International Football
THE FA IN ENGLAND PROPOSING REBRANDING
BY NANCY GILLEN
The Football Association (FA) has held discussions over rebranding to the English Football Association.
It has long been an objective of outgoing chief executive Martin Glenn and talks were recently held at Wembley Stadium, as reported by SportsPro.
He described as “the ultimate expression of arrogance” the existing name when he began his role in 2015 and FA executives have referred to “the English FA” when on international business for several years.
It had been proposed the governance of the game in England would be overseen by the EFA and that 28 England teams, national players, coaches, grassroots football and facilities would come under a new ‘England Football’ brand.
The FA would remain the organisation’s legal name and the name of the holding company, with the FA Cup, FA Council, FA Board and county football associations continuing to have the same names.
Discussions on the subject are set to continue at the FA’s next meeting.
The move could act as a boost to England’s hopes of holding the 2030 FIFA World Cup, potentially as a joint host with Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
A feasibility study is being carried out by The FA regarding the possibility of a bid.
Glenn announced his resignation from the chief executive role in December and will hope to implement the rebrand as one of his final acts.
Mark Bullingham has been named his successor and will begin the job at the end of the 2018-2019 season.
The appointment is an internal one, the Englishman having joined The FA in August 2016 as its commercial and marketing director.
His role expanded in December last year, when he became chief commercial and football development officer.
Bullingham had been the chief executive of Fuse Sport and Entertainment for five years prior to joining the FA.
“I’m hugely passionate about the role The FA plays in improving the English game and our positive contribution to society,” he said.
“Getting kids across the country active and learning life skills such as teamwork and communication is incredibly rewarding.
“I’m confident in the talent and determination of the workforce here and the direction we are heading together.
“However, there is still a huge amount to do; from transforming the quality of amateur pitches, to doubling the women’s and girls’ game across the country, to hosting major international tournaments, to building digital tools to help volunteers across all areas of the grassroots game.
“The to-do list is long but we know that as a team, we can deliver huge progress.
He added: “I would also like to thank Martin Glenn for his support over the past two and a half years.
“Martin has played a principal role in making The FA a more modern, innovative and inclusive organisation.
“He has created a strong leadership team that is making a real difference at every level of English football.”
Glenn’s four years as chief executive were marked by various controversies.
This included the sacking of the England women’s manager Mark Sampson following allegations of racism and an “unprofessional” relationship with a player, the departure of Sam Allardyce as the manager of the men’s team after 67 days in the role and the cancellation of a proposed sale of Wembley Stadium.
His tenure also saw success for England’s national teams, however, with the women’s team finishing third in the 2015 FIFA World Cup and the men’s team ending fourth in the 2018 tournament.
- Inside The Games
Nigeria’s Super Eagles put up a spirited performance but were edged 2-1 by Portugal in an international friendly at the Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria on Wednesday night.
The match served as Portugal’s final tune-up ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America and offered the Nigerians a chance to test themselves against one of Europe’s leading sides led by veteran captain Cristiano Ronaldo.
Portugal drew first blood in the 23rd minute when Pedro Neto broke the deadlock, firing past Nigerian goalkeeper Maduka Okoye after a lively opening period in which both teams created opportunities.
The Super Eagles responded positively and were rewarded eight minutes before halftime when striker Akor Adams found the equaliser. The goal capped an impressive Nigerian fightback and ensured the teams went into the break level at 1-1.
Ronaldo, making a rare appearance against Nigeria, started the match and remained on the pitch until the 67th minute. The 41-year-old was given a standing ovation by the home crowd when he was replaced by Gonçalo Ramos.
Portugal made several changes after the interval as coach Roberto Martinez rotated his squad in preparation for the World Cup. Despite the substitutions, the hosts continued to press for a winner.
Their persistence paid off in the 75th minute when Francisco Conceição struck the decisive goal, restoring Portugal’s lead and ultimately securing victory for the European side.
Nigeria battled to find another equaliser in the closing stages but Portugal’s defence held firm to preserve the 2-1 result.
The defeat means Portugal have now won both meetings between the two countries. Their first encounter came in Lisbon in November 2022, when the Portuguese recorded a convincing 4-0 victory in a pre-World Cup friendly.
While the result will disappoint Nigerian supporters, the Super Eagles can take encouragement from their resilient display against one of the teams widely tipped to make a strong impact at the World Cup. Akor Adams’ goal and Nigeria’s competitive showing against a star-studded Portuguese side provided positive signs as the team continues its rebuilding process under the national team set-up.
For Portugal, the victory provides a confidence boost as they head to North America, where they hope their talented midfield and experienced squad can propel them to a successful World Cup campaign.
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Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo will be in the starting line-up when the Selecao take on Nigeria in an international friendly match which kicks off in a few minutes tonight.
The 41-year-old forward, who remains a key figure in the Portuguese national team, has been named among the starters as Portugal continue preparations for upcoming competitive fixtures.
Ronaldo’s inclusion is expected to add further excitement to the encounter, with Nigerian fans eager to see one of football’s greatest players in action against the Super Eagles.
The match offers Nigeria another opportunity to test themselves against top European opposition, while Portugal will look to sharpen their squad ahead of future international assignments.
Kick-off is scheduled for later tonight, with both teams expected to field strong line-ups in what promises to be an entertaining contest.
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By Kunle Solaja
Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Portugal will meet for only the second time at the senior level when they clash in an international friendly in Leiria on Wednesday night.
The encounter comes under remarkably similar circumstances to their first meeting in November 2022, when Portugal defeated Nigeria 4-0 in Lisbon just days before the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Once again, Portugal are using Nigeria as their final warm-up match before the World Cup. Four years ago, the Portuguese selected the Super Eagles to prepare for a group-stage clash against Ghana, the team that denied Nigeria a place at Qatar 2022.
History appears to be repeating itself. This time, Portugal are preparing for a World Cup opening fixture against the Democratic Republic of Congo, another team that shattered Nigeria’s World Cup ambitions by eliminating the Super Eagles from the qualification race.
The match at the 29,000-capacity Estádio Dr Magalhães Pessoa offers Nigeria an opportunity to avenge the heavy defeat suffered four years ago and test themselves against one of Europe’s strongest sides.
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez has assembled a star-studded squad featuring five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, Rafael Leão and João Félix.
The Portuguese head into the encounter unbeaten in their last four matches, having recorded victories over the United States and Chile while drawing with Mexico.
Nigeria, under coach Eric Chelle, have also enjoyed an impressive run. Since taking charge 15 months ago, the Franco-Malian tactician has overseen 24 matches and suffered only one defeat in regulation time.
With both teams carrying impressive recent records, Wednesday’s friendly promises to be far more competitive than the scoreline from their last meeting suggests.
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