Connect with us

Sports

FBI Tags England Vs Argentina ‘Highest Risk’ World Cup Match

Published

on

Spread the love

 

England’s World Cup semi-final against Argentina has been classified as the tournament’s highest-risk fixture, prompting heightened security measures involving the FBI, FIFA and local law enforcement.

 

Officials from the FBI, FIFA and police met on Monday to assess potential security threats surrounding Wednesday night’s clash in Atlanta, with particular attention given to the long-standing rivalry between the two nations and the possibility of tensions spilling over among supporters.

To reduce the risk of clashes, fans from both countries will enter the Mercedes-Benz Stadium through separate gates. However, there will be no segregation once inside the venue, with supporters seated together—a feature that has been common throughout the tournament due in part to the widespread use of ticket resale platforms.

While organisers have made efforts to keep rival fans apart, officials acknowledge there is little they can do once spectators have entered the stadium and taken their seats.

The rivalry between England and Argentina extends beyond football. Earlier this week, Argentina’s foreign minister reiterated the country’s claim over the Falkland Islands, a position that was quickly rejected by British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

Relations between the two nations remain shaped by the 1982 Falklands War, which claimed 907 lives after Argentina invaded the islands before Britain regained control.

The issue has occasionally resurfaced during the tournament, with Argentina’s players repeatedly chanting songs referencing the Falklands after matches. However, Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has attempted to steer attention back to football.

“The message to the Argentine people is that this is a soccer match. We’re going to face a great team with a great coach, but it is just a soccer match, nothing more than that.”

Security has also been strengthened around both teams’ hotels, with a heavy police presence visible throughout Atlanta, particularly around the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Ahead of the semi-final, the Atlanta Police Department confirmed that additional resources had been deployed across the city.

“As Atlanta prepares to host an upcoming FIFA World Cup semi-final match and welcomes increased numbers of residents and visitors, the Atlanta Police Department has enhanced its citywide public safety and security posture.

“Additional personnel and resources are already deployed and will continue to be strategically assigned in and around the event venues, entertainment districts, and other high-traffic areas to help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. These proactive measures are designed to protect the public, deter criminal activity, and ensure residents and visitors can safely enjoy this historic event.”

Sports

Forget it, I Won’t Apologise To Ronaldo — Jorge Jesus

Published

on

Spread the love

 

Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus has made it clear he will not apologise to Cristiano Ronaldo amid their ongoing rift.

 

Speaking after Portugal’s Nations League victory over Norway, Jesus was asked whether he owed the five-time Ballon d’Or winner an apology following the events that led to Ronaldo’s abrupt departure from the national team camp.

Jesus remained adamant that he did not owe anyone an apology, despite calls from the likes of Rio Ferdinand and others in the Ronaldo camp, to do so.

“I take responsibility for the decision and for what happened,” Jesus said.

“But apologise for what? To whom? That is a lie. Apologise for what? What was there to apologise for?”

The 72-year-old was even more direct in another exchange, declaring: “I don’t apologise to anyone.”

The dispute erupted after Ronaldo was left as an unused substitute against Norway despite being sent out to warm up for a significant period.

The Al-Nassr striker later left the camp and has not featured since.

Jesus insisted his decisions as coach are non-negotiable and that the priority was the team’s results.

He did, however, leave the door open for Ronaldo’s return, stating the veteran would be called up for the next international window if he is playing regularly for Al-Nassr and wishes to come back.

“It’s his decision,” Jesus added.

“You can’t break up a year-long friendship over a situation that is difficult to understand.”

The firm stance from the Portugal coach suggests any reconciliation will depend more on Ronaldo’s willingness to move past the episode than any public apology.

Portugal return to Nations League action in November with games against Denmark and Wales.

Continue Reading

Sports

Former Aston Villa Striker Agbonlahor Claims Rooney Is Better Than Kane

Published

on

Spread the love

 

Former Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor has said Wayne Rooney was better than Harry Kane.

 

Discussing the comparison between the two, Agbonlahor said: “I really like Wayne Rooney. It’s a different era, isn’t it? But for me, Rooney still edges Kane.”

Agbonlahor continued: “Everyone has different opinions, the new generation will pick Kane, but I would pick Rooney. It’s easy for people to forget how good he was. I love everything about Rooney, he was fearless. We used to play against him, and he would absolutely go for you.

“I remember once, the referee dropped the ball for a 50-50 challenge. It was against Dawson of Hull City, and Rooney went into him so hard.

“Rooney could do everything, he was faster than you’d think. He could run from deep, and he could play as a number 10. Look at some of the goals he scored, like the one from near the halfway line when he returned to Everton.”

Continue Reading

Sports

2028 OlympicsQ: Omenazu Earns First Super Falcons Call-Up For Comoros Clash

Published

on

Spread the love

 

MK Dons Women captain Favour Omenazu has received a late invitation to join the Super Falcons squad for Nigeria’s 2028 Olympic Games qualifying double-header against Comoros.

 

Interim head coach Augustine Eguavoen called up the versatile midfielder following the withdrawal of some of the players initially invited for the second-round qualifying fixture.

The call-up marks the first time the 24-year-old has been selected to represent the Super Falcons.

Omenazu was eligible to play for both England and Nigeria but has opted to represent the 10-time African champions at international level.

MK Dons have congratulated their women’s captain on earning her maiden international call-up.

“We are all incredibly proud of #MKDonsWomen’s captain, Favour Omenazu, who has received her first international call-up to represent Nigeria’s Super Falcons,” the club said in a post on X.

“Favour has been selected for Nigeria’s upcoming 2028 Olympic qualifying double-header against Comoros on Friday 9th and Tuesday 13th October.

“Go and smash it, Favour we know you will “

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2026 TheColumn NG