Former Chelsea star, 46, handed five-year ban from all football activity following dispute with Samuel Eto'o

FORMER Chelsea star Geremi has landed a five-year ban from football - after a dispute with fellow ex-Blue Samuel Eto'o.
The Cameroon international won Premier League titles in 2005 and 2006 while at Stamford Bridge.
3
3
Midfielder Geremi also played for Middlesbrough, Newcastle and Real Madrid.
The 46-year-old has headed the Cameroon players' union Synafoc in recent years.
But the West African country's FA, Fecafoot, has now banned him from football until 2030, as well as fining him £13,000.
Ex- Chelsea, Everton, Barcelona and Inter Milan star Eto'o, 44, is president of the association.
Their dispute dates back to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in the Ivory Coast, when Geremi is said to have had a dressing-room row with one of Eto'o's staff.
Fecafoot's ethics committee announced: "We declare Geremi Sorel Njitap, the president of Synafoc, guilty of breaking the behaviour rules of our code of ethics.
"We sentence him to a ban from all forms of football activity for five years, and to a fine of ten million West African francs [£13,000].
"He has ten days to submit a written appeal."
BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK
Geremi's assistant Daniel Blaise Ngos has meanwhile been banned for two years and fined £6,500 for his part in the dispute.
The midfielder won 118 caps for Cameroon, scoring 13 goals for the Indomitable Lions.
He helped them win Olympic gold in 2000, as well as two Africa Cups of Nations.
A La Liga winner with Madrid in 2001, he also played for clubs in Paraguay, Turkey and Greece.
He infamously split from wife Laure last year after DNA tests showed the two children he thought were his were fathered by her ex.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

The Sun

8 hours ago

• The Sun

Man Utd target Victor Osimhen suffered tragic loss of mum and sold sachets of water on streets before breakthrough

VICTOR OSIMHEN is the man of the moment. His name, which means 'God is good' in his local Edo dialect, is fitting for someone whose journey reflects faith, grit and perseverance. 8 8 Osimhen could soon be heading to Manchester United as SunSport revealed last week. Talks with Viktor Gyokeres collapsed after the striker was not happy with the Red Devils' offer and now wants to move to Arsenal instead. United are still in need of a striker and will now turn their attention to Osimhen. The move would cap a remarkable rise for the Napoli striker, who spent last season on loan at Galatasaray . The Nigerian began life selling sachets of water on the streets of Lagos to survive. Watching him play today you can feel that hunger, a drive forged in the hustle of one of the world's toughest cities. For years his WhatsApp profile photo carried the words: 'Focus, hustle, and believe.' It's a mindset he still lives by. Even as global interest in him soars, Osimhen remains grounded in the values that shaped him into a world-class striker. His first coach, Chinedu Ogbenna, told SunSport in an exclusive interview from his base in Nigeria about how it all started for the striker Ogbenna said: 'I lived in the same compound where Victor was born. 'His father was a friend. I literally witnessed his first days on earth. 8 'The house was a shared compound filled with kids. Even as a toddler, Victor would cry uncontrollably if the ball was taken from him. 'He could barely kick but he just needed the ball near him. That's where his love for football began. 'Life was hard, he lost his mother before he turned one. That's the kind of start he had, it tells you everything you need to know about his journey.' Breakout moment in Chile Osimhen first grabbed international attention when he won the Golden Boot at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile in 2015. Nigeria had only narrowly qualified after finishing fourth in the African Championship. Team media officer Morakinyo Abodunrin told SunSport how he witnessed first hand the growth of the man who will now become one of the best in the world. Sports DESK EP17_9_16 _AP_V3 He said: 'He wasn't the finished product when he joined, but something shifted in Chile. 'He asked the team manager for Nike boots and promised to score goals in them. I didn't even think we had any but he insisted. 'True to his word he dominated the tournament in those boots, scoring 10 goals and helping us lift the trophy.' His pace, power, and clinical finishing stood out but it was his mental toughness that truly separated him. 8 Losing his mother early and watching his father struggle without work gave him a resilience beyond his years. Osimhen opened up to France Football in 2019 about his tough upbringing. He said: 'I lost my mom in October, I do not even remember the year. "I was small. Three months later, my father lost his job. It was very hard for our family. 'My brother sold sports newspapers, my sister, oranges in the street and me, bottled water in Lagos in the middle of the traffic. "We have to survive so we stick together. 'In the evening, we were all together and we gathered the money on the table. "We gave everything to our big sister and she made food and organized everything. 'Part of my life has been a struggle to survive. But that's all I am today in the end. It's hard to classify all that but each event has created my personality.' The tough beginnings have given him the resourcefulness to survive through the harder times in his career. Former Barcelona player Emmanuel Amuneke, who coached Nigeria's U-17 team to victory, explained how Osimhen's strong character shone despite a slow start. He said: 'You know how we Africans are with our mothers and he didn't have his so I think he channeled that void. 'To be honest when he first came to us for trial I didn't see much in him in the first set of games he played. 'But one of my assistants said, 'Coach, that boy in green could have something.' So I gave him another shot in the second game. 'That's when it clicked, tall, strong in the air, quick feet, and raw hunger. You could tell he could go far. 'Normally when someone is that tall you don't expect them to be that good with their feet but he had it all.' German setback Following his U-17 triumph, Osimhen signed for Wolfsburg in Germany. But he played just 14 games without scoring, overshadowed by experienced forwards like Mario Gomez and Divock Origi. He was loaned to Belgian side Charleroi, where he found his form, scoring 20 goals in one season. Speaking to The Nationonline, he said:'I wasn't shaken by the criticism at Wolfsburg. I believed in myself. 'Moving to Belgium proved that difficult times can be blessings in disguise. "Many Nigerians had come to Belgium before me and succeeded. I'm proud to be among them.' A star at Lille Charleroi exercised their option to buy him for just £3million, but that same summer, Lille swooped in, using funds from Nicolas Pepe's sale to Arsenal to bring in Osimhen. He made an immediate impact, scoring twice on his debut and later finding the net against Chelsea in the Champions League. Then-Chelsea manager Frank Lampard was full of praise after watching him closely for the first time: 'He's a striker with everything, fast, strong, and technically sound. 'I'd watched clips before the game, but seeing him live was different. He's impressive and his story is inspiring.' Osimhen finished as Lille's top scorer with 18 goals across all competitions attracting attention from Europe's elite. He chose Napoli. 8 Superstardom in Naples In 2020, Napoli signed Osimhen for a club-record £70million making him the most expensive African player in history. After two solid seasons, he exploded in 2022/23. He had missed AFCON with a facial injury and had to wear a mask which prompted the Italian media to dub him the 'Masked Assassin'. Osimhen scored 26 goals in 32 league games as he led Napoli to their first Serie A title in 33 years. He also broke George Weah's record to become the league's top-scoring African ever and won the Capocannoniere as Serie A's top scorer. In 2023, he placed 8th in the Ballon d'Or the first Nigerian ever in the top 10. But even at the height of success, tragedy struck again when his father, his biggest supporter, passed away during the COVID-19 pandemic. A fallout with Napoli followed, derailing a dream move to Chelsea. From being the club's icon he suddenly found himself sidelined, training alone, staring down six months without football. 8 King of Istanbul Then Galatasaray called and Osimhen accepted and rediscovered his spark in Turkey. He scored 26 goals in 30 games leading Galatasaray to the league title. Since the transfer window opened he's turned down four offers from Saudi clubs including one that was offering wages of £40million-a-year. Where he goes next remains uncertain but one thing is clear, Victor Osimhen has fought through unimaginable odds. He didn't just climb the ladder, he built it one step at a time. He's earned his place among the best strikers in the world.

The Sun

9 hours ago

• The Sun

Andre Onana to REJECT move to Champions League side who contacted his camp despite Emi Martinez wanting Man Utd transfer

ANDRE ONANA plans to reject interest from Monaco to establish himself as the No.1 at Manchester United. The French club have been in touch with the Cameroon goalkeeper's camp in recent days about a possible move. 4 4 However, despite a difficult season at Old Trafford, he still wants to prove the doubters wrong. Ruben Amorim is likely to shake up his goalkeeper options this summer with second-choice Altay Bayindir expected to leave. However, his current plan is to keep faith with Onana but buy someone who will put serious pressure on the 29-year-old. He plans to spend the budget he has got available on other areas of his team – notably on reshaping his forward line. Meanwhile, he will hope Onana can return to the form that persuaded ex-boss Erik ten Hag to pay £47 million for him two years ago. Clubs in Saudi Arabia have also shown interest in Onana, but he is determined to fight for his future with United. Aston Villa's World Cup winner Emi Martinez is pushing for a move to United and could be available this summer. SunSport exclusively revealed Onana's desire to fight for his place in the Red Devils starting XI. JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS 4 A source close to the Cameroonian: "Andre's plan is to stay in Manchester and he wants to knuckle down and get United back to where they should be. 'His sole focus is on United and nothing else. Wife of Man Utd goalkeeper Andre Onana 'robbed of £62K handbag and Rolex' in horror theft as man, 25, charged He's a confident person and wants to prove the doubters wrong. 'He knows he has made mistakes but he sees proving people wrong as a challenge.' 4

BBC News

a day ago

• BBC News

Wafcon 2025 - Complete squad lists for every team

Nigeria don announce dia squad for dis year Women Africa Cup of Nations, Wafcon. Di squad include several key players, like captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and forwards Francisca Ordega and Asisat Oshoala. Morocco go host di 13th edition of Wafcon wey go start from July 5-26. Di best women footballers for Africa go gada for di north African nation to compete for di ogbonge trophy. South Africa na di current holders but dem go face oda nations wey dey eye di crown. Di Confederation of African Football, Caf, put di 12 competing qualified teams inside three groups. Hosts Morocco dey Group A wey get Zambia, Senegal and di Democratic Republic of Congo, while 11-time winners Nigeria dey di same group wit Botswana, Tunisia and Algeria. South Africa go begin di defence of dia title for Group C against Ghana, Mali and Tanzania. Bayana Bayana drop former Women Footballer of the Year, Thembi Kgatlana from dia squad. Most teams go announce dia final 23-player squad on 23 June. Already, Nigeria Football Federation don secure friendly matches for di team wit di senior women national teams of Portugal and Ghana, to put dem in a competitive mood ahead of dia group B encounters against Tunisia, Botswana and Algeria for di Larbi Zaouli Stadium for Casablanca. Super Falcons go up against dia Portuguese counterparts for Lisbon on Monday, 23rd June, bifor dem go play di Black Queens of Ghana for Morocco on Sunday, 29th June. Nigeria Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie; Tochukwu Oluehi; Rachael Unachukwu Defenders: Osinachi Ohale; Shukurat Oladipo; Michelle Alozie; Ashleigh Plumptre; Sikiratu Isah; Oluwatosin Demehin; Miracle Usani Midfielders: Rasheedat Ajibade; Halimatu Ayinde; Deborah Abiodun; Jennifer Echegini; Toni Payne; Christy Ucheibe Forwards: Francisca Ordega; Chinwendu Ihezuo; Ifeoma Onumonu; Esther Okoronkwo; Omorinsola Babajide; Folashade Ijamilusi; Chioma Okafor Ghana Goalkeepers: Cynthia Findib Konlan, Afi Amenyeku, Kerrie Mccarthy Defenders: Anasthesia Achiaa, Portia Boakye, Nina Norshie, Josephine Bonsu, Comfort Yeboah, Susan Ama Duah, Ersentina Abambila, Louisa Aniwaa Midfielders: Grace Asantewaa, Jacqueline Owusu, Jennifer Cudjoe, Evelyn Badu, Nancy Amoh, Chantelle L.B. Hlorkah, Stella Nyamekye Strikers: Princess D. Marfo, Sherrifatu Sumaila, Alice Kusi, Abigail Kofi Kim South Africa Goalkeepers: Kaylin Swart, Andile Dlamini, Dineo Magagula, Casey Gordon Defenders: Lebohang Ramalepe, Fikile Magama, Shakira O'Malley, Gabriela Salgado, Tiisetso Makhubela, Bambanani Mbane, Karabo Dhlamini, Lonathemba Mhlongo, Bongeka Gamede, Midfielders: Sibulele Holweni, Linda Mothlalo, Nonhlanhla Mthandi, Refiloe Jane, Amogelang Motau, Regina Mogolola, Noxolo Cesane, Michelle Sampson, Adrielle Mibe, Kgalebane Mohlakoana Forwards: Zambia Goalkeepers: Mwila Chishala Mufunte, Ngambo Musole, Catherine Musonda Defenders: Martha Tembo, Lushomo Mweemba, Margaret Belemu, Pauline Zulu, Memory Nthala, Esther Siamfuko, Mapalo, Maluba Midfielders: Irene Lungu, Xiomara Mapepa, Racheal Nachula, Grace Chanda, Prisca Chilufya, Evarine Susan Katongo, Natasha Nanyangwe, Rhoda Chhileshe, Mercy Chipasula, Mary Wilombe Strikers: Barbra Banda, Fridah Mukoma, Kabange Mupopo, Racheal Kundananji Botswana Goalkeepers: Sedilame Matumelo Bosua, Tlamelo Pheresi, Lesego Moeng Defenders: Masego Montsho, Mokgabo Thanda, Lone Gaofetoge, Kesegofetse Mochawe, Veronicah Mogotsi, Boitumlo Gammu Midfielders: Nancy Baeletsi, Laone Moloi, Tshegofatso Mosotho, Obonetse Rathari, Golebaone Selebatso, Esalenna Galekhutle, Leungo Senwelo Strikers: Balotlhanyi Johannes, Lesego Radiakanyo, Jessica Maponga, Keitumetse Dithebe, Nondi Mahlasela, Michelle Abueng, Yaone Modise, Gaonyadiwe Ontlametse, Refilwe Tholakele, Peggy Manewe Morocco Goalkeepers: Khadija Errmichi, Hind Hasnaoui, Zineb El Arari Defenders: Hanane Ait Elhaj, Zineb Redouani, Ghizlane Chhiri, Rkia Mazraoui, Aziza Rebbah, Nouhaila Benzina, Siham Boukhami, Yasmin Mrabet, Najat Belhabib Midfielders: Ines Arouaissa, Fatima El Jabraoui, Sabah Seghir, Soumia Hady, Ghizlane Chebbak, Najat Badri, Elodie Nakkach, Salma Bouguerch, Anissa Lahmari, Sarah Kassi, Zineb Erroudany, Imène El Ghazouani, Sanaa Mssoudy, Imane Touriss, Fatima Tagnaout, Jade Nassi Forwards: Sakina Ouzraoui, Rania Boutiebi, Imane Saoud, Ibtissam Jraidi, Rosella Ayane, Kenza Chapelle We still dey update dis tori.