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Monday, 26 June 2017
Monday, 19 June 2017
One Dead, 10 Injured As Van Hits Muslims Leaving Mosque
CHANNELS TV
A van plowed into worshippers near a London mosque on Monday, injuring 10 people in what police said was a deliberate attack on Muslims that was being treated as a terrorist incident.
Shortly after midnight, the hired vehicle swerved into a group of people leaving prayers at the Muslim Welfare House and the nearby Finsbury Park Mosque in north London, one of the biggest in the country, witnesses said.
“This had all the hallmarks of a terrorist incident,” said Neil Basu, senior national co-ordinator for counter-terrorism policing. “This was an attack on London and all Londoners.”
If confirmed by the authorities as terrorism, it would be the fourth attack since March in Britain and the third to involve a vehicle deliberately driven at pedestrians.
The attack comes during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan when Muslims were attending special prayers. Abdulrahman Aidroos said he and his friends had been tending an old man who had suffered a heart attack when the van was driven at them.
“When he was running he was saying ‘I wanna kill more people, I wanna kill more Muslims’,” he told BBC TV. He said he had helped tackle the driver and pin him down with others until police arrived.
“RESTRAINT”
Basu thanked those who detained the driver, adding: “Their restraint in the circumstances was commendable.”
The suspected van driver, aged 48, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and will be questioned by counter-terrorism officers.
“I would like to … thank our Imam, Mohammed Mahmoud, whose bravery and courage helped calm the immediate situation after the incident and prevented further injuries and potential loss of life,” said Toufik Kacimi, the chief executive of the Muslim Welfare House.
Police said the man who was being given first aid at the scene before the vehicle was driven into pedestrians had died but it was not clear whether his death was directly linked.
Somali Soldier Sentenced To Death For Killing Minister
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A Somali soldier was sentenced to death on Monday for killing a government minister after mistaking him for an Islamist militant, an army officer said.
Public works minister Abbas Abdullahi Sheikh Siraji was shot dead in his car in the capital Mogadishu in early May.
Soldier Ahmed Abdulahi Ahmed, was condemned to death by a military court “for mistakenly shooting the minister,” army officer Hassan Ali Noor told Reuters. A second soldier at the scene at the time was released without charge on Monday.
Siraji, 31, grew up in a Kenyan refugee camp and was the country’s youngest minister.
Militants from the al Qaeda-affiliated group al Shabaab have carried out frequent attacks in Mogadishu as they fight to oust Somalia’s Western-backed government and drive out African Union peacekeeping troops.
In a separate incident on Monday Abifutah Omar Halane, the spokesman for Mogadishu’s mayor, said security agents had arrested on Monday the head of a unit of al Shabaab responsible for assassinations and bombings in the capital, Abdiwahid Khalif Ahmed. The unit is known as Amniyat.
Lack Of Cooperation Among Arms Of Govt Weakened Anti-Corruption War – Odekunle
CHANNELS TV
A member of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption, Femi Odekunle, has stated that lack of cooperation among the arms of government has contributed to weakening the Federal Government’s anti-corruption war.
He said this on Channels TV’s Sunrise Daily while addressing some issues including the recent victory of the Senate President Bukola Saraki at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT).
“From what I know, the anti-corruption war is like fighting for the soul of Nigeria and the government was right that the flagship of his three-point agenda is fighting corruption but in a democracy where you want to fight corruption, you need the cooperation of the executive, legislature and the judiciary.
“At the end of the day, if you don’t have the cooperation of these three arms of government you are going to have a lot of problems which is what we are having.
“We don’t seem to have the cooperation of the legislature – Even among the executive, you find what we call blacklegs and even in the judiciary which is the hope of the country in a democracy for fighting corruption.
“If it was a military government it would be a different ballgame. But in a democracy you rely on the Judiciary so, regardless of the efforts of the investigators of the EFCC of the Police or ICPC, they must still end up in court and when the court now seems, as it is being manifested recently, not to be cooperating, then there is a problem.”
Explaining further about the “blacklegs” which he claimed were in the legislature, he noted that regardless of the bills that have been passed or not, the behavior of some members of the legislature have also contributed to slowing down the anti-corruption war.
“We are not talking about the laws passed by the National Assembly, we are talking about the behavior and the conduct and what we hear, if not know about the legislature – I’m not even talking about the bills before then which they have not passed.
“Do you know how many of them have cases in court and then you will reply to me that they are innocent until proven guilty – this is part of the hoax of the legal system we are running. So you have legislatures and you have a good number of them who actually have cases in court, Corruption,” he stressed.
“In a country where people are fighting together against corruption, it is very unusual to have about two, three, four of you, facing corruption charges in court.
“The fact that you have enough money to hire Senior Advocates of Nigeria, to hire lawyers to go to court and win the case, if not technically but corruptly, does not mean that you are cooperating with the anti-corruption fight.”
Odekunle, therefore, noted that a government that wants to fight corruption must realize the depth of the situation, citing examples like the U.S and the U.K which according to him had to reenact their laws when they realized that terrorism was becoming a serious problem.
Obiano Debunks Rumors Of Arms Importation In Anambra
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The Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano, has denied rumours of the arrival of a trailer load of arms from the north to Osakwe Street, Nwanyi Imo junction, Otolo Nnewi, on Sunday.
Governor Obiano debunked the rumours while addressing thousands of people at the Basilica of St. Andrews Anglican Church, Onitsha, for the 50th birthday anniversary of the Bishop on the Niger, right Reverend Owen Nwokolo.
Obiano stated that as soon as he heard the rumours he ordered a team comprising of 100 men of the joint security service to invade Otolo.
He went ahead to reassure residents that security was a priority of his administration.
“Please help dispel this unwarranted rumour that arms and ammunition have landed in the Hausa community in Nnewi and they are about to start operation, it is bloody falsehood please. I want to reassure you that under my watch now and in the next five years, security will remain the topmost in my agenda. You must sleep with your two eyes closed.”
The Governor also highlighted the outcome of the crucial meeting of the south-east political and religious leaders held with the acting president, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.allaying fears of any form of insecurity and tasked all on verbal restraints on inflammatory speeches that would threaten national unity.
He, therefore, allayed the fears of any form of insecurity and asked residents to avoid inflammatory speeches that would threaten national unity.
“I will use this opportunity to let you know the effort of the acting president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to stabilise this country after the unfortunate comment by the Arewa Youths.
“For that segment of discussion, the takeaway is, everybody calm your people down. We want to reassure you that is what the acting president is saying, we want to assure that you are safe anywhere you live in Nigeria and that the threat is useless. That was why he chose church leaders in the meeting so they can communicate to the people.”
Other guests present included the former Aviation Minister, Mr Osita Chidoka, the Former Minister of Power, Professor Chinedu Nebo, and the former Central Bank Governor, Professor Charles Soludo.
Also as part of the event, a book entitled, ‘Parenting in the Old Testament: Contemporary Pattern, Challenges, and Solutions for Nigerians,” was launched.
The guests, who commended the book also spoke on the responsibilities of parents in bringing up of their children as their attitude subsequently accounts for what happens in the larger society.
A Minna High Court on Monday remanded the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Niger State, Tanko Beji in prison custody. The presiding judge, Justice Aliyu Maiyaki held that Beji, who had been in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) for about two weeks, would remain in prison custody until hearing on his bail application on Friday, June 23. Counsel to former Niger State Governor, Babaginda Aliyu, Ayodele Oladeji had urged the court to grant the PDP Chairman bail on the ground that he is a lawyer who has been practicing in the state. The EFCC lawyer, Gbolahon Latona, however, moved against the bail and urged the judge to use his discretion on the matter. Mr Beji was formerly arraigned on Monday by the EFCC in amended charges alongside former Governor Aliyu and former commissioner of environment, Umar Nasko, for criminal breach of trust punishable under Section 97 of the Penal Code Law of Niger State, Cap 94, Vol. 3 Laws of 1992. In the amended charge, the former governor who is the first accused in the case is standing trial on a seven-count charge of criminal breach of trust and abuse of office while he was governor of the state between 2007 and 2015. Beji who is the second accused person is also standing trial on two count charges of criminal breach of trust and abetting the commissioner of crime punishable under Sections 85 and 312 of the Penal Code of Niger state; while Nasko is standing trial on three count charges of criminal breach of trust and abuse of office. The three accused persons have pleaded not guilty to the charges levelled against them. Justice Maiyaki, however, did not tamper with the earlier bail granted Babangida and Nasko, saying the amended charges do not entail tampering with their bail and that that they did not violate the stipulated bail conditions. The judge fixed September 11 to 15 for hearing on the substantive suit of the accused.
CHANNELS TV
The Independent Corruption Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) has said that corruption is an abuse to public office for private gain.
The commission made this known while sensitising students from various tertiary institutions in Delta State, with the theme, “Vanguard against corruption”
According to the ICPC Commissioner for Edo and Delta States Mr Olukile Olusesan, “The youths of today who make up a vibrant and active educated segment of the society and of whom the society should leverage their energy and innovative ideas to positively influence the society unfortunately, have been infected with corruption, hence the need to restructure their mindset has become imperative
Corruption has no universally accepted definition but according to the World Bank, it is an abuse of public office for private gain
Whichever way corruption is defined, it represents negativity and something that is reprehensible in Nigerian values
“Even our educational institutions are not spared by the ugly trend as it has meandered its way into various tentacles bedeviling policies, procedures, systems, personalities and standard of education.
“Which is why the ICPC has gathered students from various tertiary institutions in delta state, sensitizing them on the need for students unionism as a platform to initiate what it calls “vanguard against corruption” that will meaningfully engage students in the fight against corruption
The ICPC believes that this crusade will not only serve as a veritable tool for the much needed change that is so needed in the nations tertiary institutions but in the nigerian society at large
The Keynote Speaker and Chairman Anti Corruption and Transparency Unit of the University of Benin Edo state, prof. Ahbor Ignoroje reiterated the importance of the carrot and stick approach in tackling corruption
According to her, anti corruption strategy is not just about punishing the corrupt. Although prosecution of corrupt individuals is important to demonstrate that corruption is not tolerated and no one, neither the highest government official nor the wealthiest businessperson is immune from prosecution, a reward system for good behavior should also be adopted”
Participants present at the seminar, were also given an opportunity to interact with the floor and the table on the challenges and possibilities of becoming anti corruption ambassadors
Court Remands Niger PDP Chairman, Tanko Beji In Prison
CHANNELS TV
A Minna High Court on Monday remanded the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Niger State, Tanko Beji in prison custody.
The presiding judge, Justice Aliyu Maiyaki held that Beji, who had been in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) for about two weeks, would remain in prison custody until hearing on his bail application on Friday, June 23.
Counsel to former Niger State Governor, Babaginda Aliyu, Ayodele Oladeji had urged the court to grant the PDP Chairman bail on the ground that he is a lawyer who has been practicing in the state.
The EFCC lawyer, Gbolahon Latona, however, moved against the bail and urged the judge to use his discretion on the matter.
Mr Beji was formerly arraigned on Monday by the EFCC in amended charges alongside former Governor Aliyu and former commissioner of environment, Umar Nasko, for criminal breach of trust punishable under Section 97 of the Penal Code Law of Niger State, Cap 94, Vol. 3 Laws of 1992.
In the amended charge, the former governor who is the first accused in the case is standing trial on a seven-count charge of criminal breach of trust and abuse of office while he was governor of the state between 2007 and 2015.
Beji who is the second accused person is also standing trial on two count charges of criminal breach of trust and abetting the commissioner of crime punishable under Sections 85 and 312 of the Penal Code of Niger state; while Nasko is standing trial on three count charges of criminal breach of trust and abuse of office.
The three accused persons have pleaded not guilty to the charges levelled against them.
Justice Maiyaki, however, did not tamper with the earlier bail granted Babangida and Nasko, saying the amended charges do not entail tampering with their bail and that that they did not violate the stipulated bail conditions.
The judge fixed September 11 to 15 for hearing on the substantive suit of the accused.
Koepka Wins U.S. Open
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The winds of change were blowing at the U.S. Open on Sunday as Brooks Koepka sailed to a four-stroke victory at Erin Hills, making it the seventh consecutive major that has crowned a first-time winner.
A changing of golf’s old guard has been underway for some time but the 117th U.S. Open signaled that it can be considered complete with neither Phil Mickelson and/or Tiger Woods teeing up at major for the first time since the 1994 U.S. Masters.
Fans now run to see Dustin Johnson, Rory McIlroy and Jason Day, the youth movement having firmly taken hold.
Koepka, South Korea’s Kim Si-woo, Japan’s Hideki Matusyama, Englishman Tommy Fleetwood and Americans Brian Harman and Rickie Fowler were the names battling for major glory on Sunday, rather than the likes of Jim Furyk, Stewart Cink and Ernie Els.
Sentiment and nostalgia will always find a place on the leaderboard, as 37-year-old Sergio Garcia showed by notching his first major win at the Masters in April, while 50-year-old Wisconsin-native Steve Stricker provided an emotional touchstone in an Erin Hills swan-song.
But the year’s second major belonged to the young guns who tackled the longest layout ever for a U.S. Open.
Koepka, who looks as if he would be at home in a National Football League huddle, held firm against buffeting winds and crushing pressure to claim a sensational four-shot victory over Harman and Matsuyama.
The muscular American, who started the day one back of the lead, tamed his nerves and a wind-whipped course, carding six birdies, including two to kick-start his round, against a single bogey for a five-under 67.
Koepka’s winning total of 16-under equals the lowest score to par for a U.S. Open, matching Rory McIlroy’s victory at Congressional in 2011 on a par-71 layout.
After days of being humbled, Erin Hills turned nasty for the final round as heavy winds pummeled the links-style layout adding an intriguing wrinkle to the year’s second major.
But Koepka would not be blown off course producing a near-flawless final round, subduing the winds with a mix of power and precision.
“Obviously the wind picked up and I felt like that played right into my hand,” said Koepka, who considers himself a good ball-striker and good putter.
“And I felt confident all week, so to feel as confident as I did on a Sunday of a major and coming down the stretch was pretty neat.”
One of golf’s biggest hitters, the 27-year-old also demonstrated a killer instinct along with a deft touch with the putter, rolling in a monster 41-foot birdie putt at the eighth.
Udo-Udoma Presents 2017 Budget
CHANNELS TV
The Minister of Budget and National Planning, Udoma Udo-Udoma is about now making a public presentation of the 2017 budget in Abuja.
Seated are foreign diplomats, the Nigerian business community, economists, ministers and top officials of the Ministry as well as the Finance Ministry.
Udoma is expected to give a breakdown of the 2017 budget and give a highlight on key areas expected to impact on the common man and the economy generally.
The public presentation is taking place at the conference hall of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja.
This is coming just about a week after Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo signed a budget of 7.44 trillion Naira into law.
Confusion As Five Suicide Bombers Attack Borno Community
CHANNELS TV
Five female suicide bombers have attacked a community in Borno State, Northeast Nigeria.
While some reports say about eight people were killed and 30 injured, others say the death toll is up to 16.
The Spokesperson of the Borno State Police Command Victor Isuku, confirmed that the attack took place on Sunday at around 08:30 p.m. (1930 GMT) in Kofa community, around 8 km (5 miles) from the state capital Maiduguri.
On June 7, the Boko Haram attacked Jiddari Polo in Maiduguri making residents flee their homes and taking refuge from another neighbouring village.
Former Benue Gov, Suswam’s Trial To Continue In Abuja
CHANNELS TV
Justice Gabriel Kolawole has ruled that the trial of the former Governor of Benue State, Mr Gabriel Suswam, will continue at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
This followed an agreement by the defence and prosecution counsel that the trial will continue at the FHC.
Earlier, the prosecution had brought an application demanding that the trial be transferred to Benue State, saying the security situation there has been controlled and that there is peace in the state.
But the defence counsel, Mr Taiwo Kawul objected, insisting that there is still crisis in Benue as different factions loyal to Mr Suswam and the incumbent governor, Samuel Ortom are still fighting.
But the prosecutor refused the objection saying he can only move that the trial be continued in Abuja if the defence would make an undertaking that they will not challenge the trial on territorial jurisdiction.
Police Parade Suspected Kidnappers Terrorising Kaduna-Abuja Highway
CHANNELS TV
The Nigeria Police Force has reaffirmed its determination to resolve all kidnap cases in the country by arresting and prosecuting all suspected kidnappers.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Mr Jimoh Moshood, stated this in Abuja while parading eight suspected kidnappers who operate along the Abuja-Kaduna expressway.
Mr Moshood said a joint team of Policemen from Niger, Kaduna and the Federal Capital Territory busted the activities of the suspected kidnappers and rescued five victims.
He also noted that some suspected kidnappers, alleged to be responsible for the kidnap of some students of a Turkish school in Lagos, would be arraigned at a Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday, June 20.
Inter-agency Partnership Will Gain Nigerians’ Confidence – Akwa-Ibom CP
CHANNELS TV
The Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom, Mr Donald Awunah has called for inter agency collaboration to ensure peace and unity among various ethnic groups and residents in the state.
He said that the partnership between inter-agency will bring security and trust to Nigerians.
Awunah made the call on when he paid a courtesy visit to the Commanding Officer, Six Battalion Nigeria Army, Lt.-Col. S. U. Abubakar.
He said that the visit was to extend hands of fellowship of his command to officers and men of the battalion.
The visit was timed to build on the existing cordial relationship between the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Army in the state”
According to him, “The police and the army have been working together since the days of African Volunteer Force and the Hausa Constabulary of 1861.
He said that security officers and service personnel must be united and focused in order to make the Nigerian project of an indivisible nation a reality.
“Conflicts will send wrong signals to the populace and law enforcement community”.
He said that one of the core values of the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris policing agenda was inter agency partnership.
Awunah said that the collaboration and synergy would reduce crime and make the security of the nation easier.
He assured the Commanding officer of his open-door policy and the willingness of the police command under his watch to ensure adequate protection of life and property.
The Commanding Officer, Lt.-Col. S. U. Abubakar in his response said
“The need for such interaction, synergy and collaboration between sister security agencies could not be over emphasized.
“Cooperation between security agencies is very important in gaining trust and confidence of Nigerians”.
He commended the Commissioner of Police for his quick response to issues and accessibility to other security agencies, adding that his proactive nature has helped to reduce crime in the state.
READ ALSO: EFCC Seeks Synergy With Sister Agencies
Federer Seeks To Comeback After Stuttgart Stumble
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After his comeback was cut short by Tommy Haas in Stuttgart last week, Roger Federer is eager to get a win under his belt in the opening round of the Gerry Weber Open in Halle as the Swiss gears up for another tilt at Wimbledon.
Federer, who was stunned 2-6 7-6(8) 6-4 by 302nd ranked German Haas, faces Taiwan’s Lu Yen-Hsun in his opening game in Halle, a tournament the 18-times grand slam champion has won eight times.
“A comeback is never simple, especially on grass where margins are so slim,” Federer, who sat out the entire claycourt season to prepare his bid for an eighth Wimbledon crown, was quoted as saying by the ATP website. (www.atpworldtour.com)
“It’s important for me, especially after the Stuttgart week, to come here and make sure I win my first-round match and get going … The history I have here, having come and played well so often, definitely should help me to play good tennis this week.
“I want to take the right decisions on the tennis court. I don’t want to question myself too much. I’ll have the right focus and mindset, that point-by-point mentality.”
Federer had no regrets about missing the French Open to focus on Wimbledon but said it was a move he was unlikely to repeat.
Borno Suicide Attack: NEMA Confirms 16 Persons Dead
CHANNELS TV
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed that 16 persons were killed in a suicide bombing attack that rocked Borno State, North-East Nigeria.
The incident occurred when five female suicide bombers attacked a community on Sunday evening at about 08:30 p.m.
Also on June 7, the Boko Haram attacked Jiddari Polo in Maiduguri making residents flee their homes and taking refuge from another neighboring village.
Raiola: Ibrahimovic has many offers but none from AC Milan
goal.com
The agent suggested the striker wants to return to the Serie A side but has received no offers from the new board as he continues his recovery. Mino Raiola says Zlatan Ibrahimovic would already be back at AC Milan if Adriano Galliani were still at the club, but says the striker has many offers to consider.
Ibrahimovic is a free agent after being released by Manchester United as he continues his recovery from a cruciate ligament injury suffered in April. Although the 35-year-old will be out for several months, he has already been linked with several clubs, including a return to Italy. The former Inter, Juve and Milan star has numerous options, according to his agent, who says that his destination would already be sorted had Galliani stayed as Milan CEO after their takeover by Li Yonghong's Sino-Europe Sports investment group.
"Ibra is fine, he’s received so many offers, from the US and beyond,” Raiola told Gazzetta dello Sport. "He’s certainly not going to Napoli. Milan haven’t asked me about him. With Galliani, he’d already be there." Raiola made the comments in the wake of the dispute between his client Gianluigi Donnarumma and the Rossoneri as the 18-year-old goalkeeper told them he will not renew his contract. Milan's new CEO, Marco Fassone, said Donnarumma and his agent have cost the club €100 million over their decision, and Raiola fired back with claims his client was "bullied".
As well as Ibrahimovic and Donnarumma, Raiola said he could also be negotiating a move for Paris Saint-Germain's Blaise Matuidi in the close-season. “Clubs have asked me about Matuidi, like Inter and Juve. We’ll see,” he said. “The Bianconeri pulled out a year ago due to political reasons. Maybe this time."
Enyimba’s Lordon rues away loss to Nasarawa United
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The newly recruited People’s Elephant’s midfielder was left distraught after their defeat to hi ex-club in Lafia. Enyimba’s Ichull Lordson has rued his inability to help the People’s Elephant achieve a decent result against Nasarawa United in a league match on Sunday.
The Aba Elephants bowed 1-0 to the Solid Miners in the tough league tie played at the Lafia Stadium and the midfielder revealed that his former club hit them quickly on the counter when they were about settling into the second half having held them to a goalless draw in the first half.
“It was a painful defeat because we prepared very hard and ready to take the three points at stake. A point would have been the least result but God knows it all. I thought I could help my team get at least a point from Lafia but it was not to be. We must dust off the anger of this away loss and be focused on our next game with El Kanemi Warriors,” Lordson told Goal.
“It is not always a think of joy to lose but we must move on and think of what we must do to avert similar experience in the future. Our target to finish the league season strongly is still very much intact and we must redouble our efforts to ensure that we claim the maximum points in our next league game with El Kanemi Warriors.” The People’s Elephant dropped three places to seventh from last week’s third spot due to the defeat with 38 points from 25 games.
'Don't spread sh*t!' - Dani Alves responds to transfer rumours as Man City close in
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Pep Guardiola is hoping to sign the former Barcelona full-back, but the Brazilian has reacted angrily an Italian media outlet. Dani Alves has hit out at claims that he is on the verge of leaving Juventus.
Goal understands that Manchester City are closing in on a summer transfer for Alves as Pep Guardiola rebuilds his defence for 2017-18. The experienced full-back, 34, won Serie A and the Coppa Italia, as well as reaching the Champions League final, in his first season at Juve since completing a free transfer from Barcelona last year. Juve team-mate Gonzalo Higuain posted and then quickly deleted a video on Twitter in which he appeared to be saying goodbye to his team-mate.
But Alves appears to be unimpressed by the rumours, angrily responding to one Italian media company's speculative tweet. The Brazil international wrote: "Don't spread sh*t, [Higuain] sent a video for me in a television programme. Don't do your job badly, please." Alves has 12 months left on his contract in Italy.
Arsenal sign high performance coach Darren Burgess
goal.com
A former Liverpool employee, the Aussie Rules coach is set to link up with the Gunners in July after apparently being hand-picked by Arsene Wenger. Australian rules football team Port Adelaide have announced that they have reached an agreement with Arsenal which will see high performance coach Darren Burgess join the Gunners from July.
The fitness guru, who spent two-and-a-half years as the head of fitness and conditioning with Liverpool, is said to have been handpicked by Arsene Wenger himself. Burgess will join up with the Gunners in July, but he will return to Australia later that month to oversee the Port Adelaide's performance programme at the end of the current campaign. Furthermore, if Adelaide make it into the AFL Finals, Burgess will return to the club for the duration and then be back in October and November to make plans for the club and help find his successor.
"We acknowledge that this is a life-changing opportunity for Darren," chief executive Keith Thomas said. "But what we've been able to do is work with Arsenal to enact a transition process which limits any impact or disruption to our football program for this year, and retain Darren's expertise for our 2018 planning. "We are appreciative of Arsenal's understanding that the integrity of our football program is the absolute priority for our club."
Burgess, meanwhile, said the decision to join Arsene Wenger's side was a tough one. “Reaching this decision has been one of the toughest decisions in my professional career," he said. “When the opportunity came up to return to Port Adelaide I had no hesitation in returning. Port Adelaide is like family and once you’ve worked in this environment with so many outstanding people it is very difficult to leave. “However, the opportunity to return to the English Premier League and work at one of the world’s most successful sporting organisations in Arsenal is an opportunity I simply couldn’t refuse.
“I look forward to continue having a relationship with Port Adelaide from afar and thank the entire club for their support and many great memories over two stints.” Burgess spent over eight years at Adelaide over two spells, while he previously worked with Liverpool and the Australia Football Federation. Arsenal and Port Adelaide are also developing a partnership, which they say will allow them to grow sports science and professional development opportunities.
‘Cristiano is innocent’ - Ronaldo in tax row backed by La Liga chief
goal.com
The Real Madrid forward has been accused of evading many millions of euros in payments, with the issue leading him to seek a move away from Spain. Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo has been backed by the president of the Spanish Football League in his tax evasion case. The Portuguese forward is accused of evading €14.7 million (£13m/$16.4m) in tax payments by Madrid's criminal prosecution system.
Ronaldo is alleged to have committed four crimes between the years of 2011 and 2014 by hiding from the treasury the income generated in Spain by his image rights, which is a "voluntary and conscious" breach of one's tax obligations in the country.
The issue has now come to a head, with the 32-year-old reported to have informed Madrid of his desire to leave the reigning La Liga and Champions League title holders amid an unwelcome off-field saga. He has, however, received the support of LFP chief Javier Tebas, who has told La Sexta: "Knowing the environment and the professional that it is, I have no doubt that Cristiano is innocent. “We live in a time when any news related to the Spanish treasury is to point out criminals. From what I have read, I am convinced that there is no crime.”
Tebas has also acknowledged that the LFP would suffer if Ronaldo does take the decision to leave Madrid, with the four-time Ballon d’Or winner a considerable presence in La Liga.
He added: "It is not possible to quantify, but would be very important.
“Even more so with the international growth of the League. It would be a great loss for us, an irreparable loss. " Ronaldo netted 42 goals in 46 appearances for Madrid in the 2016-17 campaign, with that haul taking him past 400 for the club, 500 in his club career as a whole and through 100 efforts in the Champions League. Former employers Manchester United and big-spending Paris Saint-Germain are among those now keeping a close eye on his situation at Santiago Bernabeu.
Lukaku is a better fit for Chelsea than Morata, says Joe Cole
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The Blues icon thinks that the Toffees striker would make more of an impact at Stamford Bridge than the Los Blancos hitman. Joe Cole thinks that Romelu Lukaku would be a perfect replacement for Diego Costa, who is expected to leave Chelsea, but says Real Madrid's Alvaro Morata is a riskier option because of the Spanish striker's lack of experience in England.
Everton are thought to be starting negotiations for Lukaku at around £100 million but Chelsea are hoping to secure the Belgian international for less, while Manchester United have emerged as favourites to secure Morata. Cole is now playing football in Florida with the Tampa Bay Rowdies, but he is watching more Premier League football than ever due to ease of watching games on television in the U.S. He believes that Lukaku is a good fit for Chelsea and understands his former club's thinking to bring back the 24-year-old.
"Obviously the Costa thing has come out. Conte has told him that he wants him out so you would be looking aat a striker," Cole told Goal at Tampa's Contemporary and Modern Art Museum. "Lukaku, there’s a market for him, and you are competing for players. I like Lukaku. I’d take Lukaku, he is like for like with Costa, but they only need one or two players and just keep the continuity going. "I don’t know his character so it is hard to say [whether the comeback could affect him], but I would say is that the pressure is different when you play for Chelsea, rather than Everton. He is younger [than Costa], that’s in his favour."
"Sergio Aguero is in his prime, Alexis Sanchez is in his prime," Cole continued. "I think one of them three could be enough to make sure Chelsea are not weakened and maybe strengthened a little bit as well. The club will have to do their due diligence on the characters as well.
"The financial structure of it and the cost... I wouldn’t look outside of Lukaku, Sanchez and Aguero. [Alvaro] Morata is another one but he has never played in England so there is a little question mark there. Certainly they would be the players to look at."
Cole won eight major honours in seven years at Stamford Bridge and is regarded as a legend by Blues fans. He and Ashley Cole trained at Chelsea this winter, during the U.S. leagues' offseason, and Joe Cole said that it will be hard for his old club to improve on what they have got, having seen them up close last season. "It is tough at Chelsea, people keep telling me that we need to get the wing backs in, but Moses has been excellent. Alonso has been excellent so you are going to have to go some way to find players who are better for next season," he added.
"I went back in December and you could tell that they had the feel of champions, the place was very relaxed and calm. You know the quality's there so you just look to get a feel around the place.
"I went to watch them twice and they got the job done in both games, which shows what a team they were. They went on to win it comfortably and Conte put together a really top side." Cole is intending to pursue a career in football coaching after his playing days are over, but he insists he isn't quite ready to retire from playing just yet. He has had spells working with England's Under-18s and he will continue his Uefa A license badges during his next break.
The Rowdies attacker has also chipped in with coaching at his current club and admits that he was keen to learn about how Conte turned things around at Chelsea when he arrived to train at the club. "I spoke to the lads [about Conte]," added Cole. "I sadly didn't get the chance to speak with him because he is a busy man, but I was just looking at what he did from afar. I thought they were such a well-drilled team."
"It was the first time Chelsea had reinvented themselves for many years. I think Conte has come in with that system, and it seems to be the system that’s in vogue at the moment. They are the best at it Chelsea, they know it inside out and he has got the players to buy into it.
'Video Assisted Rubbish!' - Football world divided over VAR storm
goal.com
Opinion was divided as fans on social media had their say on the VAR decisions during Cameroon v Chile encounter at Otkrytie Arena on Sunday evening. Chile’s Eduardo Vargas was certainly in disbelief that his first half effort was cancelled, when he fired past Fabrice Ondoa after receiving a pass from Arturo Vidal - but the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) felt otherwise. It was the big talking point of the first half as Chile were denied the chance of taking the lead against Cameroon in the Confederations Cup tie. Referee Damir Skomina ruled the South American’s goal for an offside after VAR referral.
And there was still more drama from VAR in the dying seconds of the game, as Vargas made it two after firing home the rebound after Alexis Sanchez had his attempt blocked. Many felt the goal should not have stood. As usual, fans took to Twitter to express their thoughts on the effectiveness of the Video Assistant Referee.
Check out the best tweets and make up your own mind...
Was the second goal the right call, or was the VAR just making amends for ruling Vargas's first goal out for offside?!?#ConfedCup2017
One of worst parts of #VAR is that instead of players celebrating after goals, everyone is confused and watches the ref. #NoVAR#ConfedCup
@LukotoV I prefer my probably corrupt & poor referees over this Video Refereeing. It kills the vibe @RasNyiko @Monty_KurLu@RESTCRUZ
@BingiRasKhanari @LukotoV @RasNyiko @RESTCRUZ I like the VAR. We need accurate decisions in big games. Sometimes referees give horrible calls. The game should be fair. It will improve.
Well we just saw history unfold before our eyes...a perfectly good goal chalked off but restored...and no one died...
@tonyskill Honestly I love this VAR initiative..that Vargas goal was a clear goal..and yeye linesman wan rob am..kudos to FIFA
Is there anybody watching tonight that doesn't think VAR is a shambles? We're all going to hell in a handcart. #Thinkagain.
VAR keeps bursting bubbles at the #ConfederationsCup
The Vargas goal is legitimate. I'm in support of technology in football but the VAR is a no no for me @SuperSportTV
So VAR is "flawless"?! You sure?! pic.twitter.com/FUddjkwZtJ— Taylor Twellman (@TaylorTwellman) June 18, 2017
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