Sports
Kiss Of Death: FIFA Hammer Rubiales
The controversial lip-kissing of Spanish Women’s World Cup Winner, Jenni Hermoso has landed President, Spanish Football Federation, Luis Rubiales, suspension from all football-related activities.
A statement from the Federation of International Football, (FIFA) on Saturday revealed that the global football governing body has provisionally suspended the Spanish football chief, for 90 days, with immediate effect.
According to the statement, it was “decided today to provisionally suspend Mr. Luis Rubiales from all football-related activities at national and international level.”
The initial period of the suspension – 90 days, is meant to afford FIFA time to conduct disciplinary proceedings against the 46-year-old.
As part of efforts to preserve the integrity of the disciplinary proceedings, FIFA banned both Rubiales and the RFEF from contacting Hermoso and those close to her.
The development was the latest chapter in an intriguing tale involving the quartet of Rubiales, the RFEF, Hermoso and her international teammates.
The women who laboured to win the FIFA Women’s World Cup (FIFAWWC) for the first time in their country’s history has threatened not to honour future national call-ups, unless Rubiales was reprimanded for “assaulting” a woman.
They also maintained that the act had taken the shine off their World Cup win in Australia last Sunday.
The World Cup Winner, Hermoso told the world in a statement on Friday that Rubiales and the RFEF mounted “continuous pressure” on her, her family and friends to take steps to show that she had forgiven Rubiales, but she would have none of that.
Probably habouring some optimism, Rubiales passed up a chance to vacate his seat voluntarily at an emergency RFEF meeting on Friday.
Thereafter, on Saturday, the RFEF threatened legal action over Hermoso’s “lies” about the kiss.
According to Hermoso, “at no time” did she consent to the kiss, which Rubiales on his part had described as “mutual, euphoric and consensual”.
However, the RFEF maintained it would “demonstrate each of the lies that have been spread, whether in the name of the player, if that is the case, or by the player herself”.
The now infamous kiss, resonating across the globe, has seen the FREF add that it would take “as many legal actions as necessary to defend the honour of the President of the RFEF.”
In reaction to Rubiales claim, Hermoso made it clear that she felt “vulnerable and the victim of an assault.
“I want to clarify that at no time did I consent to the kiss that he gave me and in no case did I seek to lift up the president.”
As things stand, Hermoso, 33, along with 80 other Spain players, including the entire World Cup winning squad, said they were going on strike and would not play for the national team until the “leadership” changed.
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.