FIFA has nominated Lauren James for best women’s player 2023, despite her largely criticized foul against Super Falcons player, Michelle Alozie.

The 16-player list released by FIFA on Thursday included James who had stepped on Alozie in the knockout stage clash between Nigeria and England.

FIFA said, “A double winner with Chelsea, this exciting forward also emerged as a key player for her national team, providing three goals and as many assists in the Lionesses’ run to the Women’s World Cup final.”

In the 84th minute of the knock-out game against England, James picked up a yellow card for an impetuous stamp on Alozie’s back after both players tussled for the ball.

Referee Melissa Borjas after reviewing the video monitor withdrew the yellow card and showed off a red card.

Although England were down by a player, they held the Falcons to a draw and later won 4-2 on penalties.

FIFA reviewed the foul and handed her three-match ban.

She played in the finals based on FIFA judgement.

FIFA had said, “The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has imposed a two-match suspension on England’s player Lauren James following a violation of article 14 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code at the FIFA Women’s World Cup match England vs Nigeria.

“The suspension will be served for the FIFA Women’s World Cup quarter-final and the next international fixture following that.”

The FIFA decision had sparked reactions on social media.

In the group-stage match between Nigeria and Canada, Deborah Abiodun was sent off after she unintentionally tackled Ashley Lawrence and hit her shin.

But FIFA upgraded the 19-year-old’s ban from a one-match ban to a three-match ban.

However, FIFA rule says, “A player will be suspended for at least three matches for violent conduct; at least three matches or an appropriate period of time for assault, including elbowing, punching, kicking, biting, spitting, or hitting an opponent or a person other than a match official.”

Victor Osimhen, the Super Eagles forward, has been nominated for FIFA’s The Best Men’s Player of the Year award after a stellar season for club and country. The 24-year-old was named in the 12-man shortlist for the award alongside other European stars.

Osimhen had a campaign to remember as he led Napoli to the Scudetto and emulated Zlatan Ibrahimovic in winning the Capocannoniere in the same season for the first time since 2009. The striker was also the first African Capocannoniere and became Africa’s leading scorer in Serie A.

In addition to his performance at club level, the former Lille man was on fire for the Super Eagles despite not making it to the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. He scored 10 goals for Nigeria as they sealed their ticket to the 2024 AFCON in style, including a hat-trick against Sao Tome and Principe last time out.

Osimhen is the only African who was deemed worthy of being included on the shortlist and is joined by Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe, Rodri, Julian Alvarez, Marcelo Brozovic, Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Declan Rice and Bernardo Silva.

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This comes after Osimhen was nominated for the 2023 Ballon d’Or, and is another feather in the cap of the striker, who aims even higher. Voting is on for the award, and fans can vote for Victor Osimhen through this link.

• Competition: Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A
• Date: Friday, 15th, September 2023
• Kickoff: 00:00 CEST
• Venue: Castelao (Fortaleza)

Corinthians will strive to put an end to their three-game winless streak across all competitions when they visit Fortaleza at Castelao in their Matchday 23 clash of the Brazilian Serie A on Friday.

After establishing a remarkable streak of five consecutive victories, dominating everything in their path in both the Copa Sudamericana and the Brazilian Serie A, Fortaleza hit a roadblock called Fluminense. Sadly, Leao do Pici entered their ten-day break due to international obligations on a sour note, suffering a 0-1 defeat to Fluzao with a late goal conceded in the 90+2 minute. Despite that setback, Fortaleza stands firm in eighth place with 32 points, trailing the Copa Libertadores qualification spots by only four points.

As for the guests, Corinthians seems to have put their nightmarish season start behind them, with the past few months showcasing evident signs of improvement. In their last fixture prior to the international break, Timao successfully resisted the onslaught from the reigning Brazilian champions, Palmeiras, securing a precious point in a goalless draw, 0-0. It was the third successive stalemate for the boys in black and white kits, continuing their climb up the table and now occupying 13th position with 26 points.

1. Fortaleza vs Corinthians Betting Tips: X2 (Double chance)

At first glance, it may seem like Fortaleza holds the upper hand in terms of form and the home advantage, but grabbing all the spoils against Corinthians is easier said than done. While Timao has been experiencing a drought in terms of victories (with only one win in their last six games), it's equally important to acknowledge that numerous opposing teams have been left scratching their heads in search of a way to overcome them, with just one defeat in their last 17 matches across all competitions.

It's intriguing how Vanderlei Luxemburgo's side has become experts in securing "X" results, recording their fourth draw in the last five matches, last time out against the reigning titleholders, Palmeiras. Furthermore, the teams that Fortaleza has recently triumphed over are a far cry from Corinthians' caliber.

Therefore, we maintain an optimistic outlook that Timao, with their sturdy style of football, will manage to secure at least a point from this visit.

The Chief Executive Officer of Arsenal Football Club, Vinai Venkatesham, has announced his decision to leave the club at the end of the 2023-2024 season.

Vinai Venkatesham became the CEO of Arsenal in 2020, about a season after Mikel Arteta was appointed the manager of the club.

Before he rose to the position of Arsenal’s CEO, the Indian-born British administrator who joined Arsenal in 2010, had served as the club’s Managing Director, and chief commercial officer.

Vinai Venkatesham has helped to stabilize the Gunners. Under his leadership, Arsenal won two Community Shields and contended for the Premier League title last season in which they finished second behind Manchester City.

While announcing his planned departure from the club after three years as the club’s CEO, Venkatesham revealed that he is leaving the club to face another challenge.

He said, “This was a tough decision, but it is time to pursue another challenge. Now is not the time for goodbyes as I remain focused until my last day and supporting a seamless transition.”

In reaction to the announcement, the co-chairman of the club, Josh Kroenke said: “The board is fully supportive of Vinai’s desire to pursue his next challenge.

“Whilst it is business as usual with everyone focused on the season ahead, we’d like to take this moment to thank him for his contribution and long service.

“Vinai will always be part of the Arsenal family and always welcome back at Emirates Stadium.

“Change and succession is something the club is well prepared for. The board remains committed to our strategy and will address leadership change as we continue to drive the club forward.”

[NaijaNews]