HOTTEST
A FIFA doctor died while on duty during Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier between Nigeria and Ghana. Fans stormed the pitch at the Abuja National Stadium after Nigeria failed to qualify for this year’s tournament – smashing up their own arena in shocking scenes.
Dr Joseph Kabungo (left) passed away while working at the World Cup qualifier between Nigeria and Ghana
A doctor has passed away after Nigeria fans stormed the pitch following their World Cup qualifier defeatCredit: AP
Violent clashed ensued after the final whistleCredit: AP
Then on Wednesday morning the Zambian FA confirmed Doctor Joseph Kabungo, who was acting as a doping officer at the game for the Confederation of African Football, had passed away while working.
A statement said: “The Football Association of Zambia joins the rest of the football family in mourning the late Dr Joseph Kabungo.
“Dr Kabungo, a CAF/FIFA medical officer was on duty in Abuja for the second leg, the final qualifying match between Nigeria and Ghana that ended 1-1.”
President of the ZAF Andrew Kamanga did not reveal the cause of his death.
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Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Read More Sport.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-gmec1d{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;height:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-20px/2);margin-right:calc(-20px/2);}.css-fh9577{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(20px/2);margin-right:calc(20px/2);}.css-65fvqt{max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-1exhbll{box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;position:relative;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-bk55po{box-sizing:border-box;display:block;position:relative;margin-bottom:0;}.css-1shocxe{box-sizing:border-box;}.css-1a2irou{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}.css-1a2irou 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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}FAN ANGER .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Watch Nigeria fans smash up stadium after failing to qualify for World Cup
He said: “We take note that it is too early to dwell into the nitty-gritty of the cause of his death but will wait for the full report from CAF and FIFA on what exactly transpired.
“He was a dedicated and widely loved member of our football community and his impact was vast, having also been part of the 2012 Africa Cup-winning team.
“His death is a huge loss as Dr Kabungo was a friend and confidant to many generations of players and their families.
“He was one of the outstanding Zambian football personalities that flew the Zambian flag at global football events.
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“We all have to learn from his example of excellence and celebrate his legacy by breeding more hard-working football Zambian administrators.”
Nigeria’s 1-1 draw at home to Ghana saw the visitors qualify for the World Cup on away goals after a 0-0 draw in the first leg.
Ugly scenes ensued after the final whistle as the Nigeria supporters proceeded to storm the pitch and smash up their own ground.
The home fans clashed with police, who fired tear gas in an attempt to remove them, and tore down dugouts as their fury was channelled into violent acts in the stadium.
Ghana fans were subsequently moved onto the pitch after a number of them were reportedly attacked in the stands.
And the visiting players were forced to run for cover after being pelted with bottles. MoreTHOMAS Tuchel says Chelsea have “no chance” of winning the Premier League without more top signings like Raheem Sterling. The England international finally put his name on the dotted line this week as Chelsea made their first signing of the summer.
Chelsea will be hoping Raheem Sterling adds some much-needed cutting edge to their attackCredit: Getty
Thomas Tuchel wants more big names before Chelsea kick off the season at Everton next monthCredit: Getty
But they have been linked to several other stars from across Europe as they seek reinforcements up front and in defence.
The sanctions levelled at the Roman Abramovich regime left the Blues on the back foot going into the window, and they’ve already lost some high-profile stars.
But now Tuchel said he wants to hit back with big signings to challenge Manchester City and Liverpool.
He told Sky Sports: “The stakes are high and we’re competing not only against the best teams who have ever played in the Premier League but also the best coaches.
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CHELSEA.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-gmec1d{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;height:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-20px/2);margin-right:calc(-20px/2);}.css-fh9577{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(20px/2);margin-right:calc(20px/2);}.css-65fvqt{max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-1exhbll{box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;position:relative;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-bk55po{box-sizing:border-box;display:block;position:relative;margin-bottom:0;}.css-1shocxe{box-sizing:border-box;}.css-1a2irou{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}.css-1a2irou 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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}BLUES LATEST .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Thomas Tuchel targets Kimpembe & Ake NEXT, Koulibaly MEDICAL in London
“We come from sanctions, we come from losing top-quality players, key players, we are a club in transition, in transition of ownership, we were behind in the transfer race and we were behind in the table. So we have things to improve.
“The signing of Raheem shows what we’re capable of doing, it shows the ambition of the club and the ownership and it’s good because we’re all here to win and compete.
“We love to compete and we love the challenge at the very top. For that we need signings of new quality players or otherwise there’s no chance.”
The West London team have seen huge players depart this window, including Antonio Rudiger heading to Real Madrid.
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Romelu Lukaku has also returned to Inter Milan after enduring a difficult first season at Stamford Bridge.
Tuchel said the secret to building back up was in drafting in reinforcements and giving youth a chance.
He added: “It’s no secret we lost top players and we need to replace them. Even if they’d have stayed, we needed improvement to close the gap so we need now even more.“We have top players and even more importantly we have a top team. But if we bring players in we need top quality with top character and then you’re talking about the very, very best who play this game.
“What we’ll never forget is the mixture because what makes Chelsea special is the amount of academy players and we’ll never hesitate to give responsibility to them and push them because the mixture of it makes it special and exciting for me to be coach and part of it and this is the way to follow.”
The club appear very close to securing the signing of Kalidou Koulibaly as they seek to mend their defence.
They are also reportedly in the market for PSG’s Presnel Kimpembe but may have to cough up £42m to land him.
Up front, and Chelsea are also being linked to Serge Gnabry as his contract runs down at Bayern Munich. MoreCRISTIANO Ronaldo’s self-obsession helped him become the player he is today, according to a former Manchester United teammate. Former Danish wonderkid Mads Timm spent three years training with the Juventus star, who was signed from Sporting Lisbon for £12.24million in 2003, before he was released. Cristiano Ronaldo was self-obsessed as a youngster to get to […] More
EVERTON are trying to find £15million to land Sheffield United striker Iliman Ndiaye.The Senegal ace is a scoring hit in the Championship with ten goals and seven assists from 28 games.
Iliman Ndiaye has been in fine form for Sheffield United this seasonCredit: PA
His displays have caught the eye of Premier League strugglers EvertonCredit: REUTERS
He also took his speed and skills to the Qatar World Cup in the latest part of his fairytale career.
Now Toffees chiefs want Ndiaye to join their attack for the relegation fight and are putting together the funds to buy him.
Ndiaye, 22, is central to the Blades’ bid to get back to the top flight but his contract is up after next season.
Boss Paul Heckingbottom will be anxious as Ndiaye would be a huge loss and there are doubts about how much of the sale he would get to spend.
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Blades are now under a transfer embargo for failing to keep up with old payments, so a sale would go into sorting that out.
Everton would be a large lure for Ndiaye with a Prem contract to offer to a player who was with Boreham Wood for three seasons.
Owner Farhad Moshiri is reacting to fan fury over their recent struggles.
Ndiaye would be a good addition if he can take his form to the top level with the Toffees.
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Everton are also closing in on a deal for Arnaut Danjuma, 25, at Villarreal.
They are willing to pay the Spanish club a huge loan fee of £2.5m, which could double if the former Bournemouth star plays enough games.
Danjuma will net £100,000 a week and a deal for the Dutchman could see Anthony Gordon being sold to Newcastle or even Tottenham.
It’s unclear who will be at the Everton helm come the end of the month as manager Frank Lampard is under a huge amount of pressure.
Defeat to West Ham on Saturday sent the Merseysiders to the bottom of the table and extended their torrid run to just one win in their last 12 league matches.
Frank Lampard’s future at Goodison Park is up in the airCredit: REX
A defiant Lampard said of his future: “Those things are not my choice.
“It is my job to work, focus and keep my head down.
“I have confidence in how I want to coach. There’s difficult conditions that I am aware of.
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“I just do my job and talk about what I can affect.
“And that’s the players trying to get the right results.” MoreI WAS ordered by Iran’s security to wear a hijab in Austria to interview boss Carlos Quieroz and the players after a friendly with Uruguay. Many have asked why I didn’t refuse to wear one as a show of support to the women’s rights protests in the country after the death of Mahsa Amini.
A Sunsport reporter (with Iran midfielder Omid Ebrahimi) was compelled to wear a hijab headscarf to interview Iran’s football team after a match — in Austria
I had to make a hijab out of a t-shirt as all the shops in Vienna were shut
WHAT IS HAPPENING IN IRAN RIGHT NOW?
Amini, 22, was beaten to death by Iran’s morality police for failing to comply with the country’s strict hijab rules, it has been alleged.
The incident sparked mass violent protests in the country with the death toll rising each day.
Officially at least 76 people have died during 11 days of unrest so far.
Women have also been burning their hijabs and the government has shut off the internet in parts of the country.
ON QATAR WORLD CUP
The country’s President Ebrahim Raisi warned protestors would be “dealt with decisively” in a chilling message amid the violent crackdown.
IRAN VS URUGUAY CONTROVERSY
During the protests, Iran, England’s Group B rivals at the Qatar World Cup, faced Uruguay in a friendly in Austria last Friday.
The day before the match journalists were banned by Iran over fears of giving their domestic issues a platform in Europe.
After a mediation from European-based Iranian journalists they decided on the morning of the game to let reporters in.
The hijab demand came on Friday from the squad’s security team just hours before Iran played Uruguay in a friendly, winning 1-0
The hijab order had not come from Carlos Queiroz or any of the players
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During the match two protesters with signs for Amini were ejected by a group of around ten Austrian police officers.
Reporters were also told there would be no access to interviews with Iran boss and former Manchester United No2 Carlos Quieroz.
HIJAB ORDER
I wasn’t going to take no for an answer with the interviews and planned to visit the team’s hotel the day after the match (Saturday).
A member of the team’s security said it was a requirement to cover my hair if I was to speak with Quieroz and any of the players.
I had asked as only a day before President Raisi had cancelled his first-ever interview on US soil because reporter Christiane Amanpour refused to wear a headscarf.
SPIED ON BY SECURITY
It is difficult to cover the team because their head of security Mohammed Hossein Hamisi is always watching them.
Hamisi is said to have close links with the Islamic Republic of Iran government and sends reports back to them on any suspicious activity surrounding the team.
When I arrived the Eventhotel Pyramide in Vienna and was waiting for the players to come out for training Hamisi was spying on me from a window above.
That made it clear to me that I wouldn’t be able to access the team without wearing the hijab.
The hijab request had not come from Quieroz, the players or his press officer Aryan Ghasemi – who were all friendly and cooperative with reporters.
When I arrived at the team hotel on Saturday, Ghasemi said: “It is funny but very nice that you wore one (a hijab). We are flattered. You look beautiful.”
Later I asked twice if female journalists covering Iran at the Qatar World Cup would have to wear a head scarf – but did not get a response.
WHY I WORE ONE
It became clear I would not get access to the team of Quieroz if I didn’t wear one.
I felt it was important to at least try and not go home empty handed while violent protests continue in Iran.
I wanted to atleast get into the hotel and ask questions about the issue and Amini’s tragic death to give it a platform in Europe.
Unfortunately even when I got access to the team’s hotel and was promised a short sit down interview with Quieroz, this never materialised.
When I bumped into Iran midfielder Omid Ebrahimi he was very friendly but said he wasn’t permitted to do an interview.
At the very least on returning to the UK we got Amini’s name and the protests in articles and also explained how Iran’s government had tried to scare us off from covering the team.
Bayer Leverkusen forward Sardar Azmoun has since risked being sacked from the Iran football team after slamming the country’s government for “killing easily”.
He bravely came out in support of the women’s rights protests and said they had “restrictive laws” placed on them in the team. More