Agony of African stars in Europe: France’s Black players subjected to racial abuse for World Cup loss
Kingsley Coman, Randal Kolo-Muani and Aurelien Tchouameni were all subjected to vile racial abuse following France’s World Cup final defeat to Argentina. The defending champions failed in their bid to become only the third team to retain the title on Sunday night, losing 4-2 on penalties following a pulsating 3-3...
Messi and Mbappe gave us World Cup to cherish in a bland soulless, faceless state in the desert
At the end of it all, the Emir of Qatar dressed Lionel Messi in a flimsy black robe, which seemed to be the ultimate emblem of how a host nation whose own side were so abysmal have claimed him as one of their own. The man in question, crowned player...
Proposed 32-team Club World Cup elicits strong resentment from clubs and football associations
Fifa President Gianni Infantino has confirmed the introduction of a new quadrennial men’s Club World Cup that will kick off in 2025 and feature 32 top teams from across the globe. The Fifa Council met in Qatar on Friday to discuss a variety of matters, including international match calendars and...
World Cup: Africa teems with talent but local leagues should pay players competitive salaries to retain them
In Africa itself, professional football doesn’t do so well, certainly not the club leagues. I’m afraid that, for all the solemn promises and grandiose schemes from Fifa, this will continue. It shouts to the powerhouse football countries that elite-level coaching in the lesser developed world is first-class. And the skills...
Germany ‘keeper Oliver Kahn opens up on his ‘depression as two billion people watched me fail’ in 2002 World Cup
“Two billion people watched me fail,” says Kahn in a recent statement while remembering the 2002 FIFA World Cup final. In Brazil’s 1-0 first half lead, Rivaldo shot from distance, Kahn failed to keep the ball firmly in his grip, and Ronaldo scored from the rebound. After the game that...
Decolonising science: How to confront racism in Black maternal healthcare in the US
Science is steeped in injustice and exploitation. Scientific insights from marginalised people have been erased, natural-history specimens have been taken without consent and genetics data have been manipulated to back eugenics movements. Without acknowledgement and redress of this legacy, many people from minority ethnic groups have little trust in science...
Morocco’s painful loss to France in World Cup semis signals shift in balance of power in football
Morocco can leave Qatar with their heads held high. It was the feet of Theo Hernandez, however, held even higher, that got France through this semi-final. What a battering the world champions took. Ultimately it was Hernandez’s fifth minute goal – the fastest in a World Cup semi-final in 64...
Messi: The little lion Argentina hopes will unleash his ferocity on France and win the World Cup
Lionel Messi is desperate to win this World Cup – and as Argentinians, we all desperately want that, too. It has been amazing to watch his performances, his celebrations, the passion he is showing on the pitch. How he performed against Croatia in the semi-final on Tuesday was incredible. For...
Frugal Morocco have a date with history in semis against reigning World Cup Champions France
Frugal Morocco have a date with destiny as they face off with high-flying World Champions France So Morocco are in the semi-finals of the World Cup, and there is no question that they are there on merit. They have been the most consistent team at this tournament, topping their group...
World’s 10th richest man Mukesh Ambani prefers to buy Arsenal, despite interest in Man United and Liverpool
Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani would reportedly prefer to buy Arsenal instead of Manchester United or Liverpool. Ambani’s name has frequently been mentioned in reports surrounding United and Liverpool, who have both been put up for sale by their owners. The Glazer family announced in November that they are seeking outside...
