The Confederation of African Football starts investigation after the post-Nigeria-Algeria match violence
The Confederation of African Football said Monday it had opened an investigation and warned of possible disciplinary action after “potentially unacceptable behavior” as players clashed on the pitch at the end of the Cup of Nations quarter-final between Algeria and Nigeria. “CAF has referred the matters to the disciplinary board for investigation and has called for appropriate action to be taken if the identified persons were to be found guilty of any wrongdoing,” said African football’s governing body in a statement. Tensions spilled over on the pitch at the end of Saturday’s game in Marrakesh, which Nigeria won 2-0 thanks to second-half goals by Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams. Any disciplinary action could have an impact on the Super Eagles as they prepare for their semi-final showdown on Wednesday against Morocco. However, CAF said it was also investigating incidents in Friday’s last-eight tie between the hosts and Cameroon. Morocco won that game 2-0 in Rabat, and the Indomitable Lions were notably unhappy at the officiating, in particular the refusal to award them a penalty for a challenge on Manchester United’s Bryan Mbeumo in the second half.
Odisha FC confirms participation; Four Clubs reportedly plan to select a neutral venue!
Odisha FC has confirmed its participation in the ISL this season, which means all the 14 clubs have given consent to take part in the shorter format of the League. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has already announced that the ISL will start on 14th February. It has also been heard that now the clubs that have given consent are in a discussion process on venues. A few clubs want to play away, while some clubs are reportedly preferring to play home venues only. Mohammedan Sporting has confirmed Kishore Bharati Krirangan as their home venue, but it remains to be seen how many matches they will actually play there. East Bengal and Mohun Bagan Super Giants have already confirmed that they want to play at the Yuba Bharati Krirangan. Four clubs that have given consents have reportedly revealed in the last meeting that they lack proper venues to play home matches. It is heard that these four clubs will be choosing a neutral venue to take part in their home matches. It is believed that the debutant in the ISL, Inter Kashi, has chosen Kalyani Stadium or Barasat Stadium as the venue to play their home matches.
Saeed Ajmal criticizes ICC, calling its role completely biased!
Former Pakistan off-spinner Saeed Ajmal has criticized the International Cricket Council (ICC), stating that the world cricket’s ruling body risks becoming ineffective if it fails to address the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) influence on its operations. Speaking to the media at a function in Karachi, Ajmal said that if the ICC cannot take “unbiased and principled decisions in the overall interest of world cricket, it should shut down its operations. “If the ICC can’t enforce its decisions on the Indian board, then its very existence is unnecessary,” he said. Ajmal asserted that a majority of Test-playing nations agreed with this sentiment but would not go public with their stance. He said the ICC agreeing to India’s refusal to play in Pakistan, even in global competitions, is a prime example of the world body’s “helplessness. “There is no logical reason for India not to play in Pakistan, but the ICC is helpless because it is dominated by Indians now,” he alleged. India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan is rooted in security concerns and the Indian government’s refusal to approve bilateral sports between the two countries. As a result, India-Pakistan cricket, which has been limited to ICC white-ball events, is being conducted only in neutral venues. Last year, the India-Pakistan bilateral ties hit rock bottom after the Pahalgam terror attack, which was followed by a brief military showdown.
‘Footballers lack mental strength,’ says Manchester United interim coach Fletcher after FA Cup exit
Manchester United interim manager Darren Fletcher said Sunday’s FA Cup defeat by Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford exposed the fragile nature of the squad. Near silence greeted the final whistle as the 1-2 third-round loss ended United’s hopes of silverware, while some boos rang out as the players trudged off the pitch. Former United midfielder Fletcher stepped up from his role as the club’s Under-18s coach to take charge of the first team after the sacking of Ruben Amorim last week. But after a 2-2 draw away to Burnley in the Premier League, his hopes of providing a boost at Old Trafford were frustrated as former United player Danny Welbeck scored for the visiting side after Brajan Gruda put it in front early on. “It was mixed, really. We started okay, but the goal knocked the stuffing out of us,” Fletcher said. “Our passing was quite slow, so I challenged them at halftime. It was similar to the game in the week; we needed to move the ball with more tempo. “When we got back to 2-1, I thought here we go, the crowd was up, the energy was up, but ultimately we couldn’t get the equalizer. I think you can see the players are fragile and need to build themselves up. It’s up to them to respond.” United is expected to announce a caretaker manager for the rest of the season next week, but Fletcher said that whoever that is, it is up to the players to dig deep. “Confidence is the most powerful thing in football, but when you don’t have it, you have to dig deep, battle, grind, and work and work to win games, then the confidence comes back.” United has failed to survive a round in either of the domestic cup competitions for the first time since 1981-82, and with no European football, the season threatens to fizzle out. It is seventh in the Premier League, however, and only a point behind fifth place, which is likely to be a Champions League qualification spot. “They are experienced players. They’ve got to make sure they have a lot to play for this season,” he said. “This team is still good enough to achieve success this season, but they have to dig deep.”
