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Category: Sports

FIFA Awards Malaysia Three 3-0 Defeats Over Ineligible Players, FAM To Appeal

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FIFA has handed Malaysia a major blow, awarding the nation three 3-0 defeats after it was found to have fielded ineligible players, the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) confirmed on Wednesday. Matches previously recorded as friendly wins against Palestine and Singapore, along with a home draw with Cape Verde earlier this year, have all been overturned. The sanctions follow FIFA’s suspension of seven foreign-born Malaysian national team players who submitted falsified documents claiming Malaysian ancestry. FAM, which had already been fined $440,000 in the ongoing scandal, has now been hit with an additional $12,500 penalty. A FIFA disciplinary committee meeting held last Friday declared, “Malaysia is declared to have lost 3-0 in all three matches,” the association said. The investigation began after FIFA received a complaint following Malaysia’s 4-0 victory over Vietnam in June during an Asian Cup qualifier, where two of the implicated players scored. FIFA’s probe found that Hector Hevel, Jon Irazabal, Gabriel Palmero, Facundo Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, and Joao Brandao Figueiredo did not have a parent or grandparent born in Malaysia, as required for national team eligibility. FAM, however, insists it acted appropriately and confirmed it will appeal the ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

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Former Wolves Player, Ethan McLeod Dies in M1 Car Accident

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Macclesfield footballer Ethan McLeod has died at the age of 21 following a road traffic accident on the M1 motorway. The forward, who came through the Wolves academy, was returning from Bedford Town after Macclesfield’s 2-1 win on Tuesday night when his white Mercedes collided with a nearside metal barrier around 10:40 pm near junction 15 for Northampton. Despite assistance from members of the public and police officers, McLeod was pronounced dead at the scene. The crash caused the M1 to remain closed overnight and it reopened at approximately 7:30 am. Police have appealed for anyone with dashcam footage or additional information to come forward. Macclesfield FC released a heartfelt statement on Wednesday afternoon, paying tribute to the young forward.

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FIFA Confirms $50 Million Prize For 2026 World Cup Winners

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FIFA has confirmed that the champions of the 2026 World Cup will pocket $50 million, as part of a record-breaking $655 million prize fund for the tournament. The figure represents an almost 50 per cent rise from the $440 million shared among teams at the 2022 edition in Qatar. The next World Cup will run from June 11 to July 19, 2026, and will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada. It will also mark a historic expansion, with 48 teams competing instead of the traditional 32. At the last World Cup, Argentina earned $42 million after Lionel Messi inspired them to a dramatic penalty shootout win over France, who took home $30 million as runners-up. In 2026, however, the finalists who fall short will receive $33 million, while the third-placed team will earn $29 million and the losing semi-finalists $27 million. Countries knocked out at the group stage will each collect $9 million, and every participating nation will be given an extra $1.5 million to support their preparation ahead of the competition. According to FIFA, the expanded format is designed to deliver the biggest and most lucrative World Cup ever, reflecting both the increased number of teams and the sport’s growing global appeal.

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Ahmed Musa Retires From Super Eagles After 15-Year International Career

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Ahmed Musa has officially retired from international football, closing a 15-year chapter with the Super Eagles that established him as Nigeria’s most capped player and one of its most accomplished modern internationals. In a statement shared on social media on Wednesday, Musa reflected on his career and the honour of representing his country. “After a lot of thought, I have decided to retire from international football, bringing to an end almost 15 years with the Super Eagles. From the very first call-up, wearing the green and white meant everything to me,” he said. Musa recalled his early days, saying, “I was just a young boy when the journey started. I remember being invited at the same time to the U-20, U-23, and the Super Eagles. I was young, still learning, and always travelling, but I never complained. Whenever Nigeria called, I showed up. It was never something I had to think twice about.” He also highlighted the pride of reaching 111 caps for Nigeria. “Playing 111 matches for my country is something I hold with deep respect. To become the most capped player in the history of Nigerian football is a great honour. Every time I wore the jersey, I understood the responsibility that came with it.” Musa looked back on some of his career milestones, including winning the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations and making history at the FIFA World Cup. He was the first Nigerian to score multiple goals in a single World Cup match, achieving the feat against Argentina in 2014, and later became the first Nigerian to score in two World Cups, netting twice against Iceland in 2018. “Winning the 2013 AFCON will always stand out. That team showed what it meant to play for Nigeria. Scoring at the World Cup, against Argentina and Iceland, are memories I will always carry with me. To score four goals at the World Cup and be Nigeria’s highest goalscorer on that stage is something I am truly grateful for,” he said. Musa expressed gratitude to teammates, coaches, support staff, administrators, and Nigerian fans for their unwavering support throughout his career. “As I step away from international football, I do so with peace and gratitude. I know I gave my best. I know the Super Eagles will continue to move forward. And I know that this bond will never be broken. Once an Eagle, always an Eagle. Thank you, Nigeria. Thank you for everything,” he added. At club level, Musa returned to Kano Pillars in October 2024 for a third stint and has remained with the four-time Nigeria Professional Football League champions, taking on the role of general manager ahead of the 2025–26 season.

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Osimhen, Lookman, Bassey, Ajibade Head Nominations for 12th Nigeria Pitch Awards

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The Super Eagles trio of Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray FC, Ademola Lookman of Atalanta BC, and Calvin Bassey of Fulham FC lead nominations for the 12th edition of the Nigeria Pitch Awards. The organizers of the awards announced this at a media gathering at the Johnwood Hotel in Abuja on Tuesday, 16 December. Speaking at the event organized to celebrate partners, members of the College of Voters, and journalists, Dr. Shina Philips, President of the Nigeria Pitch Awards, reaffirmed organizers’ confidence in the voting process coordinated by SIAO Partners, the accounting firm that has been at the helm of the collation and auditing of the results since 2014. ‘We would like to thank SIAO Partners and express our confidence in the results that will be presented at this gathering. We have worked with SIAO Partners for over 11 years, and during this period, they have consistently demonstrated professionalism and commitment to this national project,’ Dr Philips said. Also speaking at the event, Mr. Afolabi Lawal, Senior Manager at SIAO Partners, stated that the accounting firm adhered to all due process while collating and auditing the results. While announcing the names of nominees, Dr. Ademola Olajire, the NFF Director of Media and Communications, stated that the Federation continues to support the Nigeria Pitch Awards because the award process is credible and transparent. In the King of the Pitch category, Atalanta’s striker, Ademola Lookman, the 2024 winner of the award, will face competition from Fulham defender Calvin Bassey and Galatasaray S.K. goal poacher Victor Osimhen. The Queen of the Pitch Award will be a stiff battle between Chiamaka Nnadozie of Brighton & Hove Albion Women FC, Esther Okoronkwo of AFC Toronto, and Rasheedat Ajibade of PSG Feminine. Super Eagles new defensive sensation, Benjamin Frederick (F.C.V. Dender E.H.), will hope to stave up competition from Calvin Bassey (Fulham F.C.) and Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest F.C.) for the Defender of the Year award. The Midfielder of the Year category will be a fierce competition between Alex Iwobi (Fulham F.C.), Frank Onyeka (Brentford F.C.), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge), and Wilfred Ndidi (Beşiktaş J.K.). In their second nominations, Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC) and Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray S.K) will face competition from Anas Yusuf (Nasarawa United) for the Rashidi Yekini Award for the Best Striker of the Year. The award for the Football Friendly Governor of the Year will be a straight contest between Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, and Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State. Dr Shina Philips also announced that the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) will be honoured with the Special Achievement in Sports Award at the 12th Award Ceremony. This is in recognition of the Commission’s invaluable contributions to the growth of sports through its organization of the Niger Delta Games. Detailed list of other nominees: GOALKEEPER OF THE YEAR Kayode Bankole Remo Stars & TS Galaxy F.C. Maduka Okoye Udinese Calcio Stanley Nwabali Chippa United F.C. DEFENDER OF THE YEAR Benjamin Frederick F.C.V. Dender E.H. Calvin Bassey Fulham F.C. Ola Aina Nottingham Forest F.C. MIDFIELDER OF THE YEAR Alex Iwobi Fulham F.C. Frank Onyeka Brentford F.C. Raphael Onyedika Club Brugge Wilfred Ndidi Beşiktaş J.K. RASHIDI YEKINI AWARD FOR THE BEST STRIKER OF THE YEAR Ademola Lookman Atalanta BC Anas Yusuf Nasarawa United Victor Osimhen Galatasaray S.K TEAM OF THE YEAR Remo Stars F.C Rivers United F.C Super Falcons COACH OF THE YEAR Daniel Ogunmodede Remo Stars F.C Finidi George Rivers United F.C Justine Madugu Super Falcons SAM OKWARAJI AWARD Kunle Soname Bet9ja Patrick Olusegun Odegbami Nigerian Ex-International Victor Osimhen Galatasaray S.K STATE WITH THE BEST GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME Delta State Kwara State Lagos State FOOTBALL PITCH OF THE YEAR Godswill Akpabio Int’l Stadium Uyo, Akwa Ibom State MKO Abiola Int’l Stadium Abeokuta, Ogun State Remo Stars Stadium Remo, Ogun State FOOTBALL FRIENDLY GOVERNOR OF THE YEAR His Excellency, Babajide Sanwo-Olu Lagos State His Excellency, Dapo Abiodun Ogun State His Excellency, Umo Eno Akwa Ibom State CORPORATE SPONSOR OF FOOTBALL AWARD Bet9ja Sport Betting GTI Financial Financial Services MTN Nigeria Telecom SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD Bukola Olopade D.G, NSC George Aluo Chairman, NNL Hon. Kunle Soname Chairman, Remo Stars FC FOOTBALL JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR – PRINT Abiodun Adewale Punch Newspapers Johnny Edward The Nation Newspapers Charles Diya New Telegraph Newspapers FOOTBALL JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR – TV Babatunde Koiki News Central Television Cecilia Omorogbe Channels TV Mozez Praiz Supersport FOOTBALL JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR – RADIO Olawale Adigun Wash 94.9 FM/ Sure 97.5 FM Anthony Bekederemo Brila 88.9 FM Chuma Nnoli Nigeria Info FM FOOTBALL JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR – ONLINE Kunle Solaja Sportsvillagesquare.com Niyi Busari BSNSports.com.ng Samuel Ahmadu Savid News/ Nigeriafootball.ng QUEEN OF THE PITCH Chiamaka Nnadozie Brighton & Hove Albion Women Esther Okoronkwo AFC Toronto Rasheedat Ajibade PSG Feminine KING OF THE PITCH Ademola Lookman Atalanta B.C. Calvin Bassey Fulham F.C. Victor Osimhen Galatasaray S.K.

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Egypt Defeats Nigeria 2–1 In Pre-AFCON Friendly

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Egypt edged Nigeria 2–1 in a pre-Africa Cup of Nations friendly in Cairo on Tuesday, thanks to a second-half strike from Mostafa Mohamed. The hosts opened the scoring just before the half-hour mark when Mahmoud Saber tapped in at the back post following a precise delivery from Zizo, who repeatedly caused problems for the Super Eagles down the right wing. Nigeria struggled to maintain attacking momentum but came close to an equaliser when Paul Onuachu’s long ball almost resulted in an own goal by Yasser Ibrahim, forcing a sharp save from Egypt goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy. The Super Eagles eventually drew level shortly afterward. Zaidu Sanusi’s free kick from the left was mishandled by El Shenawy at his near post, allowing defender Chidozie Awaziem to head the ball in from close range. Egypt regained the lead in the second half as Mostafa Mohamed finished clinically inside the box after another incisive move orchestrated by Zizo. Despite Nigeria’s continued efforts, they could not find a response, and Egypt held on to secure the victory, boosting morale ahead of the tournament. Egypt will begin their AFCON campaign against Zimbabwe on Monday, December 22, while Nigeria face Tanzania the following day.

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French Labour Court Orders PSG to Pay Kylian Mbappe €61 Million in Back Wages

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Paris Saint-Germain has been ordered by a French labour court to pay former forward Kylian Mbappe up to 61 million euros ($71.8 million) in unpaid wages and bonuses. Mbappe, who joined Real Madrid in June 2024 after seven seasons with PSG, had initially claimed over 260 million euros from his former club. PSG, meanwhile, demanded 440 million euros from the France captain. The court dismissed Mbappe’s argument that the club applied the wrong legal classification to his contract. The awarded sum includes 55 million euros in unpaid salary and roughly six million euros in holiday pay. PSG has yet to comment on whether it will appeal the decision. Mbappe’s lawyers said they were “satisfied with the decision given by the labour court,” adding that it “re-establishes a simple truth — even in the professional football industry, labour laws apply to everyone.” The dispute partly relates to a failed 300-million-euro transfer to Saudi club Al Hilal in June 2023, which Mbappe refused. He later left PSG on a free transfer when his contract expired the following summer. Mbappe filed a complaint in June over how he was treated by PSG during the 2023-24 season, claiming he was sidelined and made to train with players the club sought to offload after he declined a new contract. He missed the club’s 2023 pre-season tour of Asia and the first match of that season but was later reinstated following talks with the club. During his time at PSG, Mbappe scored 256 goals in 308 appearances. He now plays for Real Madrid, reportedly earning 30 million euros annually. PSG won their first Champions League title last season after his departure.

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Dembele Wins FIFA Best Award

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Paris Saint-Germain star Ousmane Dembele has been named the FIFA Best men’s player of 2025. Demeble, 28, has capped off his incredible year during which he won Ligue 1, the Champions League and the Coupe de France. The Frenchman also helped PSG reach the final of the Club World Cup. His efforts were enough to secure him his first ever Ballon d’Or, arguably the most coveted individual award in football. At Tuesday’s FIFA ceremony in Doha, Qatar, Dembele claimed another. The nominees were announced as Dembele, Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal. FIFA president Gianni Infantino announced the winner, as Dembele was invited on stage. PSG are playing in Qatar this week, facing Flamengo in the inaugural Intercontinental Cup Final.

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