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Enzo Maresca explains Enzo Fernandez’s return to Chelsea squad after racism row

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Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca is confident midfielder Enzo Fernandez will have no issues reintegrating into the squad for their pre-season tour of the United States, as the club continue to investigate allegations of racism.

Fernandez issued an apology after posting a live video of himself and a number of his Argentinian teammate singing a song in the aftermath of their Copa America win that questioned the backgrounds of France’s black and mixed heritage players.

Blues defender Wesley Fofana and Ivory Coast international David Datro Fofana were among the players who publicly called out Fernandez. Malo Gusto and Axel Disasi, as well as centre-back Fofana, all unfollowed the 23-year-old on Instagram.

Chelsea have opened disciplinary proceedings against Fernandez and, speaking at a press conference on Tuesday evening, Maresca gave an update on the situation.

“I think it’s quite easy in terms of the player did a statement apologising, the club did the same,” the Italian said. “I don’t think there’s something to add in terms of this situation, it’s already clear and clarified.”

Asked if Fernandez may have issues returning to the squad next week, the former Leicester City boss added: “I don’t think so, to be honest.

“In the end they are all human beings. I don’t think there is any bad intention from any one of them. So I don’t think when Enzo comes back we’ll have any kind of problem.

“As I said, the player already clarified the situation, the club did the same, there is nothing to add and once again, I think they are not bad persons or human beings, it can happen, but I don’t think it’s any problem at all.

“I spoke with Enzo, I spoke with all of them, as I said, the player already did a statement apologising, so it’s quite clear.”

Club captain Reece James also spoke on the incident, adding: “It’s obviously a really difficult situation.

“I think Enzo acknowledged he did wrong and quickly put his hand up and apologised to the club, the team and the people offended. He hasn’t arrived yet so I don’t know if there’s anything to amend. I’ll have to make that judgement when he comes back in.

“But I hope everyone will be on the same page and can kind of move forward from this situation.

“I’ve spoken to Enzo and everyone involved but the conversations have to stay in house.”

Chelsea take on Wrexham in the early hours of Wednesday morning before further pre-season clashes with Celtic, Club America, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Inter.

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GFA and Ghana Health Service launch new ambulance for Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence

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The Ghana Football Association (GFA), in partnership with the Ghana Health Service, outdoored a brand new Ambulance for the GFA’s technical centre, Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence (GSCE), on Monday, August 26, 2024.

The fully equipped ambulance, which will be stationed at the technical centre, will provide emergency support to the facility’s users, players and officials, and staff, in general.

The new Ambulance is expected to boost emergency healthcare services at the facility and also help to augment other efforts at improving health delivery at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence, which serves as the camping base for the country’s various national teams.

General Secretary of the Ghana Football Association, Prosper Harrison Addo, said the new ambulance will be put to good use to serve its purpose as its adds to ongoing efforts to secure livelihoods, while praising the Ghana Health Services for their support in securing the ambulance.

“This has been achieved by the kind courtesy of a partnership between the GFA and the Ghana Health Service, which is an agency under the Ministry of Health. We are extremely grateful to them for the immense support. This ambulance will be put to good use and serve its purpose for football here in Prampram.” he concluded

President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku was accompanied by General Secretary, Prosper Harrison Addo, Vice-President Mark Addo, members of the Executive Council, Member of Parliament for South Tongu, Kobla Mensah Wisdom Woyome, former Vice-Chairman of the GFA, Fred Pappoe, former General Secretary, Emmanuel Gyimah, delegates to Congress, and the media to officially outdoor the brand new ambulance.

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Nsoatreman FC to face CS Constantine in CAF Confederation Cup after dominant first-round victory

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Ghanaian club Nsoatreman FC is gearing up for a crucial showdown against Algerian side CS Constantine in the second preliminary round of the CAF Confederation Cup.

Nsoatreman FC earned their place in the competition by clinching the MTN FA Cup title last season, and they are now representing Ghana with high hopes of advancing to the group stage. In the first preliminary round, Nsoatreman displayed exceptional form, cruising to a 5-0 aggregate victory over Chad’s Elect-Sport.

Buoyed by their recent success and a celebratory message honoring their executive board chair’s birthday, the team is determined to carry their momentum into the next round.

Their upcoming opponents, CS Constantine, secured their spot in this round by defeating Rwandan side Police FC with a 4-1 aggregate score.

The tie between Nsoatreman FC and CS Constantine is set for September, with both clubs vying for a coveted spot in the CAF Confederation Cup group stage.

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NDC pledges to revitalize Ghana’s sports sector with broader focus beyond football

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The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has unveiled a comprehensive plan to transform Ghana’s sports landscape, promising a fair distribution of resources and a shift away from the long-standing emphasis on football.

Historically, Ghana’s national teams, apart from the Black Stars, have faced limited support, leading to stagnation in the growth of other sports disciplines.

The NDC aims to address this imbalance and enhance the overall development of the nation’s sporting sector, should they win the upcoming December elections.

Key highlights of the NDC’s sports policy include:

  • Financial Support for Footballers: The party plans to increase financial support for footballers at all levels, including Colts, Division One and Two, and the Ghana Premier League, by enhancing their salaries and providing additional allowances.
  • Facility Refurbishment: Immediate upgrades will be made to pitches, tracks, and other facilities at national stadia in Accra, Kumasi, Tamale, Cape Coast, and Sekondi to meet FIFA standards.
  • International Standard Stadia: The NDC intends to continue its policy of establishing state-of-the-art stadia in all regions across the country.
  • Multi-purpose Sports Facilities: New multi-purpose sports facilities will be built to encourage regional sporting events and inter-school competitions, fostering talent development.
  • Equitable Investment in National Teams: There will be a focus on investing equally in various national teams, including women’s football, parasports, juvenile teams, and lesser-known sports.
  • Modern Sports University: The NDC plans to upgrade the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) Sports College into a modern sports university, offering training in sports science, sports medicine, and sports management/administration across multiple campuses in Ghana.
  • Sports Centres of Excellence: Establishment of Sports Centres of Excellence in the northern, middle, and southern zones, in collaboration with universities and the private sector, to enhance sports training and development.
  • Support for National Athletes: The party will provide consistent support for national athletes to compete internationally and develop post-competition careers, including pension schemes.
  • Scholarships and Sports Academies: Scholarships will be offered to promising sports talents, and sports academies will be established in partnership with the private sector.
  • Support for Retired Athletes: Retired sports personalities will receive assistance in pursuing sports-related careers after their active sporting life.

These were captured in their manifesto ahead of the 2024 elections, which the party is confident its leader former President John Mahama will secure victory.

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