Paris, France | AFP | French DJ Martin Solveig apologised and said he was taken aback by the stormy reaction online after he asked the inaugural women’s Ballon D’Or winner Ada Hegerberg whether she could “twerk” live on stage. The awards co-host in Paris provoked a torrent of complaints about …
Read More »Modric, from Croatian war child to Ballon d’Or winner
Modrici, Croatia | AFP | Luka Modric’s journey from Croatian war child to the world’s best footballer was celebrated Monday when the Real Madrid midfielder hoisted the Ballon d’Or. A national hero in his home country and crowned the best player on the planet, Modric was rewarded for his …
Read More »Norway’s Ada Hegerberg wins inaugural women’s Ballon d’Or
Paris, France | AFP | Norway striker Ada Hegerberg was rewarded for her prolific form with Champions League winners Lyon as she took the first ever women’s Ballon d’Or prize at a ceremony in Paris on Monday. The 23-year-old saw off competition from the likes of Danish star …
Read More »Freak Liverpool winner sparks wild scenes at Anfield
Liverpool, United Kingdom | AFP | Divock Origi’s freak injury-time winning goal settled a thrilling Merseyside derby as Liverpool beat Everton 1-0 on Sunday to stay in touch with Premier League leaders Manchester City, although the FA may yet have the final word on a tempestuous finale to the game. …
Read More »Raja end 15-year wait for CAF title despite defeat
Johannesburg, South Africa | AFP | Moroccan club Raja Casablanca ended a 15-year wait for an African trophy by winning the CAF Confederation Cup in the Democratic Republic of Congo Sunday despite a 3-1 second-leg loss to V Club. Raja, who won the last edition of the CAF Cup in …
Read More »South Africa eyes bid for 2019 Cup of Nations
Johannesburg, South Africa | AFP | South Africa’s football association (SAFA) said on Sunday it is considering making a bid to host the Africa Cup of Nations in 2019 after Cameroon was dramatically stripped of the continental showpiece. Though South Africa has much of the necessary infrastructure after hosting the 2010 …
Read More »UEFA approves creation of third club competition from 2021
Dublin, Ireland | AFP | UEFA confirmed on Sunday the creation of a third European club competition from the 2021/22 season designed to offer more clubs and associations the chance to play European football. After approval from UEFA’s Executive Committee in Dublin, the Europa League will be cut from its …
Read More »Aubameyang stars as Arsenal fightback stuns Spurs
London, United Kingdom | AFP | Unai Emery hailed Arsenal’s explosive 4-2 win over bitter rivals Tottenham as a statement of intent from his revitalised side. Emery’s team extended their unbeaten run to 19 matches in all competitions after fighting back from 2-1 down in arguably the Premier League’s game …
Read More »Germany, Netherlands to meet in Euro 2020 qualifying as England given clement draw
Dublin, Ireland | AFP | Former champions Germany and the Netherlands will meet each in qualifying for Euro 2020 after being paired together in Sunday’s draw in Dublin, but World Cup semi-finalists England will not complain about their group. The Germans were the most dangerous team outside the first pot …
Read More »River join Boca in refusing to play Copa Libertadores in Madrid
Buenos Aires, Argentina | AFP | River Plate said Saturday they have refused to play the Copa Libertadores final second leg against Boca Juniors in Madrid, casting uncertainty over the December 9 fixture. The match between the Argentine arch-rivals has been moved to Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu stadium after it …
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