Sports

IOC candidates unveil plans in Lausanne

Published

2 months ago

January 31, 2025

Juan Antonio Samaranch(left), Sebastian Coe (Middle), Kirsty Coventry (right)

The seven candidates for the world’s most powerful job in global sport for the presidency of the International Olympic Committee unveiled their plans and vision for the Games in a brief presentation to the IOC membership on Thursday.

From a Games held simultaneously across five continents to the need for quick digital change to keep up with the times, the priorities of candidates varied in the 15 minutes each was allowed to address the 100-plus IOC members behind closed doors.

Real Madrid completed the landmark achievement during the 2023/24 season, according to Deloitte.

The members, who on Thursday were not allowed to ask any questions, will elect a new Olympic leader for an eight-year term on March 30 at their session in Greece.

“The Olympics to be held on five continents at the same time,” Morinari Watanabe, international gymnastics federation chief and presidential candidate told a press conference following his presentation. “To offer greater potential for broadcasters and commercial opportunity.”

The candidates are World Athletics chief and former Olympic champion Sebastian Coe, multiple Olympic swimming gold medallist Kirsty Coventry, Zimbabwe’s sports minister, as well as Spaniard Juan Antonio Samaranch, son of the late former IOC president.

International cycling Chief, David Lappartient, Prince Feisal Al Hussein of Jordan, Olympic newcomer and multimillionaire, Johan Eliasch, who heads the International Ski Federation, and Watanabe complete the candidates’ lineup.

“I felt very good in the room. It is for them (members) to decide whether I touched the right fibres,” Samaranch, who among other things wants a new bid system for cities, told a press conference following his presentation.

While Lappartient said he would like the Games to be hosted by an African nation, Prince Feisal wanted the return of boxing on the Los Angeles 2028 Games programme after the international federation (IBA) was stripped of its Olympic recognition by the IOC over governance problems.

It is difficult to predict the outcome of the vote with no clear front-runner, unlike 12 years ago when outgoing president, Thomas Bach, as overwhelming favourite was first elected.

Los Angeles will host the 2028 Summer Games while Brisbane will stage the 2032 edition.

The IOC’s finances are robust, with $7.3 billion of revenues already secured for the years 2025- 28 and $6.2 billion for 2029-2032, but it also saw three top sponsors Toyota, Bridgestone and Panasonic terminate their contracts in 2024.

Several of the candidates touched on the need to review the Olympic body’s commercial structure.

“I am standing because I believe I have a proven track record and experience to deliver,” said businessman Eliasch. “I know what it takes to lead and drive change. This is not a popularity contest.”

Coventry, the only female candidate and the only one from Africa, said she was not getting any favourable treatment or support from President Bach, a former Olympic fencing champion, despite being long seen as his preferred choice.

“As fellow athletes we share a lot of common ideas and philosophies. I do firmly believe he is being very fair to all candidates,” Coventry said. -Reuters

Sports

Pitch Invader in Ghana-Chad Game Sentenced to 100 Days Imprisonment

Published

2 days ago

March 25, 2025

Net News Ghana

Mohammed Huzeinu, 21, has been sentenced to 100 days in prison by an Accra District Court for invading the pitch during Ghana’s match against Chad at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday, March 21, 2022.

Huzeinu’s actions disrupted the game, an offense that has potential financial consequences for the Association (GFA), as the Association is likely to be fined whenever such incidents occur.

Pitch invasions are considered a serious breach of security and disrupt the smooth running of games.

The sentencing serves as a strong warning to fans to respect stadium regulations and maintain order during matches.

The FA has consistently urged fans to refrain from such actions, emphasising the importance of discipline and adherence to match day protocols to avoid fines and maintain Ghana’s reputation in international football.

Sports

Queensland Intl Sch wins maiden Rising Star Rugby League tournament

Published

2 days ago

March 25, 2025

Net News Ghana

Queensland International School made history by emerging champions in both the boys’ and girls’ divisions at the inaugural Rising Star Rugby League Tournament U15 held at the Englebert School in Accra.

The event, organised by the Rugby League Federation Ghana (RLFG) in collaboration with Futurestars Charity and Salford Red Devils, provided a platform for young athletes to showcase their skills and passion for rugby league.

The all-play-all format tournament featured five schools, 100 children (50 boys and 50 girls), aged 9-15, and over 20 volunteers.

Queensland Boys began the tournament with a 2-2 drawn game with Future Leaders Boys before defeating Englebert Boys 4-0 and Twedaase Boys 2-1 to emerge victorious, with Twedaase School, Tema Cluster Boys, Future Leaders Boys and Englebert Boys following in that order.

The girls from Queensland followed in the footsteps of their male counterparts, beating both Future Leaders and Tema Cluster 2-1 before going down by the same scoreline to Twedaase Girls.

They, however, ensured the top spot with a 4-3 victory over Englebert Girls in the final game, leaving Twedaase, Future Leaders, Englebert and Tema Cluster Girls to follow in that order on the medal table.

Special guest of honour, Mr Keith McMahon, Deputy British High Commissioner, commended RLFG for the initiative, noting that the energy and talent on display were inspiring.

“The tournament is a fantastic platform for these young athletes to develop their skills and grow the sport in Ghana and I urge the RLFG to continue with their good works,” he added.

On her part, the president of RLFG, Madam Juliana Storey, congratulated all the participating teams for their stellar performance, adding that the passion, determination, and talent on display confirm that her outfit is on the right path in its mission to grow the sport.

She promised to We continue investing in grassroots development to ensure a bright future for the young athletes.

RLFG General Manager, Mr Jafaru Mustapha, said the enthusiasm from these young athletes during the tournament is proof that rugby league has a promising future and stated that they were going to expand the tournament and provide more opportunities for young players across Ghana to enjoy the game.

He thanked Mr Emmanuel Okyne-Tetteh, Futurestars Charity Country leader, for the opportunity to partner with his outfit to hold a successful tournament.

BY RAYMOND ACKUMEY

Sports

PHOTOS: Black Stars hold training at Grande Stade Al Hoceima ahead of FIFA World Cup qualifier against Madagascar

Published

3 days ago

March 24, 2025

Net News Ghana

The Black Stars held their official training at Grande Stade Al Hoceima on Sunday in preparation for their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Madagascar.

Otto Addo’s men appeared sharp and lively during training under the lights, following their arrival in Morocco on Saturday. All 23 players are in good condition ahead of the crucial Group I game, scheduled for Monday, March 24, 2025.

Ghana recorded a resounding victory against Chad on Friday, climbing to the top of the table with 12 points. They aim to cement their position with a victory over Madagascar.

The Group I fixture is scheduled to kick off at 19:00 Hrs at Grande Stade Al Hoceima, Morocco. Our Chief Photographer sent us back these photos: