Category: Sports

MANCHESTER, England (NPA) — Manchester City have been found guilty of 114 of the 115 alleged breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules, according to reports, in a major development in a case that has cast a long shadow over English football.

The verdict was reported by The Athletic, with City expected to appeal. The club said the Premier League process remains ongoing, indicating that the case has not yet reached its final stage.

“The Premier League process remains ongoing, with significant elements to be completed, and subject to strict confidentiality,” the club said in a statement to British media.

City maintained that its position remained consistent with its February 2023 statement and said it had respected due process throughout the proceedings. The club has consistently denied any wrongdoing.

The Premier League declined to comment, saying the proceedings were confidential.

Allegations spanning more than a decade

The Premier League referred City to an independent commission in February 2023 over alleged financial breaches covering the 2009-10 to 2022-23 seasons.

Among the allegations were claims that City failed, between 2009-10 and 2017-18, to provide accurate financial information giving a “true and fair view” of revenues, including sponsorship income, and operating costs.

The hearing before the independent commission began on September 16, 2024, and concluded on December 6 after almost three months.

The commission comprised three people appointed by the independent chair of the Premier League Judicial Panel.

Former City midfielder Rodri said he had continued to trust the club’s position throughout the case, saying the players had shared the belief that the club had done nothing wrong.

“Until the moment they’re proved wrong, we will believe the club,” Rodri said at a press conference ahead of Spain’s Nations League match against England at Wembley.

Previous UEFA case

The Premier League proceedings follow a separate UEFA case involving Manchester City.

UEFA banned City from the Champions League for two years in 2020 after finding that the club had overstated sponsorship revenue between 2012 and 2016.

City appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which overturned the ban.

Since Sheikh Mansour’s Abu Dhabi United Group acquired the club in 2008, City have won eight Premier League titles, the Champions League, four FA Cups and seven League Cups.

Rodri said the club’s achievements were the result of the efforts of the players and staff over the years.

“What we did, they cannot take out of us,” he said.

High stakes

The case has attracted particular attention because other Premier League clubs have previously faced sporting sanctions for breaching financial regulations.

Everton were deducted a total of eight points during the 2023-24 season after two separate breaches of the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules, while Nottingham Forest were deducted four points in March 2024 for breaching the same rules.

The allegations against City are considerably broader, covering more than a decade and involving a large number of financial and regulatory issues.

Ian Hargreaves, a partner at specialist disputes firm Quillon Law, said the reported verdict would mark the beginning of another phase of the long-running case.

He said key issues would include the sanctions considered proportionate by the commission and whether its decision could withstand an appeal.

Possible sanctions could range from financial and sporting penalties to more severe measures, depending on the commission’s findings and any subsequent appeal.

Caroline Dinenage, chair of Britain’s Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee, said due process should be followed but urged that any further stages be completed as quickly as reasonably possible.

The case has generated years of debate over financial regulation, competitive integrity and the enforcement of Premier League rules.

BOUAKÉ, Côte d’Ivoire (NPA) — Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz has expressed pride in his players despite the Black Stars’ 2–0 defeat to Côte d’Ivoire in their opening Group C match of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

Speaking at the post-match press conference at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké, Queiroz praised his team’s fighting spirit and said Ghana created several attacking opportunities despite Côte d’Ivoire having greater possession.

Queiroz said Ghana had four clear opportunities to score but failed to convert them, adding that the result did not reflect the team’s attacking efforts.

“In terms of possession, Côte d’Ivoire were better than us, but in terms of attacking penetration and creating opportunities, we were better,” he said.

The coach said he was particularly proud of the way his players responded to adversity during the match.

“I have to say that I am very proud of my team, very proud of my players — the way they fought, the way they played, the way they fought against adversity,” Queiroz said.

However, he criticised the referee’s decision to award Côte d’Ivoire a penalty, describing the decision as “a joke” after reviewing the incident on television.

“When we are 1-0 down and we fight for our chances, for our opportunities, somebody should not come in and make that decision,” he said.

Queiroz stressed that his criticism was directed at the officiating and not at the Ivorian team.

“Côte d’Ivoire played very well, all the players played very well and congratulations, but I cannot give the congratulations to them alone, it also goes to the referee because today it’s against us, tomorrow it could be against Côte d’Ivoire,” he said.

The Ghana coach also questioned the absence of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in the AFCON qualifiers, saying the technology could help referees make better decisions.

“Why don’t we have VAR in an Africa Cup of Nations competition? Which example do we want to give to the world?” he asked.

Queiroz said the second goal made it more difficult for Ghana to recover, adding that his team had to focus on preparing for the next fixture.

“Of course, to recover from 1-0 down is completely different from recovering from 2-0 down,” he said.

He said the defeat would not affect the team’s morale or confidence, stressing that Ghana would now concentrate on recovering and preparing for the next home match.

“This result will not affect our morale and our belief in our players. It doesn’t affect absolutely anything,” he said.

Queiroz attributed the first goal to a brilliant strike from outside the box but acknowledged that Ghana failed to cover the space adequately in the build-up.

He also identified missed opportunities by Augustine, Benjamin and Sibo as moments that could have changed the game.

The coach said Ghana adopted a more vertical attacking approach and made tactical changes after Benjamin and Felix were introduced, but the team needed to improve its finishing.

“We have to improve in that department, to improve our ability to score because this is another game that we did not score,” he said.

Queiroz also expressed confidence ahead of the return fixture in Accra, saying Ghana would seek to level the head-to-head record between the two sides.

He urged his players to recover quickly and focus on winning their next match.

“Now it’s just recovery. We lost one player during the game, but now it’s just to recover our players and be focused for the next game and win the next game at home,” he said.

Queiroz concluded by saying his comments were intended to defend his players and provide his assessment of the match rather than discredit Côte d’Ivoire.

“My comments here are the expression of a coach who has the duty to defend his team. I was polite, as you know. I was not offensive to anybody. I just have the right to say when there is a mistake,” he said.

UYO, Nigeria (NPA) — The Super Eagles of Nigeria began their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign with a 2–1 comeback victory over Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on Friday.

Debutants George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor scored either side of half-time to overturn Madagascar’s early lead and give Nigeria three points in their opening Group L fixture.

Madagascar stunned the home crowd in the 15th minute when Ehsan Kari put the visitors ahead, briefly raising memories of their 2–0 victory over Nigeria at the 2019 AFCON.

Nigeria responded by increasing the pressure, with Ilenikhena proving lively in attack on his senior international debut.

The Al-Ittihad forward eventually levelled the score in first-half stoppage time, finishing to mark his debut with a crucial goal and send both sides into the break at 1–1.

Nigeria continued to press after the restart, and coach Éric Chelle introduced Moses Usor as he looked to strengthen the attack.

The change paid off in the 65th minute when Usor, another debutant, scored to complete Nigeria’s comeback and put the Super Eagles ahead.

The LASK winger’s goal gave Nigeria a 2–1 lead, which they held onto despite Madagascar’s attempts to respond.

The victory gives Chelle’s side an important three points at the start of the Group L campaign, with Nigeria next scheduled to face Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday, Sept. 29.

The result also provided a memorable introduction to international football for Ilenikhena and Usor, who both scored on their competitive debuts for the Super Eagles.

Nigeria entered the qualifier without striker Victor Osimhen, who was ruled out of the September fixtures while recovering from a muscle injury. Taiwo Awoniyi was called up as his replacement.

The Super Eagles will now turn their attention to Guinea-Bissau as they continue their pursuit of a place at the 2027 AFCON finals in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

UYO, Nigeria (NPA) — The Super Eagles of Nigeria will begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign against Madagascar today, Friday, Sept. 25, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.

The Group L encounter is scheduled for 5 p.m. Nigerian time, with Nigeria seeking a winning start in the qualification race for the tournament to be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

Nigeria, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau are competing for the qualifying place available in Group L, with co-hosts Tanzania already guaranteed a place at the finals. The highest-placed team among the other three nations will secure the group’s qualification spot.

Head coach Éric Chelle is expected to demand an aggressive approach from his players as the Super Eagles seek to take control of the group from the opening fixture.

Nigeria, however, will be without striker Victor Osimhen, who has been ruled out of the September qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau as he continues his recovery from a muscle injury.

The Nigeria Football Federation confirmed that Osimhen’s recovery had taken longer than initially expected. Taiwo Awoniyi was subsequently called up as his replacement.

Chelle still has several attacking options, including Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Tolu Arokodare and George Ilenikhena.

The fixture also carries historical significance, with Madagascar recording a 2-0 victory over Nigeria at the 2019 AFCON in Egypt.

However, Nigeria have won three of the five previous meetings between the two countries, with one draw and one defeat.

The match could also mark a major personal milestone for Moses Simon, who is set to make his 100th senior appearance for Nigeria if selected.

The Nigeria Football Federation has confirmed that Simon has 99 caps and would become the fifth player to reach the century mark for the Super Eagles.

Nigeria will travel to Bissau to face Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday, Sept. 29, for their second Group L qualifier.

The Super Eagles will therefore be looking to begin the campaign on a positive note as they pursue qualification for the 2027 AFCON finals.

ELCHE, Spain (NPA) — Real Madrid edged Elche 3-2 on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, with Carlos Espí scoring in stoppage time to seal victory after the hosts had fought back from two goals down at the Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero.

The victory moved José Mourinho’s side level on points with Barcelona at the top of the La Liga table after six matches.

Real Madrid took the lead in the 25th minute when Elche goalkeeper Matías Dituro turned Arda Güler’s free kick into his own net.

The visitors doubled their advantage eight minutes later when Kylian Mbappé finished clinically from a pass by Yan Diomande, giving Madrid a 2-0 lead at half-time.

Elche responded strongly after the break and reduced the deficit in the 71st minute through Abiel Osorio, whose header gave the home side renewed belief.

The hosts completed their comeback in the 83rd minute when substitute Fernando Niño found the net to make it 2-2.

With the match appearing destined for a draw, Madrid found a decisive breakthrough in the 90+1st minute.

Mbappé provided the assist for Espí, who finished from close range to restore Madrid’s lead and secure the 3-2 victory.

The goal marked another late intervention from Espí, who had already produced a stoppage-time winner earlier in the season.

The result leaves Real Madrid with 15 points from six matches, keeping them level on points with Barcelona at the top of the table, while Elche remain without a victory after six league games.

The match also highlighted Madrid’s attacking threat and the defensive difficulties they faced after the interval, as Elche used the second half to recover from a two-goal deficit before Espí’s late intervention settled the contest.

NPA SPORTS (UEFA) — Real Madrid, Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund opened their 2026/27 UEFA Champions League league-phase campaigns with victories on Tuesday, while Aston Villa also secured a dramatic away win over Club Brugge.

Real Madrid edged Inter Milan 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabéu, surviving a strong second-half response from the Italian side. Kylian Mbappé opened the scoring before Federico Valverde doubled Madrid’s lead, while Inter pulled one back through Carlos Augusto. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois made several important saves as Madrid held on for the points. 

Manchester City made a strong statement with a 2-0 victory over Porto, with Erling Haaland scoring both goals. The result highlighted City’s attacking efficiency and defensive control under Enzo Maresca.

Borussia Dortmund edged Villarreal 3-2 in another five-goal thriller. Contrary to the initial report, the decisive goals came from Serhou Guirassy, who scored twice in the closing stages after Villarreal had fought back. 

Aston Villa also began their campaign with a 3-2 victory at Club Brugge, with John McGinn opening the scoring as Villa survived a late fightback. Pau Torres provided two assists in the victory.

Elsewhere, AEK Athens defeated LASK 1-0, while Real Betis overcame Lille 3-2, underlining the competitive nature of the opening round of the league phase. 

Tuesday’s results — September 8

• AEK Athens 1-0 LASK
• Club Brugge 2-3 Aston Villa
• Borussia Dortmund 3-2 Villarreal
• Porto 0-2 Manchester City
• Lille 2-3 Real Betis
• Real Madrid 2-1 Inter

Wednesday’s fixtures — September 9

The headline fixtures include Liverpool vs Atlético de Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain vs Slovan Bratislava and Napoli vs Arsenal, while Barcelona host Feyenoord. UEFA lists the Wednesday fixtures as part of Matchday 1 of the 36-team league phase.

Thursday’s fixtures — September 10

• Fenerbahçe vs Roma
• PSV Eindhoven vs Shakhtar Donetsk
• Como vs Leipzig
• Bayern München vs Bodø/Glimt
• Manchester United vs Sabah
• Slavia Praha vs Lens 

The 2026/27 Champions League league phase runs from September 8, 2026 to January 27, 2027, with 36 teams competing in the single-table format. 

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (NPA) — Coach Morena Ramoreboli will leave his position as Head Coach of Botswana’s senior men’s national team, The Zebras, to join the Bafana Bafana technical team as Assistant Coach to Head Coach Pitso Mosimane ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign.

The development was announced in a joint statement on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, by the South African Football Association (SAFA) and the Botswana Football Association (BFA).

The associations said Ramoreboli’s transition reflected the strong footballing relationship between the neighbouring countries and would provide him an opportunity to continue his coaching career at the highest level of African football.

Ramoreboli leaves Botswana football after making significant contributions at club and national-team levels. During his time with Jwaneng Galaxy, he won two Botswana Premier League titles and guided the club to the CAF Champions League group stage twice.

His teams also recorded notable continental victories over South African giants Orlando Pirates and Moroccan powerhouse Wydad AC.

His biggest achievement came during the 2024 AFCON qualifying campaign when, initially serving as interim coach, he guided The Zebras to the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time since 2012. He was subsequently appointed permanent head coach in January 2025.

Under his leadership, Ramoreboli brought discipline and competitiveness to the national team while contributing to the development of Botswana football. Before his departure, he was also involved in the BFA’s U23 Talent Identification Programme to identify and assess emerging talent across the country.

BFA President Oabile Tariq Babitseng said Ramoreboli had made a “meaningful and lasting contribution” to Botswana football.

“We would naturally have preferred to retain him, but we understand the significance of this opportunity and respect his decision to take the next step in his coaching career,” Babitseng said.

Ramoreboli returns to the Bafana Bafana environment with considerable domestic, continental and international experience. His previous involvement with the national team saw him guide South Africa to the 2021 COSAFA Cup title, winning the competition without conceding a goal.

SAFA said Ramoreboli would bring international experience, tactical flexibility, regional knowledge and an ability to maximise the potential of players and teams to the technical team.

SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan welcomed him back, saying he had earned the opportunity through his achievements and continued growth as a coach.

“Morena knows South African football, understands African football and has demonstrated that he can build competitive teams, develop players and deliver results in challenging circumstances,” Jordaan said.

He added that Ramoreboli’s experience in Botswana had strengthened his coaching profile and expressed confidence that his qualities would complement those of Mosimane as Bafana Bafana begin their journey towards the 2027 AFCON.

SAFA thanked the BFA for its professional handling of the transition and said both associations remained committed to strengthening football relations and development across Southern Africa.

LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — Argentina football legend Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, bringing the curtain down on a historic career with the national team spanning more than two decades.

The 39-year-old made the announcement on Monday following Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ending a remarkable international career that saw him lead his country to three World Cup finals and lift the trophy in Qatar in 2022.

Messi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, said the decision to retire was painful but necessary, adding that he had given everything he could to the Argentina national team and believed the time had come for a new generation of players to take greater responsibility.

“After all this time since the final, and after thinking about it a lot, I want to tell everyone that I’m retiring from the national team,” Messi said in an emotional statement.

“It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep inside, but I understand that this is the right moment.”

The former FC Barcelona star said time was no longer on his side and that several talented young players were emerging to take Argentina into the future.

Messi thanked Argentine supporters for their unwavering support throughout his international career.

“Thank you for all the love during these 20 years. I’m going to miss hearing you from the inside. Now I’ll be one of you, always supporting from the outside, in the good times and even more in the bad ones,” he said.

He also expressed gratitude to his family, coaches, teammates and officials who shared his journey with the national team.

“Thank you to my family for always being there and for being with me throughout this beautiful but difficult journey. Thank you to every coach, teammate and director I had the chance to share it with. I take with me unforgettable memories and moments.”

Messi said he was leaving the national team with peace and pride, knowing that he and his teammates had given Argentines moments they once only dreamed about.

“I leave with peace and pride, knowing that together with my teammates we gave you moments we once dreamed of. It was crazy to experience all of this with you.

“I love you! Thank you God for making me Argentine.”

Messi leaves the Argentina national team as its all-time leading appearance maker and goalscorer, having scored 125 goals in 207 appearances.

His senior international trophy collection includes the 2022 FIFA World Cup, two Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024, and the CONMEBOL-UEFA Cup of Champions, popularly known as the Finalissima, in 2022.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, Messi’s final international tournament ended in disappointment as Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain after extra time in the 2026 World Cup final.

However, his place in the history of Argentine and world football remains firmly secured after a career that transformed years of international disappointment into one of the greatest stories of triumph in the history of the game.

BARCELONA, Spain (NPA) — FC Barcelona maintained their perfect start to the La Liga season with an entertaining 5-2 victory over Rayo Vallecano on Monday night at the Spotify Camp Nou.

Raphinha and Lamine Yamal scored twice each, while an own goal from Florian Lejeune completed the scoring as Hansi Flick’s side recorded their third consecutive league victory.

Barcelona started brightly but were stunned when Rayo took the lead through Sergio Camello, who arrived ahead of Andreas Christensen to convert Álvaro García’s cut-back and score the first league goal conceded by Barça this season.

The home side responded immediately.

In the 19th minute, Raphinha restored parity after cutting inside Pathé Ciss and drilling a low shot across goalkeeper Cárdenas into the net.

Barely two minutes later, Barcelona were ahead. Lamine Yamal collected the ball on the edge of the penalty area and unleashed a powerful left-footed strike into the top corner.

The goal was also a significant personal milestone for the youngster, marking his 50th goal for Barcelona’s first team and making him the youngest player in the club’s history to reach the landmark.

Barcelona continued to dominate, with Pedri controlling proceedings in midfield while Anthony Gordon repeatedly troubled the Rayo defence.

The visitors survived another scare before the break when Jules Kounde’s effort was ruled out after the flag went up.

Barcelona eventually extended their lead six minutes after the restart. Gordon, who was becoming increasingly influential, delivered a dangerous low cross which Lejeune turned into his own net.

However, Rayo refused to surrender.

Camello scored his second goal of the night eight minutes later, rising at the near post to head home from a corner and reduce the deficit to 3-2.

Barcelona responded once again, with Raphinha restoring the two-goal advantage after Gordon produced an excellent back-heel to set up the Brazilian.

Lamine then put the result beyond doubt in the 90th minute, calmly guiding his second goal of the night inside the post to complete Barcelona’s 5-2 victory.

The match also marked a memorable occasion for Egyptian youngster Hamza Abdelkarim, who made his competitive debut for Barcelona after impressing during the preseason.

Barcelona will now turn their attention to Sunday’s La Liga trip to Valencia as Flick’s side look to extend their winning start to the campaign.

MADRID, Spain (NPA) — Real Madrid continued their perfect start to the La Liga season with a commanding 4-0 victory over Málaga at the Santiago Bernabéu on Sunday, as Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé starred in a dominant performance.

Los Blancos sealed the contest with three goals inside the opening 30 minutes before Arda Güler added a late fourth to complete a comprehensive victory over the newly promoted side.

Bellingham opened the scoring in the 19th minute after producing a brilliant individual effort, driving past Málaga defenders before slotting a low finish beyond goalkeeper Alfonso Herrero.

Real Madrid doubled their advantage seven minutes later in unusual circumstances. 

Bellingham’s involvement in the attacking move created pressure inside the Málaga penalty area, with Herrero eventually credited with an own goal.

Mbappé made it 3-0 in the 30th minute, converting a precise cross from Trent Alexander-Arnold with a clinical volley to put the hosts firmly in control.

The French forward’s goal continued his strong start to the campaign as Real Madrid’s attacking line proved too difficult for Málaga to contain.

Despite trailing heavily, Málaga had moments of resistance and came close to scoring when Rafa Rodríguez struck the post. However, the visitors were unable to turn their chances into goals as Madrid maintained control of the contest.

Real Madrid dominated possession and created the clearer opportunities throughout the match, with Bellingham once again influential in midfield and attack.

The England international was central to Madrid’s opening two goals and remained a constant threat before the hosts added further pressure in the second half.

Güler completed the scoring deep into stoppage time, calmly finishing after being set up by Vinícius Júnior.

The victory marked Real Madrid’s third consecutive win of the La Liga campaign, maintaining their 100 per cent record in the early stages of the season.

Manager José Mourinho made several changes to his team, including handing opportunities to Alexander-Arnold and Marc Cucurella, as Madrid displayed their attacking depth and tactical flexibility.

The result further strengthens Real Madrid’s early position in the title race, with the combination of Bellingham’s creativity, Mbappé’s goalscoring ability and Vinícius Júnior’s pace continuing to give Mourinho’s side a formidable attacking threat.

Real Madrid will now turn their attention to their next La Liga fixture against Real Betis, while Málaga will seek their first victory of the season when they return to action next weekend.