BREAKING NEWS! FIFA Expands World Cup Participants to 48 Teams - Africa and Asia to get Lion Share of the Additional 16 Places

Fifa today voted to expand the World Cup from its current format of 32 teams. There were five proposals on the table, from which Fifa’s 37-member council voted unanimously to increase the tournament to 48 nations. The expansion plan was led by new Fifa president Gianni Infantino. You can see their motivation, their own report suggests revenue will increase to £5.29bn – producing a rise in profits of £521m.

But while Fifa have given it the go ahead, many fans are unconvinced it’s a good move. Here’s what you need to know…

The expansion will kick in from the 2026 World Cup. The bulk of the additional 16 places to go to Africa and Asia. Europe could get an additional three places on top of their current 13. This isn’t being decided today though. Format will see 16 groups of three countries, with the top two advancing to the knock-out phase. Number of games increases from 64 to 80. Tournament will still last 32 days and no team will play more than seven matches – as is the case currently

Qatar Bans Alcohol in the Streets and Public Places at World Cup 2022

Football fans are in for a sober time at the 2022 World Cup as Qatar authorities announced that alcohol will be banned from the streets and all public places during the event. The head of the country's tournament organising committee has mentioned that they are also attempting to prohibit the sale of liquor at the stadiums which will be used for games.

"There will be no alcohol consumption on the streets, squares and public places and that is final," Hassan Al-Thawadi, secretary-general of the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, said in an interview printed on the website of Arabic language newspaper Al-Sharq.

"We are against the provision of alcohol in stadiums and their surroundings."

He went on to explain that while there would be provisions for alcohol; they would only be available in "far-away places".

Confederation of African Football CAF Review Prize Money for CAF Competitions with AFCON Winner to Earn $4m, Effective 2017

Following a decision by the CAF Executive Committee at its meeting held on 27 September 2016 in Cairo, Egypt, herewith the update of the Revenue’s Grid detailing the allocation of revenues for national teams and clubs taking part in CAF competitions for the four-year cycle, 2017-2010. 

You can go through the details below;

THE POPULAR ONE Kadiri Ikhana Returns to Kano Pillars as Coach for Another Spell

It will be a fourth coaching journey for one of Nigeria Professional Football League's most celebrated coaches, Kadiri Ikhana, at Kano Pillars after he was unveiled by the hierarchy of the club to their fans, players and backroom staff on Tuesday. 

Ikhana last coached at the Kano-based club eight years ago and on that occasion helped them to win their first of four league titles. But the former Bendel Insurance man had his first stint with Sai Masu Gida in 1991 and then in 1997 got his second chance with the team before the title-winning stint.

In his speech, the gaffer remarked his union with Sai Masu Gida as a memory that is glued to the heart.

"I felt like shading tears after agreeing a deal to take charge of Pillars. Kano State was the gateway for me in my coaching career.

YAYA Toure Apologises to Manchester City Via Facebook, Claims His Agent's Statements Do not Represent His Views on the Club

Yaya Toure has apologised to Manchester City after his off-field problems led to manager Pep Guardiola banishing from the first team. Guardiola demanded an apology from Toure’s camp after an ongoing feud with the midfielder’s agent Dimitri Seluk has seen the 33-year-old fail to make City’s Champions League squad for the group stages.

Seluk, claimed that decision ‘humiliated’ the midfielder and said Guardiola should have the ‘balls’ to apologise to the Ivorian if City fail to win the Champions League this season.

Yet to make a Premier League appearance, Toure has moved to calm the ongoing war of words by publishing a statement via his official Facebook account:

Bertrand Traore Blasts Chelsea for Loaning Him Out to Ajax this Season

Chelsea youngster Bertrand Traore has slammed the club for allowing him to move on loan to Ajax this season. The 21-year-old was given several chances in the first team under Guus Hiddink in the last campaign, and in pre-season this time round, but the Blues ended up sending him out to the Eredivisie.

Striker Michy Batshuayi was brought to Stamford Bridge in the summer, leaving less chances for Traore to play if he stayed with the Londoners.

However, this hasn’t softened the blow for the Burkina Faso international, who has scored three goals after 16 appearances in all competitions this season.

Manchester United Defender Eric Bailly Out for Two Months - Baily Confirmson Instagram

The Ivory Coast international was replaced by Marcos Rojo in the 52nd minute of the 4-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge, with Jose Mourinho revealing post-match he feared the worst for his summer signing. "He is injured and I am afraid he is badly injured," Mourinho said. "In his knee, in the ligament area, he feels it is really bad."

Bailly has now confirmed the extent of his injury, writing on Instagram alongside a picture of him wearing a leg brace: "I wanted to thank you all for the messages of support that I have received since the injury. I hope to be able to play for United and The Elephants [Ivory Coast] before two months. God willing."

Alex Iwobi Is a Natural Number 10 Who can Replace Mesut Ozil in Midfield, Says Arsene Wenger

Arsene Wenger believes Alex Iwobi has the potential to succeed in the number 10 role at Arsenal. The Nigerian has mostly been used in a left-wing position since emerging from the Gunners’ academy last season. The 20-year-old flourished during his debut campaign and he’s taken those performances into this season, making 11 appearances for Arsene Wenger’s side already this term

Wenger is delighted with Iwobi’s development and he believes the youngster could transfer his qualities into the attacking midfield position.

Legendary Brazilian Footballer Carlos Alberto Dies Aged 72

Former Brazil captain Carlos Alberto has died, aged 72. Alberto skippered Brazil to World Cup glory in 1970 and scored arguably the greatest goal in the competition’s history in the final against Italy. Reports in Brazil claim Alberto suffered a heart attack but there’s yet to be an official statement on the Brazilian’s death.

Alberto was widely considered one of the best right-backs in the world during his illustrious 19-year career and he enjoyed success as a manager with the likes of Flamengo and Botafogo.

Alberto scored one of the most famous goals of all time when he netted an iconic fourth goal in Brazil’s 1970 World Cup final win against Italy.

Source: Metro

WHAT A FAIRYTALE!!! - Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa Defeated Zamalek of Egypt to Claim First CAF Champions League

Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa won a fairytale first CAF Champions League title on Sunday despite a 1-0 second-leg loss to Zamalek of Egypt in Alexandria. A Stanley Ohawuchi goal on 64 minutes was not enough for the home team as they trailed by three goals from the first leg in Pretoria last weekend and lost 3-1 on aggregate.

It was a remarkable triumph because the South Africans were eliminated in the final qualifying round in April only to be reinstated when their Democratic Republic of Congo opponents were disqualified. Success for Sundowns made them $1.5 million (1.38 million euros) richer and secured a place at the FIFA Club World Cup in Japan during December.

"It was an amazing journey of ups and downs and now we are the champions of Africa," said Sundowns' Zimbabwe striker Khama Billiat.

"We look forward to Japan and facing the best clubs in the game. It is going to be an absolute pleasure."

Winger Keagan Dolly said: "We knew it was going to be difficult because Zamalek are a great team with some outstanding individuals.

"Some people will say we were lucky to get a second chance after being eliminated, but I believe we deserve to be African champions."

Goalkeeper Ahmed El Shenawy and captain and midfielder "Shikabala" were among those dropped as Zamalek coach Moamen Soliman made four changes from the side that started the first leg.

Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane had to make one enforced alteration with huge Ivorian centre-back Bangaly Soumahoro coming in for suspended Wayne Arendse.

Although facing a mammoth task, history offered a hope to Zamalek with two of three previous Champions League finalists in a similar predicament emerging as overall winners.

An estimated 60,000 predominantly Zamalek supporters were inside the 86,000-capacity Borg El Arab Stadium on the outskirts of Alexandria as the match kicked off. There are few more nerve-inducing factors in African football than a large Egyptian crowd roaring on their team, but Sundowns calmly survived early pressure.

The first scoring chance for the hosts came after 12 minutes when Nigerian Ohawuchi burst through and beat goalkeeper Dennis Onyango, but the ball trickled wide. Ugandan Onyango, a 2016 Africa-based Footballer of the Year finalist, needed medical attention three times before being replaced by Wayne Sandilands on 28 minutes.

Striker Basem Morsy had been headlined as the Zamalek dangerman, but recent signing Ohawuchi was posing a bigger threat.

A wild but crucial clearance from Soumahoro foiled another attempt by the Nigerian to break the deadlock before Sundowns began to threaten going forward. The first serious chance for the South Africans came on 35 minutes when awarded a free-kick just outside the box, but captain Hlompho Kekana struck the ball into the wall.

Zamalek goalkeeper Mahmoud Abdel Rahim did well to push away a goal-bound shot from Percy Tau and a looping Billiat shot struck the top of the crossbar before flying wide.

The injuries to Onyango meant eight minutes of first-half stoppage time during which Liberian Anthony Laffor troubled Zamalek twice with a shot and a header.

Half-time arrived with the second leg goalless and Sundowns retaining the three-goal advantage they established in Pretoria last weekend. Zamalek started the second half as they did the first, controlling possession and territory but rarely looking like cracking open Sundowns'
defence.

After 64 minutes the Egyptian outfit scored and it was no surprise that the goal came from livewire Ohawuchi.

Receiving possession well outside the box, he beat one man and unleashed a low, long-range drive that flew into the corner of the net off the left hand of Sandilands.

Source: cafonline

Victor Moses - Jose Mourinho Never Spoke to Me at Chelsea

Chelsea winger Victor Moses has revealed that during Jose Mourinho’s second reign at Stamford Bridge, the Manchester United manager never spoke to him. The Nigeria international, 25, has become an unlikely mainstay in Antonio Conte’s Chelsea team as a right wing-back, with his start against Hull City on 1 October his first for the Blues since May 2013.

During Mourinho’s second spell in charge at Chelsea between 2013-2015, Moses was sent out on loan for the entirety, firstly to Liverpool and then to Stoke.

‘He never spoke to me,’ Moses told ESPNFC of Mourinho.

‘I thought in my head, ‘He’s got his own players already.’

AFCON-2017 Draw - Defending Champion Cote d'Ivoire Starts Campaign against Togo

Cote d'Ivoire will start their defense of the Africa Cup of Nations against Togo in January, according to the draw made Wednesday. Cote d'Ivoire, who beat Ghana on penalties in the 2015 final, are in Group C against Togo, Morocco and Democratic Republic of Congo.

Hosts Gabon will stage the opening match in Libreville on January 14 against Group A opponents Guinea-Bissau who make their first appearance in the 16-nation tournament.

He’s a Very Good Player - Antonio Conte Surprised by Victor Moses’ Development at Wing-back

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte admits he is pleased to see Victor Moses adapt so well to his new role as a wing-back for the Blues. The Nigerian wide-man has spent the last three seasons out on loan at Liverpool, Stoke City and West Ham, but has surprised many by working his way back into Chelsea’s plans this term.

With Branislav Ivanovic unconvincing at the start of this season, Moses has handed Conte a real boost by performing on the right-hand side of the club’s new-look defence. The Italian is happy with Moses’ transition to a more defensive role, and praised the player after he scored in today’s win over Leicester City. 

‘When I arrived at Chelsea I told the club I wanted to see Victor in pre-season because I knew him very well and I knew about his great potential,’ he said.

Chelsea and Nike Announce Long-term Partnership as the Blues Sign Their Largest Commercial Deal in the Club’s History

Chelsea Football Club have announced a new partnership with Nike, which represents the largest commercial deal in the club’s history. Chelsea have been with Adidas since 2006 but announced in May that their partnership with the German kit giants will end at the end of the campaign.

Having ended their £30 million-a-year agreement with Adidas six years early, Chelsea were reportedly forced to pay in the region of £40m in compensation.

The long-term agreement will see Nike, the world’s leading sports footwear and apparel company, become the official kit supplier beginning with the 2017/18 season. Nike will produce strips for the first team, Academy and Ladies teams, as well as a full range of clothing for Chelsea’s millions of supporters around the world. 

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I Nearly Sign for Arsenal but They Couldn't Afford to Pay Leicester's Asking Price - Reveals Riyad Mahrez

Leicester City winger Riyad Mahrez has confirmed he held talks with Arsenal in the summer but opted to stay with the Foxes because he was ‘too expensive’ for the Gunners. The Algerian was named PFA player of the year last season after inspiring Claudio Ranieri’s side to their first league title in the club’s history.

The 25-year-old was heavily linked with a move to the Emirates and Arsene Wenger was keen to bring Mahrez’s team-mate, Jamie Vardy, with him.

However, Mahrez signed a new contract at the KingPower Stadium but he has revealed he DID hold talks with the Gunners over a summer move.

‘There was contact with Arsenal,’ Mahrez told Canal Football Club. 

‘But Leicester wanted to keep me and I was pretty expensive. I did not want to create a conflict when the offer came in. 

‘Personally, I think it is a good thing I stayed put. It’s now up to me to prove myself again.’

Machester City Manager Pep Guardiola Has Banned Wi-Fi at Manchester City's Training Ground

For millennials, there are few sights more distressing than a lack of wireless internet access or phone data service. Feeds go unchecked, chats are not snapped and gratuitous selfies are not broadcast to the world. It truly is a dreadful situation.

Spare a thought, if you will, for the poor globally-adored millionaire players at Manchester City, who are no longer able to connect to the web from their mobile devices while they are supposed to be working.

In a recent interview with Argentine TV channel TyC Sports, Pablo Zabaleta revealed that manager Pep Guardiola has ensured players cannot connect to Wi-Fi or 3G data in the first-team dressing room at the City Football Academy (CFA).

Chelsea’s Academy System Is Messy, No Real Link with the First Team - Former Under-21s Coach Dermot Drummy

Chelsea’s former Under-21s boss Dermot Drummy has warned Roman Abramovich that the academy system at Stamford Bridge is ‘messy’ and says the club’s young stars have no route to the first team. Chelsea currently have 38 players out on loan, including some of their brightest youth prospects in Charly Musonda, Lewis Baker and Tammy Abraham, who has scored 11 goals in 14 games for Bristol City this season.

Drummy worked at Stamford Bridge for five years, guiding the club to victory in the Youth Cup as well as the Under-21 Premier League title, and believes Antonio Conte will not get the chance to work closely enough with his youth prospects.

‘Chelsea have produced plenty of players up to about the Under-20 level, but then what happens? They go out on loan,” Drummy told the Daily Express.

Former Super Eagles' Skipper and Manager Sunday Oliseh Tips Arsenal Star Alex Iwobi for African Player of the Year Award

Arsenal midfielder Alex Iwobi is one of the frontrunners to win the African Footballer of the Year award, according to former Nigeria boss Sunday Oliseh. The 20-year-old has been one of the Gunners’ leading stars this season and has cemented his place as a regular under Arsene Wenger.

Riyad Mahrez is the favourite to win the award for 2016 after winning the Premier League title with Leicester City, while his eye-catching displays also earned him the PFA Player of the Year award.

Enugu Rangers Win Their 7th NPFL Title after 32-year Wait as Eyimba Miss out on Champions Leauge Spot

It were bursts of joy and celebrations as Rangers International F.C eased itself to a 4-0 win over visiting El-Kanemi Warriors on Sunday at a capacity filled Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu to be crowned Nigeria League champions for the 2015/2016.The ‘Flying Antelopes’ had come into the final game with one grip on the trophy, having 60 points, three more than closest rivals, Rivers United.

Given El-Kanemi’ pre-match boasts, Rangers went for the sledge hammer which they unleashed furiously on the visitors with Chisom Egbuchulam opening the scores on three minutes from the spot after an El-Kanemi player handled the ball inside the box.

Osas Okoro made sure to double the lead before the half time while Egbuchulam called again in the middle of the second half following a combination with former youth international, Obinna Nwobodo and Okoro.

Egbuchulam returned to the box to get his hat-trick after substitute, Ifeanyi Egwim was brought down in the box by El-Kanemi goalkeeper Kazeem Yekeen who was immediately red carded.