Sports
Nigeria Sets to Host CAVB 2025 Women’s African Club Volleyball Championship
With this hosting right secured, Nigeria is set to welcome elite volleyball clubs from across the continent, further positioning the country as a key player in African sports
The Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC) Honourable Bukola Olopade has expressed profound gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, for the exceptional support received in securing the hosting rights for the CAVB 2025 Women’s African Club Volleyball Championship, scheduled to take place in Abuja from 1 to 14 April 2025.
In a letter of appreciation, personally signed by the DG and sent to the CGC, he acknowledged the pivotal role played by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in covering the bidding fees.
The gesture was described as a testament to the unwavering commitment to the growth of volleyball in Nigeria.
“At a time when sports development in Nigeria requires critical support, this proactive intervention has made a significant impact.
The dedication of resources and efforts to ensure that the prestigious championship is held in Nigeria is a rare demonstration of service and commitment to national sports development,” the DG stated.
He further remarked: “With this hosting right secured, Nigeria is set to welcome elite volleyball clubs from across the continent, further positioning the country as a key player in African sports.”
The Commission reaffirmed its readiness to work collaboratively in shaping sustainable sports development strategies that align with contemporary global trends.
While extending warm sporting regards to the CGC, the DG reiterated the Commission’s pride in being associated with the Nigeria Customs Service and all stakeholders who share the vision of advancing Nigerian sports on the international stage
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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