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Chelsea’s Fernandez Apologizes for Controversial Video, FIFA Investigates

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Chelsea footballer Fernandez has issued a public apology after a video surfaced featuring members of the Argentina squad singing a controversial song about France’s black players. The video, posted during celebrations of Argentina’s Copa America victory, prompted widespread condemnation for its racially offensive content. In response, FIFA has launched an investigation into the incident, with both the French Football Federation (FFF) and anti-discrimination organizations expressing outrage and calling for accountability.

In his apology, Fernandez, Chelsea’s £107m record signing, expressed regret for his involvement in the video, stating that the words used do not reflect his beliefs or character. Chelsea Football Club has initiated an internal disciplinary procedure, and anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out has emphasized the need for educational measures and accountability beyond mere apologies. The FFF has announced plans to file a complaint with FIFA against the Argentine Football Association, condemning the remarks as contrary to the values of sport and human rights.

FIFA, in response to the incident, has strongly condemned all forms of discrimination and is actively investigating the matter. The controversy underscores ongoing concerns about racism in football, prompting calls for comprehensive action to address such behavior both within clubs and at international levels.

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Jonas Eidevall: Arsenal boss says Emma Hayes’ ‘aggression’ comment was ‘irresponsible’

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In the aftermath of Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Chelsea in the Women’s League Cup final, tensions flared between managers Jonas Eidevall of Arsenal and Emma Hayes of Chelsea. The culmination of the match saw a physical altercation between the two on the touchline, sparking controversy. Hayes accused Eidevall of displaying “male aggression,” a term Eidevall vehemently opposed, labeling it as irresponsible.

Eidevall shed light on the altercation, citing a disagreement over the use of multiple balls during the game. This disagreement, particularly with Chelsea midfielder Erin Cuthbert, escalated tensions further. Despite Eidevall’s explanation, Hayes believed his conduct warranted a dismissal, expressing her dissatisfaction with his behavior on the touchline.

At the conclusion of the match, Hayes pushed Eidevall away, highlighting her discontent with his actions. She emphasized the importance of maintaining composure on the touchline and deemed Eidevall’s behavior unacceptable. However, Eidevall refuted Hayes’ characterization of the incident, asserting that he conducts himself appropriately and dismissing her accusation as unwarranted.

This altercation wasn’t the first time Eidevall faced scrutiny over his touchline conduct. Earlier in the season, Manchester City manager Gareth Taylor accused Eidevall of “bullying” a fourth official. Eidevall dismissed these allegations, expressing disappointment and labeling them as borderline slander.

Reflecting on Eidevall’s managerial style, former player Anita Asante acknowledged his intensity and motivation to win. Asante highlighted the significance of the match to both managers and suggested that such intensity sometimes spills over, albeit with the intention of securing victory.

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European Super League: Fans and clubs can be convinced to back new plans, says organiser

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The head of A22, the organization behind the revived European Super League (ESL), believes that fans and clubs can be persuaded to support the new proposal. In 2021, the original ESL, involving 12 teams, faced strong opposition and collapsed within 72 hours. However, the European Court of Justice recently ruled against banning clubs from joining such leagues, leading to the announcement of a revamped ESL.

Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin dismissed the new proposals, stating that football is not for sale and jokingly looking forward to a two-team tournament. Five of the six Premier League teams that initially supported the breakaway plans in 2021 expressed commitment to Uefa competitions.

A22’s new proposal suggests a league system with 64 men’s clubs and 32 women’s clubs, featuring an annual promotion and relegation system with no permanent members. A22 CEO Bernd Reichart stated that the proposal addresses the concerns raised by critics of the original ESL, focusing on an open, accessible, and meritocratic league system alongside domestic leagues.

Reichart refrained from naming interested clubs but emphasized the importance of convincing both clubs and fans. The proposal aims to prioritize players’ health by aligning with the current football calendar, without increasing the number of matchdays.

Domestic leagues, including the Premier League, swiftly condemned the new project, reiterating their rejection of any breakaway concept. Despite the ECJ ruling, Uefa sees it as an opportunity to improve regulations, and Ceferin highlighted the need to maintain the connection between domestic and European football.

Champions League holders Manchester City and other previously involved Premier League clubs affirmed their commitment to Uefa competitions. The ESL saga, which began in 2021, faced criticism and opposition, leading to the withdrawal of several clubs. Ceferin mocked the new proposal, expressing skepticism about its closed nature and comparing it to the rejected 2021 version.

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Cardinal Becciu: Vatican court convicts former Pope adviser of financial crimes

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Cardinal Angelo Becciu, a former trusted adviser to Pope Francis, has been handed a five-and-a-half-year jail sentence by a Vatican court, marking a historic moment as the most senior Vatican official ever to face such charges. The trial centered around a controversial London property deal that resulted in substantial financial losses for the Catholic Church. Becciu, once considered a potential papal candidate, vehemently denied allegations of embezzlement and abuse of office throughout the proceedings. The verdict also involved nine other defendants, each facing convictions on some charges and acquittals on others, highlighting the complex nature of the case.

The trial, spanning two and a half years, laid bare internal conflicts and intrigue within the highest ranks of the Vatican. The focus of the proceedings was a building located not in the Vatican or Rome but in affluent Chelsea, London—60 Sloane Avenue, a former Harrod’s warehouse. The Vatican’s Secretariat of State invested over €200 million in acquiring a 45% stake in the property in 2014, with plans for luxury apartments. By 2018, the decision was made to purchase the property outright, involving an additional €150 million investment. Cardinal Becciu, as the Vatican’s Substitute for General Affairs at the time, allegedly approved the entire deal. The charges against Becciu and others included various financial crimes such as fraud, money laundering, and abuse of office, creating a complex narrative of financial impropriety within the secretive world of the Holy See.

Becciu’s lawyer, Fabio Viglione, promptly announced plans to appeal the verdict, reiterating his client’s innocence. Despite the conviction, Becciu maintains his denial of any wrongdoing. The trial not only underscores the unique circumstances of a Cardinal facing such legal scrutiny within the Vatican but also serves as a pivotal test for Pope Francis’s ongoing efforts to reform and address financial irregularities within the Catholic Church. The outcome may carry significant implications for Pope Francis’s legacy as a reformer, as he seeks to navigate and cleanse the Vatican’s finances of longstanding scandals that have plagued previous papacies.

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Champion League: Chelsea wins against Manchester

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On Saturday Chelsea won the all-English Champions League final for the second time, defeating Manchester City 1-0 thanks to Kai Havertz’s first-half goal.

Havertz ran onto Mason Mount’s through-ball and skipped by City goalkeeper Ederson Moraes before dropping the ball into an empty net in the 42nd minute.


Chelsea has now the first European cup it won in 2012 and also become the 13th multiple winner of the world’s biggest club competition.

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