Japan will host the Club World Cup in its existing format in late 2021, Fifa president Gianni Infantino announced on Friday, with his expanded version of the tournament still on hold for now after being postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

It means there will be two Club World Cups in the same year, with Qatar hosting the 2020 edition between 1 and 11 February before another seven-team edition goes ahead in Japan in December.

Japan has hosted the Club World Cup eight times before, most recently in 2016.

A lucrative, revamped 24-team Club World Cup, including eight sides from Europe, was due to be played in China next year, but the expanded competition will not now start until a later date after the delayed Euro 2020 and the Copa America were pencilled in for next June and July.

"Due to the Covid-19 situation, which has led to the postponement of the revamped new Club World Cup...we've decided to organise a Club World Cup in the current format again in 2021 in December and we awarded the hosting rights to Japan," Infantino said following a Fifa Council meeting on Friday.

It means there will be one representative each from Europe, South America, North and Central America, Africa, Asia and Oceania, with the Japanese champions completing the line-up.

Bayern Munich will represent Europe at the February competition in Qatar, where the Germans will be looking to succeed Liverpool, winners of the last Club World Cup in Doha a year ago.

By AFP

Ghanaian midfielder Kwame Bonsu has completed a move to Egyptian Premier League side Ceramica Cleopatra from Tunisian giants Esperance Sportive de Tunis.

Ceramica Cleopatra will play their first ever season in Egypt’s top division and have added a number of high caliber to their ranks such as Mohamed Ibrahim, Mido Gaber, Fonsinho and Ragab Bakar.

They have now completed the signing of yet another highly rated player Kwame Bonsu who completes a tall list of perfect signings.

The former Asante Kotoko playmaker is believed to have signed a three year deal with the newcomers.

The 26-year-old started his professional career in Ghana with Anokye Stars FC before joining Heart of Lions Kpando in 2014.

He then secured a move to Europe with Swedish side FC Rosengard and went on to move around the country where he plied his trade with Mjallby AIF and Gefle IF.

Then after a full season without a club, he returned to Ghana with two-time African champions Asante Kotoko in 2018.

And after two years secured a move to Tunisia’s Esperance Sportive de Tunis.

During his time in the Tunisian capital, Bonsu has made 29 appearances and managed to win the domestic treble (Tunisian League, Tunisian Cup and Tunisian Super Cup.

FootballmadeinGhana

Ghana Rugby supports social distancing on elections day to fight Covid-19

President and Board Chairman of the Ghana Rugby Football Union, Herbert Mensah has advised Ghanaians to adhere to the Coronavirus preventive measures during the 2020 elections.

Ghana heads to the polls on Monday, December 7, 2020 with about seventeen million registered voters to cast their vote to elect leaders who will steer the affairs of the country for the next four years.

But with Ghana still recording cases of the devastating disease, Herbert Mensah and the Ghana Rugby Football Union have begun campaigning on the need for Ghanaians to practice the Coronavirus preventive measures at the various polling stations.

Speaking in an interview, the former Asante Kotoko chairman stated that the Ghana Rugby Football Union has begun propagating the need for Ghanaians to stay safe on the election day.

“Ghana Rugby is happy to be sponsoring on numerous of courses. With the Covid-19 pandemic still around, we challenged people to keep practicing the best preventive measures. We have spread social distancing, the wearing of masks and the washing of hands”, Mr. Mensah said.

“Ghana Rugby has carried out 300 tests on Coronavirus, some were positive but worked strongly with them to boast their immune system and to get in the right drugs and luckily, they are now negative and Covid-19 free.”

“Throughout the year, we have supported the lockdown challenge and others. We are responsible as sporting organization and on Monday we go to elections, a historical elections and we are supporting again best pratices, we are supporting peace, we are supporting social distancing and people should go out and vote.

Keep a bit of distance between yourself and the person standing in front and after voting go home peacefully, do not try anything that will encourage the spread of Covid-19 or perhaps getting hot tempered and reacting negatively.

Ghana Rugby is happy to be part of this programme to support everybody and to encourage everybody to keep a distance at least two meters”, he added.

About Ghana Rugby

Ghana Rugby is the official full member of both World Rugby (2017) and Rugby Africa in Ghana-West Africa and is responsible for the management and development of the Game Rugby Union in the country.

The Union is governed by a Constitution and administers five KPAs (Key Performance Areas) namely:

(1) Youth Development & Growth through the World Rugby “Get Into Rugby” Programme,

(2) Women in Ghana Rugby,

(3) Training & Education,

(4) Domestic

Competitions and

(5) International Performance.

By Stephen Kwame Yeboah 

Mr. Sammy Heywood Okine, Ag Communications Director of the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) has pleaded with media houses especially television stations to work closely with promoters to come up with packages to bring back the love in boxing.

Speaking at the Idrowhyt Events Centre to introduce boxers on the next programme by Cabic Promotions he said the media and sports are bedfellows and without the press, sports will not be exciting as the news, previews and reviews will not get far.

He expressed that the media can partner promoters and the GBA to stage quality fights with the support of sponsors.

Sammy Heywood Okine aka General One, who doubles as Communications Director of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) also advised boxers and sportsmen to be extra careful about their health and safety and abide by the Covid-19 protocols.

Mr. Ellis Quaye, a director of Cabic Promotions cautioned the media in publishing news without cross checking their facts and figures, as some of the negative news go a long way to discourage promoters which in the end affect the sport and business of boxing.

On Boxing Day, December 26^th, 2020, Cabic will stage the Boxing Day Rumble at the Idrowhyt Events Centre at Dansoman in Accra. The bill will feature former WBO Africa superwelterweight champion, Patrick Allotey against Victus Kemavor from the Volta Region and other amazing boxers like Emmanuel Quaye, Yusif Seidu, Michael Pappoe and an international surprise.

By Naa Amerley Commey

Joshua Nii Okaikoi Tagoe, a PE teacher won the special Okaikwei Triangular Marathon 2020 over 10 kilometers organised by the Dreamland Sports Plus and One-On-One Foundation to create awareness for a peaceful election in a healthy community on Friday, December 4, 2020.

He was presented with a giant trophy, cash of 1,000ghc and special prizes from the sponsors, Puma Energy Drinks, Parle Biscuits, Cave & Gardens and Ocean Spray.

Emmanuel Dotse and William Anshong, both students placed second and third and took home 700ghc and 500ghc respectively in addition to sponsor’s products.

Mr. Emmanuel Olla Williams who doubles as Youth Coordinator of the Ghana Olympic (GOC) commended the participants and urged them to share the message of peace, unity and love at this elections period.

He also thanked the sponsors for supporting a laudable social and sports programme.

Mr. Rajan Singh, sales and marketing manager of Cave & Gardens also advised the youth against violence due to elections.

Mr. Jonathan Odartey Baddoo, CEO of Base Pharmacy who was a sponsor and special guest appealed to the media to promote health living lifestyle. He said running for peace, unity and fitness is an ideal theme for the programme.

The event which covered Okaikwei North, Central and South Constituencies in the Greater Accra Region started and ended at the Azumah Nelson Sports Complex at Kaneshie.

Ghana goes for General Elections on Monday, December 7, 2020 to elect a President and Members of Parliament.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The Ghana Badminton Association (BAG) at its Annual General Meeting (AGM) held last Saturday, has adopted and approved fourteen new proposals into its constitution and bye-laws.

At the AGM, members of the Association proposed to amend the name of the Association from Badminton Association of Ghana to Ghana Badminton Association, but maintained its abbreviations as BAG and changed its logo as well.

This was done to maintain a connection to its Ghanaian history, as the sport turns toward the future and to inspire Ghanaians to love badminton for life and also to ensure a national appeal in line with the government’s responsibility towards national teams.

Ghana Badminton new logo would immediately change across all digital platforms and updating physical branding as it replaces these items in the normal course of a business.

The delegates felt it was time to give a fresh look to the organization with its developing trend to appeal to social media and the Ghanaian public.

Ghana Badminton has gone through changes over the last three years, with a lot of new innovations and exciting progress being made in all areas, with thousands of Ghanaians getting involved in the sport.

Ghana Badminton also approved the nomination of Kevin Evans Alphous as the chair for Athletes’ Commission. The athletes’ commission aim is to present the needs and views of athletes to the Badminton Board and Committees on matters relevant to athletes and act as the official link between players and the Association.

As the governing and supervisory body of the sport in Ghana, the association also adopted the inclusion of 40% of female representation on committees and executive levels by 2025.

Also, there was an updated internal resolution mechanism where a statutory clause will specify that any dispute requiring arbitration involving itself or/and or one of its members and relating to the constitution, regulations, directives and decisions of Ghana Badminton or its officers in an official capacity shall only be referred to an internal dispute resolution of BAG currently highlighted in the constitution as the first place of resolution.

Any member who does not follow the internal resolution procedure as the first point of call for any dispute is automatically banned for three years from the association without further reference and recourse to the member.

Another reform is to allow members to have individual membership to pay their Ghc480 dues for a period of the four-year assessment period and such members will automatically enjoy all the rights and privileges associated.

The Association held the 2020 Annual general meeting over the weekend at the Media Centre of the Accra Sports Stadium saw delegates from 15 regions and 28 clubs across the country.

The Association also received solidarity messages from the National Paralympic Committee, Ghana Olympic Committee, the National Sports Authority, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and the Women in Sports Association of Ghana.

GNA

 The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) will on Friday, December 18, inaugurate another stadium in Al Rayyan, ahead of the 2022 Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) World Cup.

The inauguration would coincide with a national holiday in Qatar and also marks two clear years ahead of the commencement of the World Cup.

It is the latest milestone achievement on the road to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

The stadium which would become the new home of Al Rayyan Sports Club is the fourth Qatar 2022 tournament venue to open following Khalifa International, Al Janoub and Education City. Earlier this year.

The venue would host seven matches during the World Cup.

The 40,000-capacity stadium is adjacent to the Mall of Qatar and within walking distance of Al Riffa Station on Doha Metro’s Green Line. The stadium’s striking feature is a glowing façade, comprised of patterns that characterise different aspects of Qatar- the importance of family, the beauty of the desert, native flora and fauna, and local and international trade. A fifth shape – a shield – brings together all the others, representing the strength and unity that is particularly relevant to the city of Al Rayyan.

H.E. Hassan Al Thawadi, Secretary-General of the SC, said “The inauguration of this stadium is another major milestone on the road to 2022. This stunning venue and the surrounding precinct will leave a fantastic legacy for Al Rayyan Sports Club and everyone who lives in this proud city.

“This event also marks the two-year countdown to the biggest match in Qatar’s history: the FIFA World Cup final. We are proud that our World Cup preparations remain on track, with 90% of infrastructure projects completed. We look forward to unveiling more stadiums next year as we ensure that all tournament venues are delivered well in advance of the big kick-off.”

Hilal Al Kuwari, Chairman of the SC’s Technical Delivery Office, described the stadium’s completion as a massive achievement on the road to the first FIFA World Cup in the Middle East and Arab world.

“Five stadiums have now been completed, including Khalifa, Al Janoub, Education City, Al Bayt and Al Rayyan. The remaining three will be delivered in the near future in order to give us plenty of time to test our operational plans,” said Al Kuwari.

He added “The successful delivery of the stadium in Al Rayyan – on time and within budget – is testament to the outstanding collaboration of the SC team, our numerous contractors and valued stakeholders. We are incredibly excited to launch this venue on Qatar National Day, exactly two years to the day before everyone focuses on our country for the World Cup final.”

Considerable sustainability and efficiency measures have been embedded in the design to reduce the stadium's carbon footprint, including the use of recycled building materials and retaining trees from the surrounding environment. Many of the recycled materials used in the new stadium complex came from the deconstructed Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium that once occupied the site.

As a result, the stadium was awarded the following Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) ratings: GSAS Design & Build Certification (four-star rating), GSAS Construction Management Certification (Class A*) and a GSAS Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) Compliance Certificate.

“The building of this stadium, which incorporated the careful deconstruction of Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium and the reuse of materials from that structure in the new project, is an outstanding achievement for the SC,” said Yasir Al Jamal, Vice Chairman of the SC’s Technical Delivery Office. “From the beginning, sustainability was at the forefront of this project, amid the unique challenges we faced during the development. I’m very proud of the SC team and our valued stakeholders for delivering this outstanding venue.”

After Qatar 2022, the modular upper tier of the stadium will be removed, with the seats being repurposed into sporting facilities in Qatar and overseas. The surrounding precinct will also be

transformed into a regional sporting hub, where locals will have the opportunity to experience many other sporting facilities that spring up as part of the complex.

Six football training pitches, a cricket pitch, horse riding track, cycling track, gym equipment and an athletics track are just some of the facilities that the community of Al Rayyan can look forward to using.

GNA

The Ghana Football Association (GFA), on Friday, December 04, 2020 received a cheque of One Million Ghana cedis (GHc1,000,000) from the government of Ghana for onward distribution to Premier League Clubs.

According to Government, this is part of their support mechanism to the clubs to offset some of their expenses in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The presentation of was done by officials of the Ministry of Youth and Sports led Mr. Harrison Sasu, Director of Finance and Administration.

Others included Mr. Emmanuel Oteng, Chief Accountant, Mr. Ahmed Osman, Communications and Mr. Kenneth Annang, Public Relations Officer. Speaking on behalf of the Ministry and Government of Ghana, Mr. Ahmad Osman, said the donation is to support the clubs in this challenging period of COVID-19.

"His Excellency the President through the Ministry of Youth and Sports has heeded to the request of the GFA to assist our various clubs in the country with some financial support. Ahmed Osman said.

"You know there was a directive from the Ministry of Youth and Sports that all Premier League matches must be played behind closed doors. We are happy to observe that the clubs have adhered to the directive and the GFA through its President, General Secretary and other members had engagements with the Minister that, the Ministry should find a way of assisting the clubs to meet some of their expenditure.

"The engagement went on very fine and government this morning has accepted the request made by the GFA that some assistance should be given to the clubs. This includes the Division One, Women and our Reps who are also participating in Africa engagements. But this morning we are here to present a cheque of Nine hundred thousand Ghana Cedis as first tranche thus 50 percent of what we promised.

"We issued a statement assuring the clubs that the promise made by the government that everybody will be catered for will be fulfilled in due course.

"We are presenting this cheque to the GFA for onward transmission to the 18 clubs. The press release stated Nine Hundred Thousand but we have added Hundred Thousand cedis to it up to One million for other administrative cost inquired" Ahmed Osman added

President of the GFA, Kurt Edwin Simeon Okraku expressed his gratitude to the Government and the Ministry of Youth and Sports for their continued support to football in the country.

"On behalf of the entire football Industry, Executive Council, we want to express our sincere gratitude to the President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo Addo for this amazing gesture. President Simeon Okraku said.

"I think that it has come in due time. We will also like to thank the Sports Minister, Isaac Kwame Asiamah (Hon.) for being there for the Football Association all the time and playing a pivotal role. We want to also thank the entire Youth and Sports Ministry for being there for us.

"I think that it has come in time since we have been working on this for so long. We have had numerous meetings and finally, the President has delivered. This will go a long way in pushing our Premier League clubs especially during this challenging period of Covid and clubs being asked to play behind closed doors.

"I think that we grateful for what we have been giving and we look forward to receiving the second part and I have been promised that the second part is even gargantuan in nature and in character. So, we are very positive about the future of our sport and we look forward to using the football platform to educate the Ghanaian populace towards the upcoming election.

"It is dear to our heart and soul. It is important that we survive this period to be able to enjoy our football. We wish the entire country the best, vote peacefully, go home and enjoy football" he added.

GFA General Secretary, Prosper Harrison Addo (ESQ), who received the cheque on behalf of the Association added his voice by showing appreciation to the Government.

"On behalf of the Executive Council and all the clubs who are beneficiaries of this gesture from government, I would like to express my sincerest appreciation to the government, the President of the land, our father, the Minister of Youth and Sports, Isaac Asiamah (Hon.), Staff of the Ministry, the Sports Authority for accepting to engage and listen to us and after listening to consider and quickly as possible come to our aid with this amount.

"This will indeed go a long way to help the clubs. The clubs are extremely happy about this gesture and would want to extend their appreciation to the father of the land" Prosper Harrison Addo added

Each Premier League club is expected to receive an amount of Fifty Thousand Ghana cedis.

In attendance were Executive Council Members, Madam Habiba Atta Forson, Mr. Samuel Anim Addo, Alhaji Salifu Zida, Frederick Acheampong and Kingsley Osei Bonsu.

Others included Greater Accra Regional Football Association Chairman, Samuel Aboabire and Henry Asante Twum, Director of Communications.

GFA COMMUNICATIONS

The Stadio San Paolo in Naples has been renamed after Diego Maradona

Napoli have officially renamed their San Paolo home stadium in memory of Diego Maradona after the club legend died aged 60.

Maradona, regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, forged a strong bond with the Italian club and its supporters during his seven-year spell between 1984 and 1991.

The forward, who led Argentina to World Cup glory in 1986, joined Napoli from Barcelona and won their only two Serie A titles - in 1987 and 1990 - along with the Coppa Italia and UEFA Cup.

The Naples city council confirmed on Friday - nine days on from Maradona's death - that the stadium has been renamed in his honour as the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.

Naples city mayor Luigi De Magistris and Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis had confirmed last week that the San Paolo would be renamed, but were originally unsure whether the initial name would need to be kept as part of the title, which it ultimately was not.

"I've been in talks with local authorities for the past 17 years, I have always asked to buy the stadium and rename it 'Diego Armando Maradona'," De Laurentiis told Sky in Italy. "If then, for tradition, we will need to call it both 'San Paolo' and 'Maradona' so be it.

"It won't change much, but it's only right that Maradona has this recognition. Even if we were to build a whole new stadium, I would name it like that."

"I believe it is right to name the San Paolo after you, so we can keep you with us as a witness of the excellent path this team has taken," De Laurentiis reiterated in an emotional letter addressed to the late club icon.

"Your years here remain indelible in the memories of the people of Naples - symbolic of a coveted redemption and yearned-for resurrection."

Pele paid tribute to his fellow all-time great Maradona, saying: "One day, I hope we can play football together in the sky".

Argentina's all-time top goalscorer Lionel Messi wrote on Instagram: "A very sad day for all Argentines and football. He leaves us but does not leave, because Diego is eternal. I take all the good moments lived with him and send condolences to all his family and friends. RIP."

Cristiano Ronaldo tweeted in Portuguese alongside a picture of him and Maradona: "Today I say goodbye to a friend and the world says goodbye to an eternal genius."

Gary Lineker, who was in the England side beaten by Maradona's Argentina in the 1986 World Cup quarter-final, led the tributes on Twitter, writing: "By some distance the best player of my generation and arguably the greatest of all time.

"After a blessed but troubled life, hopefully, he'll finally find some comfort in the hands of God. #RipDiego."

Manchester United and England forward Marcus Rashford also posted a message on Twitter, while Jamie Carragher wrote: "I'll never forget watching Diego Maradona as an 8 yr old at the World Cup in Mexico. Never seen anything like it on that stage since. Sad news."

"One of the best ever. An unparalleled magician. He leaves too soon, but leaves a legacy without limits and a void that will never be filled. Rest in peace, ace. You will never be forgotten."

Diego Maradona's time at Napoli is the stuff of legend but Asif Kapadia's documentary got to the heart of the tale.

By skysports

Ghana Rugby League administrator, Rachel Ankomah has been nominated to be part of the Middle East-Africa (MEA) women’s working group.

Rachel who serves as the Women’s Coordinator of the Rugby League Federation Ghana (RLFG) revealed this to The Pressbox stating “By God’s grace, I have been nominated to be part of the Middle East-Africa women’s working group.”

MEA, which is the rugby league governing body for the Middle East and Africa regions is looking to develop the female side of the sport, and the setting up of the women’s working group seems to be the first step on that journey.

“We are basically in charge of coordinating all international activities of females. So, what we are going to do is try our very best to develop the sport in Africa.” Rachel said.

The Skolars Rugby League Club (RLC) Team Manager has been a major voice for the development of female rugby in Ghana setting up the “Pretty Girls Play Rugby League” campaign which has led to the formation of 5 female rugby league clubs and a Ghana Women’s Rugby League Championship also in the works.

“We have already made provisions that [female rugby league competition] but most of the ladies are new to the sport so we might not start with the contact yet, so we are planning on starting with Touch Rugby.

“So our plan is that the ladies will play curtain raisers for the matches from January [2021] and along the line when they get used to the contact we might organize a female tournament.” She further stated

Rachel Ankomah has been making a name for herself in the rugby league world; from leading her Skolars RLC to 2nd place at the maiden edition of the Ghana Rugby League Championships back in 2019 to appearing on a special episode of the popular rugby league podcast “Chasing Kangaroos” and now adding the role as a member of the MEA women’s working group. The sky really is the limit for the Women’s Coordinator of the RLFG.

By Leroy Hawkson