Sports Groove

LaLiga’s outspoken president Javier Tebas has added his voice to criticisms of FIFA’s decision to lift US striker Folarin Balogun’s red card suspension at the request of US president Donald Trump. In a damning statement that focuses on FIFA’s ethical integrity, Tebas says that the Balogun decision “is neither a mere anecdote nor an isolated mistake. It is, quite simply, the tip of the iceberg of a governance model that has been undermining the credibility of FIFA and football in general for many years.” He goes on to criticise FIFA’s member associations who tacitly allow Infantino to run roughshod over them and the game in general, saying that they are part of a “complicit silence”. Tebas makes the point that FIFA is making decisions that without any form of dialogue and without involving the leagues that drive the professional game all year. There are very few that would disagree with Tebas. To date not a single football federation or football leader has come out in support of Infanti...

The US Men's National Team's run at a home World Cup did something no soccer tournament has managed before in the United States: it shattered betting records. And when the run ended, the sportsbooks were the ones smiling. Monday’s round-of-16 loss to Belgium became the most-bet soccer game in the history of several major American books. BetMGM said it drew more bets than any 2026 College Football Playoff game bar the championship, the men’s college basketball final, or any title-series game from the NBA, NHL or MLB. The record has kept falling all tournament. “This World Cup has been record-type handle stuff for us this whole time,” BetMGM’s Christian Cipollini told ESPN, crediting the primetime timing and home soil for the frenzy. Here’s why the books won. American bettors backed their team relentlessly. Caesars’ Mark Bickerdike said 81% of the handle was on the US to qualify, with plenty also riding on Folarin Balogun to score and whose controversial suspension reversal by FI...

France have launched an appeal to FIFA to have Michael Olise’s (pictured) yellow card rescinded, and the timing could hardly be more pointed, coming amid what has become a full-blown disciplinary scandal at this World Cup. The backdrop is the mess FIFA made of the Folarin Balogun case. Governing bodies lifted the USMNT forward’s red card suspension mid-tournament, a reversal that has left players, coaches and federations openly questioning how discipline is being applied. Olise was booked in France’s win over Paraguay on Saturday, leaving him on a disciplinary tightrope. Another caution in Thursday’s quarter-final against Morocco at Boston Stadium would rule him out of the semis. The FFF has approached FIFA to correct what it sees as a clear officiating error. England coach Thomas Tuchel wasn’t about to let the inconsistency pass without comment either. He questioned the process behind Balogun’s reprieve and joked that Harry Kane could ask President Trump to help overturn Jarell Quansa...

The Paraguayan senator at the centre of a racism storm with Kylian Mbappé has now demanded an apology from the France forward and threatened legal action against him for “gender-based violence”. The row erupted after Paraguay’s round-of-16 defeat to France, sealed by an Mbappé penalty. Senator Celeste Amarilla had launched a racial attack on the Real Madrid man, calling him “stupid” and telling Paraguay’s goalkeeper he “should have given him the middle finger.” Mbappé hit back, branding her “unworthy” of her position and refusing, he said, to let people “spread their hatred and racism across the world.” Now, in an open letter, Amarilla has retracted the slurs but doubled down on the rest. She said her posts were written “in the heat of the moment,” while insisting Mbappé withdraw his remarks and apologise. “This is gender-based violence, plain and simple,” she wrote, threatening legal proceedings. The institutional weight has landed firmly on one side. The Paris prosecutor’s office has...

AS Monaco have signed second-hand car marketplace Simplicicar as a premium partner for the 2026/27 season, with the French company taking up branding on the back of the club’s shorts for Ligue 1 matches. The deal adds another commercial partner as Monaco prepare for a season that offers both domestic redemption and a realistic shot at European silverware.  After finishing a disappointing seventh in Ligue 1, the Principality club secured a place in the UEFA Conference League, where they will start among the stronger sides in the competition. Simplicicar’s branding, however, will be limited to domestic fixtures and will not appear in UEFA competition. Beyond the shorts sponsorship, Simplicicar will benefit from branding inside the the Stade Louis II – with its 16,000 capacity – alongside some exposure across Monaco’s digital channels and social media platforms. Monaco’s squad is in the spotlight at the moment for reasons beyond club football. USA striker Folarin Balogun, who also lea...

The Croatian Football Federation has handed a five-year contract to Hawk-Eye Innovations to run Video Assistant Referee (VAR) services across the country’s top competitions, from 2026-27 through 2030-31. The deal puts Hawk-Eye’s technology into the top-flight HNL, the Croatian Supercup and the latter rounds of the Croatian Cup from the quarter-finals on. In total, that’s up to 188 matches a season across 10 stadiums, with the campaign kicking off on August 1. Hawk-Eye will also run a VAR training programme for selected officials and provide on-site technical support every match day. HNS general secretary Josip Tomaško said: “The implementation of cutting-edge technological solutions is a vital part of the continuous evolution of Croatian football,” stated Josip Tomaško, General Secretary of the Croatian Football Federation. “By entering into this five-year partnership with Hawk-Eye, we have secured long-term stability and the highest standards for the VAR system in our competitions. We...

By Maxwell Kumoye   The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Rivers State Chapter, has called on Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara to appoint a new leadership for the State Ministry of Sports and restructure the management of the state's top government-owned clubs ahead of the new sporting season. The resolution was reached during the association's general meeting held on Tuesday at the Ernest Ikoli Press Centre on Moscow Road, Port Harcourt. Speaking after the meeting, Rivers SWAN Chairman, Cyril Dum Wite, expressed concern over the current state of sports administration in the state, insisting that urgent intervention is needed to halt what he described as a steady decline in the sector. "Under the present leadership of the ministry, sports are gradually dying, and stakeholders will not allow the situation to worsen," Wite said. The association also demanded a complete overhaul of the management of Rivers United, Rivers Angels and Rivers Hoopers, arguing that ...

By Maxwell Kumoye  As Team Nigeria intensifies preparations for the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, athletes have received an added boost following the launch of a special incentive scheme by Caligeo Suites Ibadan aimed at rewarding medal-winning performances. The initiative, unveiled by the Chief Executive Officer of Caligeo Suites, Gbolahan Fatuga, is designed to encourage Nigerian athletes to strive for podium finishes while promoting greater corporate involvement in sports development. Fatuga said the hospitality firm's reward package should serve as a model for other businesses seeking to support Nigerian athletes beyond government funding. "To foster corporate sponsorship and support for our athletes within the Nigerian business community, I propose this initiative, with Caligeo Suites serving as a benchmark for other organizations and individuals," Fatuga said. Under the scheme, Team Nigeria athletes who win medals at the Commonwealth Games in G...

By Mishael Emmanuel and Trust Ittai     Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan says he has no intention of watching the rest of the World Cup after blaming controversial refereeing decisions for his side's dramatic last-16 elimination by Argentina. The Pharaohs looked set to pull off one of the tournament's biggest upsets after racing into a 2-0 lead with just 11 minutes remaining against the defending champions.  However, a Lionel Messi-inspired Argentina mounted a stunning late comeback, scoring three unanswered goals to snatch victory. Despite the collapse, Hassan insisted Egypt had been the better side. "I'm going home and won't be watching any more games from the tournament," Hassan told reporters after the match. "What happened to us wasn't fair. We should have had a penalty, a goal was disallowed, and I don't know why it was disallowed." Egypt thought they had extended their advantage in the 62nd minute when Mostafa Zico found the net, only fo...

By Maxwell Kumoye    Adamou Doudou Djibril has brought the curtain down on an eight-year spell with Gisagara Volleyball Club in the Rwanda Premier League after the club decided not to renew his contract, leaving the veteran Nigerian middle blocker available as a free agent. The Nigeria international, who joined the Rwandan side in 2018, is now free to negotiate with interested clubs.  However, reports suggest the experienced blocker is leaning towards retirement rather than extending his playing career elsewhere. Speaking before the 2025/26 Rwanda National Volleyball League playoffs, Djibril revealed that he has already begun preparing for life beyond the court, with coaching firmly in his sights. "My last wish is to see Gisagara lift not only the league trophy but also return to the continental podium. When we reach that level again, I can start thinking about retirement. Even then, I believe I can still contribute to the club as a coach," he said. Throughout his time at...

...As Messi inspired Argentina stage stunning comeback By Maxwell Kumoye      Seven time African champions Egypt's World Cup campaign came to a heartbreaking stop on Tuesday as they wasted a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 to defending champions Argentina in the last 16 at Atlanta Stadium. Egypt was 2-0 up until the 79th minute before Argentina scored three times in the final 11 minutes to complete a dramatic comeback and book their place in the quarter-finals. Defender Yasser Ibrahim opened the scoring in the 15th minute before Mostafa "Zizo" Abdel-Raouf doubled Egypt's lead in the 67th. Cristian Romero halfed the score in the 79th minute, before eight Baloon d'or winner Lionel Messi levelled five minutes and Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez struck deep into stoppage time to seal a hard-fought victory for Argentina. The winner came from a counter-attack as Lautaro Martinez crossed from the right and Fernandez cushioned a back-post header past goalkeeper Mostafa Shoubi...

...Each committee to submit interim report within three months ...Akiotu urges members to approach their assignments with dedication   By Maxwell Kumoye    The Chairman of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON), Senior High Chief, Tony Akiotu, has inaugurated six Ad-Hoc Committees aimed at revitalising the nation's broadcasting industry through innovation, collaboration, capacity building and strategic reforms. The inauguration whic took place on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, brought together managing directors, general managers, veteran broadcasters and media professionals from across the country, marking what Akiotu described as a major step towards fulfilling his campaign promises and repositioning BON for emerging industry challenges. Among those present at the ceremony were: ★ Veteran broadcaster and trainer Bimbo Oloyede ★ Tony Uyah of M4S TV ★ Kingsley Uranta of Channels Television ★ Chukwudi Okolie-Ugbojah ★ Ismael Sani of Platinum TV ★ Ibrahim Shehu...

By Maxwell Kumoye    President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Engineer Habu Gumel, has paid a heartfelt tribute to late African athletics icon Colonel Hamad Kalkaba Malboum, describing him as a visionary leader whose unwavering commitment transformed athletics across the continent. Gumel joined members of the African and global Olympic family in Cameroon at the weekend for the formal funeral of the former President of the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA), who passed away on May 13, 2026, at the age of 75 after a prolonged illness. Representing the Nigerian Olympic Committee, Gumel attended the funeral alongside the President of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA), Moustapha Berraf, to convey condolences to the Cameroon Olympic family and honour one of Africa's most influential sports administrators. "I accompanied the ANOCA President, Moustapha Berraf, to attend his formal funeral and condole with the Olympic family in Camero...

By Maxwell Kumoye      The Federal Government has intensified efforts to revive school sports with plans to upgrade sporting facilities in selected higher institutions across Nigeria, as part of a broader strategy to strengthen grassroots sports development and produce future international champions. The initiative was unveiled by NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko during a meeting with a delegation from Ahmadu Bello University led by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Adamu Ahmed. According to Dikko, the facility upgrade forms part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's approval for the large-scale enhancement of sports infrastructure nationwide, with a special focus on restoring school sports as the foundation of Nigeria's sporting future. "The future is in the schools," Dikko said, noting that many of Nigeria's past sporting greats emerged through inter-school competitions such as the Nigerian University Games. To drive the initiative, the NSC, in collaboration with the ...

By Maxwell Kumoye     The Federal Government has intensified efforts to revive school sports with plans to upgrade sporting facilities in selected higher institutions across Nigeria, as part of a broader strategy to strengthen grassroots sports development and produce future international champions. The initiative was unveiled by NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko during a meeting with a delegation from Ahmadu Bello University led by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Adamu Ahmed. According to Dikko, the facility upgrade forms part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's approval for the large-scale enhancement of sports infrastructure nationwide, with a special focus on restoring school sports as the foundation of Nigeria's sporting future. "The future is in the schools," Dikko said, noting that many of Nigeria's past sporting greats emerged through inter-school competitions such as the Nigerian University Games. To drive the initiative, the NSC, in collaboration with the Federal Minis...

...We proudly showcased Nigeria's sporting and cultural heritage –Engineer Musa Nimrod By Maxwell Kumoye      The President of the CAVB Beach Volleyball Commission, Engineer Musa Nimrod, has described the successful hosting of the African Nations Cup Zone 3 Beach Volleyball Qualifiers in Badagry, Lagos State, as a major boost not only for the sport but also for tourism and grassroots development. Speaking after the competition, Nimrod said staging the tournament in the historic town gave participating teams and visitors the opportunity to experience Badagry's rich cultural heritage alongside top-class beach volleyball. "I am very happy because Badagry is a historic town. This event was never just about volleyball. Visitors also had the opportunity to see historic landmarks such as the Land of the Slave and the Gate of Return. It shows that sports can also promote tourism and preserve our history," he said. He commended the enthusiasm of the local community, noting tha...

By Trust Ittai    The United States' World Cup campaign came to a disappointing end on Monday after Belgium powered to a 4-1 victory in their Round of 16 clash, with Charles De Ketelaere scoring twice in a match overshadowed by FIFA's controversial decision to suspend Folarin Balogun's ban. Belgium made the perfect start as De Ketelaere opened the scoring in the ninth minute, tapping home from close range after the U.S. defence failed to deal with an early attack, silencing the partisan home crowd. The Americans responded in the 31st minute when Malik Tillman equalised with a deflected free-kick that wrong-footed Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.  However, their joy was short-lived as De Ketelaere restored Belgium's lead just over a minute later, heading in at the back post. "From the beginning, we didn't connect with the game," U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino said. "Even when we scored the goal to make it 1-1, we conceded in the very next action....

By Mishael Emmanuel  Mikel Merino emerged as Spain's hero, coming off the bench to score a dramatic stoppage-time winner as La Roja edged Portugal 1-0 in a blockbuster FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash in Dallas. With extra time looming, Merino latched onto a perfectly weighted pass from fellow substitute Ferran Torres and calmly slotted a low finish beyond Diogo Costa in the 91st minute to seal Spain's place in the quarter-finals. The victory mirrors Spain's triumph over Portugal at the same stage of the 2010 World Cup and books a last-eight showdown with either co-hosts the United States or Belgium in Los Angeles on Friday, July 10. The defeat also brought the curtain down on the World Cup career of Cristiano Ronaldo. The 41-year-old Portuguese captain had confirmed before the tournament that this would be his final appearance on football's biggest stage. Spain made a bright start and should have taken the lead inside three minutes. Dani Olmo's incisive pass releas...

By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye     Charles De Ketelaere was the man with the shovel as the Belgians buried USA dream winning the 2026 World Cup in Seattle on Monday. The De Ketelaere scored a braceas Belgium went on to win in 4-1 in a match overshadowed by FIFA's controversial decision to suspend U.S. forward Folarin ‌Balogun's ban. De Ketelaere gave Belgium the lead in the ninth minute with a simple tap-in, taking full advantage of a nervous start by the U.S. to quickly deflate the partisan crowd. Malik Tillman equalised in the 31st minute with a deflected free kick which wrong-footed Thibaut Courtois, but De Ketelaere restored Belgium's lead little more than a minute later with a back-post header. The U.S. played with more authority after the break until a calamitous error from goalkeeper ⁠Matt Freese allowed substitute Hans Vanaken to score in the 57th minute, irreversibly shifting the momentum in a stunned Seattle Stadium. Romelu Lukaku then added a fourth in ad...

...Backs strong preparation for Morocco and Côte d'Ivoire   By Maxwell Kumoye     President of CAVB Zone 3, Ali Yaro, has praised the Nigeria Volleyball Federation for successfully hosting the African Nations Cup Beach Volleyball Zone 3 Qualifiers, describing the tournament as a crucial platform for the development of the sport in West Africa. Speaking during the competition, Yaro commended the federation's leadership and officials for delivering a successful championship, stressing that while Nigeria had already secured qualification for the African Nations Beach Volleyball Championship, the tournament provided other countries with a valuable opportunity to compete and prepare for the continental showpiece. He noted that staging the event in Badagry proved to be a wise decision, saying the city's location made travel easier for neighbouring countries and contributed to the impressive turnout of participating teams. Yaro expressed delight with the presence of six nat...

By Maxwell Kumoye    European football governing body UEFA has strongly criticised FIFA's decision to suspend the implementation of U.S. striker Folarin Balogun's one-match World Cup ban, following an appeal by U.S. President Donald Trump for the case to be reviewed. In a strongly worded statement issued on Monday, UEFA described FIFA's action as "unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable", warning that it had crossed a dangerous line and undermined the integrity of the game. "We express our disbelief at such an unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable decision," UEFA said. "When the certainty of rules is no longer guaranteed by its guardians, the integrity of the game is at stake and the credibility of a competition is undermined." Balogun, who has scored three goals for the United States at the tournament, was shown a red card after a VAR review during his side's Round of 32 victory over Bosnia.  The forward was dismissed...