Football

Inter Milan face a pivotal week with crucial Champions League and Milan derby fixtures looming. However, the club has been rocked by the disturbing revelation of links between organized crime and its hardcore supporters.On Sunday, Inter travel to Monza hoping to maintain their league lead. However, coach Simone Inzaghi is expected to rest key players ahead of their daunting trip to Manchester City in the Champions League.Off the pitch, Inter has been embroiled in a shocking incident. Andrea Beretta, a reputed heir to a powerful crime family, was stabbed to death by Antonio Bellocco, a leader of the club's "ultras." Bellocco's high status within the 'Ndrangheta mafia has raised concerns about mafia infiltration into ultra groups.The incident highlights fears that criminal organizations are exploiting the financial gains allegedly earned by some supporter organizations through illicit activities. Beretta had taken a leading role in the Curva Nord section after the murder of Vittorio Boiocchi, another career criminal who reportedly boasted of earning substantial sums through his position as ultra leader.Inter's biggest challenge this week comes on Wednesday when they face Manchester City in the Champions League. Inzaghi will need his first-choice players fit for both City and the Milan derby, which presents an opportunity to further distance themselves from their local rivals.Meanwhile, AC Milan, who trail Inter by five points, host Venezia on Sunday. New coach Paulo Fonseca faces a tough start, with Tuesday's visit of Liverpool also on the horizon. Tammy Abraham is set to make his first start alongside former Chelsea teammates Fikayo Tomori and Ruben Loftus-Cheek.In other Serie A action, Atalanta, who suffered a heavy defeat to Inter before the international break, host Fiorentina on Sunday. Ademola Lookman, the hat-trick hero of last season's Europa League victory, is expected to feature after agitating for a summer transfer.

Cristiano Ronaldo, the legendary Portuguese footballer, has achieved an unprecedented milestone on social media, becoming the first individual to amass a staggering 1 billion followers across various platforms. This remarkable feat underscores Ronaldo's immense popularity and global reach, solidifying his status as one of the most influential figures in the world.Ronaldo's social media presence has skyrocketed in recent years, particularly with the launch of his Instagram channel. Within a week of its inception, his YouTube account surpassed 50 million followers, shattering multiple records. On Instagram, Ronaldo boasts an impressive 639 million followers, the largest chunk of his 1 billion followers. He also commands a significant following on Facebook (170.5 million) and X (113 million).To commemorate this historic achievement, Ronaldo shared an emotional message on social media, expressing his gratitude to his followers and acknowledging the shared passion and love for the game that unites them. He emphasized that this milestone is not merely a number but a testament to their collective journey and the unwavering support he has received throughout his career.Ronaldo's social media dominance extends beyond the major platforms. He also maintains a presence on smaller Chinese platforms such as Weibo and Kuaishou, further expanding his reach to a global audience.This unprecedented achievement is a testament to Ronaldo's enduring legacy as a football icon and his ability to connect with fans on a personal level. His social media presence has become a powerful platform for him to share his passion for the game, inspire others, and engage with his vast following.

Chennaiyin FC (CFC), the two-time Indian Super League champion, has undergone a significant squad overhaul this season. The team boasts 13 new faces, including several promising young domestic players. Twelve players have departed the club for various reasons.Head coach Owen Coyle, known for his willingness to embrace challenges, is confident in his team's abilities. In his previous two seasons with CFC, he guided the team to the playoffs and even the final in 2019-20. This time, Coyle believes his squad has the depth and talent to make a strong run."We will probably get two players for every position (this time) and we didn’t have that last year, certainly to the strength and depth of the new season. But I think this year we know we have players who can be game-changers. So, it gives us certainly far more competition for places which really is important," Coyle said at a press conference.Coyle expressed his satisfaction with the players' desire to improve, which he sees as a positive sign for the club's performance and potential to win the tournament."We have players who really want to improve, both young and experienced, who want to put their hands up. For example, the experienced Mandar Rao Dessai has a point to prove. He has been a champion. He wants to show his quality again having played for East Bengal last year," Coyle said."So, everybody has got something to play for, and that is what I need. Players who are motivated and hungry, not feeling happy to play games," the 58-year-old Scot added.Chennaiyin will kick off its new season on September 14 against Odisha in Bhubaneswar. The players are aware of the competition within the squad and are eager to prove their worth.

India Defender Anwar Ali, East Bengal, and Delhi FC Challenge AIFF SuspensionIndia defender Anwar Ali, along with his current club East Bengal and parent club Delhi FC, have filed a writ petition with the Delhi High Court challenging the four-month suspension imposed on the player by the All India Football Federation (AIFF). The suspension stems from Anwar's alleged "illegal termination" of his four-year contract with Mohun Bagan.The AIFF's Players Status Committee found Anwar guilty of breaching his contract and ordered him, East Bengal, and Delhi FC to pay a hefty compensation of Rs 12.90 crore to Mohun Bagan. The compensation includes Rs 8.40 crore for the residual value of the contract, Rs 2 crore paid to Delhi FC under a loan agreement, and Rs 2.50 crore for other damages.Delhi FC owner Ranjit Bajaj expressed concern over the suspension, stating that it would deprive Anwar of valuable playing time. "How can we let the player lose out on matches in the coming days? You can get money back, but you can't get the matches back once they are played," he said.East Bengal's top official, Debabrata Sarkar, echoed Bajaj's sentiments, emphasizing the importance of Anwar's participation in the upcoming Indian Super League (ISL). "We have approached the Delhi HC to ensure that Anwar can play until the AIFF's Appeals Committee makes a decision on the matter," Sarkar said. "The player's career should not be affected at all cost."The AIFF's Players Status Committee also banned East Bengal and Delhi FC from registering players for two transfer windows for their involvement in Anwar's contract breach. The committee ruled that all three parties are jointly liable for the compensation amount.Anwar's transfer to East Bengal sparked controversy in Kolkata, with Mohun Bagan challenging the move and filing a complaint with the AIFF. The 23-year-old defender played a crucial role in Mohun Bagan's ISL Shield-winning campaign last season, scoring three goals and providing one assist in 26 games.The Delhi High Court is expected to hear the writ petition on Friday. The outcome of the case will have significant implications for Anwar's career and the future of player contracts in Indian football.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has signed a new long-term contract at the Emirates Stadium, the Premier League title chasers announced on Thursday. The Gunners said in a statement that the 42-year-old Spaniard, who has reportedly agreed a three-year deal, "has been a key figure in re-establishing us as a force back at the top of English and European football."Arteta, who became Arsenal boss in late 2019, said he felt "extremely proud." "I feel extremely lucky to work every single day with good people and the ambition we have here," he said. "I feel very inspired, I feel challenged, I feel supported and I want to do much more than what we've already done together."Arsenal co-chairman Josh Kroenke said he was delighted with the new deal. "Mikel is a dynamic and passionate manager, who is relentless in the pursuit of excellence," he said. "He has a deep understanding of Arsenal's values, and since joining us as head coach, he has taken the team to another level in an Arsenal way."Arteta, who had been working as an assistant coach under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, replaced compatriot Unai Emery as Arsenal boss in December 2019. He won the FA Cup in his first season in charge -- his first silverware as a manager.Arsenal have finished as runners-up to City in the Premier League for the past two seasons. Last term, they went agonisingly close to lifting the trophy for the first time since 2004 before being pipped by City on the last day of the season.Arteta's men, who face north London rivals Tottenham on Sunday, are currently fourth in the table after two wins and a draw. They begin their Champions League campaign next week against Atalanta.Arteta, who played 150 times for Arsenal and captained the side, called for calm last month regarding his contract situation, insisting his focus had been on the transfer window. "We are on it and we will take care of that in the right moment," said Arteta, who had previously been linked with Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona."I don't think anybody has to panic. I am in the place where I want to be and am really happy. Hopefully the club thinks the same thing and the players I work with, who in my opinion are the most important ones."Arsenal strengthened in the summer transfer window, bringing in a clutch of players including Raheem Sterling, Mikel Merino and Riccardo Calafiori. There are still questions over whether they have enough firepower to overhaul champions City after their failure to sign a striker to compete with inconsistent Germany forward Kai Havertz.But Arsenal sporting director Edu has no doubts about Arteta's ability to keep the club on course for sustained success. "It's a very positive and proud moment for everyone at the club and an important part of what we're all working towards," Edu said."Mikel has shown his qualities since the very first day he joined us, not only as a football manager, but as a person with wonderful values. We have a strong belief in what we are doing and what we want to achieve together. Mikel's new contract gives us stability and clear direction as we aim for new heights."

Erik ten Hag has dismissed Cristiano Ronaldo's criticism of his ambition at Manchester United, stating that the Portuguese star is "far from Manchester." Ronaldo's second stint at United ended in a controversial departure in November 2022, following his scathing remarks about Ten Hag.In a recent interview, Ronaldo expressed his belief that United should be aiming to win major trophies, such as the Premier League and Champions League. He criticized Ten Hag's negative attitude, claiming that the club needs to "rebuild everything."Ten Hag, however, has maintained his confidence in United's ability to challenge for silverware. He has lifted the League Cup and FA Cup in his first two seasons at the helm, but acknowledges that the team is still in a "transition period.""We have to integrate a lot of young players also in the team," Ten Hag said. "We are still dealing with injuries, we have to bring the injuries back in the team."Despite United's disappointing eighth-place finish in the Premier League last season, Ten Hag insists that the team is focused on winning every game. "We have in every game the mindset that we have to win," he said.Ronaldo's comments came after United's humiliating 3-0 home defeat to Liverpool. However, Ten Hag dismissed the impact of the interview on his team. "It doesn't impact me," he said. "I know in the process where we are, what we have to do, where we are going."United will face Southampton on Saturday, looking to bounce back from their recent setbacks. Luke Shaw and Rasmus Hojlund remain sidelined, but new signing Manuel Ugarte could make his debut.

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur has been charged by the Football Association (FA) for an alleged misconduct breach related to a comment he made about teammate Son Heung-min on Uruguayan television.During an interview on Canal 10 in June, Bentancur was asked for a Spurs player's shirt. He responded by saying, "Sonny's? It could be Sonny's cousin too as they all look the same."The comment sparked outrage, with British anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out receiving a "significant number" of complaints. Bentancur subsequently apologized to Son and Spurs skipper Hugo Lloris, acknowledging that he had "made a mistake."The FA has now charged Bentancur with an alleged breach of its rules in relation to a media interview. The statement from the FA reads:"It's alleged that the Tottenham midfielder has breached FA Rule E3.1 as he acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words and/or brought the game into disrepute."It's further alleged that this constitutes an 'aggravated breach' which is defined in FA Rule E3.2, as it included a reference, whether express or implied, to nationality and/or race and/or ethnic origin."Bentancur has until September 19 to respond to the charge. The FA's investigation comes amid a wider crackdown on racism and discrimination in football. In 2020, former Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani was banned for three games and fined £100,000 for using the Spanish term "negrito" (small black person) in a social media post.The FA's decision to charge Bentancur sends a clear message that it will not tolerate any form of discrimination or abuse in the game. It remains to be seen how the case will be resolved, but it is likely that Bentancur will face a significant punishment if found guilty.

The Indian Super League (ISL) kicks off its 11th season on Friday with a highly anticipated clash between last season's finalists Mohun Bagan and Mumbai City FC. This season marks a significant milestone as Kolkata's "Big Three" clubs—Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, and Mohammedan SC—now compete in India's top-tier football competition.Mohammedan SC, the 103-year-old club, joins its city rivals after winning the I-League last season. Mohun Bagan, who merged with ATK in 2020, has been a consistent title contender since joining the ISL, winning the Shield last season but losing the final to Mumbai City FC. East Bengal completed the transition of Kolkata's famous clubs to the ISL, reigniting their century-old rivalry at the highest level.The opener between Mohun Bagan and Mumbai City promises to set the tone for an exciting season. Mohun Bagan has strengthened its attack with Australian star Jamie Maclaren, while Mumbai City has brought in several new faces, including Brandon Fernandes and Nikolaos Karelis.The 2024-25 season promises to be more open and competitive, with NorthEast United FC setting the tone with a thrilling victory in the Durand Cup. Juan Pedro Benali's team, which narrowly missed the playoffs last season, will look to build on their success.The shadow of Anwar Ali's four-month ban and hefty fine will loom large over East Bengal. Mohammedan Sporting faces a tough season ahead due to the departure of key players, but they have bolstered their squad with several new signings.Last season's semifinalists FC Goa will enter with renewed optimism under Manolo Marquez, who will juggle his club duties with his national team job. Chennaiyin FC and Bengaluru FC will also push to challenge for playoff success, while Sergio Lobera's Odisha FC will look to add to their Super Cup title.Kerala Blasters may struggle due to a weakened squad, while all eyes will be on Indian coach Khalid Jamil at Jamshedpur FC. Hyderabad FC, who endured financial instability in the build-up to the season, will face an uphill task.

Manchester United's financial woes continued in the 2023/24 season, with the club posting net losses of £113.2 million ($148 million) despite record revenues. This marks the fifth consecutive year of losses for the Premier League giants.The club's revenues reached a record £661.8 million, a 2.1% increase from the previous year. This growth was primarily driven by record commercial and matchday revenues. However, United incurred exceptional costs of £47.8 million, largely related to Jim Ratcliffe's purchase of a minority stake in the club.On the pitch, United endured a disappointing season, finishing eighth in the Premier League and exiting the Champions League at the group stage. However, Erik ten Hag's team managed to salvage some pride by winning the FA Cup, defeating Manchester City in the final.In response to the club's financial and on-field struggles, United have embarked on a major backroom shake-up. Omar Berrada, poached from Manchester City, has been appointed as the new chief executive."We are all extremely focused on working collectively to create a bright future with football success at the heart of it," said Berrada. "We are working towards greater financial sustainability and making changes to our operations to make them more efficient."United's financial situation is further complicated by the Premier League's profitability and sustainability rules, which allow a maximum loss of £105 million over a three-season period. However, certain losses, such as infrastructure, youth team, and women's team spending, are deemed "allowable."Everton and Nottingham Forest were both penalized with points deductions last season for breaching these rules. United, who have started the new Premier League season with two defeats in three matches, will need to improve their on-field performance and financial management to avoid similar sanctions.