Sports
Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali has received a ten-month ban for violating betting regulations
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has suspended Newcastle and Italy midfielder Sandro Tonali for ten months for violating betting regulations.
The 23-year-old will not be permitted to play again until August and will be unable to compete in Euro 2024 if Italy qualifies.
Tonali joined Newcastle from AC Milan in July for a fee of £55 million.
The FIGC banned Juventus midfielder Nicolo Fagioli for seven months earlier this month for betting violations.
Fagioli’s one-year term was delayed for five months, and he was fined 12,500 euros (£10,850).
He also consented to a six-month rehabilitation plan to address his gambling addiction.
Tonali and fellow midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo, who is on loan at Aston Villa from Galatasaray, were compelled to leave Italy’s training camp on October 12 when Italian prosecutors informed them that they were the subject of an investigation.
Tonali spent three years in San Siro, where he helped Milan win their first Serie A championship in 11 years in 2021-22 and reach the Champions League semi-finals last season.
He came off the bench in Newcastle’s 1-0 Champions League loss to Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday.
Tonali appeared in 12 games for Eddie Howe’s team after becoming the Magpies’ second most expensive signing.
Newcastle are sixth in the Premier League and will play Wolves on Saturday before meeting Manchester United in the Carabao Cup fourth round on Wednesday.
Sports
Andre Ayew is optimistic in the current Black Stars squad
Andre Ayew has voiced faith in the current Black Stars team.
The Black Stars have recently performed below expectations in important events.
In the previous two Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) championships, the squad failed to go beyond the group stage in their quest to end the country’s trophy drought.
Similarly, at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, they were eliminated early in the group stage.
Nonetheless, Ayew, the team’s current captain, feels that young stars like Mohammed Kudus, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Kamaldeen Sulemana, and Ibrahim Osman are making key contributions as the Black Stars seek to reclaim their previous glory.
Ayew reflected on the team’s history, saying, “We dominated for several years.” I was a member of this squad with the golden generation. Then there was the generation of Mubarak Wakaso, Asamoah Gyan, and John Mensah. “Now there is a new generation coming,” Ayew stated on Canal+.
Despite the great expectations put on the current squad, Ayew is optimistic about Ghana’s future in football.
“There is a lot of pressure.” Even though this generation dominated, we were unable to win. So this adds to the pressure and demands, and the country wants even more,” the Le Havre player revealed. Today’s players lack the experience of those I just highlighted,” he remarked.
Ayew emphasised the gap in experience between the current players and previous stalwarts, but he remained enthusiastic about the team’s prospects.
Meanwhile, the Black Stars will reconvene in June for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Mali and the Central African Republic.
Sports
We will overcome present obstacles – Black Stars skipper Andre Ayew affirms
Andre Ayew, Black Stars captain, is confident in his team’s ability to overcome barriers to their advancement.
The four-time African Cup of Nations (AFCON) champions have come under fire in recent tournaments for poor performances, most notably failing to advance beyond the group stages in their previous three major events.
Despite great expectations, the Black Stars were eliminated from the group stage of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Despite recent failures, Ayew, who has over 100 caps for his nation, is confident in the team’s resiliency.
“The players begin by realising the significance of wearing this shirt, a symbol beloved by millions. “It’s a heavy responsibility that requires strong shoulders,” the 33-year-old said in an interview with Canal+.
Ayew acknowledged the existing problems but offered confidence.
“I know we’ll make it back. We are going through a difficult time, but I am certain that we will get through it.
Meanwhile, Andre Ayew will spearhead the team’s recovery when they return in June for World Cup qualifiers against Mali and the Central African Republic.
Sports
Black Stars fitness coach Ricky Roy reportedly dead
Romeo Ricky Roy, the fitness coach for Ghana’s senior national team, has died.
According to Ghana Football Association president Kurt Edwin Simeon Okraku’s Facebook post, he died in Accra on Sunday, April 28, 2024.
Roy joined the Black Stars’ backroom staff in 2021, during Milovan Rajevac’s second spell as coach.
He remained with the national squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and the current Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.
Roy rose to prominence as a member of the coaching staff for Division One League club Vision FC in February 2020, before joining the national squad.
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