Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly has suggested that the club's ownership group could divide if they fail to agree on the future of Stamford Bridge. 

In an interview with Bloomberg, Boehly indicated that alignment on the stadium's redevelopment is crucial to maintaining the current structure.Boehly and Clearlake Capital took over Chelsea in May 2022 in a deal worth up to 4.25 billion pounds. While Clearlake Capital holds the majority stake, both parties have explored options to buy each other out in the past.The latest comments from Boehly raise fresh questions about the stability of Chelsea's leadership.The Blues have long considered various options for Stamford Bridge, including a full-scale redevelopment or building a new stadium elsewhere. However, securing a viable solution has remained challenging."We have to think long term about what we're trying to accomplish. We have a big stadium redevelopment opportunity which we have to flesh out," Boehly said."I think that's going to be where we're either aligned or we ultimately decide to go different ways.""What's been written and what's being talked about is much more 'drama' than what is actually happening," he added."The status quo is something which is just fine. I think we've learned from each other and I think we're really going to be able to work it out any which way."If no agreement is reached, the possibility of Clearlake and Boehly parting ways could add further uncertainty to Chelsea's long-term plans. &nbsp;

Todd Boehly hints at potential Chelsea ownership split over Stamford Bridge

The Premier League has denied a joint request from Liverpool and Everton to reschedule the upcoming Merseyside derby, which is set to take place at Anfield on Wednesday, April 2.

Both clubs sought an alternative date, with the possibility of moving the fixture forward by 24 hours to April 1.This change would have benefited Everton, as they face Arsenal at Goodison Park less than 72 hours later on Saturday lunchtime.Liverpool, too, would have gained an advantage, given their away match against Fulham on Sunday, April 6.Arsenal appear to be the biggest beneficiaries of the current scheduling. Mikel Arteta's side host Fulham on Tuesday, April 1, meaning they will have more rest than both Merseyside clubs before their respective matches.The Premier League confirmed its April TV fixture changes on February 28.It remains unclear when Liverpool and Everton formally submitted their request, but the Premier League's refusal means both clubs must now manage a congested fixture period. &nbsp;

Premier League rejects request to reschedule Merseyside derby

Thomas Tuchel is navigating the challenges of international management for the first time as he leads England through their World Cup qualifying campaign.

The former Borussia Dortmund, Paris St Germain, Chelsea, and Bayern Munich boss is adapting to the unique demands of national team coaching, including managing squad rotation while maximising time with his players.Tuchel's tenure began with a confident 2-0 victory over Albania, and he is now preparing his squad for their second qualifier in four days, a trip to Latvia on Monday.Despite his focus on England's objectives, he acknowledges the concerns of club managers regarding player workload at this stage of the season.With England aiming for another crucial three points, Tuchel must strike a balance between squad rotation and maintaining momentum.His experience at top European clubs has prepared him for high-pressure situations, but international football presents a new challenge."I know that this window, this camp, is where the clubs play a very crucial time of the season," Tuchel told BBC Radio 5 Live."They play for championships, they play for quarter-finals in the Champions League."We are very well aware of it but we have also our own goals, we have our own targets. The players are keen to play and it has to be like this."I always accepted it as a club manager. I never got involved in line-ups, I never pushed any national coach because I was hoping that my players get picked, I was also hoping that they are proud to play.“Of course, you're never happy if something happens. No-one can predict that there is no accident, but we have a World Cup qualifier and we'll take responsible decisions.”

Thomas Tuchel: Premier League managers won't influence my England selections

Golden Arrows head coach Manqoba Mngqithi has hit back at critics who questioned his tactical approach during his time in charge of Mamelodi Sundowns.

Mngqithi, who took over at Golden Arrows following his departure from Sundowns, insists that his tactics were misrepresented by critics who had their own agendas.The coach admitted that after Rulani Mokwena's exit, he made adjustments to Sundowns' playing style, introducing a more direct approach aimed at creating more goal-scoring opportunities.&nbsp;However, his changes were often criticised as a departure from the club's signature style."People wanted to create that I wanted to play on the second ball," Mngqithi told iDiski Times."You are talking hogwash because I've been a fan of good football from childhood and I've never coached a team that plays long balls and with directness. I've never been that coach. But I am a coach who wants verticality."I am a coach who wants a game of football to be played with an intention to score. I want my teams to play attacking football and have the ability to defend and be quick enough to regain possession; quick enough possession to exploit possibilities after winning possession because that's where the games are normally won or lost."Now at Golden Arrows, Mngqithi faces a different challenge. His team currently sits 10th in the Betway Premiership standings after a recent 1-0 defeat to Magesi.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Manqoba Mngqithi: I've never been a 'long ball' coach

Everton have been dealt a fresh injury concern after left-back Vitalii Mykolenko was forced off during Ukraine's 3-0 Nations League defeat to Belgium.

The 24-year-old suffered the injury in the 67th minute and required medical attention on the pitch before being substituted.While the full extent of the issue remains unclear, Ukraine manager Serhiy Rebrov hinted that it could be a serious problem."Unfortunately, he has an injury, he will do an MRI, we'll see. I know Vitalii. If he didn't continue playing, then the injury was really serious," Rebrov was quoted as saying by the Ukraine Football Federation's website.Ukrainian football reporter Zorya Londonsk noted that Mykolenko was able to speak to reporters in the mixed zone after the match, suggesting the injury may not be as severe as initially feared."Mykolenko confirms to us in the mixed zone that it's a thigh injury he picked up today (not clear if it's front or back or what exactly) He will wait and see the seriousness of it when he returns to Everton tomorrow," Londonsk posted on X.However, Everton will be anxiously awaiting further updates as they prepare for the resumption of their Premier League campaign.Mykolenko has been a key figure in David Moyes' defensive setup this season, and any extended absence could prove a major blow for the Toffees.With several crucial fixtures ahead, Everton will be hoping for positive news regarding his condition. &nbsp;

Everton's Vitalii Mykolenko suffers injury during international duty with Ukraine

Kaizer Chiefs' goalkeeper coach Aubrey Mathibe has lavished praise on sidelined shot-stopper Bontle Molefe, declaring him the best goalkeeper he has ever encountered. 

Mathibe made the bold statement during the graduation ceremony of the Twinning Project, an initiative aimed at rehabilitating women inmates by equipping them with coaching skills.Representing Kaizer Chiefs at the event, Mathibe highlighted Molefe's immense talent and potential.Molefe, born in Dube, was promoted to the Chiefs' senior team at just 16 years old, a testament to his ability at a young age.Now 22, he has spent six years with the first team but is yet to make his official debut.Despite his lack of game time, Mathibe remains confident that the young keeper will eventually get his opportunity and make a significant impact."I think he is one of the best goalkeepers I've ever seen in South Africa," said Mathibe."Sometimes you remember when you're a goalkeeper, you must be patient. I've been there. The good thing is that I'm always talking to him about it. I've been at Kaizer Chiefs... I played only two games."I was there, and then I was committed to my job, and then I was doing well because if you are not doing well for Kaizer Chiefs, you know you're going to leave. So, such a talented player like him. You need to be patient. You need to keep working hard because only God will answer."As a goalkeeper, you're not like an infield player. Sometimes, you can sit on the bench for two to three years without playing. So, you need to be patient and stay positive."But when you get an opportunity, use it well." &nbsp;

Aubrey Mathibe: Kaizer Chiefs' Bontle Molefe one of the 'best goalkeepers' I've seen

Golden Arrows head coach Manqoba Mngqithi has stressed the importance of squad depth for teams looking to compete with Mamelodi Sundowns.

Sundowns currently sit comfortably at the top of the table, with a commanding lead over second-placed Orlando Pirates, who trail by 15 points.While Pirates still have a mathematical chance of catching them, it would require a catastrophic collapse from Sundowns to allow the Soweto giants into top spot.Mngqithi, who previously coached at Sundowns before taking charge at Arrows, knows first-hand what it takes to compete at the highest level."I also sounded controversial with a lot of people when I said these teams don't have depth and they struggle to beat small teams," Mngqithi told iDiski Times."It is not because the other clubs lack quality, but it is because you can guess their starting 11. And when you do that [use a consistently similar line-up], and you are competing on all these fronts, domestic league, cup competitions and the Champions League, it takes its toll on the players."So, you need to have a broader squad that can ultimately give you the chance to rest some players while not losing sight of the competition."I think at Sundowns, we had mastered that part, we focused on periodising the squad to be able to compete all the way to the end of the Champions League, which we just struggled to win."And it was never really an issue of quality and all that, it was just that mistakes in the Champions League are really costly." &nbsp;

Manqoba Mngqithi: Sundowns' squad depth is their real strength 

Newcastle United may have suffered a fresh injury setback after Anthony Gordon sustained a hip injury while on international duty with England.

The winger picked up the issue during England's 2-0 victory over Albania, a match that marked Thomas Tuchel's debut as England manager.Gordon, who came on as a second-half substitute, was involved in a challenge that left him in visible discomfort. At full-time, he was seen on the floor holding his hip, raising concerns over a potential extended absence.Tuchel provided a brief update on Gordon's condition post-match but did not elaborate on the severity of the injury. Newcastle will now await further assessments to determine the extent of the problem."He looks injured," England boss Tuchel said."First of all I thought it's his stomach, but it's his hip and it does not look good. It's a bit worrying, yeah."The timing of the injury is particularly frustrating for Newcastle, as Gordon is already serving a suspension.The 23-year-old missed the Magpies' Carabao Cup final win over Liverpool last weekend due to disciplinary reasons, and his latest setback could see him sidelined for even longer. &nbsp;

Anthony Gordon injury blow for Newcastle

Nigeria claimed a dominant 2-0 victory over Rwanda, thanks to a brace from Victor Osimhen in a match played in Kigali.

The Super Eagles started strongly, pinning Rwanda deep in their own half. Their pressure paid off when Moses Simon was fouled near the penalty area.&nbsp;From the resulting free-kick, Ademola Lookman delivered a perfect cross to the far post, where Osimhen volleyed the ball into the net to put Nigeria ahead.Rwanda responded with a spell of pressure towards the end of the first half, but their attacking intent led to a crucial mistake.Committing too many players forward, they left space at the back, allowing Osimhen to break through in a one-on-one situation. The Napoli striker calmly slotted home his second goal just before half-time.Ghana 5-0 ChadGhana delivered a dominant performance at the Accra Sports Stadium, thrashing Chad 5-0 in a FIFA World Cup qualifier.Antoine Semenyo set the tone early, scoring in the 2nd minute. Inaki Williams doubled the lead in the 31st minute before Jordan Ayew converted a penalty five minutes later to give Ghana a comfortable 3-0 advantage at half-time.The Black Stars maintained their momentum in the second half, with Mohammed Salisu adding a fourth goal in the 56th minute. Ernest Nuamah sealed the emphatic victory in the 68th minute, capping off a well-rounded team performance.Burundi 0-1 Ivory CoastIvory Coast secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Burundi in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at Honneur Stadium in Morocco. The win sees them move to the top of Group F, one point ahead of second-placed Gabon.The decisive moment came in the 16th minute when Sébastien Haller provided an assist for Yohan Guessand, who slotted the ball past the Burundi goalkeeper. Ivory Coast maintained their lead going into half-time and held firm in the second half to see out the win.Burundi, suffering their second defeat in the group stage, remain third in the standings. Despite their efforts, they were unable to break down a well-organised Ivorian defence.Ethiopia 0-2 EgyptEgypt continued their strong start to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers with a 2-0 win over Ethiopia. Mohamed Salah opened the scoring in the 31st minute, finishing off a well-placed pass from Hamdy Fathy.Salah turned provider in the second half, assisting Zizo for Egypt’s second goal. The Pharaohs had further chances to extend their lead, with Trezeguet hitting the woodwork and both he and Osama Faisal coming close.Salah thought he had added a late third, but his effort was ruled out for offside. Despite Ethiopia’s efforts, they struggled to break through Egypt’s defence, ensuring a comfortable win for Rui Vitória’s side.Botswana 1-3 AlgeriaAlgeria secured a 3-1 victory over Botswana in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, moving to the top of Group G, level on points with Mozambique. Botswana, meanwhile, dropped to fourth place.The match saw Algeria take the lead just before half-time when Amine Gouiri headed in a cross from Hicham Boudaoui in the 44th minute.&nbsp;Gouiri then turned provider in the 52nd minute, setting up Mohamed Amoura, who slotted home Algeria’s second.Botswana responded in the 70th minute through Tebogo Kopelang, who capitalised on a rebound after Algeria's goalkeeper Alexis Guendouz blocked his initial effort.&nbsp;However, Amoura struck again in the 74th minute, rounding goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko after an assist from Youcef Belaili to seal the win.Other results:Burkina Faso 4-1 DjiboutiNiger 1-2 MoroccoDR Congo 1-0 South SudanGuinea 0-0 SomaliaEquatorial Guinea 2-0 Sao Tome and Principe &nbsp;

World Cup qualifiers wrap: Nigeria clinch first campaign victory 

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola could leave the club before next season, according to former City midfielder Dietmar Hamann. 

Despite signing a two-year contract extension in November, Guardiola's long-term future remains uncertain amid a turbulent campaign.City, who were initially set to see Guardiola's contract expire at the end of this season, have endured a disappointing year.They have been eliminated from both the Premier League title race and the Champions League, raising concerns over the club's direction.Their struggles prompted a drastic squad overhaul in January, bringing forward a planned summer rebuild in an attempt to turn their form around. The club also emerged as the biggest spenders in the winter transfer window.However, results have not improved as expected, and City now face the real possibility of missing out on qualification for the 2025/26 Champions League.This, combined with the team's continued struggles, has led Hamann to speculate that Guardiola may not see out his new contract."Well, when he signed the contract extension, I think that the contract was signed to calm things down and just bring a bit of stability into the club, because it was really needed at the time because of the 115 charges that the Premier League brought against City," Hamann said."You know, he's been there a long time. The people in charge of the football club are the same people that were running Barcelona when he was there, so they are not only colleagues, they're friends and I'm sure if he wants to go, they would find a solution."When I look at Pep this season, I'm not sure whether he's got [patience or energy] at the moment."It's a very testing job, being a Premier League manager. You have to transfer that fire from the manager to the players and make them believe they can win everything again. I'm not sure he can do that."I said that a few months ago. I'm not sure how far that time is where he says to himself, maybe somebody else is better equipped for the job. I'd be surprised if he's still the manager next season, regardless of where they finish." &nbsp;

Dietmar Hamann: I'd be surprised if Pep Guardiola stays at Man City

vodacom-soccer/uploads/authors/author_thumb_ifqryf.jpeg

Heinrich Griessel has been writing about sports for as long as he can remember (everything gets a bit hazy before 2008) - and is part of the Vodacom Soccer content team.&nbsp;
The early years were dominated by football, but before long our intrepid hero was covering cricket, rugby, F1, tennis, and even MMA.
He has worked for Sunday Media, Soccer Laduma, TEAMtalk, and the South Korean government (as an English teacher).
The rogue wordsmith also dabbles in poetry, if you ask him nicely.

Carlo Ancelotti was awarded the prestigious Pianchina D'oro in Florence, a prize handed out by Italian coaches to recognise the Real Madrid boss as the standout manager of the previous season.

The former AC Milan and Juventus midfielder was all smiles, surrounded by familiar faces from his playing days and ex-players he's coached during his illustrious career.The likes of Fabio Cannavaro, Gian Piero Gasperini, and Filippo Inzaghi, figures who share a deep bond with Ancelotti—were there to celebrate his success. It was a heartfelt reunion, steeped in mutual respect.For Ancelotti, the day was about reconnecting with his football family, sharing warm embraces, and soaking up the admiration of those who've known him as both a player and a manager."It's a true honour and a immense pride to receive this recognition from my colleagues," he said. "It was a wonderful day in Florence."The ceremony took place at Coverciano, the renowned training base of the Italian national team. Inside the auditorium, Ancelotti delivered a masterclass on his football philosophy, offering insights into the game that have made him a legend in the dugout.Real Madrid fans have been buzzing on X, with one user posting: "Ancelotti picking up the Pianchina D'oro just proves he's still at the top of his game, class act!" Another added: "Seeing Carletto honoured by his peers in Italy is pure football heritage."The updates reflect the pride supporters feel for their manager's latest accolade.

Carlo Ancelotti honoured as Italy's finest coach in Florence

England have kicked off their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign with a hard-fought 3-0 victory over Latvia at Wembley on Monday, but it was far from a stroll in the park.

Thomas Tuchel's side leaned on a moment of brilliance from Reece James and a late flurry to see off the stubborn minnows, ranked 136th in the world, while Jude Bellingham's lack of discipline nearly cost them dear.The Real Madrid star, booked in the first half, was fortunate to stay on the pitch after a reckless challenge on Raivis Jurkovskis shortly after the break. Tuchel didn't hesitate, hauling Bellingham off for Phil Foden to avoid a red card that could have shifted the game's momentum. "A bit lucky," Tuchel admitted post-match. "We took the decision straight away to not take the risk and get him off."England had taken the lead just before halftime through James, who marked his first Three Lions start since September 2022 with a stunning free-kick.The Chelsea right-back, a Champions League winner under Tuchel in 2021, bent the ball into the top corner with precision that left Latvia's Krisjanis Zviedris rooted. "The quality the boy has is amazing," Tuchel said of James. "He's in excellent shape, sharp, and his quality is at the highest level."Despite their dominance, England struggled to put Latvia away. The visitors, 136 places below their hosts in FIFA's rankings, frustrated Tuchel's men with a dogged defensive display.Harry Kane squandered a golden chance in the first half, heading over from close range, and the Three Lions lacked their usual cutting edge. "It was not an easy match," Tuchel conceded. "We saw good things, created chances, but needed a free-kick to unlock it. The second half, we slowed down and made little movement, which makes no sense."The breakthrough finally came in the 68th minute when Declan Rice's pinpoint cross found Kane, who tapped in his 71st England goal to double the lead. Eberechi Eze, on as a substitute, sealed the win with a low, deflected strike for his first international goal.Latvia's resistance crumbled late on, though Zviedris denied Morgan Rogers and Kane in the dying moments to keep the scoreline respectable.Tuchel also praised Rogers, the Aston Villa midfielder thriving in their Champions League run this season, who impressed on his first England start. "He deserved to start," Tuchel said. "A match where we're so dominant suits him. He felt more freedom on the wing, and he did good."The result extends England's unbeaten home record in World Cup qualifiers to 30 matches (27 wins, 3 draws), but Tuchel knows there's work ahead. After a 2-0 win over Albania in his debut last Friday, he added, "I'm happy with the attitude, energy, and desire. We'll get there."Next up, England face Andorra in June, but for now, they've banked six points from two games, gritty rather than glamorous, with Bellingham's close call a reminder of the fine margins in international football.

Jude Bellingham dodges red as England grind past Latvia in WC qualifier

Despite Kaizer Chiefs' inconsistent form this season, Marketing and Commercial Director Jessica Motaung has reaffirmed that the club's technical team has full backing from management as they navigate their first season in charge.

Head coach Nasreddine Nabi took over at the start of the season from Moroccan side ASFAR, inheriting a squad that had just finished 10th in the league - the worst finish in the club's PSL era.While Chiefs have struggled in the league, currently sitting in eighth place, they remain in contention for silverware in the Nedbank Cup semi-finals."I really don't want to get into that right now. All I can say is we have a technical team and a coach, they have the support to do the work, and then it's for them to do the work," Motaung told IdiskiTimes."We obviously know this is a long-term project. We didn't go into this expecting quick results, but certainly, lessons are being learned, and the necessary analysis is being done."Since his arrival, Nabi and his backroom staff - consisting of Khalil Ben Youssef, Cedric Kaze, Ilyez Mzoughi, and Majdi Safi - have overseen 28 matches, winning 10, drawing five, and losing 13 across all competitions.While the league campaign has been underwhelming, the club's hierarchy remains patient, emphasizing the importance of long-term development rather than instant success."It's important that we learn from the challenges we face. I encourage our supporters to stand by the team as we push towards the end of the season. There is a need for more consistency, and there's work happening behind the scenes to ensure we achieve that," Motaung added.As Chiefs continue their push for a strong finish and a potential Nedbank Cup triumph, the pressure remains on the coaching staff.However, with the club's leadership showing faith in the process, it appears Amakhosi are committed to long-term stability rather than making reactionary changes. &nbsp;

Kaizer Chiefs management stands firm behind technical team amid inconsistency 

The long-awaited outcome of Manchester City's 115-charge financial fair play showdown with the Premier League could be just around the corner, and whispers from the football world suggest the Citizens might come out on top. 

Keith Wyness, a former Everton CEO with deep ties in the game, has hinted that the defending champions are in a strong position as the independent commission's verdict nears.The Premier League first launched their probe into Manchester City back in 2018, digging into the club's financial dealings over several seasons.After years of legal wrangling, they slapped the Citizens with 115 charges in February 2023, sending the case to an independent panel. The hearing kicked off in September 2024 and wrapped up in December, leaving fans, pundits, and rival clubs on edge ever since.These charges aren't small fry. They cover everything from allegedly fudging sponsorship values to dodging rules on reporting manager and player wages. The Premier League have also accused Manchester City of breaching UEFA's financial regulations and their own profitability and sustainability guidelines, rules designed to keep the competition fair.On top of that, the club face claims of not playing ball with the league's investigation. The charges stretch across every season from 2009-10 to 2022-23, painting a picture of a decade-plus of alleged rule-breaking.Wyness, speaking to Football Insider, shared his take based on chatter he's picked up from trusted sources. "All the rumours are swirling—some say Manchester City will escape, others reckon the Premier League might strike a deal behind closed doors," he said. "My gut, and the people I've relied on so far, point to City doing quite well in this case. But neither side's walking away spotless. We'll see soon enough."The timing of the verdict remains a mystery, though. Stefan Borson, a former financial advisor to Manchester City, weighed in on Football Insider just a day before Wyness, expressing frustration at the lack of clarity. "The Premier League and City could've handled this better," Borson said."I've argued from the start for a clear timetable, when the hearing would happen, when the decision might drop. Right now, it's anyone's guess. It could land this week, next week, or even drag into the summer. No one knows."Borson added that the secrecy's so tight, even insiders are in the dark. "I've spoken to plenty of people over the last week—nobody's got a clue," he said. "It's not like there's a buzz it's imminent. If it hits today, it'll be a total surprise. That's not ideal for a case this big—not just for football, but for the real people at City whose jobs could be on the line if it goes badly."On the pitch, Manchester City have kept their focus, with Pep Guardiola's side still chasing silverware in 2025. No fresh updates have trickled out from the club, Guardiola, or the players on the case this week, but the tension's building.Will the Citizens dodge a points deduction, a hefty fine, or worse? Or will the Premier League land a blow that shakes the football world? For now, all eyes are on that verdict, and the clock's ticking.