Sports
UEFA Bans Albanian Player for Nationalist Chants During Euro 2024
The Albanian Football Federation (FSHF) has announced that UEFA has banned Albanian forward Mirlind Daku for two matches at the European Championships due to nationalist chants. The incident occurred after Albania’s 2-2 draw with Croatia in Hamburg, where Daku led fans in slogans against Serbia and North Macedonia using a megaphone.
Incident and Consequences
- Chants and Apology: Daku’s actions involved chanting anti-Serbian slogans with fans, which has resulted in his suspension. He later apologized for his behavior through a social media post. UEFA has appointed an in-house investigator to further examine his conduct.
- Fines and Threats: UEFA imposed fines totaling 47,250 euros ($50,500) on the Albanian Football Federation for incidents during the game, where both Albanian and Croatian fans participated in chanting an anti-Serb slogan. The Football Association of Serbia responded by threatening to leave the tournament if these incidents were not punished.
Historical Context
Mirlind Daku, who switched his national eligibility from Kosovo to Albania under FIFA rules, has been playing for Albania since last year. Kosovo, with a predominantly ethnic-Albanian population, declared independence from Serbia 16 years ago after a conflict that resulted in the deaths of 10,000 civilians, mostly Kosovar Albanians. Serbia has not recognized Kosovo’s independence, and tensions remain high.
UEFA’s Charges
UEFA has also brought charges against the Albanian and Croatian football federations for “potential racist and/or discriminatory conduct” by fans during the match. Reports indicated that fans were chanting “Kill the Serbs” in Serbian. Croatia, once part of the Yugoslav federation dominated by Serbs, declared independence in 1991, which led to a prolonged conflict as part of the wider Yugoslav Wars.
Reactions
The Albanian Football Federation urged fans to behave responsibly and avoid incidents. They emphasized the importance of supporting the national team while respecting opponents and adhering to rules:
“The FSHF invites fans and football lovers to support to the end the Albanian national team in this magical and historic path in Euro 2024 by showing citizenry and accountability through correct behaviour and by respecting the rules and the opponents,” the federation stated.
Albania’s Performance
Despite the controversies, Albania has delivered commendable performances at Euro 2024, starting with a close 2-1 loss against Italy and a 2-2 draw with Croatia. To advance in the tournament, Albania needs a decisive win in their upcoming match against Spain.
Conclusion
The ban on Mirlind Daku and the fines imposed on the Albanian Football Federation underscore UEFA’s strict stance on nationalist and discriminatory behavior. The incident highlights the ongoing sensitivities in the Balkans, rooted in historical conflicts, and the responsibility of both players and fans to maintain sportsmanship and respect during international events.
Divorce is never easy, but when children are involved, the process becomes even more complex and emotional. As parents navigate separation, ensuring the well-being and stability of their children should remain the top priority. This is where an experienced family lawyer in Houston plays a crucial role in safeguarding children’s rights, emotional health, and future.
How Divorce Affects Children
Divorce can be a stressful and confusing time for children. They may experience:
- Anxiety and uncertainty about the future
- Emotional distress from witnessing parental conflicts
- Disruptions in daily routines and school performance
- Fear of losing a relationship with one or both parents
While it is impossible to eliminate all the challenges of divorce, parents can take proactive steps to minimize the negative impact on their children.
How a Family Lawyer Helps Protect Children During Divorce
1. Establishing a Child-Centered Custody Arrangement
One of the most critical aspects of a divorce involving children is determining child custody (conservatorship in Texas). A family lawyer ensures that custody decisions prioritize the child’s best interests, considering factors such as:
- The child’s relationship with each parent
- Each parent’s ability to provide a stable home environment
- The child’s physical and emotional needs
- Any history of domestic violence or substance abuse
In Texas, courts prefer arrangements that allow both parents to remain involved in the child’s life. A family lawyer helps parents negotiate fair custody terms that support the child’s well-being.
2. Securing Fair Child Support
Child support ensures that children continue to receive financial stability after divorce. A family lawyer helps:
- Calculate fair child support based on Texas guidelines
- Ensure that all child-related expenses are considered, including healthcare, education, and extracurricular activities
- Modify child support orders if financial circumstances change
By working with a lawyer, parents can ensure that their child receives the necessary financial support for a stable future.
3. Protecting Children from Parental Conflict
Divorce can become contentious, and high-conflict situations can have a lasting emotional impact on children. A family lawyer acts as a mediator, helping parents:
- Communicate effectively to co-parent peacefully
- Resolve disputes without exposing children to legal battles
- Develop parenting plans that set clear guidelines and expectations
This legal guidance helps reduce stress for both parents and children, ensuring a more positive post-divorce family dynamic.
4. Addressing Relocation and Visitation Issues
If one parent plans to move out of Houston or Texas, this can complicate custody and visitation arrangements. A family lawyer assists in:
- Negotiating long-distance custody plans
- Seeking court approval for relocation requests
- Ensuring visitation schedules are fair and practical
The goal is to maintain a strong parent-child relationship despite any geographic changes.
5. Handling Cases of Parental Alienation or Abuse
In some divorce cases, one parent may attempt to manipulate the child against the other parent (parental alienation) or create an unsafe environment. A family lawyer helps protect children by:
- Presenting evidence of alienation or neglect to the court
- Requesting supervised visitation if necessary
- Seeking modifications to custody orders to ensure the child’s safety
If a child’s well-being is at risk, the court may adjust custody arrangements to provide a safer, more stable living situation.
Choosing the Right Family Lawyer in Houston
A knowledgeable and compassionate family lawyer is essential in protecting children during a divorce. The right attorney will:
- Prioritize the child’s best interests in every legal decision
- Help parents navigate complex custody and support laws
- Advocate for fair agreements that minimize emotional distress for children
Need Legal Help for Your Divorce?
If you’re going through a divorce and want to ensure your children’s well-being, Mokolo Law Firm is here to guide you every step of the way. Contact us today for expert legal support in protecting your child’s rights during and after divorce.
Lyon head coach Paulo Fonseca is set to navigate new challenges as he faces a nine-month touchline suspension following an incident during his team’s 2-1 victory over Brest in early March. Despite the setback, Fonseca remains committed to guiding Lyon from behind the scenes as they continue their strong push in Ligue 1 and European competition.
The decision, announced by the Ligue 1 disciplinary committee, restricts Fonseca from the touchline, dressing rooms, and official match-related activities until November 30, 2025. While the suspension poses hurdles, it presents an opportunity for the Lyon boss to refine his strategic influence and empower his coaching staff to take on greater responsibilities.
Fonseca, who took over at Lyon in January, has already demonstrated resilience throughout his managerial career. His leadership will be crucial as Lyon, currently sixth in Ligue 1, pushes forward in both domestic and international competitions, including their upcoming Europa League clash against FCSB.
With a talented squad and a clear vision, Lyon remains focused on its goals, and Fonseca’s expertise will continue to shape the club’s progress, even from a different vantage point.
Since Paolo Maldini retired in 2009, AC Milan has seen a troubling pattern emerge; captains who inherit the armband often experience a decline in form, struggle with injuries, or face unceremonious departures. This recurring misfortune has led fans to speculate that there may be a “curse” on the Milan captaincy. Below, we examine each captain’s fate since Maldini’s departure.
1. Massimo Ambrosini (2009–2013) – Injuries and Unceremonious Exit
A loyal servant of Milan, Ambrosini took over the captaincy following Maldini’s retirement. However, his tenure was marred by frequent injuries and a gradual decline in influence. By 2013, Milan opted not to renew his contract, effectively pushing him out of the club. He played one final season with Fiorentina before retiring.
2. Riccardo Montolivo (2013–2017) – Plagued by Injuries
Montolivo was expected to lead Milan into a new era, but his captaincy was riddled with misfortune. A severe ACL injury in 2016 kept him sidelined for months, and he never regained his previous form. By the time his contract expired in 2019, he had been completely frozen out of the squad, and he retired soon after.
3. Leonardo Bonucci (2017–2018) – A Short-Lived and Controversial Spell
Bonucci’s arrival from Juventus in 2017 was meant to symbolize Milan’s resurgence, and he was given the armband immediately. However, his performances dipped, and he struggled to integrate into the team. After just one disappointing season, he pushed for a return to Juventus, leaving Milan in what felt like an embarrassing failed experiment.
4. Alessio Romagnoli (2018–2022) – Benched and Forgotten
A promising young defender, Romagnoli initially looked like a worthy captain. However, injuries and inconsistent performances saw him lose his place to the emerging duo of Fikayo Tomori and Pierre Kalulu. By 2022, he was no longer a regular starter, and Milan allowed him to leave on a free transfer to Lazio.
5. Davide Calabria (2022–January 2025) – Stripped of Captaincy
Calabria, a homegrown talent, wore the armband with pride, but his tenure was turbulent. He struggled to maintain consistent performances, and following internal conflicts, Milan decided to strip him of the captaincy in January 2025. Just a month later, he left the club, ending an 18-year association with Milan in a rather bitter manner.
6. Theo Hernández (Occasional Captain) – A Symbolic Leader with Inconsistencies
Hernández has occasionally worn the captain’s armband, and while he remains a fan favorite, his tenure has had its share of struggles. On his 27th birthday in October 2024, he endured a nightmare match; conceding a penalty, missing a penalty, and receiving a red card, all in one game. While he remains a crucial player, moments like these raise questions about the Milan captaincy’s influence.
7. Mike Maignan (January 2025–Present) – Struggling Under Pressure
Following Calabria’s exit, Maignan was appointed captain in January 2025. However, since taking on the role, his performances have taken a hit. Milan has conceded in nearly every match, including a devastating 2-1 loss to Torino and a 1-1 draw against Feyenoord that saw them eliminated from the Champions League. Once considered one of the world’s best goalkeepers, Maignan now faces growing scrutiny.
The Curse of the Milan Captaincy – Coincidence or Reality?
The pattern is undeniable; since Maldini, nearly every Milan captain has seen their career take a downturn. Injuries, loss of form, and abrupt exits have plagued those who wear the armband. Whether a genuine curse or just a run of bad luck, the question remains: will Maignan break the cycle, or will the curse claim yet another victim?
Protecting Your Children During a Divorce in Houston: The Role of a Family Lawyer
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