The country’s sports minister is considering a request to issue a moratorium on the board, preventing it from making any further announcements about the tournament
Firdose Moonda20-Aug-2018
Cricket South Africa President Chris Nenzani speaks at the inaugural player draft of the T20 Global League•T20 Global League
Cricket South Africa has run into more trouble in their efforts to get a T20 league up and running.The country’s minster for sports, Tokozile Xasa, has been asked to consider issuing a moratorium on the board, preventing them from making any announcements regarding the tournament until they appear before the parliamentary committee for sports and recreation.This request, delivered by letter on Monday morning, was made by Darren Bergman, the deputy shadow minister of sports and recreation and has been seen by ESPNcricinfo. Bergman asserts that the damage CSA have already suffered and the risks of greater financial losses are sufficient for parliament to demand assurances from the board that they can get a T20 competition up and running without any further hiccups.”While I do not believe that politicians should interfere in the running of sports and that we are best placed to play a supportive role, I am concerned that Cricket SA has the potential to risk major reputational and financial loss both to the sports as well as to the players and sponsors. This could have a negative impact locally and internationally,” Bergman’s letter reads. His comments were in reference to the legal action CSA is facing over the postponed GLT20.At least four owners have threatened CSA with legal action and reserved their rights to a team in the new T20 competition, despite the board announcing a new equity deal with broadcaster SuperSport. That deal is now believed to have fallen through, with SuperSport reportedly happy to telecast matches but averse to holding a 49% stake in the tournament.CSA’s board met in the weekend, planning to make an announcement on the future of their 20-over competition in the next two weeks, but if Bergaman’s request is successful, they will need to appear before parliament first. Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Bergman said forcing to CSA to delay any further announcement would be “responsible rather than reckless.”CSA were due to address the parliamentary committee on Tuesday but asked for an extension while it prepares for next month’s AGM. If a moratorium comes in place – and Bergman hopes to hear back in the next few days – CSA may hasten their appearance in parliament. Then they need to satisfy the committee that they can conduct the 20-over tournament smoothly, despite the legal battles looming, the lack of a sponsor and the uncertainty over SuperSport’s role. All of this points to a likelihood that this new T20 league might be postponed as well, with the current six-team franchise competition continuing as usual.
In an anonymous survey conducted with MLS executives, the question of whether or not teams cheat roster rules was posed, and the answers varied.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
MLS execs weigh-in on topic
Some believe others cheat
Look ahead at MLS calendar
WHAT HAPPENED?
Speaking to , a group of anonymous MLS executives spoke on the idea of cheating across the league, giving varying responses. Notably, there were mentions of Inter Miami and how they have navigated their roster budget in 2024. One executive even speculated that their internal team's intelligence is through the roof, saying: “Their mathematics intelligence must be incredible," in order to be roster compliant.
Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games now
Advertisement
WHAT ANONYMOUS EXECS SAID
"Who’s going to be able to prove it?" one executive chimed in, adding: "The league has definitely upped their compliance, but it’s really not hard to break the rules in this league."
Meanwhile, one was adamant that teams do indeed break rules, but didn't offer to elaborate.
"Yes, teams do break rules," they said. "No, I don’t really want to expand on it other than that. Clearly, some teams are able to operate in gray areas. That falls on the league office."
Ironically, one did not appreciate the question, saying: "Jesus, what are you asking me? Are you trying to get me in trouble?"
Getty Images
THE BIGGER PICTURE
In 2021, the Herons were investigated by Major League Soccer for tampering over the free transfer signing of ex-France international Blaise Matuidi. It resulted in a record $2 million fine, with the fine extending to the dealings of four other players on top of the former Juventus star.
Inter Miami's sporting director at the time, Paul McDonough, was suspended through the end of the 2022 season as a result of the club's action.
Now, nearly three years on, there seems to be no definitive response as to whether teams are still 'cheating' roster rules – but it sure seems as though some believe clubs still do.
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
Getty
WHAT NEXT FOR MLS?
Heading into matchweek six, MLS will look a little bit different. Midweek, MLS and the PSRA came to an agreement over a new CBA, meaning that their pool of 260 officials will now return to the workforce for the weekend, and the lockout of their officials is over. With 14 matches across Saturday and Sunday, MLS teams across both conferences will be looking to pull off results to set them on-course for a top campaign.
Kobbie Mainoo has revealed his nickname at Manchester United, which is inspired by his elder brother and Love Island star Jordan Mainoo-Hames.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Mainoo revealed his nickname at Man UtdInspired by elder brother Jordan Mainoo-Hames Earned his maiden England call up WHAT HAPPENED?
The United midfield starlet has enjoyed a rich vein of form in the current season which earned him his maiden call-up to the England squad by Gareth Southgate for the team's upcoming international friendly matches.
Advertisement(C)GettyImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
The 18-year-old, who has been part of the Red Devils' youth setup since 2011, has revealed his nickname at the club inspired by his elder celebrity elder brother Jordan Mainoo-Hames who featured in the reality TV show Love Island in 2019.
WHAT KOBBIE MAINOO SAID
During , the youngster said, "My brother was on it (Love Island). I'm close to him. You know what, going back to another question – my nickname. The kit man at United always called me 'Love Island'. [He's been doing so] since I was like 16."
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
(C)Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR KOBBIE MAINOO?
Mainoo will hope to make his international debut on Saturday as the Three Lions take on five-time world champions Brazil in a friendly encounter at Wembley.
كشفت تقارير صحفية أن نادي مانشستر يونايتد مستعد لاتخاذ خطوة بشأن مستقبل لاعب الفريق، أنتوني، خلال موسم الانتقالات الصيفي الحالي.
وانضم أنتوني إلى مانشستر يونايتد قادمًا من أياكس، في صيف 2022، حيث كان أبرز صفقات النادي في ذلك الوقت.
اقرأ أيضًا.. خطوة قوية من مانشستر يونايتد للظفر بصفقة مميزة قبل برشلونة وأندية الدوري الإنجليزي
ورغم ذلك، لم يقدم اللاعب البرازيلي المستوى المطلوب منه خاصة وأن سقف التوقعات كان عاليًا بالنظر إلى قيمة انتقاله إلى ملعب “الأولد ترافورد” والتي بلغت 86 مليون جنيه إسترليني.
ووفقًا لما ذكرته شبكة “إسبن” العالمية، فإن مانشستر يونايتد مستعد للسماح برحيل أنتوني هذا الصيف، على سبيل الإعارة.
وأوضحت أن موافقة مانشستر يونايتد على إعارة أنتوني مرهونة إذا كانت الأندية المهتمة بضمه مستعدة لتغطية راتبه خلال فترة لعبه معها.
ويحصل أنتوني على راتب أسبوعي في الوقت الحالي يُقدر بـ70 ألف جنيه إسترليني.
وأشارت إلى أن مانشستر يونايتد يريد من النادي الذي سيوافق على ضم أنتوني، على سبيل الإعارة، أن يتولى مسؤولية دفع راتبه الأسبوعي بالكامل.
In a first, following the introduction of new rules in the Caribbean Premier League this year, St Lucia Stars were punished for slow over rate by having their net run rate docked. The Stars, captained by Kieron Pollard, completed their bowling innings against Jamaica Tallawahs in 94 minutes: nine minutes longer than the permissible 85. As a result, their net run rate was reduced by 0.15.The new rule punishes teams that fail to complete their 20 overs in the allotted 85 minutes, after taking into account all allowances for stoppages. In accordance with that, Stars were deemed to be two overs short. The first over results in a docking of 0.05 from the team’s NRR, with each following over reducing the NRR by 0.10.The Stars ended up losing the match by 21 runs. This latest penalty adds to their woes in what has been a wretched CPL season, where they are currently bottom of the table. They also have, by some distance, the worst net run rate in the competition, which has now been exacerbated by this latest penalty.
The fast bowler is flying home to Barbados following the death of his grandmother and will rejoin the team in India after her funeral
ESPNcricinfo staff25-Sep-2018Kemar Roach will return to Barbados following the death of his grandmother and will rejoin West Indies’ squad in India after her funeral. This means the fast bowler is likely to miss West Indies’ two-day tour match against the Board President’s XI in Vadodara. The match begins on September 29, and is West Indies’ only warm-up match before their two-Test series against India, which begins in Rajkot on October 4.Roach, as a result, could go into the first Test without any recent long-format match practice; his last red-ball match was the first Test against Bangladesh in Antigua in the first week of July. He took five wickets in the first innings of that Test match, but also picked up a hamstring injury and was rested for the second Test in Jamaica.Since then, Roach’s only top-level cricket has been a pair of T20 games for Jamaica Tallawahs in the Caribbean Premier League in August.The 30-year-old Roach is the most experienced of the five fast bowlers in West Indies’ squad, having played 48 Tests since his debut in 2009. Shannon Gabriel (37 Tests) and Jason Holder (34) are the two other senior quicks, with Keemo Paul having played just the one Test so far and Sherman Lewis – who replaced the injured Alzarri Joseph – yet to make his debut.
West Ham United will be "front of the queue" to sign a "dictating" player in the January transfer window, according to reports this week.
Who will West Ham sign in January?
David Moyes and the Hammers have enjoyed an excellent start to the new Premier League season, winning four out of a possible eight league games so far. Impressive victories against the likes of Chelsea and in-form Brighton have displayed their brilliance as a very hard to beat side, with just Man City and Liverpool able to defeat Moyes' men this early in the campaign. West Ham's record-breaking European run is also something to be praised, as they're undefeated in their last 17 encounters outside of England.
Regardless, it is still believed Moyes, technical director Tim Steidten and sporting director Mark Noble are plotting ways to reinforce the Irons squad this winter. Amid doubts over the futures of defensive duo Nayef Aguerd and Kurt Zouma, a new centre-back could come through the London Stadium doors. Bayer Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba and AC Milan ace Malick Thiaw have been linked with moves to West Ham most recently, while they could also sign a new left-back like Chelsea starlet Ian Maatsen (TEAMtalk).
An injury to striker Michail Antonio would spell trouble for Moyes as well, prompting reports of a potential striker move. Stuttgart's Serhou Guirassy, who's racked up a quite incredible 13 league goals in just seven domestic outings already, is one name rumoured to be on the West Ham agenda for 2024.
Harry Maguire transfer update
Going back to the centre-back position, West Ham were targeting Man United defender Harry Maguire in the summer, but after a move fell through, they opted instead to sign Greek star Konstantinos Mavropanos. Maguire, who's an established player at international level with England, hasn't quite enjoyed the same form at club level over the last year.
Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof
Starting just one league game under Erik ten Hag this season, the £200,000-per-week ace has been subject to fierce criticism and may well opt to leave Old Trafford if his fortunes don't improve. This is where West Ham come in, as a report by Football Insider and journalist Pete O'Rourke shares the latest Maguire transfer update.
It is now believed the Irons are in pole position and will be "front of the queue" for his signing, if Maguire does in fact decide to leave in January. Any deal will likely be an initial loan, but a transfer will be "hard" to facilitate given the defender's stance on leaving mid-season and his sky-high salary. Despite his questionable form in parts, Maguire has been praised by United's manager for his "dictating" style of play.
Harry Maguire's style of play
Likes to play long balls
Indirect set-piece threat
"Definitely. I'm really happy with the progress that Harry is making in this moment," said Ten Hag to the press in March.
"He's more dominant and dictating, he's taking more initiative on the training pitch and I think also in the Real Betis game, he showed leadership, especially in those aspects of initiative and dictating of the game."
وجه راضي شنيشل، المدير الفني لمنتخب العراق الأولمبي، رسالة تحذيرية إلى نظيره منتخب المغرب قبل مباراتهما المرتقبة غدًا في أولمبياد باريس 2024.
ويلتقي المنتخبان في لقاءات الجولة الثالثة من منافسات كرة القدم في الأولمبياد.
وتمثل المجموعة الثانية وضعًا معقدًا، حيث تمتلك كافة المنتخبات الأربعة، وهم الأرجنتين، المغرب، أوكرانيا والعراق، 3 نقاط.
وقال شنيشل في تصريحاته اليوم لوكالة الأنباء العراقية: “أغلب التوقعات كانت تشير إلى أننا سنذهب من أجل المشاركة فقط وليس المنافسة، هذا أمر طبيعي، نحن نلعب في مجموعة هي الأصعب مقارنة بباقي المجموعات”.
اقرأ أيضًا.. ماسكيرانو بعد فوز الأرجنتين على العراق: واجهنا فريقًا قويًا.. ولا نختار خصومنا
وأضاف: “ولكن عطاء ومثابرة لاعبينا نجحت في تغيير الموازين، خاصة في المباراة الأولى التي فزنا بها على منتخب قوي وعنيد (أوكرانيا)، هو خصم صعب والدليل فوزه على المغرب، لتعود كافة المنتخبات إلى نقطة الصفر مجددًا، سيكون الحسم في المواجهتين الأخيرتين”.
وواصل: “مباراتنا أمام المغرب للتاريخ، نحن نحترم إمكانيات وتاريخ الكرة المغربية التي تضم نجومًا كبارًا، لكن لدينا القدرة والإمكانية على الحد من خطورتهم”.
وشدد: “سنلعب بشكل مغاير تمامًا لأنها مباراة حاسمة ولا تقبل القسمة على اثنين، مع أمنياتنا بأن تكون النتيجة لصالحنا ومواصلة المشوار إلى أبعد نقطة”.
The wait continues at Manchester United to see just when Sir Jim Ratcliffe's impending investment with be confirmed, with the British billionaire seeking to take a 25% stake in the Old Trafford outfit.
For those of a United persuasion, the hope will be that such an act will help to spark the beginning of the end for the wretched Glazer ownership and help to revive the club's fortunes on the pitch, with Ratcliffe – as per the Telegraph – said to be keen to oversee a 'radical overhaul' once he officially arrives through the door.
While the Ineos chief will likely have a long-term plan to ensure that the Red Devils can once again challenge for the top honours, both domestically and in Europe, in the short term the focus may well be on trying to strengthen Erik ten Hag's hand in January, with the Dutchman having overseen a drab start to the season that has left the club outside the top-four berths.
Some supporters may be anticipating an instant injection of cash in order to sign new recruits in the winter window, yet with FFP (Financial Fair Play) restrictions still to consider, it is likely that the Premier League side will have to sell first in order to buy, particularly considering the bloated nature of the current squad.
With rumours already rife regarding who could be snapped up in the New Year – including Nice's, Jean-Clair Todibo – the focus must also turn to who could depart the Theatre of Dreams to help recoup some much-needed funds, with there seemingly a trio of high profile figures who should be moved on as a matter of urgency.
1 Jadon Sancho
Jadon Sancho
There are no prizes for guessing who is first on this list, with Jadon Sancho the most obvious candidate to be sold after being exiled by Ten Hag in the early months of the season.
The former Borussia Dortmund man – who joined United on a £73m deal in 2021 – has not played for the club since publicly biting back at his manager over criticism of his training performances back in early September, with that outburst having come after the 23-year-old was left out of the eventual defeat to Arsenal.
While the misfiring winger subsequently removed his Twitter post which appeared to hit out at the former Ajax boss, there has since been no improvement in the strained relations, with Sancho now completely cast out of the first-team squad after reportedly refusing to apologise.
As such, a return to Dortmund has been mooted in January, while Serie A side Juventus – as well as clubs in Saudi Arabia – are also said to be interested in rescuing the Englishman from his Old Trafford hell.
Although it is a loan exit that has been suggested, reports in the summer indicated that United were looking for around £60m for their underwhelming talent amid interest from Tottenham Hotspur, with the hope being that they can recoup somewhere close to that £73m fee.
Dortmund (Bundesliga)
Games
Goals
Assists
2017/18
12
1
4
2018/19
34
12
18
2019/20
32
17
17
2020/21
26
8
12
Total
104
38
51
Man Utd
2021/22
29
3
3
2022/23
26
6
3
2023/24
3
0
0
Total
58
9
6
Stats via Transfermarkt
Any 2024 exit would bring to an end what has been a hugely disappointing stint at the club for the one-time Manchester City man, with the £250k-per-week enigma – who takes up 6.29% of the total wage bill, as per Capology – scoring just 12 goals and contributing six assists in 82 games for the club, the same number of goal involvements that Dan James recorded from fewer games (18 G/A in 74 games).
Such a dismal return is not what the club had expected when the fleet-footed winger was signed by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer over two years ago, with it now time to cut ties sooner rather than later.
2 Anthony Martial
Manchester United forward Anthony Martial.
Unlike the man above, Anthony Martial is unlikely to rake in much of a transfer fee with only six months or so left to run on his current deal, yet any bid received will seemingly be better than the prospect of seeing the long-serving dud depart for nothing in the summer.
While the striking department is one in which United are not particularly strong, with summer signing Rasmus Hojlund still finding his feet after failing to score a league goal so far, it has come to the stage in which keeping Martial around as a backup is almost futile, such is his lack of impact.
As was evident last term, the 27-year-old is routinely unreliable due to his persistent injury woes, with Ten Hag having overlooked the former Monaco man for much of this season so far, despite indicating that the team play their "best football" with the Frenchman leading the line.
While now injury-free, the fact the United boss has rarely looked the way of the experienced striker – who has made just four starts all season – is a reflection of just what a spare part Martial has become, with the polarising asset scoring just 11 league goals since the start of 2020/21.
The fact that he remains the club's number nine despite that woeful record is symptomatic of all that is wrong with the Red Devils at present, with treble-winner Andy Cole only recently stating that his fellow striker has had "more than enough time" to show his worth at Old Trafford.
Currently also taking up 6.29% of the wage bill, like Sancho, Martial is a costly and draining figure who needs to be cast out elsewhere, with The Sun only recently reporting that a belated exit could be in store in January, after previously being touted for a move over the summer.
3 Raphael Varane
As that Sun report claimed, Ratcliffe could look to also oust Antony, alongside Martial and Sancho, yet whether Ten Hag would so willingly part ways with his former Ajax asset is another matter, despite the Brazilian failing to score or assist this season.
With that in mind, the final name on the list of outgoings could well be Raphael Varane, with the World Cup winner having slipped down the pecking order of late, behind the likes of Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans.
While Ten Hag spoke of the tactical reasoning behind leaving out the Frenchman in the Manchester Derby, the fact that the ex-Real Madrid man was usurped by the ageing Evans is a stark indication of his standing under the United boss.
As the 53-year-old coach has revealed, Varane is not seen as a suitable option at left centre-back – nor is Maguire – and is thus fighting it out with the Englishman on the opposite side, with the former Leicester City man currently winning that individual battle.
Harry Maguire
What has not helped the four-time Champions League winner is his repeated absences throughout his time in Manchester due to injury and illness, with the towering defender notably making just 24 appearances in the league last season and only 22 prior to that.
As has become apparent, Ten Hag cannot rely on the £43m signing across a consistent period, hence why cashing in during the winter window – with Saudi interest said to be brewing – could be a wise move to kickstart the ruthless Ratcliffe regime.
With Varane also reportedly on a £350k-per-week wage to take up 8.55% of the squad salary – taking it to roughly 21% in total, including the two men above – easing that financial burden by moving him on would represent good business.
Leah Williamson says Arsenal put in a “performance to match the support” when seeing off Chelsea to record back-to-back Conti Cup triumphs.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Gunners landed major silverware at MolineuxPrevailed in dramatic clash with London rivalsEngland captain got to lift another trophyGettyWHAT HAPPENED?
The Gunners overcame a number of challenges against their fellow WSL title hopefuls at Molineux to prevail in dramatic circumstances. Stina Blackstenius hit the only goal of the game four minutes from the end of extra-time to secure more major silverware for the north London outfit.
AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE
The game was delayed by seven minutes at one stage after Frida Maanum collapsed on the field, while Chelsea were a constant threat as they sought to land another trophy for USWNT-bound coach Emma Hayes.
WHAT WILLIAMSON SAID
Arsenal were, however, to prevail in Wolverhampton, allowing England captain Williamson to lift another honour alongside Kim Little. The Lionesses star was all smiles afterwards, as she paid tribute to the fantastic support that helped to get Jonas Eidevall’s side over the line.
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
WHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?
Williamson and Arsenal are just about still in the hunt for WSL title glory this season. They are nine points adrift of leaders Manchester City, but boast a game in hand on the table toppers and still have them to play on May 5 – with a thrilling end to the 2023-24 domestic campaign in England being lined up.