Sports

Barcelona have reached an agreement in principle with Sevilla to sign Jules Kounde. The 23-year-old French international was expected to join Chelsea this week after the Premier League club and Sevilla agreed to a £55 million deal. However, the defender will now stay in La Liga after Barcelona agreed to a preliminary agreement to sign him. “The official nature of the deal is dependent on the player passing a medical and the signing of contracts,” read a statement on the club’s website. He joins Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha, who arrived at the Camp Nou for around £100 million from Bayern…

Barcelona manager Xavi has stated that he would be open to Lionel Messi returning to the club, but that a deal is currently “impossible.” Messi ended a 21-year association with the club last summer, leaving on a free transfer to Paris Saint-Germain after Barcelona was unable to renew his contract due to financial difficulties. The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner had an injury-plagued first season in Paris, scoring just eleven goals in all competitions, his lowest total since the 2005-06 season. The Catalan club’s president, Joan Laporta, recently stated that he would like Messi to return to Barcelona for a “more…

The former United States international goalkeeper has been sentenced following her arrest back in March USWNT legend Hope Solo has pleaded guilty to a charge of driving while impaired, with the former goalkeeper admitting that she has made the “worst mistake of my life”. The 40-year-old, who saw her national team contract terminated in 2016, was arrested in Winston-Salem, North Carolina on March 31 and charged with driving while intoxicated, resisting arrest and misdemeanour child abuse. Police reported that Solo was found passed out behind the wheel of her vehicle with the engine running in the parking lot of a Walmart…

The government is determined to make sure the Black Stars are well-prepared for the 2022 FIFA World Cup to be staged in Qatar, according to Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta. Ghana will be making a return to the global showpiece later this year after advancing past Nigeria in the playoff round. An appearance in Qatar will also see the Black Stars play in the World Cup again after missing out on the 2018 edition in Russia. The finance minister emphasised the government’s desire to support the Black Stars before the World Cup while also calling on Ghanaians to show unflinching support…

Ghana Premier League champions Asante Kotoko have withdrawn from the Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA) Top 6 tournament. The competition, which is meant to serve as a pre-season tournament for teams participating in Africa, is slated for August 4, 2022. The Porcupine Warriors were expected to battle against Medeama, Bechem United, Karela United, Great Olympics and Hearts of Oak in the tournament but have now pulled out. A statement shared on Kotoko’s Twitter page said the club was withdrawing from the tournament “based on sporting reasons.” “We have this afternoon written officially to GHALCA, informing the welfare body of our decision not…

England-born Anita Asante has joined Bristol City Women as a first-team coach, the club has announced. The 37-year-old was a professional footballer for almost two decades, having lined up for the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea. Earlier this year, Asante drew the curtains down on her illustrious career after retiring at the end of last season’s Women’s Super League. She has now been appointed as a first-team coach of Bristol City Women and will be assisting head coach Lauren Smith when the 2022/23 season kickstarts. “I'm delighted to be here and have the opportunity to work with a great crop of…

The head coach of Asante Kotoko, Prosper Narteh Ogun, has reportedly resigned just 10 months after his appointment. The 44-year-old manager is said to have tendered his resignation following a meeting with Kotoko’s management and board on Wednesday, July 20, 2022. Ogun took charge of the Porcupine Warriors before the start of the 2021/22 season and completely transformed the club. https://twitter.com/Fentuo_/status/1549786383534809088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1549786383534809088%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fpulsembed.eu%2Fp2em%2F_B0GeHilu%2F The former WAFA coach guided the Kumasi-based side to the Ghana Premier League title at the first attempt, ending their eight-year drought in the league in the process. Although very little is known about why Ogun has decided to resign, Joy…