music moments, the festival’s exhilarating opening show on July 27 will feature performances by South African DJ phenomenon Uncle Waffles and MTV VMA-winning choreographer Sherrie Silver. Rwandan stars Kevin Kade, Ruti Joël, Boukuru and Chriss Easy will also perform on the opening weekend.

Two-time NBA champion Leonard has also been added to the Giants of Africa Festival 2025’s all-star line-up.

The LA Clippers forward will mentor youth campers, open a new basketball court in partnership with Giants of Africa at St Ignatius School, and host a special clinic for 50 local youth at Club Rafiki in one of Kigali’s most underserved districts.

Additional celebrity guests appearing throughout the week include Robin Roberts, Chiney Ogwumike, Didier Drogba, Michael Blackson, Boris Kodjoe, and more.

Giants of Africa is a non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering African youth through basketball, founded by basketball executive and former player Masai Ujiri.

Ujiri recently appeared on The Kelly Clarkson Show and Good Morning America to discuss how the festival unites communities, spark potential, and drive transformative change across the continent.

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