Sports
US opens priority visa appointments for 2026 World Cup ticket holders
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said that the organisation expects “between five and ten million people” to travel to North America to enjoy the World Cup.
The United States on Tuesday, opened a priority visa appointment system for holders of tickets to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, allowing fans to seek earlier appointments ahead of the tournament.
The World Cup will be hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.
BBC reported that visa appointment scheme will enable ticket holders to access prioritised visa slots before the competition begins on June 11.
The US will host 78 of the 104 matches at the 2026 World Cup across 11 cities, including the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.”
In November, President Donald Trump said the Departments of State and Homeland Security had been working “tirelessly” to ensure football fans from around the world are properly vetted and able to travel to the United States for the summer tournament.
“I’ve directed my administration to do everything within our power to make the 2026 World Cup an unprecedented success. We are setting records on ticket sales,” Trump said.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said that the organisation expects “between five and ten million people” to travel to North America to enjoy the World Cup.
Sports
Tottenham sacks manager Thomas Frank
Tottenham fans booed Frank and chanted for his sacking during Tuesday’s 2-1 defeat to Newcastle.
•Thomas Frank
Tottenham has sacked the Men’s Head Coach, Thomas Frank.
Tottenham fans booed Frank and chanted for his sacking during Tuesday’s 2-1 defeat to Newcastle.
“Thomas Frank was appointed in June 2025, and we have been determined to give him the time and support needed to build for the future together,” said the Club via a statement on Wednesday.
The statement reads: “The Club has taken the decision to make a change in position and Thomas Frank will leave today. However, results and performances have led the Board to conclude that a change at this point in the season is necessary.“
Throughout his time at the Club, Thomas has conducted himself with unwavering commitment, giving everything in his efforts to move the Club forward.
We would like to thank him for his contribution and wish him every success in the future.”
Frank left Brentford in June to replace Ange Postecoglou after the Australian was sacked despite winning the Europa League.
Sports
Arsenal wins $2.3m prize in FIFA Women’s Champions Cup
The European champions edged past the Brazilian side thanks to a decisive extra-time strike from Caitlin Foord, securing a payout almost four times the €500,000 ($590,000) they earned for winning last season’s UEFA Women’s Champions League.
Arsenal has emerged the winner of the inaugural FIFA Women’s Champions Cup, claiming a record $2.3 million prize, the largest financial reward in the history of women’s club football. It beats Corinthians 3–2 .
The European champions edged past the Brazilian side thanks to a decisive extra-time strike from Caitlin Foord, securing a payout almost four times the €500,000 ($590,000) they earned for winning last season’s UEFA Women’s Champions League.
Despite being heavy favourites, Arsenal were pushed to the limit by a spirited Corinthians side, who had stunned US champions Gotham FC in the semi-finals.
Olivia Smith gave Arsenal an early lead, but Gabi Zanotti quickly drew Corinthians level.
Lotte Wubben-Moy restored the Gunners’ advantage, and celebrations were already building when Corinthians struck back dramatically in stoppage time.
Vic Albuquerque converted from the penalty spot after Gisela Robledo was fouled in the box.
Arsenal’s superior depth eventually told in extra time, as Foord squeezed a finish in at the near post to finally break Corinthians’ resistance and seal a historic victory.
.“It’s not often you can write history at Arsenal because history has been written so many times,” Wubben-Moy told Sky Sports. “To come to this inaugural competition and win it, with our fans here, is really special.”
Sports
CAF Suspends Hakimi, Thiaw, & Fines both Morocco and Senegal
The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) Disciplinary Board has imposed significant sanctions on the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF) and the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF), along with several players and officials from both nations.
The penalties stem from incidents that occurred during and after the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 final match, which violated the CAF Disciplinary Code, including breaches of fair play, loyalty, integrity, and respect for match officials.
The decisions were announced on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, following a review of disciplinary reports from the high-profile final held in Rabat, Morocco.Sanctions on the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF):
– A fine of USD 300,000 for the improper conduct of its supporters, which brought the game into disrepute.
– A fine of USD 300,000 for the unsporting conduct of its players and technical staff.
– A fine of USD 15,000 for team misconduct, due to five players receiving cautions (yellow cards).
– Total fines on FSF: Approximately USD 615,000.
Individual sanctions for Senegal include:
– Head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw suspended for five official CAF matches and fined USD 100,000 for unsporting conduct and bringing the game into disrepute (linked to events such as a brief team protest over a late VAR decision).
– Players Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr each suspended for two official CAF matches for unsporting behavior toward the referee.
Sanctions on the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF):
– A fine of USD 200,000 for the inappropriate behavior of stadium ball boys during the match.
– A fine of USD 100,000 for the conduct of players and technical staff (including invading restricted areas).
– A fine of USD 15,000 for fans’ use of lasers (as reported in some summaries).
– Total fines on FRMF: Approximately USD 315,000.
Individual sanctions for Morocco include:
– Player Achraf Hakimi suspended for two CAF matches (with one potentially suspended for a year in some reports).
– Other players, such as Ismaël Saibari, facing suspensions of up to three matches and fines.
The CAF Disciplinary Board also reportedly rejected a formal protest from the FRMF alleging violations by Senegal, confirming Senegal’s status as AFCON 2025 champions.
These measures mark one of the stricter disciplinary responses in recent AFCON history, aimed at upholding the integrity of the competition amid the chaotic scenes that overshadowed the final.
Both federations have the option to appeal certain decisions through CAF processes.
-
Politics2 days agoProtesters Rock National Assembly Demanding Electronic Transmission of Election Results in 2027
-
News2 days agoCourt of Appeal Upholds Senate’s Suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
-
Politics2 days agoEx- Lawmaker leaves APC with 100 members to strengthen Labour Party in Abia
-
News2 days agoLagos Govt Warns Cyclists, Commercial Motorcyclists, Skateboard Users to Avoid Highways
-
News2 days agoCross River Magistrate Courts Strike Over Demands Snub by Govt
-
News2 days agoDefendants’ Absence Stalls Trial of Arise News Anchor’s Death
-
News2 days agoNGE Urges Senate: Make Electronic Transmission of Election Results Mandatory and Immediate
-
News2 days agoPAACA Thumbs Up Protest over Senate’s Rejection of Electronic Transmission of Election Results
