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      I made transfer for the chance to play against Cristiano Ronaldo – but I accidentally joined wrong club with same name

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      FORMER LaLiga striker Thievy Bifouma moved to Iran to have a chance of facing Cristiano Ronaldo in the AFC Champions League.But the 32-year-old has now hilariously revealed that he unwittingly signed for the WRONG club in the summer.Thievy Bifouma wanted to join Esteghlal FC for the chance play against Cristiano RonaldoRonaldo has entered the final year of his current Al-Nassr dealBifouma claims that he intended to join Esteghlal FC for the chance to square up with Ronaldo and Al-Nassr in the Champions League. But he was not aware that this particular club, which he joined as a free agent, was not the only Iranian side named Esteghlal.He told Iranian outlet Tasnim News Agency: “I had the chance to play in Turkey, but my wife didn’t want to move back there.”I wish to play against Cristiano Ronaldo before I retire.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”Considering that he is now in Asia and there was an opportunity for me to come to Iran, they talked to me about Esteghlal’s offer.”And I reviewed the calendar of games and realised that they have a game against Al-Nassr.”I said to myself that this is where I wanted to go. I had no idea there were two teams named Esteghlal in Iran.”The former West Brom loanee only realised his faux pas in the days after he arrived in Iran and signed his deal. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe added: “When I arrived in Tehran, my countryman Gael Kakuta called me and asked where I was.”I told him, ‘I’m at the hotel undergoing medical tests.’ He then asked, ‘Which hotel are you in? I’d like to come and see you.’ ‘Ronaldo go home’ Furious Real Valladolid fans hold protest against Real Madrid legend’s ownership of LaLiga side”An hour later, he called again and teased me, saying, ‘You play for the small Esteghlal, while we’re part of a bigger team. You defend, and we attack’.”Regardless, it didn’t matter because we ended up winning the game against them in August, thanks to my goal.”Thievy has scored three goals and provided two assists in nine games in the Iranian League this season. But his chance of ever facing idol Ronaldo, 39, may be gone for good.The team he intended to join was Esteghlal Khuzestan F.C. who frequently qualify for the AFC Champions League.They are currently in the same Asian Champions League group as Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr side.Meanwhile, Man Utd legend Ronaldo turns 40 in February and his current deal is due to expire in the summer. More

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      Julen Lopetegui clinging to his job as West Ham hold emergency board meeting with three manager replacements in frame

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      JULEN LOPETEGUI is clinging on to his job as West Ham’s board prepare to meet to discuss his future.The Hammers’ woeful defeat to struggling Leicester on Tuesday night could be the final nail in Loeptegui’s coffin, with a number of the club’s hierarchy keen to make a change.West Ham are holding an emergency board meeting about Julen Lopetegui’s futureThe Spaniard replaced David Moyes six months agoEdin Terzic, a former coach at the club, Graham Potter and ex-Porto manager Sergio Conceicao are all being considered as replacements.West Ham’s usually patient board are expected to hold talks on Wednesday to discuss whether or not to make a change.The club are currently 14th, six points clear of the drop, but have made no clear progress since David Moyes was replaced in the summer and almost £130million was spent on new players.Frustrated fans turned on Lopetegui at the King Power Stadium, chanting “you’re getting sacked in the morning” at the former Wolves manager.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSPotter, who has been out of work since leaving Chelsea in April last year, was on punditry duty with Amazon Prime and said he is “open to everything” when it comes to a new role.The former Brighton boss recently turned down Leicester City but is understood to be open to taking over at the London Stadium if approached.While Lopetegui must shoulder some of the blame for West Ham’s poor start, captain Jarrod Bowen insists the squad must take responsibility too.He said: “There’s pressure on the players as well.Most read in Football”We’re the ones who have to go out there and perform, and we haven’t done that to the level that we know we’re capable of.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”We need to turn it around as we’re all in it together as a group. It’s down to us to go out there and perform and do better than what we’re doing.”West Ham replaced Moyes, who won the Europa Conference League during his second spell in charge, with a view to improving the style of play.Graham Potter admits he’s ‘looking at things’ as speculation intensifies that he’ll replace Julen Lopetegui at West HamBut the Hammers remain woeful in defence having conceded 27 goals this season and there has been little sign of a new style being implemented.The former Spain and Real Madrid manager has remained insistent that he should be judged at the end of the season, but a majority of fans have made their mind up already – as have some figures within the club.A final call, however, will rest with chairman and largest shareholder, David Sullivan.Lopetegui was close to the sack before the Hammers’ game at Newcastle last month.An impressive 2-0 victory bought him more time.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut a shambolic 5-2 defeat to Arsenal and a 3-1 humbling at relegation favourites Leicester has piled the pressure back on.It marked the seventh time in 16 games in all competitions that West Ham have conceded three or more goals this term.Lopetegui’s worst West Ham resultsWest Ham 1 – 3 Man City (Prem)West Ham 0 – 3 Chelsea (Prem)Liverpool 5 -1 West Ham (Carabao Cup)Tottenham 4 -1 West Ham (Prem)Nottingham Forest 3 – 0 West Ham (Prem)West Ham 2- 5 Arsenal (Prem)Leicester 3 -1 West Ham (Prem) More

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      Premier League clubs circling for European star who ripped Man City to shreds during stunning Champions League comeback

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      FEYENOORD striker Anis Hadj Moussa is emerging as a January target for Prem clubs.Algeria international Moussa, 22, is in his first season in Rotterdam after a £3million move from Belgian second-tier side Patro Eisden.Leicester and Tottenham are eyeing Feyenoord star Anis Hadj Moussa, who impressed Liverpool boss Arne SlotCredit: GettyMoussa stood out during Feyenoord’s stunning comeback against Manchester CityCredit: PAParis-born Moussa, a left-footed right winger, was outstanding as the Dutch side came back from three down to extend Manchester City’s winter misery in last week’s Champions League draw.Feyenoord sporting director Dennis te Kloese went up to the wideman in the Etihad tunnel at the end of the match and joked: “You’re no longer part of our team. Go to City’s dressing room, I’ve sold you to them.”And now Moussa is attracting interest from a host of Prem clubs seeking a January upgrade when the transfer window opens – with Feyenoord ready to sell if they receive offers in the region of £10m. Liverpool boss Arne Slot sanctioned his signing by Feyenoord before he left the club to move to Anfield while Leicester and Tottenham are among other clubs who are tracking him.Read More on FootballMoussa’s agents Mohammed Dahmane and Hamzah Sadiek have flown to the UK to drum up interest in the hope of securing a deal in the next few weeks.City led 3-0 against Feyenoord by the 53rd minute last week at the Etihad with a brace by Erling Haaland and a goal by Ilkay Gundogan.However, Moussa hit back in the 74th minute before Santiago Gimenez made it 3-2 and David Hancko equalised one minute before full-time.City boss Pep Guardiola was absolutely devastated after the match as he appeared for his post-match interview with red scratches on his forehead.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThat poor result extended the reigning Premier League champions’ winless streak to six, which became seven after Sunday’s loss at Liverpool.Moussa counts a total of four goals in 14 appearances with Feyenoord this season.Five Man City disasters that led to Pep Guardiola scratching his OWN face before ‘self-harm’ apologyThe forward also has two goals in four Champions League appearances. More

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      Huge Mo Salah transfer update as president of European giants linked with Liverpool star breaks silence

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      LIVERPOOL superstar Mohamed Salah has been linked with a blockbuster move to a Champions League rival.And the president of the European giants has now spoken out about the deal.Liverpool star Mohamed Salah has been linked with a move to Paris Saint-GermainCredit: RexPSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi insists there is no interest for Liverpool star SalahCredit: GettySalah, 32, has been on fire this season with 13 goals and 11 assists in 20 appearances with the Reds, whom he has led to the top of the Premier League table.However, the winger’s contract runs out in June and there has been no progress regarding a new deal for the Egypt international who counts a staggering total of 224 goals and 100 assists in 369 games.That has led to links with clubs from Saudi Arabia, with Al-Ittihad reportedly bidding a whopping £150million for Salah last year.Paris Saint-Germain have also been touted as a potential destination for the Liverpool talisman.Read More on FootballPSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has a close relationship with the ex-Roma star.However, Al-Khelaifi poured cold water on the transfer speculation linking Salah with a move to Parc des Princes.The businessman insists the rumours are “simply false” and the French champions “never thought about him”.Al-Khelaifi told Sky Sports: “It’s not true. He’s a fantastic and extraordinary player, but we never thought about him, to be honest.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”We know that all the clubs would like to have him, but this rumour about us is simply false.”Salah has dropped repeated hints that he may leave Liverpool by the summer.Mo Salah admits he’s ‘more OUT than in’ as he piles pressure on Liverpool to offer him a new contractThe forward stated last month that there has been no offer from the Merseysiders and that he is “probably more out than in”.The ex-Fiorentina star also hinted Sunday’s 2-0 win over Manchester City – where he scored a goal and provided an assist – may have been the last time he ever faces Pep Guardiola’s side at Anfield.Nevertheless, Salah is open to a new one-year contract despite growing frustrations over the club’s handling of his situation. More

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      Champions League club forced to change name and adopt new badge by Fifa as announcement made

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      A CHAMPIONS LEAGUE club has been forced to change their name and adopt a new badge by Fifa.The world’s governing football body today announced details for next summer’s first 32-team Club World Cup.A Champions League club has changed their name and adopted a new badgeThe historic tournament sees English duo Chelsea and Manchester City join a host of other top names in Thursday’s draw.Taking place in Miami, Chelsea could be drawn against giants like Real Madrid, Bayern Munich or Paris Saint-Germain.While City risk landing tricky sides including Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund.But Pep Guardiola’s defending champs could end up playing a side boasting a brand new name and badge.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAustrian giants RB Salzburg are now officially being called FC Salzburg by Fifa.The decision mirrors one taken by Uefa earlier this season, allowing them to compete in the Champions League.FC Salzburg are owned by energy drink giants Red Bull, as are German side RB Leipzig.But with both sides competing in the same competition, Salzburg were forced to undergo an official name change to avoid a conflict of interest.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd Fifa have continued in Uefa’s footsteps by also making Salzburg drop their RB tag.Indeed, the Austrian team’s badge has also changed.Fifa confirm 12 stadiums for new-look Club World Cup including TWO £1.2BILLION NFL grounds and 88,500-seat Olympic venueRed Bull Salzburg are now known as FC SalzburgTheir club badge has been tweaked to show just one bullCredit: GettyBefore it used to show two bulls competing under the words ‘Red Bull’.But the wording has now been modified to just ‘FC’, while one of the bulls has been removed completely.All eyes will now be on Thursday’s draw, which takes place in Miami.Next summer’s tournament will be played in the USA and runs between June 15 and July 13.Club World Cup draw potsPOT 1Real MadridBayern MunichRiver PlateFluminensePOT 2Borussia DortmundInter MilanAtletico MadridFC SalzburgPOT 3CF MonterreyBoca JuniorsPOT 4Urawa Red DiamondsEsperance Sportive de TunisieMamelodi SundownsCF PachucaSeattle SoundersAuckland CityInter Miami More

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      Ex-Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag ‘targeted for managerial return in Champions League’ with old rival likely to have say

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      ERIK TEN HAG has reportedly emerged as a managerial target for Bundesliga giants RB Leipzig.The Dutchman was dismissed by Manchester United in October following a disastrous start to the Premier League season.Erik ten Hag has emerged as a potential target for RB LeipzigCredit: PARB Leipzig manager Marco Rose has come under increasing pressure in recent weeksCredit: AlamyIn the wake of his Old Trafford exit, Ten Hag has been enjoying some time away from the dugout.But he could be set for a swift managerial return with RB Leipzig.Patrick Berger of Sky Germany claims the 54-year-old is being considered as a potential replacement for Marco Rose, who has found himself under pressure in recent weeks.Leipzig currently sit fourth in the Bundesliga table, nine points adrift of leaders Bayern Munich.Read More on Man UtdThe Red Bulls are also yet to earn a point in the Champions League this season.And they have not won a match in over a month.Should Rose leave the Red Bull Arena, Ten Hag is understood to be in line to replace him.The prospective move would see him reunite with former rival Jurgen Klopp.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSJurgen Klopp was recently appointed as the Global Head of Football at Red BullCredit: APKlopp was appointed as the Global Head of Football at Red Bull in October.His new role, set to come into effect next month, will see the former Liverpool boss responsible for guiding philosophy and the development of young players, as well as advising on transfers and managerial appointments.Ex-Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp talks about his new role at Red Bull Ten Hag isn’t the only manager being considered for the RB Leipzig job.Ex-Benfica boss Roger Schmidt is also in the frame.Schmidt previously spent two years with RB Salzburg, also owned by Red Bull, in Austria between 2012 and 2014.However, the 57-year-old German is reluctant to accept a new job mid-season.Ten Hag’s managerial recordGo Ahead Eagles:Matches: 39Wins: 19Draws: 10Losses: 10Bayern Munich II:Matches: 72Wins: 48Draws: 10Losses: 14Utrecht:Matches: 111Wins: 56Draws: 25Losses: 30Ajax:Matches: 215Wins: 159Draws: 27Losses: 29Manchester United: Matches: 128Wins: 72Draws: 20Losses: 36Trophies:FA Cup: 2023-24 (Man Utd)Carabao Cup: 2022-23 (Man Utd)Eredivisie: 2021-22, 2020-21. 2018-19 (Ajax)Dutch Cup: 2020-21, 2018-19 (Ajax)Dutch Super Cup: 2019-20 (Ajax) More

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      New ‘Mikel Arteta law’ to be introduced to football after Arsenal manager’s Champions League antics

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      MIKEL ARTETA has helped bring about a change in the laws of football – to stop coaches being sent off for innocent mistakes.Arsenal chief Arteta was booked for grabbing the ball a fraction of a second before it went out of play for a Gunners throw on the touchline during his side’s Champions League defeat at Inter Milan.Mikel Arteta was booked during his side’s Champions League clash with Inter MilanCredit: GettyThe Gunners boss interfered with play at San SiroCredit: TNT SportsUefa confirmed that Arteta should have been dismissed for his action.But Lawmakers on the International FA Board have now agreed to propose that from next season it would just be an indirect free-kick and no disciplinary action against the coach or any substitute who accidentally infringed.Ifab technical director and former Premier League ref David Elleray explained: “It’s currently a direct free-kick, or a penalty if it happens inside the box as was the case in a match in Germany a few years ago, and a red card.“Of course, the coach might still get a yellow card if he comes out of his technical area to do it but if the Laws are applied rigorously we feel they are too draconian.”READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSThe Law change will be confirmed at The Ifab’s annual general meeting in Belfast in February, along with two other minor alterations.The first will allow Prem refs and officials in other domestic competitions to explain changed VAR decisions over stadium tannoys to give more explanation to fans in the ground over why a call has been overturned.That was trialled at the Women’s World Cup in 2023 and has been used more widely since.Prem clubs will decide if they want to adopt the measure for next season, in addition to the extra information now being displayed on giant screens.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd the last change will relate to drop ball situations where play is just outside the penalty box.Currently the ball has to go to the defending team if they have cleared it but from next term that will revert to the attacking side if they would clearly have taken up possession.Mikel Arteta fumes over penalty decisions as Arsenal lose to Inter Milan More

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      Inside former Champions League semi-finalists’ stunning 52,000-seater new stadium modelled on iconic ancient landmark

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      ITALIAN giants Roma are preparing to move to a new state-of-the-art 52,000-seater stadium.The Serie A club have played their home matches at the Stadio Olimpico since 1953.The new 52,000-seater stadium is set to captivate fansIt is set to be the home of AS Roma fron 2027Construction of the project is set to get underway next yearThe project will also be a hub for ‘dining, entertainment, work and hospitality’ as well as sportBut they are planning to move away from the iconic 72,000 venue in three years.Their new home is set to become the Stadio della Roma.The project is expected to get underway in 2025, with a provisional finish date of 2027.This would mean they move into the stadium for their 100-year anniversary.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe club are describing the new ground as “more than a stadium” as it prepares to be situated in an entertainment district which will be a “hub for dining, entertainment, work, hospitality and sport”.It will be built at the location of the old Hippodrome in the Tor di Valle district.And it will take inspiration from the iconic Colosseum with “an ultra-modern, steel and glass stadium, wrapped in a stone ‘scrim’”.Other nods to the famous landmark will include “a floating stone screen that envelops the stadium” that will act as a “dynamic contemporary interpretation of the stone arches of the famous arena”.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA Roma Hall of Fame building will also be builtThis is a shot of how the outside of the ground will lookOther elements will include a Roma Superstore and an interactive Roma Hall of Fame.Situated nearby will be a 2,500-seat “Spanish Steps” area, while a 14,000-seat amphitheatre will be included within the stadium.Chelsea legend John Terry reveals moment that ‘broke me’ three days after Champions League final penalty slip vs Man UtdSpeaking about the ground, Roma president Jim Pallota said: “It’s great for Rome but it’s also a spectacular project for Italy and a big project for all of Europe.”I can’t wait for Roma to have its own stadium, a stadium the team deserves.”Roma last won the Serie A title in 2001 – the third scudetto in their history.They also have nine Coppa Italias and two Italian Super Cups.Their only European trophy came in 2022 when Jose Mourinho led them to the Europa Conference League. More