Sports

Beer sales banned around Qatar World Cup stadiums

18, November 2022

Beer sales banned around Qatar World Cup stadiums 0

FIFA and Qatar on Friday banned beer sales around the eight World Cup stadiums in a stunning policy u-turn just two days before the start of the tournament.

Football’s world body said the decision was taken following “discussions” with World Cup hosts Qatar, an Islamic state which severely restricts alcohol consumption.

It gave no reason for the surprise decision, however.

A FIFA statement said alcohol would be focused on fan zones, “removing sales points of beer from Qatar’s FIFA World Cup 2022 stadium perimeters.”

Dozens of beer tents had already been set up at stadiums ahead of the first game Sunday between Qatar and Ecuador.

Qatar has predicted that more than one million fans will visit the country for the 29-day tournament and FIFA has had a longstanding sponsorship deal with major beer producer Budweiser, which is owned by AB InBev.

“The tournament organisers appreciate AB InBev’s understanding and continuous support to our joint commitment to cater for everyone during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022,” added the statement.

Beer will remain available in VIP suites in stadiums, which are sold by world football’s governing body, at the main FIFA fan zone in Doha, some private fan zones and in about 35 hotel and restaurant bars.

Source: AFP

Can the Indomitable Lions overcome issues at home to secure World Cup success?

17, November 2022

Can the Indomitable Lions overcome issues at home to secure World Cup success? 0

In November, national legend and Cameroonian Football Federation (FECAFOOT) President Samuel Eto’o heaped pressure on the senior football team by predicting an all-African affair at the World Cup 2022 final.

“Africa has always had the potential to achieve a successful World Cup, but we haven’t always shown our best face up to now,” Eto’o said.

“During the years, African teams have acquired more and more experience, and I think they’re ready not only to participate in a World Cup, but also to win it.

“Cameroon will win the World Cup final against Morocco” – Samuel Eto’o

It’s a tall order for a team which had a rocky route to qualification for what is their eighth World Cup appearance, the most ever by an African team. It took an extra-time goal from winger Karl Toko Ekambi in the second leg of a tie against Algeria to qualify, and only on the away goals rule.

Controversy has also trailed the selection of the World Cup squad after coach Rigobert Song had difficulty reading some names during the announcement, leading to speculation of interference from Eto’o, in the local media.

All of this has made Song’s task of getting out of a group with Switzerland, Serbia and pre-tournament favourites Brazil a Herculean one.

To spearhead what may seem like a “mission impossible” are goalkeeper Andre Onana and star midfielder ​​Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa who both play in the Italian Serie A, as well as captain and veteran forward Vincent Aboubakar of Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr FC.

Zambo Anguissa, the team’s defensive linchpin, has the work rate of a stallion and an eye for a goal to match. Should he hit top form and propel the team to effective performances, the team could be poised to make history again.

The Indomitable Lions also made history in 1990 when they qualified for the quarter-finals, the first team from the continent to do so – only Senegal (2002) and Ghana (2010) have done so since. To achieve the milestone, Cameroon beat defending champions Argentina 1-0.

At the next tournament, they also made history again despite finishing bottom of the group. In its 1994 squad was the veteran Roger Milla who, at 42, holds the record for the oldest goalscorer at any World Cup.

And after missing out on Russia four years ago, Song’s wards are keen to show that their status as a nation to reckon with on the global stage remains undiminished. But can they go on against all odds to top their own records and match Eto’o’s words?

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA

Legendary Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon says he will support Cameroon during world cup

16, November 2022

Legendary Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon says he will support Cameroon during world cup 0

Italian well-known goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon said on Tuesday that he would back Cameroon during the 2022 World Cup.

The tournament is scheduled to take place in Qatar from 20th November till 18th December.

In statements to “Football Italy,” he said that he will back Cameroon team during the most-anticipated tournament.

“When Italy is out from World Cup, I try to support the team, which include my friends,” he said.

Cameroon have been drawn in Group G alongside Switzerland, Serbia, and Brazil. 

Source: See.news

Football: Cristiano Ronaldo enroute to Bayern Munich

16, November 2022

Football: Cristiano Ronaldo enroute to Bayern Munich 0

Cristiano Ronaldo is on the way out of Old Trafford following his incendiary interview with Piers Morgan that is due to air on Wednesday.

Segments from the interview have filtered through social media since yesterday in which Ronaldo says he feels “betrayed” by Manchester United and Erik ten Hag.

He also says he feels he is being forced out of Old Trafford by certain powers-that-be at the club.

Now it has emerged that his agent Jorge Mendes and the player himself met with Bayern Munich chiefs last week to discuss a potential move in January.

Chelsea had been in the frame but it’s believed Graham Potter has no interest in bringing the Portugal star to Stamford Bridge despite the overtures of Chelsea owner Todd Boehly.

Other clubs in the frame are Newcastle and Napoli, but Bayern is looking the most likely with CEO Oliver Kahn saying in July that they had considered a move for Ronaldo.

Ronaldo is eager to play in the Champions League and if he made the move to Bayern he could potentially line out against Lionel Messi in February when Bayern face PSG in the CL last-16 round.

Source: MSN

World Cup 2022: Bryan Mbeumo awaits ‘crazy’ emotions in Qatar

15, November 2022

World Cup 2022: Bryan Mbeumo awaits ‘crazy’ emotions in Qatar 0

Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo says he will go “crazy inside” should he have the honour of starting a game for Cameroon at the World Cup.

The 23-year-old was called up for the finals in Qatar, where the Indomitable Lions face Brazil, Serbia and Switzerland, despite only making his debut in September.

Having called it a dream come true to contest football’s greatest event, Mbeumo would relish lining up for the anthems.

“I’ve always wanted to play a World Cup since I was young,” Mbeumo told BBC Sport Africa.

“Just to walk around the pitch with a big crowd and other stuff would be amazing. It’s going to be crazy inside me.”

Cameroon will play in the 40,000-capacity Al Janoub Stadium, twice, and the 80,000-capacity Lusail Iconic Stadium, which hosts the final itself on 18 December.

Mbeumo only recently chose to represent the central Africans after playing at various youth levels for France, where he was born, with his switch formalised just three months ago.

His father comes from Douala, where Mbeumo still has “a lot of family”, with other relatives in the capital Yaounde.

Douala is also the home city of four-time African Footballer of the Year Samuel Eto’o, who has led the Cameroonian FA since late 2021 and who played a key role in enlisting Mbeumo.

Prior to the Avalon-born Mbeumo committing his future to the five-time African champions, the pair went out for dinner in Brentford’s home city London.

“It was an honour for me just to be face-to-face with him and talk to him because he was one of the best strikers in the world,” he explained.

“He told me about the project, what we can do and I enjoyed this moment. It’s a big thing for someone like him to want you in his team.”

Eto’o amassed four Champions League and two African titles during his distinguished playing career, and Mbeumo says the former Barcelona star is aiming high after Cameroon lost their Africa Cup of Nations semi-final on home soil against Egypt in February.

Family ties

France's forward Bryan Mbeumo controls the ball during the UEFA Under 21 Euro 2021 qualifying football match between Switzerland and France on November 19, 2019 at La Maladiere stadium in Neuchatel.
Mbeumo, who came through Troyes’ youth academy, represented France at U17, U20 and U21 level

Mbeumo describes the decision to discard his mother’s homeland for Cameroon as “hard and long”.

He grew up watching Nations Cup matches and says he knows Cameroon well, unlike some dual nationals who can have scant knowledge of their adopted nations.

“As I played for France in the youth team and grew up in France as well, it was hard but I have travelled to Cameroon many times,” said the softly-spoken Indomitable Lion.

“My dad is very proud, and very happy for me. I’m grateful to be part of this for him, and for my family, and he’s very happy.”

Mbeumo’s Cameroon debut came in a 2-0 defeat by Uzbekistan before a 1-0 loss against South Korea, with both games in Seoul.

“These were my first games in [senior] international football, so I learned a lot. It’s a different type of game.”

It is also a different dressing room for Mbeumo, who was playing second-tier French football as recently as 2019 for Troyes.

Accustomed to a buzzing Bees dressing room, he is enjoying his time with Cameroon’s squad, who often sing and dance en route to matches.

“In our dressing room, we love music as well and like dancing but in there, it’s unbelievable! So fun.”

There is serious music to be faced in Qatar though.

Despite impressing in their first two World Cups – unbeaten in 1982, prior to becoming the first Africans to reach the quarter-finals in 1990 – Cameroon’s recent record is poor.

In 15 matches dating back to the 1994 finals, they have won just once – a tight 1-0 victory over Saudi Arabia (with Eto’o scoring) in 2002 – and lost 10, while conceding over 30 goals.

Fast start

For Mbeumo to boost their hopes, the gliding forward must speed-learn both international football and the playing styles of his new team-mates.

Cameroon have one final warm-up match, against Panama on 18 November in Abu Dhabi, prior to their Group G opener against Switzerland on 24 November, with clashes against Serbia (28 November) and Brazil (2 December) to follow.

The squad announced by former Liverpool defender Rigobert Song saw Nicolas Nkoulou recalled after a five-year absence and Mbeumo among 11 players with five caps or fewer.

“It’s difficult because you are meeting new players, yet you need to create links between each other,” said Mbeumo, who regularly provides chances at club level.

“It takes time and of course it’s going to be hard. I want good relations with my team-mates.”

He has joined Cameroon’s WhatsApp group to know the rest of the squad better, especially since only one other Indomitable Lion – Swansea City’s Olivier Ntcham – is based in the United Kingdom.

Bryan Mbeumo of Brentford celebrates his goal, alongside teammate Ivan Toney, in the 5-2 home win over Leeds United in September 02022.
Mbeumo and Ivan Toney drive Brentford’s attack, with the former laying on several of the latter’s 22 Premier League goals

While expecting tough games from Switzerland – “very good job in the Euros” – and Serbia – “very good, very consistent” – Mbeumo does not believe Cameroon need to have gathered all their points before the final Brazil clash.

“I don’t think that’s the aim. We have to aim big, dream big as we don’t just want to be part of this competition – we want to do something.”

His words amplify the targets of Eto’o, whose striking prowess returned 184 goals from 303 games for Barcelona and Inter Milan.

In contrast, Mbeumo’s finishing can be wayward, as emphasised by his hitting the post eight times last season, and he admits to asking Eto’o for tips.

Both will hope these sink in as Africa’s record eight-time World Cup qualifiers try to reach the knock-out stages for only the second time.

A more realistic chance of silverware comes in 2024 when Ivory Coast hosts the next Nations Cup, a tournament Mbeumo also cannot wait to savour.

“Playing the Nations Cup is something very big in Africa, so it’s going to be very nice – I’m excited.”

With two major finals looming in the next 14 months, it’s quite a start for this latest Indomitable Lion as he roams afresh in the African football savannah.

Culled from the BBC

Qatar 2022: England and Netherlands arrive in Qatar as Infantino calls for focus on football

15, November 2022

Qatar 2022: England and Netherlands arrive in Qatar as Infantino calls for focus on football 0

England and the Netherlands will be the first World Cup heavyweights to arrive in Qatar on Tuesday as FIFA President Gianni Infantino again urged teams to focus on the football.

The pleas from football’s world governing body have struggled to be heard in some countries as the countdown to Sunday’s kick-off has intensified the focus on Qatar’s treatment of migrant workers, women and the LGBTQ community.

FIFA launched its “Football Unites the World” campaign with a video featuring star players including Neymar, Karim Benzema and Edouard Mendy.

Infantino said: “Although football is and should be our main focus, the FIFA World Cup is also about values and causes that extend far beyond the pitch and we are delighted that football stars past and present have joined us to promote and highlight these topics, which also unite the whole world.”

USA coach Gregg Berhalter explained why his team are displaying a rainbow logo at their training base in Qatar, where homosexuality is illegal.

“We think it’s important, wherever we think that when we are on the world stage and in a venue like Qatar, to bring awareness to these issues,” he said.

“We recognise that Qatar has made major strides and there has been a ton of progress but there is some work to do.”

Infantino also called for a one-month ceasefire in Ukraine to mark the World Cup, saying sport could bring people together.

He told leaders of the Group of 20 major economies gathered in Bali that he was not “naive” enough to believe the World Cup could solve the world’s problems.

But he said the tournament offered a “unique platform”, with an estimated five billion people expected to watch on television.

Russia hosted the 2018 World Cup finals but FIFA barred the Russian team from the qualifying play-offs for Qatar in response to the invasion of Ukraine.

England jet in

Gareth Southgate’s England team, spearheaded by striker Harry Kane, head to Qatar seeking to go one better than four years ago when they lost in the semi-finals and end a 56-year wait to win the World Cup.

The Netherlands, whose outspoken coach Louis van Gaal has not hidden his opinion that Qatar should never have been allowed to host the World Cup, are also due to arrive.

Denmark’s coach Kasper Hjulmand said his team would focus on football once they arrive in the Gulf state on Tuesday, after FIFA rejected the country’s request to wear special jerseys advocating human rights at training.

Jakob Jensen, CEO of the Danish Football Association said: “The players are here to play football, they’re dreaming of winning the World Cup. They should be able to focus on playing.”

Qatar has rejected many of the accusations against its rights record as “racism”.

The country of barely three million people and one of the world’s biggest producers of natural gas, has spent lavishly to build stadiums and infrastructure since winning the shock vote in 2010.

New stadiums have cost more than $6.5 billion and a driverless metro system with a price tag of $36 billion serves five of the eight venues.

Some estimates put total infrastructure spending over the past decade at $200 billion.

Source: AFP

Football: Man Utd ‘considering response’ to Ronaldo ‘betrayal’ claims

15, November 2022

Football: Man Utd ‘considering response’ to Ronaldo ‘betrayal’ claims 0

Manchester United said on Monday they were “considering their response” to an interview given by star forward Cristiano Ronaldo where he said he felt “betrayed” by the club.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has been a peripheral figure on the field for United since Erik ten Hag took charge as manager in May.

Ronaldo was disciplined after refusing to come on as a substitute in a 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur last month, but had returned to the side in recent weeks and even captained the Red Devils in a 3-1 loss at Aston Villa.

However, the 37-year-old was absent from the squad in Sunday’s 2-1 victory over Fulham in United’s last match before a six-week break for the World Cup.

“I don’t have respect for him because he doesn’t show respect for me,” Ronaldo said of Ten Hag in an interview on Sunday with the Piers Morgan Uncensored TV show.

“Not only the coach, but another two or three guys around the club. I felt betrayed.”

When quizzed again if senior club executives were trying to oust him, Ronaldo replied: “Yes, I felt betrayed and I felt like some people don’t want me here, not only this year but last year too.”

In a statement issued on Monday, the Old Trafford club said: “Manchester United notes the media coverage regarding an interview by Cristiano Ronaldo.

“The club will consider its response after the full facts have been established.

“Our focus remains on preparing for the second half of the season and continuing the momentum, belief and togetherness being built among the players, manager, staff, and fans.”

Ronaldo returned to United in August 2021 from Juventus.

His first spell at Old Trafford had been a glorious one under the tutelage of Alex Ferguson, winning three Premier League titles, the Champions League and the first of his Ballon d’Or crowns.

Despite his 24 goals in all competitions last season, United endured a terrible campaign as they finished sixth in the Premier League and failed to qualify for the Champions League.

Ronaldo then reportedly tried to engineer an exit before the start of this season, but no agreement could be found with another club.

“Since Sir Alex left, I saw no evolution in the club. Nothing had changed,” said Ronaldo on what he found on his return to United. “I want the best for the club. This is why I come to Manchester United.

“But you have some things inside that don’t help (us) reach the top level as (Manchester) City, Liverpool and even now Arsenal… a club with this dimension should be top of the tree in my opinion and they are not unfortunately.”

United are fifth in the Premier League, 11 points behind leaders Arsenal.

Source: AFP

Rigobert Song: The coach who does not know how to pronounce his players’ names

12, November 2022

Rigobert Song: The coach who does not know how to pronounce his players’ names 0

The Cameroon national team announced its list of 26 players for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, in which it will compete in Group G alongside of Serbia, Brazil and Switzerland.

Local and international media were offended by what happened at the squad announcement, and there are concerns about their coach, the legendary Rigobert Song, a former Cameroonian footballer who played in four World Cups.

The suspicions are because when Song was sitting in the press conference to announce the 26 names, something surprising and unexpected happened.

The coach was repeatedly stumped when pronouncing the names of some players and, on some occasions, did not know how to pronounce some surnames so it was the journalists who came to his rescue to which Song responded with a “thank you, thank you”.

It didn’t end there, because Song was frozen when he saw the notebook where those names were written. He had to consult the advisor who was next to him. This did not sit well in the country’s confidence in his team at the World Cup.

Doubts around Lions at the 2022 World Cup

Cameroonian media point out that Song might not have much say in the making of the roster, highlighting the interference of the Cameroon Football Federation in which 26 players would go to the World Cup.

Another possible reason is that Song has only been in charge for a short time and therefore does not know all his players. Until February this year, the position was held by the Portuguese Antonio Conceicao, who was surprisingly dismissed, considering his numbers of three defeats, six draws and 14 victories.

Song was chosen to replace him and had the difficult task of overcoming a tough qualifying round against Algeria, which he did with much suffering, to secure a ticket to the 2022 World Cup.

His record is two wins, one draw and three defeats. Their last friendly will be against Panama on November 18, six days before the opener against Switzerland.

In Cameroon, they hope to forget this embarrassment with a good start in the World Cup.

Source: Marca.com

Qatar 2022: New details on how Eto’o and Song will fall from grace to grass

11, November 2022

Qatar 2022: New details on how Eto’o and Song will fall from grace to grass 0

The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon will on 23 November 2022 enter the Al Janoub Stadium in Al-Wakrah, Qatar as beyond-overwhelming favorites to leave the FIFA World Cup tournament after the first round.

It’s remarkable to believe that the Lions are already looking disarray even before the competition kicks off in Qatar. Several poor performances during international friendlies and a miserable 1-1 draw with a non football nation like Jamaica is what is going to turn long-serving centre back Michael Ngadeu-Ngadjui’s dream for the Lions into a nightmare.

A number of factors are presently contributing to the Indomitable Lions poor performances. But the most salient is the team’s poor fit with head coach Rigobert Song and the president of the Cameroon Football Federation Samuel Eto’o.

Coach Rigobert Song does not like the team he is carrying to Qatar and he also does not like coaching big names like Clinton Njie and Nkoulou. Thanks to Eto’o, Song now has Nkoulou instead of Ngadeu.

The team has been struggling to come together as a group ever since Eto’o started introducing players from far away leagues and also players who were born and raised up in the West. Everyone in the squad is confused and they are all trying to cater to Coach Rigobert Song’s style which is completely different to what the all powerful President Samuel Eto’o wants!

Eto’o is always in the dressing room going after players even on social media and does not know how to keep his mouth shut. He often complains about players performance which is something never known in the rich history of Cameroon football.

Some of the players contacted by Cameroon Concord News after the Africa Cup of Nations in Yaoundé said Eto’o isn’t letting them play. “He’s trying to make us play for Eto’o and not for the nation! He’s not letting us play, we just need to play football and defend the colours of the country” one of the players hinted our correspondent.

Our Yaoundé city reporter who contributed to this report said FECAFOOT picked the wrong coach for the time. “Rigobert Song thinks he has a team full of stars like Mboma, Lauren, Kala and Wome and he has been trying to coach the team like it is Eto’o’s team. Telling guys who play their football all over Europe how to play what Eto’o wants! What they should and shouldn’t do on the pitch, instead of just trying to come together and win games and trophies” Rita Akana observed.

The appointment of Rigobert Song by Eto’o has also been interpreted by many football commentators as trying to use the Indomitable Lions as a tool. Truth be told, that’s probably why nice guys like Mamadou Idrissou are now speaking out and challenging the current status quo.

The problem is not just that these groups of Lions stars have not learned to be a cohesive unit — it’s that the leadership both technical and administrative is too young and foolish!

Eto’o’s decision to always enforce his own thoughts on the team appears to be making internal challenges more difficult. Rigobert Song is now being criticized for his handling of the Qatar 2022 selection process but video of the team announcement clearly reveals that he was simply presented the list of the 26 players to read to the media. To be sure — Song is not going to make anything work in Qatar.

Beyond leaving out one of the best defenders in Africa, the Song-Eto’o’s plan has gone against what the Indomitable Lions had all along represented in world football. The Indomitable Lions didn’t get its name by accident — from 1982 to Italia 90, the squad was constructed with men with solid personal football achievements. Song and Eto’o have misunderstood the Lions idea so thoroughly that after Qatar, both men shall fall from grace to grass.

The Indomitable Lions have always hard its key players that made Cameroon dominant as ever! But the team was always constructed with an eye towards national unity. With a Clinton Njie call including just one Anglophone in the FECAFOOT hierarchy, the Southern Cameroons perception of this 2022 team would have been different. So what changed in 2022? Perhaps, a move towards francophonising the francophone nation with a more inconsistent selection process.

However, it’s worth paying special attention to veteran footballer Mamadou Idrissou who recently said Nkoulou was called into the squad because his wife is a cousin to Samuel Eto’o.  

By Soter Tarh Agbaw-Ebai

Indomitable Lions: Bassogog to fly from Shanghai to Doha for World Cup

10, November 2022

Indomitable Lions: Bassogog to fly from Shanghai to Doha for World Cup 0

Shanghai Shenhua’s Cameroon forward Christian Bassogog plans to fly to Doha on Saturday for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, the Chinese Super League side announced on Thursday.

“According to plan, Bassogog will fly from Shanghai to Doha on November 12 to join up with his national team,” the Shanghai club said in a brief statement.

The 27-year-old striker scored five goals and made three assists in 22 appearances in the Chinese Super League this season.

Cameroon will face Brazil, Serbia and Switzerland in Group G at the FIFA World Cup.

Source: Xinhuanet

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