Sports

Chelsea’s Future Uncertain, Tuchel Admits

Published

4 years ago

March 11, 2022

Thomas Tuchel admits Chelsea face an uncertain future as doubts swirl over how the European champions will even pay their wage bill after Russian owner Roman Abramovich was hit with UK sanctions.

The Premier League club put a brave face on events as they returned to action on Thursday, just hours after the billionaire’s assets were frozen.

Chelsea fans chanted Abramovich’s name during their 3-1 victory at relegation-threatened Norwich as they tightened their grip on third spot in the English top-flight.

England midfielder Mason Mount posted a picture of himself on Instagram with the message “For the fans!” while fellow goalscorer Trevoh Chalobah dedicated the win to “every Chelsea fan across the globe!”

But the upbeat words hide deep unease over what will unfold in the coming weeks.

Abramovich was one of seven oligarchs targeted by Britain on Thursday in action taken in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, all of whom were described as part of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s inner circle.

The 55-year-old had already announced his intention to sell Chelsea, with a host of potential buyers declaring their interest in a club that has won 19 major trophies since he bought the side in 2003.

The government is still open to a sale but would have to approve a new licence, on the proviso no profit would go to the Russian, who has bankrolled the club to the tune of around £1.5 billion ($2 billion).

In the meantime, the London club will have to operate under stringent new rules, which prohibit the sale of tickets and effectively place them under a transfer ban.

Senior defenders Cesar Azpilicueta, Antonio Rudiger, and Andreas Christensen are all out of contract this summer, with their futures up in the air as the club cannot agree new contracts.

Tuchel said he was happy still to be at Stamford Bridge but admitted the future was shrouded in uncertainty as he tries to focus on events on the pitch.

“The situation will not go away — maybe tomorrow it will change again, but it will not go away,” said the German, who arrived at Chelsea in January last year.

“I am still happy to be here and still happy to be manager of a strong team. I know there is a lot of noise around.”

Chelsea’s women’s team was also in action on Thursday, winning 4-1 at West Ham despite the distractions.

“There’s no denying it’s a difficult day, but I think it’s important that we give it time,” manager Emma Hayes told Sky Sports News.

– Sponsor uncertainty –

The club are already feeling the impact of the sanctions, with shirt sponsor Three suspending its deal and reports suggesting global sportswear giant Nike are considering walking away from their huge kit agreement.

But the club’s official training wear partner Trivago said Friday that it was sticking with Chelsea despite the “challenging” situation.

“We are looking forward to a transition of ownership as soon as possible and want to support the club in this process,” it said in a statement.

“We will provide any update to our business relationship if and when appropriate.”

Football finance expert Kieran Maguire, who said Chelsea’s wage bill was around £28 million a month, claimed in the short-term it would be business as usual but there could be problems further down the line.

“The concern might be what happens if Chelsea’s cash reserves are insufficient to pay their wage bill — but presumably the government and Premier League, who have been working on this, will have been looking at it to try to minimise disruption on a club level,” Maguire said.

Former Chelsea winger Pat Nevin told the BBC World Football Podcast that the club were in “uncharted water”.

“It’s minute-to-minute and I can promise you now, that club doesn’t know what is going to happen today, tomorrow or in a couple of days’ time,” he said.

“Once you start digging down into what this could do — yes, they can play their games but will they even be able?

“It’s not hyperbole to say the future of the club is in serious danger.”

AFP

Sports

One Year Of Sports Excellence Under Governor Okpebholo’s Leadership

Published

2 days ago

November 13, 2025

Editor

By Edoko Wilson Edoko

The Edo State Sports Commission has celebrated one year of steady progress and transformation under the leadership of His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, the Executive Governor of Edo State. The past year has seen significant reforms, innovation, and achievements across all levels of sports in the state.

Led by Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, the Commission has revived Edo’s sporting heritage and re-established the state as a dominant force in Nigerian sports — fulfilling Governor Okpebholo’s vision of a vibrant, talent-driven, and development-oriented sports ecosystem.

At the 2025 National Youth Games in Asaba, Team Edo achieved its best performance yet, finishing among the top teams with 33 gold, 18 silver, and 28 bronze medals. The state also finished third at the maiden Niger Delta Sports Festival in Uyo, winning 89 medals, and recorded a 302-medal haul at the 22nd National Sports Festival in Abeokuta.

Hon. Enabulele credited these achievements to Governor Okpebholo’s commitment to athlete welfare and grassroots sports development.

Edo athletes also shone internationally. Seven Edo Queens FC players were called up to the U-20 Super Falconets, while five female rugby players represented Nigeria at the World Rugby League Series in Canada. Para-athletes and deaf athletes brought home several medals from regional and continental championships, including 17-year-old Ojieabu Favour Omo, who won six medals at the African Para-Cycling Track Championship in Cairo.

Team Edo dominated several national competitions, including para-powerlifting, karate, badminton, swimming, and kung fu tournaments. The state also hosted the South-South Zonal Eliminations for the National Sports Festival, earning praise for its professionalism.

The Commission deepened the link between education and sports through the Governor’s Cup, rewarding winning schools with new buses, and introduced the Under-17 Chess Tournament to promote intellectual sports. Plans for an Edo Indoor Cricket Complex are also underway.

Edo Queens FC maintained their regional dominance as WAFU B Champions, while Coach Moses Opuamowei Aduku’s leadership of the Super Falconets further underscored Edo’s excellence.

Governor Okpebholo was honoured by the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) as Distinguished Governor of the Year for his contributions to sports development. Hon. Enabulele also received the SWAN Diamond Jubilee National Award for exemplary leadership.

The Commission has expanded Edo’s sports structure with the inauguration of the Armwrestling Association Board and continued medal-winning performances in taekwondo, powerlifting, and athletics.

“As our Governor marks one year in office, Edo’s sports continue to soar,” Hon. Enabulele said. “Our goal is to make Edo a model for sports governance and athlete development in Nigeria. With the Governor’s support, we are confident of achieving even greater success.”

Edoko Wilson Edoko is the Media Officer to the Executive Chairman of Edo State Sports Commission.

Sports

UCL: Why I Snubbed Move To Real Madrid – Saliba

Published

2 weeks ago

November 3, 2025

Editor

Arsenal defender, William Saliba, has revealed why he turned down a move to Real Madrid.

Saliba recently put pen to paper on a contract extension with the Gunners.

The Frenchman has now claimed he wants to win silverware with the Premier League side, before he can think of leaving the Emirates.

“Of course it’s really tempting when a club like that is interested in you.

“But I wanted to win titles at Arsenal first before thinking about anything else,” Saliba told Telefoot.

Saliba might get his wish this season, as Arsenal look well on course to end their two-decade wait for the league title.

Mikel Arteta’s men are six points clear at the top after 10 matches.

Sports

UCL Matchday 4: Liverpool Host Real Madrid, Bayern Face PSG, Other Fixtures

Published

2 weeks ago

November 3, 2025

Editor

The league phase of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League hits its halfway mark on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Matchday 4 arrives with drama scripted across Europe.

Eighteen games, countless storylines, and a stage where heroes, heartbreak, and history are never far apart.

From Anfield to Paris, Turin to Prague — the world’s greatest club competition enters its next act.

These preview details were obtained from the UCL website on Monday.

1. Liverpool vs Real Madrid

A rivalry defined by glory and grief — from Kyiv to Paris to Anfield’s famous nights.

Last season, the Reds finally broke their curse, a 2-0 victory ending an eight-game winless run against Los Blancos. Now, Jürgen Klopp’s men return to Anfield, chasing a 16th straight European home win — an Anfield fortress roaring under the lights.

Mohamed Salah stands on the brink of greatness: two goals from becoming the first African player to reach 50 in the Champions League. Across the pitch, a familiar face wears white now — Trent Alexander-Arnold, the Scouser turned Galáctico, facing the Kop for the first time.

Madrid’s own prodigy, Jude Bellingham, could rewrite history too. At 22 years and 128 days, he’s set to become the youngest ever player to make 50 Champions League appearances — eclipsing Iker Casillas, the symbol of Madrid’s golden past.

It’s not just a match. It’s memory, emotion, and destiny colliding.

2. PSG vs Bayern Munich

Paris have lost just two of their last 41 home Champions League group stage games, and the Parc des Princes is again a fortress. But Bayern are serial conquerors, with 13 wins in their last 15 meetings against French opposition.

All eyes will be on Ousmane Dembélé, who’s lived every twist of this rivalry — scorer, provider, even villain. He faces his old Bundesliga tormentors with something to prove. Meanwhile, Lucas Hernández meets his former teammates after switching red for blue.

At the other end, Harry Kane continues his European rampage — 11 goals in his last ten UCL appearances — while Joshua Kimmich eyes his 100th Champions League match for Bayern, joining legends Müller, Neuer, Lahm, and Kahn in elite company.

It’s a battle of old foes and new ambitions — with the scent of late drama thick in the Paris air.

3. Slavia Praha vs Arsenal

In Prague, memories of 2021 linger — when Arsenal crushed Slavia’s quarter-final dreams with a 4-0 rout.
Four years later, the Czech champions seek payback on home soil.

Slavia have found their scoring rhythm — goals in 26 of their last 27 European home games — but face an Arsenal side in imperious form. The Gunners are unbeaten in ten against Czech clubs, with seven straight UCL league-phase wins.

Gabriel Martinelli has found the net in all three of Arsenal’s group games — and the Brazilian’s fearless energy has made him Mikel Arteta’s symbol of this new Arsenal: vibrant, ruthless, relentless.

History favors the Gunners — but Slavia’s home spirit, under the lights of Eden Arena, makes this more than a formality. It’s redemption, reimagined.

4. Juventus vs Sporting CP
In Turin, it’s about legacy.

Juventus, chasing their 500th European Cup goal — the first Italian team to do so — meet Sporting CP, winless against Italian opposition since 2011.

The Bianconeri have stumbled on the continental stage lately — only two wins in their last 11 European games — and must rediscover their old ruthlessness. Sporting, ever daring, have scored in 19 straight group-stage matches, and will not come quietly.

For both sides, this isn’t just a fixture. It’s a test of belief.

Elsewhere Across Europe on Tuesday:

Tottenham vs Copenhagen
Napoli vs Frankfurt
Atlético Madrid vs Union Saint-Gilloise
Bodø/Glimt vs Monaco
Olympiacos vs PSV Eindhoven
PUNCH Online reports that the remaining games will take place on Wednesday.

Pafos vs Villarreal and Qarabağ vs Chelsea kick off early.
Ajax vs Galatasaray
Club Brugge vs Barcelona
Inter vs Kairat
Man City vs Dortmund
Newcastle vs Athletic Club
Marseille vs Atalanta
Benfica vs Leverkusen. Also reports that only five teams have maintained a perfect start winning all three games from the previous match days.