Zico's Paris Misfortune: Stolen Bag, Olympic Flame Arrives

Zico’s Paris Misfortune: Stolen Bag, Olympic Flame Arrives

Zico’s Paris Ordeal: Stolen Bag, Olympic Flame’s Arrival

Former Brazilian football legend Zico has become the victim of a theft in Paris, with his bag containing valuables worth hundreds of thousands of euros stolen. The incident occurred while Zico, 71, was in transit, leaving his car window open. The stolen items included cash, watches, and diamond jewelry.

While the Parisien daily reported the value of the stolen goods at 500,000 euros ($542,000), a source close to the matter has disputed this figure as highly exaggerated. Zico, a three-time World Cup participant, is currently in Paris as a guest of the Brazilian Olympic team ahead of the 2024 Games.

Meanwhile, the Olympic flame made its grand entrance into Paris on Friday, carried by a white-clad bearer on a diesel-belching tug. The flame had previously been carried by US rapper Snoop Dogg and passed under the peripherique motorway.

The 68th stage of the relay, entitled the “Epilogue,” marked the flame’s final journey before the Games. It had previously passed through Paris on Bastille Day and July 15 before circling the suburbs.

Earlier in the day, the flame visited the athletes’ village, where International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach and former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon took turns as torchbearers. Athletes from around the world captured the moment on their phones, expressing awe and excitement.

The flame’s journey continued through Saint-Denis, where rapper MC Solaar carried it, and stopped at the Stade de France, where Snoop Dogg took his turn. It then boarded a series of canal boats, cruising past factories and housing blocks to Paris, accompanied by spectators, security, and even canoeists in fancy dress.

The relay toured the Parc de la Villette and the Parc des Nations, housing the “clubhouses” of various countries. It then took to the water again, cruising down the Canal de l’Ourcq towards the Canal Saint-Martin and the Seine.

FIFA Seeks Update on AIFF Constitution Amid Legal Delay

FIFA Seeks Update on AIFF Constitution Amid Legal Delay

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is facing scrutiny from FIFA over the delay in adopting its new constitution. In a letter dated June 22, FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) expressed concern that they had not received an update from AIFF since July 31, 2023, and requested a response by July 5.

AIFF responded, stating that the matter is currently sub-judice, meaning it is being considered by the Supreme Court of India. However, FIFA-AFC emphasized that the AIFF Congress, as the supreme legislative body of the federation, should have the authority to amend statutes without judicial intervention.

The FIFA-AFC letter refers to a meeting held on May 16, 2023, where AIFF was asked to provide an update on the new constitution. This followed a Supreme Court order appointing former Justice Nageswara Rao to oversee the drafting process. Rao submitted the draft statutes to the court on July 31, 2023, but the matter has since been delayed due to objections from stakeholders.

AIFF has stated that the Supreme Court granted stakeholders the opportunity to file objections to the draft constitution. However, the federation’s objections were initially excluded from the compilation by the court-appointed Amicus Curiae. AIFF was subsequently allowed to file its objections on March 19, 2024.

The delay in adopting the new constitution has raised concerns about AIFF’s compliance with FIFA and AFC statutes. AIFF was suspended by FIFA in August 2022 for third-party influence, but the ban was lifted after the federation held elections in September 2022.

FIFA and AFC have reiterated that AIFF’s constitution must be in line with their statutes and approved by the AIFF general body without any interference from third parties. The ongoing legal proceedings and objections from stakeholders have prevented AIFF from finalizing and adopting the new constitution.

Canadian Women's Football Team in Spying Scandal, Coach Withdraws

Canadian Women’s Football Team in Spying Scandal, Coach Withdraws

Canadian Women’s Football Team Hit by Spying Scandal, Coach Withdraws from Opener

The Canadian women’s football team has been rocked by a spying scandal, resulting in the dismissal of two staff members and the voluntary withdrawal of head coach Bev Priestman from the opening match of their Olympic gold medal defense.

The incident came to light when a staff member was detained by French authorities for flying a drone over a New Zealand training session in Saint-Etienne. The Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) subsequently learned of a second incident involving New Zealand, who lodged a formal complaint with the IOC integrity unit.

The COC has confirmed that the staff members sent home are Joseph Lombardi, an unaccredited analyst with Canada Soccer, and Jasmine Mander, an assistant coach to whom Lombardi reported.

Priestman, who is ultimately responsible for the conduct of her team, has decided to withdraw from coaching the match against New Zealand on Thursday as a gesture of accountability and to emphasize the team’s commitment to integrity.

“On behalf of our entire team, I first and foremost want to apologize to the players and staff at New Zealand Football and to the players on Team Canada,” Priestman said. “This does not represent the values that our team stands for.”

The COC has stated that it is in contact with the IOC and FIFA and that Canada Soccer has been cooperative throughout the investigation. The COC will continue to review the matter and may take further action if necessary.

The spying scandal has cast a shadow over the Canadian team’s Olympic campaign and raised questions about the ethics of such practices in sports. The team will now have to regroup and focus on their opening match without their head coach and two staff members.

1,000 French Police to Guard Israel-Mali Football Match Amid Protest Concerns

1,000 French Police to Guard Israel-Mali Football Match Amid Protest Concerns

French Police on High Alert for Israel-Mali Football Match Amid Protest Concerns

Around 1,000 French police officers will be deployed on Wednesday to safeguard the Israel-Mali football match at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris, as security forces anticipate potential protests. The match has been designated as high risk due to the presence of the Israeli team and the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin emphasized the heightened security measures, stating that the match will have “an anti-terror perimeter” and that police will be present to “ensure that we are there for the sport.” Israeli President Isaac Herzog is expected to attend the game.

All Israeli athletes participating in the Paris Olympics will receive round-the-clock personal security from elite French police, both within the Olympic village and during their movements outside the compound. Security forces are anticipating “actions and disturbances around the stadium,” including potential insults, whistling, and flag displays during the national anthems.

Europalestine, a French activist group, has announced plans for a peaceful demonstration inside the stadium to protest the “genocide” in Gaza. Israeli government spokesperson David Mencer expressed concern over the threat and emphasized the importance of protecting Israeli athletes in collaboration with French authorities.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and French President Emmanuel Macron have rejected a Palestinian demand to ban Israel from the Paris Games due to the war in Gaza. The Palestine Olympic Committee had requested the ban, citing the bombings of the Gaza Strip as a violation of the Olympic truce.

The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza reported that over 39,000 people have been killed in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian militants.

Argentina Draw 2-2 with Morocco in Olympic Football Opener

Argentina Draw 2-2 with Morocco in Olympic Football Opener

Argentina’s Olympic football campaign got off to a dramatic start as they came from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Morocco in a hostile atmosphere in Saint-Etienne. Javier Mascherano’s side were booed by the crowd, who were largely supporting Morocco, and trailed 2-0 to a Soufiane Rahimi brace. However, Giuliano Simeone pulled one back before Cristian Medina equalized in the 106th minute.

Morocco took the lead in first-half stoppage time when Rahimi finished off a fine move set up by Paris Saint-Germain full-back Achraf Hakimi. The reigning African Under-23 champions doubled their lead six minutes into the second half when Rahimi converted a penalty after Ilias Akhomach was brought down.

Argentina fought back and Simeone, son of former Argentina star Diego, pulled one back midway through the second half. Medina then saved a point in the 106th minute, turning in a rebound after Otamendi’s shot was turned onto the bar and Bruno Amione headed the follow-up off the woodwork.

As Argentina celebrated, projectiles rained down from the stands and several spectators entered the pitch, prompting the referee to blow for full-time.

In Group C, Spain edged Uzbekistan 2-1 in their opener at the Parc des Princes in Paris. Sergio Gomez’s free-kick was helped on by Abel Ruiz to the back post where Marc Pubill turned the ball in. Uzbekistan drew level from the penalty spot in first-half added time, but Gomez made up for his earlier penalty miss by grabbing the winner just after the hour.

Football Ignites Paris 2024 Olympics with Spain, Argentina Headlining

Football Ignites Paris 2024 Olympics with Spain, Argentina Headlining

Football ignited the flame of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on Tuesday, with Spain and Argentina, the reigning FIFA World Cup and Copa America champions, respectively, taking center stage in Paris and Saint-Etienne.

At Parc des Princes in western Paris, Spain faced Uzbekistan, while Argentina, without Lionel Messi, encountered Morocco at Geoffroy-Guichard Stadium in Saint-Étienne. Spain’s Marc Pubill etched his name in history by scoring the first goal of the Summer Games in the 29th minute.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino graced the occasion, meeting players before the Uzbekistan-Spain match at Parc des Princes, the former home of Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe.

As the beautiful game kickstarted the action-packed Summer Olympics in Paris, let’s delve into the world of football and highlight some of the biggest names vying for Olympic gold:

Marta (Brazil)

Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer, Marta, is set to retire from international football after the Paris Games. The 38-year-old legend captains the Selecao and holds the distinction of being the first footballer to score in five consecutive Olympic Games.

Aitana Bonmati (Spain)

Spain, the reigning world champions, boast Aitana Bonmati, the 2023 Ballon d’Or winner, as their star player. The European giants are making their debut in women’s football at the Summer Games in Paris, having lost only twice in 14 matches since their historic FIFA World Cup triumph over England.

Achraf Hakimi (Morocco)

Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi is a prominent figure at the Summer Olympics. The 25-year-old led Morocco to the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup in 2022 and has opted to miss PSG’s pre-season preparations to compete in the Games.

Alexandre Lacazette (France)

Thierry Henry’s choice to lead France in the Summer Games is Alexandre Lacazette. The former Arsenal forward has not played for France since 2017 but has been an impressive force for Lyon, scoring 22 goals in 35 games last season.

Julian Alvarez (Argentina)

Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez arrives in Paris after a stellar season with Pep Guardiola’s side. The 22-year-old was instrumental in Manchester City’s Premier League triumph and also lifted the Copa America with Argentina.

Ronaldo Doubles Neymar's Salary as Saudi Pro League's Top Earner

Ronaldo Doubles Neymar’s Salary as Saudi Pro League’s Top Earner

Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to the Saudi Pro League has made him the highest-paid footballer in the world, earning double the salary of Neymar. The Portuguese superstar’s astronomical wages have set a new benchmark in the league, which has emerged as a lucrative destination for global stars.

Ronaldo’s salary dwarfs that of his fellow top earners, Karim Benzema and Neymar. The former Real Madrid captain Benzema earns a significant sum, but it pales in comparison to Ronaldo’s earnings. Neymar, despite making only five appearances for Al-Hilal in the 2023-24 season due to injury, still managed to pocket a staggering €20 million per game.

The Saudi Pro League’s top 10 salaries list reveals a significant disparity between the wages of the global superstars and the rest of the league. Riyad Mahrez, Sadio Mane, Kalidou Koulibaly, Aleksandar Mitrovic, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, N’Golo Kante, and Aymeric Laporte round out the top 10, but their salaries are considerably lower than the top three earners.

The influx of global stars to the Saudi Pro League has raised eyebrows, with reports suggesting that English Premier League stars Casemiro, Ederson, Alisson Becker, and Kevin De Bruyne could also make the switch. This influx of talent has transformed the league into a competitive and exciting destination for football fans.

Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Arabia has sparked debate about the future of the sport. Some argue that the financial incentives offered by the league could lure top players away from Europe’s elite leagues, while others believe that the move could help develop the game in the Middle East.

Celtic Stun Manchester City 4-3 in Pre-Season Thriller

Celtic Stun Manchester City 4-3 in Pre-Season Thriller

In a thrilling pre-season friendly, Celtic emerged victorious over Manchester City with a 4-3 scoreline at the University of North Carolina’s Kenan Memorial Stadium. Nicolas Kuhn’s brace and Luis Palma’s decisive goal in the 68th minute proved crucial for the Scottish champions.

Manchester City, led by Erling Haaland wearing the captain’s armband for the first time, showed signs of their attacking prowess. Haaland equalized in the 57th minute, but Celtic’s resilience shone through as Palma capitalized on a breakaway to secure the win.

The match served as a warm-up for both teams ahead of the upcoming 2024-25 season. Celtic, seeking their fourth consecutive Scottish Premiership title, fielded a strong lineup featuring debutant goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel. Manchester City, the reigning English Premier League champions, used the opportunity to assess their younger talent.

Kuhn opened the scoring for Celtic in the 13th minute, showcasing his pace and finishing ability. Schmeichel made several impressive saves to deny Haaland, but City equalized through Oscar Bobb’s deflected shot in the 33rd minute. Kuhn restored Celtic’s lead three minutes later, curling a beautiful shot into the top corner.

Celtic extended their advantage to 3-1 just before halftime when Kyogo Furuhashi converted a perfect pass from Kuhn. However, City responded swiftly after the break, with Maximo Perrone scoring within seconds of coming on as a substitute. Haaland’s header in the 57th minute brought City level, but Palma’s breakaway goal proved decisive.

Despite City’s late push, Celtic held on for the victory. The match provided valuable insights for both managers as they prepare for the upcoming season.

UEFA Charges Spain's Morata and Rodri for Gibraltar Chant

UEFA Charges Spain’s Morata and Rodri for Gibraltar Chant

UEFA has charged Spain captain Alvaro Morata and midfielder Rodri with violating its “basic rules of decent conduct” after they sang about a sovereignty claim on Gibraltar at the team’s European Championship title celebration. The charges also include “bringing the sport of football, and UEFA in particular, into disrepute.”

Morata and Rodri led thousands of fans in singing “Gibraltar is Spanish” at a celebration in Madrid last week after Spain’s 2-1 win over England in the Euro 2024 final. Gibraltar, located on the southern tip of Spain, has been a British overseas territory for more than 300 years.

The Gibraltar soccer federation filed a formal complaint to UEFA, which has now opened disciplinary proceedings against Morata and Rodri. The federation welcomed the move, saying it was “an important first step in order to establish the unlawfulness of the chant.”

UEFA’s disciplinary body will rule on the case at a later date, with the players facing a possible suspension from Nations League games in September. In a similar incident at Euro 2024, UEFA banned Albania player Mirlind Daku for two games after he led fans in nationalist chants against Serbia and North Macedonia.

Morata recently completed a move from Atletico Madrid to AC Milan, while Rodri, who was named player of the tournament at Euro 2024, plays for Manchester City.

European Leagues and Player Unions Sue FIFA over Match Calendar

European Leagues and Player Unions Sue FIFA over Match Calendar

FIFA Faces Legal Challenge from European Leagues and Player Unions over Match Calendar

The European Leagues and FIFPRO Europe have joined forces to file a formal complaint with the European Commission against FIFA over the international match calendar. The complaint alleges that FIFA’s actions violate EU competition law and constitute an abuse of dominance.

The joint statement released by the organizations highlights the unsustainable nature of the current match calendar, which has become saturated with fixtures. The new UEFA Champions League format and the expanded FIFA Club World Cup will further increase the burden on players, who are already facing a high risk of injuries.

The complaint argues that FIFA’s dual role as both a global regulator and a competition organizer creates a conflict of interest. The organizations contend that FIFA has neglected its responsibilities as a governing body and prioritized its own commercial interests.

The statement emphasizes that legal action is necessary to protect the football ecosystem and the welfare of players. The complaint will seek to demonstrate that FIFA’s conduct infringes EU competition law by abusing its dominant position.

The European Leagues and FIFPRO Europe believe that FIFA’s actions have harmed the economic interests of national leagues and the health of players. They call for a transparent, objective, and proportionate approach to the regulation of the international match calendar.

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