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FROM REAL MADRID, GARETH BALE HEADS FOR CHINA
The real move by Real Madrid star, Gareth Bale may be know on Monday or Tuesday as he working on his exit from the La Liga side where he has been in the last six years.
According to The Guardian of UK, the relationship between the Welshman and Zinedine Zidane has broken down entirely with Bale’s agent, Jonathan Barnett, calling the coach “a disgrace” after he admitted he hoped a departure was “imminent”.
Having previously insisted that Bale did not want to leave, progress is now being made on a move, which both the club and the player hope to conclude within the week.
Zidane said Real were working on Bale’s departure after leaving him out of the squad to face Bayern Munich in Houston in pre-season. He said he hoped there would be a solution, and perhaps within a day or two. Despite that, there is still work to be done and there is no guarantee yet that a deal will be concluded. A continuation of the stalemate remains a possibility, with Real still reluctant to accept a free transfer. They had hoped to raise money from his sale to fund their rebuilding, with Paul Pogba as Zidane’s primary target.
Bale’s options have been limited by his age, salary and transfer fee and his camp initially said he had no intention of moving. The Welshman is on €17m (£15.25m) a year after tax and has refused to take a pay cut. Europe’s biggest clubs have been unable to put together a convincing package. Manchester United were not prepared to bid and Bayern Munich could not afford him. There had been suggestions of a return to Spurs but Bale had ruled out a loan move.
China’s Super League clubs can match Bale’s wage demands and there is a determination to continue signing big names – but 100% tax on transfers makes it difficult to put an agreeable offer to Real, who may have to cede. While Real are reluctant to release him cheaply, his wages account for more than €100m between now and the end of his contract in 2022. China’s transfer window closes in nine days.
If a deal can be done, it would be seen as a victory for the coach, but Barnett insisted: “If and when Bale goes it is because he wants to, not because Zidane pushed him. I don’t know if Madrid are working on this; I certainly am.”
After a 3-1 defeat against Bayern in which 22 players got a game, Zidane said on Saturday: “Bale’s not in the squad because the club is working on his exit. We will see what happens in the coming days.”
The coach said the decision was his and, pushed on when the situation might become clear, replied: “I’m not going to talk about that. We’ll see if it’s tomorrow,
[so much the]
better. It is not personal at all: there comes a time when things are done because they have to be done. I have to take the decision and we have to change. [The situation] will change. I don’t know if in 24 or 48 hours, but it will change.
“And that’s good for everyone.” He added: “I am the coach and I speak to the club and we have to take the decision. The exit is the coach’s [decision] and the player’s too; he knows the situation, so let’s see how we resolve this.”
Barnett responded: “Zidane is a disgrace for talking about Bale like that. He shows no respect for a player who has done so much for Real.”
Zidane has sought to increase the pressure on the Real president, Florentino Pérez, to force Bale out but, while his position was clear, this is the first time he has publicly claimed that there is progress. Real had yet to receive a firm offer and Pérez had arrived in Houston where he discussed the issue with his coach and suggested that, in the event of Bale staying, it would be sensible to accommodate him. But the situation is becoming increasingly difficult to sustain.
That Bale’s camp, which had continued to insist on his intention to stay, has publicly entertained the possibility for the first time represents a significant shift. They remain furious with Zidane. The coach tried to make Bale play in a position he did not want to occupy during his first spell as Real manager and then began denying him opportunities. Bale was offered no explanation for his absences. He came off the bench to win the 2018 Champions League final against Liverpool with a stunning overhead kick – his fourth European Cup in six years in Spain.
After that final, Bale said he would have to consider his future. Instead, it was Zidane who left Madrid. He had wanted to sell Bale then; when he returned nine months later, he was even more determined and made no secret of his intentions. There was no attempt to bring Bale back into his plans, despite the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo.
At the end of last season, having consistently left Bale out, Zidane admitted: “It’s clear what I have done,” Yet his bluntness this time was still striking.
Barnett’s response underlines a breakdown in the relationship and shows that any kind of rapprochement is unlikely now. A wildly successful era in Spain looks set to come to a sad and unexpectedly bitter end.
A dramatic World Cup playoff clash between DR Congo and Jamaica took an unusual turn when referee Facundo Tello was forced to abandon the match late in extra time after sustaining an injury.
The incident occurred deep into the second half of extra time, when the Argentine official suddenly blew his whistle to halt play, leaving players from both sides momentarily confused. What followed was a rare and surreal scene, as players gathered around not for a foul or confrontation, but to assist the injured referee.
Tello appeared to be struggling with a calf problem and required attention on the pitch, even as some players — mindful of the ticking clock — urged for a quick resumption of play. The stoppage stretched on, drawing audible frustration from the crowd, whose boos echoed around the stadium.
After several minutes of treatment, it became clear the referee could not continue. Moving gingerly with his hand on his calf, Tello made his way to the touchline, where he was replaced by the fourth official to oversee the remainder of the encounter.
From the sidelines, the injured referee watched as the match reached its conclusion, culminating in jubilant celebrations from the DR Congo players following their hard-fought victory over Jamaica.
The unusual interruption added another layer of drama to an already intense playoff, highlighting the physical demands not only on players but also on match officials in high-stakes encounters.
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Nigeria’s head coach, Eric Chelle, has named a 23-man squad for this month’s international friendly matches against the Iran national football team and the Jordan national football team, with star striker Victor Osimhen notably absent from the list.
In Osimhen’s absence, Chelle has retained a strong core led by captain Wilfred Ndidi, alongside midfield playmaker Alex Iwobi and reigning African Footballer of the Year Ademola Lookman.
Friendlies Moved to Turkey Amid Security Concerns
The Super Eagles will now face Iran on March 27 before taking on Jordan on March 31, with both matches scheduled to be played in Antalya, Turkey.
Originally billed for venues in Amman, including the Amman International Stadium and King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, the fixtures were relocated following the outbreak of military conflict in the Middle East.
Kick-off times are set for 4 pm local time against Iran and 8 pm local time against Jordan.
Key Players Return, New Faces Earn First Call-Ups
Chelle has also recalled several established names, including goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, defender Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, and midfielder Frank Onyeka.
In attack, the coach has options in Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Akor Adams, and Paul Onuachu.
There are also first-time invitations for Scotland-based defender Emmanuel Oluwasegun Fernandez, Germany-based forward Philip Otele, and Belgium-based attacker Collins Yira Sor, a former youth international.
Goalkeeper Adebayo Adeleye also returns to the squad.
Focus on Squad Depth
The friendlies present Chelle with an opportunity to test squad depth and integrate new players ahead of future competitive fixtures.
With Osimhen missing, attention will be on how Nigeria’s attacking unit adapts, particularly with Lookman expected to play a leading role in the forward line.
The matches against Iran and Jordan will provide crucial preparation for the Super Eagles as they continue rebuilding following their disappointment in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign.
23 SUPER EAGLES FOR FRIENDLIES MATCHES AGAINST IRAN & JORDAN
Goalkeepers: Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy); Adeleye Adebayo (Volos FC, Greece); Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus)
Defenders: Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic); Emmanuel Fernandez (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland)
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Coventry FC, England); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy)
Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atletico Madrid, Spain); Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham FC, England); Simon Moses (Paris FC, France); Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla FC, Spain); Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor AS, Turkey); Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain); Philip Otele (Hamburger SV, Germany); Collins Yira Sor (KRC Genk, Belgium)
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Morocco’s Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium Tops Global Vote for Stadium of the Year 2025
Rabat’s iconic Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium has been named Stadium of the Year 2025, emerging as the global winner in the annual fan poll organised by StadiumDB, a platform dedicated to sports architecture and stadium design.
The Moroccan venue topped the international voting with 14,481 points, finishing ahead of Grand Stade de Tanger in second place and Claro Arena in third.
A total of 7,451 valid votes were cast by fans worldwide who evaluated 28 stadiums opened globally in 2025, judging them on architectural design, functionality and overall fan experience.
Morocco’s New National Stadium
Located in the Moroccan capital of Rabat, the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium has become the country’s new national football arena and one of the largest stadiums in North Africa.
The modern facility boasts a capacity of approximately 68,700 spectators and was designed to meet FIFA’s highest stadium standards, positioning it as a potential venue for major international matches, including possible semi-final fixtures of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
The stadium represents a major investment in Morocco’s sports infrastructure as the country prepares to co-host the global tournament alongside Spain and Portugal.
From 1983 Landmark to Modern Arena
The site has long been associated with Moroccan football. The original stadium, built in 1983, served as the home ground of AS FAR Rabat and regularly hosted matches involving the Moroccan national team.
The old Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium before demolition in 2023
Over the decades, the venue staged several major tournaments and international fixtures, including the 1988 Africa Cup of Nations, matches of the FIFA Club World Cup, and multiple African club and national team finals.
In preparation for future global competitions, Moroccan authorities decided to completely rebuild the facility. The original structure was demolished in 2023, paving the way for a new state-of-the-art arena constructed in less than two years.
Modern Facilities and Expanded Capacity
The redevelopment project, which cost approximately $75 million, significantly expanded the stadium’s capacity while transforming it into one of Africa’s most technologically advanced football venues.
Key features of the new stadium include High-definition LED video screens, advanced acoustics and sound systems, a hybrid natural-synthetic playing surface, modern hospitality and VIP areas, and enhanced spectator comfort and accessibility
The stadium is also the centrepiece of the wider Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex, which includes a 21,000-seat Olympic athletics stadium, training pitches, an indoor sports arena and an Olympic-size swimming pool.
Shortly after reopening in 2025, the stadium played a central role during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where it hosted several high-profile matches, including the tournament final.
Packed crowds and vibrant atmospheres during the competition showcased Morocco’s rapidly modernising football infrastructure and reinforced the stadium’s reputation as one of the continent’s premier sporting venues.
Winning the Stadium of the Year 2025 award further highlights Morocco’s growing influence in global sports infrastructure as the country continues preparations for hosting major international competitions in the coming years.
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