West Bromwich Albion are in the race to sign a “fantastic “player this month for a bargain fee, according to a recent report.

West Brom manager latest

The Baggies’ search to replace Carlos Corberan, who left to join Valencia before Christmas, is still ongoing as a number of managers have been linked with the vacancy. Former England interim manager Lee Carsley was one that West Brom were keen on appointing, but he is said to have turned the Championship side down, with his reasoning for doing so not clear.

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Another manager who has been linked with the job is Blackburn Rover’s John Eustace. Eustace has done a tremendous job at Ewood Park since arriving towards the back end of last season. He has taken Rovers from a side fighting at the bottom end of the table to one that is now competing for a place in this season’s play-offs. Liverpool coach Johnny Heitinga is another option for the Baggies, as he’s been heavily linked with the role and is said to be admired by the club’s hierarchy.

Swansea City manager Luke Williams is also another manager who has been mentioned as a candidate to replace Corberan. However, there has been an update on that possibility, and it is being claimed that West Brom don’t see Williams as an option to become their new manager, despite the impressive work he has done at Swansea City.

West Brom in race to sign "fantastic" player for bargain fee

While the Baggies continue their search for a new manager, the club’s hierarchy also have plans in place to improve the playing squad, as according to reliable reporter Alan Nixon via the Ibrox News, West Brom are in the race to sign Adam Devine from Rangers this month.

Devine came through the academy at Rangers, breaking into the first team during the 2022/23 campaign. However, since then, he has struggled to be a regular in the squad and spent the second half of last season on loan at Motherwell. The 21-year-old is out of contract at the end of this campaign, but a move could happen this month.

It is being reported that West Brom are keen to add to their squad this month despite there being no manager on board yet, and they have an interest in Devine. The Midlands side could sign Devine, who is a right-back, for a “bargain fee,” due to the fact he is out of contract in the summer. Devine may find it hard to become a starter in the West Brom side, as Darnell Furlong has been performing very well and is regarded as one of the best right-backs in the division, but he would provide much-needed competition.

Apps

10

Starts

6

Minutes per game

50

Goals

1

Interceptions per game

0.6

Tackles per game

0.6

Balls recovered per 90

2.4

Clearances per 90

1.4

It was former manager Michael Beale who gave Devine his chance at Rangers, and he labelled the defender as “fantastic” after impressing during his reign. Beale said after beating Hibernian in his first game in charge of Rangers: “Delighted with Adam, it’s obvious he was playing on his weak side.

“He was targeted from goal kicks; for a young boy, he did fantastic. This season, he was supposed to be a backup to Tavernier and push him – like Patterson did.

“We’ve got high hopes for him, and that wasn’t easy tonight. I asked him to play higher up the pitch; more energy. For everyone watching, he is a young Scottish boy we can be proud of. Early days but for tonight, well played son.”

Chelsea have often been known to make a move or two in the transfer window, especially since the takeover of Todd Boehly back in May 2022 from Roman Abramovich.

It’s safe to say the American has shown ambition in signing players to try and secure the club their first Premier League title since the 2016/17 season under Italian Antonio Conte.

Conte’s compatriot Enzo Maresca is the latest man tasked with the challenge of ending the drought, with the club’s investment crucial in handing him the best opportunity to be a success at Stamford Bridge.

On the flip side, outgoings are just as important, balancing the books to prevent any financial breaches, whilst also raising funds to reinvest into the playing squad.

Given the quantity of players currently on the payroll of the Blues, it’s no surprise to see numerous players linked with a move away, including one talent who only recently joined up with Maresca’s side.

Chelsea star in talks to leave Stamford Bridge

According to Spanish outlet Estadio Deportivo, Chelsea star João Félix is already in talks over a move away from West London, just a couple of months after permanently moving to the Bridge.

The Portuguese international cost owner Boehly around £46m in the summer, with academy graduate Conor Gallagher moving to Atlético Madrid as a separate deal, but used as a sweetener to allow Felix to move.

However, the transfer hasn’t gone as planned for the Blues, starting just three Premier League outings to date, registering just one goal with the majority of his minutes coming off the bench.

The report claims that the 25-year-old has been in direct talks with former Blues boss José Mourinho over a move to join Turkish side Fenerbahçe this month, whether that be on a temporary or permanent basis.

The Benfica academy graduate is said to be ‘uncomfortable’ with his current situation under Maresca, as per the report, opening the door to a move should the right offer fall his way.

Should he move, it could see a repeat of a deal for one other star who moved to the club with high expectations before moving on quickly, allowing the hierarchy to cut their losses.

Why Felix could be a Morata repeat for Chelsea

Striker Álvaro Morata may have joined from Real Madrid rather than Atlético, but he was another LaLiga talent who moved to Chelsea with real hope of being a success given the huge price tag.

The 32-year-old cost a whopping £70m including add-ons back in the summer of 2017, with real expectations of transforming the frontline after notching 20 goals with the Spanish giants the season prior.

However, despite scoring 15 goals during his only full year in England, it was soon apparent that he wasn’t the right fit for the club, only lasting another six months before departing on loan to join Felix’s former side Atlético.

Whilst they didn’t lose a whole host on their investment, leaving permanently for £58m at the end of his temporary stint under Diego Simeone, it was a move that didn’t pay off – very similar to that of Felix in 2024/25.

Since leaving West London, Morata has moved to AC Milan in Italy, but has registered double figures in every campaign since leaving the English outfit – potentially allowing the club to rue their decision given their recent hunt for a number nine.

2019/20

44

16

4

2020/21

44

20

11

2021/22

48

12

7

2022/23

45

15

3

2023/24

48

21

4

Total:

229

84

29

Should the Portuguese ace, who earns £130k-per-week, depart this month, it would be a shame to see a player of his quality to leave, but it’s clear that he’s currently not in Maresca’s plans moving forward given his lack of action to date.

The “sensational” 25-year-old, as dubbed by journalist Alex Goncalves, hasn’t been given the opportunities to showcase his star quality and given the fact he’s set to enter his prime years, he desperately needs to be playing regular football.

Given the form of former talisman Morata after departing West London, the club need to consider all viable options to prevent a similar situation from occurring once again.

Felix is certainly deserving of more time in England to allow Maresca’s side to reap the rewards of his attributes and to prevent themselves from prematurely offloading a player who could aid their top four push in the next few months.

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One of Lionel Messi's former Argentina managers is reportedly in talks to coach Neymar at Santos after Pedro Caixinha's dismissal.

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• Santos parted ways with Caixinha
• Search for a new manager is already on
• In talks with ex-Argentina boss

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Caixinha was relieved of his duties after a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Fluminense. The result capped off a turbulent run of results for the Portuguese tactician, who oversaw 16 matches during his Santos tenure, managing just six wins, three draws, and seven defeats, with the winter return of club icon Neymar doing little to stem the tide.

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  According to Santos held a high-level meeting on Monday, April 14, to assess possible replacements. Former Argentina and Sevilla boss Jorge Sampaoli quickly emerged as the frontrunner. Talks between the club and the Argentine coach are said to have gone positively, sparking optimism among fans who remember his successful first spell at Vila Belmiro.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Prior to turning their attention to Sampaoli, who coached Lionel Messi and Argentina at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, the Santos board explored several other prominent options. High-profile Brazilian managers such as Tite, Dorival Júnior, and Luís Castro were all approached, but each declined the opportunity to take over. With doors closing on those possibilities, Sampaoli has stepped into the spotlight as the club’s best chance to steady the ship.

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• WHAT NEXT?

  CEO Pedro Martins is spearheading negotiations with the Argentine tactician, hoping to finalise an agreement swiftly with key league matches fast approaching. Sampaoli previously led Santos during the 2019 season, steering the team to a strong second-place finish in the Brazilian Championship. In 64 games in charge, he recorded 35 victories, 14 draws, and 15 losses. His side scored an impressive 102 goals while conceding 55.

  Despite his on-field success, Sampaoli’s exit from the club was marred by off-field tension. A falling out with then-president José Carlos Peres led to his departure and a subsequent legal battle over unpaid dues. The court eventually ruled in Sampaoli’s favour, ordering Santos to pay R$ 4.4 million for various financial obligations.

England Women will play a five-day Test match against Australia as part of an Ashes campaign in 2023 in which they will return to the country’s major venues. It will be only the second scheduled women’s Test of that length, after Australia hosted England at North Sydney Oval in 1992.The Test will take place at Trent Bridge, beginning June 22, and will be the first match of a multi-format points-based series set out across a number of major venues. Three T20Is at Edgbaston, the Kia Oval and Lord’s follow, before three ODIs in Bristol, the Ageas Bowl and Taunton. As has been the case for several campaigns now, the white-ball matches will be worth two points each, with four on offer for the winners of the Test.It is a seminal moment in English women’s cricket, stepping up off the back of the success of the women’s Hundred and the Commonwealth Games this summer, both of which have shown that the audience and appetite for the game in this country is only going one way.Later this week, England play their first bilateral ODI at Lord’s since 2014, against India on Saturday, and that theme will continue in 2023 with Trent Bridge hosting their first international women’s match since 2000.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

Meanwhile Edgbaston, Lord’s and the Kia Oval will all be hosting their first Women’s Ashes T20Is. The England and Wales Cricket Board have taken a page out of the Hundred’s book by allowing both men’s and women’s Ashes to run concurrently next summer.Heather Knight, England’s captain who scored a century in the drawn Ashes Test at Canberra in January, and whose team ran out of time to force victory over South Africa in a rain-affected four-day match this summer, told the PA news agency that this moment had been a long time coming.”I’m so happy,” she said. “I feel like I’ve been banging the drum for five days for a long time, so it’s a special moment. It feels like the right time, for five days, for bigger grounds, and it feels like it’s been a long time coming. Last year’s South Africa Test was set up nicely but withered out because of rain and it wasn’t given the chance to finish, so this is a really good step by the boards.”The women’s series will begin a week after the men face Australia for the first of five matches at Edgbaston, beginning on June 16, before fixtures at Lord’s, Headingley, Emirates Old Trafford and the Kia Oval.Ben Stokes’ side will begin their red-ball summer against Ireland at Lord’s in a four-day match starting on June 16. The World Test Championship final is scheduled between those matches, and will be hosted at the Kia Oval in June. It was also confirmed that Lord’s, who had originally been expecting to host the showpiece event, will get to do so in 2025.As expected, the month of August has largely been saved for the Hundred, with the only international match coming on August 30 when England’s men begin a exclusively white-ball diet of four T20is and four ODIs against New Zealand. Ireland then return for three one-dayers in September as Jos Buttler and Matthew Mott look to fine-tune their plans ahead of the 50-over World Cup in India in the winter of 2023. Meanwhile Heather Knight’s team will play three T20is and three ODIs against Sri Lanka.Clare Connor, the ECB’s interim CEO, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be hosting two Ashes series in 2023, as well as hosting Ireland Men, New Zealand Men and Sri Lanka Women.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

“Next summer will be huge for England Women and England Men. There are few events more special in English sport than a home Ashes series and I know that Heather, Ben, and their teams, will be excited and driven by the challenge of regaining the Ashes.”I am particularly delighted that we have announced our England Men and England Women’s fixtures side by side for the first time, meaning that supporters can enter the ballot or register interest for any fixture on the same day. June and July will be very special months for cricket in this country with the buzz of two Ashes series taking place simultaneously.”The women’s game continues to grow and we have clearly entered another phase in terms of the demand for elite women’s sport. We’ve seen record numbers flock to stadia for the second season of the Hundred. Now we want to give more fans the chance to watch England Women in person next summer as they compete for the Ashes on home soil.”

Bruno Fernandes has signed off on Manchester United's first-ever ‘tifo’ banner, which will be unveiled before their Europa League clash with Lyon.

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• United fans to make history on Thursday
• A giant tifo to be unfurled
• Fernandes has given his "approval" on the design

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  United are preparing for a must-win night at Old Trafford in the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final tie against Lyon, and this time, they’re adding an extra spark off the pitch. For the first time in their storied history, the club will unveil a tifo display in front of the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand, with captain Fernandes having endorsed the visual tribute.

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  The tifo will span from pitch level all the way to the rooftop, directly across the halfway line, in what the club is calling a "spectacular moment". The design and concept were developed collaboratively between the club and fan representatives. Once finalised, the concept was shown to Fernandes for approval. Though United are keeping the exact design under strict secrecy until matchday, it has been confirmed that the tifo will be accompanied by a red-and-white pyrotechnic display. Positioned near the banner, the flare-style effects will further amplify the energy inside the Theatre of Dreams.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  United looked poised to return to England with a slender advantage after Joshua Zirkzee nodded home in the 88th minute to cap a hard-fought comeback in Lyon. But their hopes of victory were dashed in stoppage time when Rayan Cherki pounced on a costly mistake from goalkeeper Andre Onana, leaving both teams locked at two goals apiece going into the decisive second leg.

  United’s European run now holds even greater importance considering the club’s grim position in the Premier League. Sitting in 14th place, they are miles off the pace for automatic qualification to continental competitions next season. Winning the Europa League has now become their only realistic ticket back into European football. The upcoming clash against Lyon is therefore not just a game – it’s a potential season-saver. And to reflect the magnitude of the occasion, the club is going all out to create an unforgettable atmosphere under the lights.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?

  With a place in the semi-finals on the line – and potential dates with either Rangers or Athletic Bilbao awaiting – Ruben Amorim's squad knows there’s little room for error when Lyon arrive at Old Trafford on Thursday night.

As they continue to weigh up whether to meet Oscar Mingueza’s price tag, Aston Villa have reportedly set their sights on a potential alternative option in one of La Liga’s quickest players.

Aston Villa transfer news

Following the pending sale of Jaden Philogene for a reported £21m, those in the Midlands could spring into action on the incomings front. Names such as Donyell Malen and, of course, Mingueza have already been mentioned among the options that the Villans could turn to this month but it remains to be seen just how much they’ll be in position to spend.

Mingueza is particularly an interesting case. The defender is reportedly top of Villa’s wishlist in the right-back department but his €20m (£17m) valuation could yet be enough to turn those in the Midlands away from any deal and instead towards another La Liga ace.

According to Relevo, Aston Villa are now targeting a move to sign Andrei Ratiu from Rayo Vallecano this month. The right-back has reportedly been the third-quickest player in La Liga so far this season – recording a speed of 35.38 km/h – and could now add that electric pace to Unai Emery’s backline.

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Gradually becoming more of an important part of the current Rayo Vallecano side, it remains to be seen just how much the Spanish side demand to sanction the sale of their defender.

Whether it’s Ratiu, Mingueza or another alternative option, however, adding a fresh face down the right-hand side of their defence seems to be among Aston Villa’s priorities this month.

"Rapid" Ratiu could replace Cash

One player that recent rumours should concern is Matty Cash, who would be in instant danger of losing his starting role under Emery if Ratiu arrived before the end of the January transfer window. The Romanian enjoyed an excellent Euro 2024 and could yet replicate that performance on the biggest stage in the Premier League – leaving Cash to settle for a place on the bench.

League stats 24/25 (via FBref)	Andrei Ratiu	Matty Cash
Starts	15	12
Key Passes	13	5
Tackles Won	20	17
Ball Recoveries	73	37

Although analyst Ben Mattinson described Ratiu as “rapid”, the right-back is also far more than just a quick defender as the numbers highlight in abundance. Outperforming Cash so far this season, Ratiu has proved his ability to make an impact going forward whilst being perfectly placed to recover possession at an impressive rate – something that Cash has contrastingly struggled with.

So, if Villa are not willing to meet Mingueza’s valuation then the Rayo Vallecano man is an intelligent second choice option – especially if they can secure a cheap transfer fee before the end of the January transfer window.

Ex-Arsenal defender William Gallas believes Ben White may ask to leave north London thanks to the excellent form of Jurrien Timber.

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Gallas sceptical of WhiteEx-Brighton man has struggled with injuries this termTimber has 45 appearances this year aloneFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?

The former France international pointed to Timber's sparkling form and White's unnatural fit at right-back as key factors behind his comments. White featured at centre-back for both Leeds and Brighton before making the move to the Emirates.

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Gallas went on to say White has two options – stay at the club and fight for his place, or move on. This will be difficult, as Mikel Arteta has shown little interest in dropping the Dutchman. The 24-year-old has made 45 appearances for the Gunners in 2024-25.

WHAT WILLIAM GALLAS SAID

Gallas told : "Jurrien Timber has set the standard so high at right back, it will be very difficult for Ben White to get his position back in the starting XI.

"White will get minutes, but right back isn't his main position, he was never a real right back. He got a few goal contributions, but he needed to do more, like how Timber is performing.

"Ben White has two options, he can stay and fight for his position and show he's the best right back at the club, or he can ask to leave. We'll see."

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?

With the title race all but over, White may get some minutes in the Premier League as Arteta prepares his best XI for the Gunners' Champions League semi-final against PSG.

Newcastle United have less than a week left to dip into the market to bolster their squad before the January transfer window officially slams shut next Monday.

The Magpies have not made a single first-team addition to the group so far this month, but have allowed Miguel Almiron to complete a permanent return to the MLS.

Eddie Howe’s side are currently fifth in the Premier League table, after beating Southampton 3-1 at St. Mary’s at the weekend, and are fighting to secure a place in the Champions League for the 2025/26 campaign.

The English boss could bolster his team’s chances of qualifying for Europe’s major cup competition by adding more quality to the group before the end of the January window.

Newcastle have had plenty of success in the winter market during PIF’s ownership so far, with Bruno Guimaraes and Dan Burn two of the headline signings from their first January in charge.

The Magpies do not appear to have anything in the works that is going to immediately happen but things can happen quickly towards the end of a window and it has been reported that they have considered a number of targets.

Newcastle United considering late swoop for forward

According to the Daily Mail, Newcastle United are one of the teams interested in a deal for Wolverhampton Wanderers sensation Matheus Cunha.

The report claims that both Arsenal and the Magpies have internally discussed the merits of a potential late swoop for the Brazil international, as they look at possible additions to their forward line ahead of the second half of the season.

It does not reveal, though, whether or not the Toon are willing to make a firm offer for his services or if they would prefer to wait until the summer to get a deal over the line for the former Atletico Madrid ace.

Chelsea, Nottingham Forest, and Tottenham Hotspur have also been linked with an interest in the striker, who reportedly has a price tag of £60m over his head this month.

This suggests, along with Arsenal’s internal discussions about a move for him, that Newcastle could face plenty of competition to land the right-footed star, which means that they may have to move quickly if they want to bring him to St. James’ Park.

Transfer Focus

Swooping to sign Cunha from Wolves before the end of the January transfer window, instead of waiting until the summer, could increase their chances of securing his services, because it would give their rivals less time to make their own moves for him.

Newcastle do, of course, already have their own star centre-forward in Alexander Isak but the Brazilian magician could be brought in to play with him as part of a new-look front three for the Magpies.

Alexander Isak's form this season

The Sweden international has been in incredible form in the Premier League so far this season and has been one of the best-performing number nines in the division.

Only Erling Haaland (18) and Mo Salah (19) have scored more top-flight goals than Isak (17), which illustrates just how lethal the former Real Sociedad man has been in the final third for Howe, as he was last term – as shown in the clips below.

The 25-year-old talent has scored 54 goals in 92 matches for the club in all competitions to date, as he has consistently offered a huge threat at the top end of the pitch throughout his time at St. James’ Park.

Isak found the back of the net 21 times in the Premier League in the 2023/24 campaign and is on course to beat that tally this season, with 17 goals and 15 games left to play.

Appearances

21

xG

14.11

Goals

17

Big chances created

9

Assists

5

As you can see in the table above, the ex-Borussia Dortmund starlet has been incredibly clinical with the chances that have come his way, scoring 17 times from 14.11 xG.

This shows that he is a ruthless finisher and that is one of a number of reasons why he would be exciting to watch alongside Cunha in a Newcastle shirt in the second half of the season and beyond.

Why Cunha and Isak would be exciting to watch

If the Magpies can win the race to bring the Wolves star to St. James’ Park before the end of the January transfer window, Howe could have two dynamic, technically brilliant, forwards who could combine to great effect.

The Brazilian star was directly involved in 22 goals in all competitions for the Old Gold in the 2023/24 campaign, with 14 goals and eight assists, and has impressed, once again, this term.

Cunha is a versatile forward who can play on the left or right flank, through the middle as a centre-forward, or as an attacking midfielder, which means that there is a multitude of ways in which Howe could play the attacker alongside Isak in the line-up.

The Wolves star, who was described as a “monster” by teammate Joao Gomes, who could operate on the left flank, with the Swedish marksman in the middle and Anthony Gordon on the right.

His form in the Premier League for the Old Gold so far this season suggests that he has the quality to form a terrific link-up with Isak if he can carry his performances over to Tyneside.

Starts

20

xG

4.76

Goals

10

Big chances created

11

Assists

4

As you can see in the table above, Cunha has not been fairly rewarded for the ‘big chances’ that he has created for his teammates this season, with just four assists.

Isak could make the most of the attacker’s creativity, as evidenced by his incredible finishing quality in the Premier League this season, and that is why they could be an exciting pairing to watch at the top end of the pitch, as the £60m-rated star could consistenly create high-quality opportunities for the striker.

Meanwhile, Cunha has also outperformed his xG and could benefit from Isak’s own creative quality in the final third, as the Swedish dynamo has created nine ‘big chances’ for his teammates this term.

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ByHenry Jackson Jan 26, 2025

It is now down to the board to ensure that they push ahead with a deal to bring the Wolves star to Tyneside before the end of the January window.

وجّه مصطفى عبده، نجم الأهلي ومنتخب مصر الأسبق، انتقادات لاذعة إلى منظومة كرة القدم المصرية، معبّرًا عن قلقه إزاء التخبط الإداري الذي يهدد مستقبل اللعبة في البلاد، ومشككًا في الجهة التي تتحمل المسؤولية عن إدارة شؤون الكرة حاليًا. 

وخلال تصريحات تلفزيونية بفضائية “إم بي سي مصر 2″، أبدى عبده استياءه من حالة العناد بين اتحاد الكرة المصري ورابطة الأندية المحترفة، مؤكدًا أن هذه الخلافات تعصف باستقرار المسابقة وتفقدها هيبتها.

وقال عبده: “لا أعلم من يدير كرة القدم في مصر في الوقت الحالي، وأوجّه نداءً لكل من يهمه الأمر: أنقذوا اللعبة قبل أن تنهار، هناك حالة من التنازع والصراع بين اتحاد الكرة والرابطة، وكل طرف يسعى لفرض سيطرته، بينما الكرة المصرية تدفع الثمن”.

وانتقد عبده قرار إلغاء الهبوط من الدوري الممتاز، معتبرًا أنه يمثّل ضربة قوية لمبدأ التنافس والعدالة، ويضر بمجهودات الأندية التي تكافح للبقاء في المسابقة.

مصطفى عبده يُعلن توقيع لاعب الأهلي لـ بيراميدز.. ويصرح: الزمالك صعبان عليا

وأضاف: “نبدأ الموسم بلائحة وننهيه بأخرى! كيف يُلغى الهبوط فجأة؟ الأندية التي اجتهدت طوال الموسم للحفاظ على مكانها، تُقابل بهذا القرار المفاجئ؟ لصالح من يتم ذلك؟ هذا يهدد مصداقية الدوري”.

كما أشار إلى أن موافقة بعض الأندية على هذا القرار لا تبرّره، موضحًا: “حتى لو وافقوا، هذا لا يعني أنه قرار منطقي، ما حدث يهدم روح المنافسة، التي تُعد أساسًا لأي بطولة محترمة”.

وتساءل عبده عن المهام الفعلية التي يقوم بها اتحاد الكرة، في ظل ما وصفه بتراجع صلاحياته لصالح الرابطة.

وتابع قائلًا: “ما هو دور اتحاد الكرة؟ هل يقتصر على الحكام والمنتخبات فقط؟ إذا كانت الرابطة تتخذ قرارات مصيرية، فما الداعي لوجود الاتحاد من الأساس؟”.

وعلّق عبده على أزمة مباراة القمة الأخيرة، وما تبعها من قرارات أثارت جدلًا واسعًا، لافتًا إلى أن منع الأندية من التظلم على تلك العقوبات يمثل تجاوزًا خطيرًا.

واستكمل: “قالوا إن القرارات لا تقبل التظلم، هذا أمر غير منطقي، الدستور نفسه يتيح لكل متضرر حق الاعتراض، لا يمكن اعتبار أي قرار فوق النقاش، حتى القوانين البشرية قابلة للطعن والمراجعة”.

وفي سياق حديثه، وجّه عبده انتقادات للائحة تنظيم المسابقة، معتبرًا أنها مستوحاة من أنظمة دول أخرى دون أن تتناسب مع واقع الأندية المصرية.

وأوضح “يقولون إن اللائحة تتماشى مع ظروف الكرة المصرية، رغم أنها مستوحاة من الإمارات والسعودية وأوروبا، في النهاية، من كتبها مصريون، فكيف تكون مستوردة؟ وأين المنطق؟”.

واختتم مصطفى عبده تصريحاته محذرًا من استمرار الأوضاع الحالية دون إصلاحات حقيقية، مؤكدًا أن غياب التنسيق والوضوح بين الجهات المعنية قد يؤدي إلى انهيار شامل لمنظومة كرة القدم في مصر.

وقال: “إذا لم يتم إعادة ترتيب الأوراق والتعاون بصدق بين كافة الأطراف، فلن يكون هناك ما يُنقذ، الكرة المصرية في خطر حقيقي، ويجب التحرك الآن قبل فوات الأوان”.

Women’s internationals to be played in Bangladesh for the first time since October 2018

Annesha Ghosh22-Aug-2022

File photo – Hosts Bangladesh are defending champions of the competition•ACC

The 2022 Women’s Asia Cup will be held at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium in Bangladesh, from October 1 to 16, with seven teams competing in the T20 tournament.The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) is yet to officially announce the dates of the tournament, but the details were confirmed to ESPNcricinfo by Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) women’s committee chairperson, Shafiul Alam Chowdhury Nadel.The tournament will take place after the 2022 Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier in the UAE concludes in the last week of September. The ICC released its first-ever women’s Future Tours Programme last week, in which the first two weeks in October had been earmarked for this year’s Women’s Asia Cup.According to the tournament itinerary accessed by ESPNcricinfo, India – the most successful team in the history of the competition – Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia and UAE, are the participating nations besides the hosts, and will arrive in Bangladesh on September 27 and September 28.”The proximity to the airport and the hotel where the seven teams are expected to stay makes the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium the best choice for the BCB,” Chowdhury, who is also a BCB director, told ESPNcricinfo on Monday. “Ground 1 of the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium is where we are looking to host the Women’s Asia Cup matches and Ground 2 is where the training will take place.”No women’s international matches have been held in Bangladesh since Pakistan’s tour of the country in October 2018. The 2022 Asia Cup will also be the first time since the 2014 T20 World Cup that Sylhet will host any women’s international fixtures.”As host nation, Bangladesh has delivered several major men’s and women’s continental and world events in the past,” said Chowdhury. “This year, we are happy to welcome the Asian Cricket Council’s Women’s Asia Cup to our country for the first time, specifically to Sylhet, which was home to matches during the 2014 men’s and women’s T20 World Cups, too.”With Bangladesh recently being named by the ICC as the hosts of the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup, Chowdhury said talks are firming up between the BCB and the ICC to stage the knockouts of the world event at the Sylhet International Stadium.”We are making all arrangements to welcome spectators, including school students, for all the matches of the Women’s Asia Cup because we want to generate substantial interest around women’s international cricket and the Bangladesh women’s team leading up to the 2024 T20 World Cup,” Chowdhury said. “We are planning on advertising both tournaments well given we are working with the ACC and ICC to make the Asia Cup and the 2024 T20 World Cup, respectively, a success.”As things stand, we might even see the semi-final and final of the 2024 T20 World Cup also being played in Sylhet, so we are looking forward to putting up a good show for the Women’s Asia Cup. The ongoing 12th edition of the Women’s National Cricket League is also being played in Sylhet, so there’s already a fair bit happening in the city as far as women’s cricket, especially in the T20 format, goes.”The Women’s Asia Cup – which has been played in the T20 format since 2012 – is usually a biennial competition, but was last held in 2018 with unfancied Bangladesh clinching a final-ball thriller over six-time winners India in Kuala Lumpur, to lift their maiden major title. The 2020 edition, which was scheduled to take place in Bangladesh and later postponed to 2021, was eventually cancelled.Among the seven teams set to play, UAE and Malaysia booked their berths through the qualifying route after entering the final of the 10-team ACC Women’s T20 Championship that took place in June. UAE, undefeated and eventual champions in that competition, defeated the hosts Malaysia in the final by five wickets.