Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola said the signing of Nico Gonzalez can help the struggling English champions compensate for the loss of Ballon d’Or winner Rodri.
Spanish midfielder Gonzalez arrived from Porto on the final day of the transfer window earlier this week for a reported 60-million-euro fee (£50 million, $62 million).
The 23-year-old’s father Fran previously worked as a coach at City’s academy and Guardiola was also aware of the player’s abilities as he began his career at his former club Barcelona.
City have struggled without Rodri, who suffered a serious knee injury in September.
A run of four consecutive Premier League titles is almost certain to come to an end as they sit 15 points off runaway leaders Liverpool.
City did sneak into the Champions League group stage but now face the might of holders Real Madrid in the play-off round later this month.
“Really important! It’s a position where we were weak after the absence from Rodri,” said Guardiola on Gonzalez’s signing.
“A young player, 23-years-old, can play number six and number eight, more in the pockets. Physicality – he’s a strong young boy.
“I know him from the Barcelona academy and his father was working here. I’m really pleased from the effort of the club to bring him here for the next years.”
City should at least book their place in the fifth round of the FA Cup this weekend when they travel to League One Leyton Orient.
However, Guardiola is wary of a repeat of his side’s exit to third-tier opposition in Wigan back in 2018.
“Always we have problems away in this competition in the FA Cup or Carabao (League) Cup against teams from the Championship, League One, League Two we struggle,” he added. “Every game is an opportunity.”
Jake Paul, one of the world’s most popular boxers, and Canelo Alvarez, one of the world’s most accomplished boxers, reportedly are set to square off in the ring.
The two are closing in on a deal for a May 3 cruiserweight bout (200-pound limit) at Las Vegas, ESPN reported Thursday night. The match reportedly would be carried by Netflix.
Paul owns an 11-1 boxing record, but he has yet to oppose a fighter close to Alvarez’s level. The 28-year-old Cleveland native rose to fame as an internet personality, garnering a huge social media following.
Paul’s stardom peaked when he beat 58-year-old Mike Tyson by unanimous decision on Nov. 15 at the Dallas Cowboys’ stadium in Arlington, Texas. The eight-round match drew gate revenues of $18.1 million — a record for a boxing or mixed martial event held outside of Las Vegas.
Paul vs. Tyson attracted a peak of 65 million concurrent streams on Netflix, a streaming record for a live sporting event.
Alvarez (62-2-2) is the reigning unified world super middleweight champion, and he previously captured world titles at light heavyweight, middleweight and light middleweight.
The 38-year-old Guadalajara, Mexico, native most recently defeated Edgar Berlanga by unanimous decision on Sept. 14 in Las Vegas.
Per the ESPN report, Alvarez had been in discussions to oppose Terence Crawford (41-0) in September in Las Vegas, and it was unclear whether a matchup against Paul in May would affect those plans.
In a first for a sitting US President, Donald Trump will be among an array of VIPs and celebrities in a sell-out crowd of around 74,000 who will be packed into the Caesars Superdome for the biggest annual event in the American sporting calendar.
Pop superstar Taylor Swift will also be in attendance to watch as her boyfriend Travis Kelce and his Chiefs team-mates bid to win an unprecedented third straight Vince Lombardi Trophy, and a fourth in six seasons.
There is a heavy police presence in the city and blanket security around the event after the New Year’s Day attack which saw 14 people killed and many more injured in the Big Easy’s famous Bourbon Street district.
A US army veteran, who the FBI say was motivated by loyalty to the jihadist Islamic State group, used a pickup trick to kill and wound revelers in the crowded French quarter.
Authorities expect over 100,000 visitors to the city for the game which the Department of Homeland Security has assigned a Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) Level 1 designated event, the highest classification level of public safety risk.
“I’m confident the safest place this weekend will be under the security umbrella we have in place around [the Superdome],” Cathy Lanier, the NFL’s chief security officer, said this week. “We have reviewed, and re-reviewed, all the events of January 1.”
Trump’s presence will only increase the security effort with the President going beyond the traditional pre-game televised interview to attend in person.
Trump has had a strained relationship with the NFL in the past — he was part of an anti-trust lawsuit against the league in the 1980s when he owned a club in the rival USFL league.
In 2017, Trump criticised NFL players who knelt during the playing of the US national anthem to draw attention to issues of racial injustice, prompting strong criticism from some players.
Trump then cancelled a planned White House reception for the Eagles after large numbers of players had made it clear they would not attend.
But there has been no objection from players to Trump attending Sunday’s game with Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who is seeking his fourth Super Bowl ring, describing the prospect as “cool”.
As always, the Super Bowl crosses over into popular culture and the half-time show this year will feature hip-hop artist Kendrick Lamar, who had a clean sweep at last Sunday’s Grammys, winning in all five categories for which he received nominations.
Bookmakers and casinos meanwhile are taking odds on whether Chiefs star Kelce will propose to pop icon Swift after the game.
American sportsbooks, now legal in 38 states, could take an estimated $1.39 billion in bets on the Super Bowl according to an annual report from the American Gaming Association (AGA).
For the more serious punters, the oddsmakers have the Chiefs as slight favourite for the game which is a rematch of the Super Bowl from two years ago which the Chiefs won by three points.
The Chiefs defended their title last year, beating the San Francisco 49ers in Las Vegas and putting them one win away from an unprecedented ‘three-peat’.
The 29-year-old Mahomes will become one of just four quarterbacks in the history of the NFL to have won more than three Super Bowls should he triumph again.
But the Eagles have added serious offensive firepower since their defeat two years ago with mobile quarterback Jalen Hurts joined by the game-changing speed and power of running back Saquon Barkley.
While the Super Bowl regularly draws the biggest television audience of the year in the USA, interest in the NFL is growing outside of it’s stronghold.
There is international involvement in this year’s game with Eagles offensive tackle Jordan Mailata looking to become the first Australian to play in and win a Super Bowl.
Having played in Brazil this year, the NFL is rapidly expanding their presence globally and next season regular season games will be held in London, Berlin and Madrid with Melbourne, Australia, to host a game in 2026.
In this week’s build-up, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell floated the idea that the Super Bowl itself might one day be held outside the USA.
“I do think there’s potential that someday we will have an international franchise. If we do, it would not surprise me at all if a Super Bowl follows and is played there,” he said.
FIFA has suspended the Congolese Football Association (FECOFOOT) indefinitely, barring it from all international football activities due to third-party interference.
FECOFOOT has been suspended with immediate effect due to a particularly serious situation of undue interference by third parties in the affairs of the organisation, which constitutes a clear violation of FECOFOOT’s obligations in accordance with the FIFA Statutes.
The decision was taken in consultation with CAF after two FIFA/CAF missions were dispatched to Brazzaville.
The lifting of the suspension will be subject to the following conditions:
Returning full control of the FECOFOOT headquarters, the Ignié Technical Centre and the association’s other facilities to FECOFOOT;
Desisting from any efforts to change the signatories of the FECOFOOT bank accounts and/or giving full control back to the signatories recognised by FIFA and CAF;
Declaring invalid or setting aside any decisions, legal or otherwise, authorising the ad hoc committee to exercise any control or have any authority over FECOFOOT and
Ensuring full cooperation to allow FECOFOOT to manage its affairs without undue influence from third parties.
The suspension means all Congo national football teams and clubs will be barred from international competitions.
A towering 12ft (3.6m) bronze statue of football icon Cristiano Ronaldo was unveiled in New York City’s Times Square on his 40th birthday. Fans gathered at the event, chanting Ronaldo’s iconic “Siuuu!” in tribute to one of the greatest footballers ever.
Sergio Furnari known for his terra cotta-and-steel rendition of the iconic New York photograph “Lunchtime atop a Skyscraper” created the 12-foot-tall bronze sculpture. Even on his milestone birthday, tributes poured in worldwide,
The giant statue of Cristiano Ronaldo inaugurated in Times Square on Wednesday, January 5 for the player’s 40th birthday. REUTERS
Cristiano Ronaldo’s remarkable career
Known for his incredible goal-scoring consistency, Ronaldo remains a dominant force in football, currently leading the Saudi Pro League with 15 goals for Al Nassr. His recent brace against Al Wasl took his career goal tally to an astonishing 923.
The Portuguese superstar has set his sights on reaching 1,000 career goals, even as he continues to chase silverware with Al Nassr. Having won every major trophy in Europe with Manchester United and Real Madrid, Ronaldo remains football’s all-time leading international goal scorer with 135 goals.
The giant statue of Cristiano Ronaldo inaugurated in Times Square on Wednesday, January 5 for the player’s 40th birthday. REUTERS
Ronaldo’s career has been filled with record-breaking achievements, including scoring 450 goals for Real Madrid between 2009 and 2018. During his nine seasons in Madrid, Ronaldo won four of his five Ballon d’Or awards, consistently battling Lionel Messi for football supremacy.
He also became the first player to net in five consecutive World Cups. Ronaldo has captained Portugal to the European Championship and Nations League titles, the country’s first two major honours.
Beyond the pitch, his influence extends to social media, where he boasts 648 million Instagram followers. In a historic milestone, his YouTube debut in September made him the first individual to surpass 1 billion subscribers.
Kenyan athletics has been rocked by allegations of age cheating, with World Athletics (WA) currently investigating 34 athletes, including Olympians, in cases dating back to 2016. Athletics Kenya (AK) confirmed that it has already forwarded the names of the suspected athletes to WA’s Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) for further scrutiny.
Among those under investigation are four athletes who were dropped from Team Kenya ahead of last year’s World Under-20 Athletics Championships in Lima, Peru.
AK’s Director of Youth and Development, Barnaba Korir, revealed that investigations have identified at least 30 potential cases of falsified ages.
“This is a serious issue that involves not just the athletes, but also parents, coaches, and teachers,” Korir stated. “Some individuals have already provided credible leads, and the revelations are disturbing.”
Systematic Fraud in Kenyan Athletics
Age cheating has been an ongoing concern in junior athletics, and according to Korir, the problem is even more systemic than doping. “Unlike doping, which is an individual act, age cheating involves a network. This is why we are working with AIU for a thorough investigation,” he explained.
AK has enlisted the help of officers from Kenya’s immigration and civil registry departments to verify birth records. Investigators have even contacted hospitals where some of the suspected athletes claimed to have been born.
Korir admitted that fighting age fraud has been difficult, citing instances where AK was forced to allow suspected cheats to compete due to court injunctions.
A Long-Standing Problem
AK President Jack Tuwei has previously raised concerns about increasing cases of document falsification, particularly in under-20 competitions. “We have been focusing on doping, but age cheating is becoming a new challenge,” Tuwei warned last year.
To curb the vice, WA had imposed stricter entry requirements for last year’s World Under-20 Championships, demanding that all participating athletes use passports issued before June 30 and complete visa applications by July 7.
Possible Sanctions
Athletes found guilty of age cheating could face severe consequences, including bans, loss of titles, and being stripped of any medals won in international competitions. Korir warned that no one involved in the fraud—including parents and coaches—will be spared.
With investigations still ongoing, AIU is expected to release its findings in the coming months. If confirmed, the scandal could further tarnish Kenya’s reputation in global athletics, already struggling with widespread doping violations.
Prices on the secondary-ticket market for Sunday’s Super Bowlin New Orleans are much less than last year’s big game and declining, but still high by historical standards.
The average price for the Kansas City Chiefs-Philadelphia Eagles game at TickPick was $6,552 as of Tuesday. If that amount holds, it would be that website’s third highest for a Super Bowl.
Last year’s game between the Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers had an average price at that site of $9,136. The only other Super Bowl to attract a higher average price was four years ago when the amount was $7,046 for Chiefs’ game against the hometown Tampa Bay Buccaneers when the crowd was limited to 25,000 fans because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The lowest price for this year’s game was just less than $4,000, which has declined about 30% since the matchup was set.
Gametime reports a similar trend, also noting last year’s game had a minimum price of $8,764 shortly before kickoff.
“With last year’s Vegas hype and 49ers fan frenzy behind us, prices are seeing a natural market correction,” Gametime said in a statement. “Plus, with no major ‘pent-up’ demand from either fan base, tickets are looking better than ever.”
The lowest tickets prices at Vivid Seats and StubHub also were less than $4,000.
TickPick co-CEO Brett Goldberg said there were a number of reasons why ticket prices are notably lower than last year.
That game was the first in Las Vegas, creating even more fan interest than usual. The close proximity of Allegiant Stadium to the nation’s eighth-busiest airport and Las Vegas Strip entertainment corrider that includes many of the world’s largest hotels contributed to record prices.
Hotel capacity in New Orleans is more limited with about 26,000 rooms in the city center, and even home rentals are at a premium.
“If you try to go book a hotel right now, it’s very challenging,” Goldberg said.
Another problem is the matchup.
This is the third Super Bowl in a row for the Chiefs and the second in three years for the Eagles.
“I think if the Bills won, you would’ve seen a very different dynamic here,” Goldberg said. “There’s a part of that (Chiefs) fan base that can afford to go to the Super Bowl three times, but that’s a very small (segment of the) fan base that could do that.
“Even the Eagles have a little bit of a fatigue from being at a Super Bowl two years ago. We’re hearing directly from fans, ‘I went two years ago. I’m not sure I could pull this off.’ Would they love to go? Sure, but the impracticality on it’s a $10,000 trip for two becomes very limiting.”
Goldberg said he hasn’t received feedback that the New Year’s Day terrorist attack in which 14 people were killed by a motorist on Bourbon Street played a significant part in the price decline.
New Orleans is about to host its 11th Super Bowl, though first in 12 years.
But the been-there, done-that feel is another factor, Goldberg said, and one Las Vegas could eventually face as well at one point.
“By the time you do it a third time, the stadium won’t be as new,” Goldberg said. “I do think it could lose some of its appeal.”
The newly elected Football Kenya Federation (FKF) leadership is facing a financial crisis that has left employees unpaid for two months, insiders have revealed.
According to multiple sources within FKF, staff members have not received their salaries since November 2024, forcing them to endure significant financial strain.
To make matters worse, the federation has also discontinued providing free lunch at its headquarters, Kandanda House, leaving employees struggling to manage their daily expenses.
Employees Speak Out
Two employees who requested anonymity said the situation is dire and called on FKF officials to resolve the issue before it spirals further out of control.
“The last time we were paid a salary was in November last year. Since then, we have gone two months without any payment,” one employee lamented.
Another source disclosed that just before Christmas, the finance department sent an email informing employees that they would not be paid until further notice. The email promised a follow-up communication on January 6, but no update has been provided.
“Instead, two weeks ago, the free lunch that was provided at the canteen was stopped without any explanation. Not only do we not have money to get to work, but we also have to stay hungry the whole day. This is affecting productivity,” said another employee.
Electoral Board Staff Threaten Legal Action
The financial crisis extends beyond FKF’s regular employees. Members of the FKF Electoral Board Secretariat have also issued a seven-day demand notice through their lawyers, seeking Sh600,440 in unpaid dues for services rendered during last year’s elections.
A letter addressed to FKF CEO Patrick Korir details that each of the five secretariat members is owed Sh120,088, which includes unpaid overtime, holiday work allowances, and transport stipends. The letter warns that failure to settle the debt will result in legal action against the federation.
“Despite our clients meticulously executing their mandate, resulting in a free and fair electoral exercise, you have reneged on your obligation to pay them for services rendered,” reads part of the demand letter.
FKF Silent on Crisis
FKF President Hussein Mohamed has yet to issue a statement on the matter. His team indicated that they would respond once they received clearance from him, but no official comment had been provided at the time of publication.
The crisis comes just months after Mohamed and his administration took over the FKF leadership with promises of reform and improved governance.
However, the ongoing financial struggles threaten to derail the federation’s operations and morale among its workforce.
With legal action looming and employees struggling to stay afloat, all eyes are now on FKF’s leadership to see how they will navigate this growing financial storm.
Harambee Starlets’ head coach Beldine Odemba has named a 36-player provisional squad for the upcoming 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers against Tunisia.
The first leg will be hosted in Kenya on February 21, 2025, followed by the away match in Tunis on February 25, 2025.
Odemba has included eleven new players in the lineup, aiming to fortify various positions for the crucial matches.
New goalkeepers Vivian Shiyonzo from Kibera Girls Soccer and Lavender Abongo from KISPED Queens have been selected. The defense has been refreshed with the likes of Benedete Atieno (KISPED Queens), Alice Mideri (Vihiga Queens), and Tabitha Amoit (Ulinzi Starlets), all making their senior team debut after the U20 experience. They will be supported by seasoned defenders Mary Nthambi and Janet Mumo.
In midfield, Yvonne Idagiza of Kibera Girls Soccer has earned her spot. The attack is led by Faith Mboya of Kibera Girls Soccer, who has been in fine form, scoring a hat-trick on her club debut. She is joined by Catherine Khaemba and Emily Moranga.
Veterans Leila Apiyo and Martha Amunyolet return to the squad after a long hiatus. Additionally, Elizabeth Ochaka, the captain of the Junior Starlets, has been selected following her impressive performance at the 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup.
The squad also includes top scorers from the FKF Women Premier League like Khaemba, Okwaro, and Adika.
The team will begin their preparation camp on February 10, 2025.
AC Milan have signed Portuguese forward Joao Felix from Chelsea on loan for the rest of the season, while Chelsea have brought in French midfielder Mathis Amougou from Saint-Etienne on an eight-year contract, the Premier League club said on Tuesday.
British media reports said Amougou, 19, joined Chelsea for a fee of about 12 million pounds ($14.98 million).
Felix joined Chelsea from Atletico Madrid in August on a seven-year deal for a reported fee of 46 million pounds ($57.16 million), but the 25-year-old has struggled for game time in his second spell with the Premier League club.
Since his arrival at Chelsea, Felix has started just three league games despite scoring on his club debut against Wolverhampton Wanderers — his only league goal this season.
At Milan, Felix will work with Portuguese coach Sergio Conceicao.
France U-19 international Amougou, who joined Saint-Etienne as a youth player in 2021, has made 17 Serie A appearances for newly-promoted side this season.
“It’s an honour for me to sign for such a big club like Chelsea. They believe in young players and the process they have in place to develop us is fantastic,” Amougou said in a statement.
Milan, who drew 1-1 with Inter Milan in Sunday’s derby, are eighth in the Serie A and play AS Roma in the quarter-finals of the Coppa Italia on Wednesday. Chelsea, fourth in the Premier League, visit Brighton & Hove Albion for an FA Cup tie on Saturday.
Spanish women’s football star Jennifer Hermoso has appeared in court as part of the ongoing case against Luis Rubiales, the former president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), over the controversial kiss during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup medal ceremony.
Spain’s World Cup Victory Overshadowed by Scandal
Spain defeated England 1-0 to win the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia & New Zealand. However, the celebratory moment turned controversial when Rubiales forcefully kissed Hermoso on the lips during the medal presentation.
Initially, Rubiales refused to resign, dismissing the backlash as an overreaction. However, following widespread criticism and legal scrutiny, he eventually stepped down.
FIFA’s Action: Three-Year Suspension
The scandal escalated when Hermoso publicly stated, “I didn’t like it”, during an Instagram live session, sparking global outrage. FIFA intervened, finding Rubiales guilty of violating Article 13 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code and banning him from football for three years.
Hermoso Testifies: “It Was Not Consensual”
Hermoso filed a criminal complaint for sexual assault in September 2023. According to The Guardian, she recently testified in court, confirming that the kiss was not consensual, putting Rubiales at serious risk of conviction.
“I felt it was totally out of place. I realized my boss was kissing me, and this shouldn’t happen in any social or workplace setting.”
Rubiales faces multiple charges among them Sexual Assault (1-year prison sentence if convicted) and Coercion (18-month sentence for pressuring Hermoso to downplay the incident)
Coercion & Federation Neglect
Rubiales, along with former Spain women’s coach Jorge Vilda, allegedly pressured Hermoso to release a joint apology statement, which she refused.
Key Revelations from Hermoso’s Testimony: 1.The Spanish FA released a statement on her behalf without her consent. 2.She was presented with the statement upon arrival in Madrid, after the World Cup final. 3.She felt isolated and received no support from the federation. 4.She endured death threats and lost her sense of freedom after the incident.
Gor Mahia FC has unveiled coach Sinisa Mihic as the club’s new coach.
The club has confirmed the appointment of the 48-year-old Croatian this Monday, February 3, 2025, in an event in Nairobi.
Mihic takes over Gor Mahia who are third on the log and will be tasked with turning the club’s fortunes around following an inconsistent run under the interim tenure of Zedekiah ZicoOdhiambo and Michael Nam.
The two retain their respective roles at the club as the first and second assistant coaches as per the club update.
K’Ogalo is six points behind coming off a campaign that earned them their 21st KPL title.
On November 13, 2025 K’Ogalo took the decision to part ways with Brazilian coach Martins Neiva, who had taken over the reins for the 2024-25 season. Despite arriving at Gor with much fanfare and promise, Neiva only lasted for six league games where Gor secured two wins, two draws, and as many defeats. He also oversaw the team’s early exit in the second round of the CAF Champions League at the hands of Al Ahly.
A 2-1 defeat to Nairobi City Stars on October, 28 proved to be Neiva’s last straw.
The new Croat trainer is a holder of the UEFA Pro license and started his coaching badges at HK Halubjan in 1999 as youth coach.
He led HNK Rijeka in a similar capacity between 2005- 2007 before being elevated as the assistant manager for the team’s seniors for a year.
Beyond his native Croatia, Mihic has had stints in Sudan with Al Merreikh as an assistant manager between 2009 and 2010, Kuwait’s Al Fahaheel, and Al Ahli FC Youth also as an assistant manager in 2010.
Tucheze.com, one of Kenya’s fastest-growing sports betting platforms, is excited to introduce Tucheze League, its flagship virtual football game designed to revolutionize the gaming experience for players across the country.
Tucheze League delivers nonstop football action every two minutes, giving players a chance to enjoy the thrill of virtual matches anytime, anywhere. The game, which features five popular leagues—including the English Premier League (EPL), La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga and Kenyan Premier League (KPL)—is available on the
Tucheze.com website and app. With no limits on play, users can enjoy matches all day long, making Tucheze League the ultimate choice for football fans.
Why Tucheze League Stands Out
Tucheze League has been crafted with the Kenyan player in mind, offering a seamless, engaging, and rewarding experience:
1. Affordable Betting: Players can stake as little as KES 10, with potential winnings of up to KES 5,000,000 per match.
2. Instant Winnings: Players receive their winnings immediately after each game, ensuring a fast and efficient experience.
3. Bonuses and Promotions: Players enjoy exclusive bonuses, loyalty rewards, and deposit boosts, enhancing their chances of winning.
4. Lite and Accessible: The game is optimized for low data usage, making it accessible to players across all devices.
More Rewards for Players
A representative from Tucheze.com said:
“The Tucheze League embodies our commitment to providing unique, engaging, and rewarding experiences for our players. Our partnership with Eurovirtuals enables us to redefine entertainment and connect with our audience in a dynamic and innovative way.”
Kate Muthoni, Head of Sales and Business at EuroVirtuals, highlighted the partnership: “Working with Tucheze.com to launch Tucheze League has been a remarkable experience. This game is a testament to our shared vision of delivering innovative, engaging, and player-focused solutions. We are thrilled to see Tucheze League bring something fresh and exciting to the Kenyan gaming market.”
Experience the Future of Virtual Football
Tucheze League offers players an unparalleled gaming experience with its customizable features, fast-paced gameplay, and exciting jackpots. Whether you’re a casual player or a seasoned bettor, Tucheze League provides the perfect platform to enjoy virtual football like never before.
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Arsenal remain comfortably adrift of relentless Premier League leaders Liverpool despite a 5-1 hammering of Manchester City on Sunday but midfielder Declan Rice says there is a determination to hunt them down.
Rice provided two assists as Arsenal sent a reminder to Liverpool that they are not about to give up the chase.
Liverpool are six points in front of second-placed Arsenal with a game in hand and have shown little sign of slipping up in their pursuit of a 20th league crown.
But Rice says there is still a long way to go.
“Liverpool are still quite far in front especially with the game in hand and with them winning yesterday you know going into the game that you have to win,” Rice told Sky Sports.
“It’s more disappointing the games like Aston Villa when we were 2-0 up and dropped points because we could be up there closer to Liverpool.
“But we will be there and we will keep pushing. We do need others to help us but we know what the goal is and that’s to hunt them down and win the Premier League.
“We need to stay positive and I’m sure we will be fine.”
Arsenal had fallen just short in the last two seasons as City kept Mikel Arteta’s side at bay to extend their title-winning streak to a record four-in-a-row.
On Sunday, goals by Martin Odegaard, Thomas Partey, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Kai Havertz and Ethan Nwaneri effectively removed City from the title equation.
“It is a great day for us, especially with the necessity that we had to win the game. The manner that we have done it I am really pleased,” Arteta said.
“Overall, we scored some beautiful goals and the team showed a high competitive level.”
Arteta was full of praise for teenager Lewis-Skelly, whose impressive display was capped with his first Arsenal goal.
“You need big individual performances to beat (Man City). Myles was certainly one of them, the maturity he showed and competitiveness as well,” Arteta said.
“He plays with that personality and he’s scored a beautiful goal. He has been pushing us since he has been with us. We like his character and personality. He has so much courage.”
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Foreign minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner has urged football clubs Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Paris St Germain to end their “blood-stained” sponsorship agreements with “Visit Rwanda” following the worsening humanitarian crisis in the country.
The DR Congo Health ministry said on Saturday there were almost 800 bodies in hospital morgues around Goma following the offensive by Rwanda-backed M23 rebels to seize east Congo’s largest city, home to lucrative gold, coltan and tin mines.
The latest escalation has worsened a long-standing humanitarian crisis that has driven hundreds of thousands to seek shelter in Goma after fleeing fighting between M23 and Congolese troops.
The fighting has led to human rights violations including summary executions, the bombing of displacement camps, reports of gang rape and other sexual violence, according to the United Nations.
Wagner wrote to the three clubs this week and questioned the morality of their sponsorship deals, citing a U.N. report that suggested there were 4,000 Rwandan troops active in DR Congo.
“Thousands are currently trapped in the city of Goma with restricted access to food, water, and security,” Wagner said in her letters to the clubs, according to a media statement from her ministry on Sunday.
“Countless lives have been lost; rape, murder and theft prevail. Your sponsor is directly responsible for this misery. If not for your own consciences, then the clubs should do it (end their sponsorship agreement) for the victims of Rwandan aggression.”
Rwanda says it is defending itself, accusing Congo’s military of joining forces with ethnic Hutu-led militias bent on slaughtering Tutsis in Congo and threatening Rwanda, where Hutus targeted Tutsis in a 1994 genocide and some later fled to Congo.
Congo denies this and accuses Rwanda of using M23 to pillage valuable minerals from Congolese territory.
“Visit Rwanda” began their sponsorship of Arsenal in 2018, with the latest deal reported to be worth more than 10 million pounds ($12.39 million) per year.
Bayern Munich signed a five-year football development and tourism promotion partnership with Rwanda in 2023, while “Visit Rwanda” has been a sponsor of PSG since 2019.
Reuters has contacted the three clubs and “Visit Rwanda” for comment.
British foreign minister David Lammy told parliament on Tuesday Rwanda received over $1 billion in global aid every year, including around 32 million pounds of bilateral UK assistance, but “all of that is under threat when you attack your neighbours.”
Manchester United’s woeful home form this season continued as they slumped to a 2-0 defeat by Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Sunday.
Despite United chasing a fourth successive win in all competitions, Palace were much the better side in the first half at Old Trafford, passing up several chances to capitalise on their superiority.
The visitors did make one count after 64 minutes, Jean-Philippe Mateta reacting first after the ball had come off the crossbar to give his side a deserved lead.
United upped the ante in search of an equaliser but lacked ideas, with Mateta condemning the hosts to a seventh home league loss this term with a late second, helping Palace climb above 13th-placed United into 12th in the standings.
United came into Sunday’s encounter on the back of their best run under new manager Ruben Amorim, having secured a third successive win in all competitions at Steaua Bucharest on Thursday.
Amorim has, however, yet to taste back-to-back league wins since he took charge in late November. No United manager since Tommy Docherty in 1972-73 has had to wait so long to achieve that.
After a pre-match tribute to those who died in the Munich air disaster 67 years ago, Kobbie Mainoo, playing in an unfamiliar central striker role, went close to giving United the perfect start, striking the post with a deflected shot.
Palace, in fine away form having won four of their previous five on the road, looked the more threatening early on, with defenders Daniel Munoz and Tyrick Mitchell going close to an opener.
The visitors continued to press, with Mateta denied by a brilliant save from Andre Onana as halftime approached.
Needing improvement after again failing to score in the first half of a league match – now 18 goalless opening periods in 24 this season – United pushed forward after the break.
Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson was finally called into action, denying Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte with smart saves, but Mateta’s close-range finish, after Maxence Lacroix’s header had hit the crossbar, was what the visitors’ endeavour merited.
For all their pressure, United openings failed to materialise, with Mateta finishing off a Palace counter in the 89th minute to send the away supporters into raptures.
United defender Lisandro Martinez was carried off on a stretcher in the second half with what looked like a serious knee injury.
NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers will trade Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks for Luka Doncic, multiple outlets confirmed on Sunday.
NBA MVP candidate Doncic is on the move to the LA side, while 10-time All-Star Davis will join the Dallas franchise.
In the three-team deal, which will include the Utah Jazz as well, the Lakers will acquire Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris along with Doncic, while the Mavericks will get Max Christie and 2029’s first-round pick chance. The Jazz will take Jalen Hood-Schifino, 2025’s second-round pick.
Slovenian star Doncic has averaged 28.6 points, 8.7 rebounds and 8.3 assists, while Davis, 31, has averaged 25.7 points and 11.9 rebounds in NBA.
Both Real Madrid and Manchester City failed to advance automatically to the last 16 as one of the top eight sides.
Real and City have played each other in four knockout ties since 2020 and will be facing off for a fourth consecutive year.
Defending champions rivalry with 2023 winners Manchester City in a blockbuster knockout phase playoff tie after the two teams were pitted against each other in the draw held in Nyon on Friday.
Both Real and City failed to advance automatically to the last 16 as one of the top eight sides after they finished 11th and 22nd, respectively, in the new league-phase format.
Teams that finished ninth to 24th will compete in a two-legged playoff to advance to the last 16.
Real and City have played each other in four knockout ties since 2020 and will be facing off for a fourth consecutive year after the Premier League champions avoided drawing Bayern Munich.
“It feels like a derby already, four years in a row facing Real Madrid,” City boss Pep Guardiola told reporters.
“But Bayern or Madrid, both were really tough. Hopefully we can arrive in the first leg here and then at Madrid as best as possible.”
The Spanish league leaders will fancy their chances having eliminated English clubs in the knockout stages 13 times.
Although City thrashed the Spanish club 5-1 on aggregate in the semi-finals in 2023 en route to the treble, Real exacted revenge last year when they beat Guardiola’s side on penalties in the quarter-finals after two draws.
“In a perfect world, we wouldn’t play them, but we weren’t able to get into the top eight and that’s OK,” Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti said.
“Playing two more or fewer games doesn’t matter … we have the resources to deal with it.”
The competition does not get any easier for either team as they will face either Atletico Madrid or Bayer Leverkusen in the last 16.
With teams from the same country also allowed to face each other, unlike in previous years, the playoffs will have an all-French tie with Paris St Germain facing Brest. The winners will face either Liverpool or Barcelona in the last 16.
“There will be a French team in the last 16, so we have to see the positive side,” PSG coach Luis Enrique said ahead of Saturday’s Ligue 1 game against the same opponents.
“The French league is not valued enough, yet there are four French teams in the Champions League (knockouts).”
Juventus and AC Milan avoided each other in the draw, with the two Serie A sides facing Dutch clubs PSV Eindhoven and Feyenoord, respectively.
However, the Italian sides may face Inter Milan if they advance to the next round or they could come up against Arsenal.
Last year’s runners-up Borussia Dortmund take on Portuguese side Sporting while Club Brugge face Atalanta.
Brazil forward Neymar will return to his boyhood club Santos from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, he posted on social media on Thursday.
Neymar, 32, joined Al-Hilal from Paris St Germain for a reported 90 million euros ($93.8 million) in 2023 but he managed only seven appearances for them after suffering a serious knee injury.
“Playing football that’s what I love the most. My family and friends already know my decision, I’ll sign sign the contract with Santos Futebol Clube,” Neymar said on a video posted on Instagram.
“To be born, live and die for Santos is an honour only a few have… I’m sure only Santos can provide the love I need to prepare for the coming challenges of the next years,” he added.
Neymar began his career with Santos in 2009 aged 17, racking up 136 goals and 64 assists in 225 matches to help the club secure their first Copa Libertadores title in nearly 50 years in 2011.
He joined Barcelona in 2013, winning two LaLiga titles, three Copa del Rey trophies and the 2015 Champions League.
Neymar has 128 caps and a record 79 goals for his country, surpassing Pele’s tally of 77. He was also part of Brazil’s gold medal-winning squad at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games and helped them finish runners-up to Argentina in the 2021 Copa America.
He moved to PSG from Barca in 2017 for a world-record fee of 222 million euros and won five French league titles with the capital club.
Former captain Roy Keane says Marcus Rashford “must be ashamed” at his exile under Ruben Amorim.
The 27-year-old has not played for United for seven weeks and manager Amorim has told him starkly that he “has to change” if he is to have a future at Old Trafford.
The England forward has not been included in the squad for Thursday’s trip to Romanian side FCSB in the Europa League despite training with the group during the build-up after a period working by himself.
Rashford has been linked with a loan move to Barcelona but time is tight, with the transfer window closing at 2300 GMT on Monday.
Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, Keane voiced his intense frustration over the situation.
“I can’t get involved in the conversation, I still can’t understand at any level,” he said. “Whatever’s going on with players leaving, months left on contracts, a player who doesn’t train properly… I don’t understand it. Must be ashamed
“You might as well leave me out of this conversation. Especially if you think he wants to move, which is more of a reason to train properly so when you go to a new club you’re up to speed and when you leave the club at least you showed a decent attitude. He must be ashamed.”
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim. PHOTO/@ManUtd/X
Another United great, Wayne Rooney, revealed on the podcast that he had seen Rashford working alone with a fitness coach in front of his parents when he took his children to the club’s Carrington training headquarters.
“I went into Carrington on Sunday to take my kids to game day and Marcus Rashford was out on the training pitch with the fitness coach, but he was right over towards where the parents were walking past for the kids’ games,” he said.
“I looked at him thinking how embarrassing it must be for him as parents walk past.”
Rooney admitted he had spoken to Rashford and told him he needed to leave the club if he was to resurrect his career.
He said: “I’ve spoken to Marcus a couple of times and I’ve given him my thoughts and feelings that he needs to leave the football club because whatever is going on in his life and at Manchester United, he’s not the same. For him to have a fresh start, he needs to leave the club.”
Rashford, who came through the youth ranks at United, has scored 138 goals in 426 appearances for the club, netting seven times in 24 games this season.
Any potential move is complicated by his reported £300,000-a-week ($374,000) salary on a deal that runs until 2028.
