FIFA has nominated Lauren James for best women’s player 2023, despite her largely criticized foul against Super Falcons player, Michelle Alozie.

The 16-player list released by FIFA on Thursday included James who had stepped on Alozie in the knockout stage clash between Nigeria and England.

FIFA said, “A double winner with Chelsea, this exciting forward also emerged as a key player for her national team, providing three goals and as many assists in the Lionesses’ run to the Women’s World Cup final.”

In the 84th minute of the knock-out game against England, James picked up a yellow card for an impetuous stamp on Alozie’s back after both players tussled for the ball.

Referee Melissa Borjas after reviewing the video monitor withdrew the yellow card and showed off a red card.

Although England were down by a player, they held the Falcons to a draw and later won 4-2 on penalties.

FIFA reviewed the foul and handed her three-match ban.

She played in the finals based on FIFA judgement.

FIFA had said, “The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has imposed a two-match suspension on England’s player Lauren James following a violation of article 14 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code at the FIFA Women’s World Cup match England vs Nigeria.

“The suspension will be served for the FIFA Women’s World Cup quarter-final and the next international fixture following that.”

The FIFA decision had sparked reactions on social media.

In the group-stage match between Nigeria and Canada, Deborah Abiodun was sent off after she unintentionally tackled Ashley Lawrence and hit her shin.

But FIFA upgraded the 19-year-old’s ban from a one-match ban to a three-match ban.

However, FIFA rule says, “A player will be suspended for at least three matches for violent conduct; at least three matches or an appropriate period of time for assault, including elbowing, punching, kicking, biting, spitting, or hitting an opponent or a person other than a match official.”

Victor Osimhen, the Super Eagles forward, has been nominated for FIFA’s The Best Men’s Player of the Year award after a stellar season for club and country. The 24-year-old was named in the 12-man shortlist for the award alongside other European stars.

Osimhen had a campaign to remember as he led Napoli to the Scudetto and emulated Zlatan Ibrahimovic in winning the Capocannoniere in the same season for the first time since 2009. The striker was also the first African Capocannoniere and became Africa’s leading scorer in Serie A.

In addition to his performance at club level, the former Lille man was on fire for the Super Eagles despite not making it to the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. He scored 10 goals for Nigeria as they sealed their ticket to the 2024 AFCON in style, including a hat-trick against Sao Tome and Principe last time out.

Osimhen is the only African who was deemed worthy of being included on the shortlist and is joined by Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe, Rodri, Julian Alvarez, Marcelo Brozovic, Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Declan Rice and Bernardo Silva.

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This comes after Osimhen was nominated for the 2023 Ballon d’Or, and is another feather in the cap of the striker, who aims even higher. Voting is on for the award, and fans can vote for Victor Osimhen through this link.

• Competition: Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A
• Date: Friday, 15th, September 2023
• Kickoff: 00:00 CEST
• Venue: Castelao (Fortaleza)

Corinthians will strive to put an end to their three-game winless streak across all competitions when they visit Fortaleza at Castelao in their Matchday 23 clash of the Brazilian Serie A on Friday.

After establishing a remarkable streak of five consecutive victories, dominating everything in their path in both the Copa Sudamericana and the Brazilian Serie A, Fortaleza hit a roadblock called Fluminense. Sadly, Leao do Pici entered their ten-day break due to international obligations on a sour note, suffering a 0-1 defeat to Fluzao with a late goal conceded in the 90+2 minute. Despite that setback, Fortaleza stands firm in eighth place with 32 points, trailing the Copa Libertadores qualification spots by only four points.

As for the guests, Corinthians seems to have put their nightmarish season start behind them, with the past few months showcasing evident signs of improvement. In their last fixture prior to the international break, Timao successfully resisted the onslaught from the reigning Brazilian champions, Palmeiras, securing a precious point in a goalless draw, 0-0. It was the third successive stalemate for the boys in black and white kits, continuing their climb up the table and now occupying 13th position with 26 points.

1. Fortaleza vs Corinthians Betting Tips: X2 (Double chance)

At first glance, it may seem like Fortaleza holds the upper hand in terms of form and the home advantage, but grabbing all the spoils against Corinthians is easier said than done. While Timao has been experiencing a drought in terms of victories (with only one win in their last six games), it's equally important to acknowledge that numerous opposing teams have been left scratching their heads in search of a way to overcome them, with just one defeat in their last 17 matches across all competitions.

It's intriguing how Vanderlei Luxemburgo's side has become experts in securing "X" results, recording their fourth draw in the last five matches, last time out against the reigning titleholders, Palmeiras. Furthermore, the teams that Fortaleza has recently triumphed over are a far cry from Corinthians' caliber.

Therefore, we maintain an optimistic outlook that Timao, with their sturdy style of football, will manage to secure at least a point from this visit.

The Chief Executive Officer of Arsenal Football Club, Vinai Venkatesham, has announced his decision to leave the club at the end of the 2023-2024 season.

Vinai Venkatesham became the CEO of Arsenal in 2020, about a season after Mikel Arteta was appointed the manager of the club.

Before he rose to the position of Arsenal’s CEO, the Indian-born British administrator who joined Arsenal in 2010, had served as the club’s Managing Director, and chief commercial officer.

Vinai Venkatesham has helped to stabilize the Gunners. Under his leadership, Arsenal won two Community Shields and contended for the Premier League title last season in which they finished second behind Manchester City.

While announcing his planned departure from the club after three years as the club’s CEO, Venkatesham revealed that he is leaving the club to face another challenge.

He said, “This was a tough decision, but it is time to pursue another challenge. Now is not the time for goodbyes as I remain focused until my last day and supporting a seamless transition.”

In reaction to the announcement, the co-chairman of the club, Josh Kroenke said: “The board is fully supportive of Vinai’s desire to pursue his next challenge.

“Whilst it is business as usual with everyone focused on the season ahead, we’d like to take this moment to thank him for his contribution and long service.

“Vinai will always be part of the Arsenal family and always welcome back at Emirates Stadium.

“Change and succession is something the club is well prepared for. The board remains committed to our strategy and will address leadership change as we continue to drive the club forward.”

[NaijaNews]

Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland and Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen will headline a 13-man shortlist for the Best FIFA Men’s Player Award 2023.

The Nigerian international, who has scored a total of 31 goals to help
clinch the Serie A title and reached the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League last season, was the only African player on the list of nominees for 2023 FIFA Men’s player award released on Thursday by the world soccer governing body.

The list is dominated by Manchester City FC’s 2022-23 treble-winning squad, while coach Pep Guardiola was also nominated for The Best FIFA Men’s Coach alongside four of his peers.

Osimhen has established himself as one of Europe’s deadliest marksmen and his outstanding goal-scoring statistics have not gone unnoticed to the eyes of Europe’s wealthiest clubs, with the likes of Manchester United, Bayern, and Chelsea all expressing an interest in acquiring his services in the near future.

Haaland’s Man City team-mates Julián Álvarez, Kevin De Bruyne, İlkay Gündoğan and Bernardo Silva joined him on the shortlist for impressive contributions to Pep Guardiola-treble-winning squad.

Kylian Mbappé also makes the list as well as Marcelo Brozović, Rodrigo, Hernández Cascante, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Declan Rice of Arsenal.

Performances at the record-breaking FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 were reflected in the Best FIFA Women’s Player nominees. Adidas Golden Ball winner Aitana Bonmatí leads a quartet of Spanish nominees. Four players from tournament runners-up England and a trio of Matildas – who were a victory away from reaching the final on home soil – are also part of a 16-player shortlist.

[Leadership]

Barcelona were dealt a blow on Thursday when the Spanish champions’ spending limit for the season was cut to 270 million euros ($290 million) by La Liga.

The Spanish top flight has strict spending controls that prevent clubs from continuing to overspend on player wages and transfers.

Barcelona’s previous limit was 649 million euros ($697 million), a figure inflated by the sale of future television rights income among a series of financial “levers” the club pulled.

The Catalans’ current level of salary expenditure is around 400 million euros ($429 million) per Spanish reports.

The punishment for exceeding the limit is being put under the division’s spending cap, in which Barcelona will only be allowed to use around 50 percent of income to improve their squad, until they make cuts to fall under the new limit.

The current situation means it is unlikely Barcelona will conduct significant transfer business in January, with further cuts needed if they are to be in a position to reinforce next summer.

This is despite the departures of Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, Ousmane Dembele and several other players.

Goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen signed a new deal with the club in August until 2028, which allowed Barcelona to register new signings including loanees Joao Cancelo and Joao Felix.

“We have to thank him for restructuring his contract because it has allowed other players to register,” said club president Joan Laporta on Thursday.

La Liga president Javier Tebas said he did not know when Barcelona’s financial situation would return to normal.

“It depends on Barca and their business strategy,” Tebas told a news conference Thursday.

“Maybe they sell a great player and will take a giant step forward. We don’t know if they will.

“The whole medium and long-term strategy is set by the club, we don’t set it for them.”

Nigeria’s Super Falcons forward Desire Ugochi Oparanozie has announced her retirement from football for both country and club at the age of 29.

Oparanozie was included in the squad that represented Nigeria at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup which started in July and ended in August.

In a post on Wednesday, on her X account, formerly Twitter, she wrote, “To my fans, family, and friends, thank you for the show of love and support over the years. It’s time to take a bow, as I believe there’s no better time than now. I’m officially announcing my retirement from professional football for both club and country.

“To every team and coach I have played for, to every mate I’ve played alongside, and to every opponent I have played against, thank you all for being part of this incredible journey. Thank you football, thank you Nigeria.”

Oparanozie had a successful career in the Chinese Women’s Super League and represented Nigeria’s national team on different occasions.

She started at Bayelsa Queens and later played for Delta Queens and Düvenciler Lisesispor.

In 2012, Oparanozie transferred to Rossiyanka in the Russian Women’s Football Championship. She had a successful stint there, playing in the UEFA Women’s Champions League and scoring a goal. After that, she moved to VfL Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga for the 2013-14 season.

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has stated that he is looking forward to winning the 2023 CAF Player of the Year.

Osimhen has been one of the best players from the continent in the last year. 

The 24-year-old scored 31 goals in 39 appearances for Napoli last season and broke George Weah and Samuel Eto’o’s goals record in the Serie A. He also helped the Partenopeans to their first Scudetto in 33 years and their first-ever quarterfinal finish in the UEFA Champions League.

With his achievements in the last year, the Super Eagles striker is a frontrunner to become the first Nigerian to win CAF Player of the Year Award in the last 24 years. 

Osimhen also has serious competition from the likes of Yassine Bounou and Achraf Hakimi, but he just looks clear of the rest.

Ahead of the awards, which will hold on December 11, Osimhen has stated that he is looking forward to wearing the crown of the best player on the continent.

“It means a lot, a whole lot to me,” Osimhen told Pulse.

“I remember in 2015, when I won the (CAF) Youth Player of the Year (award), you know, I saw the winner (Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang) walk up to the podium to receive it (the CAF POTY award).

“Since then, for me, it became a dream to try to be there and win something as prestigious as that.

“I think now I have a huge opportunity to actualise this dream. I’m really looking forward to it, and hopefully, it comes home.”

The last time a Nigerian won the CAF Player of the Year Award was in 1999, but Osimhen would be looking to put an end to that wait.

[Leadership]