The Nation Newspaper

Tag: FIFA

  • FIFA Election: Infantino set to be returned unopposed

     

    FIFA president Gianni Infantino is set to serve four more years as the leader of world football’s governing body as the only candidate for election.

    Infantino had the required nomination letters from five of the 211 member federations when the deadline passed at midnight Tuesday in Zurich, FIFA said Wednesday. Infantino must now pass the formality of eligibility and integrity checks for the election on June 5 in Paris.

    The 48-year-old Swiss lawyer had been widely expected to win unopposed with support already pledged by most FIFA members, including through their continental governing bodies such as North America’s CONCACAF and South America’s CONMEBOL.

    Since being elected in February 2016, Infantino oversaw expanding the World Cup to 48 teams in 2026, and picking the United States, Canada and Mexico to co-host it.

    He is completing the term of Sepp Blatter, who announced his resignation plan days after American and Swiss prosecutors revealed sweeping investigations of corruption in football in May 2015. Blatter was later banned by the FIFA ethics committee for financial irregularities along with Michel Platini, Infantino’s former boss at UEFA.

    The main event of Infantino’s first full mandate is the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

    FIFA is still studying if that tournament being played for the first time in November and December could also be expanded to 48 teams. It would require Qatar agreeing to share hosting duties with regional neighbours because they do not have stadiums and infrastructure to cope with the extra games and teams.

    Infantino has acknowledged the 2022 tournament is unlikely to be changed amid the region’s current diplomatic tensions. A decision could be taken by the FIFA Council in Miami next month to honour Qatar’s original hosting plan.

  • Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium renovation almost ready – Site Engineer

    Renovation of the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium, Benin has reached 75 per cent completion and the job will be delivered January 2019, according to the site Engineer of the project, Femi James.

    James, who works with Peculiar Ultimate Consult, the company handling the renovation, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Benin on Thursday.

    He said the replacing the artificial grass with a natural grass as well the roofing and replacement of the seats, which he described as the major work, would commence within the next few days.

    The site engineer said planting of the natural grass would start before weekend would be expected to finish before the end of next week.

    James said the containers housing the new seats had been received, adding that the stadium was awaiting the commencement of work on them, soonest.

    Rad Also: Edo begins upgrade of Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium

     

    “Right now, we are approaching the finishing gradually, we have started replacing the artificial grass with the natural grass, and we should be through by next week with the grass.

    “On the seats, we will start work on that section within the next two weeks. The seats are here with us. As for the roofing, we should be done with that by January also.

    “In all, we have attained 75 per cent completion and should be completing the entire process by ending of January next year,” he said.

    On what to expect upon completion, James said, “We are expecting a FIFA standard from the pitch, grass and roofing. We are other just roofing; we are also covering the sides.”

    James further disclosed that the company was on the verge of signing a contract with the Edo Government on the renovation of the indoor sports hall, swimming pools and other facilities at the stadium.

    He said the idea was to standardise facilities in the entire complex.

  • Omeruo may benefit from FIFA loan system overhaul

    World soccer ruling body FIFA will vote next year with intent to tinker current loan system which some has described as highly exploitative.

    The Current system some say makes it possible for clubs to sign so many players they do not need and begin to loan them out indefinitely.

    The new system will put a limit to the number of players a club can loan out according to FIFA.

    It is understood the proposals would limit clubs to only loaning between six and eight players to other clubs per season.

    It is however unclear whether the new rule would apply to domestic loans or homegrown players.  It is hoped that when FIFA votes next year more clarification will be given

    FIFA has been in touch with clubs regarding their planned changes. One of the contacted clubs, Chelsea, currently have 39 players out on loan including Nigeria international Keneth Omeruo currently on loan to Spanish side Club Deportivo Leganés

    FIFA said: “The said package includes, among others, the development of the regulation of loans of players for the purpose of youth development as opposed to commercial exploitation.

    “The number of loans per season and between each club shall be limited and bridge transfers and sub-loans shall be prohibited.”

    Super Eagles defender kenneth Omeruo joined premier league side Chelsea from Standard Liege in 2012 and was immediately dispatched on loan to Dutch side ADO Den Haag. That move marked the beginning of his unending romance with loan deals. The

    25 year old has since then been to six different clubs including Middleborough.

     

     

  • Infantino’s plans for new global tournaments

    FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s plans for two new global tournaments are back on the agenda at the governing body with football officials set to discuss the proposals on Friday.

    FIFA’s ruling council meets in Kigali, Rwanda and Infantino’s plan for a new `mini World Cup’ and an expanded Club World Cup feature among the items for discussion.

    FIFA did not immediately respond to a request for comment and it was not clear if the plans would be put to a vote.

    Infantino wrote to FIFA Council members in May, outlining his plans which he says are backed by a “solid and serious’’ group of investors.

    He said the investors are willing to spend $25 billion over a 12-year cycle starting in 2021.

    The letter did not outline the identity of the investors but several media reports have stated that Japanese conglomerate SoftBank Group is heading the consortium.

    Read Also: Infantino’s interpretation of Things Fall Apart

    However, the plans were strongly opposed by clubs and leagues in Europe.

    UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said the plans were “highly cynical and ruthless mercantilism’’ and accused FIFA of selling the soul of the game.

    The plans did not feature on the agenda of FIFA’s congress in Moscow in June.

    Infantino’s proposals would bring about major changes to the international calendar.

    The proposals outline what would effectively be a mini-World Cup, featuring eight international teams, every two years in addition to the traditional event.

    The tournament, known as the “Final 8’’, will be the climax of a proposed global Nations League competition.

    In the May letter, it was suggested that the new tournament would take place every October and/or November of every odd year starting from 2021.

    The Confederations Cup, currently staged every four years in a year before the World Cup, would be abolished.

    The annual Club World Cup, which currently features seven teams, would be expanded to 24 teams and moved to once every four years, according to the proposals.

  • World Cup: Special Eagles promises anniversary gift to Nigeria

    The national team of Nigeria Amputee Football Federation (NAFF), Special Eagles, on Monday promised to deliver the 2018 Amputee World Cup as a special anniversary gift to Nigeria @58.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Special Eagles will represent the nation in the 2018 Amputee Football World Cup holding in Mexico from Oct. 24 to Nov. 5.

    The team’s Captain, Emmanuel Ibeawuchi, made the promise while speaking with NAN during their awareness programme on Oct. 1 at the National Stadium, Lagos.

    “We, the Special Eagles are preparing to represent Nigeria in Amputee World Cup and our utmost goal is to deliver the trophy to Nigeria as a special anniversary gift.

    “We will make up for the country’s loss at the FIFA 2018 World Cup in Russia as special footballers and give Nigerians even in the Diaspora reason to celebrate a world football tournament trophy.

    “So, we are doing this awareness programme today to celebrate Nigeria at 58, to sensitise the public of our mission and to assure them that we will deliver,” he said.

    He called on football fans, ex international’s, corporate organisations and the public to identify with the NAFF Special Eagles as the team makes its first outing in the tournament.

    “We feel honoured to have this long awaited opportunity to fly our country’s flag in Mexico and we will need the support of all sectors and individuals to have a successful outing,” he added.

    Meanwhile, Paul Maduakor, Chairman, Zenith Sports Ltd., and official kit sponsor of the Special Eagles team to the competition, told NAN that his involvement and interest was out of compassion.

    Maduakor, Nigeria’s Brand Haggai partner to NAFF, said he observed the commitment and skills exhibited by the amputee footballers during training sessions and was motivated to identify with the team’s vision.

    “The physically challenged athletes have always distinguished themselves in international competitions in spite of little or no attention and here we have a set of amputee footballers driving towards same feat.

    “At this point, they need encouragement and that is why we are identifying with them and to ensure that they appeared unique and be the pride of Nigeria in Mexico,” Maduakor said.

    He added that the Haggai jersey/tracksuits for fans, children and adult would be available at Zenith Sports Ltd., National Stadium, Lagos.

    NAN reports that Nigeria, Russia, Brazil and El Salvador are in Group E of the WAFF organised World Cup in which 24 countries will compete for the trophy won by Russia in 2014.

  • NFF drags Dangote, Otedola to FIFA Awards

    Nigeria Football Federation(NFF) has continued to hobnob with Nigeria’s foremost business magnate and prospective investor in Arsenal FC, Alhaji Aliko Dangote with a yet to be officially disclosed motive.

    It is however suspected that the top officials of the NFF are building relationship with the motive to woo investment from the businessman into Nigeria Football and more.

    NFF has invited Alhaji Dangote to a couple of Super Eagles matches previously, including the friendly match with England in London before the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, but he was unable to attend.

    But on Monday the notable Nigerian and Arsenal fan was spotted with FIFA President Gianni Infantino at the FIFA Best Awards in London.Femi Otedola-a business tycoon was in company.

    As gathered, Dangote and Otedola were at the historic ceremony on the invitation of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, Amaju Pinnick, who explained why he invited both business moguls to join the Nigeria delegates for the award forum.

    He said, “Alhaji Dangote is perhaps the biggest business brand in Africa, and one of Nigeria’s leading Ambassadors. I am very happy to be in a position to invite himself and Mr. Otedola to such an event of global stature and essence.

    “As a nation, it is important that we continue to showcase our best brands in all fields. Doing this enhances the stock of our country globally. Alhaji Dangote and Mr. Otedola were happy to meet the world’s top governors of football and the football governors were also happy to meet them.

    “Our objective as a Football Federation is to attain financial autonomy so that the Government can channel resources otherwise taken up by football into other critical sectors, and we believe that if we have persons like Dangote and Otedola partnering with Nigerian Football, we will get there faster.

    “The NFF has invited Alhaji Dangote to a couple of matches previously, including the friendly match with England in London before the FIFA World Cup in Russia, but he was unable to attend. Now, we are discussing with him on a relationship with Nigerian Football and he is showing immense interest.

    “Football has tremendous capacity to be self –sustaining and even contribute significantly to the national GDP. That is the station we are targeting at the moment.

    “I also want to use this opportunity to appreciate our other sponsors and partners, Coca Cola, Zenith Bank, Nigeria Breweries PLC, NIKE, Cadbury PLC, WAPIC Insurance, Emzor Pharmaceuticals, TGI, 1XBET, Peak Milk, Payporte for making us to attain the present 65 per cent private sector –funding status.”

    Dangote, holds Nigeria’s second highest national honour (GCON), and he is the President of Dangote Group. He is ranked the richest person of African descent in the world.

    Dangote is reportedly worth over $15 billion.

  • Spanish federation delays approval of Girona-Barca match

    La Liga’s plans to move Girona’s fixture with Barcelona on Jan. 26 to Miami hang in the balance, after the Spanish soccer federation (RFEF) declined to authorise the move until it received more information on the game.

    “We have received a letter from the RFEF requesting more information about our proposal to play a La Liga competition match in the USA.

    “We will provide that information,” La Liga’s head of communications Joris Evers told Reuters on Tuesday.

    According to world governing body FIFA’s statutes, any domestic competition played outside the league’s usual home must be approved by the home federation.

    The approval of European governing body UEFA, the federation where the game is taking place, and the regional confederation – in this case the United States Soccer Federation and CONCACAF would be required.

    “They are not saying no, they are asking for more documentation. “Evidently, they are not very keen on it, but I’m still optimistic,” La Liga president Javier Tebas told reporters gathered outside the organisation’s headquarters on Friday.

    In August the Spanish federation took the Spanish Super Cup outside of Spain for the first time, as Barcelona met Sevilla in Tangier, Morocco.

    “The federation may not like the idea of us playing this game.

    “But the president of the RFEF has to resolve this legally, with the precedent of having taken a game to Tangier after everything that has been said about adulterating the competition,” Tebas added.

    Read Also: Tebas: 90 percent chance Girona against Barcelona in U.S

    “The game (in Miami) is still alive, without a doubt. We believe we are in the right and we will respond to all the doubts expressed in the letter.

    “This isn’t about us wanting to play a game in Miami, it’s a strategic plan to promote our brand amid the relentless competition for broadcasting rights,” he said.

    Girona and Barcelona declined requests from Reuters to comment.

    In August, La Liga announced a landmark 15-year promotion deal with U.S. Entertainment Company Relevent, the organiser of the annual International Champions Cup tournament played across the United States, Asia and Europe.

    The agreement included plans to play one game a year stateside.

    The plans were initially rejected by the Spanish Footballer’s Union, the AFE, who said they were prepared to go on strike in order to prevent the match from going ahead.

    Earlier this month, Barca spokesman Josep Vives said the club supported the idea of playing abroad, but would only do so if all parties in Spanish football agreed.

    “We’re interested in playing in the United States because it’s a strategic market, but we want it to be done consensually, in agreement and in harmony with the players and the Spanish soccer federation,” he said.

    Last week Real Madrid coach Julen Lopetegui said he was opposed to the idea, telling a news conference: “I don’t agree with this game, all the teams should play in the same stadiums.”

  • 2018: Modric ends Ronaldo, Messi’s FIFA Award dominance

     

    Real Madrid and Croatia midfielder Luka Modric has emerged the winner of the 2018 FIFA Men’s Best Player.

    The 33 year old midfielder was announced on Monday at the 2018  FIFA Best Football awards held in London.

    France’s coach Didier Deschamps (C), winner of the Best FIFA Men’s Coach of 2018 Award, is flanked by Orlando Pride and Brazil forward Marta (R) and Real Madrid and Croatia midfielder Luka Modric (L) winners of the Best FIFA Women’s and Men’s Player of 2018 Award, as they pose for a photograph with their trophies during The Best FIFA Football Awards ceremony, in London.

    Modric defeated the duo of Mohammad Salah of Liverpool and Juventus star , Cristiano Ronaldo to emerge the winner.

    For winning the award, the elated champion said he will continue to give his best in the round leather game, while acknowledging his national teammates and Ream Madrid players for their contributions to his football career growth.

    His emergence follows his exploits with Croatia who reached the final of this year’s FIFA World Cup in
    Russia, despite losing to France and with Real Madrid who retained the UEFA Champions League.

    “It is a great honour and a beautiful feeling to stand here with this amazing trophy. First of all I would like to congratulate Mohamed and Cristiano,” said Modric.

    “I am sure in the future you will have another opportunity to fight for this trophy.

    “This award is not just mine. It is my teammates from Real Madrid and Croatia. Without my coaches I would not have won this. Without my family I would not be the player I am today.

    “Thanks to my fans for all the great support and love they are showing me. It means a lot. Thanks to those who voted for me.

    “I would just like to mention my footballing idol and former 1998 Croatia captain. He was my big inspiration and that team gave us belief we could create something in Russia.

    “This award shows that we can all become the best with hard work and dedication. All your dreams can come true.”

    This year’s edition brings an end to Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi’s 10-year domination of the
    most prestigious award. Both Ronaldo and Messi failed to show up at the awards.

    The voting system is decided by national team managers, national captains, media representatives and an
    online vote.

    FIFA BEST AWARDS: ALL THE WINNERS

    Puskas Award: Mohamed Salah

    Men’s Coach of the Year: Didier Deschamps

    Women’s Coach of the Year: Reynald Pedros

    Goalkeeper of the Year: Thibaut Courtois

    Women’s Player of the Year: Marta

    Men’s Player of the Year: Luka Modric

  • France Football magazine announces Ballon d’Or for women

    A women’s Ballon d’Or will be awarded for the first time this year with a shortlist of 15 nominees to be named alongside 30 male contenders next month for the global football prize, France Football magazine announced on Monday.

    The annual award, which will be given at this year’s ceremony in Paris on Dec. 8, is a regular feature for men since 1956, with England great Stanley Matthews winning the inaugural trophy.

    “It is a step forward, women’s football is evolving and inequality is shrinking even though there is still room for improvement,” France and Olympique Lyonnais defender Wendie Renard told the magazine.

    Read Also: France boss Deschamps defends ‘misunderstood’ Pogba

    “I’ve always wanted to see a woman win this prestigious award,” Brazil’s Marta added.

    The Ballon d’Or award was partnered with FIFA from 2010 to 2015, until becoming its own entity once again.

    The sport’s world governing body will honour the world’s best players at its Best FIFA Football Awards on Monday.

    American Carli Lloyd and Lieke Martens from the Netherlands have won the FIFA best player award for women since it was rebranded in 2016.

  • Pinnick re-elected as NFF President

    Incumbent President of the Nigerian football Federation, NFF, Mr Amaju Pinnick, was on Thursday re-elected for a second term in office to superintend the Football Federation.

    The election which was held at the premises of Katsina State local Government Service Commission in Katsina saw Pinnick polling 34 votes to beat other three contestants to retain his seat.

    His closest rival and former NFF President, Alhaji Aminu Magari polled 8 votes, while the former Secretary of the NFF, Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi who also contested for the seat, polled 2 votes. Honorable Chinedu Okoye, a new entrant in the contest, did not gather any vote at the election

    Read Also: Pinnick battles others for top job

    In all, 44 delegates from states’ football federation and other bodies including coaches, referees associations and players’ unions ,participated in the election, which was largely adjudged transparent and peaceful

    The chairman of the Electoral Committee for the election, Muhammed Katu announced the results.

    FIFA representatives, Luca Piazza and Solomon Mudege were among football chiefs who witnessed the election.

    Elections into the other offices such as first Vice President, Chairman of Chairmen and other members of the NFF board were still in progress as at time of filing this report.