Sports

Barcelona Reinstate Ter Stegen As Captain

Published

41 minutes ago

August 9, 2025

Barcelona on Friday reinstated goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen as captain after resolving a dispute over the German’s fitness.

The club had started disciplinary action on Tuesday and stripped Ter Stegen of the club captaincy on Thursday over a row concerning his fitness after he underwent back surgery at the end of July.

Local media reported that the 33-year-old had refused to cooperate and release his medical details so the club tried to have him classified by La Liga as a long-term injury, which would allow Barcelona to deduct part of his pay from their official wage bill.

But in a late night statement Barcelona reported the player had signed the necessary paperwork.

“The disciplinary file is considered closed and the player regains the first team captaincy with immediate effect” Barca added.

Earlier Friday Ter Stegen had taken to social media to defend himself.

“In recent weeks, many things have been said about me – some of them entirely unfounded,” he wrote on Instagram. “Therefore, I feel it is necessary to express my version of events respectfully, yet clearly.”

“I am fully willing to collaborate with the club’s management to resolve this matter and to provide the requested authorisation,” Ter Stegen wrote.

With the new Liga season approaching, Barcelona are again struggling to satisfy Spanish financial fair play rules. If they cannot, they may not be able to register new players.

Ter Stegen said if the club was in a financial bind, it should not blame his back problems.

“I would also like to clarify that all of the club’s signings and contract renewals were completed prior to my surgery,” he wrote.

“The decision to undergo surgery was fully approved by the club, and always with the intention of prioritising my health and long-term sporting career which of course are fully aligned with those of FCB to have myself available on the pitch as soon as possible to keep winning trophies.”

He added that his new surgery should not interfere with the “registration of other colleagues whom I greatly respect and look forward to share locker room with for many seasons”.

“My commitment to these colors remains absolute.”

Ter Stegen’s place is under threat from one of the summer signings, 24-year-old Joan Garcia, and 35-year-old Wojciech Szczesny, the Polish veteran who has been rewarded with a contract extension for taking over during last season’s Liga title-winning campaign.

Sports

Real Madrid Secure Gonzalo García With New Contract Until 2030

Published

2 hours ago

August 8, 2025

Editor

Real Madrid have officially confirmed the contract extension of rising star Gonzalo García, tying the 21-year-old centre forward to the club until June 2030.

Confirming the deal on his official X on Friday, Fabrizio Romano posted, “Official, confirmed. Gonzalo García signs new deal at Real Madrid until June 2030.”

Fabrizio added that the Spanish side is not planning to let him leave after becoming the top scorer at the Club World Cup, which was appreciated by Xabi Alonso.

García was the top scorer at the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup 2025 football tournament with an impressive four goals and one assist. He played a key role in Real Madrid’s 4-1 triumph over Al-Hilal.

His standout performances in the United States tournament have cemented his status as a key prospect under the guidance of head coach Alonso, who took the reins at the Santiago Bernabéu earlier this year following a stellar tenure at Bayer Leverkusen.

Sports

Enabulele Lauds Okpehbolo For Creating Enabling Environment For Football To Thrive

Published

4 hours ago

August 8, 2025

Editor

Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, has commended Governor Monday Okpebholo of the state for creating the an enabling environment for football to thrive in the state.

The Edo State Sports Commission boss gave the commendation when he received letter of appreciation to Governor Okpebholo by Edo State Football Association.

Enabulele, who was represented by his Media Officer, Edoko Wilson Edoko, while receiving the appreciation letter titled: ‘Congratulatory Message from the Edo State Football Association on His Outstanding Achievements,’ appreciated the state FA, and attributed the successes recorded to Governor Okpebholo’s vision and commitment to football development.

“We appreciate Governor Monday Okpebholo for creating an enabling environment for football to thrive in Edo State.

“His vision is to rigorously identify, nurture, and galvanize grassroots talent across the state,” Enabulele concluded.

Earlier, chairman of the association, Fred Newton Erhumwunse, commended Okpebholo for his remarkable and inspiring achievements since assuming office.

Erhumwunse lauded the pivotal role played by the Edo State Government in advancing sports, particularly football.

He noted that Governor Okpebholo’s leadership has been transformative. “When you assumed this esteemed role, Bendel Insurance Football Club — the pride of Edo State — was struggling in 19th position on the league table. Through your visionary guidance, hands-on management, and the creation of a renewed sense of purpose within the team, Bendel Insurance made an extraordinary climb to finish the season in 5th position. This remarkable turnaround, achieved in such a short time, reflects not only your understanding of the game but also your deep commitment to restoring Edo’s football glory,” Erhumwunse said.

Sports

FULL LIST: Ballon d’Or Unveils 2025 Women Nominees

Published

1 day ago

August 7, 2025

Editor

The Ballon d’Or has released the full list of nominees for the highly anticipated 2025 Women’s Ballon d’Or, showcasing 30 outstanding female footballers from across the globe.

Leading the nominations are established stars such as Aitana Bonmati, Alexia Putellas, Pernille Harder, and Lucy Bronze, alongside rising talents including Melchie Dumornay, Temwa Chawinga, and Frida Leonardsen-Maanum.

Also named in the prestigious list are Barbra Banda, Claudia Pina, Sandy Baltimore, Marta, Chloe Kelly, Leah Williamson, and Esther Gonzalez, among others.

The Ballon d’Or recognition celebrates the best women’s footballers for their excellence, impact, and achievements over the past season.

The final winner will be announced at the official awards ceremony later in the year.

FULL LIST
Sandy Baltimore
Barbra Banda
Aitana Bonmati
Lucy Bronze
Klara Bühl
Mariona Caldentey
Sofia Cantore
Steph Catley
Temwa Chawinga
Melchie Dumornay
Emily Fox
Cristiana Girelli
Esther Gonzalez
Caroline Graham Hansen
Hannah Hampton
Pernille Harder
Patri Guijarro
Amanda Gutierres
Lindsey Heaps
Chloe Kelly
Frida Leonardsen-Maanum
Marta
Clara Mateo
Ewa Pajor
Claudia Pina
Alexia Putellas
Alessia Russo
Johanna Rytting Kaneryd
Caroline Weir
Leah Williamson