Showing posts with label sports. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sports. Show all posts

Ex Super Eagles Coach Keshi Threatens To Drag Nigeria Football Federation To FIFA


Stephen Keshi, who was sacked on Saturday as head coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles, is threatening to file a case against the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) at the FIFA Court of Arbitration. Stephen Keshi

Mr. Keshi was fired over allegations that he applied for a job to coach Les Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire. The former Super Eagles coach denied seeking the Ivorian coaching job, according to a report prepared by the NFF disciplinary committee following a meeting attended by Mr. Keshi before his sack. However, the NFF insisted that the embattled coach did not present enough strong evidence to prove his innocence.

Subsequently, the NFF considered the coach’s alleged application for the coaching job in Cote d’Ivoire as a breach of contract. The Nigerian football governing body therefore felt justified in removing Mr. Keshi, who led Nigeria to the AFCON Cup, without giving him any financial compensation.


The NFF’s report disclosed that Mr. Keshi appeared before the disciplinary panel regarding the allegation against him, adding that the coach declared that it was not true that he, his agent or anybody acting on his behalf applied for the vacant position with the Les Elephant of Cote D’Ivoire. But the football body stated that the sacked coach “did not back his statement with any evidence.”

The report stated that the sacked coach’s contract had stipulated that he “shall not engage in any other service or business whatsoever during the term of his employment and shall, unless prevented by ill-health, devote all his time and attention to the service of the NFF as may be necessary for the proper exercise of his duties.”

Despite the evidence against him, Mr. Keshi maintained he did not apply for any job. The coach, who previously coached in Mali and Togo, indicated his intention to take his case to the FIFA arbitration process in order to claim his entitlement and seek justice.

Mr. Keshi is the second African coach to have won the African Cup of Nations both as a player and coach (1994 as a player, and 2013 as a coach). The only other person was the now late Egyptian, Mahmoud El Gohary, who won the trophy in 1959 as a player, and later won it again as a coach in 1998

Poll: Should Under-Fire Messi Be Dropped From The Argentina National Team?

 Poll: Should under-fire Messi be dropped from the Argentina national team?

The 28-year-old has been the subject of heavy criticism in his homeland following Saturday's Copa America final loss to Chile but would the Albiceleste be better off without him?
Another summer, another final heartbreak for Argentina. After their extra-time defeat to Germany in the 2014 World Cup showpiece, Tata Martino's side again fell short in last Saturday's Copa America final - losing on penalties to hosts Chile.

It is now over 20 years since the Albiceleste won a major title and it is star man Lionel Messi who is bearing the brunt of the blame back home.

Despite breaking a host of records and winning four Champions League titles with Barcelona, the 28-year-old has been unable to replicate his club heroics with the national side.

There are increasing calls in the Argentine media for Messi to be dropped - with the playmaker criticised for not caring about his nation and for being unable to function outside of Barcelona's setup.

However, Goal's Argentina edition has launched a campaign defending the favourite for the 2015 Fifa Ballon d'Or, asking Facebook users to support their #YoBancoAMessi (I support Messi) hashtag.

But, what should Martino do? Should he persist with the Barcelona hero or build a new team without him?

Have your say in our poll!

-goal.com

Jose Mourinho Rejects Chelsea's Offer For Salary Increase

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The Chelsea FC manager, Jose Mourinho has reportedly turned down a massive pay rise to extend his stay at Chelsea, according to Daily Star. The Special One enjoyed a fabulous campaign last term, guiding the Blues to a domestic double – Capital One Cup and Premier League.
Though he has agreed a new four-year deal, The Sun suggest he will still be on the same £8.5million salary. The only subtle difference they suggest, is that Mourinho’s new deal will run for two more years which means he will stay at Stamford Bridge until 2019.
A source close to Mourinho told the paper: “It has been an easy deal to do. Jose said he’s happy on the same money as before so we’re just extending the contract by two years. Everyone’s delighted. I don’t need a contract, I don’t need a pay rise.  I stay as long as Mr Abramovich wants me!” He said.

Superstar Ronaldo meets Mear-Nude Clone In Tokyo

Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo came face to face with a scantily clad life-size double on Wednesday when Japanese scientists unveiled a “cyber clone” of the Portuguese pin-up. The 30-year-old, who was in Tokyo to promote an electric muscle stimulator for sculpting a washboard stomach, gave the thumbs-up to the doppelganger with moving facial features, created after a 3D scan of his body using 110 micro cameras.
Portugal's forward Cristiano Ronaldo leaves the field with an ice pack bandaged on his left knee after a training session in Campinas, Sao Paulo, on June 18, 2014, during the 2014 FIFA World Cup.AFP PHOTO/Jewel Samad
Portugal’s forward Cristiano Ronaldo leaves the field with an ice pack bandaged on his left knee after a training session in Campinas, Sao Paulo, on June 18, 2014, during the 2014 FIFA World Cup.AFP PHOTO/Jewel Samad
“It’s perfect,” smiled Ronaldo as he checked out the clone with fluttering eyelids and roving eyes. “I love it.” The silicon dummy, made with the help of a Hollywood studio, was naked but for a black pair of Ronaldo‘s own brand of underwear and the pulsing “Six-Pad” device attached to its torso.
“I have to say he looks just like me,” added Ronaldo. “I would be a liar if I said it doesn’t.”
Ronaldo, the reigning world footballer of the year, has legions of fans who swoon over his chiselled looks and muscular physique, which he regularly shows off by removing his shirt to celebrate goals.
There was a similar reaction when Ronaldo was wheeled out for Japanese television as studio guests giddily prodded and poked his stomach. A detailed graphic also revealed his “eight-pack” — not the standard six that gym-goers aspire to.
Celebrities on Fuji TV’s “Viking” show cooed “Oh, your face is so small” — a traditional Japanese compliment for good-looking foreigners — as Ronaldo appeared in jeans, a tight T-shirt and diamond ear studs. Ronaldo, who earns an estimated $43 million a year in salary and endorsements, laughed when the male presenter asked about reports the player does 3,000 sit-ups daily.
“No, that’s not true,” he said. “I hit the gym after training every day, sure. But I do about 300 sit-ups a day.” Asked to show off his belly, Ronaldo duly obliged to approving gasps, while studio guests lifted their own shirts to reveal flabby tummies, one wag shouting “I’ve got a one-pack!” to Ronaldo‘s amusement.
Ronaldo visited Japan last year to push a face-stretching gadget designed to enhance the user’s smile, although he refused to put it in his mouth as intended, perhaps fearful of a backlash on social media. Japan is a common destination for European or American stars who are paid big money to sell products that never see the light of day back home.
Many insist on confidentiality clauses, preventing commercials from being shown in their home countries, although the spread of the Internet has now complicated the process.

Cristiano Ronaldo Returns Lost Phone, Takes Owner On Dinner Date

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According to reports, A lady lost her phone and Cristiano Ronaldo found the missing phone at a club and called the owner to come pick it up.
When the lady, Austin Woolstenhlme showed up, the Real Madrid striker took her and her friends to dinner.
The excited Austin shared the news on Twitter, she wrote “Bad news is I lost my phone two days ago. Good news is Cristiano Ronaldo found it. Better news is he took us to dinner last night.”
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Super Eagles Legend Sunday Oliseh Likely To Emerge As Nigeria’s New Coach

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Sunday Oliseh is in advanced talks with the Nigerian Football Federation over becoming the new Super Eagles coach, BBC Sport understands.
The 40-year-old former midfielder, who captained Nigeria and won 63 caps, is set to be appointed in the coming days.
The NFF have acted quickly to fill the vacancy following the sacking of Stephen Keshi on Saturday.
Oliseh was part of the Nigeria squad that won the Africa Cup of Nations in 1994 and Olympic gold two years later.
He also played at the World Cup in 1994 and 1998, helping the Super Eagles to the last-16 at both tournaments and in the latter he scored a memorable winner as Nigeria shocked Spain 3-2 in a group match.
A member of the “golden generation” of Nigerian football stars, alongside Jay-Jay Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu and Finidi George, Oliseh has been working as a pundit, sport consultant and Fifa Technical committee member.
Oliseh has little management experience, having coached only Belgian lower league side Vervietois between 2008 and 2009, but he does hold the Uefa Pro Licence.
He would take over from NFF technical director Shaibu Amodu and assistant coach Salisu Yusuf, who are are currently in charge on an interim basis.

I Am Ready To Fight Floyd Mayweather Again -Manny Pacquiao

Filipino boxing star Manny Pacquiao said on Wednesday he was recovering well after surgery for a shoulder injury, a news report said.
“I’m ready to fight, next year,’’ he said in Indonesia when he was asked whether he was ready for a re-match with Floyd Mayweather after their fight in May, a website reported.
Pacquiao tore a rotator cuff in his right shoulder while on training and during the much-anticipated fight against Mayweather on May 2 and underwent surgery afterwards. Pacquiao lost the fight by unanimous decision.
“I’m fine. I can lift it,’’ Pacquiao said, gesturing with his right arm during a trip to Indonesia to film a commercial’’.
Several lawsuits have been filed against Pacquiao and his promoters for allegedly failing to disclose his shoulder injury before the fight against Mayweather, the most lucrative bout in history.
Reports in his home country, the Philippines, said that he was planning to visit a Philippine woman facing execution in Indonesia for drug trafficking.
Pacquiao, who also heads a Philippine parliamentary commission on migrant workers, appealed to Indonesian President Joko Widodo in April to show clemency to Veloso. (dpa/NAN)

Mourinho Extends Deal At Chealsea FC

JOSE Mourinho is poised to sign a new four-year contract at Chelsea.
Jose Mourinho
Jose Mourinho
The London Evening Standard are reporting that he’s agreed to sign a four-year contract with the club which will keep him at Stamford Bridge until 2019.
Mourinho will see his £165,000-a-week wages remain at the same level and that means he will rake in £34m over the duration of the contract.
“I am in his hands. I want to stay, I don’t want to leave. I am not asking for a better contract”
He hasn’t signed the contract yet, but it is expected to be confirmed before the start of next season.
He signed a four-year deal in 2013 when he returned to the club for a second time and he declared himself to be the happy one on his return to London.
He’s made it clear he wants to stay at Stamford Bridge for he foreseeable future.
At the end of last season he said: “Mr [Roman] Abramovich needs to be very calm.

Emmanuel Emenike Denied Stories Saying He Has Converted To Islam



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Emmanuel Emenike has dismissed as untrue a report claiming that he has converted to Islam from Christianity. The Fenerbahce striker was missing when the squad had breakfast on Saturday, prompting the manager to ask of his whereabouts and he responded by telling the coach he was fasting, this coincidentally is within the Muslim Ramadan fasting.
New Fenerbache coach wants Emenike to stay
The former Spartak Moscow hit man told AfricanFootball.com he is baffled by the leaking of his personal life to the media.
“The report that I am now a Muslim is absolute rubbish and false. I want the source of the news to re-address it. I have no reason to convert to Islam even though I have lots of Muslim friends. Is there any big deal observing fasting during the (Muslim) fasting period?” he asked rhetorically.
“I am very disappointed seeing the news going viral because it is something I told my coach in our conversation when he asked me a question and never said I have become a Muslim. Fasting is not what everybody should know that you are doing and it’s very sad seeing this in the media.”
Emenike further told AfricanFootball.com: “I am Catholic, a strong one for that matter, and I came from Christian home. I don’t discriminate against anybody and I believe we are all equal in the presence of God, so what is the big deal in fasting?
“Does he know how many time I fast to get closer to God before the fasting periods? It’s really sad because I don’t see it as a big deal.”

Ahmed Musa likely to captain super eagles as Vincent Enyeama is stripped of the captaincy

AhmedMusa has been lined up to be the next captain of Nigeria when Vincent Enyeama is stripped of the captaincy.
Musa
Musa
Lille goalkeeper Enyeama is expected to be dropped as the country’s skipper after his recent act of indiscipline when on national team duty.
The CSKA Moscow forward Ahmed Musa led the Super Eagles when they faced South Africa in a friendly earlier this year.
The former Flying Eagles star made his international debut against Madagascar in 2011 in Calabar and he has half a century of caps now.
A top official informed that besides his seniority in the national team, his comportment on and off the pitch has been exemplary.
At only 22, he will be one of the youngest players ever to lead the country’s team.
The jet-heeled winger or forward featured at the 2013 AFCON which Nigeria won in South Africa and scored twice against Argentina at last year’s World Cup in Brazil.

Leave me alone, sacked coach Stephen Keshi tells Nigerians

Sacked Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi has told Nigerians to leave him alone after being relieved of his duties by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) at the weekend.
Super Eagles Head Coach, Stephen Keshi with Home Based Super Eagles at a News Conference at the Eagles' Camp in Abuja
Sacked Super Eagles Head Coach, Stephen Keshi with Home Based Super Eagles at a News Conference at the Eagles’ Camp in Abuja File Photo
Speaking yesterday, the former Togo and Mali coach begged soccer fans to allow him rest with his family in the United State of America as he was no longer in charge of the national team.
Keshi  urged fans to direct their questions on the Eagles to the assistant coach of the team, Abdulahi Yusuf, who will now work with head coach Shuaibu Amodu on an interim basis until a substantive coach is engaged by the NFF.
“Please, I want Nigerians to leave me alone and allow me spend time with my family. The only thing on my mind now is to be with my family and I don’t want to be bothered with any matter associated with the Super Eagles.
“‘I want people to understand that I do not have anything on the Super Eagles. The only thing I want to do is be with my loved ones. Direct all your questions to Yusuf or whoever is coaching the team”, added the former Eagles captain.

Messi in pain over defeat in final

Lionel Messi has told of the pain of losing the Copa America final after the football superstar faced criticism in his native Argentina.
Lionel Messi of Argentina (R) looks dejected after a goal during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Final match between Germany and Argentina at Maracana on July 13, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by FIFA
Lionel Messi
Messi finally posted a statement on his facebook account late Monday having hidden his devastation at losing another major final since the 4-1 penalty shootout defeat by Chile on Saturday.
“There’s nothing more painful in football than losing a final,” Messi said.
“But I don’t want to leave it any longer to say thank you to everyone who has always supported us and continued to during the tough moments.”
Messi, 28, has now lost one World Cup and two Copa America finals and still has to win a major international event despite his success with Barcelona.
Argentina, beaten 1-0 by Germany in last year’s World Cup final, have now not won a major title for 22 years.
Messi left the pitch ashen faced after the latest defeat and unconfirmed Spanish media reports said he turned down the player of the tournament trophy. The trophy was withdrawn before the presentation ceremony in Santiago.
Messi and the other Argentine stars were criticised by the country’s media for their performance. Members of his family were also abused by Chilean fans at the match, according to Argentinian media.
Some observers have warned that Messi could walk away from the national side.
“One day this boy is going to get tired and will not want to come to play for the team,” former Argentine international Matias Almeyda, now coach of the Banfield club, told Fox Sports television.
“He’s the best player in the world and he is not treated in the way he deserves,” Almeyda added.
Messi had a brilliant season with the all-conquering Barcelona but Almeyda said “it is very difficult (for Argentine players) to repeat for the national team what they do for their clubs.

players of FC Taraba in a protest over non payment of salaries and bonuses

The Football Club of Taraba (FC Taraba) has protested the non payment of their salaries and match bonuses to Taraba state government house Jalingo.
The players led by their captain kelvin Njoka with placards and green leaves while heading to government and guided by heavy armed police men.
The leader of the protesters who is the captain of the team Mr. Kelvin Njoka while submitting the players complain to the secretary to the state government said the players were totally abandoned by the state government for close to ten months.
Kelvin lamented that the players match allowances and salaries were not paid by the state government for close to ten months.
Kelvin also stated that the lark of warfare to the players has demoralized their performances at the Nigerian Premier League which forced the team to be at position 19 currently.
He said the club was at the top of the league after eight matches, he regretted the inability of the state government to cater for the players who came into the state from other states of the federation to contribute to the development of Taraba state.
He said the players were set to go back to the camp and decides among themselves wether to continue with training and matches or not.
Mr. Anthony Jerason the secretary to Taraba state government who received the protesters at the gate of government house plead with players to be patient with the new administration of Darius Ishaku as the governor was yet to settle in the office.
“We sympathized with you, as a responsible government we are committed to tackle challenges we inherited but sincerely we have inadequate resources at hand for now”
” it would not take us time to look into your matter because we can’t imagine that someone has not been paid for nine months but with time we shall wipe away these challenges”
“Go back and train am going to detail the governor as soon as he returns from Abuja and your warfare shall be properly looked into” Jelason stated

Why NFF should not hire a foreign coach

Some football administrators and fans alike in Delta have condemned the recent sacking of Super Eagles Coach, Stephen Keshi by the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF).
The NFF announced termination of Keshi’s contract on July 4, citing that he lacked the required commitment to achieve the federation’s objectives as contained in his contract
Some people who spoke on Monday in Asaba said the latest action could portend grave dangers for the stability of the National team.
Edema Fuludu, the Vice-Chairman of the Delta Football Association (DFA) said that although the NFF might have their reasons to terminate Keshi’s contract, but that the timing was not right and could turnout to be counter-productive.
“This is not the right time to sack the National team coach, most especially as the qualifying matches for next Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) are ongoing.
“However if the allegation against him proved to be true, it will be regrettable but I want to believe that as a coach, he should realise that he is under a valid contract.
“But I expect the NFF to have realised that the timing is not healthy, especially now that the team was still being re-build,’’ Fuludu said.
Mike Ikeogwu, the Delta State Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) said: “It is very disappointing that the NFF is playing politics with the development of our national team.
“I am not surprised because the NFF chairman has never hidden his dislike for Keshi’’.
He cautions: “the NFF should not hire a foreign coach, but rather look inwards and pick another indigenous coach to continue from where Keshi stopped. We should give our coaches a platform to develop their potential’’.
Chike Onuarah, an ex-footballer and Secretary of the Asaba All-Stars football team said: “how do you explain this kind of sacking? Why can’t our football administrators for once take into consideration the interest of football development in our country?
“The unstable management of our team handlers is not good for our football. We are presently playing qualifiers and imagine what impact this removal can have on the players’’.
Uche Obialor, a football player said: “anytime we have an indigenous coach, some football administrators will not rest until the coach is uprooted. They are always pushing for a foreign coach so that they exploit their contract.
“It is not because the coaches are not good enough, but because some selfish elements in our football system are interested in the `chips that fallout out’ from foreign contracts’’.
From Nasarrawa, Uche Nwafor, a trader in Lafia, re-stated: “Keshi is the best man for the job. If he applied for another job, is that a crime?
“If they treat him well, could he have applied? NFF has treated him badly because he did not commit any offence. We need him back to finish the work he started”.
Tony Tsav, another sports enthusiast in Lafia called the sacking of the Eagles helmsman a set up, perfectly executed.
“They never liked him from when he failed to qualify Nigeria for Nations Cup and he too disliked them for the way they treated him. So the whole situation has been `a marriage of convenience’.”
Jamal Audu, a resident of Lafia called the termination of Keshi’s contract, a long-awaited blessing for the Eagles and the Nigerian football as a whole.
“The handwriting has been on the wall since. The man was never committed. From what I heard, it took the former a well-placed person to get him the contract. I am sure nobody will deny the Eagles a fresh start and a new direction’’.
Audu Kazaure, a supporter of Nasarawa United of Lafia said NFF’s dismissal of Keshi was well-deserved and a good response to his reported interest in taking charge of the national team of Cote d’Ivoire while still the head coach of the Eagles.
“Honestly, it is an insult of the highest order if the story is true. It only confirms that the man was never committed to Nigeria but only cared about himself’’.
From Abuja, Godfrey Gaiya, a former Chairman, House Committee on Sports applauded the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for termination of the contract.
Gaiya said in Abuja the action was long overdue. “Keshi’s sack is an action that has been overdue. I am in support of the federation in taking the bold step. The action is just right.
“Anywhere in the world, a coach is only as good as his last match. Before his reappointment, it was on record that in his last 14 matches, Keshi won only three.
“He couldn’t qualify us for the AFCON in Equatorial Guinea. So, if good performance is a yardstick for renewing the contract of a coach, then NFF has no reason to renew his contract,’’ Gaiya said.
“The best way forward is for the NFF to open its eyes and search the best coach for the National team, no matter where the coach is coming from’’.
“We must be able to get the very best like other nations are doing. We must get a coach, who has a lot to offer us and willing to go to any part of Nigeria to scout for talented players.

Mikel Obi’s Girlfriend Olga Tries Nigerian food… Pounded Yam With ‘Egusi & Efo Riro’ Soup!

Olga Diyachenko already learning to eat her boyfriend’s traditional food.
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She shared a photo of herself enjoying a Nigerian meal, pounded yam with Egusi and Efo Riro soup

Super Eagles Striker, Emmanuel Emenike Reportedly Converts To Islam!

Emmanuel Emenike has sensationally told Fenerbache coach Vitor Pereira that he is a Muslim.
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Emenike failed to join the squad up for breakfast on Saturday, prompting the Portuguese to probe his absence on why he didn’t join up with the squad in the morning:
“I’m fasting,” Emenike reportedly told
the coach according to Turkish daily Fanatik.
Pereira however replied: “You’re not a Muslim,” insisting that Emenike is a Christian. But in the response, the former Spartak Moscow player did not back down.
“I became a Muslim, I am a Muslim,” he continued to claim.
Emenike is yet to feature for Fenerbache in their two pre-season games so far.

Sergio Ramos Seals Manchester United Move

It was today reported that Real Madrid star, Sergio Ramos has secured a move to Manchester United for an undisclosed fee
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This will come as good news to Manchester United fans who have been clamoring for a rock solid defender.
The deal will be announced soon

Serena wins first set against Venus at Wimbledon

File: Serena
File: Serena
Serena Williams won the first set of her Wimbledon fourth round clash, 6-4 against sister Venus on Monday. The winner plays either Victoria Azarenka or Belinda Bencic for a place in the semi-finals

Keshi is unprotected – Coaches’ Association

Godwin Bamigboye, the Chairman, Nigeria Football Coaches’ Association (NFCA), FCT Chapter, on Monday said that the former Super Eagles Coach, Stephen Keshi, was not protected under the association. Bamigboye told newsmen in Abuja that every professional belonged to an association, to ensure the protection of its members when necessary. According to him, Keshi was not committed to NFCA, which would have fought on his behalf.
WORRIED — Keshi
WORRIED — Keshi
“ The job security of a coach will be guaranteed if we have an association that is vibrant; we can stand up and kick against the sacking of Keshi. “ But Keshi has not been committed to NFCA because if you do not belong to an organisation that will protect you, then, you will have to carry your cross yourself. “ Every journalist belongs to the Nigerian Union of Journalists; every medical doctor belongs to Nigerian Medical Association, while every engineer belongs to the Nigerian Society of Engineers.
“ But a lot of Nigerian coaches have not truly identified with the body that should stand up for their right,’’ the coach said. Bamigboye said, however, that the action of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) was a distraction to the team. “ I do not think the sacking of the coach is the best for the Super Eagles; it is another distraction. “ Because they are preparing for the qualification for the 2017 Africa Nations Cup and you are sacking the coach along the line.
“ I really do not think it is proper at this time, that is my opinion as an individual,’’ he said. He, however, said that the country had qualified coaches that could replace Keshi. “ I want to say clearly here that there are a lot of Nigerian coaches to occupy that position of the chief coach of the Super Eagles, no matter the arrangement. “ It has always been difficult for Nigerian coaches to be at the helm of affairs without problems.
“At the same time, Nigerian coaches really need to come together and know who they are in the football circle. “ I want to say clearly that the Nigerian coaches have not realised the role they play in Nigerian football, that is why we still have problems,’’ Bamigoye said.  Stephen Keshi was relieved of his appointment on July 4, 2015.

Blatter to limit travel until ‘everything cleared up’

Sepp Blatter, the head of FIFA which is mired in corruption allegations, told a German newspaper Sunday that he won’t take travel risks until the situation is “cleared up”.
“As long as not everything is cleared up, I will not take any travel risk,” Blatter, 79, said, without giving details, in comments reported by Welt am Sonntag newspaper.
He announced on June 2, just days after being re-elected, that he would step down from the FIFA presidency at an extraordinary congress to be held between December this year and March 2016.
The decision followed a crisis that engulfed FIFA with 18 people indicted in the United States on football-related corruption charges involving millions of dollars in bribes.
Blatter has repeatedly pleaded his innocence and that of FIFA.
Blatter will not attend the final of the Women’s World Cup in Canada later Sunday, his US lawyer said last week.
It is the first time since Blatter’s election as FIFA president in 1998 that he has missed the climax of the showpiece event.
However Blatter indicated to Welt am Sonntag that he did plan to travel to Russia at the end of the month for the draw for the 2018 World Cup qualifiers.
He also told the German newspaper there had been “political interventions” over the awarding of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups to Russia and Qatar.
“Before the assignment of the World Cup to Russia and Qatar there were two political interventions,” Blatter said.
“The Misters (Nicolas) Sarkozy and (Christian) Wulff tried to influence their electoral delegates,” he said referring to the former French and German presidents.
He claimed that the German Football Association (DFB) had received a recommendation from the former president “that Germany vote for Qatar because of economic interests”