Sports

Chelsea’s Future Uncertain, Tuchel Admits

Published

3 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

Liverpool, Football World Mourn Diogo Jota As Tributes Pour In

Published

9 hours ago

July 3, 2025

Editor

Tributes have continued to pour in following the tragic death of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his younger brother, André Silva, in a car accident in Spain.

Liverpool Football Club, in an official statement on Thursday, expressed profound grief at the news of the 28-year-old’s passing.

“Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota,” the club said. “The club have been informed the 28-year-old has passed away following a road traffic accident in Spain along with his brother, Andre.”

The Merseyside club requested privacy for the grieving family, adding, “Liverpool FC will be making no further comment at this time and request the privacy of Diogo and Andre’s family, friends, teammates and club staff is respected as they try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss. We will continue to provide them with our full support.”

Clubs across the English Premier League also joined in mourning the Portugal international.

Chelsea Football Club shared its condolences on social media, stating, “Everyone at Chelsea FC is devastated to learn of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre. Our thoughts go out to their family, friends and all at Liverpool FC at this incredibly difficult time.”

Manchester City also issued a heartfelt message, stating, “Everyone at Manchester City is shocked and saddened to learn about the devastating news regarding the passing of Diogo Jota. We send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends and everyone at Liverpool Football Club at this difficult time. Rest in peace, Diogo.”

Newcastle United added, “We are deeply saddened to learn the heartbreaking news of Diogo Jota’s passing. Our heartfelt condolences are with Diogo’s young family, friends and everyone at Liverpool Football Club during this incredibly difficult time. Rest in peace, Diogo.”

The Professional Footballers’ Association, said, “We are deeply shocked and saddened at the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre Silva. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with their family, loved ones, and Diogo’s teammates and friends at Liverpool FC. He was a loving father with a young family and a remarkable talent, hugely respected across the game. This is an unimaginable loss, and both will be greatly missed.”

Former Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea also reacted to the news, writing simply on social media, adding, “Sometimes life is very cruel.”

The tragic passing of Jota and his brother has sent shockwaves throughout the football world, with tributes continuing to flow in for the two brothers remembered for their talent, humility, and dedication to the sport.

Sports

5 ‘Big’ Recent Events Diogo Jota Had Before His Death

Published

9 hours ago

July 3, 2025

Editor

The global football community is united in grief following the devastating news of Diogo Jota’s passing.

The Liverpool and Portugal forward, 28 years old, died this morning in a car accident in Spain.

His untimely death has cast a somber shadow over the sport, coming just weeks after a period of immense personal joy and professional triumph that showcased his burgeoning talent and cherished connections.

Jota’s recent life was marked by a series of significant milestones that underscored his growing stature in both club and international football.

5 Major Recent Milestones for Jota

UEFA Nations League Final Win

Just weeks before his passing, in early June 2025, Jota was a pivotal member of the Portugal squad that triumphed in the UEFA Nations League, beating Spain in the final. This marked a significant international achievement for the talented forward.

Premier League Champion

In April 2025, Jota played a crucial role in Liverpool’s Premier League title victory. His contributions were vital in securing the coveted domestic league title for the Reds.

100th Liverpool Start Milestone

In late 2024 (specifically, October 5, 2024), Jota marked his 100th start for Liverpool across all competitions. He celebrated this milestone by scoring a goal against Crystal Palace, highlighting his consistent impact for the club.

Marriage to Rute Cardoso

On June 22, 2025, just ten days before his tragic death, Diogo Jota married his long-term partner Rute Cardoso. This publicly celebrated event was a joyful personal milestone, shared with their three children.

Continues Playing and Streaming (FIFA eSports)

Jota remained highly active both on the football pitch and in the world of competitive gaming. He was known for his elite FIFA (now EA FC) skills, even achieving a world No. 1 ranking, and ran his own esports organization, Luna Galaxy. His engagement in streaming provided a unique connection with fans and showcased his diverse talents beyond professional football.

Sports

CAF Unveils New WAFCON Trophy

Published

10 hours ago

July 3, 2025

Editor

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unveiled a new trophy for the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), Morocco 2024.

The trophy was unveiled on Wednesday night at an event hosted by CAF and long-term partner TotalEnergies in Casablanca, Morocco.

CAF, in a statement, said, “The trophy is a powerful symbol of the rise and recognition of women’s football across the African continent.”

According to the football governing body, the new design represents more than a piece of silverware; it is a celebration of equality, unity and excellence.

“We are drawing direct inspiration from the iconic Men’s TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations trophy.

“The launch of the new trophy forms part of CAF leadership’s goal of developing and growing women’s football in Africa and making African women’s football amongst the best in the world.

“The trophy’s striking design features identical petals spiralling upward, each one representing a participating national team.

“Together, they form the shape of a blooming flower, a timeless symbol of growth, empowerment, and beauty,” the statement said.

The statement also expatiated further on the distinctive features of the trophy.

“Emerging from the heart of this elegant floral form is a golden sphere, patterned subtly as a football.

“Adorned with a shiny gold map of Africa, the sphere reflects the continent’s ambition, pride, and global impact in the women’s game.

“Crafted in brilliant silver and matte gold, the body of the trophy is wrapped in a gold ring engraved with the CAF logo, affirming the confederation’s steadfast commitment to elevating the women’s game across all 54 member associations.

“The base, a pristine white marble pedestal with elegant gold-accented stripes, bears the name of the competition in refined matte gold lettering, cementing the WAFCON legacy within the rich tapestry of African sport,” it added.

CAF also noted that the new trophy would serve as a beacon of aspiration, inspiring millions of young girls across the continent to dream, to believe, and to achieve on the global stage.

(NAN)