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• Abdulsamad Rabiu Promises Super Eagles $500,000 for Semi-Final Win, $1 Million for AFCON Title

  BUA Group CEO Abdulsamad Rabiu has pledged $500,000 to the Super Eagles for a semi-final win at AFCON and $1 million for winning the tournament. The pledge comes after Nigeria’s 2-0 victory over Algeria, securing their place in the semi-finals against Morocco.
  

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• Sergio Ramos leading €400m takeover bid of boyhood club Sevilla

  Sergio Ramos is fronting an American-backed €400 million bid to acquire total ownership of Sevilla amid the club’s ongoing financial struggles and debt disputes.

  Sergio Ramos is leading a €400 million ($469.2m) bid to purchase Sevilla, the club where he began his career.

  The 39-year-old former Spain captain is spearheading a consortium involving an American investment fund to acquire 100 per cent of the Spanish side.

  Although Ramos is the public face of the move, sources indicate he would not be the largest individual investor in the proposed takeover.  

  The deal’s finalization hinges on an external audit of Sevilla’s debt, which sources estimate at approximately €180m.

  A primary point of contention is whether a “participatory” loan from CVC Capital Partners qualifies as debt.

  While current club leadership and La Liga do not categorize it as such, the bidders’ valuation of the club’s enterprise value remains subject to these financial clarifications following significant recent losses.

  As current ownership remains split between several family groups and investment entities, the deal is expected to take considerable time to conclude.

  Because Spanish regulations prohibit individuals from playing for a club they own, the timeline allows Ramos to potentially sign with another team this season.

  The bid arrives as Sevilla faces mounting financial pressure, having reported losses of €81.8m for the 2023-24 campaign.

• Chelsea and Enzo Maresca could part companies on New Year’s Day as replacement emerges

  Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is on the verge of a New Year’s Day exit following a breakdown in relations with club leadership and a poor run of recent Premier League results.

  Enzo Maresca is “highly likely” to depart Chelsea this Thursday following a “complete breakdown in his relationship with the club.”

  Despite securing both the UEFA Conference League and FIFA Club World Club titles during his tenure, the Italian manager has faced mounting pressure after a dismal December run.

  With only one win in their last seven Premier League outings, the Blues have slipped to fifth place, trailing league leaders Arsenal by 15 points.

  Emergency talks are currently underway at Stamford Bridge to determine the terms of Maresca’s exit.

  Reports suggest the 45-year-old is unlikely to lead the team in Sunday’s high-stakes clash against Manchester City.

  While Maresca reportedly wants to leave, negotiations are complicated by uncertainty regarding a potential payoff. His departure would mark the fifth permanent managerial change since the Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital takeover was finalized in mid-2022.

  Strasbourg head coach Liam Rosenior has emerged as a “shock” internal solution to replace Maresca.

  The 41-year-old has impressed at Chelsea’s sister club, though any move depends on Strasbourg finding a suitable successor.

  Other high-profile candidates currently linked to the role include Como’s Cesc Fabregas, Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner, and former Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez.

  The hierarchy is expected to move quickly to stabilize the squad before the January window progresses.

• Real Madrid stands with Vinicius Junior amid Bernabeu criticism

  Real Madrid has publicly voiced support for Vinicius Junior after he was booed by home fans at the Bernabeu following a period of poor form and ongoing contract disputes.

  Real Madrid’s victory over Sevilla on Saturday was marred by a surprising rift between Vinicius Junior and the home supporters.

  As the 24-year-old was substituted in the second half, loud jeers erupted from the Santiago Bernabeu stands.

  The Brazilian forward did not verbally react on the pitch, but he signaled his frustration on social media by changing his profile picture to a Brazil jersey and posting match photos with the cryptic caption: “…”.

  The incident occurs against a backdrop of simmering tensions regarding stalled contract negotiations and a dip in the player’s on-field form.

  Despite the friction with the hierarchy, the club has opted to support their star publicly.

  Reports indicate that “Real Madrid are on Vinicius’ side,” even as senior officials remain privately “concerned about his situation” and his struggle to recapture the elite level of performance he displayed during the previous season.

  The upcoming winter break provides a timely reprieve for Vinicius before Real Madrid returns to action against Real Betis on January 4th.

  Having previously demonstrated the “mental strength to bounce back from this,” the forward is expected to use the time away to reset.

  The club remains hopeful that his next appearance at the Bernabeu will be met with “more cheers and celebrations” as they

• Vinicius Jr produces a defiant response after Bernabeu boos

  Vinicius Jr. has reaffirmed his desire to stay at Real Madrid “forever” in a social media post following a match in which he was surprisingly whistled by his own supporters at the Santiago Bernabéu.

  Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. has addressed the scrutiny he faced during the club’s recent 2-0 victory over Sevilla, where sections of the home crowd whistled the Brazilian.

  Despite the hostile reception during certain phases of the match, the 2024 Ballon d’Or runner-up remained a focal point of the attack.

  The tension at the Santiago Bernabéu has sparked intense debate regarding the relationship between the superstar and the demanding Madridista fan base.

  In a defiant post-match statement on social media, Vinicius sought to silence rumors of a potential summer departure amid the friction.

  Sharing an image of himself celebrating at the stadium, he sent a direct message to his critics and supporters alike.

  He wrote, “Always here. I want to stay here forever. I love this club,” reinforcing his commitment to the Spanish giants despite the recent atmosphere and reported interest from abroad.

  The incident comes at a complicated time for the forward, who has faced a mix of immense praise and high expectations since the arrival of Kylian Mbappé.

  While some supporters have voiced frustration over his recent performances, Vinicius continues to produce key moments for Carlo Ancelotti’s side.

  The club remains publicly supportive of the player, viewing him as an essential component of their long-term project and their pursuit of further domestic and European silverware.