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Tag: UEFA

Rangnick: Haaland Now Best Striker Over Mbappe
Austria’s head coach, Ralf Rangnick, has declared that Erling Haaland has surpassed Kylian Mbappe as the best striker in world football. Rangnick’s assertion comes as Haaland, the ManchesterCity star, continues to dominate the field, outshining Real Madrid’s Mbappe with his incredible performances in the 2024-25 season.
On the other hand, Kylian Mbappe has faced criticism following a disappointing Euro 2024 performance with France and a slow start to his La Liga campaign with Real Madrid.
Before Norway’s 2-1 victory over Austria in the UEFA Nations League, Rangnick remarked, “Until a few months ago, I would have said that Haaland and Mbappe were the best strikers in the world. At the moment, I think Haaland is the best, but that is also because Kylian is not in top form. Haaland hardly has any weaknesses. For his size, he is extremely fast, agile, and has incredible jumping power.”
Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappe’s transition to Real Madrid has been met with mixed reviews. Although he made a promising start by scoring in the UEFA Super Cup, he experienced a three-match goal drought in La Liga before finding the net twice against Real Betis.
A source close to Real Madrid commented on Mbappe’s start, stating that while it hasn’t been perfect, there’s no cause for concern. “It’s as you would expect: an adaptation to a team that has changed a lot and in which he has to find his place. And he is finding it,” the source told The Athletic.
As both Haaland and Mbappe continue to evolve, the football world eagerly watches to see who will ultimately reign supreme as the best striker in the world.
September 10, 2024
Chelsea Manager Maresca Keeps Door Open for Madueke Departure Amid Newcastle Interest
By Milcah Tanimu
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has not ruled out the possibility of Nigerian forward Noni Madueke leaving the club before the summer transfer window closes, especially with Newcastle United showing interest.
Madueke, who was born in England, struggled to secure regular game time last season, mainly due to the strong performances of Cole Palmer, who occupied his preferred position. Although Madueke is now on Newcastle’s radar, their inability to offload Miguel Almirón has cast doubt on whether a deal for the former PSV Eindhoven player will materialize.
Despite being one of Chelsea’s standout performers during pre-season, Madueke’s spot in the starting lineup remains uncertain, especially with the competition from Palmer and the arrivals of Pedro Neto and João Félix. His lack of minutes was evident when he was an unused substitute during Chelsea’s Premier League opener against Manchester City.
Madueke made his first appearance of the season in Chelsea’s UEFA Europa Conference League play-off against Servette, coming off the bench to replace Neto. He marked his return with a goal, sealing the victory for Chelsea and impressing Maresca in the process.
When asked whether he intends to keep Madueke following the win, Maresca expressed his admiration for the young forward but acknowledged that his future at the club remains uncertain until the transfer window closes.
“Yeah, absolutely,” Maresca said, as reported by Football.London. “The reality is until the transfer window is open, anything can happen. But for sure, Noni is the type of player I like.”
He added, “The important thing for Noni is consistency. He’s been doing well since he started with us, but he needs to work hard every day, and if he does, he’ll definitely get his minutes.”
August 23, 2024
Hala Madrid: The Power of a System Over Individuals
Real Madrid CF, one of the most storied football clubs in the world, exemplifies the concept that a well-defined system outweighs the influence of individual players. As Wikipedia describes, a system is a group of interacting or interrelated elements that follow a set of rules to form a unified whole. This principle underscores the idea that no matter how competent an individual is, reliance solely on a single entity is not sustainable and is prone to failure. Even in various religions, where the supremacy of God is unquestioned, there is often mention of a host of heavenly beings, indicating that even divine operations follow a systematic structure.
A robust system ensures longevity. With a clear system in place, plans can proceed smoothly. From 1998 to 2024, Real Madrid has had over 15 coaches, yet the club has maintained its status as an all-time champion. As of 2024, Real Madrid is one of only three clubs never to have been relegated from the top tier of Spanish football. Since becoming the first Spanish club to enter the European Cup in 1955, Real Madrid has participated in every UEFA-organized competition, except the Intertoto Cup and the Conference League. The club has only missed out on European football twice in its history, during the 1977–78 and 1996–97 seasons.
In the past decades, Madrid only failed to secure a trophy in the 2020/2021 season, yet they managed to navigate through numerous injuries to reach the semi-finals of the Champions League and compete for the LaLiga Santander title until the final day. With 30 continental and worldwide trophies, Real Madrid is the most successful team in international club football.
Such consistent success over more than 70 years cannot be solely attributed to players or even coaches. It is the result of a well-established system. A robust system facilitates the seamless transfer of responsibilities and structures from one generation to the next.
Nigeria, as a nation, needs to build a formidable system that does not depend on any individual but is grounded in well-defined plans and procedures that continue regardless of who is in leadership. The family unit can play a crucial role in fostering a functional national system. Families should instill value systems based on virtues such as hard work, honesty, transparency, empathy, and selflessness.
Be like Madrid! Build a system that stands the test of time.
June 3, 2024
“Recent UEFA Men’s Player of the Year Award Winners”
By Milcah Tanimu
As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, I can provide you with the list of the last 10 winners of the UEFA Men’s Player of the Year Award up to that point. Please note that the information may not be up to date, and I recommend checking the most recent sources for the latest winners:
1. 2020 – Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich)
2. 2019 – Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
3. 2018 – Luka Modrić (Real Madrid)
4. 2017 – Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
5. 2016 – Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
6. 2015 – Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
7. 2014 – Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
8. 2013 – Franck Ribéry (Bayern Munich)
9. 2012 – Andrés Iniesta (Barcelona)
10. 2011 – Lionel Messi (Barcelona)

September 1, 2023
FIFA, UEFA Suspends Russian Teams Over Ukraine Invasion
FIFA and UEFA have suspended football teams from Russia indefinitely in the wake of the invasion of Ukraine that has left at least 240 civilian casualties.
The decision was taken on Monday by the Bureau of FIFA Council and the Executive Committee of UEFA following the initial decisions adopted by the bodies.
A statement to this effect obtained by Vanguard from FIFA’s website reads, “Following the initial decisions adopted by the FIFA Council and the UEFA Executive Committee, which decisions envisaged the adoption of additional measures, FIFA and UEFA have today decided together that all Russian teams, whether national representative teams or club teams, shall be suspended from participation in both FIFA and UEFA competitions until further notice.
“These decisions were adopted today by the Bureau of the FIFA Council and the Executive Committee of UEFA, respectively the highest decision-making bodies of both institutions on such urgent matters.
“Football is fully united here and in full solidarity with all the people affected in Ukraine. Both Presidents hope that the situation in Ukraine will improve significantly and rapidly so that football can again be a vector for unity and peace amongst people.”
FIFA had earlier refused to suspend Russia, rather limiting it to just the ban of international matches from being played in the country and the use of flag or anthem of Russia. It also said Russia would have to compete in international football under the name “Football Union of Russia (RFU)”.
With this development, teams competing in European competitions will automatically lose their places and the senior men’s national team of Russia will no longer be able to compete for a place at this year’s World Cup in Qatar.
Football federations of Poland, Czech Republic and Sweden had written a joint statement to FIFA saying they will not honour fixtures against Russia in their Path B World Cup qualifying play-off games.
February 28, 2022
UEFA On Verge Of Suspending Russian Teams From All Competitions
UEFA is set to suspend Russian teams from all competitions in response to the invasion of Ukraine, according to a report Monday by German sports agency SID, an AFP subsidiary.
The first Russian team affected would be Spartak Moscow, who face RB Leipzig away in a Europa League last 16, first-leg tie on March 10.
The Russian women’s national team would also be excluded from the European Championship due to be hosted by England this July.
According to SID, the decision to suspend Russia is supported by several national federations, including the powerful German and English associations.
“I can’t imagine that there will be matches against Russia. There cannot – and must not – be,” Peter Peters, a candidate for the German FA presidency, told SID.
“It is about war. You have to take a clear stance on that.”
AFP
February 28, 2022
UEFA Strips Russia Of Hosting Right, Move Champions League Final to France
UEFA has moved this year’s Champions League final to France after it withdrew the right from Russia for invading Ukraine.
Originally billed to hold at St. Petersburg stadium, it will not hold at the Stade de France, UEFA announced on Friday.
The decision was reached after an extraordinary meeting held by the Executive Committee resulting from the escalation of the security situation caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Among the decisions taken was the change of venues for national team and clubs football engagements for both countries. World Cup qualifying matches will now be played at neutral venues until further notice.
A statement to this effect on UEFA’s website reads, “The UEFA Executive Committee today held an extraordinary meeting following the grave escalation of the security situation in Europe.
“The UEFA Executive Committee decided to relocate the final of the 2021/22 UEFA Men’s Champions League from Saint Petersburg to Stade de France in Saint-Denis. The game will be played as initially scheduled on Saturday 28 May at 21:00 CET.
“UEFA wishes to express its thanks and appreciation to French Republic President Emmanuel Macron for his personal support and commitment to have European club football’s most prestigious game moved to France at a time of unparalleled crisis. Together with the French government, UEFA will fully support multi-stakeholder efforts to ensure the provision of rescue for football players and their families in Ukraine who face dire human suffering, destruction and displacement.
“At today’s meeting, the UEFA Executive Committee also decided that Russian and Ukrainian clubs and national teams competing in UEFA competitions will be required to play their home matches at neutral venues until further notice.
“The UEFA Executive Committee further determined to remain on standby to convene further extraordinary meetings, on a regular ongoing basis where required, to reassess the legal and factual situation as it evolves and adopt further decisions as necessary.”
February 25, 2022
UEFA urges FIFA to stop pushing World Cup plan
European football’s governing body UEFA has urged FIFA to stop pushing its plan for a two-year World Cup and instead to engage in “genuine consultation” over reform of the international match calendar.
FIFA is conducting a feasibility study into holding the World Cup on a biennial basis, a change from the current four-yearly cycle, but has made no secret of its desire to switch to such a format.
Arsene Wenger, the former Arsenal manager who is now FIFA’s head of Global Football Development, said this month he was “100% convinced” of the switch.
“UEFA is disappointed with the methodology adopted, which has so far led to radical reform projects being communicated and openly promoted before having been given, together with other stakeholders, the chance to participate in any consultation meeting,” UEFA said in a statement on Wednesday.
UEFA said there were numerous concerns about the impact of such a switch including the “dilution” of the World Cup’s value, risks of players being over-worked and women’s football suffering from annual men’s tournaments.
“These are just some of the serious concerns that the FIFA proposal provokes at first glance.
“And they cannot be dispelled simply with unsubstantiated promotional slogans on the supposed benefits of a thicker calendar for final tournaments,” the statement added.
UEFA said it had asked, on Sept. 14, for a meeting with FIFA and the 55 European member associations but has yet to get a reply.
FIFA did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin warned this month of a potential European boycott of the World Cup if FIFA’s plans went ahead.
“We can decide not to play in it,” Ceferin, head of European soccer’s governing body, told The Times newspaper.
“As far as I know, the South Americans are on the same page. So good luck with a World Cup like that.
“I think it will never happen as it is so much against the basic principles of football
September 23, 2021
UEFA Announces 3 Nominees for 2021 Men’s Player of the Year Awards
The Union of European Football Associations, UEFA, on Thursday announced the names of the three nominees shortlisted for the 2020/21 UEFA Men’s Player of the Year Awards.
UEFA made the announcement in a post via their official website.
The players for the award are Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne, Chelsea’s Jorginho and Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante.
The award winners will be announced at the 2021/22 UEFA Champions League group stage draw ceremony, which will take place on Thursday, 26 August at the Haliç Congress Center in Istanbul, Turkey.
De Bruyne was impressive for Manchester City as they won the Premier League title last season, while Kante and Jorginho won the Champions League and the UEFA Super Cup with the Blues.
Jorginho also won the Euro 2020 with Italy national team.
August 19, 2021
Euro 2020: UEFA sanctions Hungary over fans’ ‘discriminatory behaviour’
UEFA on Friday ordered Hungary to play their next three home matches behind closed doors and fined the Hungarian football federation 100,000 euros for “the discriminatory behaviour of its supporters”.
European football’s governing body had opened an investigation into allegedly homophobic banners and monkey noises during Hungary’s Euro 2020 group stage matches in Budapest and Munich.
AFP
July 9, 2021