Sports
FIFA Probes Rubiales’ Unsolicited Kiss Of Female World Cup Winner
When the FIFA puts together any competition, you are free to participate, you may even go ahead to win, but your celebrations must be subject to acceptable norms.
President, Spanish Royal Football Association (SRFA), Luis Rubiales, appears to be making this discovery, on the heels of the triumph of Spain’s female team at the recently concluded 2023 FIFAWWC.
This stance became official on Thursday, when the FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee commenced disciplinary proceedings against Rubiales, over what it termed ‘unsolicited kiss’ on Women World Cup winner, Jenni Hermoso.
A picture of the duo kissing, in celebration of their country winning the trophy at the 2023 FIFAWWC had gone viral across the globe.
It would now be Rubiales’ responsibility to explain to the world, through the FIFA why he planted an unsolicited kiss on a female football player, whom herself had expressed a desire to see him reprimanded for the act.
Recall that the action transpired while the FA President was presenting the players with their gold medals after they beat England 1-0 in the final on Sunday.
It was greeted with outrage within and outside Spain, with Hermoso saying such acts should “never go unpunished”.
The FIFA in a statement made it clear that, “The FIFA Disciplinary Committee informed Luis Rubiales, President of the Spanish Football Association, today that it is opening disciplinary proceedings against him based on the events that occurred during the final of the Women’s World Cup.
“The events may constitute violations of article 13 paragraphs 1 and 2 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.”
Expressly, Article 13 in the code deals with “offensive behaviour” of players and officials, particularly with “violating the basic rules of decent conduct” and “behaving in a way that brings the sport into disrepute”.
The heat is now on the FA President, who though initially called his critics “idiots”, had made an about turn and issued a video apology late on Monday, an attempt that doesn’t seem to have doused the flame.
Acting Second Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Diaz called for Rubiales’ resignation because “without any doubt (he) attacked a woman”.
Spain’s women’s football league, Liga F, called for Rubiales to be dismissed and said it had lodged a complaint with the president of the National Sports Council (CSD) over his “very serious actions and behaviour”.
Hermoso, who said after the final that she did not enjoy Rubiales’ kiss, added on Wednesday that her union FUTPRO and her agency TMJ were defending her interests in the matter.
“We are working to ensure that acts such as those we have seen never go unpunished, that they are sanctioned and that the exemplary measures are adopted to protect women footballers from actions that we believe are unacceptable,” she said.
Sports
Chelsea Handed Injury Boost As Omari Kellyman Nears Return
Chelsea are set to receive a welcome boost with Omari Kellyman nearing a return to action after a frustrating start to his Stamford Bridge career.
The 19-year-old midfielder, who joined the Blues from Aston Villa in a £19 million summer transfer, has been sidelined with a serious hamstring injury since September.
Kellyman initially made an impression with Chelsea’s Under-21s, scoring twice in three appearances, including during a 4-2 defeat to Leipzig in the Premier League International Cup. However, his progress was halted by the injury, which has kept him out of action for months.
READ MORE: Chelsea Desires Permanent Deal For João Félix After Collapse Of Omorodion Deal
According to reports from the Daily Mail, Kellyman is now on track to return within the next four weeks, offering Chelsea a much-needed boost as the team looks to navigate a congested festive fixture schedule. The teenager is expected to be fit before Christmas and could soon make his senior debut for the club.
Reflecting on his move to Chelsea earlier this year, Kellyman expressed his excitement about joining the West London outfit. “It is fantastic to be standing here as a Chelsea player. It’s a massive club with an amazing history, so it is great to join. It is a dream come true for sure. I’m buzzing to have put on the shirt and can’t wait to get started,” he said.
Kellyman’s footballing journey began at Derby County, where he progressed through the youth ranks and was promoted to the first-team squad by Wayne Rooney at just 16 years old.
After leaving Derby for Aston Villa in 2022, he signed his first professional contract and made his Premier League debut last season against Manchester City.
Despite his brief stint at Villa, which included a Europa Conference League appearance, Kellyman made the high-profile move to Chelsea in June, signing a six-year contract.
Now, as he edges closer to full fitness, both the player and the club will hope his long-awaited debut signals the start of a successful tenure at Stamford Bridge.
Sports
Chelsea Holds Scouting Summit With Enzo Maresca
Earlier this month, Chelsea Football Club convened a comprehensive meeting of their first-team recruitment team, aimed at aligning their efforts with the club’s overarching vision.
This scouting summit brought together approximately 30 of the club’s key talent identifiers, with the objective of reinvigorating the search for future stars in world football.
Adding an extra layer of inspiration to the gathering, Leicester City manager and former Manchester City assistant, Enzo Maresca, made a guest appearance. Maresca, who briefly worked alongside some of Chelsea’s current personnel during his time under Pep Guardiola, took time to pose for a group photograph with the team. Those present reportedly left the summit feeling “enthused, energised, and as motivated as ever” to uncover the next generation of footballing gems.
READ MORE: Osimhen Casts Doubts Over Touted Winter Move To Chelsea
The Italian tactician has maintained an interest in Chelsea’s squad and their emerging talents. A source close to Maresca suggested that he harbours a keen desire to see Cole Palmer, one of Chelsea’s brightest young signings, team up with Joao Felix, the Portuguese forward who enjoyed a brief but impactful loan spell at Stamford Bridge last season.
While Palmer continues to thrive at Chelsea following his summer move from Manchester City, Felix’s future remains uncertain, with speculation persisting about whether the Blues could revisit a permanent deal for the Atlético Madrid star.
Chelsea’s recruitment team will undoubtedly keep such possibilities in mind as they look to execute their shared vision, leveraging the energy from this summit to identify players capable of complementing the club’s long-term strategy. With Maresca’s words and presence leaving a lasting impression, the search for the world’s finest footballing gems continues in earnest.
Sports
Lukeba’s €90m Clause Attracts Real Madrid, PL Clubs
RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba has become a hot topic in the transfer market following details about his new contract.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Lukeba’s release clause will come into effect in the summer of 2025, starting at around €90 million and varying from season to season.
This development has drawn the attention of football giants, with Real Madrid reportedly keeping a close watch on the French centre-back’s progress. Premier League clubs are also monitoring Lukeba as a potential defensive reinforcement for 2025.
READ MORE: Wizkid Breaks Spotify Records With ‘Kese (Dance)’ Release
The 20-year-old, who joined Leipzig from Olympique Lyonnais in 2023, has already made an impression in the Bundesliga with his composed defensive skills and tactical versatility. His rising profile has placed him among Europe’s most promising young defenders, making him a coveted target for top clubs.
Leipzig’s decision to include a fluctuating release clause highlights their commitment to protecting Lukeba’s value while leaving the door open for a future big-money move.
With Real Madrid and several Premier League sides in the mix, the 2025 summer transfer window is already shaping up to be a pivotal moment in Lukeba’s career. Fans and scouts alike will be closely watching his development as he continues to shine in Leipzig’s backline.
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