Global Pulse

分类： sports

  • Burkina Faso sack coach as Mali hit by resignations

    Burkina Faso sack coach as Mali hit by resignations

    West African football has been plunged into dual crises following the conclusion of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Burkina Faso’s national team has terminated coach Brama Traore and his entire technical staff after their disappointing performance in the tournament.

    The Burkinabe Football Federation (FBF) announced the decisive move on January 14, 2026, citing the team’s failure to meet pre-established objectives. The Stallions had been targeting at least a semi-final berth but suffered a comprehensive 3-0 defeat against defending champions Ivory Coast in the round of 16.

    FBF chairman Oumarou Sawadogo expressed profound disappointment, stating that the early elimination had deeply frustrated supporters, football stakeholders, and governing bodies. Traore, who had been appointed in March 2024 following Hubert Velud’s departure, saw his tenure cut short after replicating Burkina Faso’s last-16 exit from the 2023 edition.

    Meanwhile, Mali’s football administration faces its own leadership vacuum after ten of the nineteen executive committee members of the Malian Football Federation (Femafoot) resigned en masse. This mass departure creates significant administrative challenges despite the national team’s relatively successful Afcon campaign, where they reached the quarter-finals matching their 2023 performance.

    Femafoot officials have moved quickly to dispel rumors regarding coach Tom Saintfiet’s position. Communications officer Ladji Kone explicitly told BBC Sport Africa that the Belgian tactician “has not been dismissed, and no decision has been taken in that regard.”

    The resignation wave notably excluded federation president Mamatou ‘Bavieux’ Toure, who was re-elected to a second term in April 2023 while detained on corruption allegations. Toure was subsequently released after spending 622 days in prison.

    Internal sources indicate the crisis stems from persistent administrative dysfunction and mounting internal tensions within the Malian football governing body.

    Saintfiet, who assumed coaching duties in September 2024, remained detached from the political turmoil, emphasizing his focus on sporting achievements. “I coached Mali to the quarter-final for the second time (in a row), that is the only thing I can say,” the 52-year-old Belgian stated from his home country.

  • LA to open ticket draw for 2028 Olympics – with seats starting at $28

    LA to open ticket draw for 2028 Olympics – with seats starting at $28

    Los Angeles 2028 Olympic organizers have unveiled an equitable ticketing system centered on accessibility, with registration opening Wednesday for a global random draw. The process, designed to prioritize fairness over financial advantage, will offer one million tickets priced at just $28 alongside numerous options under $100.

    Starting at 07:00 PST (15:00 GMT), sports enthusiasts worldwide can register through mid-March for the opportunity to purchase event admissions. Selected participants will receive April time slots for ticket acquisition, though organizers emphasize that slot assignment doesn’t guarantee availability. The initial purchasing window runs April 9-19, including access to opening and closing ceremonies.

    LA28 chief Allison Katz-Mayfield defended the randomized approach as “the fairest way to ensure that the broadest number of people can get access to tickets,” noting that registration timing provides no competitive advantage. The announcement follows recent criticism of 2026 World Cup pricing, with LA 2028 chairman Casey Wasserman stressing these “Games belong to everyone” and must remain “affordable and inclusive.”

    While most events will occur across Southern California venues, Oklahoma City will host canoeing and softball competitions, with residents of both regions receiving special early purchasing opportunities. The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum—site of previous Olympic events and ceremonial cauldron lighting—will co-host the 2028 opening ceremony alongside track competitions.

    This marks the first U.S.-hosted Olympics since Atlanta 1996, with Los Angeles leveraging existing infrastructure from its 1932 and 1984 Games. Ticket registration remains open through March 18, maintaining the Paris 2024 benchmark of approximately $28 entry pricing while implementing unprecedented equity measures.

  • City league to vitalize soccer in Northeast

    City league to vitalize soccer in Northeast

    Northeast China is poised to launch an innovative football league system that represents a groundbreaking approach to sports development and regional cooperation. The Northeast Football City League, colloquially known as ‘Dongbeichao,’ will commence on May 23rd with eight city-based teams representing major urban centers across three provinces and one autonomous region.

    The league emerges as a strategic initiative jointly organized by the sports bureaus of Liaoning, Jilin, Heilongjiang provinces and the Inner Mongolia autonomous region. This timing intentionally coincides with the region’s peak tourism season, creating a synergistic relationship between athletic competition and cultural tourism. The format represents China’s first cross-provincial mass sports event, establishing a new model for regional sports cooperation.

    Participating cities include Shenyang and Dalian from Liaoning, Changchun and Yanbian from Jilin, Harbin and Jixi from Heilongjiang, alongside Hohhot and Tongliao representing Inner Mongolia. Each team must deeply embody its city’s identity through home ground operations and community connections, fostering local pride and civic engagement among residents.

    The league structure features a single round-robin format with a regular season running from May 23 to August 15, followed by knockout stages from September 5 to October 1. Matches will primarily occur on weekends with a maximum of one round per week to maintain competitive intensity and spectator interest.

    Notably strict eligibility criteria require all players to be Chinese male citizens aged 16-40 who meet at least one condition of household registration, academic enrollment, local residence, or social security in their representative city. The rules explicitly prohibit current or previously registered players from professional clubs in the Chinese Super League, China League One, and China League Two, ensuring the platform remains dedicated to amateur enthusiasts and non-professional athletes.

    Infrastructure requirements mandate each team to maintain a fixed stadium featuring either natural grass or artificial turf, complete lighting systems for night games and television broadcasts, and a minimum spectator capacity of approximately 20,000. The simultaneous opening ceremonies across four regional capital cities—Shenyang, Changchun, Harbin, and Hohhot—will create unprecedented promotional synergy and rapidly generate audience enthusiasm.

    This initiative aligns with the State Council’s August policy directives promoting high-quality development in the sports industry, which aims to cultivate world-class sports events and achieve a sector valuation exceeding 7 trillion yuan by 2030. The Northeast region brings particular advantages to this endeavor, including extensive grassroots soccer participation, well-established youth training systems, and a deeply embedded fan culture that promises strong community support.

  • Why Osimhen has become ‘king of Nigerian football’

    Why Osimhen has become ‘king of Nigerian football’

    As Nigeria prepares for its critical Africa Cup of Nations semi-final clash against host nation Morocco, the narrative surrounding superstar striker Victor Osimhen transcends mere footballing statistics. The 27-year-old Galatasaray forward stands poised to etch his name permanently into Nigerian sporting lore, needing just two goals to equal the legendary Rashidi Yekini’s national record of 37 international strikes.

    The tournament journey, while successful with five consecutive victories, has revealed the intense competitive fire that defines Osimhen’s character. A highly publicized on-field disagreement with teammate Ademola Lookman during Nigeria’s 4-0 round of 16 triumph over Mozambique sparked media speculation about dressing room discord. Osimhen’s visible frustration over a missed scoring opportunity and subsequent early departure from celebrations prompted rumors of potential camp abandonment—all firmly denied by team officials.

    Those closest to the athlete argue that this relentless drive forms the essential core of his greatness. Former Nigeria captain William Troost-Ekong provided poignant insight into the origins of this mentality, recounting Osimhen’s unimaginably difficult childhood. Orphaned at a young age in Lagos, Osimhen supported his siblings by selling water in traffic, developing what Troost-Ekong describes as a profound “hunger and hustle” that manifests in every aspect of his life, from being first to the dinner buffet to his relentless attacking positioning.

    Despite his proximity to individual glory, Osimhen maintains remarkable perspective regarding Yekini’s legacy, stating: “It doesn’t matter if I equal the record or I surpass it. I think Mr Rashidi Yekini is the best striker the Super Eagles have ever produced. I’m just trying to win something important for my country.”

    Nigerian football journalist Oluwashina Okeleji has declared Osimhen the “new king of Nigerian football,” noting his transformational impact since his under-17 days and his unofficial leadership role within the squad. This influence extends beyond international duty, evidenced by his record-breaking club career across Europe’s top leagues.

    After emerging as a scoring sensation with Lille in Ligue 1, Osimhen achieved icon status at Napoli where his 26-goal season delivered their first Serie A title in 33 years, simultaneously making him the highest-scoring African in Italian football history. His subsequent move to Galatasaray produced immediate success with 26 goals in 30 appearances, securing a domestic double and establishing continued dominance in the Turkish Super Lig.

    With continental glory within reach and historical immortality awaiting, Osimhen represents both Nigeria’s present hopes and future legacy as they seek to capture their fourth Africa Cup of Nations championship.

  • New Zealand wins the toss and bowls against India in the 2nd ODI match

    New Zealand wins the toss and bowls against India in the 2nd ODI match

    In a strategic move at the toss, New Zealand captain Michael Bracewell elected to field first against India in the second One-Day International (ODI), setting the stage for a high-scoring contest at Rajkot’s Niranjan Shah Stadium on Wednesday. This decision comes as New Zealand trails 1-0 in the three-match series, seeking to level the score after India’s four-wicket victory in the opening match in Vadodara.

    Both teams have been forced into strategic reshuffles due to injury. India’s off-spin allrounder Washington Sundar has been ruled out of the entire series after sustaining a rib injury during the first ODI. His absence has prompted the selection committee to call up young batter Ayush Badoni to the squad, with allrounder Nitish Reddy receiving his cap and slotting directly into the playing XI as Sundar’s replacement.

    For the Black Caps, a tactical change sees left-arm spin all-rounder Jayden Lennox enter the fray, replacing wrist spinner Adithya Ashok. The pitch conditions are anticipated to heavily favor batsmen, with experts predicting a substantial first-innings total. However, the significant evening dew factor is expected to play a crucial role later in the game, potentially making the ball slippery for bowlers and thereby granting a distinct advantage to the team chasing the target.

    The series outcome hinges on this encounter, with the final match scheduled to be played in Indore on Sunday.

    **Lineups:**
    * **India:** Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (captain), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, K.L. Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna.
    * **New Zealand:** Devon Conway, Henry Nicholls, Will Young, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Hay, Michael Bracewell (captain), Zakary Foulkes, Jayden Lennox, Kristian Clarke, Kyle Jamieson.

  • Adesanya set for return – but could it be the end?

    Adesanya set for return – but could it be the end?

    Former two-time UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya is set to make his highly anticipated return to mixed martial arts competition against Joe Pyfer on March 28th at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Washington. This marks Adesanya’s first appearance since suffering a knockout defeat against Nassourdine Imavov in February 2025, which extended his losing streak to three consecutive bouts.

    The Nigerian-born New Zealand fighter, who once dominated the middleweight division with five successful title defenses between 2020 and 2022, now faces critical questions about his fighting future. At 36 years old, Adesanya holds the second-most wins in UFC middleweight title fights (8), trailing only Anderson Silva’s record of 11 victories.

    His opponent, 29-year-old Joe Pyfer, currently ranked 15th in the middleweight division, presents a formidable challenge with an impressive record of six wins in his seven UFC appearances. The matchup represents a classic crossroads fight between a former champion seeking redemption and an ascending contender looking to make his mark.

    Adesanya has undergone significant philosophical shifts during his hiatus, publicly stating that championship pursuits no longer drive his career motivations. Instead, the veteran fighter emphasizes a desire to compete more freely and embrace greater risks within the octagon.

    The event will also feature a high-profile women’s flyweight bout between former champion Alexa Grasso of Mexico and American contender Maycee Barber, adding depth to what promises to be a compelling fight card.

  • Ofner loses in Melbourne after celebrating early

    Ofner loses in Melbourne after celebrating early

    In a stunning turn of events at Melbourne Park, Austrian tennis professional Sebastian Ofner suffered a dramatic collapse during Australian Open qualifying after mistakenly celebrating victory three points too early. The world witnessed one of the most bizarre mental lapses in recent tennis history during Thursday’s qualifying match against American Nishesh Basavareddy.

    Ofner, whose career highlight remains a fourth-round appearance at Roland Garros in 2023, believed he had secured victory at 7-1 in the decisive third-set tiebreak. The Austrian raised his arms triumphantly and gestured toward his head before approaching the net for the traditional handshake. However, the crucial detail he overlooked was that final-set tiebreaks at the Australian Open are played to 10 points, not 7.

    The reality of his error only dawned when the chair umpire intervened. Seizing the opportunity, the 20-year-old Basavareddy mounted an extraordinary comeback, winning eight of the subsequent nine points to claim an improbable 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 (13-11) victory and advance to the final qualifying round.

    Basavareddy described the moment: ‘In a super tie-break, you always maintain belief. I detected some tension in his approach, though the aged balls made every exchange particularly challenging.’ The American punctuated his comeback with a dramatic ‘choking’ gesture before unleashing a victorious roar.

    The California native will now face Britain’s George Loffhagen, who advanced after eighth-seeded Yoshihito Nishioka retired with injury while trailing 6-3, 3-1.

    In other qualifying action, British player Arthur Fery delivered an impressive 6-4, 6-2 victory over former world No. 17 Bernard Tomic, earning a matchup against Croatia’s Dino Prizmic. However, Harriet Dart’s campaign ended with a three-set defeat to Thailand’s Lanlana Tararudee.

    The main draw begins Sunday, January 18th, featuring British stars including Cameron Norrie, Emma Raducanu, and Katie Boulter. Norrie recently suffered disappointment at the Auckland Classic, squandering a match point against France’s Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard.

  • LA28 organizers promise ‘affordable’ Olympics tickets

    LA28 organizers promise ‘affordable’ Olympics tickets

    In a landmark announcement on Tuesday, LA28 Olympic organizers unveiled an ambitious ticketing strategy designed to ensure the 2028 Games remain both accessible and financially inclusive. The initiative, heralded as unprecedented in Olympic history, will see one million tickets priced at a symbolic $28, while approximately one-third of all available tickets (around 4.6 million) will be offered at $100 or less.

    The announcement was made during a ceremonial lighting of the Olympic cauldron at Los Angeles’ historic Memorial Coliseum, attended by approximately 300 Olympians and Paralympians. LA28 Chairman Casey Wasserman emphasized that affordability and inclusion form the cornerstone of their planning philosophy. “From the beginning, we’ve been clear: access to these games belongs to everyone,” Wasserman stated. “These games have to be affordable and inclusive.”

    The ticketing process will commence with a global registration lottery opening Wednesday at 7:00 AM local time (1500 GMT). Prospective attendees worldwide can register for a random draw that will allocate time slots for ticket purchases beginning in April. This approach aims to create equitable access opportunities for fans across economic backgrounds.

    The affordability initiative appears partly responsive to recent criticism of major sporting events’ ticketing strategies. FIFA faced significant backlash over “extortionate and astronomical” pricing for the 2026 World Cup across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, ultimately forcing the football governing body to introduce limited $60 tickets.

    LA28 executives highlighted additional indicators of public enthusiasm, noting over 150,000 volunteer applications already received. Chief Executive Reynold Hoover characterized this response as evidence of widespread community support, stating: “That’s nearly 150,000 supporters saying ‘I want to be a part of this, I want to be a part of history.’”

    The emotional significance of accessible pricing was underscored by Janet Evans, LA28’s Chief Athlete Officer and four-time Olympic gold medalist in swimming. Recalling her transformative experience attending the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics as a 12-year-old spectator, Evans noted: “Making tickets accessible and affordable for everyone here in the city of Los Angeles is going to inspire young people… because that’s what the Olympics do—they inspire people.”

  • Italian Olympians ‘insulted’ by torch relay snub

    Italian Olympians ‘insulted’ by torch relay snub

    A brewing controversy has engulfed the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics torch relay, with decorated Italian Olympians expressing profound outrage over their exclusion from the ceremonial event. The dispute reached political dimensions as government officials demanded explanations from organizers.

    Five-time Olympic cross-country skiing medalist Silvio Fauner spearheaded the criticism, characterizing the selection of entertainment personalities over athletes as “an incredible insult.” Fauner, who secured relay gold at the 1994 Lillehammer Games, revealed that multiple Olympic champions including Marco Albarello, Giorgio Di Centa, Cristian Zorzi and Pietro Piller Cottrer shared his indignation at being completely excluded from Games-related activities.

    Organizers defended their selection process, noting that Fauner’s current political role as a town councillor in Sappada automatically disqualifies him from participation. The Milan-Cortina committee emphasized that numerous Italian athletic champions had already carried the torch during its initial 36 stages, representing various winter sports disciplines and generations.

    The controversy attracted immediate political attention. Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini’s far-right League party issued a statement condemning the “incomprehensible and disconcerting” torchbearer selections. Sports Minister Andrea Abodi formally requested clarification from organizing bodies regarding selection criteria, acknowledging his own surprise at the exclusion of sports legends.

    The Olympic flame continues its two-month journey across Italy, covering 12,000 kilometers with 10,001 bearers before reaching Milan’s San Siro stadium for the February 6 opening ceremony, now shadowed by this escalating dispute between athletic achievement and celebrity recognition.

  • Man Utd appoint Carrick as manager to end of the season

    Man Utd appoint Carrick as manager to end of the season

    Manchester United has officially designated former midfield stalwart Michael Carrick as interim manager to guide the team through the remainder of the current season. The 44-year-old club legend, who secured an impressive 12 major trophies during his 12-year playing tenure at Old Trafford, steps into the role following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim last week after a disappointing 14-month period.

    Carrick, who previously held an unbeaten record during a brief three-match caretaker stint in 2021, faces the immediate challenge of preparing the squad for Sunday’s crucial Premier League derby against Manchester City. His appointment comes at a critical juncture as United currently sit seventh in the table, positioned just three points behind fourth-placed Liverpool and one point behind Brentford in fifth.

    The club’s hierarchy views Carrick as a ‘safe pair of hands’ due to his extensive experience both as a player and coach within the organization. Director of Football Jason Wilcox emphasized Carrick’s qualifications, stating: ‘Michael is an excellent coach who knows exactly what it takes to win at Manchester United. He is ready to lead our talented and determined group of players as we build toward regular and sustained success.’

    Carrick’s most recent managerial experience came at Championship side Middlesbrough, where he was dismissed in June after failing to achieve promotion despite having one of the division’s largest budgets. However, his previous interim performance at United—which included impressive results against Chelsea, Arsenal, and Villarreal—convinced management of his capability to stabilize the team.

    The new interim manager expressed honor at his appointment, declaring: ‘I know what it takes to succeed here. My focus is now on helping the players reach the standards we expect at this incredible club. There is still much to fight for this season, and we are ready to pull everyone together to deliver the performances our loyal supporters deserve.’

    With United eliminated from both domestic cups and European competition, the team faces its shortest season since 1914/15, playing only 40 matches. Carrick’s primary objective will be securing Champions League qualification, with a top-five finish likely sufficient due to English clubs’ strong European performance.