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FIFA under Fire Over 400 Players’ Relief Fund

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More than 400 footballers have been waiting for over a year to receive payments from a FIFA-run fund designed to help players owed money by their clubs, according to AFP.

The amount of $4 million was reportedly meant to be paid to 420 players by September 30 of last year.

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However, it has been reported that these payments destined for the out-of-pocket players have still not been made.

Emails and letters from global players’ union FIFPro to FIFA chasing up the payment have reportedly gone unanswered.

Many of the players impacted are believed to be based in Portugal, Greece and Romania. Although the figure of 420 does also include players from all over the world.

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READ ALSO: FIFA Bans Samuel Eto’o From Attending Cameroon Matches For Six Months Over Misconduct

The sum is part of the FIFA Fund for Football Players (FFP), which was set up in 2020 following an agreement between the governing body and FIFPro.

FIFA set aside $16 million at the fund’s launch, with the aim of providing “financial support to players who have not been paid and have no chance of duly receiving the wages agreed with their clubs”, as per Inside FIFA.

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The reports follow the filing of a complaint last week by bodies representing footballers and clubs in Europe, including FIFPro, which accuses FIFA of abusing its position over changes to the international match calendar and tournament expansions.

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‘She Has Placed Edo On Global E-Sports Map’ – Enabulele Celebrates Bezi On New GWR Feat

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Edo State Sports Commission has applauded Bolade Bezi for her remarkable achievement in setting a new Guinness World Record in E-Sports.

Bezi completed an extraordinary marathon of 57 hours, 10 minutes, and 5 seconds playing the popular video game “God of War”.

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The feat was officially recognized during a ceremony held at the Media Centre of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, where the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, expressed admiration for Bezi’s resilience and groundbreaking accomplishment.

In a statement issued by his Media Officer, Mr. Edoko Wilson Edoko, Enabulele congratulated Bezi and praised her determination, focus, and passion for E-Sports.

READ ALSO: WAFCON Final: Super Falcons Produce Stunning Comeback To Defeat Morocco, Win 10th Title

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“I must celebrate Bolade Bezi for her commitment and dedication to setting this new world record.

“Since the event commenced on Friday, she has demonstrated unwavering resilience and passion for E-Sports,” Enabulele said.

He noted that the officially recorded gameplay time was 49 hours, 0 minutes, and 14 seconds, surpassing the previous record set by Peer Bresser and Jimmie Smets in Cologne, Germany, on November 8–9, 2017, which stood at 24 hours, 15 minutes.

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“Bolade Bezi’s accomplishment in achieving the longest video game marathon in the hack-and-slash genre is truly commendable. She has not only shattered the previous record but also placed Edo State on the global E-Sports map,” he added.

READ ALSO: Edo Commits To Sports Development, Grassroots Talent Discovery – Enabulele

Enabulele emphasized that the milestone is a source of immense pride for Edo State and Nigeria.

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He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting youth engagement in constructive ventures like E-Sports, which he described as powerful tools for personal growth and social development.

This achievement aligns perfectly with our vision to inspire and empower our youth, steering them away from social vices and toward meaningful pursuits. It reflects the aspirations of His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for sports development in Edo State,” he stated.

READ ALSO: FRSC Lacks Power To Seize Drivers’ Licences, Vehicles, Court Rules

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In her remarks, Bezi, a clinical physiologist, said her motivation for undertaking the intense marathon was to raise awareness about mental health, particularly depression and anxiety—two of the most widespread mental health issues today.

“This challenge was physically and mentally demanding. Sleep deprivation was the biggest obstacle, but I am grateful to God for making it possible. We are also using this platform to show that E-Sports is a viable and growing sport in Edo State,” she said.

Bezi expressed deep appreciation to Enabulele and the leadership of the Edo E-Sports Association, led by Ovebedaro Dean Bezi, for their unwavering support throughout her journey.

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Inter Milan Give Deadline For Ademola Lookman Deal, With Transfer On Verge Of Collapse

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Inter Milan president, Giuseppe Marotta, has said this week will be “crucial” if they want to sign Ademola Lookman from Atalanta.

The Nerazurri are very keen on signing Lookman to bolster their attack this summer.

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However, negotiations between the two Serie A clubs have not been progressing smoothly.

READ ALSO:JUST IN: Chelle Drops Osimhen, Lookman From Super Eagles Squad To Play Ghana, Russia [Full list]

Marotta has now said in two or three days, they will try to get a deal done or move on to other transfer targets.

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This week will be crucial for Lookman deal,” Marotta said.

“We are in talks for Ademola Lookman, we want him but we also respect Atalanta.

“In 2-3 days we hope to proceed and be able to get the deal done otherwise we will move on and focus on other players.”

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Guardiola Speaks On Returning To Barcelona

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Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, has ruled out any possibility of returning to Barcelona.

According to him, he has no plans to return to the Nou Camp in a professional capacity.

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Guardiola came out of Barca’s famed youth system and went to make 382 appearances for the Blaugrana as a player, winning six league titles and a European Cup triumph.

READ ALSO:Transfer: Man Utd, Newcastle Battle To Sign Sesko

He was promoted to first-team manager in 2008 and worked with the likes of Lionel Messi, Xavi and Andres Iniesta, as the LaLiga giants claimed three league crowns and a couple of Champions League triumphs.

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Guardiola left in 2012 after 247 matches at the helm.

And he now emphatically ruled out a return, telling GQ: “It’s over. It’s over forever. It was very beautiful, but it’s over now.”

He added when pressed on a potential presidential post at Camp Nou: “Noooo! I’m no good at this.”

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