Following a formal appeal launched by Real Madrid, the two match ban imposed on Marcelo for kicking Jefferon Lerma has been reduced to one by the relevant committee which voted to uphold the punishment. The Spanish FA Competitive Committee had banned Marcelo for two league matches following a red card issued to the player after he appeared to have kicked Lerma in an encounter between Real Madrid and Levante.

Nigeria have slumped to 44th Position in the latest ranking released by FIFA despite two successful outings in the recently concluded FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against the Indomitable Lion of Cameroon. Nigeria which ranked 38th in the previous release and sixth in Africa, however overtook Cameroon in the latest ranking. Cameroon which was previously ranked 37th is now 45th in the world.

Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata said football in the English Premier League is strikingly different from La Liga and Serie A where he played for Spanish giant, Real Madrid and Juventus respectively.  According to ChelseaFC.com the striker said while other leagues allow players to play calmly, the ball is always on fire in the EPL.

Chelsea star player, N'golo Kante said he does not feel like the best player in the English Premier League (EPL), despite widespread commendations from all angles including his coach, on his sterling contribution to the team since his arrival at Stanford Bridge.

Chelsea outcast, Diego Costa refused to jet back to London on Tuesday from Brazil even though a reservation was made in his name for the JJ8084 flight which left Sao Paulo Guarulhos airport on Monday and arrived London Heathrow the next day.