FIFA president Gianni Infantino proposes inclusion of two more African teams at 2026 World Cup that'll include 40 teams

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said on Monday in Abuja that he hopes Africa gets two more spots at the World Cup if his proposal for the tournament to be expanded to 40 teams at the 2026 World cup goes through.

There are presently 32 finalists that participate in the World Cup with Africa represented by five teams.

Infantino, elected in February this year, arrived in Abuja on Sunday on a two-day visit to Nigeria and let Nigerian football stakeholders know he carries the growth of African football in his heart.

'I believe for the 2026 World Cup, we should have 40 teams and out of the additional eight teams we should have at least two more African teams,' Infantino told reporters in Abuja.

'We are discussing this and I hope I will be able to convince everyone as well.'

'I foresee Nigeria as a bedrock for the development of the game in Africa, however infrastructure, stability and security are needed to make this happen,' Infantino added. 

During his visit, Infantino met with 18 federation presidents across Africa and also attended the final of a national youth tournament.

Checkout The Traditional Outfit FIFA President Wore For A Special Dinner In Abuja (Photos)

FIFA President Gianni Infantino, received this traditional outfit at a gala dinner held in Abuja for his support of football development in Africa. The FIFA boss and Secretary General Fatma Samoura, who are in the country on a two-day visit -were honoured at the special dinner event Nigeria’s political heavyweights and captains of industry.

Juan Mata Has A Place In My Squad, But He.. – Mourinho

Manchester United boss, Jose Mourinho has said that there is space for former Chelsea star, Juan Mata at United but added that the midfielder must fight to break into the first team.

Mata left Standford Bridge when Mourinho was in charge to join United in January 2014, having won back-to-back Player of the Year awards in his two previous seasons there.

Mourinho told the BBC, “He’s here and he works hard. He knows that I know he is a good player and he has space in the squad. Until August 31 the market is open for every one of my players that is not happy, but to be fair I think he is (happy).”

“I think he is happy and I am not expecting him to ask to leave. I am expecting him to do what he is doing now, which is to fight for a place.”

Sunderland Appoints David Moyes As New Manager

Former Manchester United manager, David Moyes has been appointed Sunderland’s manager after signing a four-year deal with the club.

The new manager will be paid more than the £2million-a-year Sam Allardyce earned at the Stadium of Light.

Speaking to the club’s website, Moyes said: “I am delighted to have joined Sunderland. I am relishing the challenge and excited by the opportunity. I have taken over a big British club, with a great support and I’m looking forward to working in the Premier League again. I look forward to continuing the good work done by Sam.”

Cristiano Ronaldo flaunts his super perfect abs on Instagram (photo)

The Portuguese soccer star took to Instagram to share a snap of his impeccably fit figure while swimming in crystal blue water while on holiday at Ibiza. "Enjoy," he captioned the sexy photo.

Man U agrees world record transfer fee of £105m with Juventus for Paul Pogba

Man U has agreed to pay Juventus a massive £105m fee for France superstar Paul Pogba and will hand him a five-year contract worth £210,000-a-week after tax, according to the Sun UK.

After failing with an initial offer of £90m, the Premier League club have finally agreed to match the asking price of Juventus to get their man.

The Old Trafford giants' executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward agreed the deal with Juve directors Giuseppe Marotta and Fabio Paratici, as well as the player’s agent Mino Raiola on Wednesday in Manchester. Pogba has already reportedly informed the landlord of the house he rents in Turin that he will be leaving. If the transfer is completed barring any last hiccups, Paul Pogba will become the most expensive player in the world surpassing past record holders Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale. Raiola has convinced his 23 year old client Paul Pogba to rejoin the club he left for next to nothing in 2012 after two seasons because of a lack of first-team opportunities under then-boss Sir Alex Ferguson. Asked about United earlier this month during an interview with ESPN in Spanish, Pogba replied: “It was my first family.” Man U manager Jose Mourinho is currently in Shanghai with the rest of the United squad on their tour of China, but has been kept up to speed with all the latest developments in the transfer. It has been left to executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward to put the finishing touches to the deal with super-agent Raiola, who also stands to pocket up to £20m himself.

Photo: Obafemi Martins visits Demba Ba in hospital

Obafemi Martins has visited and sent his best wishes to Senegalese footballer Demba Ba after the striker suffered a horrendous leg-break on Sunday (read here). Ba collapsed in agony in the 63rd minute following a challenge from Shanghai SIPG's Sun Xiang during a Chinese Super League match in Shangai.

The striker was stretchered from the pitch after a prolonged period of treatment in which the striker received oxygen.

Ba moved to the Chinese Super League side from Besiktas in July 2015 for a £12m fee after a successful career in the Premier League.

The former Newcastle frontman is still revered at Chelsea after scoring the infamous Anfield goal which effectively halted Liverpool's Premier League title charge in 2014.

"I just want to wish him soonest recovery, it's really painful" said Nigerian forward Obafemi martins.

See Ex-Chelsea striker Demba Ba's horrific & terrible leg break that could end his career (photos/video)

Former Chelsea striker Demba Ba who is the top scorer in Chinese Super League with 14 goals in 18 appearances was playing for his team Shanghai Shenhua against bitter rivals Shanghai SIPG on Sunday when he crumpled to the ground in agony after a fairly innocuous challenge from an opponent. The injury looks really bad and could possibly end his career if not treated well. More photos and the graphic video after the cut..

Lionel Messi and Iniesta cancel Turkey flights for Samuel Eto'o match following failed Military coup

Reigning World footballer of the year Lionel Messi and his teammate Andres Iniesta have cancelled their flights to Turkey following the failed military coup in the country.

The pair were scheduled to join other football stars play a match in Turkey today SaturdayJuly 16th that was organised by Samuel Eto'o, their former teammate, to commemorate the 10th anniversary of his charity foundation. However, the match has been cancelled after a military coup was attempted in Turkey lateFriday night.

Barcelona football club posted a Tweet confirming both players were in Spain and wouldn't be traveling to Turkey for the match.

Messi, Neymar, Luis Suarez, Eden Hazard, Francesco Totti, Michael Essien, Xavi Hernandez, Carles Puyol, Eric Abidal, Jay Jay Okocha, Pierre Emerick Aubameyang, Andres Iniesta, Demba Ba, Didier Drogba and Arda Turan were all expected to take part in the game.

NFF to receive N212million annually from FIFA

World football governing body, FIFA, has agreed to dole out some much needed cash the way of the Nigeria Football Federation to help with sports development in the country.

Under the aegis of the 'FIFA Forward Football Development program', FIFA has agreed to 'significantly increase their financial support for member associations and football development to 5million US dollars per 4year cycle for each member association from 1.6million dollars per cycle.

According to FIFA, the NFF and other associations will now receive $750,000 per year for football projects such as competitions, pitches, and women's football development.

Every association will also receive $500,000 per year for running costs in areas such as administration and governance.

 

Football confederations such as CAF, UEFA etc will now also receive $40m per four year cycle .

The implementation of this monetary programme will commence from June 1, 2017

Source:  FIFA.com

Antoine Griezmann, C.Ronaldo & Renato Sanches win the awards at Euro 2016 (Full List)

Euro 2016 finished on Sunday with Portugal emerging as winners but Portugal's heroics diverted attention from the awards given at the end of the tournament. Here's a list of awards at the just concluded Euro 2016 Championship in France.

Awards:

-UEFA EURO 2016 Player of the Tournament: Antoine Griezmann (France)

-Young Player of the Tournament presented by SOCAR: Renato Sanches (Portugal)

-UEFA EURO 2016 adidas Golden Boot: Antoine Griezmann (France)

-UEFA EURO 2016 adidas Silver Boot: Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)

-UEFA EURO 2016 adidas Bronze Boot: Olivier Giroud (France)

-Goal of the Tournament - Robson Kanu (Wales)

-Top of Player Barometer: Dmitri Payet (France)

-Top goalkeeper on Player Barometer: Rui Patrício (Portugal)

-Most assists: Eden Hazard (Belgium), Aaron Ramsey (Wales) 4

-Top recorded speed: Kingsley Coman (France) 32.8km/h

-Most saves: Hannes Halldórsson (Iceland) 27

-Team of the tournament: Rui Patrício (Portugal); Joshua Kimmich (Germany), 

Jérôme Boateng (Germany), Pepe (Portugal), Raphael Guerreiro (Portugal); Toni Kroos (Germany), Joe Allen (Wales); Antoine Griezmann (France), Aaron Ramsey (Wales), Dmitri Payet (France); Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)

New Records

-Most career final tournament goals: Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) 9 – equal with Michel Platini

-Most career EURO goals (including qualifying): Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) 29

-Most career final tournament appearances: Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) 21

-First player to score in four final tournaments: Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016.

-Youngest player in a final: Renato Sanches (Portugal) 18 years 328 days

-Oldest player at a final tournament: Gábor Király (Hungary) 40 years 86 days

Ronaldo Presents To Nani His Silver Boot Award

The Valencia winger has posted on social media to thank his former Manchester United teammate for the gift following Portugal's Euro 2016 final triumph over France

What do you do with your Silver Boot award if you're Cristiano Ronaldo? Give it to Nani of course!
The Real Madrid star finished second, behind Antoine Griezmann, in the race to be crowned the top scorer at Euro 2016 and Ronaldo clearly isn't interested in the runner-up gong.

Valencia winger Nani took to social media following Portugal's 1-0 extra-time win over France in the final of the showpiece tournament to express his delight at Ronaldo giving him the award as a "gift".
Still, Ronaldo could well need the extra space in the trophy cabinet soon, with the 31-year-old now odds-on favourite to win the 2016 Ballon d'Or.

Mourinho Appoints Faria As Assistant At Manchester United

Manchester United coach, Jose Mourinho has named his backroom staff consisting of 5 former colleagues and a new analyst.

The 53-year-old has picked long-term assistant, Rui Faria to aid him in the execution of his job.

United confirmed Faria’s arrival on the club’s official website.

He is one of six new additions to United’s backroom team.

Goalkeeping coach Silvino Louro has worked with Mourinho since his days at Porto and once again reunites with the 53-year-old at United.

Ricardo Formosinho, Carlos Lalin and Emilio Alvarez have all worked with Mourinho in the past and are part of the new backroom team, while Giovanni Cerra joins as an analyst.

Viewers complain to BBC after Serena Williams wore revealing top at Wimbledon (photos)

Serena Williams left viewers in shock when she took to Wimbledon's Centre Court in a very revealing top. The 34 year old tennis star left little to the imagination in a tight white Nike top during her quarterfinal match against Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova on Tuesday - and it didn't go unnoticed.

Dozens of people took to Twitter to comment on how distracting the star's top was...

Lionel Messi handed jail term in Spain for tax fraud

Argentina and Barcelona footballer Lionel Messi has been sentenced to 21 months in prison for tax fraud.

His father, Jorge Messi, was also given a jail term for defrauding Spain of €4.1m (£3.5m; $4.5m) between 2007 and 2009.

They also face millions of euros in fines for using tax havens in Belize and Uruguay to conceal earnings from image rights.

However, neither man is expected to serve time in jail.

Under the Spanish system, prison terms of under two years can be served under probation.

The footballer and his father were found guilty of three counts of tax fraud in Wednesday's ruling by the court in Barcelona.

As well as the jail terms, Messi was fined about €2m and his father €1.5m. They made a voluntary €5m "corrective payment", equal to the alleged unpaid tax plus interest, in August 2013.

The sentence can be appealed through the Spanish supreme court. 

Source: BBC

After months of rumours, Zlatan Ibrahimovic confirms Man. U move

The striker and French league player of the year who has been
secretive about his next club after leaving PSG revealed on Twitter
that he'll be joining his former boss Jose Mourinho on Twitter.

Lionel Messi retires: Barcelona team- mate Luis Suarez backs forward to play for Argentina again

The 29-year-old, five-time Ballon d'Or winner made the shock announcement after missing a penalty in the shoot-out of his country’s defeat by Chile in the Copa America final

Luis Suarez believes Barcelona team-mate and Argentina forward Lionel Messi will reconsider his decision to retire from international football. The 29-year-old, five-time Ballon d’Or winner made the shock announcement after missing a penalty in the shoot-out of his country’s defeat by Chile in the Copa America final in New Jersey on Sunday night. Messi was left in tears at the outcome – just the latest failure of the Argentinian national side to win a major honour – but has been urged by both president Mauricio Macri and Diego Maradona to change his mind. Turning his back on Argentina proves why Messi cannot rival Maradona

Suarez, who played alongside Messi last season for Barcelona, told Radio Tenfield : “I’m sure that he will change his mind, but whatever he decides he will still be the best ever. “Knowing Leo, I’m sure it was said in a moment of sadness and helplessness. It would be a shame for football if he took this decision, but I'm sure he will reconsider and change his mind. “It's a difficult time. Everyone has the right to make decisions and they should be respected.” The Uruguayan striker was speaking after Messi said winning silverware with Argentina was “the thing he wanted most” before suggesting his time with the national team was over. “For me the national team is over. I've done all I can, it hurts not to be a champion. It's been four finals, it's not meant for me. I tried. It was the thing I wanted the most, but I couldn't get it, so I think it's over.”

Cristiano Ronaldo breaks record, becomes 1st player to score in 4 European championships

Real Madrid and Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo has broken another record after his scintillating performance against Hungary in the 3-3 draw last night. He has become the first player to score in four European championships after scoring at the tournament in 2004, 2008, 2012 and 2016.

Portugal is now set to meet Croatia in the last 16.

Check out these hiliarious mock-up photos showing a 'terrified' Cristiano Ronaldo

It's been a rough time for Cristiano Ronaldo who is yet to score at Euro 2016 with his country, Portugal, on the brink of exit from the tournament. After missing a penalty and having a goal ruled out in Portugal's 0-0 draw with Austria, a photo of the Real Madrid striker looking scared, with one leg raised up went viral on the internet. Some social media users then photoshopped  it into funny memes. See the 13 funniest after the cut.

Cristiano Ronaldo loses it, grabs and flings Journalist’s microphone into lake (video)

Portugal team captain Cristiano Ronaldo reacted angrily after he was approached by a Portuguese speaking journalist who asked him if he'll score in today's Euro 2016 must win game against Hungary. While out walking with teammates near Portugal’s hotel in Lyon, Ronaldo (yet to score in Euro 2016) was approached by the Journalist, and Ronaldo overreacted – grabbing the microphone and throwing it into a lake. Watch the video after the cut....