Sports

Ex-Manchester United Midfielder Faces Prison Sentence

Published

1 year ago

September 12, 2024

Former Manchester United midfielder Anderson has been ordered to prison over his reported failure to pay child maintenance.
Anderson, 36, has been told he will have to serve time in a jail in the southern Brazilian city of Porto Alegre unless he hands over the £45,000 he owes.

According The decision was taken last week by a family court judge in the retired footballer’s home city but only became public overnight.
The lock-up where ex-Brazil international Anderson, who won the Premier League four times with United after signing for the club from Porto in July 2007, has been identified locally as the Irmao Miguel Dario Prison.

The former footballer, who also played for Fiorentina in Italy and Internacional in his homeland before hanging up his boots aged just 31, is said to have been told he must serve 30 days behind bars unless he clears his child maintenance debt.

He has been offered the option of doing his prison time in a ‘semi-open’ regime whereby he could work or study outside the jail during the day but return to sleep at night, according to respected Brazilian news website GZH (via The Mirror).

Anderson was at the centre of controversy in his homeland four years ago after being accused of laundering £4.7million though cryptocurrencies.

He was named by Brazilian newspaper Globo at the time as one of eight people under investigation by a state prosecutor into a scheme designed to divert the cash from the state stock exchange.

News

AFCON 2025: Super Eagles Fall to Morocco on Penalties

Published

2 days ago

January 15, 2026

Samson Adeyanju

By Samuel Adeola

Nigeria’s quest for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title ended in heartbreak on Tuesday night as the Super Eagles lost 4-2 on penalties to host nation Morocco in the semi-final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat.

The encounter ended goalless after 120 minutes, with both sides cancelling each other out in regulation time and extra time.

Nigeria remained solid defensively, with goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali making key saves, while Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman led the attack.

The match was decided in the shootout after missed chances from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi proved costly.

Morocco converted four penalties, with Youssef En-Nesyri scoring the decisive kick to seal victory.

The defeat brings Nigeria’s impressive AFCON campaign to an end, while Morocco advance to the final on home soil.

The Super Eagles will now turn their attention to the third-place playoff.

News

Arsenal Beat Chelsea 3-2 in Carabao Cup Semi-Final First Leg

Published

2 days ago

January 15, 2026

Samson Adeyanju

By Samuel Adeola

Arsenal moved closer to the Carabao Cup final after a 3-2 victory over Chelsea in the first leg of their semi-final clash at Stamford Bridge.

The visitors took an early lead in the 7th minute through Ben White, who reacted quickest to a corner. Arsenal dominated the early exchanges and controlled possession.

After the restart, Viktor Gyökeres doubled Arsenal’s advantage, capitalising on a goalkeeping error. Chelsea responded when substitute Alejandro Garnacho pulled one back to revive the hosts’ hopes.

Arsenal restored their two-goal lead in the 71st minute as Martin Zubimendi finished off a well-worked move. Garnacho later scored his second to make it 3-2, but Arsenal held on for the win.

The result gives Arsenal a narrow advantage ahead of the second leg at the Emirates Stadium.

News

AFCON 2025: Ghana’s Laryea to Referee Morocco vs Nigeria Semi-Final

Published

3 days ago

January 14, 2026

Samson Adeyanju

By Samuel Adeola

The Confederation of African Football has appointed Ghanaian referee Daniel Laryea to officiate today’s AFCON 2025 semi-final between hosts Morocco and Nigeria.

The match will be played at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, with kick-off set for 9pm.

Laryea, 38, will be handling his second game of the tournament, having earlier taken charge of Burkina Faso’s 1-0 group-stage loss to Algeria.

CAF’s selection of the FIFA-listed referee underscores the significance of the encounter, widely regarded as a “final before the final.”

Laryea will be assisted by Zakhele Siwela of South Africa, Souru Phatsoane of Lesotho and Arsenio Maringule of Mozambique, while Samuel Uwikunda will serve as fourth official.

Abongile Tom of South Africa will oversee VAR duties, assisted by Haythem Guirat of Tunisia and Stephen Onyango Yiembe of Kenya.

CAF also named Gabonese referee Pierre Atcho to officiate the other semi-final between Senegal and Egypt, scheduled for 6pm today.