News

Fifa president Gianni Infantino says ‘no way’ with idea set to be scrapped

Gianni Infantino has ruled out the introduction of blue cards as part of a sin-bin trial, stating: “It is red card to the blue card.”

Football’s rule-makers are set to approve sin-bin trials, but an idea to use blue cards is likely to be ditched.

It is understood senior figures within the game were taken aback by the proposals of a blue card when it emerged last month.

“This is a topic that is non-existent for us,” Fifa president Infantino said.

Plans of a sin-bin trial are due to be discussed by the International Football Association Board (Ifab) – the game’s rule-making body – at its annual general meeting at Loch Lomond in Scotland on Saturday.

However, Infantino says the blue card plan is a non-starter.

“Fifa is completely opposed to blue cards. I was not aware of this topic, the president of Fifa – and I think Fifa has a say in Ifab. No way,” he said.

“We have to be serious. We are always open to look at ideas and proposals and everything has to be treated with respect of course.

“But once you look at it you also have to protect the essence and tradition of the game. There is no blue card.”

Caution was also expressed at which levels of the game the sin-bin trials might be applied.

Further discussion on the subject will take place at the meeting, although debate is more likely to centre around whether sin-bins should just be issued for dissent and not cynical fouls, which had been thought likely.

The Premier League has already distanced itself from any sin-bin trials with numerous managers, including Tottenham’s Ange Postecoglou, saying they were a terrible idea.

BBC Sport has been told the intention is to introduce them at much lower levels, although this will also be clarified at the Ifab meeting.

Discussion around ‘cooling off periods’ will also take place, with a press conference due to take place at around 13:00 GMT.

Infantino is expected in Scotland for the meeting, before going to watch the Scottish Premiership game between St Mirren and Aberdeen in the afternoon.

VAR is part of football’s future

VAR will also be discussed at the AGM, although that will centre around an extension of the current trial of referees confirming what decisions have been reached rather than any in-stadium access to real-time discussions in the VAR Hub.

“It will be difficult in a stadium to hear what is happening in the VAR booth,” said Infantino. “But explanation by referee is an important step in the right direction in explaining to the public and people in the stadium why he took a certain decision.

“VAR isn’t that old. It has made a lot of progress and will make more.”

Asked whether he still believed in the concept, Infantino said: “Very much so. You can’t imagine football anymore without VAR. Nobody can do that.”

Temporary concussion subs is ‘PR’

Infantino also rejected the idea of temporary concussion substitutes, which many feel would be a good way of dealing with head injuries amid concerns some players do not leave the pitch currently.

“We will not introduce temporary concussion subs because, we care about the health of the players and concussion is an important topic for us,” he said.

“We have invested a lot of money, £1.5m, in research. We have an expertise in this area now.

“And medical experts are saying it is simply impossible in a few minutes to be able to determine whether there has been a concussion and if it is serious, or not.

“That’s why, in case of a suspected concussion, the player has to be substituted. If you want to care about the health of the player, the players goes out and another player comes in. That’s the end of it.

“All the rest is not protecting the heads of players, just making some PR announcements.”

News

G-Innovation Youngsters Hits Finland For Professional Football Careers

As the conveyor belts of the grassroots football factories gets lubricated, the products are gradually taking over the football shelves across the globe.

The latest talents are from the football factory of Lagos based non-league side, G-Innovation football club. The duo of Solomon Nwachuchuwu, a very energetic and attack-minded left-back and Israel Okienyi, a tall and highly rated goalkeeper have signed to join top premier league side AC Oulu in Finland.

The youngsters who were selected during a recently held football scouting tournament, brimmed with confidence as they departed Nigeria, expressing their desires and determination to make their grassroots club proud and of course, be good football ambassadors of Nigeria.

Speaking at their departure, President of G-Innovation FC, Chigozie Nwagwu, said he believes that the boys will shine and be worthy additions to their new team.

The youthful club owner added that his team, has a large pool of talented footballers who are equally ready for professional football.

Even as he went ahead to thanked his partners, particularly, Ude Dominic Egbukwu, the CEO of UDE Sports Agency, for the success achieved, so far.

News

Spanish Giants Take Big Step In €60 million Rated Super Eagles Star Signing

Spanish Giants Take Big Step In €60 million Rated Ademola Lookman Pursuit

Barcelona, the Spanish LaLiga giant, has contacted the agent of Super Eagles star Ademola Lookman regarding a potential transfer this summer, according to Soccernet.ng.

Barcelona has been monitoring Lookman as a potential summer signing as they look to bolster their attack ahead of next season.

The Super Eagles star is expected to leave Atalanta summer. He has already attracted a lot of attention, and that is not a surprise, as he has contributed 50 goals and 24 assists in 115 appearances.

To get Lookman, Barcelona would have to outdo Juventus, Arsenal, Manchester United, Atletico Madrid, and Nottingham Forest who are also interested in acquiring his services. Liverpool have also been reported to be in the mix.

Now, in a new development per Caught Offside, the Blaugrana have made a vital step to sign Lookman. Barcelona have contacted Lookman’s agent for a possible deal in the summer.

The Super Eagles star has a release clause of €60 million at Atalanta, and with the way that Barcelona have conducted their business for the last two years, they could still eke out the fee despite their financial challenges.

However, the wages could be the issue. Ademola Lookman currently earns just over €2 million per year at Atalanta. Currently, only four players make more than that at Barcelona. And the Spanish champions will be careful to keep their wage structure intact.

This might be an issue, as the other English clubs looking at Lookman could easily double or triple his wages. Moreover, since the 27-year-old grew up and played in England previously, he could have to favour a return there.

News

Victor Osimhen: The €40M Transfer Race That’s Heating Up Europe

victor osimhen- sportsmarketinternational

Victor Osimhen is once again dominating headlines—this time, not just for his goal-scoring brilliance, but for a high-stakes transfer race drawing the eyes of Europe’s elite.

Currently on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, the Nigerian striker has been unstoppable, notching 31 goals this season and leading his team to their first Turkish Cup final in six years. His latest masterclass—a clinical strike in a 5–1 demolition of Konyaspor—has sent scouts, fans, and football directors into a frenzy.

But what’s next for the Super Eagles talisman?

Manchester United’s Game-Changer?

According to multiple sources, including Goal and TeamTalk, Manchester United have already reached an “agreement in principle” with Osimhen for a summer move. The deal is rumored to cost between €30M and €40M—an absolute bargain for a player of his caliber.

United see him as a “transformational signing”—a potential fix for their long-standing striker crisis and a spark to reignite their Premier League and Champions League ambitions.

PSG, Chelsea Join the Race

Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea aren’t far behind. With Kylian Mbappé heading to Real Madrid and Chelsea desperately needing firepower, Osimhen’s availability is turning heads. PSG is reportedly ready to go head-to-head with United for his signature, while Chelsea could swoop in with a late offer.

What This Means for the Market

Osimhen’s move—regardless of the destination—will reshape the 2025 summer transfer market. Clubs are on alert, agents are negotiating, and fans are watching every move.

He isn’t just a footballer; he’s a brand, a marketable figure, and a potential franchise centerpiece for any club smart enough to close the deal.

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