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
More than 120 civil society and human rights organizations have issued a joint travel advisory warning international visitors, including fans, players, journalists, and officials—about potential risks ahead of the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup in the United States. The advisory, released on April 23, highlights concerns that participants traveling to the tournament could face serious
By Rasheed Adewuyi, New York Italy has firmly rejected speculation that it could replace Iran at the upcoming FIFA World Cup, distancing itself from a proposal that has circulated widely in recent days. The idea, which did not originate from football authorities, suggested that Italy might be handed a place despite failing to qualify through
By Rasheed Adewuyi, New York Manchester City moved to the top of the Premier League table on Wednesday night with a hard-fought 1–0 win over Burnley at Turf Moor. An early goal proved decisive in a tense encounter, as Pep Guardiola’s side capitalised on the chance to leapfrog Arsenal in the title race. The breakthrough
By Kazeem Ajibola Shoyebo A controversial proposal to reshape the lineup for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has emerged from within the orbit of Donald Trump, drawing sharp global attention and raising questions about the intersection of sport and geopolitics. According to multiple verified reports, Paolo Zampolli, a special envoy aligned with Trump, has urged
By Kazeem Ajibola Shoyebo Chelsea Football Club have dismissed head coach Liam Rosenior after a dramatic collapse in form that effectively ended their hopes of salvaging a turbulent 2025/26 season. The decision follows a dismal run of results, including five consecutive Premier League defeats without scoring, a sequence described as the club’s worst attacking drought
By Kazeem Ajibola Shoyebo Italian authorities have uncovered and dismantled a high-end prostitution network in Milan that operated under the guise of an events and nightlife business. The organization allegedly offered luxury “all-inclusive” packages combining club access, hotel stays, and sexual services to wealthy clients. A financial police operation led to four arrests and the
By Kazeem Ajibola Shoyebo Alex Iwobi has delivered a powerful and revealing insight into the mentality of Super Eagles teammate Victor Osimhen, describing the striker as a relentless competitor who thrives on intensity and refuses to back down, no matter the opponent. Speaking on a Beast Mode Podcast, Iwobi painted a vivid picture of Osimhen’s
By Kazeem Ajibola Shoyebo UK authorities have launched a major offensive against counterfeit football merchandise ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, seizing more than 4,400 fake shirts in what is being described as the largest raid of a new nationwide crackdown. The operation, reported by The Athletic, targeted a market stall in England’s Midlands
By Rasheed Adewuyi, New York U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer has publicly challenged FIFA over rising transportation costs tied to the 2026 World Cup, warning that fans risk being priced out of attending matches due to inflated travel fares. His remarks come amid growing concern that special event pricing could significantly increase the cost of commuting