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In his first summer transfer window as the Arsenal boss, Mikel Arteta offloaded Emiliano Martinez to Aston Villa despite the Argentine's role in the Gunners' FA Cup triumph. Bernd Leno was back from injury, and Arteta indicated that he would stand by the German and relegate Martinez back to a number two role. That didn't satisfy, and he was given the chance to go and properly launch his career elsewhere.

Just a year on, though, Arteta was looking to move on from Leno and recruited Aaron Ramsdale from Sheffield United, paying up to £30m for the privilege. Leno started the first three games of that season but Ramsdale replaced him after the first international break and would hold down the spot for the next two seasons.

£60m defender ready to seriously consider move to Arsenal

He’s a man in demand.

By
Emilio Galantini

Feb 24, 2024

But history has since repeated itself at the Emirates Stadium. Late in the summer transfer window, Arsenal signed David Raya from Brentford on an initial loan deal with an option to buy that is expected to be activated. Within five games of the season starting, Raya had taken over between the sticks, and Ramsdale has only started one top-flight match since – the visit to his team-mate's parent club Brentford. Aside from that, he's been limited to outings in the domestic cups and an appearance in a Champions League dead-rubber against PSV.

Ramsdale wants out of Arsenal

Predictably, this has left Ramsdale unhappy. According to journalist Graeme Bailey, he's "ready to quit" Arsenal this summer because he has "no intention" of "sitting behind David Raya" for another season.

Ramsdale was initially led to believe that he could fight to win back his place, but in an article for HITC Football, Bailey reports that "he realised he was fighting a losing battle". The Englishman is now expected to seek a move away from North London this summer, which could force Arsenal into the market to recruit another new deputy.

"Exceptional" Ramsdale simply must move on

Very few would have predicted this turn of events on the back of last season, with Ramsdale earning a spot in the PFA Team of the Year after helping Arsenal finish as runner-up behind Manchester City. Arteta regards him as an "exceptional" keeper, but clearly he has more faith in Raya.

As much as Arsenal would ideally like to keep a player of this calibre around as a luxury back-up, it simply isn't realistic. Ramsdale knows he's good enough to be starting elsewhere in the Premier League, and the club hierarchy may not want Arteta to simply sit on a big pot of money.

Indeed, it's previously been suggested that Arsenal value the 25-year-old at £50m, and while they may struggle to get quite that much for a player who's spent much of the season on the bench, it should be a lucrative deal nonetheless, with PIF-backed Newcastle United already considering a move.

Tamim Iqbal’s lone hand goes in vain as the Bangladesh batsmen put up another ordinary performance

The Report by Danyal Rasool25-Jan-2020It might not matter this sort of game is worlds removed from anything Pakistan will have thrown at them in the upcoming T20 World. The conditions will be different, the pressure higher, the tension sharper. They will be content to draw comfort from snapping back into the team who put these performances series in, series out for the best part of the last three years, and hope this represents a return to that form. For today, just as it was yesterday, an unchanged Pakistan kept Bangladesh on a leash right throughout the first innings, the below-par 136 the visitors cobbled together never once looking like it might be enough.And while Ahsan Ali did fell early – he has time to add consistency and match-awareness to his game – Pakistan knew exactly what to do next. Babar Azam and Mohammad Hafeez combined for an unbroken 131-run partnership that took them through to the finish with 20 balls to spare. Hafeez registered a half-century that should do his chances of attaining an extended run in the T20I side no harm, while Babar Azam bounced back from a duck in the first game to finish unbeaten on 66.Tamim’s lone handBatting first on a greener wicket as compared to Friday’s, Tamim Iqbal’s lone hand of resistance was the only thing holding Bangladesh’s innings together. Shaheen Afridi ensured there would be no repeat of a stand between the openers, snaring Mohammad Naim for a first-ball duck. Mahedi Hasan, coming into the side off the back of a stellar BPL, nicked off to Mohammad Hasnain soon after, while Shadab Khan got a slightly fortuitous lbw to remove Liton Das that withstood a review from the batsman.Tamim, meanwhile, was batting on a slightly different surface, the kind the groundstaff hoped they had produced. Without ever really upping the scoring rate, he never once appeared threatened by Pakistan’s bowling attack in the manner his team-mates were. Even the acceleration at the end was instigated by the opener when he brought up his fifty by tonking Shadab to deep cover before crunching two more fours in the over as Bangladesh made a late surge. He was tiring as a direct hit sent him back in the 18th over before Haris Rauf, who put in another audition as perhaps Pakistan’s most consistently quick limited-overs bowler, removed captain Mahmudullah in the final over.The partnershipBangladesh might have hoped to make it scrappy once more when a struggling Ahsan failed to get off the mark off his first six balls. The lack of experience showed as he lashed out on the seventh, only succeeding in skying it to mid-off. With just six runs scored off ten balls at that point, it appeared Pakistan would be made to work hard for their win once more.However, it didn’t work out that way. Most importantly, because Babar was still around to anchor the chase, and even as Hafeez took his time settling in, Babar kept the scoreboard ticking over regularly from the other end, removing any pressure the 39-year-old might have felt. When Hafeez did come into his own, Babar was content to pass the strike over to him. In the end, it was the veteran who brought up his half-century first, and finished as the top-scorer with an unbeaten 67.Pakistan’s bowlingAmid the flair of the chase and the ordinariness of Bangladesh’s performance, it may be easy to lose sight of what set up the win in the first place. Pakistan chose to stick with the bowling attack that had brought dividends in the first game, and the wicket off Shaheen’s second ball suggested they were up for the fight once more. The biggest positive will be Hasnain’s vastly improved performance – his lack of control on Friday was one of the few blots on an otherwise spotless bowling effort – will please Waqar Younis, the bowling coach, plenty. He ended up being the pick of the lot, accounting for Mahedi and Afif Hossain, to finish with figures of 4-0-20-2.

Liverpool are once again having a stellar start to their Premier League campaign as the Reds currently sit atop of England's top flight in what is set to be Jurgen Klopp's last season.

As with most seasons in recent times – barring their 2022/23 campaign – Liverpool are challenging for the Premier League title.

Not only that, but, they could also still win a historic quadruple should they manage to win the Carabao Cup final against Chelsea on the 25th February.

Granted, the Reds won't be winning the Champions League this season, but a Europa League title would be the next best thing.

The Anfield club have lost just two top-flight games this season, against both Arsenal and Tottenham. The latter of the two wasn't even their fault, as there were countless officiating mistakes throughout the entirety of the game (footage below).

Since then, the Reds have felt as if they have been out for vengeance and consistently performed to a high level.

Each player that has played has performed to a high standard and made the majority of Liverpool's wins look easy. Due to something of a defensive injury crisis, Klopp's men have been through this season, it has paved the way for a couple of youngsters to have 'break-out' seasons.

Liverpool's breakout stars this season

The two main names which spring to mind are those of Jarell Quansah and Conor Bradley. The pair have been heavily involved within Liverpool's senior squad this season and have even managed to hold their own when chosen.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast's Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

As per Transfermarkt, Quansah has been involved in 19 of Liverpool's games this season, with seven of those appearances coming in the Premier League.

Bradley, on the other hand, has played a total of nine times, managing to contribute to six goals during this time. The Northern Ireland international sustained an injury in pre-season which ruled him out for around five months.

The right-back recovered at the exact right time, as, when he was initially brought into Liverpool's starting lineup, Trent Alexander-Arnold was ruled out for around three weeks with strained knee ligaments.

He has since returned to the starting XI but was taken off at half-time against Burnley with fears that he had re-injured the same knee upon his return.

This once again leaves Klopp with the dilemma of who can cover the full-back position in Alexander-Arnold's absence.

A Conor Bradley alternative for Liverpool

Although Bradley is a very viable option to fill in at right-back for the Reds' vice-captain, it's not fair on the youngster to be expected to be relied upon for each game.

Hence, why, Joe Gomez could be the next player Klopp could look towards to solidify the defence in their forthcoming games.

Described as "priceless" by Steve McManaman, Gomez has been Mr. Versatile for Liverpool this season after the club suffered injuries to three of their senior defenders in Kostas Tsimikas, Andy Robertson and Joel Matip.

Although he has spent the majority of this season at left-back, the defender has often been deployed at right-back since arriving at Anfield in 2015.

The former Charlton man could be an ideal replacement for Alexander-Arnold and take some of the pressure off the shoulders of Bradley as Liverpool's title hopes become ever greater.

His seniority and maturity would both be key to ensuring the Reds' defence stays intact and will also help Klopp vary the side which his side attacks from.

Gomez's stint at right-back does, however, rely upon the fitness of Robertson upon his return to the starting lineup.

The Scotland international has played four games since his return and started Saturday's game against Burnley.

If Robertson, for some reason, isn't ready to play, Tsimikas is slowly making his return to first-team football as he made a cameo appearance for the Reds in the dying embers of Saturday's clash.

One thing is for sure, Liverpool will not be light on replacements for Alexander-Arnold should he be absent for another few weeks.

Manchester United have made clear what they want if Jadon Sancho is to leave the club before the summer transfer deadline.

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• Man Utd clear on Sancho
• Long-term future must be resolved
• Talks with Juventus planned

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to 's Simon Stone, United will only let Sancho leave if it is to be a permanent sale or as a loan with an obligation to buy. In short, they are not interested in a loan that leaves his future beyond this season unresolved or requiring further action. suggest that Juventus, linked in recent days, ideally want a straight loan, seemingly an obligation to buy. But they are aware of potential rival interest from Chelsea.

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  The adds that United are set to hold "formal discussions" with Juventus. Those talks will be crucial, although a private jet is tellingly scheduled to fly from Manchester to Turin at a later time on Monday, perhaps to facilitate in-person negotiations, rather than transport Sancho himself at this stage of proceedings.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Despite being reintegrated during pre-season following last year's falling out with Erik ten Hag, Sancho is behind Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Amad Diallo and Antony in Manchester United's winger rotation. He hasn't been included in the squad for either Premier League fixture so far, with the manager citing undisclosed "issues" and suggesting that Sancho still had work to do to prove himself worthy of being picked.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Time is of the essence if Sancho is to leave Old Trafford. The transfer window for English clubs is open until Friday, should Chelsea wish to launch a late approach, while it doesn't shut until Saturday in Serie A, giving Juventus slightly longer.

West Ham have pulled off one deal so far in the January transfer window, signing midfielder Kalvin Phillips on loan from Manchester City until the end of the season. However, that wasn't all that David Moyes wanted to do at the start of the month.

The Scotsman also wanted to recruit a new striker, with the position described as a "priority" in the latter part of that year, but despite an injury setback for Michail Antonio that will keep the frontman out until the middle of next month, there hasn't been any movement so far.

One potential candidate for the Irons is Armando Broja, a player who's long been admired at the London Stadium. His future was expected to be one of the big stories of the window's final phase, and that's proving to be the case on deadline day.

West Ham make final bid for Broja

According to journalist Dean Jones, West Ham have been offered the chance to sign Broja on loan on Thursday, as have fellow Premier League suitors Fulham and Wolves, with all three teams making a new bid.

In an attached article for SportsLens, he adds that Chelsea had been insistent on a loan deal followed by a £35m obligation to buy, but their stance has now changed at the last minute, and they got in touch with the trio of clubs to ask whether they'd be interested in a straight loan instead.

However, Fulham have now won the race, securing a deal with a £4m loan fee, meaning both Wolves and the Hammers' offers have been rejected.

"Clinical" Broja could have been Lingard 2.0

Broja really made a name for himself during a loan spell at Southampton in the 2021/22 season, when he scored six Premier League goals and earned praise from the competition's all-time top scorer in Alan Shearer. “Let me tell you, this lad is clinical,” he said. “His goal against Brentford made him the youngest player in Premier League history to score in each of his first four home starts."

West Ham look to sign "scary" forward as Benrahma and Fornals exits near

The duo’s departure could pave the way for a winger.

By
Emilio Galantini

Feb 1, 2024

While the Albanian has only scored once in the top-flight this season, Shearer's verdict still holds true across his whole career, where he's netted 18 times from an xG of 16.1.

The last time West Ham signed an attacker on loan from one of the 'big six' in January, it was a resounding success as Manchester United's Jesse Lingard lit up the league. Lingard would score nine goals and set-up five more in 16 appearances, and win the Premier League's Player of the Month award for April too. If West Ham want a new striker now though, we're really getting into the panic stations stage of the window.

‘He is tactically very knowledgeable. We all know what qualities he has as a man as well’

Firdose Moonda14-Dec-2019Graeme Smith, South Africa’s acting director of cricket, has chosen “hardened, experienced” former team-mate Mark Boucher as coach of the men’s national side until the 2023 World Cup. Enoch Nkwe, the interim team director (a term that has now been scrapped), has been appointed Boucher’s assistant for the same period while former convenor of selectors Linda Zondi has been brought back until April 2020 and Ashwell Prince will coach the South African A side.Boucher, Zondi, Nkwe and Test captain Faf du Plessis make up the selection panel for now, whose first task is to choose the squad that will face England in a home series starting on Boxing Day. The squad for the first two Tests will be announced on Monday, before the Mzansi Super League final. A batting and bowling consultant will also be finalised in the coming week.The radical changes to the South African national structure were made in the last four days after Smith accepted the director of cricket position in a temporary capacity on Wednesday. Smith has signed a three-month contract after which he has a commentary stint at the Indian Premier League and confirmed to ESPNcricinfo that he would then consider a more permanent deal with CSA.Smith’s appointment comes after more than three months of negotiation, during which time he withdrew his interest before being re-engaged following the suspension of CSA CEO Thabang Moroe. While Smith confirmed he still has “no relationship,” with the under-pressure CSA Board, he explained that the changes in the CSA executive administration played a major part in his accepting the role.”I didn’t have a lot of confidence in the leadership of CSA,” Smith said. “With such an extensive job description, I didn’t feel I could achieve in the role with the leadership that was there at the time. You need a robust CSA to be able to challenge each other, you need trust and you need to have an environment that was ready for that, and I didn’t feel the environment was ready before I took this job.”If I am going to come in, I want to be able to do the best that I can do. I feel that is slightly better now. The opportunity is there. I have got a lot of confidence in Jacques [Faul] as the CEO.”Faul has also been appointed in an interim capacity for the next six months while Moroe undergoes a disciplinary process. With Smith making clear his allegiance, it would appear his future involvement with CSA is tied to Faul’s and will be decided as the summer ends. Similarly, the position of Zondi, whose short-term contract was a result of what Smith called “a budget thing”, will also be up for discussion when the 2019-20 season is over.However, the positions of Boucher and Nkwe are confirmed until after the 2023 World Cup, a decision that aims to provide both expertise and continuity for the national side. “I felt at this stage, the Proteas needed a really hardened, experienced international guy,” Smith said. “I feel that Mark, from a cricket perspective, is very knowledgeable. He is tactically very knowledgeable. We all know what qualities he has as a man as well. I felt those were the decisions best needed for the current Proteas set up.”Smith indicated the long-term plan would be to prepare Nkwe to take over from Boucher in the future. “We have had a couple of chats with Enoch in terms of his pathway going forward and developing him as a high-standing international coach. We feel he has got a lot of qualities that will be very useful to Mark and that will help him progress in international cricket.”Asked whether the demotion of Nkwe, South Africa’s first black African coach, and the appointment of Boucher above him could be seen as a whitewash, Smith disagreed. “My job is to create cricket excellence. I feel I have made the right decision for the Proteas. I think for Enoch’s future as well it is the right appointment. We need to think about managing people sometimes and not just a number,” Smith said. “I am very aware of transformation. I led my the country for 11 years and I had to be very much a part of managing those processes. A number of discussions need to happen behind the scenes but I disagree with the statement [that it’s a whitewash].”Ashwell Prince ‘is full of opinions which we love’ – Graeme Smith•Getty Images

Smith is also still in discussions with CSA around the transformation targets and the policy going forward but for now wants to focus on getting the South Africa team back on stable ground following a rocky 2019. South Africa lost five successive Tests, including a home series in Sri Lanka and a 0-3 defeat in India, where Smith indicated off-field problems appeared to bleed onto the field. “The disappointing thing has been how South African cricket has been run of late. That has been the most challenging aspect. That’s filtered into the environment and made life difficult for the guys that have been in that position. Hopefully in the short term we can turn it around.”For Smith, it is key to “bring leadership back into the game”, which can be provided by former internationals. Smith singled out Prince’s involvement with the A side as particularly important. “I am very happy that we have Ashwell involved. He has got a lot of international experience, he is a hardened international cricketer. He is full of opinions which we love,” Smith said. “The A side needs to be the second-best men’s team in the country.”If Smith takes on the role post the IPL next year, his job will include developing a strategy that will include the A side, looking at the domestic structures, the Under-19 side, the women’s game, and even cricket at grassroots level. For now, Smith’s sole focus is the national men’s team and the England series and creating the blueprint that will put South Africa on a path to success.”We want the Proteas to play well and start winning again. Faf is happy that there is a bit of leadership around. Both him and Enoch have had very frustrating times over the last period. There has been almost no communication with them [from CSA] for a lengthy period of time. I’m glad we were able to come in and provide some direction for them,” Smith said. “Hopefully we can take away some of the drama from them and Faf and the team that is selected can focus on playing cricket and doing the job well. That’s what’s expected of them. It’s going to be our responsibility to clean up the rest.”

Dele Alli's fitness will be tested by Everton before the club make a decision over offering him a new contract.

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• Dele technically a free agent
• Training with Everton & plan in place
• Toffees yet to decide whether to keep him

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Per , Everton plan to arrange several behind-closed-doors matches so they can test Dele's fitness. The 28-year-old is training with the club despite his contract expiring at the end of the season, and is continuing to recover from groin surgery. Indeed, he would like to remain on Merseyside, and has been working hard throughout the summer.

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  In his time at Everton, Dele started just one match, and was loaned to Besiktas in Turkey. He has not played for over a year due to his injury woes, and Sean Dyche has confirmed he will follow a "games programme" to build up, and attempt to prove, his fitness.

• WHAT DYCHE SAID

  Dyche told reporters: “We honestly haven’t gone that far with him as a player, that’s for sure. The club have outlined ‘what ifs?’ but with the player I’ve just said, and I have maintained this, that the first thing is just to get back out there, running freely, playing, training and all that side of things. We will have to wait and see on that.

  “He is close but not there yet. And don’t forget he’s hardly had any actual football – as in games – for a long time. There is a games programme still, as well. It’s not just a case of getting fit and running around with the first-team group, then he needs games, so therefore a games programme has got to come next. When you’ve been out that long you need a period of building up and getting to true fitness. That could take three or four games. It’s a bit like an extended pre-season, let’s say.”

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Everton start their Premier League campaign against Brighton on Saturday. The club finished 15th last season and will be hopeful of avoiding another relegation battle.

An important update regarding the potential takeover of Everton Football Club has emerged, courtesy of an update from Sky Sports reporter Alan Myers.

Everton takeover latest

There has been so much for the Blues to contend with this season, in what has arguably been one of the more tumultuous periods in the club's history, not helping Sean Dyche and his players focus on on-pitch matters.

Perhaps the biggest issue has been the ten-point deduction handed to Everton in the Premier League, which has put them under serious threat of being in a genuine relegation battle. They are currently hovering one place above the relegation zone in 17th position, but there are even rumours of a second penalty coming their way, which really could be fatal.

The ongoing saga regarding the takeover of the Merseysiders is also a big talking point, however, with 777 Partners hopeful of getting a deal over the line, with obstacles currently preventing it from happening. There have been doubts over their credentials as incoming owners, and there is no sign of the finish line just yet.

Now, a new update has dropped that may give Everton fans more confidence that a deal could be struck sooner rather than later, however.

New Everton takeover update

Taking to X, Myers provided an update on the takeover situation, saying 777 Partners have invested a further £13m into Everton, taking them above £150m, suggesting they are still hellbent on becoming the new majority shareholders.

"Proposed new Everton owners ‘777 Partners’ has increased its support to the club with another £13M loan, taking its commitment to over £160M as they await approval from the Premier League to complete a takeover.

"The Miami-based group were expected to hear a decision before Christmas and are understood to have submitted the required information in full to the Premier League."

This has to be considered good news for Everton, as 777 remain serious about plowing a huge amount of money into the club, before hopefully eventually bringing an end to the Farhad Moshiri era at Goodison Park.

A change is badly needed, with supporters making it clear that they are unhappy with the current ownership – protests have been staged outside the ground on matchdays – and as long as 777 pass all the right tests eventually, they could oversee an exciting new spell at the club.

In the summer of 2025, Everton move into their new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium, which could generate so much matchday revenue and funds for new signings, and having new owners in place will further help bring a freshness to proceedings.

Belgian newspaper reveals major Amadou Onana exit update from Everton

Deadline Day is fast-approaching…

By
Tom Cunningham

Jan 27, 2024

It is imperative that 777 only end up becoming the Blues' owners if they are absolutely seen as the right people, with an issue regarding them further down the line having the potential to set them back hugely. That cannot afford to happen, with staying in the Premier League also vital in a financial sense.

Chaos is descending at Cameroon's Football Federation on the eve of the Africa Cup of Nations. Two squads have been named for the tournament, with two managers both intending to lead the side forward to the finals. Marc Brys was sacked by FA president Samuel Eto'o but remains in a 'bitter feud' with the legendary striker, who he claims is 'narcissistic' and has put his own best interests over those of the nation.

• Cameroon FA president Eto'o at stand-off with manager 'refusing' sack

  Uncertainty reigns as Cameroon prepare to head into the AFCON, which begins in just 10 days on December 21 in host nation Morocco. Cameroon see their campaign begin three days later on December 24 against Gabon, and there could be much controversy yet to come as Eto’o and Brys continue their public feud.

  Mail Sport have shed light on the situation in Cameroon, where Eto’o recently marked four years as president of the Football Federation.

  The former Barcelona and Chelsea striker has reportedly told the Belgian Brys that he has been relieved of his duties as manager of Cameroon, but he is reportedly ‘refusing the sack’ amidst claims that he has not been officially fired and remains under contract with the nation’s Ministry of Sport until December 2026.

  He intends to lead the nation into the tournament, despite the fact that Eto’o has since appointed David Pagou as his replacement. The Cameroonian FA released their 28-man squad for the tournament with Pagou as manager on 1 December, omitting star names such as Andre Onana, ex-Bayern Munich striker Eric Choupo-Moting and Vincent Aboubakar – the latter of whom is just 12 goals away from surpassing Eto’o’s all-time goalscoring record for Cameroon. 

  Brys has suggested that this decision was, therefore, calculated by Eto’o, and has named his own conflicting squad for the upcoming tournament.

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  Brys hits out at 'narcissistic' Eto'o

  Brys has spoken out, as the stand-off with Eto’o continues: “It's always been Eto'o's goal to get me out as quickly as possible,” he told Flemish outlet VTM NIEUWS.

  “From the very first minute, he insulted me, and I reacted. I was too much of a competitor for him.”

  Referencing the AFCON squad that excluded Onana, Choupo-Moting and Aboubakar, he added: “Eto'o had left key players and leaders out of the squad. Because, of course, he had made that selection.

  “How can you go to the Africa Cup of Nations without a world-class goalkeeper? Or without Aboubakar? It's unbelievable, but actually, it doesn't surprise me. It's coming from someone who is narcissistic and thinks he's the best.

  "As long as there is no signed note from the Presidency of the Republic appointing David Pagou as the coach of the Indomitable Lions, in the eyes of the State of Cameroon, Mr. Marc Brys remains. This is not up for discussion, and it has been this way in Cameroon for at least 30 years."

• Cameroonian controversy continues after World Cup qualification failure

  Cameroon’s international struggles go beyond the feud between the high-profile pair, as the Indomitable Lions recently failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, finishing below first-time qualifiers Cape Verde in Group D and then losing out to DR Congo in the CAF play-off semi-final to see their failure to qualify confirmed.

  Eto’o himself has seen previous controversy during his time as president of the nation’s Football Federation. He was handed a six-month ban from attending national team matches by FIFA in 2024, after breaching two articles of the governing body's disciplinary code. A FIFA statement confirmed the disciplinary breaches occurred around a FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup last-16 match between Brazil and Cameroon. Eto'o has also faced accusations of corruption and electoral fraud.

  Eto’o and Brys have ‘butted heads’ throughout the pair’s tenure in charge, the Belgian threatening to quit last year after his assistant Joachim Munanga was left out of the federation’s official matchday list by Eto’o, who he believed did this to undermine his authority.

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  What comes next for Cameroon?

  With just 13 days until Cameroon kick off their opening game of the tournament and many squads believed to be travelling to Morocco by the start of next week, one of Eto’o or Brys are likely to ultimately get their way in terms of who manages the side for the tournament, and which players they will have at their disposal.

  The chaos reflects a key difference in opinion between two powerful men in the federation, both of whom are attempting to use the federation’s rules to their own agenda. For one of Africa’s most celebrated footballing nations, this is far from an ideal scenario, and fans will hope to see a resolution in time for the finals later this month.

The Australia captain day-night Test cricket needs to accepted as a key part of the game’s future

Daniel Brettig in Adelaide02-Dec-2019Australia’s captain Tim Paine has called for an end to demands for a pink Test match ball that behaves identically to a red one, arguing that the players and followers needed to accept floodlit long-form cricket for the high drawing entertainment product that it is.Paine’s team defeated Pakistan by an innings and 48 runs in front of 91,879 people at Adelaide Oval and healthy broadcast audiences around Australia, with the attendance more than double that of the first Test at the Gabba in Brisbane, despite far less favourable weather conditions.These facts have underlined the case for pink-ball cricket, something the Cricket Australia chief executive Kevin Roberts had magnified by quipping in Brisbane that he would personally like to see Australia’s Test series against India next summer played exclusively as day-night matches. But in the face of some scepticism still remaining among his players – Mitchell Starc stating that the pink ball behaves more like a white ball – Paine argued that the floodlit game’s challenges and subtleties needed to be seen on their own merit.”I think what we want is people watching Test match cricket and I think the pink-ball day-night Test certainly makes that happen,” Paine said. “It’s bringing new people to the game. I think what we need to stop doing is trying to compare the pink ball to the red ball. It’s not going to behave the same, it isn’t the same ball. And from a players’ point of view again, day-night Test cricket creates different challenges so the best players will again find way to succeed. And Mitchell Starc has done it. His record is unbelievably good with the pink ball.”David Warner has just got a triple century. Marnus got a 100. All the good players still score runs and take wickets regardless of the colour I think it’s just a slight shift in how we think about it. It’s not going to behave like a red ball, it’s not going to behave like a white ball. It’s going to behave like a pink ball. And at the moment it’s relatively new and we’re getting used to it. It can be challenging fielding at night and being in the slips but I don’t think that’s any different to a white ball sometimes either.David Warner calls loudly to his partner•Getty Images

“It’s just something players will adapt to and get better at but in terms of the product I think it’s good to watch.”One of the changes wrought by the day-night conditions was Paine’s decision to enforce the follow-on well after he would usually have batted a second time, due to the fact the post-dinner session promised more movement and assistance for the pace bowlers. “If we had taken the wickets quickly we would’ve bowled as well,” Paine said. “We were hoping to get them a lot quicker than we did.”In the end it became a close one because had it been a red ball we probably would’ve batted again had it been a normal Test match, but it took us time to get those wickets so then the night session was coming again and we saw a few years ago against England that the game can change really quickly under the lights. A lead of close to 300, only a few hours to bowl, we knew if our bowlers could take a couple of early wickets and we get them home, get them asleep and rested that they’d come back and fire for us today.”It was getting closer to having a bat, but the conditions have certainly favoured bowling at night and a couple of our batters were pretty keen to keep bowling. I thought last night when the lights came on it was a pretty simple decision, although our bowlers had bowled a lot of overs, they had a decent rest for the first two days so we knew they had plenty in the tank.”CA is yet to enter into formal discussions with India about whether their series in Australia next summer will include one or more pink-ball Test matches, though both Roberts and the CA chairman Earl Eddings have commented positively about the fact the BCCI have at last scheduled a home pink-ball Test, the recent match against Bangladesh in Kolkata.