Governing Bodies
MANCHESTER MAYOR CONDEMNS UNITED FAN VIOLENCE
Manchester United fans who resorted to violence against police at protests which saw the Old Trafford club’s clash with Liverpool postponed have been slammed.
According to Manchester Evening News, two officers were injured, including one who was attacked with a bottle and required emergency hospital treatment for a ‘significant’ slash wound to his face.
The Greater Manchester Police Federation – the body which represents rank and file officers – has demanded those responsible are brought justice. It has also called for a review of the policing operation.
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham condemned the violence and urged fans to ‘keep the focus on the behaviour of those at the top of the game’.
Several hundred fans gathered at The Lowry hotel where United players were staying on Sunday with thousands at Old Trafford as part of protests against the Glazer family’s ownership and running of the club.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said demonstrators outside the ground became ‘especially aggressive and antagonistic towards police’ before a group of around 100 forced entry to the stadium.
Flares were let off and missiles were launched at officers including bottles and metal barriers, they added.
Officers had to be drafted in from neighbouring forces as part of the response before the match, due to kick-off at 4.30pm, was eventually called off for ‘safety reasons’.
A picture later emerged showing the extent of the injury the officer suffered to his face after being slashed.
Mr Burnham said he understood fans’ concerns, but said there was ‘no excuse’ for the ‘minority’ who resorted to violence as he backed the decision to postpone the match.
In a statement last night, he said: “I fully understand the long-standing concerns of Manchester United supporters about both the ownership and financing of their club and the wider running of football.
These concerns have been building for a long time and it is essential that those running the club and the game listen to them.
“It is important to make clear that the majority of supporters made their protest peacefully today.
“However, there is no excuse for the actions of a minority who injured police officers and endangered the safety of others.
“I send my best wishes to the police officers who have been hurt in the course of their duties this afternoon.
“This could be an important moment to change football for the better.
“We should all condemn violence of any kind and keep the focus on the behaviour of those at the top of the game.”
Stu Berry, chairman of Greater Manchester Police Federation, said: “We witnessed appalling scenes this afternoon – police officers are not punchbags for people protesting for their cause.
“I don’t think there’s a football fan out there who doesn’t support peaceful protest in favour of our national game.
“However, the minority who have soured those efforts with mindless violence against our colleagues must be identified and prosecuted for their actions today.
“Our thoughts are with our injured officers this evening and we hope the media can give our members the recognition they deserve.
“At the end of their shifts, hard-working police officers should be able to go home to their families in one piece. Not be rushed to hospital” he added.
“We will be seeking a review of today’s operational risk assessment and public order resources on behalf of our members.”
Following the protest , Assistant Chief Constable Russ Jackson said: “The behaviour displayed today by those at both Old Trafford and The Lowry Hotel was reckless and dangerous” as he confirmed an investigation into what happened was now underway.
“We understand the passion many supporters have for their team and we fully respect the right for peaceful protest,” he said.
“Plans were in place to ensure this could happen safely, but it soon became clear that many present had no intention of doing so peacefully.
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The president of the Confédération of African Football, Dr. Patrice Motsepe, has announced five new CAF Vice Presidents. They are:
- CAF First Vice President: Mr Fouzi Lekjaa (Morocco)
- CAF Second Vice President: Mr Kurt Okraku (Ghana)
- CAF Third Vice President: Mr Pierre-Alain Mounguengui (Gabon)
- CAF Fourth Vice President: Ms Bestine Kazadi Ditabala (Democratic Republic of Congo)
- CAF Fifth Vice President: Mr Feizal Sidat (Mozambique)
In addition, the CAF President has co-opted Yacine Idriss Diallo, President of Fédération Ivoirienne de football, into the CAF Executive Committee.
The CAF Executive Committee also approved the names to fill vacant positions on several CAF Committees.
Organising Committee for the African Nations Championship (CHAN)
- President: Pierre-Alain Mounguengui (Gabon)
CAF Technical and Development Committee
- President: Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon)
- Vice President: Malouche Belhassen (Tunisia)
CAF Medical Committee:
- President: Dr. Mohammed Bouya (Mauritania)
- Vice President: Dr. Thulani Ngwenya (South Africa)
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Governing Bodies
Nigeria becoming an epicentre of global badminton as Francis Orbih enters the Badminton World Federation Council
Laurels on the courts and now glory in the boardroom sums up the mark that badminton is making in Nigeria.
The President, Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), Francis Orbih, has been elected as a council member of the Badminton World Federation (BWF).
The election took place during the BWF Annual General Meeting on Saturday in Xiamen, China.
Orbih emerged victorious over top contenders from other African countries.
He will join Cameroon’s Odette Assembe Engoulou on the council, while Chipo Zumburani (Zimbabwe) and Hadia ElSaid (Egypt) missed out.
An elated Orbih expressed his gratitude to fellow badminton presidents across the globe for their trust and support.
He said, “I am deeply honoured by the trust placed in me by my peers across the badminton world.
“I look forward to quality representation, driving development initiatives, and strengthening badminton’s global reach over the next four years.”
Orbih also acknowledged the support of the Federal Government of Nigeria, particularly the National Sports Commission (NSC), which he said played a significant role in his successful bid.
“The Chairman and the Director General of the NSC monitored the entire process. I’m grateful for their involvement and confident Nigeria will benefit from this,” he stated.
He further appreciated the BFN board members and the Nigerian badminton community for their prayers and continued belief in his leadership.
“From the day I declared my intentions, the board members of BFN have been supportive, and I promise not to disappoint them,” Orbih concluded.
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A former member of the FIFA Council, Mamoutou Toure, has been released from jail in Mali after almost two years in detention for alleged corruption, Malian media reports said on Wednesday.
Toure, president of the Malian Football Federation since 2019, was released after 622 days in prison on Tuesday.
He served on the FIFA Council, world football’s all-powerful decision-making body, for four years until last month when he lost his seat after failing to contest new elections.
The 67-year-old was arrested in August 2023 on allegations of embezzling $28 million of public funds but was granted a provisional release order by the Malian courts, reports said.
He was accused of misconduct during his time as the National Assembly’s financial and administrative director from 2013-2019.
Toure denied all charges and, during his time in jail, was last August re-elected as Malian Football Federation president for a second consecutive term, with his supporters claiming he was a victim of a conspiracy fuelled by detractors.
While in jail, he received a letter of support from FIFA president Gianni Infantino. However, as of last month, Toure is no longer a member of the FIFA Council or the Confederation of African Football’s executive committee.
-Reuters
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