FOOTBALL - The African Mirror

Jun

21

2024

FIFA provisionally suspends Maldives FA head

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FOOTBALL Association of Maldives (FAM) president Bassam Adeel Jaleel has been provisionally suspended for nine months amid an investigation into allegations of money laundering, embezzlement and corruption, FIFA said. FIFA took the decision after the Prosecutor General's Office of Maldives had investigated Jaleel and initiated proceedings after a search of the FAM office in October. World soccer's governing body said the criminal offences also involved the use of FIFA funds by FAM officials, prompting the investigatory chamber to open formal investigation proceedings against Jaleel. The possible violations of FIFA's code of ethics include conflicts of interest, offering and accepting gifts…

Jun

20

2024

By NICK SAID

Ronaldo’s shots and German efficiency – Euro 2024 numbers so far

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CRISTIANO Ronaldo had the most attempts on target and hosts Germany made the best use of their chances in the first round of pool matches at the European Championship, while a forward from Romania has been the quickest across the grass so far. Ronaldo did not get on the scoresheet from his three shots on target in Portugal’s 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic on Tuesday and is one of four players to have five attempts at goal in total along with France’s Marcus Thuram, Georgia's Georges Mikautadze and Christian Eriksen of Denmark. It has been a tournament for early…

Jun

20

2024

By The African Mirror

Martinez praises Portugal’s discipline after last-gasp win over Czechs

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Portugal left it late but managed to snatch a 2-1 comeback victory over the Czech Republic in their opening Euro 2024 game and manager Roberto Martinez was full of praise for his side's discipline, even after falling behind. The Czechs went in front against the run of play but Portugal kept their heads and, thanks to an own goal and an added time strike from substitute Francisco Conceicao, managed to take all three points from the Group F match. "Today we showed heart, yes, but also a lot of discipline, we played and controlled the game and we didn't let Czechia use…

Jun

18

2024

By MPHO RANTAO

Nigerian forward Ejuke signed to Sevilla FC

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NIGERIAN Chidera Ejuke has been announced as the first signing for Spanish outfit Sevilla FC in the summer transfer window. In an official statement via its website, the club said, “Sevilla FC has reached an agreement with the Nigerian footballer Chidera Ejuke to become a new player for the Nervionense team, joining García Pimienta’s squad as a free agent and signing for three seasons, until June 2027.” Ejuke has had a successful stint with CSKA Moscow, scoring 10 goals and providing eight assists. He also made his debut in European competition, featuring in five matches in the UEFA Europa League.…

Jun

18

2024

By The African Mirror

Reaction to Romania’s 3-0 win over Ukraine at Euro 2024

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THE following is the reaction to Romania's 3-0 victory over Ukraine in Euro 2024 Group E, the country's first European Championship win in 24 years. Nicolae Stanciu, Romania midfielder and Player of the Match: "(The support} was unique, we've never felt anything like this before. My siblings, my father and my wife all had tears in their eyes. I'd like to thank them all, and I hope we've made them very happy today... What we did today was just sensational." Stanciu on his first-half goal: "It was the goal of my career. This shirt means everything to me. To score…

Jun

17

2024

By ANDREW CAWTHORNE

Weghorst’s first touch gives Dutch late win over Poland

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STRIKER Wout Weghorst came off the bench to snatch a late winner with his first touch and give the Netherlands a deserved 2-1 comeback victory over Poland in their Group D opener at the European Championship. Weghorst had barely been on the field when he slid home Nathan Ake's perfect pass into the area in the 83rd minute to send the tens of thousands of "Oranje" fans at Hamburg's Volksparkstadion into raptures. It was his third consecutive goal as a substitute for the national side. "So important to get the early win and for me personally it's a dream scenario,"…

Jun

16

2024

By The African Mirror

Former Arsenal and Everton striker Campbell dies at 54

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FORMER Arsenal, Everton and Nottingham Forest striker and soccer commentator Kevin Campbell has died at the age of 54. British media said he had been in hospital for two weeks before his death was announced. "We are devastated to learn that our former striker Kevin Campbell has died after a short illness," Arsenal said on social media. "Kevin was adored by everyone at the club." The London-born Campbell made his senior debut at Arsenal in 1988 and spent seven years at the club including two loan spells. He was part of the Arsenal side that won the English first-division league…

Jun

16

2024

By MITCH PHILLIPS

Xhaka is top 10 as Swiss overwhelm Hungary

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GRANIT Xhaka and Dominik Szoboszlai are the number 10s, captains and driving forces of Switzerland and Hungary, but it was Xhaka who took the plaudits with a superb all-round display in his team’s 3-1 Euro 2024 victory. Kwadwo Duah, Michel Aebischer and Breel Embolo scored the goals in a dominant Swiss display, despite Hungary briefly rallying at 2-1 after a goal by Barnabas Varga. With 126 caps and seven years at Arsenal under his belt, Xhaka is enjoying something of an Indian summer. He was key in Bayer Leverkusen's surprise Bundesliga title triumph and led from the front as the…

Jun

15

2024

By The African Mirror

Mali sack head coach Chelle

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MALI has fired head coach Eric Chelle, the West African nation's soccer federation said. In a statement, reported on national television, it gave no reason for the decision but the sacking comes days after Mali were held to a goalless draw by 10-man Madagascar in a Group I World Cup qualifier in Johannesburg. "The executive committee of the Malian Football Federation, meeting in extraordinary session today unanimously decided, with the agreement of the supervisory authority, to end the collaboration between the coach of the National Team Senior, Mr. Eric Sekou Chelle and the federation," the statement said. Chelle, 46, was born in…

Jun

15

2024

By The African Mirror

Crystal Palace sign Moroccan defender Riad

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CRYSTAL Palace has signed Barcelona's Morocco international defender Chadi Riad on a long-term contract, the Premier League club said. Real Betis' Chadi Riad REUTERS/Albert Gea The 20-year-old joins Palace after spending a season on loan at Real Betis for whom he played 30 times in all competitions. "The club has high-level players who are young and I have come here to follow their same trajectory, to grow as they have grown," Riad said in a club statement. Riad was born in Palma, Mallorca, to Moroccan parents and came through the island club's youth system before moving to Barcelona and graduating…