Sports
Enugu lifts ban on renewal of gaming license
With the lifting of restrictions on license renewals, gaming operators can now seamlessly update their licenses through the newly introduced Enugu State Gaming Regulatory Platform
The Enugu State Gaming and Lotto Commission, (ESGC), says it has lifted restrictions imposed on license on gaming renewal by operators.
The Executive Secretary of ESGC, Prince Arinze Arum, disclosed this in a statement issued by the Commission’s Public Relations Officer Nwanneka Udeh, on Thursday in Enugu.
Arum said the decision was part of key reforms aimed at strengthening the gaming industry and promoting responsible gaming practices and necessary steps in modernizing the gaming industry in the state.
He added that the Commission had also launched a new and technology-driven platform that ensured faster and more convenient renewal and other services.
“With the lifting of restrictions on license renewals, gaming operators can now seamlessly update their licenses through the newly introduced Enugu State Gaming Regulatory Platform (ESGRP).
“This digital solution ensures faster approvals, enhanced compliance monitoring, and a secure licensing process.
“As part of ESGC’s broader regulatory reforms, the Commission is implementing a series of initiatives, including the creation of gaming offices across all the 17 Local Government Areas,” Arum said.
▪︎The Guardian
Sports
2026 World Cup: FIFA probes 8,000-ticket resale scheme in Miami
While Ticket Kings claims it aims to “democratise access to live entertainment”, FIFA has vowed to block unauthorised investment schemes and prevent black-market practices from affecting the integrity of the World Cup ticket market.
FIFA has opened an investigation into a ticket resale plan promoted by Miami-based firm Ticket Kings, which allegedly sought investors with promises of high profits from reselling tickets for the 2026 World Cup.
In the promotional documents, Ticket Kings aimed to raise $5.5 million to buy around 8,000 tickets for matches involving England, Brazil, and Scotland. Investors were promised returns of 50% to 87% within six months.
The company described the scheme as a “unique investment opportunity” capitalising on global demand for World Cup tickets.FIFA said bulk ticket reselling for profit violates its rules.
A spokesperson confirmed that the enforcement team is reviewing the case and will take “appropriate action”, stressing that the ticketing system is designed to protect fans and prevent price manipulation.
The probe comes amid growing frustration over record-high ticket costs for the tournament, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.
Reports show resale prices for the final in East Rutherford, New Jersey, have reached $8,600, with one listing on FIFA’s platform reportedly hitting $230,000.
Critics warn schemes like Ticket Kings could fuel speculation, widening the gap between face-value and resale prices and making matches less accessible to ordinary supporters.
While Ticket Kings claims it aims to “democratise access to live entertainment”, FIFA has vowed to block unauthorised investment schemes and prevent black-market practices from affecting the integrity of the World Cup ticket market.
Sports
FIFA proposes one‑minute off‑field rule for injured players
If approved, the measure would be incorporated into football’s global rulebook.
FIFA on Monday proposed a new rule that would require players who receive on-field medical treatment to remain off the pitch for at least one minute.
BBC Sport reported that the proposal which is aimed at reducing time-wasting on the pitch, will be discussed during the annual general meeting of the International Football Association Board, the body responsible for the Laws of the Game.
If approved, the measure would be incorporated into football’s global rulebook.
At present, the Laws of the Game do not specify a mandatory period that injured players must stay off the field after treatment. Domestic competitions are allowed to implement their own guidelines.
Sports
48 nations to compete as FIFA releases schedule for Series 2026
Twelve groups of four teams each—nine men’s groups and three women’s groups—will compete, hosted by 11 FIFA Member Associations.
FIFA has released the full match schedule for the FIFA Series 2026, the expanded edition of its international friendly tournament, which will bring together 48 national teams from all six confederations.
The fixtures, published on the association’s website on Monday, are scheduled for the March and April 2026 international match window.
Twelve groups of four teams each—nine men’s groups and three women’s groups—will compete, hosted by 11 FIFA Member Associations.
Rwanda will stage two groups, while other hosts include Australia, Azerbaijan, Brazil, Côte d’Ivoire, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Switzerland, Thailand, and Uzbekistan.
All matches are official international friendlies and will be broadcast globally, providing fans worldwide with access and giving participating teams valuable exposure, particularly for those that rarely face opponents from other confederations.
According to FIFA, participating Member Associations have chosen their preferred competition formats within each group, either a semi-final and final structure.
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