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117 Referees Shortlisted for 2025 Club World Cup

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago05 mins

Following a thorough preparation process that included seminars with FIFA referees from all six confederations, the FIFA Referees Committee has announced the match officials who will oversee games at the groundbreaking FIFA Club World Cup 2025, which will take place from 14 June to 13 July across 12 stadiums in 11 Host Cities in the United States. A total of 117 match officials – 35 referees, 58 assistant referees and 24 video match officials – from 41 member associations will take charge of the matches. Commenting on the appointment of Team One, the chairman of the FIFA Referees Committee, Pierluigi Collina, said that it would be a “privilege” for those chosen to officiate at the very first edition of the FIFA Club World Cup: “As every new competition starts, the selected referees are among those who have the privilege to be part of this for the first time, so I’m sure that all the match officials will be thrilled. “We are coming from high standard performances delivered during the last FIFA tournaments. So the bar is higher and when you get the bar higher, it’s more difficult to keep the standard. But we are working very hard and Team One will make a solid contribution to the success of this exciting competition. “I like to compare the preparation of a football team and a referee team because both need to work hard and deliver to the highest standards,” noted FIFA Director of Refereeing Massimo Busacca. “We try to find as much uniformity and consistency as possible in what we are doing because football is the same everywhere, but we know that we have to understand the different mentality in football, and this is crucial.” In line with the changes to the Laws of the Game approved by The International Football Association Board (The IFAB), FIFA will implement new rules designed to cut down on time-wasting by goalkeepers. If a goalkeeper holds the ball for longer than eight seconds (with the referee using a visual five-second countdown), the referee will award a corner kick to the opposing team (rather than the current indirect free kick for more than six seconds). In addition, following The IFAB’s support for FIFA’s undertaking to test body cameras worn by match officials to identify possible future use and develop quality and safety standards, referees will be equipped with body cameras on a trial basis at the FIFA Club World Cup. The live footage from these cameras will be made available to fans across the world via DAZN, the exclusive global broadcaster of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 . “We think that it is a good chance to offer the viewers a new experience, in terms of images taken from a perspective, from an angle of vision, which was never offered before,” said Mr Collina, emphasising that it was a trial. “It also has a purpose in terms of referee coaching because, of course, having the possibility to see what the referee sees is important in the debriefing, to evaluate how the call was made by the referee. So, it’s a combination of a new experience for broadcasters and also for coaching purposes.“

Sports

CAF Unveils New U-20 AFCON Egypt 2025 Logo, Trophy

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago03 mins

CAF Unveils New U-20 AFCON Egypt 2025 Logo, Trophy With just hours to go before the Final Draw of the CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Egypt 2025, the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) has unveiled a striking new logo and trophy for the continental youth showpiece. The new visual identity marks a powerful step in celebrating the journey of Africa’s brightest young footballers as they transition from promising talents to future icons of the global game. The trophy, titled “Rising Star”, symbolises growth, aspiration, and the brilliance of emerging African talent. With bold upward-facing star elements and a sleek, modern silhouette, the trophy reflects the energy, determination, and momentum of the continent’s rising stars. At its core, the map of Africa is intricately fused with a football, signifying the deep-rooted connection between the continent and its youth. This newly designed trophy also inspires the competition’s refreshed logo, which mirrors the trophy’s sharp lines and upward thrust. The dynamic emblem encapsulates the strength, unity, and pride of Africa’s young generation—poised to make a mark on the international stage. The unveiling comes as anticipation builds for Sunday’s Final Draw, which took place at the Egyptian Football Association headquarters in Cairo. The draw was broadcasted live on CAF TV and ON Time Sports, and will determine the group stage path for the 13 participating teams. The tournament will run from 27 April to 18 May 2025, and is set to bring together the best youth teams from across the continent, including defending champions Senegal, hosts Egypt, record champions Nigeria, and debutants Sierra Leone. As the tournament enters a new era, the logo and trophy stand as visual representations of CAF’s commitment to empowering African youth through football and celebrating the spirit of unity, talent, and opportunity that define the Under-20 category.

Green Eagles’ Captain, ‘Chairman’ Christian Chukwu, Dies at 74

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago03 mins

1980 AFCON-winning captain, Christian Chukwu popularly known as ‘Chairman’ has passed away. The Nigeria Football Federation has expressed deep sorrow after it was confirmed that Chukwu, who captained Nigeria to her ever Africa Cup of Nations win and later coached the team, had died in his native city of Enugu on Saturday. Nicknamed ‘Chairman’ because of his imposing presence and the authority he exuded just in front of the rearguard at both club (Enugu Rangers) and country, Christian Chukwu was overjoyed as he hoisted above his head the Unity Cup (the first time Nigeria would triumph in the continental championship) after receiving same from President Shehu Shagari at the National Stadium, Surulere on Saturday, 22nd March 1980. General Secretary of Nigeria Football Federation, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, said: “We have lost a good and great man. Chukwu was the definition of a strong, dedicated and disciplined leader on and off the field. He was not nicknamed ‘Chairman’ for nothing. He embodied strength, vision and consistency. “We pray that the Almighty will grant his soul eternal rest, and also grant the family and friends he has left behind, and Nigeria football’s fraternity the fortitude to bear this big loss.” Chukwu was in the Nigeria senior team that won bronze medals at the 1976 and 1978 AFCON finals in Ethiopia and Ghana respectively, before leading the squad to glory on home soil in 1980. He was named Player of the Tournament. Born on 4th January 1951, Chukwu coached his darling club, Enugu Rangers (he played for only one club in his career) and then coached the senior national team of Kenya, nicknamed the Harambee Stars. He was named Head Coach of the Super Eagles in 2002, and led the team to finish third at the 2004 AFCON finals in Tunisia. His death comes exactly 20 days after the 45th anniversary of the 1980 AFCON triumph. Before him, other members of the squad that had passed on, are goalkeepers Best Ogedegbe and Moses Effiong, defenders Okechukwu Isima and Tunde Bamidele, midfielders Aloysius Atugbu and Mudashiru Lawal, and forward Martins Eyo.

16 Women Teams to Star at Los Angeles 2028 Olympics

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago04 mins

FIFA is pleased with the decision taken by the Executive Board of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to approve a proposal for 16 women’s and 12 men’s teams to participate in the Olympic Football Tournaments at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games (LA28) – a major milestone for the women’s game and a powerful endorsement of women’s sport. The expansion of the women’s tournament reflects the shared commitment of FIFA, the IOC and LA28 to elevate women’s sport, celebrate the strength of the women’s game in the United States and continue to open doors for more players and more nations on the world stage. “FIFA has always believed in the power of women’s football and today’s decision by the IOC Executive Board is a positive step,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino. “Our vision is clear: we are investing in and expanding opportunities for women’s football at every level. More teams on the Olympic stage means more role models, more inspiration and more impact. “This development reflects our shared understanding that women’s football deserves greater representation and visibility at the Olympic Games. We thank the IOC for the fruitful discussions that will make LA28 a groundbreaking event, and we will continue to work with our partners to incorporate futsal and beach soccer into the Olympic programme.” FIFA Secretary General, Mattias Grafström, said: “FIFA has been working on the increase in women’s teams at the Olympics for some time. On behalf of FIFA, I would like to thank the IOC administration for their collaboration with us over the past months to prepare this groundbreaking decision. We are very pleased with the outcome but, of course, we will continue with fully commitment our daily and sustained work across all relevant areas of the women’s game including competitions, technical and the regulatory landscape to unlock the undeniable potential it has everywhere in the world.” FIFA has consistently advocated the expansion of the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament, including by having made a formal request to increase the number of women’s teams from 12 to 16 ahead of Paris 2024. This request was in line with Goal 7 of FIFA’s Strategic Objectives for the Global Game: 2023-2027 , which calls for more opportunities for women and girls in football and at all levels of the game. It also builds on the success of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, which was expanded from 24 to 32 teams, resulting in record-breaking engagement and showcasing the emerging talent from around the world. This move only increased the interest in the tournament, as eight debutant nations and an additional 184 players had the chance to perform on the global stage.

Referees to Wear Body Cams at FIFA Club World Cup

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago05 mins

Referees will wear body cams during the Club World Cup. The video technology can be used to monitor the officials, players and also offer the chance to be shown as part of TV coverage. It is part of a major trial which could then see the technology introduced across all levels of the game, including the Premier League in the future. Football Association chief executive Mark Bullingham has already championed the use of body cam technology to protect referees from abuse from fans and players from grassroots up. It would have big support across the English game and has been given the green light for a trial in this summer’s tournament in the United States by law makers IFAB. Pierluigi Collina, chair of the FIFA Referees’ Committee, said: “We think that it is a good chance to offer the viewers a new experience, in terms of images taken from a perspective, from an angle of vision which was never offered before. “It also has a purpose in terms of referee coaching. Because, of course, having the possibility to see what the referee sees is important in the debriefing, to evaluate how the call was made by the referee, which was his view, and so on. So it’s a combination of new experience for broadcasters and also for coaching purposes.” IFAB has also approved new rules on time-wasting which means a corner kick will be given if a keeper holds the ball for eight seconds or longer. The Club World Cup will pioneer that change by using a video count down on big screens during the tournament, similar to what is used in rugby on conversions. Collina added: “It will be a very, very interesting competition. [It’s the] first time ever to have the best clubs around the world, from each corner of the world competing. “So it’s, I would say, an extra responsibility for us, for refereeing, because we want to have our referees ready in the best conditions when the competition starts. And we are aware that a high standard of refereeing is key to having a successful competition.” Manchester City and Chelsea are England’s sole representatives in the revamped Club World Cup, which now has a vastly different format to previous editions. In a move heavily criticised by players, coaches, and executives alike, the competition has undergone a significant restructure for 2025 and will now feature an expanded field, with 32 teams participating in a summer tournament that closely resembles the World Cup. It begins on June 15 and runs until July 13. Miami hosts the opening fixture, with the final being held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Meanwhile, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Seattle, Philadelphia and Nashville are a few of the other host cities.

Kenya Probes Goalkeeper Match-Fixing Allegation

Fola Badmus6 months ago6 months ago03 mins

Kenya opened a match-fixing investigation Thursday following allegations that a national team goalkeeper helped rig an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) confirmed it was aware of videos circulating online involving goalkeeper Patrick Matasi which raised concern about the possibility of match manipulation. “FKF upholds the integrity of football and has launched an official investigation, in collaboration with FIFA, CAF, and other relevant authorities,” the Kenya football board said in a statement. “We reaffirm our zero-tolerance policy on match manipulation and are committed to safeguarding the credibility of our competition.” The secretly filmed online amateur video seen by AFP shows an unnamed man talking to Matasi over a plan to fix a match in return for cash. The former AFC Leopards and Tusker goalkeeper, who also had a playing stint with Ethiopian side Coffee Sports Club, played in Kenya’s 4-1 loss to former African champions Cameroon in a 2025 AFCON qualifier in Yaounde last October. The defeat dimmed Kenya’s hopes of qualifying for the finals in Morocco, and led to the resignation of the team’s coach Engin Firat. Matasi was dropped from the team by the new coach Benni McCarthy and did not feature in the recent 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Gambia and Gabon. Kenyan football has been hit by the dark shadow of match-fixing malpractices in the recent past with 14 players and two coaches suspended by the FKF in January 2023 following a tip-off about cheating in the national league. In February 2020, FIFA banned four Kenyan-based players — one for life — over an “international conspiracy” to fix league matches. Five Kenyan referees were also later suspended over the same scandal. The Kenya Institute of Public Policy Research and Analysis, an independent think tank, warned that match-fixing had infiltrated multiple levels of Kenyan football from grassroots competitions to the professional leagues. “This has left a trail of disillusionment among fans and undermined the integrity of football and could lead to loss of public trust and confidence in the football industry,” the organization said in a January 2024 report.

Zimbabwe peg back Nigeria in 2026 FIFA World Cup race

Fola Badmus6 months ago6 months ago03 mins

Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals suffered a setback on Tuesday after the Warriors of Zimbabwe scored a last-minute equalizer in their Matchday 6 encounter at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. The result meant the Super Eagles are still stuck in fourth place in group C, as leaders South Africa put daylight between themselves and the rest of the pack with a matured 2-0 win over Benin Republic in Abidjan, that took them to 13 points. Benin Republic’s Cheetahs and Rwanda’s Amavubi are both on eight points, one more than the Super Eagles, with four rounds of matches left, to be played over the months of September and October. Usual suspect Victor James Osimhen, playing his 40th match for the Nigeria senior team, scored to put Nigeria in front after 73 minutes, making hay from Olaoluwa Aina’s cross from the left that escaped every Zimbabwean player in the defence. With robust confidence and a positive spirit from their win over Rwanda in Kigali on Friday, Nigeria launched onslaught after onslaught particularly through the left side of the Zimbabwean defence, with Simon Moses always in good flow, but goalkeeper Washington Arubi thwarted their forays and kept his team in the game. Three minutes after Osimhen’s goal, the visitors could have scored as Khama Billiat broke from the left and the Super Eagles were only saved by the crossbar. Substitute Tawanda Chireda would eventually find the leveller on the dot of 90 minutes, as the Warriors swept past the Nigeria rearguard and he cleverly poked past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali from close range.

W/Cup qualifier: Chelle unleashes Osimhen, Lookman on Zimbabwe

Fola Badmus6 months ago6 months ago01 mins

Super Eagles’ manager Eric Chelle has unleashed Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookmon in the starting line up for today’s World Cup qualifying tie against the Brave Warriors of Zimbabwe. Stanley Nwabili retains his place in goal while Ola Aina, William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Bright Osayi-Samuel with cover. Wilfred Ndidi, Moses Simon while Samuel Chukwueze, Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen hunt for goal for the former African Champions. The substitutes are; Amas Obasogie, Kayode Bankole, Igoh Ogbu, Torunigha, Bruno Onyemaechi, Alhasan Yusuf Abdullahi, Frank Onyedika, Joe Aribo, Papa Daniel, Sodiq Sadiq, Tolu Akorodare, Victor Boniface.