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‘Focus on Panama, not England or Croatia’ – Agyemang-Badu’s World Cup advice

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'Focus on Panama, not England or Croatia' – Agyemang-Badu's World Cup advice

Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu, a former midfielder for the Black Stars, has advised the Ghanaian team to focus entirely on their opening 2026 World Cup encounter against Panama, cautioning against early distractions from more well-known opponents.

Agyemang-Badu established a clear focus for the team’s mentality in a speech prior to the competition.

He emphasized the crucial significance of getting the campaign off to a strong start by saying, “The Panama match will be challenging, and that’s where our full concentration should be, not on England or Croatia.”

'Focus on Panama, not England or Croatia' – Agyemang-Badu's World Cup advice

Agyemang-Badu acknowledged that Ghana’s main objective is to go on from the group stage, but he emphasized that doing so only rests on a disciplined and concentrated approach to the opening match.

Additionally, he gave a strong caution about the selection of the squad, stating that only players who are at the highest level of fitness should be taken into consideration for the rigorous competition that will take place in three host countries.

His remarks show the Black Stars’ practical approach, portraying the game against Panama as the pivotal first step that will determine their entire World Cup adventure rather than just another encounter.

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Football World

Chelsea is ready to terminate Raheem Sterling’s contract

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Chelsea is ready to terminate Raheem Sterling’s contract

Sterling has been hesitant to leave Chelsea, his £325,000 weekly deal, despite the fact that his relationship with the club is in ruins.

The athlete, his representatives, and the club are in continuous communication. Although the specifics are still being kept secret, the direction of the discussions is clear.

After the deadline, Sterling is not anticipated to stay with Chelsea. The 31-year-old has been working out apart from the primary first-team squad.

After defender Axel Disasi resumed training, he is now the only player remaining in what has been called Chelsea’s “bomb squad.”

Disasi has been connected to West Ham United, and Chelsea is still anxious to get rid of him.

Sterling, who is nearing the last 18 months of his Chelsea deal, has also drawn interest from the Hammers.

Chelsea wants to sell Sterling permanently, although they have received loan interest in the currency. Additionally, the athlete has made it apparent that he does not want to make another short-term move.

But considering his absurd salary, that’s easier said than done. Since Sterling is Chelsea’s best earning, many clubs find it challenging to match his existing contract.

Another alternative is to terminate the contract early, although doing so would require Chelsea to pay the player a significant amount of the £22 million that is still outstanding.

Chelsea explored loan options with Juventus and Bayer Leverkusen last summer, but Sterling rejected both. He wants to stay in London and remain close to his family. He may be open to joining West Ham and Fulham, but will need to take a massive pay cut to make it happen.

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Ghana Sports

Officiating in Ghana Premier League is worrying, says George Afriyie

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Officiating in Ghana Premier League is worrying, says George Afriyie

Former Ghana Football Association (GFA) Vice President George Afriyie has expressed serious concern over what he describes as a worrying decline in refereeing standards during the ongoing 2025/26 Ghana Premier League campaign.

The season initially showed great promise, with a noticeable rise in fan turnout at match venues nationwide. However, that positive momentum has recently been dampened by a series of contentious officiating decisions, sparking widespread criticism among football stakeholders.

Speaking on Asempa FM, Afriyie admitted the league began on a strong note but lamented the negative impact of recent developments.

“The Premier League started very well, and attendance improved at the various venues. Unfortunately, allegations and poor refereeing decisions have compromised the integrity of the competition, which is deeply concerning,” he said.

While stopping short of rating the league’s overall performance, Afriyie urged those in charge to take responsibility and act decisively to restore confidence.

“I will not rate the league, but those managing it must sit up and do what is right,” he added.

As part of the solution, Afriyie suggested that the Ghana Football Association consider making changes at the top of the Referees Management Committee, including replacing its leadership, to address the recurring officiating issues.

Meanwhile, despite the growing controversy, matchday 21 fixtures of the Ghana Premier League are set to go ahead as scheduled at various stadia across the country.

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Football World

Ex-FIFA president Sepp Blatter backs calls to boycott US-hosted World Cup

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Ex-FIFA president Sepp Blatter backs calls to boycott US-hosted World Cup

Citing worries about the behavior of President Donald Trump and his administration, former FIFA president Sepp Blatter has supported demands for football fans to avoid the 2019 FIFA World Cup in the United States.

Blatter endorsed remarks made by Swiss anti-corruption specialist Mark Pieth, who questioned the United States’ suitability as a World Cup host, in a post on X on Monday. From June 11 to July 19, the United States, Canada, and Mexico will co-host the competition.

Fans should not travel to the United States for the event, according to Pieth, a Swiss lawyer who chaired FIFA’s Independent Governance Committee during reforms ten years ago, who spoke to the Swiss newspaper Der Bund.

Ex-FIFA president Sepp Blatter backs calls to boycott US-hosted World Cup

“If we consider everything we’ve discussed, there’s only one piece of advice for fans: stay away from the USA,” Pieth said, warning that visitors could face harsh treatment from U.S. authorities, including deportation.

Blatter, who led FIFA from 1998 until his resignation in 2015 amid corruption investigations, quoted Pieth’s remarks and added: “I think Mark Pieth is right to question this World Cup.”

Concerns within the international football community have grown amid Trump’s expansionist rhetoric, new travel bans, and aggressive immigration enforcement policies. These include restrictions affecting fans from countries whose teams have qualified for the tournament.

Two weeks ago, travel plans for supporters from Senegal and Ivory Coast were disrupted after the Trump administration announced a ban that would effectively prevent fans from entering the U.S. unless they already held valid visas. Similar restrictions apply to fans from Iran and Haiti, which were included in an earlier version of the travel ban.

Calls for a boycott have also emerged in Europe. Oke Göttlich, a vice president of the German Football Association, said last week that the time had come to seriously consider boycotting the World Cup.

The tournament has already attracted criticism from fan groups over ticket prices. Dynamic pricing and unprecedented demand have pushed the listed price of a Category 1 ticket for the final at MetLife Stadium on July 19 to as high as $8,680.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino acknowledged that resale activity could further inflate prices but downplayed boycott calls, insisting fans would still attend.

“People want to go, and they will go and celebrate together. We always, always celebrate football together,” Infantino said when asked about Blatter’s comments.

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Football World

World Cup 2026: FIFA officially opens media accreditation

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World Cup 2026: FIFA officially opens media accreditation

FIFA has declared that media representatives and non-rights holders (NRHs) can officially apply for media accreditation for the FIFA World Cup 2026TM.

The FIFA Media Hub is the only platform used to manage the media accreditation process.

A systematic, quota-based procedure will be used due to the extremely high demand. Who can apply, how to apply, and when are all explained in this advise.

Key Dates

Accreditation opens: 26 January 2026

Application deadline: 31 March 2026

Who Can Apply

Media accreditation is available for:

Written press (print and digital)

Photographers

International and national news agencies

Radio and TV non-rights holders (limited)

FIFA Media Partners (rights holders)

FIFA Media Partnerships will be directly responsible for the accreditation of FIFA Media Partners (rights-holding media organisations).

The FIFA Media Partnerships team is in regular contact with the Media Partners and will inform them directly about the accreditation procedure and other accreditation-related matters.

A reference document with tips and guidelines for media accreditation is also available below.

FIFA Media Hub – Mandatory

All applications must be submitted via the FIFA Media Hub.

To apply, you must have:

An approved FIFA Media Hub account

Media Hub accounts are personal and must not be shared.

Accreditation Control Keys & Quotas

Accreditation for written press and photographers is managed via FIFA Member Associations.

Each Member Association receives a limited quota based on:

Previous World Cup participation

Qualification status for FIFA World Cup 2026™

Member Associations distribute control keys to media organisations and freelancers.

Media representatives must contact their FIFA Member Association to request a control key.

Radio and television non-rights holders

Non-rights holders (NRHs) are radio and television companies that do not have media rights for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

NRHs will be able to apply for media accreditation without a control key. We wish to stress that the number of NRH accreditations will be very limited and that the matchday access policies are still to be defined.

For any questions regarding the accreditation of NRHs, please contact nrh@fifa.org.

Host Countries (Canada, Mexico, USA)

Media representatives and freelancers working for organisations based in Canada, Mexico or the United States will follow a process coordinated directly by FIFA. Further information is available on the FIFA Media Hub.

Application & Approval

Applications close on 31 March 2026

All applicants undergo mandatory security check

Accreditation confirmations will be sent starting in March 2026

Media Tickets

Media accreditation does not grant access to matches by default. Accreditation provides access only to the stadium media centre.

Access on matchday to designated media or photo positions, attend press conferences, or access the mixed zone, media representatives must hold a separate, approved media ticket for the specific match.

Without a valid media ticket, stadium entry will be limited, even if accreditation has been approved. Media ticket applications will open shortly after accreditation launches.

Requests must be submitted via the FIFA Media Hub or FIFA Media App

Only accredited applicants may request tickets

At this stage, media tickets can only be requested for group-stage matches.

Media may request a maximum of one match per day

Visas

Media are strongly advised to start their visa application process as early as possible.

Please note that the visa process is not linked to the accreditation process, and media representatives do not need to wait for accreditation approval before applying for a visa.

Please see the Visa Guidelines for further information.

Stay Informed

All official updates, procedures, and FAQs will be published on the FIFA Media Hub. Media representatives are encouraged to check the platform regularly.

For any questions or issues related to your FIFA Media Hub profile or the accreditation process, please contact us via the FIFA Media Hub Contact Form.

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Football World

Ghana winger Ibrahim Osman makes Birmingham City debut in draw against Stoke City

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Ghana winger Ibrahim Osman makes Birmingham City debut in draw against Stoke City

Ghana international Ibrahim Osman made his first appearance for Birmingham City as the Blues were held to a 1-1 draw by Stoke City in an English Championship encounter over the weekend.

The 21-year-old winger was handed an immediate start after his arrival, featuring in Birmingham City’s starting XI for the round 29 fixture at St. Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park.

Osman joined the Championship side on loan during the ongoing winter transfer window from Brighton & Hove Albion, with the Premier League club opting to terminate his temporary spell at French outfit Auxerre. During his time in Ligue 1, the Ghanaian attacker made 14 appearances and registered two assists.

On his debut, Osman played 56 minutes and showed flashes of his attacking quality, offering pace, movement, and creativity down the flanks in his first outing for the club.

Birmingham City opened the scoring in the 42nd minute through Tomoki Iwata, heading into the interval with a slim advantage. However, Stoke City responded in the second half, restoring parity in the 71st minute after a Phil Neumann own goal.

Despite the stalemate, Osman’s inclusion adds much-needed depth and dynamism to Birmingham City’s attacking options as the season progresses. The Ghanaian winger will now be aiming to settle quickly and make a strong impact in the push for improved league fortunes.

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Ghana Sports

Another Blow for Eleven Wise as Assistant Coach Isaac Kojo Appiah Steps Down

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Eleven Wise is in crisis as assistant coach Isaac Kojo Appiah becomes the latest to resign

Eleven Wise is in crisis as assistant coach Isaac Kojo Appiah becomes the latest to resign

Appiah’s exit further deepens the turbulence at the Sekondi-based club, which has witnessed a series of high-profile departures this season. The ongoing instability has raised serious questions about the club’s internal structure and long-term direction.

Earlier in the campaign, Executive Board Chairman Dr. Spio Garbrah stepped aside, followed by the resignation of head coach Seth Hoffman during the first round. His replacement, Ben Hayford, lasted only a short spell before also vacating the role last week, leaving Eleven Wise without sustained leadership on the technical bench.

Eleven Wise is in crisis as assistant coach Isaac Kojo Appiah becomes the latest to resign

The timing of the latest resignation could hardly be worse, as Eleven Wise continue to struggle on the pitch. After 17 league matches, the club finds itself drifting dangerously close to the relegation zone, having gone three games without a victory. With 13 fixtures remaining, they trail the automatic promotion spots by a daunting 16-point margin.

Persistent changes within the club’s leadership and coaching staff have clearly taken their toll, compounding an already difficult season. As the league enters its decisive phase, Eleven Wise face a crucial test of resilience, with survival now appearing to be a more realistic objective than promotion unless stability is urgently restored.

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Black Stars

Black Stars to face Austria in pre-World Cup friendly

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Black Stars to face Austria in pre-World Cup friendly

Black Stars to Face Austria in International Friendly on March 27 Ahead of 2026 World Cup

Ghana’s senior national team, the Black Stars, will take on Austria in an international friendly on March 27, 2026, as part of preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The match will be Ghana’s second fixture in the March international break, following an earlier scheduled friendly against Germany, making the window a crucial phase in the Black Stars’ World Cup build-up.

The friendly encounter forms part of Ghana’s broader preparations for the global showpiece, with head coach Otto Addo expected to use the match to assess his squad, test tactical options, and fine-tune team chemistry ahead of the tournament.

Black Stars to face Austria in pre-World Cup friendly

Facing European opposition such as Austria will provide the Black Stars with a valuable benchmark as they prepare for the World Cup. The game will also offer fringe players and new call-ups an opportunity to impress and stake a claim for a place in the final World Cup squad.

Further details regarding the venue and kick-off time are expected to be announced in due course.

With preparations intensifying, Ghana will be keen to maximize the March international window as they continue their push toward a strong showing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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Ghana Sports

I always wanted to score while playing for Black Stars – Asamoah Gyan

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I always wanted to score while playing for Black Stars - Asamoah Gyan

Asamoah Gyan Reveals Mindset Behind His Legendary Goal-Scoring for Ghana

Former Black Stars striker Asamoah Gyan has opened up about the mentality and personal discipline that fueled his remarkable goal-scoring record for the Ghana national team.

Gyan made his senior international debut in November 2003 and went on to become Ghana’s all-time leading scorer, netting 51 goals in 109 appearances for the Black Stars — a record that remains unmatched.

The iconic forward represented Ghana at three FIFA World Cups: Germany 2006, South Africa 2010, and Brazil 2014, playing a central role in the nation’s rise on the global stage before retiring from professional football in June 2023.

I always wanted to score while playing for Black Stars - Asamoah Gyan

Reflecting on his international career, the 40-year-old revealed the mindset and personal ritual that helped him remain consistent in front of goal and meet the immense expectations of Ghanaian fans.

“When you play for Ghana, people expect you to score because that’s what the fans want,” Gyan explained.
“So I created that mindset for myself to be consistent in my goal-scoring. They knew that anytime Ghana plays, I would score.”

He added that failure to score often came with heavy criticism, something he accepted as part of the responsibility of leading the attack.

“Anytime I don’t score, then there is a problem,” he said.
“So before every game, I pray and ask God to help me give the fans what they want.”

Gyan also highlighted the pressure that came with the trust fans placed in him.

“The people have confidence in me that I can score at any time. When I don’t score, I am the worst player, but when I score, I am the best player.”

Beyond his national record, Asamoah Gyan also holds a unique continental achievement, standing as Africa’s all-time top scorer at the FIFA World Cup, with six goals across three tournaments.

Gyan’s reflections offer insight into the mental strength, faith, and resilience that defined one of the most celebrated careers in African football history.

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Black Stars

Daniel-Kofi Kyereh comeback boosts Freiburg and Ghana ahead of World Cup push

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Daniel-Kofi Kyereh comeback boosts Freiburg and Ghana ahead of World Cup push

Ghana midfielder Daniel-Kofi Kyereh has returned to full first-team training with German Bundesliga side SC Freiburg for the first time in almost three years, marking a significant milestone in his long and challenging recovery from injury.

The 28-year-old has been sidelined since suffering a serious ACL injury in February 2023. Although he underwent surgery and an extensive rehabilitation programme, Kyereh experienced setbacks in 2024 that further delayed his long-awaited return to action. Through resilience and determination, the creative midfielder has now completed his first full senior team training session since the injury.

Daniel-Kofi Kyereh comeback boosts Freiburg and Ghana ahead of World Cup push

Kyereh trained with the Freiburg first team on Wednesday evening as the club prepared for their UEFA Europa League home fixture against Maccabi Tel Aviv on Thursday night — a clear indication of his improving fitness and readiness to rejoin competitive football.

The Ghana international joined Freiburg amid high expectations but has so far been restricted to 18 appearances, during which he recorded three goals and one assist. Before his move to the Bundesliga, Kyereh enjoyed the most productive spell of his career at FC St. Pauli, where he established himself as a key performer, registering an impressive 22 goals and 21 assists in 67 matches.

On the international stage, Kyereh has earned 18 caps for the Ghana national team and was part of the Black Stars squad at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup fast approaching, his progress will be closely monitored as he continues to build match fitness and push for a return to the national setup.

This positive development comes at a crucial time for Ghana, as World Cup preparations intensify in the coming months. The Black Stars’ technical team is expected to keep a close watch on Kyereh’s recovery, form, and availability before making any final decisions regarding his involvement.

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