Football

UK government wants Premier League back “as soon as possible”

Published

3 years ago

April 28, 2020

The U.K government’s cabinet minister responsible for sport said he has been in talks with the Premier League with the aim of getting football back on the field as quickly as possible.
Speaking at a parliamentary questions session, Oliver Dowden, Culture, Media and Sport Secretary, said: “I personally have been in talks with the Premier League with a view to getting football up and running as soon as possible in order to support the whole football community.

“But of course, any such moves would have to be consistent with public health guidance,” he said.

The Premier League, which has been on hold since March 13, remains suspended until at least April 30 while lockdown measures are in place in the United Kingdom until May 7, when the government is set to review the current restrictions in place.

But three London clubs, Arsenal, West Ham and Tottenham Hotspur, along with Brighton, have already re-opened their training grounds, allowing limited return to training while observing social distancing protocols.
Those clubs say that players will only be using outdoor field facilities for individual work and will not take part in team activities.

Premier League clubs will hold their latest conference call on Friday as they continue to evaluate various options for finishing the season but a re-start of matches is not expected until June at the earliest.

Last week the league said it was “working through complex planning scenarios” and there are a number of practical hurdles that they face.

With the ban on mass public gatherings likely to be one of the last restrictions to be removed, rescheduled games could be held behind closed doors, possibly at neutral venues.

English cricket’s governing body, the ECB, has been given the leading role for all sport in the country, including soccer, in examining how to create ‘bio-secure’ venues, with the focus on stadiums with hotel facilities connected or nearby — to limit the need for extensive travel.

Football

Club signs “25-year-old goalkeeper” but fans think he’s 45 [See photos]

Published

2 years ago

February 10, 2021

Cate Iteyo

Social media across Africa on Wednesday, February 10 was sent into a frenzy by one Nigerian Club – Mighty Jets International Jos.

The Mighty Jets, took to social media to unveil their new range of kits for the upcoming Nigerian National league season while profiling its players.

One player, however, caught the eye of netizens, Goalkeeper Gobum Rotduwe.

According to the club, “Rot. D” was born on September 13, 1995, meaning he is 25 years old now.

Fans took a swipe at the club, most claiming the goalkeeper has lied about his age.

What’s your take on his age?

Football

Club signs “25-year-old goalkeeper” but fans think he’s 45 [See photos]

Published

2 years ago

February 10, 2021

Cate Iteyo

Social media across Africa on Tuesday, February 9 was sent into a frenzy by one Nigerian Club – Mighty Jets International Jos.

The Mighty Jets, took to social media to unveil their new range of kits for the upcoming Nigerian National league season while profiling its players.

According to the club, “Rot. D” was born on September 13, 1995, meaning he is 25 years old now.

Fans took a swipe at the club, most claiming the goalkeeper has lied about his age. What’s your take on his age?

Football

Barcelona appoint Koeman as new coach

Published

3 years ago

August 19, 2020

Cate Iteyo

Barcelona have appointed Ronald Koeman as their next coach, the club said in a statement on Wednesday, as the Catalans look to rebuild after their 8-2 thrashing by Bayern Munich in the Champions League last week.

Koeman, who has left his role as manager of the Netherlands, has signed a two-year-deal with Barcelona, who sacked Quique Setien on Monday after he presided over the club’s worst defeat ever in European competition.

Koeman, who will be officially presented at the Camp Nou stadium later on Wednesday, is dearly loved at Barca for his role in Johan Cruyff’s hugely successful side known as the ‘Dream Team’ and for scoring the goal that delivered the club’s first ever European Cup in 1992.

The defender later became the club’s assistant coach before embarking on a career as a head coach, managing Dutch sides Ajax Amsterdam, PSV Eindhoven and Feyenoord plus Premier League sides Southampton and Everton and La Liga’s Valencia.

“Barcelona and Ronald Koeman have come to an agreement for him to be the team’s coach until 30 June 2022,” said Barca’s statement.

“A club legend and Barca’s hero at Wembley who gave fans their first European Cup, Koeman is coming back to the Camp Nou. But this time he will be in the dugout to lead the team.”