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FA Cup: GTI, NFF Seal Partnership Deal

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Nigeria’s foremost investment banking firm, GTI Asset Management and Trust Limited, has signed a strategic partnership deal with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to further enhance the efficient management of the FA Cup.

Biztellers reports that the deal is expected to boost the commercial value of Nigeria’s oldest domestic club competition, thus ensuring that it attracts the sponsorship of corporate Nigeria and the multinationals.

The parties consider this essential in order to develop the product which has immensely contributed in unifying the football-loving Nigerians.

A peep into history reveals that the FA Cup was created in 1945 and currently, is the main football single-elimination tournament in Nigeria, contested by over 2,000 teams across the 774 local governments of the Federation and FCT.

With the emergence of GTI into Nigeria’s football ecosystem in 2022 as strategic partners to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), the financial institution’s commitment towards a total restructuring of the elite league endeared the new partnership with the NFF.

President, NFF, Ibrahim Musa Gusau, commended the GTI Group for what the achievements recorded with the NPFL and expressed optimism that the partnership would impact positively on the development of the FA Cup.

Similarly, General Secretary, NFF, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, expressed the view that “the NFF is delighted about this partnership as we are keen to have the glory days of the Federation Cup back.

“This agreement has the potential to robustly improve the country’s Football Economy.”

Reacting to the new deal with NFF, GMD, GTI, Abubakar Lawal, affirmed that their expertise and experience would come handy to further improve the management of the FA Cup.

He also assured stakeholders that beginning from the 2023/2024 edition the structure and prize money will be enhanced.

“We expect that between now and the first three years of this deal, the FA Cup would have been transformed to a very competitive tournament full of excitement and glamour. Therefore, we call on the investing public to find it worthy to invest in our football via The Nigeria Football Fund (TNFF),” he said.

TNFF has remained a veritable tool in driving football development to a desirable height in the country and it is registered by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

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Premier League Set To Vote On VAR Removal

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Premier League clubs are poised to make a crucial decision on the future of video assistant referees (VAR) in the next season.

Wolves have taken a significant step by formally submitting a resolution to the Premier League, paving the way for a vote among the 20 member clubs during their annual general meeting in Harrogate on June 6.

In their resolution, Wolves highlighted that while VAR was initially introduced with good intentions, it has resulted in numerous unintended negative consequences that have eroded the relationship between fans and football.

Since its introduction in 2019 to aid on-field referees, VAR has been embroiled in controversy this season due to several contentious incidents.

Wolves weighed in on the matter, asserting, “The price we are paying for a small increase in accuracy is at odds with the spirit of our game.”

In response, the Premier League acknowledged the concerns but affirmed its unwavering support for VAR, pledging to collaborate with the referees’ body PGMOL to address issues and improve the technology.

 

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Raphael Varane To Depart Man Utd

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Manchester United’s Raphael Varane has sent shockwaves through the footballing world with his decision to bid farewell to the club at the end of the season.

The 31-year-old French defender, who made the switch from Real Madrid in 2021 for a hefty £34 million ($43 million), announced his departure on Tuesday.

Raphael Varane, a crucial figure in Manchester United’s recent history, played a pivotal role in securing the club’s first trophy in six years, the 2023 League Cup.

However, despite this triumph, United’s current season has been nothing short of a nightmare, with the team languishing in eighth place in the Premier League and facing slim chances of European qualification, having suffered 14 defeats.

Varane’s time at United has been marred by injuries, with his last appearance dating back to a 4-3 defeat against Chelsea on April 4.

He said “To you guys, supporters of Manchester United it’s been an amazing few years to play for this special club and wear that shirt,” Varane said on social media.

“The first time I went to Old Trafford as a Man United player was insane, the atmosphere was amazing. I fell in love with the club, with the fans. You have to play for Man United to understand what that represents.

“Despite the fact we had a difficult season, I’m very positive for the future. The new owners (United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe) are coming with a clear plan and a great strategy.” he added

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag expressed optimism about Raphael Varane’s potential involvement in the FA Cup final later this month, hoping that Varane could contribute to securing another trophy for the club.

With Newcastle set to visit Old Trafford on Wednesday and United traveling to Brighton for the final day of the Premier League season on Sunday, ten Hag outlined the plan for Varane’s inclusion in the upcoming matches.

Ten Hag said on Tuesday “We plan [for] him. Definitely for the last games. Not tomorrow but we hope for Sunday and then, of course, for the last game (the FA Cup final).”

Manchester United released a statement confirming Raphael Varane’s departure from the club, praising his significant contributions characterized by “great class and experience” during his tenure.

The statement highlighted Varane’s exceptional defensive prowess, which has been a cornerstone of his impact on the team since his arrival.

Varane, heralded as one of the most decorated defenders of his era, boasts an impressive resume, including four Champions League titles and three La Liga triumphs during his illustrious 10-year stint at Real Madrid.

Additionally, he played a pivotal role in France’s 2018 World Cup victory and their journey to the final in the 2022 edition.

Despite his international success, Varane made the decision to retire from international football at the age of 29, citing the immense physical and mental pressures associated with elite-level competition.

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Spurs Fans Prefer Losing To Man City To Arsenal Winning Trophy

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As the business end of the 2023/24 English Premier League (EPL) hot up, it has emerged that fans of the competing clubs differ in their wishes for their clubs.

In a development that have rattled pundits across the world, supporters of EPL side, Tottenham Hotspurs have voted 54 percent to lose to Manchester City, because defeating City would hand the advantage to local rivals, the Arsenal FC.

Biztellers reports that with the 38-game league at the penultimate match, the matchup between Spurs and defending champions, City appears to hold the ace to where who would win.

In an unprecedented move, the supporters of north London side, Spurs, could not hide their disgust for their local rivals, the Gunners winning the trophy, which would become very likely should Spurs defeat City in the Tuesday clash.

At things stand, the Gunners and City are running neck-to-neck with the former top of the log at 86 points after 37 games, and the later next with 85 points having played 36.

The coaching and playing staff might hold different views, though, which leaves the outcome of the clash open to the 90 minutes of action on the pitch.

Biztellers reports that a win would boost the chances of Spurs qualifying for the elite European completion, the European Champions League (UCL) as against losing and being stuck in the less fancied, Europa League.

The season defining clash, igniting attention across the world, goes down this evening in North London.

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