Written By Uche Dozie

Felix Auger-Aliassime completed his flawless week in Málaga, beating Alex De Minaur 6-3, 6-4 to give Canada a first ever Davis Cup title.

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Canada had reached their second Davis Cup final and were hoping for their first title win when they face Australia in the final.

Written By Uche Dozie

Seven years after his last ATP Finals title, the Serbian won a record-tying sixth by defeating Casper Rudd.

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Novak Djokovic has ended the tennis season in a remarkable way after his triumph at the Nitto ATP finals, becoming the oldest winner at 35 years and 5 months old.

The former world number won his sixth ATP finals title following his 7-5, 6-3 win in 1 hour and 33 minutes against Casper Rudd at Sunday night finals.

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He became the first player ever to win the ATP Finals in three different decades—the 2000s, 2010s and 2020s.

Written By Uche Dozie

Formula one racing team, Haas confirms that Mick Schumacher will leave the team at the end of the season.

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United States of America based team, Haas F1 team has announced that one of their drivers, Mick Schumacher will not continue with them after the end of the season.

In a statement, the team said "Haas F1 Team and Mick Schumacher will part ways at the conclusion of the 2022 FIA Formula 1 World Championship"

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“I would like to thank Mick Schumacher for his contribution to the team over the past couple of years,” said Steiner in a statement issued by Haas on Thursday morning.

“Mick’s pedigree in the junior categories was well known and he has continued to grow and develop as a driver in his time with Haas F1 Team – culminating in his first F1 points-scoring successes earlier this season."While choosing to go in separate directions for the future the entire team wishes Mick well for the next steps in his career path and beyond.”

Meanwhile...

Nico Hulkenberg will replace Schumacher who was announced to be leaving at the end of the season on Thursday morning.

Written By Uche Dozie

Nadal has now lost four straight singles matches for the first time since the Stone Age.

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Felix Auger-Aliassime defeated Rafael Nadal for the first time at the ATP Finals. 6-3, 6-4 to drop Nadal to 0-2 in group play.

This ended the dream of the 36-year-old winning the title for the first time following two consecutive loses.

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"I mean, I don't think I forget how to play tennis, how to be strong enough mentally," said Nadal.

"I just need to recover all these positive feelings and all this confidence and all this strong mentality that I need to be at the level that I want to be.I'm

"I don't know if I am going to reach that level again. But what I don't have any doubt [about], is that I'm going to die for it."

Nadal had lost to Taylor Fritz for the second time in three meetings this year 7-6 6-1 in his match of the tournament.

And following the Casper Rudd's first set win over Taylor Fritz in match that is on going (as at the time of this report) sealed Nadal's elimination.

It remains to be seen whether Nadal will play his final group match against Ruud following his elimination.

Meanwhile…

With Nadal been eliminated from the ATP finals, Spanish young star, Carlos Alcaraz will end the year as world number one.

His number one status was confirmed following the 21 grand slam winner failing to reach the finals of the ATP finals which was the position he needed to get to be top of his countryman.

Read Also: Can Mercedes Get Back Into The Mix At Their Favourable Barcelona Circuit?

But by virtue of Casper Ruud winning a set against Taylor Fritz, Nadal cannot progress from the Green Group after losing both his matches.

Alcaraz started the year ranked at No. 32, but has soared to the top on the back of five titles.

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Written By Uche Dozie

Novak Djokovic has been cleared to play at the 2023 Australian Open, with his three-year ban from the country set to be overturned.

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Novak Djokovic has been allowed to play the 2023 Australian Open after his visa ban was overturned by the federal government in Australia.

He was deported just before the 2022 edition started and saw his visa cancelled “in the public interest”.

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However, the Sydney Morning Herald state sources close to Immigration Minister Andrew Giles have said Djokovic will be granted a visa, overturning his automatic three-year ban.

Australian Open director Craig Tiley had said earlier on Tuesday that he was still awaiting a decision but was not expecting “preferential treatment” for the player.

“There’s a normal visa application process that everyone is going through right now, and everyone will go through the right timing,” Tiley told AAP.

“I don’t think there should be any preferential treatment for anyone. But I fully expect to have an answer for everyone by the time that they need to book their flights and come in, including Novak.

“That’s entirely up to the Australian government. I know Novak wants to come and play and to get back to competing.

“He loves Australia and it’s where he’s had the best success but the timing [on any announcement] is up to somebody else and we’ll just play that one by ear.”

Djokovic has won the Australian Open nine times.

Meanwhile…

A highly impressive @DjokerNole overcame No. 3 Stefanos Tsitsipas in his opening Nitto ATP Finals match where he won 6-4, 7-6(4) recording his 60th career win over a Top 3 player.

He is on course for a record-equalling sixth Nitto ATP Finals title with the win and end the year on a high.

Read Also: Can Mercedes Get Back Into The Mix At Their Favourable Barcelona Circuit?

Djokovic now tops the Red Group and will face Andrey Rublev on Wednesday.

Tsitsipas play Danil Medvedev on that day as well.

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Written By Uche Dozie

Switzerland win the Billie Jean King Cup for the first time, defeating Australia in the final.

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The Swiss emerged champions of the premier women’s team event in professional tennis against Australia after winning 2-0 in the final in Glasgow, Scotland.

Swiss representatives, Jil Teichmann and reigning Olympic champion Belinda Bencic combined for singles wins to give Switzerland the lead.

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Teichmann defeated Sorm Sanders 6-3, 4-6, 6-3. Bencic then followed with a swift 6-2, 6-1 win over Ajla Tomljanovic to clinch the trophy.

“It was a great battle,” Teichmann said on court afterward. “Storm is playing very good the whole week, I was expecting a big fight. So here I was, getting the fight, and I’m super happy I got the point.”

Team captain Heinz Günthardt asserted after the match that the team's success was long time coming.

"We didn't win this just today; it was this week, it was actually over years, we tried to get better and better at it," team captain Heinz Günthardt. said "You saw how many close points there were; who knows why we win some and lose some. A lot of it has to do with heart, and this team has a lot of heart."

Meanwhile…

The draw for next year's Billie Jean King Cup Qualifiers took place on Sunday. They will be held April 14-15, 2023.

"This weekend, 16 countries faced off in home-and-away ties, with the eight winners of those ties moving into the 2023 Qualifiers draw, along with the 10 nations that finished between third and 12th place in Glasgow this week.

Read Also: Can Mercedes Get Back Into The Mix At Their Favourable Barcelona Circuit?

The nine winners from the matchups below will join this year's finalists Switzerland and Australia and the host nation (or if already qualified, a wild card) in next year's Billie Jean King Cup"

According to Swiss Tennis President René Stammbach, this final round will not take place in Switzerland. "The host cities have to provide the international association with a guarantee of around 4 million dollars," he explains. «That is hardly manageable in Switzerland. That's why we won't apply."

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Written By Onyeka Daniel

Sometimes around November last year, the Glazers family announced that the would be willing to listen to offers to sell English Premier League side, Manchester United and it looks like they may have found a willing buyer after all.

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At least that is the latest when lifelong Manchester United supporter and British Billionaire, Sir Jim Ratcliffe confirmed that he is willing to buy the club.

Ratcliffe, who has a stake in Formula 1 side, Mercedes also owns two football clubs, OGC Nice and Swiss club, FC Lausanne-Sport, has been flirting with the prospect of buying his childhood club for several months as many United fans pine for a new owner.

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The Glazer family finally put the club up for sale in November after intense pressure from supporters who have been demanding changes. Ratcliffe has naturally been heavily linked again ever since and, on Tuesday, became the first party to make a public move by confirming his plans.

"We have formally put ourselves into the process," a spokesman for the INEOS chairman confirmed to The Times. Hamilton has a strong relationship with Ratcliffe. Not only is the 70-year-old a part-owner of his Mercedes team(1/3), but the two Brits are also friends and Hamilton has openly said he sees the billionaire as more of a partner than a boss.

The seven-time world champion has also made it very clear that he is keen to get more involved in the ownership of sports teams. He is already an investor in NFL franchise the Denver Broncos and made it clear he would be open to adding a stake in Manchester United to his sizeable business empire.

"Jim’s part boss but partner – I'd say we're more partners because we're in this together and I hope in future to do something with Jim and build with him," said Hamilton last year. "I don't know where that will be or what that will be, so I can't really say.

“I haven’t had a call from him asking if I want to be involved in [a United takeover bid] just yet, but I do want to get more and more involved in teams because I really do believe in black ownership – there is a lack of it in sports – and black equity. Again, there is a real lack of that.” He further added.

Ratcliffe’s intentions to buy United comes after a failed attempt to buy Chelsea when the London club was abruptly put up for sale last year. Hamilton was also involved in that race as he joined Sir Martin Broughton’s consortium, but both lost out to Todd Boehly who paid more than £4bn for the Blues.

There are reports that the Glazers family will not consider a bid less than €5 billion at least, so it would actually require more than it would have cost the Billionaire when he wanted to buy Chelsea. Ratcliffe may be rivalled by bids from Saudi Arabia and Qatar, while huge American companies like Apple and Amazon have also been linked.

Meanwhile...

Manchester United winger, Jadon Sancho has now resumed regular training at the club ahead of making his return to the team since he picked up an injury last year.

Read Also: FIFA Women’s World Cup: Road To Australia/ New Zealand 2023

The Englishman was substituted in the game against Chelsea November last year and has been having a reoccurrence of injury since then, leading the club to prescribe a personalized training program for him to help him recover fully.

The timing of his return couldn’t have come any sooner as the Red Devils are on a resurgence, defeating Manchester City over the weekend to reduce the gap between them to just one point, while they lie joint 3rd on the EPL table with Newcastle United, going into the next round of matches.

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Written By Uche Dozie

Portimao is now a serious option to replace the 2023 Chinese GP subject to the ratification by FIA World Council in a week from now.

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The Autódromo Internacional do Algarve may once again host a Formula 1 Grand Prix in the 2023 season.

According to João Carlos Costa, commentator for the Formula 1 World Cup on Sport TV, the Algarve track is at the forefront of hosting the event that will replace the Chinese Grand Prix.

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Although it is part of next year's calendar, the Chinese race is expected to be canceled due to the "Covid zero" policy implemented in the country.

The Chinese Grand Prix was scheduled for the 16th of April, when the Endurance World Championship will visit the Portimão track.

A final decision regarding the Chinese Grand Prix and its eventual replacement race is expected to be announced at the next meeting of the FIA ​​World Motor Sport Council, which scheduled for Bologna, Italy on December 9.

Meanwhile…

Tickets are now on sale for the highly anticipated first ever official Formula 1 exhibition, which is set to open in the Spanish city of Madrid on March 24, 2023, and run until July 16, 2023.

Delivered across six purpose-built rooms, each specially designed in collaboration with award-winning curators, artists and film-makers, the exhibition will take visitors on a stunning adventure through the extraordinary world of Formula 1.

Read Also: Can Mercedes Get Back Into The Mix At Their Favourable Barcelona Circuit?

Beginning in The Human Race, attendees are welcomed by a cinematic prelude that uncovers the essence of Formula 1 and the experience that lies ahead. The next room is the Design Lab, where fans are transported into an F1 factory, as the room explores the design, testing and manufacturing process of a modern-day Formula 1 car.

Progressing onto Once Upon A Time In Formula 1, exhibition goers will take a trip through the history of the sport via iconic photographs that document the sport’s most defining moments.

Drivers and Duels offers a race circuit inspired design and celebrates the most iconic drivers and legendary races since Formula 1 began.

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Written By Uche Dozie

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem gave disclosed that some F1 teams wanted Red Bull to be given harsher punishment for their breach of the cost cap.

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Red Bull was fined $7 million in last October by International Automobile Federation (FIA) for breaching a budget cap last season and will have 10% less wind tunnel time over the next year.

A measure that many rivals of the British-based team expected to be more according to FIA Boss, Ben Sulayem.

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"I believe that there was a balance between [the financials] and the sporting penalties,” Ben Sulayem said. “But we learned a lot and a big review is going into it, because who knows in the first year [of the cost cap] what is going to be the outcome?

"If you look at the other big teams, they will say we have been light on them. [In terms of] the penalty, some of them want to be hanged, they wanted to see blood, and the teams themselves see this as huge themselves.

“So where do we draw [the line]? We have to be fair. Do we want to get rid of them or straighten up and not do it? The only thing I would say is that what we did in September/October should be done earlier.

“But as it is the first year, we have learned a lot from it - and we are still learning. It is better to come at me in May and not just in October.”

The FIA president also voiced his frustration about information being leaked.

Recently, the FIA have announced that Shaila-Ann Rao has left her role as interim Secretary General for Motor Sport after six months.

She found herself at the centre of the controversy after Red Bull suspected that Rao - previously employed by Mercedes - had possibly released confidential information.

"We were in Austria having a meeting of the F1 Commission, and we were already talking about it," he added.

"It was already in the news, but it's frustrating sometimes because by the time you finish your meeting, something is going out."

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The FIA president has dismissed reports of a rift between him and F1's commercial right holders.

This is coming on the heels of issues which have plagued Ben Sulayem's administration which started late last year.

Read Also: Can Mercedes Get Back Into The Mix At Their Favourable Barcelona Circuit?

Issues of the report into the events of Abu Dhabi, the consistency of race stewards' decisions, F1's jewellery ban, plus the handling of the safety car in Monza and the presence of a crane on track in Japan have reared their heads since he took over.

As a result, insinuations have abound of relations between Formula One Management and Ben Sulayem been strained, with things reaching a critical point earlier this year when the FIA stalled on approving plans for six sprint races in 2023.

But Ben Sulayem has rubbished such talk and says that he and F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali work well together.

Asked about suggestions of there being friction, Ben Sulayem said: "It's a bit difficult for me to understand: where does this come from?

"I'll tell you: my relationship with FOM. First of all, I speak to Stefano I think every two days. If I don't [call him] he calls, and this is the way. Even before any meeting or before any decisions. It's a marriage. This marriage is going to last, and strongly."

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Written By Uche Dozie

It brings a three-year reign at the head of Formula 1's most famous team, as well as a 28-year career in total, to an end.

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Mattia Binotto will leave his position as Ferrari team principal at the end of 2022 after resigning from his position as F1 team principal.

The Formula One team announced on Tuesday that a hunt for the 53-year-old’s replacement was under way.

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Binotto has been with the team for 28 years and at the helm for three but his departure had been widely expected after another disappointing year for the Scuderia, which was strewn with reliability issues and mistakes.

"With the regret that this entails, I have decided to conclude my collaboration with Ferrari," said Binotto, who had previously insisted he was going to stay for 2023.

"I am leaving a company that I love, which I have been part of for 28 years, with the serenity that comes from the conviction that I have made every effort to achieve the objectives set.

"I leave a united and growing team. A strong team, ready, I'm sure, to alchieve the highest goals, to which I wish all the best for the future. I think it is right to take this step at this time as hard as this decision has been for me.

"I would like to thank all the people at the Gestione Sportiva who have shared this journey with me, made up of difficulties but also of great satisfaction."

Ferrrai CEO Benedetto Vigna added: "I would like to thank Mattia for his many great contributions over 28 years with Ferrari and particularly for leading the team back to a position of competitiveness during this past year.

"As a result, we are in a strong position to renew our challenge, above all for our amazing fans around the world, to win the ultimate prize in motorsport. Everyone here at the Scuderia and in the wider Ferrari community wishes Mattia well for the future."

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Reports have it that Ferrari had spoken to top principals in F1 including Red Bull’s Horner, to replace Binotto even before his exit was confirmed.

However, no principal was ready to accept the offer due to the churn with which Ferrari go through team principals, the report says.

Read Also: Can Mercedes Get Back Into The Mix At Their Favourable Barcelona Circuit?

It also states that CEO Benedetto Vigna has “meddled” with team strategies, which Ferrari have been criticised for regularly in 2022.

Ferrari began considering Binotto’s position after the F1 Brazilian Grand Prix leading to speculation that Alfa Romeo’s Frederic Vasseur would replace him.

Ferrari chairman John Elkann did not end this speculation until Binotto asked him to do so - at which point the team released a statement.

Binotto then thought his job was safe, having delivered a second-place for Charles Leclerc in the F1 standings and a second-place for Ferrari in the constructors’ championship.

Binotto realised there was no trust in his position and offered his resignation, which was accepted.

Reports in Italy say that Alfa Romeo’s Vasseur has a verbal agreement to takeover as Ferrari team principal but hasn’t signed a deal yet.

Vasseur gave Leclerc his F1 debut and would plan to prioritise the driver as the team’s undisputed No 1.

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Written By Uche Dozie

A move to Red Bull for Ricciardo marks a reunion with the team whose young driver programme he represented through the junior ranks.

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After frustrating time with F1 racing McLaren, Daniel Ricciardo have moved back to Red Bull as a reserve driver for 2023.

The news was announced by Red Bull on Wednesday via their social media channels.

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At the end of this season, Ricciardo departed McLaren to make way for compatriot Oscar Piastri, who races alongside Lando Norris in 2023. The eight-time Grand Prix winner – who took a one-two for McLaren at Monza in 2021 – will return to Red Bull to assist with testing, simulator work and commercial activity.

“It is great to bring Daniel back in to the Red Bull family. He has enormous talent and such a brilliant character; I know the whole factory is excited to be welcoming him home.

In his role as test and third driver, Daniel will give us the chance to diversify, assisting in the development of the car, aiding the team with his experience and knowledge of what it takes to succeed in F1. We’re very pleased to be working with Daniel again and look forward to everything he will bring to the Team in 2023.” Oracle Red Bull Racing Team Principal and CEO Christian Horner said.

“The smile says it all, I’m truly excited to be coming back home to Oracle Red Bull Racing as their Third Driver in 2023. I already have so many fond memories of my time here, but the welcome from Christian, Dr Marko and the entire team is something I’m sincerely appreciative of.

For me personally, the ability to contribute to and be surrounded by the best team in F1 is hugely appealing, whilst also giving me some time to recharge and refocus. I can’t wait to be with the team and support with simulator work, testing sessions and commercial activities. Let’s go!”Daniel Ricciardo said.

Meanwhile…

The Australian made his debut for HRT in 2011 but joined Red Bull feeder squad Toro Rosso the following year, before being called up to Red Bull in 2014. There, he partnered Sebastian Vettel, Daniil Kvyat and Max Verstappen.

McLaren's Boss, Seidl has said that he would blame Daniel Ricciardo's situation for how the season turned out for McLaren.

He maintains it was a joint responsibility between the driver and the team.

Read Also: Can Mercedes Get Back Into The Mix At Their Favourable Barcelona Circuit?

"I'm far away from just blaming the situation with Daniel for not scoring P4 this year," Seidl said after Sunday's season finale.

"In the end I'm aware as well about my responsibility, the team's responsibility not to get it to work together with Daniel in the way we were hoping for, despite the great commitment that was taken on Daniel's side and on ours.

"That's part of not scoring the points as a team that you wanted or could have scored. It's part of the sport and that's something that we try to address or improve for next year."

The Australian's struggles proved particularly costly in the constructors' championship, as McLaren fell from fourth to fifth after finishing 14 points behind Alpine.

Ricciardo gathered only 37 points compared to teammate Lando Norris' 122.

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Written By Uche Dozie

Max Verstappen completes a hat-trick of wins at Abu Dhabi, and notches a remarkable 15th first place of the season.

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Defending Champion, Max Verstappen returned to winning ways after his season ending win at Abu Dhabi on Sunday.

The Dutchman who started on pole didn't stutter as he continued his dominance since the beginning of the season beating Ferrari driver, Charles Leclerc and teammate, Sergio Perez.

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Leclerc, who was Verstappen's title rival earlier this year before Ferrari's season imploded in a flood of errors and reliability failures, held off Perez on divergent strategies to take second place.

Hamilton was heading for a pole finish suffered a hydraulics issue on the penultimate lap.

The mechanical failure duly finished off the first winless season of Hamilton's trophy-laden 16-year F1 career.

Verstappen's win was his 15th of 2022, extending the new record he has set this year for wins in a single season.

"It was a good race," said Verstappen. "It was all about tyre management. I think we looked after the mediums quite well and then on the hard tyres managing until the end.

"A 15th win of the season is unbelievable. It's been really enjoyable to work with the whole team and to be able to achieve something like this. I know it is going to be hard to replicate but it is also very good motivation to try and do well again next year."

Sebastian Vettel bade an emotional farewell in his last race, retiring after a 16‑year career and four world championships. “I’m sure I’m going to miss this more than I can think of,” he said. “I don’t have much more to say, I feel empty.”

He closed out with 10th place for Aston Martin at the track where he secured his first title in 2010 and was treated to a well‑deserved standing ovation as he climbed from his car for the last time.

Carlos Sainz was fourth for Ferrari, Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo sixth and ninth for McLaren, Esteban Ocon seventh for Alpine and Lance Stroll eighth for Aston Martin.

Meanwhile…

Two-time F1 champion, Max Verstappen has said he may likely call it quit with the sport after the expiration of his contract with Red Bull.

The Dutch driver finished the season with fifteen race wins out of twenty-two and clinched his second consecutive title.

Read Also: Can Mercedes Get Back Into The Mix At Their Favourable Barcelona Circuit?

It is not looking likely that Verstappen will stay beyond his 2028 contract with Red Bull despite the success achieved.

"I don't know after that," he told Sky Sports F1's David Croft ahead of another victory at the Abu Dhabi GP. "But it also probably depends how competitive we are in '28.

"I've still got time. I don't want to make drastic decisions now."

Verstappen, who will be 31-years-old when his deal ends, then admitted his reasons for those doubts.

"I want to do other stuff," he said.

"F1 is amazing and I've achieved a lot, and I'm very happy and proud about it… but it's a lot of travelling and it's a lot of races [F1 is set for a 24-race season in 2023].

"And at one point, what is more important? Is family more important, or is F1 more important? That's when you need to make your mind up."

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Written By Jacobs Dunga

Two of Serie A stars are being monitored the EPL clubs for a possible January transfer.

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Reports coming from Sky Italia via Gianluca Di Marzio have it that Premier League club Fulham have shown interest in Torino midfielder Sasa Lukic.

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The Serbian is open to leaving the Turin based club after having asked to leave in the summer of 2022.

Fulham as per the reports have tabled a bid of €8m plus €2m in add ons, an offer the Granata may reject.

The 26 year old midfielder is being placed on the market so as to fund the club’s chase of Hellas Verona midfielder Ivan Ilic who is closely followed by the club.

Lukic has been at Torino since 2016 when he joined from Partizan Belgrade and has gone on to make over 150 appearances for the club.

Meanwhile…

Sky Italia confirmed Bournemouth have made a bid of €30m for Italian attacker Nicolo Zaniolo.

The struggling Premier League club has entered the race to sign the Roma forward who has been placed on the market by the capital club.

READ ALSO: Bettitude Midfielder Of The Year 2022

Zaniolo is attracting interest from a host of clubs including another EPL club, Tottenham Hotspur whose valuation of the player isn’t meeting the Giallorossi’s asking.

The Cherries have now made the offer of €30m with a percentage in the sale of the player in future.

The Serie A club will in all capacity accept this bid as it meets their valuation but much has to be done in persuading the player to move to a lowly rated side as compared to Spurs.

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Written by Oluwaseun Oyediji

Swedish forward signs for three further seasons in the company of president Joan Laporta.

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Fridolina Rolfö has signed an extended contract with FC Barcelona until 30 June 2026.

The Swedish forward's deal with the club was due to expire at the end of the current season, but three years were added to her stay on Thursday in the office of president Joan Laporta.

Rolfö has very much proved her worth in a year and a half on the books, both as a full-back and as a left-sided winger.

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The 29-year-old has an extraordinary physique as well as the right skills to fit into the Barça system. She has played 63 games and scored 17 goals.

Rolfo joined the Catalan side from German Champions, Wolfsburg ahead of the 2021/2022 season.

She has previously played for Swedish outfit, Linkopings FC; and another German side, Bayern Munich.

Meanwhile…

On the International stage, Rolfö played for Sweden's under-19 international team at the 2011/2012 UEFA Women's Under-19 Championship. She helped Sweden win the competition by defeating Spain 1-0 in extra time.

Rolfö's club form with Linköping caught the eye of national team coach Pia Sundhage, who promptly handed Rolfö a debut cap in Sweden's 2-1 friendly defeat by Germany at Eyravallen on 29 October 2014. In her five-minute substitute appearance she almost scored but was denied by German goalkeeper Nadine Angerer.

Read Also - Bettitude Women's Footballer Of 2022

Rolfö played in the 2016 Summer Olympics at Rio de Janeiro helping Sweden to a silver medal after losing in the final to Germany. Rolfö did not feature in the 2–1 loss in the Gold Medal Match, after suffering a tournament-ending injury in the quarter-final against the USWNT.

On 16 June 2019, Rolfö scored her first goal in the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup in a 5-1 win over Thailand.

Rolfö was selected to represent Sweden in the 2020 Summer Olympics held in Tokyo in 2021. She featured in every match except for Sweden's final group stage match against New Zealand. She scored three goals in five matches as her team won the silver medal again after being defeated 2-3 on penalties by Canada.

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Written by Oluwaseun Oyediji

Holders, Manchester City alongside Barclays English FA Women's Super League (WSL) duo of Westham and last season's beaten finalist, Chelsea has made it to the last four of this season's Continental Tyres English Women's League Cup.

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City thrashed Championship side, Bristol City 6-0 to book its place in the semi-final.

Two first-half goals from Hayley Raso in the eighth and 12th minutes respectively lifted the Blue side of Manchester to a 2-0 lead.

Three more goals from Khadija Shaw, Lauren Hemp, and Mary Fowler gave City a 5-0 lead at halftime.

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Lauren Hemp's second goal of the game at the hour mark completed the rout.

Elsewhere, Dagny Brynjarsdottir scored the all-important goal as Westham edged Liverpool 1-0 to cruise into the semis.

Meanwhile…

Last season's beaten finalist, Chelsea FC Women defeated fellow London side, Tottenham 3-1 to join Manchester City and Westham in the semis.

Read Also - Bettitude Women's Footballer Of 2022

Two goals from Samatha Kerr and a goal by Francesca Kirby ended the contest.

Jamaican player, Drew Spence pulled a goal back for Tottenham.

Thursday's match-up between Arsenal and Aston Villa at Kingsmeadow will complete the last four pairings.

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Written by Patrick Echatah

Real Madrid legend Jose Maria Gutierrez ‘Guti’ talked about Vinicius Junior’s recent performances, which have been affected by the many fouls he receives during the games and Vinicius’ own attitude against those fouls.

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“Of course he receives a lot of fouls, that’s because he’s one of those guys who takes players off the dribble and that’s not a trend in football anymore. That’s one thing,” said Guti.

However, the former midfielder also went on and said how Vinicius can improve his game even if he keeps receiving as many fouls.

“I also think he pays too much attention to the referees and the fans. But the main issue for me is that it doesn’t benefit his game, because that attention isn’t helping him being a better player on the field. It would help him if he were to use that as motivation, but this is taking him out of the game,” he explained.

Guti wrapped us his analysis by saying how Real Madrid have been missing Vinicius’ contributions.

“We’ve seen many times how Real Madrid have needed him to be 100% focused on his football and he hasn’t been like that, but I believe he has time to develop and I think he will. The time will come when he isn’t paying that much attention to these things, because he’s still really young,” he added.

Read Also – 10 MEMORABLE EVENTS OF WOMEN’S FOOTBALL IN 2022

Meanwhile…

Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni has rejoined the squad in training this Wednesday after recovering from the calf injury he suffered two weeks ago.

Tchouameni could make the team’s squad list for Thursday’s crucial Madrid Derbi against Atletico de Madrid in the Copa del Rey Quarterfinals, although his presence in the starting lineup seems unlikely.

Tchouameni’s return will increase Ancelotti’s options for the midfield line and he’s the only pure defensive midfielder in the roster.

(managingmadrid)

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Written by Patrick Echatah

The football world was shocked, or laughing, at Juventus getting docked 15 points in Serie A.

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The Old Lady is now in pretty serious economic trouble being out of the Champions League places and could be interested in selling off some of its more profitable players for some cash.

A report from Sport details how Barcelona are keeping an eye on multiple Juve players.

It takes an economically challenged club to recognize an economically challenged club, and Barca are ready to pounce.

Manuel Locatelli, Fabio Miretti, Adrien Rabiot, Federico Chiesa, and Dusan Vlahovic are some of the players who’re mentioned as being ones Barca are keen on. Good luck to all involved in these negotiations.

Read Also – 10 MEMORABLE EVENTS OF WOMEN’S FOOTBALL IN 2022

Meanwhile…

Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have done plenty of business together in recent years and it seems there may be more deals to come.

The latest Barca player linked with a move to the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium is none other than Ferran Torres, who is having a bit of a tricky time at the Camp Nou.

Diario Sport are reporting that Atletico already asked about Torres’ situation during recent Memphis Depay talks and are keeping tabs on the Spain international.

(barcablaugranes)

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Written by Oluwaseun Oyediji

FC Barcelona women's team on Wednesday made history of its own and achieved a feat not matched by any men's or women's football team.

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The team's 7-0 thrashing of Las Planas ensured that the Catalan side became the first team (men or women) to record 50 straight wins in the league.

Ana-Maria Crnogorcevic scored the first goal of the game for Jonatan Giraldez's side in the seventh minute.

She turned provider for Asisat Oshoala who doubled the host's lead in the 25th minute.

Four minutes from halftime, Crnogorcevic scored her second goal of the game to extend her side's lead to three.

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In the second half, Victoria Lopez made it 4-0 while Oshaola completed her hat-trick with goals in the 56th and 63rd minute.

Mariona Caldentey sealed the win with Barcelona's seventh goal in the 74th minute.

The Blaugrana will take its record to Granadilla Tenerife for its next Lea game in a bid to extend its consecutive winning run.

Meanwhile…

FC Barcelona are currently undefeated in the Primera Division, at the top of their Champions League group, and winners of the Supercopa de Espania Femenina.

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They were, however, disqualified from the Copa de la Reina despite winning their most recent match over Osasuna, 9-0.

The issue stems from fielding an ineligible player, Geyse Ferreira, in the win.

Ferreira should not have been able to play after receiving a red card in the competition last season.

The suspension will cost the Catalans a chance at their fourth straight Copa de la Reina title, and despite the heavy loss, Osasuna advances in their stead.

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Written by Patrick Echatah

Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have done plenty of business together in recent years and it seems there may be more deals to come.

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The latest Barca player linked with a move to the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium is none other than Ferran Torres, who is having a bit of a tricky time at the Camp Nou.

Diario Sport are reporting that Atletico already asked about Torres’ situation during recent Memphis Depay talks and are keeping tabs on the Spain international.

Atletico are set for an attacking overhaul at the end of the season which could see Joao Felix, Thomas Lemar and Yannick Carrasco depart, paving the way for Torres to arrive.

Barcelona may well have to make a big sale in the summer and it seems Torres is one player who could be sacrificed.

The forward arrived from Manchester City in January a year ago for 55 million euros and has gone on to make 49 appearances, scoring 12 goals and contributing seven assists.

Read Also – 10 MEMORABLE EVENTS OF WOMEN’S FOOTBALL IN 2022

Meanwhile…

Barcelona are reportedly set to register Gavi as a first-team player and hand him the No. 6 shirt following Memphis Depay’s departure.

Gavi signed a new contract earlier this season but it had been thought he’d have to wait until the end of the campaign to be officially registered with the senior squad.

However, Cope are reporting that Barca are hoping to be able to register Gavi in the coming days and are just waiting for the green light from La Liga. Barca seem to have a little wiggle room after seeing Memphis Depay depart for Atletico.

(barcablaugranes)

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Written by Oluwaseun Oyediji

Chelsea's WSL match against Liverpool was abandoned after six minutes on Sunday due to a frozen pitch; Blues boss Emma Hayes questioned whether the current equipment used to help unfreeze pitches in the Barclays English FA Women's Super League (WSL) is good enough for the league

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Chelsea Women's head coach Emma Hayes says as a top national division the WSL should be allocated the same resources as men's football following the postponement of their game against Liverpool due to a frozen pitch
Emma Hayes says as a top football division similar to the Premier League, the Women's Super League should be afforded the same access to undersoil heating and other resources.

Six minutes into Chelsea's game against Liverpool on Sunday, the match was abandoned due to a frozen pitch, with players consistently slipping over and struggling to play.

It led to outrage among the women's football community, with the likes of Fara Williams, Vivianne Miedema, and Beth Mead expressing their dismay on social media.

While many Premier League and Championship grounds have undersoil heating to prevent frozen pitches from cancelling games, most WSL grounds - such as Chelsea's Kingsmeadow - do not have such.

Written by Oluwaseun Oyediji

Championship leaders London City Lionesses have suffered a huge blow only days before a Women's FA Cup glamour tie against WSL side Tottenham.

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Manager Melissa Phillips has left the club to become assistant coach of the United States (U.S.) National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) side, Angel City FC.

Angel City FC is owned by a group of Hollywood stars including actresses Natalie Portman, Jeniffer Garner, Uzo Aduba, and tennis legends Serena Williams and Billie Jean King.

The Los Angeles (LA-based) club is managed by English club Freya Coombe, who Phillips will assist in the new season.

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However, the news comes as a major shock to London City, who are enjoying their most successful season to date and sit top of England's second tier with 24 points from 11 games.

Phillips, originally from San Francisco, had been in charge since October 2020.

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Philips is leaving London City Lionesses at the top of the second-tier English Women's Championship side with 24 points.

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The team is a point ahead of Bristol City and has an outstanding match.

Sunday's clash with Bristol City slated to take place at the Robins High Performance Centre was postponed due to a frozen pitch.

Patches of the surface of the pitch were confirmed unsafe for play and the game was called off following two inspections.

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Written by Patrick Echatah

Barcelona are reportedly set to register Gavi as a first-team player and hand him the No. 6 shirt following Memphis Depay’s departure.

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Gavi signed a new contract earlier this season but it had been thought he’d have to wait until the end of the campaign to be officially registered with the senior squad.

However, Cope are reporting that Barca are hoping to be able to register Gavi in the coming days and are just waiting for the green light from La Liga.

Barca seem to have a little wiggle room after seeing Memphis Depay depart for Atletico. It seems unlikely a replacement will arrive which means renewals are the focus instead.

Gavi looks to be the priority, if the report proves to be correct, although Barca also still need to register Ronald Araujo with the first team.

The Catalans are also keen to hand Alejandro Balde a new deal as soon as finances allow but that might have to wait until the summer.

Read Also – 10 MEMORABLE EVENTS OF WOMEN’S FOOTBALL IN 2022

Meanwhile…

Ilias Akhomach has long been tipped to be a star at Barcelona but appears to be facing something of an uncertain future at the club.

The 18-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season and yet to agree a renewal with the Catalan giants. Diario Sport report Barca have wanted to extend his contract “for some time” but negotiations have been tricky. The report reckons Ilias wants more than Barca are willing to offer.

All of which appears to have created interest from Italy where AC Milan are hoping to take advantage of the situation and scoop up Ilias on a free transfer.

(barcablaugranes)

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