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Whilst most of their focus will be on handing Jurgen Klopp the perfect farewell, Liverpool still have one eye on summer reinforcements to start their new era in the best way possible. Reports are now even suggesting that they've made a major bid for a long-term target.

Liverpool transfer news

Following the news that Xabi Alonso is set to stay at Bayer Leverkusen for at least another season, it now looks as though Ruben Amorim is the main name being linked with the Liverpool job this summer. The 39-year-old has enjoyed incredible success at Sporting CP and could now be rewarded with the chance to complete the impossible task of replacing Klopp at Anfield this summer.

Of course, it will be easier to decipher Liverpool's transfer route when their next manager is announced, but that hasn't put an end to Michael Edwards' and Richard Hughes' work off the pitch when it comes to incomings. Reports have already linked the Reds to the likes of Jeremie Frimpong, who would slot straight into Amorim's wing-back system, and young Juventus centre-back Dean Huijsen.

Liverpool's 5/10 ace who was saved by Mac Allister must now be axed

Klopp’s Reds made life difficult but got the job done in the Premier League at Anfield.

By
Angus Sinclair

Apr 5, 2024

Edwards may want to officially announce his return to the transfer market in style, however, and there's arguably not many better ways to do that than by splashing the cash. According to El Debate in Spain, FSG and Liverpool have made a €150m (£129m) offer to sign Federico Valverde this summer, having reportedly been interested in the midfielder for five years now.

The newspaper's report does not make clear if the offer is brand new, but it is certain that the bid remains active on the table if Madrid choose to cash in.

It's a deal that would undoubtedly send shockwaves this summer, but it remains to be seen whether Real Madrid allow the Uruguay international to leave. Of course, Liverpool's midfield already received quite the upgrade last summer with the arrivals of Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch, but now Edwards could add the cherry on top by welcoming Valverde.

"Great" Valverde can form unstoppable partnership with Mac Allister

The reports of Liverpool's bid instantly sparks dreams over the partnership that Mac Allister and Valverde could form at Anfield. It's a mouth-watering prospect, with the midfield duo capable of keeping the Reds at the very top even without Klopp next season. Those in Merseyside got one of the best signings of the season for just £35m last summer and reports suggest that they're now ready to spend big to welcome another class act.

Real Madrid won't let Valverde go easily though, given the praise that he's received during his time at the Bernabeu, which includes the words of club legend and former manager Zinedine Zidane. The Frenchman said via Talksport after his side defeated Atletico Madrid in 2020's Spanish Super Cup final: "He's won the MVP trophy and I'm happy for him. He's done a great job, like everyone. I'm sure that we will want to share it with his team-mates."

As the summer approaches, Liverpool will be one of the most interesting clubs to watch as Edwards looks to make his mark, replace Klopp and perhaps pay out Valverde's hefty £180,000 per-week wages and large transfer fee.

The meeting cannot be held online as per the rules under which the BCCI is registered as a society

PTI11-Sep-2020The BCCI has indefinitely postponed its Annual General Meeting, supposed to be held by September 30, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, as the meeting cannot be held online.BCCI secretary Jay Shah wrote to the state units about the postponement. The Indian board is registered under the Tamil Nadu Societies Registration Act, 1975, and is required to hold an AGM before September 30 each year.”Owing to the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic, the Registration Department, Tamil Nadu Government, has extended the period for a registered society under the Tamil Nadu Societies Registration Act, 1975, to conduct an Annual General Meeting by three months, from September 2020 to December 2020,” Shah wrote in the letter accessed by PTI.”The Press Release further states that an Annual General Meeting of a registered society cannot be conducted online. It refers to a Government Order no. 89 dated 16th June 2020 issued by the Commercial Taxes and Registration Department (‘Notification’) which reiterates the above [sic].”After getting a legal opinion on the subject, the BCCI decided to postpone the AGM. The BCCI’s apex council meetings have been conducted virtually during the pandemic.”We also sought legal opinion regarding the applicability of the Press Release and the Notification on BCCI and as per their view, the same is applicable and BCCI is not required to conduct its Annual General Meeting by 30 September 2020 [sic],” the letter stated. “We will keep you informed regarding the date of the Annual General Meeting.”The previous BCCI AGM was held in October 2019, when Sourav Ganguly took over as president, ending a 33-month-long tenure of the Supreme Court-appointed Committee of Administrators.

Everton have secured a season-long loan move for Manchester City outcast Jack Grealish. The England international, who fell out of favour at City under Pep Guardiola, will now get an opportunity to redeem his career with regular game time under David Moyes. Grealish's loan deal to the Toffees will also include a purchase option set at round £50 million ($67m).

• Grealish joins Everton on loan
• Outcast at Man City
• Deal includes £50m ($67m) buy option

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Everton announced the arrival of Grealish on a season-long loan deal from City on Tuesday. The England international will wear the iconic number 18 shirt, which was once donned by legends like Wayne Rooney and Paul Gascoigne.

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  The earlier reported that Grealish, who was earning a whopping £300,000 a week at the Etihad Stadium, has accepted a significant pay cut to secure the loan move to Everton, as the Three Lions star is determined to revive his career on Merseyside with one eye on next summer's World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

• WHAT GREALISH SAID

  After completing the move, Grealish told Everton's official website: "I'm over the moon to have signed for Everton – It's massive for me, honestly. This is a great club, with great fans. As soon as I spoke to the manager, I knew there was only one place that I wanted to go. 

  "On social media, I've been flooded with messages from Everton supporters, so there's that side of it as well and that's another reason why I chose Everton. I want to say thank you to the fans for all of the messages I've had already. Thank you for all of the love and support. I hope I can repay you now and I'm sure I will."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR EVERTON?

  David Moyes' side play their first match of the 2025-26 Premier League campaign on August 18 as they take on newly promoted Leeds United. Grealish could make his Toffees debut in the clash at Elland Road. 

GOAL takes a look at the 10 most successful Designated Player signings over the past five years in Major League Soccer

Tottenham Hotspur and South Korea superstar Heung-Min Son is reportedly set to become Major League Soccer’s next blockbuster Designated Player, joining Los Angeles FC on a multi-year deal. He’ll be the latest face of the franchise, following Carlos Vela, Gareth Bale, Olivier Giroud, and current standout Denis Bouanga. Time will tell if the 33-year-old's brilliance translates to MLS – a league where big-name signings have both flourished and flopped since the introduction of the DP rule.

Dubbed the “Beckham Rule,” the DP mechanism was originally created so the LA Galaxy could sign the England icon. It’s since become a cornerstone of MLS roster building, allowing stars like Thierry Henry, Didier Drogba, David Villa, Ricardo Kaká, and Luis Nani to join the league.

Not all DPs have hit, but those who have? They’ve helped transform the league.

Lionel Messi is the most historic DP signing to date, but the past five years have seen multiple success stories that elevated players, clubs, and coaches alike.

From the Argentine legend to Bouanga, former Columbus Crew ace Cucho Hernández, and the mercurial Emanuel Reynoso, GOAL highlights the 10 most successful DP signings since 2020.

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  10Emanuel Reynoso, Minnesota United

  This inclusion might raise an eyebrow as Reynoso is not a household in MLS, but his contributions on the pitch will be long remembered.

  He was an enigma on the pitch for Minnesota United while at the club – a proper magician on the pitch who made something happen that made fans go "how the h*ll did he do that?!"

  The Argentine was the first real star to don the crest after joining the club as a DP in the fall of 2020. In his debut campaign, Reynoso bagged seven assists in 13 matches played, while the club went unbeaten in 12 of them with him on the pitch; he changed the trajectory of the Western Conference side to make them modern-day contenders.

  During the 2020 MLS playoffs, he recorded six assists in two matches, making league history by doing so, while either scoring or assisting in ALL eight goals Minnesota scored during that postseason run. And in 2022, he led the club in goals scored, which led to his first All-Star nomination. Yet, there were also challenges for the winger. 

  In 2023, he missed five months of the season due to "personal issues" in Argentina, after failure to report to preseason training camp which resulted in a league suspension. He was cleared to play in May of that year by the league. In 2024, he left during the March international break to attend a Green Card appointment in Argentina, but never attended it. He remained in Argentina for seven weeks and did not return to play for the club. He was transferred to Tijuana in Liga MX in May, 2024.

  It was a shambolic ending to a truly magical run from a talented player, who, for a glimpse, looked like a superstar in the making. A proper MLS footballer – for multiple reasons.

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  9Facundo Torres, Orlando City

  Facu Torres was nothing short of exceptional during his three-year stint with Orlando from 2022 to 2024. Across 95 regular-season games, he scored 37 goals and recorded six assists, putting the Eastern Conference side in contention each season for silverware. 

  In his debut campaign, he led the to a Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup title, their first piece of silverware since their founding as a club in 2015. In the final, a 3-0 win over Sacramento Republic FC, he scored a brace, leading them to victory in the match. 

  In 2024, his attacking heroics earned him a new contract in Southern Florida, and he responded with a career-year of 14 goals and six assists in 32 regular-season appearances, followed by two additional goals in the playoffs that saw Orlando make the Eastern Conference finals. 

  At the end of the 2024 campaign, he was transferred to Brazilian powerhouse Palmeiras for a club-record fee of $14 million.

  Torres left Orlando, leaving his mark on the club and the league. During his time in MLS, he became an established Uruguay international, while growing into the boots that he now proudly wears for both club and country at one of the world's biggest clubs. 

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  8Riqui Puig, LA Galaxy

  Puig faced heavy criticism for leaving Barcelona to join the Galaxy in MLS – criticism that, to be fair, wasn’t entirely unwarranted, as many fans and observers in Spain struggled to understand the move.

  However, it all worked out to the benefit of the Spaniard and MLS.

  Puig joined LA in 2022, and although things began slowly, his 2024 campaign was nothing short of magnificent. The Galaxy's rebuild began with the acquisition of Puig, and over 18 months, they assembled a roster around him, which led to their first MLS Cup triumph in a decade last season. During the regular-season campaign, Puig scored 13 goals and recorded 15 assists as a central midfielder, putting forth a historic campaign from the middle of the park. 

  During the postseason run, Puig scored an additional four goals and recorded three more assists as he booked their spot in the final. However, in their Conference final victory over the Seattle Sounders, he suffered a torn ACL that has him sidelined for the 2025 campaign.

  For a player who broke out as a teenager with Barcelona in Spain, but struggled for senior team minutes, he made a career-changing choice to come to MLS, but it's all paid off, and he's found a home stateside. Perhaps, he's also opened a door for similar young players to follow in his footsteps. 

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  7Thiago Almada, Atlanta United

  Almada became a World Champion with Atlanta United, representing Argentina at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and became the first active MLS player to do so. He joined the in 2022 as a Young DP and earned the title of Newcomer of the Year. He followed it with being named Young Player of the Year in 2023, earning Best XI honors, being named an MLS All-Star, and finishing third in league MVP voting.

  He led the league in assists in 2023 with 19, and capped it off with 11 goals across all competitions while becoming the youngest player in league history to reach double digits in both goals and assists during the regular season campaign. 

  After making 77 appearances for Atlanta, he earned a move to Botafogo, where he was subsequently loaned to Olympique Lyon in France. He earned a transfer to Atletico Madrid this summer, and will now begin work under legendary Argentine manager Diego Simeone in Spain.

ECB will announce fixtures for new tournament and T20 Blast on Wednesday

ESPNcricinfo staff11-Aug-2020The ECB has announced that this summer’s women’s domestic 50-over competition will be called the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, named after England’s World Cup-winning captain.The tournament will begin on the Bank Holiday weekend later this month – August 29-31 – and will feature the eight teams from the new regional hubs in two group of four. Each team will play six group-stage fixtures, with the top team in each group progressing to a final on September 26, held at the home ground of the finalist with the most points.The ECB has maintained its desire to stage some women’s domestic cricket throughout the Covid-19 crisis, and awarded 20 county players and five England rookies with regional retainer contracts in June. Some county games have been played in recent weeks, with Surrey’s win over the Middlesex in the London Cup last month the first major women’s fixture to take place this season.”I’m delighted that, despite the obvious challenges of Covid-19, we have been able to continue to build the new women’s elite domestic structure to the point that we’ll see the eight regions playing 50-over cricket this summer,” Clare Connor, the ECB’s managing director of women’s cricket, said.”Off the back of appointing the eight regional directors of women’s cricket and awarding regional retainers, we have worked closely with colleagues across the men’s domestic game to ensure we are able to stage domestic women’s cricket safely and at high-quality venues.”Rachael Heyhoe Flint would have been proud to witness the professionalisation of the domestic women’s game. She did so much for our sport and without her work, passion and dedication, we wouldn’t be where we are today. It’s therefore fitting that this special edition of the competition will be played in her honour.”ESPNcricinfo Ltd

The team names of the eight new regional hubs have also been confirmed, with six of the eight names identical or similar to those used in the Kia Super League. The two new sides are Central Sparks (Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Shropshire and Staffordshire) and Sunrisers (Middlesex, Essex, Northants, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Huntingdonshire, Norfolk, Suffolk).England players are unlikely to be available until the end of the competition due to their series against South Africa, which is due to start at the end of August, although dates are yet to be announced.The full schedule will be released alongside the men’s T20 Blast fixtures on Wednesday morning. The competition’s name from next season is yet to be announced, but the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy is currently planned as a one-off, similar to the Bob Willis Trophy in the men’s game.

Football goes beyond just being a sport to becoming a spectacle of human drama and emotion in the high-stakes arena of the UEFA European Championship, when nations clash and emotions erupt.

Over the years, there have been a number of contentious moments in football history. These incidents, which range from dodgy referee calls to controversial off-field decisions, have also generated discussions among players, spectators and officials.

And with technology now in play these days, there will surely be plenty more controversial moments to come.

With that being said, we have compiled a list of the top 10 most controversial moments in European Championship history…

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By
Luke Randall

Mar 14, 2024

10

Turkey v Croatia quarter-final

Crazy extra-time period ends in drama (Euro 2008)

The Euro 2008 quarter-final match between Turkey and Croatia was headed for a Croatian win with a late goal in extra time, only for Turkey to score an even later equaliser, taking the match to penalties, where they won.

The controversy stemmed from the timing of Turkey’s goal, with debates over whether the referee should have ended the match before the equaliser was scored. This incident remains a point of debate regarding timekeeping and referee discretion in ending matches, which is something we have seen in the Premier League and other leagues as well.

(The drama kicks in at 10:21 here…)

9

Marko Arnautovic’s goal celebration

North Macedonia incensed by Austrian's gesture (Euro 2020)

Marko Arnautovic appeared to disrespect opponents of Macedonian origin during his celebration following a goal against North Macedonia during Euro 2020.

Arnautovic received a one-match ban from UEFA as a result of the celebration, which some deemed unsportsmanlike and gave rise to accusations of racism. This served as a reminder of the organisation’s opposition to racism and discrimination.

8

Yugoslavia's disqualification

Civil war and expulsion led to huge tournament shock (Euro 1992)

Following a strong qualifying campaign, Yugoslavia had earned a spot in the 1992 Euro, which was scheduled to take place in Sweden. With a wealth of talent that has made major contributions to European football, the team was regarded as one of the tournament favorites. But the growing violence inside its boundaries attracted international criticism, and the UN placed economic sanctions on Yugoslavia as a result.

Less than a month before the competition was scheduled to begin in May 1992, UEFA, the organisation that governed football in Europe, came under growing pressure to take action. In the face of mounting worries about the event’s safety and security as well as the political ramifications of Yugoslavia’s involvement, UEFA took the historic decision to banish the Yugoslav squad from contention.

The dismissal occurred as a direct result of international sanctions placed on the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia by UN Security Council Resolution 757. The decision made by UEFA was in line with the larger international campaign to isolate Yugoslavia due to the conflict and violations of human rights that were taking place on its soil.

Denmark, who had placed second in the same qualifying group, was invited to play in the tournament to take up the void left by Yugoslavia’s exclusion. This last-minute addition proved to be a Cinderella tale as Denmark went on to win the title, overcoming Germany in the final and the Netherlands in the quarter-finals.

7

Sol Campbell disallowed goal v Portugal

Late header would've sent England to the semi-finals (Euro 2004)

England defender Sol Campbell headed what many English fans believed to be a worthy late winner in the quarter-final matchup against Portugal at Euro 2004. Nevertheless, the goal was disallowed by the referee, who penalised John Terry for supposedly fouling Portuguese goalkeeper Ricardo in the build-up.

It has been disputed whether the referee’s ruling was excessively harsh, which resulted in England’s elimination following a penalty shootout.

Sol Campbell has come out since, talking on the incident.

6

Mario Balotelli racist abuse v Croatia

Striker's displays overshadowed by vile fan behaviour (Euro 2012)

During Euro 2012, Mario Balotelli was subjected to racist taunts, particularly during the group stage match between Croatia and Italy in Poland, in which Croatian fans were the suspects.

UEFA investigated the racial insults after taking the matter seriously. After the investigation, UEFA fined the Croatian Football Federation €80,000 (£62,800) for the fan behaviour, which included inappropriate and racist banners being displayed, pyrotechnics being set off and thrown, as well as racist chants directed at Balotelli.

5

Spain's 'offside' goal v Croatia

Croatia fume as late winner allowed to stand (Euro 2012)

Another controversial moment in 2012 was the dispute that erupted during Croatia’s match against Spain, leaving players and spectators arguing over the nuances of football’s offside rule.

The dispute started in the 88th minute. After receiving a pass from Cesc Fabregas, Andres Iniesta appeared to be in an offside position, but he calmly squared to Jesus Navas, who hammered the ball into an empty net. The players from Croatia, together with their coach Slaven Bilić, quickly protested the goal, who maintained that when Fabregas made the pass, Iniesta was offside.

The decision was quite close, as evidenced by post-match replays and analysis. Some angles even suggested that Iniesta might have been level with the final defender at the time the ball was played. But as there was no VAR available at the time, the assistant referee’s on-field ruling stayed and there was no chance for a video review.

Spain: Every European Championship campaign

Spain are one of the European Championship’s most successful sides – here is their complete record…

By
Stephan Georgiou

Mar 18, 2024

4

Booing of the Danish national anthem

English fans make for hostile environment in tense semi (Euro 2020)

When England and Denmark played in the Euro 2020 semi-final at Wembley Stadium, English fans booed the Danish national anthem, which caused a lot of controversy and outrage.

This move was swiftly criticised heavily by spectators as well as by those within the stadium. The media and supporters condemned the conduct as “disgraceful” and “unsportsmanlike”, emphasising that it goes against the values of respect and worldwide unity as well as the spirit of the game.

We have to agree.

3

Ronald Koeman's crazy celebration

Koeman's shirt swap causes fury (Euro 1988)

One of the most talked-about moments from Euro 1988 was Ronald Koeman’s celebration following West Germany and the Netherlands’ semi-final match, which perfectly captured the fierce rivalry between the two countries.

The incident in question happened after the game when Germany’s Olaf Thon and Koeman were spotted switching shirts. Now, this doesn’t seem like anything crazy, but it was what came after that caused a rift. Television cameras captured Koeman acting as though he was wiping his behind right in front of the Dutch supporters, wearing the shirt that Thon had given him.

Outrage was instantly ignited by this move, which was seen as a deliberate act of disrespect towards the German team and its supporters.

2

Spain banned from playing against USSR

Soviets given walkover after Spain forfeit quarter-final (Euro 1960)

One famous instance of politics having a direct impact on sports during the Cold War era is Spain’s withdrawal from the 1960 European Nations’ Cup – the first edition of the European Championship – after being pitted against the Soviet Union.

Spain were scheduled to meet the Soviet Union in the tournament’s quarter-finals but dictator Francisco Franco’s administration stopped the game from being played on Spanish territory. Strongly anti-communist, Franco’s government refused to acknowledge the Soviet Union.

The Spanish Football Federation was forced to exit the competition as a result of government intervention, allowing the Soviet Union to advance to the semi-finals. The USSR defeated Yugoslavia 2-1 in the tournament final in Paris to win the title.

1

Sweden v Denmark match-fixing allegations

Convenient result angers Italy (Euro 2004)

Due to claims of match-fixing, the Euro 2004 Group C encounter between Sweden and Denmark caused a great deal of controversy. Italy was eliminated from the tournament with the final score of a 2-2 draw, which sparked rumours and claims that the two Scandinavian nations may have orchestrated the outcome.

Before the game, there was a lot of talk that, regardless of Italy’s performance against Bulgaria in their last group encounter, a 2-2 draw would guarantee that both Sweden and Denmark advanced to the quarter-finals at the expense of Italy. Suspicion and tensions increased during the game, particularly among Italian supporters and the media, as it progressed and reached the controversial 2-2 outcome.

Sweden equalised after Denmark took the lead twice, and the second Swedish goal came late in the game to seal the draw that would see both teams through.

Italian supporters and media expressed their displeasure, criticising the match’s integrity and claiming that the result was too opportune to be coincidental. However, players, referees, and coaching staff from both Sweden and Denmark angrily refuted any accusations of match-fixing, insisting that the game was done honestly and competitively.

After reviewing the game, UEFA also discovered no proof of conspiracy or misconduct on the part of the participating teams, which led to them upholding the outcome.

The men’s and women’s cricketers of the year also got two other awards each

Firdose Moonda04-Jul-2020Quinton de Kock and Laura Wolvaardt were named South Africa’s Men’s and Women’s Cricketer of the Year respectively at CSA’s annual awards ceremony, held virtually on Saturday night. Both players also scooped up two other awards, with de Kock winning Test cricketer of the year and men’s players’ player of the year and Wolvaardt winning ODI cricketer of the year and women’s player’s player of the year.Lungi Ngidi took both men’s white-ball awards after being named ODI and T20 player of the year. Shabnim Ismail was named women’s T20 player of the year while David Miller was voted the fans’ favourite player. Anrich Nortje was recognised as the newcomer of the 2019-20 season, which was the worst for the South African men’s team since readmission.A disastrous World Cup campaign, Test series defeats away to India and at home to England and only one white-ball series win from the four played at home made this a difficult year for South African cricket to celebrate for everyone but de Kock. He stood head and shoulders above the rest, as their second-highest run-scorer across the seven Tests (behind Dean Elgar), their highest run-scorer in the ODIs and T20Is against England, and the T20I series against Australia, and their new white-ball captain. For all his efforts with the bat, de Kock did not star in the ODI series against Australia, which South Africa swept 3-0, but he did captain them to their only trophy of the summer.The list of CSA awards winners for 2020•ESPNcricinfo

“Quinny is the leading wicketkeeper-batsman in Test cricket and is, in fact, one of the leading batsmen in both red ball and white-ball cricket. He is also starting to emerge as an outstanding leader,” CSA Acting CEO, Dr Jacques Faul, said.This was the second time de Kock has won the biggest prize in the country’s game, after also being named cricketer of the year in 2017. He joins Jacques Kallis, Makhaya Ntini, Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers and Kagiso Rabada on the list of players who have won the award twice.The other notable performers in the men’s game were bowlers and of those, Ngidi and Nortje made the biggest impacts. After missing the season’s home Tests with a hamstring injury, Ngidi returned to lead the white-ball wicket-takers’ list in both formats. Nortje made his Test debut in India and was the most successful bowler in the Test series against England, from both sides. He also featured in South Africa’s white-ball teams, and worked well with Ngidi, providing another attacking option.The women’s team fared much better than the men’s, having secured automatic qualification to next year’s 50-over World Cup by beating New Zealand away from home and in reaching the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup. Wolvaardt became the youngest player to win the women’s cricketer of the year award, at 21-years-and-two-months old. She was South Africa’s second-highest run-scorer in ODIs against India and New Zealand and showed her ability to significantly up her strike-rate at the T20 World Cup, where she was one of the stand-out performers. So too was Ismail, who took the T20 prize. Left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba, who also featured at the tournament, was named women’s newcomer of the year.”Laura was named in the tournament select XI at the conclusion of the ICC Women’s World T20 which tells us a great deal about the esteem in which she is held at international level,” Faul said. “At the age of 21 her best years are ahead of her and she will be a key player when the team go to the Women’s World Cup next year.”At domestic level, Cape Cobras’ left-arm spinner George Linde, who also made his Test debut, in India, was awarded the four-day cricketer of the year title. Linde was second on the wicket-takers’ list and also voted the franchise system’s Most Valuable Player. Dolphins’ batsman Grant Roelofsen, who led the one-day cup run charts, was named one-day player of the year and was also the domestic players’ player of the year while Tabraiz Shamsi, who bowled the Paarl Rocks to the Mzansi Super League (MSL) title, was named the tournament’s impact player. Janneman Malan, the highest local run-scorer at the MSL, was the competition’s noteworthy young player of the year.

Chelsea have been warned by UEFA over inflated fees on swap transfers along with Aston Villa, with both under scrutiny after receiving recent fines.

• Chelsea and Villa warned
• Engaged in a controversial swap last summer
• UEFA attempting to enforce financial rules

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to UEFA are attempting to crack down on 'inflated' swap deals, which often involve home-grown players and are with the intention of avoiding a breach of PSR rules. As both Chelsea and Villa recently received fines from UEFA, £27 million ($36m) and £9.5m ($13m) respectively, the two Premier League clubs are being watched particularly closely. They are under settlement agreements and could face larger fines and a potential ban from European competition if they breach further financial rules.

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  What makes the situation around these two clubs particularly intriguing is that they did engage in a controversial swap deal last summer. Omari Kellyman moved from Villa to Chelsea for £19m ($25.5m), while Ian Maatsen moved the other way for £37.5m ($50m).

  Both figures raised eyebrows, particularly when you consider that Villa could simply have paid £18.5m for Maatsen and sent Kellyman across as part of the deal. The fact that both sides received payments for a home-grown player indicated a desire for PSR gains. It seems UEFA have picked up on this, as report states that European football's governing boy has confirmed they "knocked back the value of at least one deal involving both Chelsea and Villa".

• DID YOU KNOW?

  UEFA's financial rules are stricter than those of the Premier League in terms of permitted losses, which would explain why the two English heavyweights have been fined by the governing body but not domestically. The waters of football finance are becoming increasingly murky as Chelsea have reportedly sold two hotels in order to comply with PSR rules, while Villa agreed a deal to sell their women's team.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA AND VILLA?

  Both clubs will need to be more careful as they are unlikely to be let off with any more warnings. Club World Cup winners Chelsea in particular have just enjoyed a fantastic first season under Enzo Maresca on the pitch, so must keep their act together if they are to avoid ruining their quick progress with more serious punishment.

Over the last few months, Arsenal have built a reputation as intelligent operators in the transfer market.

For example, the arrivals of Martin Odegaard, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli, and even David Raya have all proven to be brilliant moves that have dramatically improved the team's quality.

However, while Mikel Arteta and Edu Gaspar have bought well, they've also sold well.

Just a few years ago the pair sanctioned the sale of a Hale End gem for £25m whose value has since cratered and is now worth less than Eddie Nketiah.

Eddie Nketiah's transfer valuation in 2024

Nketiah joined the Gunners as a 14-year-old after being released by cross-city rivals Chelsea and has since become an important member of Arteta's squad.

The academy graduate made his debut for the first team in a Europa League match against Bate Borisov in September 2017, but he made his full debut the following season in the same competition, as Arsenal beat Vorskla Poltava 3-0.

He would make sporadic appearances over the following years and even spend six months on loan with Leeds United in the 2019/20 season before getting a real chance in the first team in the latter half of the 2021/22 campaign, scoring ten goals and providing one assist in 27 appearances as Arsenal came close to securing top four.

The following year, he was just as crucial in the club's title charge when Gabriel Jesus was ruled out for several months with a knee injury, scoring nine goals and providing three assists in 39 games.

However, as valuable as he was last year, the 24-year-old's opportunities have been severely limited this season with the arrival of Kai Havertz.

With his role reduced in the team and his £100k-per-week contract set to run until June 2027, Arsenal appear set to sell their academy product, with West Ham United one of several clubs heavily touted for his signature at a price of around £43m.

It wouldn't be the first time they have successfully cashed in on an academy gem either, and if Nketiah's career mirrors Joe Willock's, then the club could be playing a blinder.

Joe Willock's transfer value after leaving Arsenal

Like Nketiah, Willock fought his way through Arsenal's various youth sides before making his full debut for the first time in the Europa League clash against Bate Borisov in September 2017.

Over the next few seasons, the Waltham Forest-born midfielder made 78 appearances for the Gunners, scoring 11 goals and providing four assists before being sent on loan to Newcastle United for the second half of the 2020/21 campaign. In that period, he scored eight goals in just 14 games.

This excellent run of form saw the Magpies spend £25m to secure the Englishman's signature that summer.

However, in the 85 appearances since, the 24-year-old has scored just seven goals and provided six assists, which would explain why his valuation has plunged since the transfer, with the Football Transfers' Expected Value model pricing the Toon star at just €23m, or £20m, which is £5m less than he was sold for and a whopping £23m less than the price Nketiah could fetch.

West Ham signing Eddie Nketiah now possible as Arsenal make decision

The Hammers are a serious destination for him.

By
Emilio Galantini

Mar 17, 2024

Ultimately, Arsenal's decision to sell Willock was the right one, and if they can repeat the trick with Nketiah this summer, they must jump at the chance.

The former Free State Cricket president and father of the late SA captain Hansie was ailing from cancer

Firdose Moonda11-May-2020Ewie Cronje, the former Free State Cricket president and father of the late South Africa captain Hansie Cronje has died. Cronje was suffering from stomach cancer. He was 80.Cronje played 27 first-class matches for Free State between 1960 and 1971 but was better known for his time in administration. He played a leading role in establishing and growing cricket at the University of the Free State and went on to become president of Free State Cricket Union, a position he held between 1983 and 1990. Cronjé was a mentor to some of the province’s high-profile players including Allan Donald, Corrie van Zyl and Boeta Dippenaar.He stood by Hansie during the match-fixing scandal in the year 2000 and though Hansie was banned from all forms of cricket and died two years later, Ewie continued to work in the development of the game. In 2012, Cronje was honoured by Cricket South Africa, who presented him with the Khaya Majola Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his years of service to the game.Cronje’s health deteriorated steadily this year and he was unable to speak when former cricket boss Dr Ali Bacher contacted him late last month to mend their relationship. Bacher told the weekly Afrikaans newspaper that the coronavirus pandemic prompted him to reach out to Cronje, who he had not spoken to in almost two decades. Though Cronjé could not respond, he was able to listen to Bacher and his family reported that his response was emotional.That was three weeks ago, when Cronje was described as seriously ill. At 2.05pm on Monday, he passed away.With South Africa still under a strict lockdown and restrictions in place on the number of people who can gather, the family have opted not have a funeral at this stage. Cronje is survived by his wife San-Marie, his son Frans and his daughter Hester.