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Mason Greenwood to leave Man Utd after club investigation

Mason Greenwood and Manchester United have mutually agreed that he will leave the club after a six-month investigation into his conduct.

United launched a probe into the circumstances around Greenwood’s arrest on suspicion of rape and assault after criminal charges against the footballer were dropped in February.

Greenwood was arrested in January 2022 after images and an audio file were circulated online.

In a statement issued on Monday, United said that they have “concluded that the material posted online did not provide a full picture and that Mason did not commit the offences in respect of which he was originally charged” but announced that the 21-year-old will be leaving Old Trafford.

Sources have told ESPN that Greenwood’s contract, which runs until 2025, has not been terminated, but he is not expected to play for the club again. United will consider loan offers as well as a permanent move away, sources said.

The statement issued by United read: “All those involved, including Mason, recognise the difficulties with him recommencing his career at Manchester United.

“It has therefore been mutually agreed that it would be most appropriate for him to do so away from Old Trafford, and we will now work with Mason to achieve that outcome.”

In a separate statement, Greenwood, who has been suspended from training and matches since his initial arrest, said he “did not do the things I was accused of” but accepted that the decision to leave United was “best for us all.”

Mason Greenwood is now set to depart Manchester United. Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images
Sources told ESPN that he will remain on full pay while the club work to secure him a new club but he will not be allowed to train at Carrington, even on an individual programme away from Erik ten Hag’s first-team squad.

His statement read: “I fully accept I made mistakes in my relationship, and I take my share of responsibility for the situations which led to the social media post.

“Today’s decision has been part of a collaborative process between Manchester United, my family and me. The best decision for us all, is for me to continue my football career away from Old Trafford, where my presence will not be a distraction for the club.”

Alongside the statements issued by United and Greenwood, United CEO Richard Arnold — who made the final decision that Greenwood should leave the club — sent an open letter to supporters to be “transparent with our fans about the process and the reasons for our decision.”

Arnold said that during the club’s investigation, they had been “provided with alternative explanations for the audio recording, which was a short excerpt from a much longer recording, and for the images posted online” and that the woman’s family had participated in the process.

“While I am satisfied that Mason did not commit the acts he was charged with, Mason’s accepted that he has made mistakes which he takes responsibility for,” Arnold wrote.

“I am also mindful of the challenge that Mason would face rebuilding his career and raising a baby together with his partner in the harsh spotlight of Manchester United. Further, this case has provoked strong opinions, and it is my responsibility to minimise any distraction to the unity we are seeking within the club.

“Although we have decided that Mason will seek to rebuild his career away from Manchester United, that does not signal the end of this matter. The club will continue to offer its support both to the alleged victim and Mason to help them rebuild and move forward positively with their lives.”

United’s investigation, which began once criminal proceedings were dropped, was conducted by a panel of senior executives, and their evidence was passed to Arnold.

Sources told ESPN that, based on the findings, the club do not believe Greenwood physically abused the woman and, based on conversations with the woman’s mother, do not believe he was guilty of coercive behaviour.

According to sources, the woman did not engage with the club directly but was given the opportunity to correct any findings.

Sources told ESPN that the woman withdrew her allegations and her support of the police investigation in April 2022.

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Morocco 2024: Flamingos to begin camping for South Africa’s Bantwana on Sunday

Nigeria’s U17 girls, Flamingos

 

 

Nigeria’s U17 girls, Flamingos, will on Sunday at the Remo Stars Sports Institute, Ikenne-Remo, kickstart their preparations for their two-leg FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifying clash with the U17 girls of South Africa, known as Bantwana.

 

The 2022 World Cup bronze medallists were drawn bye to the second round of the African qualifiers, while Bantwana fired from all cylinders to steamroll their counterparts from Gabon 21-2 on aggregate, winning 12-1 in Gabon and 9-1 in South Africa.

 

“It is important that the Flamingos start their camping early for this second-round fixture, not just because South Africa won their first-round matches 21-2 on aggregate, but because that is the right thing to do. We are aware that matches between Nigeria and South Africa are always full of heat, huge emotion on the part of players, officials and the fans, and determination to conquer on the part of the players.

 

“The Flamingos remain the best team in Africa and one of the best in the world, and they will be adequately prepared for the challenges ahead,” NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, said.

 

On his part, Head Coach of the Bantwana, Ntombifuthi Khumalo has sounded a warning to the South Africa Football Association that his team needs longer preparation-period and reinforcements to be able to withstand the challenge of Nigeria in the games scheduled for the period 7-16 March.

 

“Yes, tactically they (Nigeria) are good, like us, but if you can measure when we play pound-for-pound, our players are not ready for that – but we need to reinforce on that. If we can get support to get (reinforcements) because, as a country, I still believe we have more quality players who deserve to be part of the team.

 

“Also, we need more preparation for the next leg, with a longer camp and friendly games, that will help us to ensure we are ready for the next round.”

 

This year’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup (the competition becomes an annual event from this year) will be hosted by Morocco, 17 October – 8 November, with Africa to present 5 teams (including host nation Morocco) at the finals, which has also been expanded to a 24-nation championship.

 

Coach Bankole Olowookere, who led the team to third-place finish in India in 2022 and to the quarter-finals last year, has called up a total of 30 players to begin the camping on Sunday.

 

The list includes goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma, defenders Hannah Ibrahim and Jumai Adebayo, midfielders Shakirat Moshood (four-goal heroine at last year’s World Cup finals in the Dominican Republic) and Muinat Rotimi, and forwards Harmony Chidi and Peace Effiong.

 

FLAMINGOS FOR CAMPING IN IKENNE-REMO FOR SOUTH AFRICA:

 

Goalkeepers: Christiana Uzoma (Edo Queens); Onyinyechi Opara (Imo Strikers); Maureen Enebeli (Remo Stars Ladies); Stella Emperor (Adamawa Queens)

 

Defenders: Hannah Ibrahim (Remo Stars Ladies); Jumai Adebayo (Naija Ratels); Jennifer Ozoani (Greenfoot FC); Marylyn Edem (Nasarawa Amazons); Amblessed Ogbonnaya (Bayelsa Queens); Ifeoma Ogoegbe (Greenfoot FC); Temilade Fafore (Ahudiyannem Queens); Shavih Istifanus (Jos)

 

Midfielders: Shakirat Moshood (Bayelsa Queens); Muinat Rotimi (Nakamura Academy); Charles Nwabueze (Abia Angels); Philomena Ochanya (Nasarawa Amazons); Waliat Rotimi (Nakamura Academy); Azeezat Oduntan (FC Robo Queens); Fatima Solaty (Dannaz Ladies); Queen Joseph (Fosla Academy); Shakirat Bashiru (New Generation SC)

 

Forwards: Chisom Nwachukwu (Rivers Angels); Harmony Chidi (Imo Strikers); Seun Fakunle (Ekiti Queens); Peace Effiong (Rivers Angels); Favour Iheagwaram (Abia Angels); Christiana Sunday (Imo Strikers); Grace Saliu (Naija Ratels); Afensimi Omon (Adamawa Queens); Anuoluwapo Awotidoye (Naija Ratels)

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Azpilicueta Names Drogba Among His Toughest Opponents

Azpilicueta

Former Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta has revealed his three toughest-ever opponents, naming Didier Drogba, Eden Hazard, and Diego Costa.

Speaking to ESPN, the 35-year-old defender highlighted his experiences facing these formidable players during his illustrious career. Interestingly, Azpilicueta was teammates with all three during his time at Chelsea but also faced them as opponents in different competitions.

“Well, the one that comes out quickly is Eden Hazard because he was my teammate for a long time,” Azpilicueta said. “Also, when I was in Marseille, we played against Lille, and I remember Hazard giving us a tough time.”

He recalled facing Didier Drogba while the Ivorian striker was at Galatasaray:
“You know Didier Drogba, he was a tough striker when I faced him while at Chelsea.”

Azpilicueta also mentioned Diego Costa, reflecting on their encounter during Costa’s time at Atletico Madrid:
“Diego Costa was fierce. I would say he rounds up my top three toughest opponents.”

Azpilicueta’s career spans numerous encounters with top-tier players, solidifying his reputation as one of the most reliable defenders of his generation.

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Tella Nominated for Leverkusen’s January Goal of the Month Award

Tella

Super Eagles winger Nathan Tella has been shortlisted for Bayer Leverkusen’s Goal of the Month for January.

Tella’s nomination comes after his impressive strike during Leverkusen’s 3-2 victory against Borussia Dortmund at Signal Iduna Park on January 10. The goal marked his first of the season for Die Werkself.

Also competing for the award are Alejandro Grimaldo, Florian Wirtz, and Patrick Schick.

Tella, 25, has made 16 Bundesliga appearances for Xabi Alonso’s side this season, showcasing his growing influence within the team.

Fans are expected to vote for the winner, with Tella hoping to clinch the accolade.

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