Auxiliar do Palmeiras é acusado de xenofobia pela CBF; entidade afirma que vai ao STJD

MatériaMais Notícias

Após as fortes declarações de João Martins, auxiliar de Abel Ferreira, depois do empate do Palmeiras em 2 a 2 com o Athletico-PR neste domingo (2), em Curitiba, a CBF, nesta segunda (3) emitiu uma nota oficial em resposta à declaração, afirmando que foi uma tentativa infantil e xenofóbica do auxiliar de diminuir a relevância do Campeonato Brasileiro fora do país.O profissional comandou o Verdão diante do Furacão substituindo o treinador português, suspenso.

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+ Auxiliar de Abel fala em ‘vergonha’ e dispara contra a arbitragem após empate do Palmeiras: ‘Não deixam os melhores ganharem’

João Martins disse que é “ruim para o sistema” o Alviverde conquistar o Brasileirão duas vezes consecutivas, afirmando que no Brasil “muitas vezes não deixam os melhores ganharem”. A entidade afirmou que irá ao Superior Tribunal de Justiça Desportiva (STJD) para que o profissional revele o suposto sistema.

Em entrevista coletiva após a partida na capital paranaense, João Martins foi incisivo ao comentar o lance que gerou pênalti em Endrick, logo no início da partida. Zé Ivaldo, zagueiro do Furacão, deu uma cotovelada no jovem palmeirense. O árbitro foi chamado ao VAR, assinalou o pênalti e deu apenas cartão amarelo para o defensor, o que na visão alviverde condicionou todo o restante do duelo, pois seria jogada para vermelho direto.

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– Nós entendemos que o futebol brasileiro passa uma imagem de que é futebol mais competitivo do mundo porque ganham vários. Mas ganham vários porque muitas vezes não deixam os melhores ganharem. Foi mais uma vez o que se passou hoje. Nós entendemos que é ruim para o sistema o Palmeiras ganhar dois anos seguidos, entendemos isso. Mas na Europa há sempre dois ou três que ganham sempre e são os melhores, trabalham dia a dia para serem os melhores, que é o que nós fazemos – disse João.

– Não vale a pena colocar o presidente amanhã mostrando frames, parando imagem, para justificar incompetência e erros grosseiros que fazem com quem trabalha mais diariamente, que vai lutar até o fim, mesmo que não nos deixem, não há problema, vamos lutar até o fim, vamos dar o nosso melhor, que é para isso que somos pagos por um clube fantástico. Não vamos nos calar, podemos ser expulsos algumas vezes, mas o que aconteceu hoje foi simplesmente uma vergonha. Como aos três minutos se condiciona um jogo? Depois vem justificar com faltas e faltinhas.

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+ ANÁLISE: Palmeiras tem razão em reclamar da arbitragem, mas também precisa olhar para dentro

Na nota divulgada nesta segunda, a CBF afirmou que a entrevista de João Martins foi um “desfile de grosserias” e que o comportamento do jogador brasileiro criticado pelo auxiliar do Palmeiras “não corresponde à realidade”. Ainda, a entidade salientou que a gestão da arbitragem nunca esteve tão transparente, e que inclusive está reconhecendo seus próprios erros.

Por fim, a CBF disse que encaminhará o vídeo com as declarações do profissional ao presidente do STJD, José Perdiz de Jesus, e ao procurador Ronaldo Botelho Piacente para que ele releve “qual esquema ou o sistema no futebol brasileiro não permite que o melhor vença”.

Confira a nota completa emitida pela CBF abaixo:

A Confederação Brasileira de Futebol (CBF) lamenta profundamente o que se viu ontem (02/07) por parte do auxiliar técnico do Palmeiras, João Martins, designado para a entrevista coletiva pós jogo. O ato lamentável foi muito além das reclamações semanais da arbitragem. O que ocorreu, de fato, foi um desfile de grosserias e uma tentativa infantil e até xenofóbica de reduzir a relevância do futebol brasileiro na Europa, mostrando inclusive desconhecimento do próprio campeonato que disputa, que já teve tricampeões, bicampeões, com vários times ganhando seguidamente.

O comportamento do jogador brasileiro, que o funcionário em questão tanto critica, não corresponde à realidade, na medida em que o Brasil é o país do mundo que mais tem jogadores atuando no exterior, inclusive na própria seleção portuguesa.

A atual gestão da arbitragem da CBF nunca, em nenhum momento, esteve tão transparente e se expôs tanto, dando satisfações públicas semanais, inclusive reconhecendo eventuais erros. Somos o único país do mundo a oferecer avanços tecnológicos nos estádios, com os telões mostrando os lances da partida em tempo real. Inclusive, o lance em questão, alvo de reclamação, foi acompanhado por todo o estádio, por jogadores e torcedores. A CBF, através de sua comissão de arbitragem, quer assim dar total transparência aos lances duvidosos que normalmente ocorrem durante as partidas.

Nunca a entidade investiu tanto no aprimoramento da arbitragem. Nesta segunda-feira (03/07), por exemplo, os árbitros designados para a próxima etapa da Copa do Brasil estão em treinamento no Rio de Janeiro. E também hoje à tarde, e pelos próximos 15 dias, as árbitras vão passar por cursos, treinamentos e aprimoramento técnico. Os investimentos são expressivos e com foco na constante melhoria da qualidade do quadro de arbitragem. Avanços esses que somos pioneiros no mundo.

Equívocos de arbitragem, de jogadores, técnicos, acontecem em todos os lugares, inclusive e, principalmente, na Europa. São parte do processo, do mecanismo do futebol, que não é feito por máquinas. Portanto, nada justifica o que se viu ontem e que foi amplamente divulgado pela imprensa em todo o mundo.

A CBF está encaminhando o vídeo contendo as declarações do profissional do Palmeiras ao presidente e ao procurador do STJD para que ele revele qual seria o esquema ou o sistema no futebol brasileiro que não permite que o melhor vença.

Tudo sobre

CBFJoão MartinsPalmeiras

Better signing than Lucumi: Sunderland eye late move for "outstanding" star

Sunderland are working hard to make further additions to their squad before the summer transfer window officially slams shut at 7 pm on Monday.

Sky Sports journalist Keith Downie claims that the Black Cats are ‘hopeful’ of agreeing a deal to bring Bologna central defender Jhon Lucumi to the Stadium of Light before the deadline.

Sunderland manager RegisLeBris

The reporter reveals that the club placed a £24m bid in for the Colombia international earlier this week, and they are now looking to press ahead with a move to snap him up.

Lucumi played 32 times in the Serie A and seven times in the Champions League for Bologna last season, so he could arrive as an experienced option for Regis Le Bris to call upon in his backline.

Sunderland eyeing late deal for EFL star

The Black Cats may not be done strengthening their defence even if they are able to land a deal for the Colombian titan, though, as they are also looking at a new goalkeeper.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

According to EFL Analysis, Sunderland are interested in a deal to sign Stoke City goalkeeper Viktor Johansson before Monday’s transfer deadline.

The report claims that Le Bris wants to bring in another goalkeeper to compete with Anthony Patterson and Robin Roefs in the Premier League this season, and has identified the Sweden international as a target.

It states that Potters boss Mark Robins has told the club not to sell Johansson before the end of the window, but it remains to be seen whether or not he will get his wish as Sunderland plot a last-gasp move for the colossus.

If the Black Cats can convince Stoke to part ways with their number one, Le Bris could have an even better signing than Lucumi on his hands.

Why Johansson would be a better signing than Lucumi for Sunderland

Lucumi won 60% of his duels in 32 appearances in the Serie A last season, per Sofascore, and could be a dominant defensive force for the club, but he is also prone to errors.

Jhon Lucumi for Bologna.

The 27-year-old centre-back made four errors that led to shots, three errors that led to goals, conceded one penalty, and was sent off once. No Sunderland player made as many errors as all of those combined in the 2024/25 Championship, per Sofascore.

That is a bit of a concern because it suggests that Sunderland will be signing a player who could cost them a lot of points through individual errors if those mistakes come at key moments in games.

viktor-johansson-leeds-united-transfer-news-premier-league

Johansson, however, is a defensive presence, albeit in a very different position, who would not be as much of a potential liability for Sunderland if they decided to make him their number one.

Viktor Johansson (Championship)

23/24

25/26

Appearances

46

3

Save percentage

71%

78%

Clean sheets

14

1

Goals prevented

+10.94

+0.77

Error led to goal

1

0

Penalties committed

0

0

Red cards

0

0

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the Swedish star very rarely makes any significant errors and is an unbelievable shot-stopper, preventing nearly 12 more goals than xG expected him to since the start of last season.

For context, Roefs prevented 5.20 goals in the Eredivisie last season and is on -0.05 in his first two Premier League matches, which suggests that Johansson may come in as an upgrade on him as a shot-stopper.

The Stoke star, who has been hailed as “outstanding” by Robins, is an incredibly reliable goalkeeper who can pull off the extraordinary to bail his team out time and time again, as shown by his amazing statistics.

This is why he could be an even better signing than Lucumi, who may be prone to errors and significant mistakes, for Sunderland if they can get a last-gasp deal over the line before the deadline.

Better signing than Disasi: £24m titan is now pushing to join Sunderland

Sunderland would pick up a better buy than landing Axel Disasi by signing this star.

By
Kelan Sarson

Aug 27, 2025

Grêmio x São Paulo: onde assistir, prováveis escalações e desfalques do jogo pelo Brasileirão

MatériaMais Notícias

Grêmio e São Paulo se enfrentam neste domingo (4), às 16h, na Arena do Grêmio, pela nona rodada do Brasileirão. Apenas um ponto separa as equipes na tabela do campeonato. Enquanto os paulistas estão na terceira posição com 15 pontos, os gaúchos estão em quinto com 14. Ambos os times têm dúvidas entre os titulares que entram em campo em Porto Alegre-RS.

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+ Veja tabela e classificação do Brasileirão-2023 clicando aqui

Pelo lado do Grêmio, a principal dúvida é Suárez, que chegou a ser preservado do treinamento. Caso não tenha condições de jogo por conta da maratona da temporada, o uruguaio pode ser substituído por Vina. Outra dúvida de Renato Gaúcho no ataque é entre Cuiabano, que também foi preservado, e Cristaldo. Carballo foi outro poupado nos últimos dias, mas deve começar entre os 11.

Já no São Paulo as dúvidas são em posições de meio e ataque, especialmente pelo retorno de Rodrigo Nestor, que deve estar à disposição de Dorival Jr. neste domingo. Caso o meio-campista não jogue, Michel Araujo deve ser o escolhido para a posição, Alisson e Marcos Paulo brigam por uma vaga no ataque e Luciano e Wellington Rato por outra. Ademais, o clube segue com uma enorme lista de desfalques.

+ São Paulo atualiza status de recuperação da lesão de Giuliano Galoppo

Veja todas as informações da partida:

GRÊMIO X SÃO PAULO

Local: Arena do Grêmio, em Porto Alegre (RS)
Data e hora: 4/6/2023, às 16h (de Brasília)
Árbitro: Wilton Pereira Sampaio (Fifa/GO)
Assistentes: Bruno Raphael Pires (Fifa/GO) e Leone Carvalho Rocha (GO)
VAR: Rodrigo D’Alonso Ferreira (SC)
Onde assistir: Globo, Premiere e em tempo real no LANCE!

GRÊMIO: Gabriel Grando; Bruno Alves, Bruno Uvini e Kannemann; Fábio, Villasanti, Carballo e Reinaldo; Bitello, Cuiabano (Cristaldo) e Luis Suárez (Vina). Técnico: Renato Gaúcho.

Desfalques: Diego Souza, Ferreira, Pedro Geromel, Jhonata Robert e Pepê
Dúvidas: Cuiabano e Suárez
Pendurados: Bruno Uvini, Reinaldo, Gustavo Martins, Vina e Villasanti

SÃO PAULO: Rafael; Rafinha, Arboleda, Beraldo e Caio; Pablo Maia, Gabriel Neves e Nestor (Michel Araujo); Alisson (Marcos Paulo), Luciano (Wellington Rato) e Calleri. Técnico: Dorival Júnior.

Desfalques: Ferraresi (cirurgia no joelho direito), Talles Costa (sutura no menisco do joelho direito), Moreira (transição após cirurgia no joelho esquerdo), Igor Vinícius (transição após cirurgia no púbis), Welington (cirurgia no tornozelo esquerdo), Galoppo (cirurgia no joelho esquerdo), Jandrei (fratura no quinto dedo da mão esquerda), Erison (transição após estiramento em fibrose da coxa esquerda).
Pendurados: Gabriel Neves, Raí Ramos, Luciano, Rafinha, Wellington Rato e Dorival Júnior (Técnico)

VIDEO: Bayern Munich star Luis Diaz all smiles after receiving special custom gift featuring tribute to gaming-obsessed late ex-Liverpool team-mate Diogo Jota

Bayern Munich forward Luis Diaz lit up with joy when handed a customised PlayStation 5 controller dedicated to his late friend and former Liverpool teammate, Diogo Jota. The Colombian, who shared a close relationship with the Portuguese attacker during their time together at Anfield, was visibly touched by the red controller, which carried the engraving “Diogo J” on the back.

  • An enduring friendship built at Anfield

    Diaz and Jota forged their connection at Liverpool, pulling on the famous red shirt side by side 73 times. Together, they played key roles at Merseyside and lifted the Premier League trophy under Arne Slot, cementing themselves as part of an unforgettable chapter in Anfield history. Away from the glare of competition, their relationship flourished too, with shared interests, especially in video games.

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  • Watch the clip

  • Diaz's heartfelt Supercup celebration

    When Diaz made his competitive debut for Bayern Munich in the Franz Beckenbauer Supercup earlier this summer, he found a poignant way to honour Jota. After Harry Kane opened the scoring against VfB Stuttgart, the winger added Bayern’s second by rising to head home a Serge Gnabry cross. Instead of a standard celebration, Diaz paused to emulate Jota’s trademark video-game pose near the byline. 

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    Focus turns to Hamburg clash

    Diaz is expected to feature when the Bavarians host Hamburger SV at the Allianz Arena on Saturday evening.

He's another Hojlund: Wilcox "confident" of sealing "monster" Man Utd deal

The INEOS hierarchy at Manchester United has been hellbent on avoiding the same mistakes as the previous regime, although there does appear to be a real sense of Deja Vu with regard to Jason Wilcox’s pursuit of a new centre-forward.

Rewind two years ago, with then-boss Erik ten Hag having identified Harry Kane as his primary striker target, albeit with United wary of engaging in protracted negotiations with Tottenham Hotspur chairman, Daniel Levy.

The ageing Englishman instead packed his bags for Germany, while the Old Trafford side went down the high-potential route. Despite reportedly being Ten Hag’s fifth-choice option at the time, in came a 20-year-old Rasmus Hojlund for an initial fee of £64m.

Man Utd’s top PL scorer by season

Season

Player

Goals

2024/25

Bruno Fernandes & Amad

8

2023/24

Bruno Fernandes & Rasmus Hojlund

10

2022/23

Marcus Rashford

17

2021/22

Cristiano Ronaldo

18

2020/21

Bruno Fernandes

18

2019/20

Marcus Rashford & Anthony Martial

17

2018/19

Paul Pogba

13

2017/18

Romelu Lukaku

16

2016/17

Zlatan Ibrahimovic

17

2015/16

Anthony Martial

11

2014/15

Wayne Rooney

12

2013/14

Wayne Rooney

17

2012/13

Robin van Persie

26

Stats via Transfermarkt

A player coveted by Paris Saint-Germain at the time, Hojlund had been earning rave reviews amid his promising displays in Atalanta, with then-boss Gian Piero Gasperini highlighting his electric pace that had ripped through Serie A defences.

We’d all seen the clips of the young Dane bursting into the box at breakneck speed. All dreamed of this ‘new Erling Haaland’ proving to be the next Scandinavian striking sensation on Premier League soil.

Overlooked, however, was the mere nine league goals he had scored in his solitary season in Bergamo, with such a gamble having yet to pay off for the Red Devils. The same mistake can’t happen again under Wilcox.

Latest on Man Utd's striker search

Speaking after scoring in the recent 4-1 victory over Bournemouth in the latest Premier League summer series clash, the 22-year-old – who had been linked with a move to Inter Milan earlier in the window – outlined his desire to “stay and fight for his spot, whatever happens”.

A bright start to pre-season has raised hopes that United’s number nine can kick on in 2025/26, although Hojlund might not get his own way, with reports indicating that he could be used as part of a deal to bring in a new striker.

Indeed, it has been claimed – including by The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell – that a swap deal could be on the cards which would see the Denmark starlet head to RB Leipzig, with Benjamin Sesko moving in the opposite direction.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Additional reports, as per journalist Graeme Bailey, having indicated that there is an “internal confidence” at Old Trafford that a deal for Sesko will get over the line amid their ongoing talks, with the club currently going toe-to-toe with Newcastle United for his signature:

Reportedly valued at around £70m, Sesko – who has been the subject of a bid from Newcastle – is hot property amid two solid seasons in Germany. That said, doesn’t this all feel a little familiar?

Why Man Utd are risking a Hojlund repeat

For a brief moment, it looked like United’s decision to plump for Hojlund had paid off, following his destructive debut away to Arsenal in September 2023. Having endured an injury-hit start to life in Manchester, the towering left-footer announced himself in fine fashion, proving a real nuisance for Gabriel and William Saliba in the home defence.

That image of Casemiro grabbing the youngster by the jersey – a mark that he was to be the man to win the game for Ten Hag’s men – evoked that strong early impression, with Hojlund also subsequently making his mark by netting five times in six Champions League group stage outings, including a breathtaking brace at home to Galatasaray.

Such moments have indicated that there is a player in there somewhere, yet with 26 goals to his name in 95 appearances, this is an expensive risk that has yet to pay off, with TNT Sport commentator Darren Fletcher notably describing the misfiring marksman as perhaps the “most unlucky number nine Manchester United have ever had”.

Man Utd strikers

But should his woes be a surprise? His only season in a top-five league had yielded only nine Serie A goals, having previously scored 17 goals in 53 games for Sturm Graz and FC Copenhagen combined. Thrusting him in as the leading striker was perhaps a step too far, too soon.

Sesko’s path has worryingly been rather similar to date, with the 22-year-old – who is actually younger than Hojlund – having spent two seasons in the Bundesliga, after previously scoring 29 times in 79 games for Austria side Red Bull Salzburg.

RB Leipzig's BenjaminSeskocelebrates their second goal scored by Lukas Klostermann

A player whom United turned down for a fee of around £2.5m back in 2019, the Slovenian has reached double figures for league goals in each of the last two campaigns, although he hasn’t exactly ripped it up with 13 and 14 goals, respectively.

Like Hojlund, at 6 foot 4 the in-demand striker is an eye-catching figure, having been described as a “monster” of a striker by analyst Ben Mattinson. His penchant for the spectacular will also have onlookers licking their lips – boasting a highlight reel of goals that any number nine would be proud of.

That said, in the view of The Athletic’s James Horncastle, speaking on the Libero podcast, there is a sense that he merely is a “highlights player”, with the respected journalist even quipping that he is akin to a ‘Slovenian Andy Carroll’ in that regard.

A scorer of great goals, but not exactly a great goalscorer then, with United again at a juncture where they are in need of a proven talent, rather than a player of undoubtedly exciting potential.

Benjamin Sesko 2024-25 stats (timeless)

Like with Ten Hag and Kane two years ago, Ruben Amorim is said to have a preference for signing Premier League menace, Ollie Watkins. Perhaps listening to the Portuguese coach would be the right choice this time around?

Most important deal since Bruno: Man Utd make enquiry for "world-class" gem

Manchester United are set to make another key move within this summer’s transfer window.

1 ByEthan Lamb Aug 2, 2025

Budinger, Trevaskis fifties lift Leicestershire after the rain

Only local pride at stake with Derbyshire confirmed as wooden-spoonists

ECB Reporters Network28-Sep-2024After two days lost to the weather, Leicestershire finished on 264 for eight after their season-ending Vitality County Championship with East Midlands neighbours Derbyshire at last saw some action.With Derbyshire’s 17th Championship wooden spoon confirmed by Glamorgan’s victory over Gloucestershire, this match has little at stake beyond local pride, although Leicestershire could overtake Northamptonshire to finish fourth in Division Two.Leicestershire opener Sol Budinger will remember it at least for a career-best 87. There was a half-century, too, for Liam Trevaskis.Derbyshire’s spinners prospered in the final session of an 80-over day. Mitch Wagstaff, in his sixth first-class match, finished with two for 24 from his leg breaks, his best figures so far, with skipper David Lloyd picking up three wickets from his offies.Glamorgan and Gloucestershire, similarly hit by the late-September rain, forfeited an innings each to facilitate a positive result in Cardiff. For there to be a winner here, it may need a similar arrangement.After the downpours of the first two days, the start of day three was delayed until noon. On a green-tinged pitch, Derbyshire opted to bowl first after the toss had gone their way and should have had early wickets to show for it.But catching has not been their strong suit this season – not much has, by the evidence of the table. Ian Holland, on three and again on nine, plus Budinger on 42 were given lives in the hour of play before lunch.All three chances were created at the pavilion end. Holland was spilled by wicketkeeper Brooke Guest off Zak Chappell, before Martin Andersson saw Aneurin Donald give Holland his second let-off at gully and Budinger put down by Lloyd at first slip in his next over.At the other end, Budinger had profited from five boundaries in the same over as the 17-year-old pace prospect Harry Moore struggled to find the right length and Leicestershire were 54 without loss at the first interval.Holland, his luck plainly in, enjoyed a third escape not long after the restart, Guest again unable to cling on down the leg side as the former Hampshire all-rounder top-edged a pull on 28, Moore having returned at the more favourable end.They were not inexpensive mistakes. Budinger, a left-hander with natural ball-striking talent, reached 51 from 40 deliveries with his ninth four and went on to pass his previous first-class best of 72 with his 14th boundary. A maiden century looked his for the taking until, 13 runs away from it, he shaped to drive the left-arm seamer Luis Reece but somehow managed to spoon the ball into the hands of the bowler.The wicket was all-rounder Reece’s 200th in all formats for Derbyshire to go with more than 8,000 runs. He is the first to achieve both those milestones for the county since Dominic Cork in the 1990s.Budinger’s partnership with Holland, which was worth four at the moment of the first dropped catch, had put on 120. Reece picked up his second wicket in the same spell when Holland cut straight to the man at backward point for 44.Lewis Hill, in his first appearance since announcing he would step down as captain at the end of the season, twice cut Chappell to the boundary before driving him handsomely down the ground for another but was adjudged leg before to Chappell – Derbyshire’s player of the year – just before tea.Harry Swindells, making only his second Championship appearance of the season, helped Trevaskis take the total beyond 200 but departed in comically dreadful fashion, ballooning an awful full toss straight to mid-on as Wagstaff took a wicket with his fourth delivery.Trevaskis completed his second half-century of the season before being bowled by Lloyd for 57, before Ben Mike and Ben Green were both caught behind to give the two spinners another wicket apiece, Lloyd picking up his third as Tom Scriven was leg before sweeping.

Rossouw, Kusal Mendis lead Jaffna to their fourth LPL title in five seasons

The pair smashed LPL records and Galle Marvels in front of a full house at Khettarama

Andrew Fidel Fernando21-Jul-2024Rilee Rossouw bludgeoned 106 off 53 balls, Kusal Mendis crashed 72 off 40 of his own, and together sent Jaffna Kings soaring to a target of 185, inside 16 overs. It was a record-breaking chase on at least two fronts. Their unbroken stand of 185 (Pathum Nissanka had been out first ball), was the highest for any wicket, across all LPL seasons. Kings’ chase was the highest in any LPL tournament.And their victory means that a Jaffna franchise has won four out of the five LPL tournaments staged, having only missed out in 2023.Rossouw and Mendis’ sublime hitting will rightly be admired as perhaps the greatest partnership this tournament has produced, given it came in a final in front of a full house at Khettarama. But Jaffna had dominated another key passage of the game. Through excellent bowling from Jason Behrendorff, Dhananjaya de Silva, and Fabian Allen, they had had Galle Marvels by the collar at 23 for 3 after seven overs.They recovered through an outstanding innings by Bhanuka Rajapaksa, but clearly their 184 for 6 was not sufficient to deny Mendis and Rossouw in such form.Rossouw’s monster hittingLate in the chase, it felt like there were no ball Galle Marvels could produce that Rossouw could not thump into or over the boundary. But he was also the first batter to shake Kings into motion. He hit the first boundaries, one of them intentional, in the second over. But then really got into his work in the fourth, pummeling Isuru Udana over deep extra cover, then crashing him over deep midwicket.But it was in the middle overs, against spin, that he really hit his stride. He bashed Prabath Jayasuriya for a six and two fours in the seventh over and bullied Theekshana over long-on boundary to get to his fifty off 29 balls.Later he’d go back to smashing Udana, and then later reaped three fours and a six off Janith Liyanage’s seam bowling, which put him five runs short of a second century in this year’s tournament. By this stage, Kings were so utterly ascendant (they needed 21 off 42 balls, with nine wickets left), the only question was whether Mendis would run down the target before Rossouw had the chance to get to triple figures.But Rossouw got there with ease, rocked his bazooka celebration, and also hit the winning run and raised his bat towards the dugout.Earlier, while fielding, Rossouw had been involved with an aggressive altercation with umpire Kumar Dharmasena over an overthrow. Clearly he came to this game pumped up.Mendis shines againMendis had cracked 105 not out off 54 balls in the semi-final, and was very quickly in wonderful touch again in this game, racing to 32 off 13 balls inside the powerplay. Nineteen of those runs came against the offspin of Sahan Arachchige, in the last over of the powerplay.But as Rossouw exploded, Mendis thrived too, finding boundaries square of the wicket while Rossouw slammed most of his in the arc between deep cover and dep midwicket. Between these two batters, there was no relent for Marvels. Mendis was dropped on 67 in the 14th over, but by this stage Jaffna’s victory was almost certain.Bhanuka Rajapaksa hit a boundary-laden 82 off 34 balls for Galle Marvels•SLCRajapaksa’s spectacular showRossouw and Mendis put him in the shade, but that Marvels set a target that seemed daunting was down to Rajapaksa, who showcased both his touch and power in his 82 off 34. Through the course of that innings he played some delightful late cuts, fine glances, and flicks off his toes, but also pinged balls down the ground, over midwicket, and over cover. He’d had some support from Tim Seifert, who hit 47 off 37 balls, and was part of a 62-run stand with Rajapaksa.But even Seifert had only raised his scoring thanks to crashing three leg-side sixes and a four off four consecutive V Viyaskanth balls. Many of the other Marvels batters struggled to find their timing on this pitch.Kings bowlers tie up the top orderTeams have generally done well in the back end of the innings this season thanks to the power blast (two late overs in which only four boundary riders are allowed). But Kings had dominated the early overs, and this too was a key portion of the game. Behrendorff was the top performer here finding swing and conceding only five runs from his three powerplay overs, while removing both the Marvels openers.But the spinners were also good. Allen bowled two overs for 10 runs, and de Silva conceded six in the opening over. They largely bowled slow on a pitch that had some turn in it.

Celtic braced for lowball £8.5m bid as Spurs could hijack forward deal

Celtic have an abundance of talent that could attract interest from elsewhere this summer, but Brendan Rodgers won’t let his star players leave on the cheap if recent developments are to be taken as an indication.

Celtic set to field interest in star players this summer

The Bhoys enjoyed another successful season and came out the other side with a domestic double, enjoying plenty of highs along the way including progression in the Champions League.

In a tale as old as time, proving yourself in Glasgow under the pressure of playing for Celtic usually attracts watchful eyes from elsewhere, so it will come as no surprise to hear that Nicolas Kuhn is of interest to Premier League outfit Brentford.

Following a campaign where he registered 36 goal contributions, the former Germany Under-20 international has emerged as a candidate to replace Bryan Mbeumo at the Gtech Community Stadium should the latter complete a £60 million switch to Manchester United.

Greg Taylor is set to become a free agent and has a two-year deal on the table from PAOK. It is still unclear if he plans to stay at Parkhead or move on to new pastures at this point in time.

Either way, Brendan Rodgers could be set to ring the changes at Celtic this summer. The Bhoys endured a moderate level of inconsistency towards the end of the campaign, indicating that freshness is needed to prop up their quest for a fifth Scottish Premiership title on the trot.

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Retaining their star players will be a central part of that mission, though there have now been further developments regarding another high-level operator who is wanted by two of Europe’s giants.

The state of play on Daizen Maeda's Celtic future

According to Sozcu vis Sport Witness, Fenerbache could step up their pursuit of Celtic forward Daizen Maeda after their initial plan to bid £8.5 million for the Japan international was deemed ‘laughable’ by the Scottish champions.

Now, it is said that the Bhoys want to recoup at least £21 million if he is sold, while Tottenham Hotspur have also entered the race for his signature off the back of claiming the Europa League title and could hijack Fener with a higher number.

Daizen Maeda’s excellent season at Celtic – all competitions

Appearances

51

Goals

33

Assists

12

Maeda is contracted to Celtic for another two years and has a new agreement on the table in Glasgow. There has been no news regarding whether he plans to accept an extension, making transfer interest a natural consequence now the window is here.

Despite the Hoops’ penchant to sell for profit, Maeda is a unique case and is arguably their most important player at the moment.

Keeping the 27-year-old around for the immediate future is imperative, though if one of Fenerbache or Tottenham Hotspur meet Celtic’s demands, it may become difficult to retain his services.

He's Corberan 2.0: West Brom could hire "one of the best young coaches"

West Bromwich Albion fans will no doubt still be missing the presence of the passionate Carlos Corberan on the sidelines at the Hawthorns.

After all, when the much-loved Spaniard departed the club for Valencia in late December, the Baggies had only lost three league clashes and were just outside the playoff picture in seventh spot.

West Bromwich Albion manager Carlos Corberan.

Fast forward to the end of the season, however, and West Brom ended up finishing in a lower ninth position, with the experiment of bringing back Tony Mowbray not working whatsoever.

Therefore, it’s crucial that the bruised Baggies get this next managerial appointment spot on, with an ever-growing list of intriguing names being rumoured to step in and replace Mowbray.

West Brom could now appoint Corberan 2.0

In an ideal world, West Brom will be able to unearth their next iteration of Corberan with whoever takes on the ongoing vacancy.

There is a shout to say Ryan Mason could be Corberan 2.0, considering he’s been a background figure at Tottenham Hotspur for most of his coaching career to date – much like the Spaniard was at Leeds United – before exploding into life as the main presence in the dug-out.

Tottenham's Ryan Mason

But, the Championship outfit could look to a more left-field shout than Mason in ex-Manchester United coach Eric Ramsay, with new reports suggesting the 33-year-old is now one of the frontrunners over the much-talked-about Spurs man.

Much like Mason, Ramsay arriving on the scene at the Hawthorns could have the same impact Corberan once had on proceedings, with an argument to be had that the former Wales assistant manager has more in his arsenal than his Tottenham counterpart in the main manager game with Minnesota United.

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Why Ramsay could be Corberan 2.0

Whilst his name is more recognisable for being a second-in-command figure to Erik ten Hag and Rob Page for Manchester United and Wales, Ramsay is beginning to forge an impressive name for himself in the MLS with Minnesota.

Amazingly, his blistering Minnesota side downed a Lionel Messi-led Inter Miami 4-1 last time out in MLS action, with that comprehensive victory taking him all the way up an impressive 23 wins in total from 49 games in charge.

Ramsey vs Corberan’s first 49 games at WBA

Manager

Ramsey

Corberan

Wins

23

16

Draws

10

7

Defeats

16

26

Stats via Transfermarkt.

Corberan will be able to resonate with Ramsay’s unorthodox start to management out in America, with the now Valencia boss having to start his own journey in the lower leagues of Cyprus and he would initially struggle, before his first EFL opportunity as a main manager would come about with Huddersfield Town.

Amazingly, Ramsay can boast seven more victories from his first 49 games in charge of Minnesota than Corberan was able to pick during his first 49 games as a head coach, but the Spaniard would go on to grow and improve past this point to turn both the Terriers and the Baggies into Championship playoff candidates.

Eric Ramsay coaching while with Manchester United.

Moreover, the former Man United coach’s growing experience of the game he’s managed to achieve from the dug-out in the MLS makes him a far more capable option than the alternative face of Mason, with the promising coach picking up just six career wins when handed the temporary Spurs reins.

Once hailed as “one of the best young coaches in football” by Page when appointed Wales assistant manager, the proof could soon be in the pudding if he can transform West Brom’s fortunes on his potential return to England.

If it does work out, it would be another worthwhile gamble taken by the powers that be at the Hawthorns, with Corberan once just a plucky coach trying to cut his teeth in the men’s game like Ramsay, before very nearly turning West Brom back into a Premier League side.

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Worth 330% more than Nypan: Aston Villa struck gold with "unstoppable" star

Aston Villa have made some statement signings in the last few months, with the January transfer window a really impressive one for the West Midlands side.

Two of their notable signings were loanees, Marco Asensio from Paris Saint-Germain and Marcus Rashford from Manchester United.

The Spanish attacking midfielder has impressed for Villa. He has featured 16 times so far for the club, scoring eight goals and grabbing one assist. Rashford, meanwhile, has been electric, and has four goals and six assists in 17 appearances for the Midlands outfit.

They were both ambitious signings for Villa, and they might not be the last of them. The West Midlands side are reportedly close to signing Sverre Nypan, who is wanted by several of Europe’s biggest clubs.

The latest on Villa’s pursuit of Nypan

What a sensational coup this would be for Villa, if they do manage to get the signing of Nyapn over the line.

According to a recent report from Fabrizio Romano, the Villans are ‘are closing in on the agreement’ for the Norway star.

It would be some addition to the squad at Villa Park with Nypan highly rated across Europe. Indeed, football talent scout Jacek Kulig has suggested that he has a “huge future ahead” of him in professional football.

His stats for Rosenborg in 2024 show exactly why he is so highly rated. The 18-year-old midfielder played 28 top-flight games for his boyhood club in the last calendar year, scoring eight times and grabbing seven assists, including a hat-trick against Lillestrom.

The price Villa would have to pay for Nypan is cheap, too. As stated in a report from Birmingham Live, he may be worth around £10m, which seems an incredibly cheap deal for someone of such promise.

Aston Villa already have their own Nypan

While Nypan is evidently one of the hottest prospects in Europe, Aston Villa have already signing a player with similar traits. He’s also now worth a great deal more than the Norwegian after a scintillating campaign in the Midlands.

It has been an exceptional season for Villans attacker Morgan Rogers. The Villa number 27 became an England international this term, having been rewarded with his first caps off the back of the form he has shown at Villa Park.

Indeed, the 22-year-old, who has only been a Villa player for 18 months, has become a vital player in Unai Emery’s side. He has played 49 times in all competitions, and has 14 goals and 13 assists to his name.

One competition where Rogers really stepped up this season was in the Champions League. It was a fairytale run for Villa who reached the quarter-final before Paris Saint-Germain knocked them out. In 12 appearances, he managed seven goal involvements, including a hat-trick against Celtic in the final group game.

At the start of the season, former Liverpool defender turned Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher said Rogers is an “unstoppable” force. Well, that is a claim that has certainly been proven right, given how well the Villans’ number 7 has played this term.

In fact, Rogers’ stats via Sofascore from the 2024/25 campaign are exceptional and showcase the high levels he has shown throughout. For example, he has played 66 key passes and has an expected goal involvement tally of 15.48 xGI (expected goal involvements).

Rogers key stats 2024/25

Stat

Total

Per 90

Key passes

66

1.5

Big chances created

20

0.4

Dribbles completed

97

2.1

Tackles and interceptions

56

1.3

Expected goal involvement

15.48xGI

0.34xGI

Stats from Sofascore

With all that in mind, it might not be a surprise to hear Rogers’ estimated transfer value, which is 330% higher than the fee Villa will have to pay for Nypan. The England international is now valued at £43m by Transfermarkt.

The impact the England attacker has had in a Claret and Blue shirt so far has been sublime. As his high value shows, he has been a fantastic investment so far, and will surely only get better over the coming months.

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