FOOTBALL
Why is Paul Pogba’s brother blackmailing him?
In a shocking turn of events, French authorities are investigating claims that Paul Pogba, has been the victim of threats and extortion attempts.
The person responsible for these threats is none other than his own brother, Mathias and some childhood friends!
The story broke out on Sunday when Mathias published a bizarre video.
In the two-minute, 41-second video, Mathias read a pre-written message promising “big revelations” about Paul and PSG star Kylian Mbappé.
Pogba’s camp responded by calling this an extortion attempt by an organised gang.
Pogo also contacted the police and French authorities have confirmed that they’ve been investigating this since the 1st week of August.
What Pogba has alleged
Pogba told the police that the threats and intimidation started in March.
Apparently, while on a visit to his Parisian home while on national team duty in March, his childhood friends dragged him into an apartment.
There, two masked men bearing assault rifles demanded 13 million euros for “protecting him” for 13 years!
Pogba paid about 100,000 euros to the blackmailers in April, hoping to appease them.
However, they weren’t content and threatened him again, this time in Manchester!
In April, Pogba saw these men in Manchester following him and then again, in July in Turin.
However, Pogba was shocked that the gang of extortionists also contained his brother, Mathias.
Pogba has claimed that he has always been close to his childhood friends and also helped them out financially.
But his friends took advantage of him.
In January, he had to kick out a friend from his house in Manchester after discovering that the friend had robbed 200,000 Euros using Pogba’s credit card.
About Mathias Pogba
Pogba has 2 brothers, Mathias and Florentin who are both professional footballers.
Florentin currently plays as a defender for Indian club ATK Mohun Bagan while Mathias plays for ASM Belfort, in France’s fourth tier.
Mathias has previously played in English football at Wrexham, Crewe and Crawley Town.
During his time at Wrexham (2010 to 2012), Mathias lived with Paul who at the time was doing his first stint at Old Trafford.
Mathias also played for Sparta Rotterdam and Racing Murcia, which were small clubs.
Naturally, Mathias would have earned far less than Paul – something that could have stoked the fires of jealousy.
We will keep you updated on the saga between the 2 brothers.
Entertainment
Neymar Open to Reunion with Messi and Suarez: “Football Is Full of Surprises
Neymar Expresses Desire for Reunion with Messi and Suarez
Brazilian superstar Neymar recently shared his excitement at the possibility of reuniting with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez. The trio, famously known as “MSN,” created one of football’s most iconic attacking units during their time at FC Barcelona. Together, they won the treble in the 2014-15 season, cementing their legacy in football history.
Speaking to CNN Sport, Neymar said,
“Playing again with Messi and Suarez would be incredible. They are my friends, and we still speak to each other. Reviving this trio would be interesting. I’m happy at Al-Hilal, but who knows? Football is full of surprises.”
From Barcelona to Separate Paths
After leaving Barcelona for a record-breaking €222 million move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017, Neymar played alongside Messi again during their time at PSG. However, their paths diverged in 2023, with Messi joining Inter Miami in MLS and Neymar opting for the Saudi Pro League with Al-Hilal. Suarez also joined Messi at Inter Miami, creating a mini-Barcelona reunion alongside Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets.
Neymar reflected on his decision to join Al-Hilal:
“When the news came out that I was leaving PSG, the transfer window in the United States was closed, so I didn’t have this option. The project in Saudi Arabia was good for me and my family, so it was the best choice at the time.”
Injuries and Al-Hilal’s Future
Since joining Al-Hilal for a reported €90 million in 2023, Neymar has been plagued by injuries, limiting him to just seven appearances. Speculation is rife that his contract, which ends in June, might not be extended.
Despite these challenges, Neymar remains optimistic about the future, emphasizing his strong bond with Messi and Suarez:
“We share a great friendship and camaraderie. It would be amazing to play together again.”
The Legendary MSN
The MSN trio scored an astounding 364 goals together during their three seasons at Barcelona. Their chemistry on the pitch was unmatched, making them one of the most formidable attacking units in football.
Fans worldwide will undoubtedly keep an eye on the possibility of these football legends reuniting, as Neymar’s comments spark hope for another chapter of their remarkable partnership.
BIG NEWS
VAR Implementation in Indian Football: Challenges and Future Plans
AIFF’s Plans for VAR in Indian Football
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) and Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) have been informed about the potential introduction of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology. Trevor Kettle, AIFF’s chief refereeing officer (CRO), mentioned that the current accuracy in ISL and I-League is around 82%. However, VAR’s implementation faces several hurdles.
Challenges to VAR Adoption
AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey emphasized the goal of reducing errors in decision-making with VAR. Though VAR is a priority, the federation is considering AVRS (Additional Video Review System) as a starting option due to financial constraints. Kettle noted that, once approved, VAR could take 12 to 18 months to implement, following FIFA’s guidelines. He also highlighted the significant costs involved, particularly for infrastructure and training.
Financial Constraints
The initial cost for VAR implementation could reach ₹25 crore in the first year, with recurring costs of ₹12-13 crore annually. These figures, according to a former AIFF official, were seen as unaffordable for the I-League.
Referee Training and Evaluation
Currently, India’s 18 elite match officials are not trained for VAR, which limits their participation in top tournaments. AIFF plans to increase the number of full-time referees to 50 by 2026.
Performance is assessed through Key Match Incidents (KMI), which include decisions on penalties, goals, and offside calls. Kettle acknowledged that aiming for 83-85% accuracy leaves room for a 15-20% error margin. He noted that this would likely be unacceptable to fans and officials.
Looking Forward
The AIFF remains committed to adopting VAR in Indian football. While the timeline for implementation is still uncertain, the federation is working on overcoming the challenges of cost and training. With the right infrastructure, VAR may soon become a part of Indian football.
FOOTBALL
Cristiano Ronaldo Dismisses Transfer Rumors, Aims for Al Nassr Glory
Cristiano Ronaldo remains focused on Al Nassr, reaffirming his dedication despite ongoing transfer rumors surrounding his future moves. The football star emphasized his commitment, clearly stating that he aims to secure trophies with Al Nassr in upcoming seasons.
Cristiano Ronaldo expressed his belief in Al Nassr’s potential, stating they can compete strongly against rivals, including the formidable Al Hilal. He acknowledged the competitive environment in Saudi football and highlighted the importance of teamwork and strategy to succeed.
His decision to join Al Nassr was intentional, aiming to contribute to the club’s growth both on and off the pitch. Ronaldo remains dedicated to fostering a winning culture, stating that perseverance will drive the team toward its goals.
Addressing the transfer rumors, Ronaldo labeled them baseless, insisting that his focus stays firmly on delivering results for Al Nassr. He expressed gratitude to Al Nassr fans, acknowledging their unwavering support and confidence in his leadership and abilities.
Recent matches demonstrated Ronaldo’s enduring skills, proving critics wrong and highlighting his impact on Al Nassr’s overall performance in critical moments. The star player underlined the significance of staying united, emphasizing the importance of team cohesion to achieve success.
Al Nassr continues building momentum with Ronaldo leading efforts, showing determination to secure trophies and establish dominance in the Saudi league. Ronaldo’s dedication inspires his teammates, fostering a collective belief in achieving greatness through hard work and determination.
As future challenges approach, Ronaldo remains committed to Al Nassr, determined to solidify their position as a competitive force regionally. His leadership is pivotal, as he drives efforts to secure a lasting legacy with the club and inspire future players.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s journey with Al Nassr signifies his determination to achieve greatness, reflecting his enduring passion for football and excellence.
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