Sports
Bayern Munich Apologise To PSG For Offensive Banners
Bayern Munich apologised to Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday for the presence of banners with offensive messages aimed at the French club’s president Nasser al-Khelaifi during their Champions League clash.
PSG visited Bayern’s Allianz Arena on Tuesday and a section of the home support unveiled a banner with a profanity aimed at the “plutocratic Al-Khelaifi”.
A separate banner with a picture of Al-Khelaifi’s head crossed out was also displayed, as well as two banners reading “Minister, club owner, TV rights holder, UEFA EXCO member & ECA chairman all in one”.
Some Bayern fans also reportedly sang insulting chants about the French club itself after the match, which the hosts won 1-0.
“FC Bayern would like to apologise when its opponents and their representatives in its stadium feel personally attacked in this manner and tone and are offended as a result,” read a statement on Bayern’s website.
“The club would like to make it clear that these banners were not authorised by FC Bayern and do not reflect its stance.”
“They are not in keeping with the good and long-standing relationship between the two clubs. The tone of these banners also goes against the style of FC Bayern and the respectful relationship the club has with its international partners,” the Bavarian club added.
Al-Khelaifi became president of PSG in 2011, following the acquisition of the club by Qatar Sports Investments (QSI).
The 51-year-old has also been the president of the European Club Association since April 2021, and was reelected in September of last year on a four-year mandate.
In addition, Al-Khelaifi is the chair of beIN Media Group, which holds distribution rights for various football competitions, including France’s Ligue 1 and Germany’s Bundesliga.
QSI is a subsidiary of the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) — the country’s sovereign wealth fund which has assets worth hundreds of billions of dollars.
AFP
Sports
Chelle promises to work towards qualifying the Super Eagles to the 2026 World Cup
Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle has vowed to do his best to ensure the team qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Chelle was unveiled at an elaborate ceremony at the media conference room of the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja, on Monday.
The 47-year-old signed a two-year contract with the option of another year.
“I want to thank my agent, the NFF, the NSC and indeed all Nigerians for this big opportunity.
“Coaching the Super Eagles of Nigeria is an amazing job; I do not take this appointment for granted. I am elated and will do my utmost best.
“Football is about scoring goals, so I favour an attacking style. I know the expectations of Nigerians and I will settle down and work diligently with my assistants towards the goal of qualifying the Super Eagles to the 2026 FIFA World Cup,” the former Mali international was quoted by thenff.com
Sports
NFF unveils Eric Chelle as Super Eagles coach
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has unveiled the newly appointed Nigeria Super Eagles Coach, Eric Chelle.
The ceremony took place on Monday, January, 13, at MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed Chelle’s appointment last Tuesday, making him the 42nd substantive head coach of the Super Eagles.
The NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, expressed confidence in Chelle’s ability to lead the Super Eagles to new heights
“We appreciate the fact that Nigerians are very passionate about football, which is why there have been different reactions following the appointment of Coach Chelle,” Gusau said on Sunday.
“However, the NFF appeals to Nigerians to come together and support him, as we believe he has the qualities to achieve success with the Super Eagles.”
Gusau further assured Nigerians that the Federation would provide the necessary backing to ensure Chelle’s success.
“The NFF will give him all the support that he needs to succeed in the job,” he added.
Chelle’s first assignment is to lead the Super Eagles B at the upcoming African Nations Championship in East Africa next month.
After that, the focus will shift to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, with crucial matches against Rwanda (away) and Zimbabwe (home) in March.
According to the statement, Chelle brings a wealth of experience to the role, having guided Mali’s Aiglons to the brink of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals.
He recently left his position at Algerian club MC Oran, where he had been managing the 1989 African Champions’ Cup finalists, to accept the Super Eagles job.
Sports
Cristiano Ronaldo gives condition to extend contract with Al-Nassr
Al-Nassr captain, Cristiano Ronaldo wants the club to strengthen their squad before agreeing to a new deal, Fichajes reports.
Ronaldo’s current contract with the Saudi Arabia club will expire at the end of this season.
The Portugal forward has not agreed to a renewal at the moment.
It now appears that the 39-years-old is willing to extend his stay with Al-Nassr, provided they commit to squad reinforcements.
Ronaldo wants Al-Nassr to bolster their squad to help compete with the likes of Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner had personally requested that Al-Nassr should sign Casemiro from Manchester United.
Casemiro’s contract with Manchester United will expire in the summer of 2026.
The Brazilian has not featured regularly under new manager Ruben Amorim this season.
The midfielder has played just six times under Amorin this term.
The midfielder has scored three goals from 22 games across competitions for the Red Devils this season
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