Sports

Manchester United Legend, Law, Is Dead

Published

11 months ago

January 18, 2025

Editor

Denis Law, the legendary Manchester United forward affectionately known as e“The King,” has died at the age of 84.

The footballing world is united in grief as it bids farewell to Law, a true icon and one of the game’s all-time greats.

The Scottish forward passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with illness.

In a heartfelt statement released on Friday, the Law family shared their sorrow:

“It is with a heavy heart that we tell you our father Denis Law has sadly passed away. He fought a tough battle but is now at peace.

“We would like to thank everyone who contributed to his wellbeing and care, past and more recently. We know how much people supported and loved him, and that love was always appreciated pand made a difference. Thank you.”

Law’s passing marks the end of an extraordinary era for Manchester United, where he ruled as a prolific goalscoring maestro during his illustrious 13-year tenure.

With an awe-inspiring 237 goals in 404 appearances, Denis Law’s impact at Manchester United transcended mere numbers. Born on February 24, 1940, in Aberdeen, Law’s journey from a humble fisherman’s son to a global footballing icon is the stuff of legend.

He began his professional career at Huddersfield Town in 1955, later moving to Manchester City and Torino before Sir Matt Busby brought him to Old Trafford in 1962 for a then-British record fee.

From the moment he scored on his debut against West Bromwich Albion on August 17, 1962, Law captivated fans with his flair, instinct, and a celebration style—arm raised, hand clutching his sleeve, finger pointing skyward—that became the stuff of footballing folklore.

Law’s brilliance lit up Old Trafford in ways few players ever could. His incredible 30-goal haul in the 1963-64 season earned him the prestigious Ballon d’Or, while his heroics helped United secure the FA Cup in 1963 and league titles in 1965 and 1967.

Though injury cruelly sidelined him from the historic 1968 European Cup final, his contributions to United’s success were undeniable.

Such was his significance that manager Sir Matt Busby personally brought the European Cup to Law’s hospital bedside, a poignant testament to the profound mutual respect between them.

Even after leaving United in 1973 to rejoin Manchester City, Denis Law’s legacy endured.

In a bittersweet twist, his infamous backheeled goal against United in 1974 confirmed their relegation—a moment that, while controversial, epitomised his fierce competitive spirit. That same year, Law retired, bringing to a close an illustrious career that included 30 goals in 55 appearances for Scotland.

Tributes poured in from all corners of the footballing world. George Best, a teammate and close friend, once said: “Up there with the all-time greats. Electric. As a bloke and as a pal, he’s different class.”

Sports

AFCON 2025: Lookman Scores Winner As Super Eagles Start Campaign With 2–1 Victory Over Tanzania

Published

5 days ago

December 23, 2025

Editor

Ademola Lookman scored what proved to be the decisive goal as Nigeria beat Tanzania 2-1 in their opening game at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Super Eagles came into the match as heavy favourites to win and dominated the opening exchanges.

After coming close a few times, the three-time champions took the lead through Semi Ajayi.

The ball was recycled following a corner-kick, before Alex Iwobi crossed it into the area for Ajayi to head home.

Tanzania equalized after Charles M’Mombwa found himself unmarked inside the area.

But two minutes later, Nigeria struck the winner through Lookman, who took a few touches and finished with his left foot.

Sports

JUST IN: Dembélé Named FIFA Best Men’s Player, Bonmatí Wins Women’s Award

Published

2 weeks ago

December 16, 2025

Editor

Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembélé has been awarded the FIFA Best Men’s Player for 2025, following a season in which he contributed significantly to both his club and the France national team.

Dembélé, known for his pace, creativity, and goal-scoring ability, played a central role in Paris Saint-Germain’s campaigns across domestic and European competitions. His performances for the national team also helped France secure notable results in international fixtures.

Speaking on the recognition, Dembélé said, “It is a great honour to receive this award. I could not have achieved this without my teammates at PSG and in the national team, whose support has been invaluable.”

In the women’s category, Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmatí was named FIFA Best Women’s Player for 2025. Bonmatí was influential in Barcelona’s domestic and European campaigns, providing leadership, vision, and creativity in midfield. She also played a key role in Spain’s international successes.

“This award reflects the hard work of my teammates and coaches,” Bonmatí said. “I am grateful for their guidance and support throughout the season.”

The announcements reaffirm FIFA’s recognition of individual excellence in football while highlighting the contributions of players to both club and country.

Sports

Court Fixes Date To Hear Sala Compensation Dispute

Published

3 weeks ago

December 9, 2025

Editor

A commercial court examining the long-running dispute between Cardiff City and French club Nantes over compensation for the death of Emiliano Sala in a plane crash said Monday it would give its decision on March 30 next year.

Sala, a 28-year-old Argentine striker, died when the light aircraft taking him to the Welsh capital came down in the English Channel on January 21, 2019, two days after he had signed for the then-Premier League side. He and pilot David Ibbotson were killed.

The Welsh club took the case to the Nantes commercial court in 2023 to claim compensation for loss of income and other damages suffered by the club as a result of the player’s death.

Following an analysis conducted by an expert appointed by Cardiff City, the club estimated their losses at over 120 million euros ($139.5 million). Lawyers for both clubs made their cases at Monday’s hearing.

The Welsh club argue that Nantes, through their intermediary, agent Willie McKay, were the organisers of the private flight on which the footballer was travelling and that, if the transfer was effective at the time of the accident according to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), it is the organisation of this flight that is at issue.

Cardiff City’s lawyer, Olivier Loizon, told the court Monday, Willie McKay “could not have been unaware of the illegality of the flight”, and argued that the agent had acted with “negligence”.

“Whatever the ultimate cause of the accident, (Sala) should not have been on the flight,” he added.

Nantes’ lawyer, Jerome Marsaudon, insisted Monday the only agent authorised by the club in connection with the transfer was Mark McKay, the son of Willie McKay.

The elder McKay “was simply helping his son, given his extensive experience”, the lawyer said.

“It is sad to see that Cardiff have exploited this tragedy and turned it into a genuine legal farce,” he added. “Nothing in this case justifies holding FC Nantes liable.”

Prior to the start of the hearing, a Nantes representative said the club “have no doubt that Cardiff’s claims will be rejected outright, just like all the others”.

In another case related to the dispute between the two clubs, CAS ruled in 2022 that Sala’s transfer had definitely been finalised at the time of his death.

In 2023, world football’s governing body FIFA ordered Cardiff to pay Nantes the balance of Sala’s transfer fee, which at the time amounted to just over 11 million euros out of a total of 17 million euros.