Sports
Rohr Looks to Repeat World Cup Appearance with Benin
Gernot Rohr, the 70-year-old Franco-German coach, has set his sights on leading the Benin Republic to the FIFA World Cup, hoping to replicate his success with Nigeria in 2018. This ambition was reinforced after Benin’s impressive 2-1 victory over the Super Eagles in a Group C qualifying fixture held at Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan.
Match Highlights
- Nigeria’s Early Lead: Raphael Onyedika scored for Nigeria, putting them ahead.
- Benin’s Equalizer: Jodel Dossou leveled the score in the 37th minute.
- Decisive Goal: Steve Mounié’s late second-half goal secured the win for Benin.
This victory catapulted Benin to the top of their group with seven points, enhancing Rohr’s aspirations for a World Cup berth in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Rohr’s World Cup Ambition
Rohr expressed his determination to lead Benin to the World Cup:
“When I arrived in Benin, they trusted me with a 3-year contract. I said we want to go to the World Cup; I did the World Cup with Nigeria in Russia; we had a very young team, the youngest in the World Cup in fact, and I want to do it again; we have to make the players dream; we have to make the staff dream; and why not?”
Following the memorable victory, Rohr was celebrated by his players, who carried him shoulder-high in recognition of his efforts.
Rohr’s Previous World Cup Experience
Rohr successfully qualified Nigeria for the 2018 World Cup in Russia with a game to spare. Although Nigeria did not advance past Group D, which included Croatia, Ireland, and Argentina, they showcased potential:
- Against Croatia: Nigeria lost 2-0.
- Against Ireland: Nigeria won 2-0.
- Against Argentina: Nigeria lost 2-1, finishing third in the group with three points.
Rohr’s Tenure with Nigeria
Hired on August 9, 2016, Rohr’s tenure as Nigeria’s coach lasted nearly six years until December 13, 2021. During his time, he led the team to 35 wins, 16 draws, and 13 losses in 64 matches. His record reflects a period of competitive performances, albeit with some challenges.
Conclusion
Gernot Rohr’s ambition to lead Benin to the World Cup highlights his continued dedication to football and his belief in the potential of the Benin national team. With their current standing in the qualifiers, Benin’s dream of reaching the World Cup seems more attainable under Rohr’s experienced guidance.
Sports
Alejandro Garnacho Fined for Speeding Near Manchester United Training Ground
Alejandro Garnacho has been convicted of speeding after driving above the limit near Manchester United’s training base in Carrington.
The 21-year-old winger was caught driving his black Audi RS 3 at 50mph in a 40mph zone on 26 August—just four days before completing a £40m move to Chelsea.
Appearing through legal representatives at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court, Garnacho admitted the offence and issued an apology, describing himself as “embarrassed” by the incident.
Magistrate Jane Haynes imposed a £660 fine, along with £120 in costs and a £264 victim surcharge. Garnacho also received three penalty points on his driving licence.
His lawyers from JMW Solicitors said the offence was an “oversight” and confirmed he had accepted responsibility.
An additional charge—failing to respond to a request from Greater Manchester Police to identify the driver—was dropped after his guilty plea.
Garnacho, an Argentina international, rose through Manchester United’s academy system but left the club after falling out of favour under former manager Ruben Amorim. Since joining Chelsea, he has made 36 appearances and scored seven goals.
General
Leigh Ryswyk Becomes First Former Australian Football League Player to Come Out as Gay
Former Australian Football League (AFL) player Leigh Ryswyk has publicly come out as gay, becoming the first man linked to the competition to do so.
Ryswyk, who played a single AFL match for the Brisbane Lions in 2005 before injuries ended his top-level career, later went on to play more than 220 games for North Adelaide Football Club in the South Australian league.
Speaking in a radio interview, the 41-year-old revealed he has been openly gay among close friends for around five years and recently shared the news publicly. He said both of his parents responded with strong support when he came out to them.
His announcement follows that of Mitch Brown, who in 2025 became the first AFL player to come out as bisexual after retiring from a career that included time with the West Coast Eagles. Until then, the AFL had been notable among major men’s professional sports leagues for never having an openly gay or bisexual player, even post-retirement.
Ryswyk expressed optimism that the sporting environment has evolved and would be supportive of any current player choosing to come out.
“I think the AFL, and the community, will wrap their arms around that player,” he said during the interview on Melbourne-based station Joy 94.9.
Reflecting on his personal journey, Ryswyk described the emotional experience of coming out to his family, saying it took several years to find the courage. He recalled heartfelt conversations with both parents, who reassured him of their unconditional support.
Despite being open within his inner circle, Ryswyk noted that he has generally kept his private life out of the public eye until now.
Originally from Victoria, he moved to Queensland to join the Brisbane Lions and made his sole AFL appearance against Fremantle in Perth. He later built a distinguished career at state level and was inducted into the AFL Queensland Hall of Fame.
Sports
Fans Group Files Complaint Against FIFA Over ‘Excessive’ World Cup Ticket Prices
Football Supporters Europe (FSE) has lodged a formal complaint with the European Commission, accusing FIFA of charging “excessive ticket prices” for this summer’s 2026 FIFA World Cup.
FSE alleges that football’s global governing body has “abused its monopoly position” by setting high prices and implementing what it describes as opaque and unfair ticketing processes for the tournament, which kicks off on 11 June across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The complaint, filed alongside consumer group Euroconsumers, calls for FIFA to abandon its use of dynamic pricing—where ticket costs fluctuate based on demand—and instead freeze prices ahead of the next ticket release in April. It also demands greater transparency, including at least 48 hours’ notice for ticket availability and clearer information about seating categories.
Although FIFA introduced a limited number of lower-cost tickets priced at $60 (£45) for all 104 matches in December, FSE claims these were too scarce to make a meaningful difference. The group argues this amounts to “bait advertising,” suggesting prices were promoted that were not realistically obtainable for most fans.
FSE director Ronan Evain said the organisation had been left with no choice but to escalate the issue after what he described as FIFA’s failure to engage constructively with supporters.
According to FIFA’s figures, nearly seven million tickets have been allocated for the tournament. However, the cost for fans attending matches across all rounds has risen sharply compared to previous editions. Estimates suggest attending eight matches could cost approximately £5,225 at the lowest tier, rising to £12,350 for premium tickets—significantly higher than comparable packages at the 2022 tournament.
FIFA has yet to publicly respond to the complaint.
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