Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter has launched a scathing critique of current FIFA boss Gianni Infantino, warning that the 2026 FIFA World Cup is being reshaped by politics and commercial expansion at the expense of football’s traditional identity. In remarks reported by multiple outlets, Blatter claimed the tournament, set to be hosted across the United
By Kazeem Ajibola Shoyebo Milan prosecutors have opened a formal investigation into Serie A refereeing coordinator Gianluca Rocchi over suspected sporting fraud, in a case that could have significant implications for the integrity of Italian football officiating. The probe, confirmed by multiple Italian media outlets including La Gazzetta dello Sport, centres on allegations that Rocchi
By Kazeem Ajibola Shoyebo Franck Kessié was named Most Valuable Player of the AFC Champions League Elite Finals Jeddah 2026 after leading Al-Ahli Saudi FC to a 1–0 extra-time victory over FC Machida Zelvia in Saturday’s final. Kessié delivered a commanding midfield performance, controlling the tempo and anchoring his side even as Al-Ahli were
By Bolarinwa Olajide, Toronto Canada AFC Toronto stormed back from 2–1 down to beat Vancouver Rise 3–2 in a dramatic, momentumswinging season opener, powered by standout performances from Zoe Burns, Sarah Stratigakis, and Player of the Match Esther Okoronkwo. The night ignited early. Just eight minutes in, Toronto struck first when Zoe Burns pounced on
Arsenal returned to the top of the Premier League with a tense 1–0 victory over Newcastle United, thanks to an early strike from Eberechi Eze. Eze settled the contest in the 9th minute, curling a superb effort into the top corner from the edge of the box following a well-worked short corner routine—an early breakthrough
Manchester City staged a ruthless late comeback to crush the dreams of giant-killers Southampton with a 2–1 victory in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley. Just when a famous upset looked certain, Southampton struck first in the 79th minute through Finn Azaz, whose stunning long-range effort sent their fans into wild celebration. But City’s experience
By Yomi Kuku, Toronto Canada Esther Okoronkwo inspired AFC Toronto to a dramatic 3–2 comeback victory over Vancouver Rise FC in the opening match of the Northern Super League season at Swangard Stadium. The reigning champions started strongly, with María Camila Reyes striking in the 18th minute and Latifah Abdu doubling the lead before
By Rasheed Adewuyi, New York. UEFA has banned Gianluca Prestianni for six matches, a ruling that rippled beyond a single matchday and placed the young winger at the center of a wider conversation about conduct in football. The decision, part punishment, part warning, arrived not just as a line in a report, but as a
By Kazeem Ajibola Shoyebo Former Nigeria international Michael Eneramo has tragically died after collapsing during a local friendly match in Kaduna on Friday morning, sending shockwaves across the football community. The ex-Nigeria national football team forward reportedly completed the first half of the game in Ungwan Yelwa before returning for the second half. Just five
Former Ivory Coast international striker Aboulaye Traoré, popularly known as *Ben Badi*, has been sentenced to three years in prison after being found guilty of rape, according to an Ivorian women’s rights organization. The ruling was delivered on Wednesday by a court in Bouaké, as confirmed in a statement by the Ivorian League for Women’s