Author: Chief Editor

Barcelona coach Quique Setien says he would love to coach Neymar and would be “delighted” if the Brazilian returns to the club from Paris Saint-Germain. Barca tried to re-sign Neymar last year but were unable to agree a deal with French champions PSG, whom he joined for a world-record fee of 222 million euros ($264 million at the time) in 2017. An agreement may even harder to strike this summer given the financial implications of the coronavirus pandemic, although reportedly Barcelona could offer players in exchange. “I would love to be able to coach him some day,” said Setien, speaking…

Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced on Saturday that La Liga can resume from its coronavirus lockdown on the week of June 8. “The resumption of major professional sporting competitions and in particular La Liga will be allowed from the week of June 8,” Sanchez told a press conference. More than two months after the COVID-19 pandemic halted the season in Spain, players have begun training in small groups as they aim to be as ready as possible for the planned reboot next month. La Liga president Javier Tebas has said the preferred date for games to resume is Friday,…

Mauricio Pochettino insisted Friday that he was “happy” that Jose Mourinho replaced him as Tottenham coach. Mourinho took over in November despite Pochettino having enjoyed a successful five-and-a-half year spell in charge of the London side. “I am so happy that he is at Tottenham, replacing me,” admitted Pochettino who is now officially off the payroll at Spurs after his six-month gardening leave ended. That leaves him free to take other jobs without the worry of prospective employers having to pay compensation. “And of course I am happy as well to leave the club in the way that we left…

Japanese tennis star Naomi Osaka has become the world’s highest-paid female athlete, making $37.4 million (34.3 million euros) in the past 12 months for an earnings record, Forbes magazine reported Friday. The 22-year-old Asian star, a two-time Grand Slam champion, edged US rival Serena Williams by $1.4 million in prize money and endorsement income over the past year. Both shattered the old single-year earnings mark of $29.7 million set in 2015 by Russia’s Maria Sharapova, who retired in February with five Grand Slam titles, including a career Slam. “To those outside the tennis world, Osaka is a relatively fresh face…

N’Golo Kante has been allowed to stay away from Chelsea’s return to training due to his coronavirus fears. The French World Cup winner joined up with Frank Lampard’s squad on Tuesday as Chelsea resumed training following the Premier League’s decision to allow socially distanced sessions. But the 29-year-old missed Wednesday’s small group practice with the blessing of Chelsea manager Frank Lampard, who is reported to have allowed him to train at home on compassionate leave. Kante, who tested negative for the virus during this week’s first batch of checks, is said to be unconvinced it is safe to train with…

The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mr Abubakar Malami (SAN), on Friday denied any link with companies appointed by his office to recover debt owed the federal government by International Oil Companies (IOC). Malami’s denial which was contained in a statement by his media aide, Dr Umar Gwandu, noted that the recovery agents though engaged by his office were for the federal government and not his agents as being portrayed by some sections of the if media. According to the statement, the Minister in his personal capacity does not have personal “debt collectors” for the…

The Kaduna State Government has issued a stern warning to its health workers following threats of strike over 25 per cent deduction in their salaries. The health workers had, in a communique at the end of their joint meeting on Tuesday, issued an ultimatum to the state government demanding the refund of their 25 per cent salary deduction. They also urged the state government to provide them with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), declaring that failure to meet their demands will leave them with no option than to take all the necessary actions within the labour laws. But reacting in a…

A High Court in London on Friday ruled that the $1 billion case against oil giants Shell and ENI over the Malabu Oil deal cannot proceed. The High Court Judge, Christopher Butcher, is reported to have held that the court does not have jurisdiction to hear the matter, which has a parallel proceeding in Italy, also brought by the Nigerian government over the Malabu deal. This was what formed the basis on which Shell and ENI had moved to stop or stay proceedings in the $1 billion lawsuit in the UK, during virtual hearings of the case. Both companies argued…

• Mane may replace Karim Benzema at Real Madird • Aubameyang swaps football for F1 The dream of former Super Eagles striker Victor Moses joining Inter Milan on permanent deal when football activities return to normal after the COVID-19 pandemic may not see the light of day. The winger may be dumped after his flop loan spell. The Serie A side is said to be reluctant to pay the £10.75m valuation placed on Moses by his English side, Chelsea. The Frank Lampard’s side is looking to sell Victor Moses, with Inter Milan interested in bringing in the 29-year-old winger, according…

Manchester United expect to face a £20 million rebate to broadcasters due to the suspension of the Premier League even if the campaign can be completed behind closed doors. United were among the Premier League teams to return to training in small groups this week, with the club’s executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward saying he is “optimistic” that the English top-flight will resume next month. The Premier League has been suspended since March 13 due to the coronavirus pandemic and it is predicted that clubs face repaying up to £340 million to broadcasters for matches not being played as scheduled. “Given…