Paul Pogba's Doping Ban Reduced to 18 Months by CAS

Paul Pogba’s Doping Ban Reduced to 18 Months by CAS

Paul Pogba’s Doping Ban Reduced to 18 Months

French midfielder Paul Pogba’s four-year ban for doping has been significantly reduced to 18 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The decision was announced on Friday by a CAS spokesperson, who confirmed that the suspension will take effect from September 11, 2023.

Pogba, now 31 years old, tested positive for testosterone in August 2023, leading to his initial four-year ban. However, the CAS has now ruled that the ban should be reduced, citing mitigating circumstances. The reasons for the decision will be released at a later date.

The news of Pogba’s reduced ban comes as a relief to the player and his supporters. The former Manchester United and Juventus star has been out of action since his positive test, and the 18-month suspension will allow him to return to competitive football sooner than expected.

Pogba’s ban has been a major talking point in the football world, with many questioning the severity of the initial four-year punishment. The CAS’s decision to reduce the ban suggests that they believe there were extenuating circumstances that contributed to Pogba’s positive test.

It remains to be seen how Pogba will perform upon his return to football. The midfielder has been a key player for both club and country throughout his career, and his absence has been felt by both Manchester United and the French national team.

Pogba’s reduced ban is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, there is always hope for redemption. The midfielder will now have the opportunity to prove that he is still one of the best players in the world and that he can overcome this setback.

Ratcliffe Casts Doubt on Ten Hag's Future at Manchester United

Ratcliffe Casts Doubt on Ten Hag’s Future at Manchester United

Manchester United’s co-owner, Jim Ratcliffe, has cast doubt over Erik ten Hag’s future at the club, admitting that the team is not performing as expected under the Dutch manager. Despite having a chance to dismiss rumors of Ten Hag’s potential dismissal, Ratcliffe’s comments have raised concerns about the manager’s job security.

United’s dismal start to the season, with only two wins in six Premier League matches, has put Ten Hag under immense pressure. The team’s 3-0 home defeat to Tottenham and their failure to hold onto a two-goal lead in their 3-3 draw with Porto in the Europa League have further intensified the scrutiny on the manager.

Ratcliffe, who took charge of United’s football operations in February, refused to guarantee Ten Hag’s future, stating that the decision would be made by the club’s management team, including sporting director Dan Ashworth and chief executive Omar Berrada. He emphasized that the team has only been together for a short period and needs time to make sensible decisions.

“Our objective is very clear, we want to take Manchester United back to where it should be, and it’s not there yet, obviously,” Ratcliffe said.

Ten Hag’s tenure at United has been turbulent, with the team finishing eighth in the Premier League last season. Despite leading United to an FA Cup final victory over Manchester City in May, the club’s poor start to this season has raised questions about his ability to turn things around.

Ratcliffe’s comments have added to the uncertainty surrounding Ten Hag’s future. The manager will be hoping to turn things around in United’s upcoming Premier League match against Aston Villa on Sunday. However, the pressure on him is mounting, and the club’s hierarchy will be closely monitoring the team’s performance in the coming weeks.

Bayern Munich's Jamal Musiala Ruled Out with Hip Injury

Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala Ruled Out with Hip Injury

Bayern Munich’s attacking midfielder Jamal Musiala has been ruled out of action for the upcoming Bundesliga clash against Eintracht Frankfurt and Germany’s two Nations League matches due to a hip injury. The 21-year-old was initially included in Julian Nagelsmann’s squad for the international fixtures against Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Netherlands, but will now miss out.

Musiala has been a key player for Bayern this season, scoring three goals in 10 appearances across all competitions. His absence will be a blow to the German champions, who are currently top of the Bundesliga table.

The injury is a setback for Musiala, who has been in impressive form for both club and country. He has made 36 appearances for Germany, scoring six goals, and has established himself as one of the most promising young players in Europe.

Bayern have confirmed that Musiala will be sidelined for the time being, but have not provided a specific timeframe for his return. The club’s medical staff will continue to assess his condition and provide updates as they become available.

In Musiala’s absence, Bayern will likely turn to Leroy Sané or Kingsley Coman to fill the void in attack. Both players have been in good form this season and will be eager to make an impact in Musiala’s absence.

Germany have called up Stuttgart’s Jamie Leweling to replace Musiala in their squad for the Nations League matches. Leweling has been in impressive form for Stuttgart this season, scoring three goals in 10 appearances.

Musiala’s injury is a reminder of the physical demands of top-level football. The 21-year-old has played a lot of football in recent months and his body is now paying the price. Bayern will hope that he can recover quickly and return to action soon.

Belgium Squad Announced for Nations League Matches, De Bruyne and Lukaku Absent

Belgium Squad Announced for Nations League Matches, De Bruyne and Lukaku Absent

Belgium’s national football team coach, Domenico Tedesco, has announced his squad for the upcoming Nations League matches against Italy and France. Notably, Manchester City’s star midfielder Kevin De Bruyne will miss the matches due to injury.

De Bruyne, 33, had previously hinted at potentially retiring from international football. However, he has since assured Tedesco that he intends to continue playing for Belgium for the next two years, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

“I had a long conversation with Kevin,” Tedesco said. “He’s injured now, but he’s highly motivated to continue with us and play in the World Cup. He asked to be excused from this camp and the November camp to focus on his physical recovery.”

Another notable absence from the squad is Napoli striker Romelu Lukaku. Tedesco has decided to rest Lukaku, who recently joined the Italian club, to allow him to “work individually” and settle into his new surroundings.

Belgium will face Italy in Rome on October 10th and then host France in Brussels on October 14th. The squad includes a mix of experienced players and rising stars, with several players representing top clubs across Europe.

Goalkeepers: Koen Casteels (Al Qadsiah), Matz Sels (Nottingham Forest), Maarten Vandevoordt (RB Leipzig)

Defenders: Sebastiaan Bornauw (Wolfsburg), Timothy Castagne (Fulham), Zeno Debast (Sporting Portugal), Maxim De Cuyper (Club Bruges), Wout Faes (Leicester), Matte Smets (Genk), Arthur Theate (Eintracht Frankfurt), Koni De Winter (Genoa)

Midfielders: Charles De Ketelaere (Atalanta), Amadou Onana (Aston Villa), Orel Mangala (Lyon), Youri Tielemans (Aston Villa), Arne Engels (Celtic), Malick Fofana (Lyon)

Forwards: Johan Bakayoko (PSV), Jeremy Doku (Manchester City), Dodi Lukebakio (Sevilla), Lois Openda (RB Leipzig), Cyril Ngonge (Napoli), Leandro Trossard (Arsenal)

India to Face Vietnam in Friendly Match on October 12

India to Face Vietnam in Friendly Match on October 12

The Indian senior men’s football team will face Vietnam in a one-off friendly match on October 12 at the Thien Truong Stadium in Nam Dinh, Vietnam. The match will count towards the FIFA Rankings.

The friendly was originally scheduled to be a tri-nation tournament, with India also facing Lebanon on October 12. However, Lebanon withdrew from the tournament, prompting the All-India Football Federation (AIFF) to request the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) to reschedule the Vietnam-India match to October 12, which was accepted by the VFF.

India will assemble in Kolkata on October 5 and have a training session on October 6. Manolo Marquez and his squad will travel to Vietnam on October 7, where they will continue training.

Marquez announced a list of 26 probables on Monday. The final squad of 23 players will be announced before the team’s travel to Vietnam.

This will be the second event that the Indian senior national football team will be played under Manolo Marquez, who was appointed to the post succeeding Igor Stimac on July 20, 2024. The Intercontinental Cup was the 56-year-old Marquex’s first assignment as India coach.

India will be looking to build on their recent good form, which has seen them win the SAFF Championship and qualify for the AFC Asian Cup. Vietnam, meanwhile, are ranked 97th in the FIFA Rankings, 10 places below India.

The match will be a good test for both teams as they prepare for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup. India will be hoping to continue their good form and Vietnam will be looking to improve their FIFA Ranking.

Sunil Chhetri Adjusts to Life After International Retirement

Sunil Chhetri Adjusts to Life After International Retirement

Sunil Chhetri, the legendary Indian footballer, is still adjusting to life after announcing his international retirement in June. The 40-year-old striker, who holds the record for most goals scored for the Indian national team, admitted that he misses being a part of the team.

“It’s not been nice, I miss it,” Chhetri told PTI. “I’ve got six players from the national team at my club. They come back and tell me stories and I don’t like it. I’ve told them, ‘shut up, it’s going to take time, I’m not cool with it yet’.”

Chhetri, who still plays for Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League (ISL), said he will continue to play as long as he can add value to his club. “As long as they can have me, as long as I can add value to the club, as long as I’m happy. The day I think I am not adding any value, the day I think the club doesn’t need me, I’ll be gone,” he said.

Chhetri also backed India’s new coach, Manolo Marquez, to succeed in his dual role with the national team and FC Goa. “It is challenging, but we know what Manolo has done in the last couple of years. The good thing is the windows, the one that is left. One is the Vietnam window and then one is the March window,” he said.

“He’ll be able to handle it. Also, the plus point, the pro, (because) the cons we talked about. The pros is that he will know the players. He’s watching every game in the ISL because he has to. That really works. He will know exactly what team to pick,” he added.

Chhetri said he has enjoyed sharing days of fatherhood with his good friend Virat Kohli, but added that retirement was something neither of them has brought up in their discussions. “We talk a lot about what’s happening now. We talk a lot about different things that sports provide us,” he said.

“We talk a lot about kids, that’s a common topic now. A lot of diapers, a lot of fun stuff, a lot of crawling. But we haven’t talked yet about post retirement stuff, to be very honest.” We talk a lot, but the talks are more about the kids right now and the present scenario, not about what’s going to happen after retirement,” he added.

Mbappe Omitted from France Squad for Nations League Matches

Mbappe Omitted from France Squad for Nations League Matches

France’s star forward Kylian Mbappe has been omitted from the squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against Israel and Belgium. The decision was made by coach Didier Deschamps to allow Mbappe to rest and recover from a minor thigh injury.

Mbappe recently returned to action for Real Madrid after a brief spell on the sidelines. He made a substitute appearance in the Champions League match against Lille, but the team suffered a surprising 1-0 defeat.

Deschamps explained his decision to leave Mbappe out of the squad, stating that he had spoken to the player and determined that it was not a serious injury. However, he emphasized that he would not take any risks with Mbappe’s fitness.

“I am not going to take risks, which is why he is not in the squad,” Deschamps said.

France will face Israel in an away fixture on October 10, which has been moved to Budapest due to security concerns in the Middle East. They will then travel to Brussels to take on Belgium on October 14.

The absence of Mbappe is a significant blow to France’s hopes of success in the Nations League. The team has three points after their first two outings in Group A2, which is topped by Italy with six points.

Deschamps also announced the retirement of vice-captain Antoine Griezmann from international football earlier this week. Griezmann, who has won 137 caps for France, made the decision at the age of 33.

“He had such an impact that we can’t play in the same way,” Deschamps said of losing Griezmann. “I am not necessarily going to change the system, but I am not going to look for an equivalent player.”

Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku, who has not played for France since June last year, has been recalled to the squad. However, midfielder N’Golo Kante has also been left out.

Morata Forced to Move After Mayor Breaches Privacy

Morata Forced to Move After Mayor Breaches Privacy

AC Milan’s star signing Alvaro Morata has been forced to relocate after the mayor of his chosen residence, Corbetta, publicly announced his arrival on social media. The incident has sparked a heated exchange between the footballer and the mayor, highlighting concerns over privacy and the responsible use of social media.

Morata, who recently joined AC Milan from Atletico Madrid, had chosen Corbetta as his family’s new home. However, his privacy was compromised when Mayor Marco Ballarini posted a welcoming message on Instagram, revealing his arrival to the town’s 17,000 residents.

The 31-year-old striker expressed his anger on social media, accusing the mayor of violating his privacy and endangering his children’s safety. He emphasized that he had hoped for privacy in Corbetta but was now forced to move due to the mayor’s actions.

The mayor responded with a dismissive “Ciao, ciao” message, accompanied by the badge and colors of Inter Milan, AC Milan’s arch-rivals. This further fueled Morata’s frustration, who has since been forced to find a new residence.

The incident has raised questions about the appropriate use of social media by public officials and the importance of respecting individuals’ privacy. Morata’s concerns are particularly relevant given his high profile and the potential risks to his family’s safety.

On the pitch, Morata has made a solid start to his AC Milan career, scoring two goals in four league matches. However, he is yet to secure a starting spot under coach Paulo Fonseca. AC Milan currently sit third in Serie A, level on points with fourth-placed Inter Milan.

Alexis Gomez: The Argentine Spearhead of Mohammedan SC's Title Charge

Alexis Gomez: The Argentine Spearhead of Mohammedan SC’s Title Charge

Alexis Gomez, the 24-year-old Argentine forward, has emerged as a pivotal figure in Mohammedan SC’s ongoing Indian Super League campaign. Known for his flair and decisive play, Gomez has played a crucial role in the team’s success so far.

In a recent interview with HindustanTimes.com, Gomez shared his experiences and ambitions. Reflecting on his audacious shot from the halfway line against Gokulam Kerala, he said, “I saw the goalkeeper ahead, and I was too far from the goal to advance. I kicked the ball with the intention of it being a goal.”

Gomez’s journey to Mohammedan SC has been marked by adaptation and growth. After playing for Sudeva Delhi, he joined Mohammedan SC and faced a higher level of competition. “Everything was different—there was more competition, and the team was forming well,” he said.

When asked about the key factor driving Mohammedan SC’s success, Gomez emphasized the team’s collective strength. “I saw a strong team, and the key factor was the strength we all had to contribute something to the team and be league champions,” he said.

Despite their current lead in the I-League, Gomez believes complacency is not an option. “One is never satisfied in football, one always wants more. That is why every game we go out to give our best to stay first in the table,” he said.

Gomez also spoke about his recovery from a thigh injury. “I know that in soccer, injuries are normal, and if you allow sadness to invade your head, it is worse. I returned to the field with normal fears, and little by little I became more confident,” he said.

The camaraderie within the Mohammedan SC team is a source of pride for Gomez. “I really enjoy being with my teammates; maybe that’s the best thing—that we are a good team and that laughter is never lacking,” he said.

As Mohammedan SC prepares to face Mohun Bagan Super Giant on October 5, Gomez is confident in the team’s abilities. “We are a family, and we are going to give everything to win the title,” he said.

Sunil Chhetri Urges Players to Avoid Controversies, Backs Anwar Ali

Sunil Chhetri Urges Players to Avoid Controversies, Backs Anwar Ali

Former Indian football captain Sunil Chhetri has expressed his support for defender Anwar Ali, who recently faced a four-month ban for contract violations. Chhetri urged players to avoid controversies and focus on their performance.

Ali’s ban stemmed from his termination of a contract with Mohun Bagan and subsequent signing with East Bengal. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) deemed his actions unjust and imposed a ban along with a compensation demand of Rs 12.90 crore.

Despite the controversy, Chhetri believes Ali is a valuable asset to the national team. “He’s one of the assets of the national team. I would want him to stay away from controversies as much as possible,” Chhetri said.

Chhetri emphasized the importance of avoiding distractions for young players. “All the national team boys, especially the ones who are upcoming and young, I want them to stay away from controversies as much as possible,” he said.

Chhetri also discussed his retirement from international football in June. He admitted to missing the game but is still adjusting to his new life. “It’s not been nice, I miss it,” he said.

Chhetri expressed confidence in India head coach Manolo Marquez’s ability to balance his roles with the national team and FC Goa. “He’ll be able to handle it,” he said. “He will know exactly what team to pick.”

Chhetri shared his experiences of fatherhood with fellow athlete Virat Kohli. “We talk a lot about kids, that’s a common topic now,” he said. However, they have not yet discussed post-retirement plans.

Chhetri remains committed to playing in the Indian Super League as long as he can contribute to his club, Bengaluru FC. “As long as I’m enjoying, as long as I’m adding value to the club, I’m here,” he said.

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