BREAKING: Former England Manager Sven-Goran Eriksson Dies Aged 76

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2 years ago

August 26, 2024

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BREAKING: Former England Manager Sven-Goran Eriksson Dies Aged 76—-Sven-Göran Eriksson, England’s first overseas manager and winner of multiple honours at club level, has died at the age of 76.

Eriksson revealed in January 2024 that he had been diagnosed with terminal cancer and that he likely had “at best” about a year to live. He had stood down from his final job, as sporting director at Karlstad in his native Sweden, the previous February because of what he described at the time as “health issues which are under investigation”.

Eriksson’s death was confirmed by Bo Gustavsson, the former Lazio coach’s agent in Sweden, via his UK PR agent, Dean Eldredge of Oporto Sports. Gustavsson said Eriksson had died on Monday morning at home surrounded by family.

Eriksson’s managerial career spanned more than four decades, during which he won 18 trophies. It began in Sweden with Degerfors IF before he took charge of IFK Göteborg. Eriksson was 30 and barely known to the players of one of the country’s leading clubs, but he was unfazed and proved a huge success, leading Göteborg to the Swedish title and the Uefa Cup in 1982.

That led to Eriksson being appointed manager of Benfica and, again, he proved a success, winning two league titles and reaching another Uefa Cup final in 1983. This time he was on the wrong side of the result after a 2-1 aggregate defeat by Anderlecht.

Eriksson’s star was on the rise, however. He moved on to Roma and then Fiorentina before returning to Benfica in 1989, leading the Portuguese club to another league title and, in 1990, a European Cup final, where they lost to Milan. That led to a return to Italy with Sampdoria, whom he led to a Coppa Italia triumph in 1994, before a move to Lazio where Eriksson was backed in the transfer market by the club’s wealthy president Sergio Cragnotti and repaid that faith with a Serie A title in 2000. It was only the second time the Rome club had won Italy’s biggest prize.

By that stage Eriksson was one of the most highly regarded managers in Europe and, as such, it was not a great surprise that the Football Association targeted him to be Kevin Keegan’s successor as England manager. His appointment in January 2001 still proved controversial within a section of the media, however, given his nationality. “We’ve sold our birth-right down the fjord to a nation of seven million skiers and hammer throwers who spend half their life in the dark,” wrote the Daily Mail. The Sun described Eriksson’s appointment as a “terrible, pathetic, self-inflicted indictment”.

Eriksson dealt with the rage in typically cool, calm fashion and got off to a perfect start, leading England to a 3-0 victory over Spain at Villa Park in February 2001. Seven months later, came the high point of his England career – a 5-1 victory over Germany in Munich. Writing in the Guardian, David Lacey described the result as “ecstasy in spades”, and for Eriksson it well and truly represented lift-off. As Lacey also wrote that night: “The appointment has taken on the touch of genius.”

England would require another memorable result – a 2-2 draw with Greece at Old Trafford in October 2001 – to secure qualification for the following summer’s World Cup and it was at this point that the other aspect of Eriksson’s time in charge – controversy – came to the fore. Not long before the tournament in Japan and South Korea, it was revealed Eriksson had had an affair with television presenter, and fellow Swede, Ulrika Johnson.

Eriksson was accused of not getting the most out of England’s so-called golden generation but he led the county to three major tournaments and, in each one, reached the quarter-finals. He departed from his post at the end of the 2006 World Cup having been caught up in a tabloid sting in the January of that year that saw him tell the ‘Fake Sheikh’ that he would be willing to manage Aston Villa were they to be the subject of a Middle Eastern takeover. That followed reported dalliances with Manchester United and Chelsea and, ultimately, his position had become untenable: it was announced prior to the World Cup that Eriksson would be leaving, regardless of how England performed in Germany.

“The unfair thing is not the football press,” Eriksson later said about the tumultuous nature of his five years in charge of England. “The unfair thing is the rest of the press, which can’t see the difference between your private life and your professional life. When that gets mixed up, one way or another, that’s bad, very bad.”

Eriksson went on to manage a host of clubs and countries, including Manchester City, Leicester, Mexico and, finally in 2019, the Philippines. In March 2024 he also realised a childhood dream by managing Liverpool at Anfield in a charity game. “It was a beautiful day,” Eriksson said afterwards.

A documentary about Eriksson’s life, simply entitled ‘Sven’, was shown on Amazon Prime before his death and contained a message from the man himself that poignantly summed up his good humour, grace and dignity. “Don’t be sorry, smile,” Eriksson said. “Thank you for everything, coaches, players, the crowds, it’s been fantastic. Take care of yourself and take care of your life. And live it. Bye.”

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BREAKING: Super Falcons Miss Out on 2027 World Cup After 2–1 Defeat to Banyana Banyana

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2 days ago

August 13, 2026

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BREAKING: Super Falcons Miss Out on 2027 World Cup After 2–1 Defeat to Banyana Banyana—-Super Falcons hopes of reaching the Women’s World Cup in Brazil have been shattered after South Africa struck twice in Casablanca to end the Super Falcons’ remarkable qualification streak.

Nigeria’s Super Falcons will miss the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup for the first time in their history after suffering a 2–1 defeat to South Africa’s Banyana Banyana in a decisive qualification play-off in Casablanca.

The defeat brings an end to Nigeria’s remarkable record of appearing at every previous edition of the Women’s World Cup since the tournament began in 1991. The Super Falcons had been handed another opportunity to keep their qualification hopes alive after their disappointing quarter-final exit at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Nigeria entered the contest needing victory to keep their World Cup dream alive, while South Africa faced the same all-or-nothing scenario after also falling at the quarter-final stage of the WAFCON.

The two sides battled through a goalless first half, with neither able to find the breakthrough in a tense encounter at the Moulay Rachid Stadium.

South Africa eventually broke the deadlock after the interval when Thembi Kgatlana found the net in the 56th minute, giving Desiree Ellis’ side a crucial advantage.

The goal forced Nigeria to chase the game, but the Super Falcons struggled to produce a sustained response. South Africa remained dangerous and eventually doubled their advantage through captain Refiloe Jane, who struck in the 77th minute to put Banyana Banyana firmly in control.

Nigeria managed to pull a goal back late in the contest when Christy Ucheibe converted from the penalty spot, giving the Super Falcons renewed hope of completing a dramatic comeback.

However, the equaliser never arrived.

South Africa held on to secure a historic 2–1 victory and, in doing so, ended Nigeria’s extraordinary run of World Cup appearances.

The result is particularly painful for the Super Falcons because the 2026 WAFCON served as part of Africa’s qualification pathway for the 2027 World Cup. The four semi-finalists earned automatic qualification, while the teams eliminated in the quarter-finals were given another opportunity through continental play-offs.

Nigeria had already surrendered their automatic qualification opportunity after losing 1–0 to Cameroon in the WAFCON quarter-finals. That defeat sent the 10-time African champions into the play-off route alongside South Africa, Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire.

But the Super Falcons have now suffered another defeat when it mattered most.

For South Africa, the victory represents a major breakthrough in their own qualification campaign. Banyana Banyana will now progress to the inter-confederation play-offs, keeping their hopes of appearing at a third consecutive Women’s World Cup alive.

For Nigeria, however, the consequences are historic.

The Super Falcons had previously never failed to qualify for a Women’s World Cup. Their uninterrupted presence at the tournament had made them the only African women’s national team to achieve such a record.

That run has now come to an abrupt end.

The defeat also caps a hugely disappointing WAFCON campaign for Nigeria. Despite being the defending African champions and the continent’s most successful women’s national team, the Falcons exited the tournament at the quarter-final stage before falling to South Africa in their final World Cup qualification opportunity.

Nigeria’s elimination will inevitably lead to questions surrounding the team’s preparation, tactical approach and performance during the tournament. Coach Justin Madugu had acknowledged before the South Africa clash that his side had another opportunity to rescue their World Cup campaign and promised that the players would give everything to secure victory.

Instead, it was South Africa who delivered when the pressure was greatest.

The Super Falcons’ historic World Cup streak is over, while Banyana Banyana march on with their hopes of reaching Brazil 2027 still alive.

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Romelu Lukaku Joins Fenerbahçe from Napoli in €6m Transfer

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3 days ago

August 12, 2026

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Romelu Lukaku Joins Fenerbahçe from Napoli in €6m Transfer—-The Belgian striker has completed his move to Turkey after Napoli agreed to sell him to Fenerbahçe for a reported €6 million plus bonuses, bringing his two-year spell in Italy to an end.

Romelu Lukaku has completed his transfer from Napoli to Turkish giants Fenerbahçe, ending his time in Serie A after the two clubs reached an agreement for the Belgian striker.

The 33-year-old has joined the Istanbul club in a permanent transfer, with Italian media reporting that Fenerbahçe will pay around €6 million, with additional performance-related bonuses potentially increasing the value of the deal. Neither club formally disclosed the financial details of the transfer.

Lukaku’s departure brings an end to a two-year spell with Napoli, where he played an important role in the club’s domestic success. The Belgian joined the Italian side from Chelsea in 2024 and went on to help Napoli secure the Serie A title during the 2024–25 campaign.

His time in Naples was ultimately disrupted by fitness problems during his final season. Lukaku made only seven appearances during the injury-affected campaign, limiting his opportunities before the decision was eventually taken to move him on.

Despite those difficulties, Lukaku leaves Napoli with a league title on his résumé and a reputation as one of Europe’s most experienced centre-forwards. His physical presence, finishing ability and extensive experience at the highest level made him an attractive target for Fenerbahçe as the Turkish club looked to strengthen its attack.

The move also represents a return to Turkey for Lukaku, who has a personal connection to the country. His father, former professional footballer Roger Lukaku, played for Gençlerbirliği in Ankara, meaning the Belgian spent part of his childhood in Turkey. Lukaku described his return as an emotional moment as he begins a new chapter with Fenerbahçe.

Fenerbahçe finished second in the Turkish league last season and are looking to close the gap on their rivals while competing for major honours. Lukaku’s arrival gives the club an experienced attacking option capable of leading the line and providing a significant presence in the final third.

The Belgian international also arrives after featuring at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Despite Belgium’s eventual exit in the quarter-finals, Lukaku scored three goals during the tournament, demonstrating that he remains capable of making an impact on the international stage.

Before joining Napoli, Lukaku enjoyed successful spells at clubs including Everton, Manchester United, Inter Milan and Chelsea. His most productive period came at Inter, where he helped the Italian side win the Serie A title in 2020–21 before returning to Chelsea.

His move to Fenerbahçe now gives the veteran striker another opportunity to write a new chapter in his career. For Napoli, the transfer allows the club to move on from a player whose final season was heavily affected by injuries, while Fenerbahçe gain an experienced forward as they pursue domestic and European ambitions.

Lukaku’s arrival is expected to generate significant excitement among Fenerbahçe supporters, who will hope the Belgian can rediscover his best form and provide the goals needed to challenge for silverware in Turkey.

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