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Qatar, Morocco to host five editions of FIFA U17 World Cups

World football governing body FIFA has made a historic decision to award 10 editions of its U17 World Cups to be hosted by Qatar and Morocco, commencing in 2025 as the tournaments transition to an annual event.

Qatar will host each 48-team edition of the men’s U17 World Cup from 2025 through 2029, while Morocco will host five editions of the women’s U17 World Cup for 24 teams.

The decisions made by FIFA’s ruling council on Thursday underscore the growing influence of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region in the world of soccer.

Qatar, having successfully hosted the men’s 2022 World Cup, and Morocco, slated to be one of six co-hosts for the 2030 edition, have both become pivotal players in the soccer world. Notably, both countries are represented on the 37-member FIFA Council, alongside Saudi Arabia, which is poised to host the men’s World Cup in 2034.

FIFA’s decisions were made following a global call for expressions of interest in hosting both competitions, with an emphasis on utilizing existing venues to enhance tournament efficiency and sustainability.

Previously biennial events, FIFA is transitioning the U17 World Cups to an annual format to ensure that no age group of players is excluded and to expedite the development of national teams worldwide.

The 2024 edition of the women’s tournament is scheduled to be hosted by the Dominican Republic, commencing on October 16. Indonesia hosted the previous men’s U17 edition last year.

FIFA’s decision to award Indonesia the U17 tournament was in response to the nation’s refusal to host Israel’s games at the men’s U20 World Cup last year, resulting in the event being relocated. This decision underscored FIFA’s commitment to holding member nations accountable for their obligations to welcome all qualifying teams.

Looking ahead, FIFA will propose measures to combat racism in soccer during the upcoming congress meeting on May 17 in Bangkok, Thailand. Additionally, member federations will select a host for the 2027 Women’s World Cup from Brazil, the United States, Mexico, and a European bid by Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized the organization’s dedication to football development, with a record $2.25 billion allocated for investment in the 2023-2026 cycle.

Infantino also reiterated the need for stricter measures to combat racism in football, emphasizing FIFA’s commitment to eradicating this scourge from the sport.

 

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Could Man Utd Get Sucked Into Premier League Relegation Fight?

Could Man Utd Get Sucked Into Premier League Relegation Fight?

Ruben Amorim increasingly has the look of a man with regrets. Since taking over as Manchester United manager, the Portuguese has won just four out of 10 fixtures in all competitions with Thursday’s 2-0 defeat to Wolves the latest disappointing result to highlight the trouble being experienced by the Old Trafford outfit.

United deserved to lose at Molineux. Bruno Fernandes’ mindless red card reduced his team to 10 men with Wolves able to make the most of its advantage through goals from Matheus Cunha and Hwang Hee-chan. This was Manchester United’s third straight defeat after losses to Tottenham Hotspur and Bournemouth.

When Amorim arrived at Old Trafford, there was a chance that Manchester United could have mounted a late challenge for a Champions League qualification place. Now, United is slumped in 14th place in the Premier League table, 11 points off the top four. The Red Devils are closer to the bottom three.

In fact, the way Manchester United is playing right now, it’s not impossible that it could get sucked into the relegation fight at the foot of the table. Amorim and his players will face Newcastle United and table-toppers Liverpool before the end of the festive stretch of fixtures, meaning even darker days could come in the near future.

 

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“The little things stuck with me” – Super Eagles star credits his Father for Christmas charity act

“The little things stuck with me” – Super Eagles star credits his Father for Christmas charity act

Super Eagles and Fulham attacking midfielder, Alex Chuka Iwobi, has revealed his Father played a huge role in his Christmas charity event a few days ago, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 28-year-old opened a shop in East London under the name “AlexPress“, and stuffed it with food and groceries to give back to the people of the community where he grew up.

Iwobi revealed his Father played a huge role in the act, as he made sure kindness was instilled into the family by showing examples even in the little things.

“Even now, my dad, for example, if we’re going to the shop to get a one-pound drink, he’d give the guy in charge five pounds and tell him to keep the rest. When the bin men came, he’d make sure he was awake when they came around just so he could give them extra bottles of water. Little things like that stuck with me.

My mum and dad do that, and even my sisters do the same. We just like to help other people, especially family. Seeing my parents do that, and being in a position like I am, it’s only right that I give back to the community.

“I was able to create AlexPress, a little mini-mart. The shop is like a road away from the primary school I went to, so we were able to hire that for the day and basically invite as many people to collect Christmas food for their families.

So many people were able to leave with a smile on their faces and it makes it easier for them to enjoy Christmas because I know the cost of living is not easy, so I try to help in any way I can,” the former Everton man told Fulham’s official website.

Away from Iwobi, another Super Eagles star, Victor Osimhen, also gave food items and tricycles to locals of Olusosun, in Lagos, Nigeria – the town where he went from being a boy to being a man.

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Napoli’s Osimhen and Leverkusen’s Boniface Light Up Lagos With ‘Detty’ December Celebration

Napoli’s Osimhen and Leverkusen’s Boniface Light Up Lagos With ‘Detty’ December Celebration

Napoli’s Victor Osimhen and Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface recently brought the festive season to life in Lagos with an unforgettable December celebration, Soccernet.ng reports.

The two Super Eagles stars joined in the city’s vibrant “detty” December festivities, dancing and relaxing at a club with their peers.

In a video shared on social media, Osimhen, currently in top form with Galatasaray in Turkey, can be seen dancing to a song played in the club, while injured Boniface enjoys a drink from his cup.

Boniface and Osimhen’s Bond
Both players are key figures in the Super Eagles squad. Boniface, seen as the potential replacement for Osimhen when the talisman is injured or on the bench, shares a close bond with his teammate.

After winning the Bundesliga title with Leverkusen last season, Boniface recalled how Osimhen predicted his rise in the German league.

“Shout out to [Victor] Osimhen because I remember when they [Napoli] won the league. He told me next year will be your turn and it’s happening now. Senior man respect,” Boniface told Soccernet.ng.

Even on Boniface’s 24th birthday, Osimhen took to social media to celebrate his teammate:

“Birthday blessings starboy! Only love and well wishes over here man. See you soon!”

Off the pitch, Boniface values his relationship with Osimhen and recently named the Napoli forward as the most valuable contact on his phone. The former Union SG player has also praised Osimhen for his impressive performances at club level.

Osimhen and Boniface: Big in the Transfer Market
The two Super Eagles stars have attracted the attention of top European clubs looking to strengthen their squads.

Premier League clubs, including Manchester United and Arsenal, have previously been linked with both players, and one of them may soon make a move to England.

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