Football

The English Football Association has confirmed new penalty shootout rule to be adopted for the Sundays Community Shield encounter between Chelsea and Arsenal. The new rule which is known as the "ABBA" rule will also become a standard rule for spot kicks throughout the season. According to the rule, if the match ends barren or in a draw after 90 minutes, both clubs will head straight to the penalty to decide the winner of the game.

Super Eagles Captain, John Mikel Obi said Nigeria's qualification for next year's World Cup billed to be hosted by Russia is non-negotiable. Obi who stated this yesterday said his Russian in-laws who are expecting him to participate in the tournament will kill him if he fails to guide the team past Cameroon and secure a ticket for the tournament. He explained that though the Indomitable Lion of Cameroon was a good side, the Super Eagles needed to play with determination to clinch the ticket.

Barcelona have established that Brazilian international Neymar would leave the club this summer to join French giant, Paris Saint Germain (PSG). Neymar flew back to Catalonia on Tuesday after a promotional trip to China, but was granted permission to miss training session on Wednesday. Although the star player was pictured driving to Barcelona training ground, the Club tweeted that he had been excused by the Manger.

The once rosy and glorious relationship between Neymar and Barcelona fans may have faded following the perceived decision of the player to dump the club and accept a big money transfer to Paris Saint Germain (PSG).  Kwese ESPN reported that yesterday, the fans put up a poster outside the Camp Nou with Neymar's picture calling him a mercenary and a traitor. They also said they wanted him out of the club.

FIFA has appointed Egyptian referee Gehad Zaghloul Ibrahim Selim Grisha and Gambian referee Papa Gassama for the first and second legs of the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon.

Liverpool Coach, Jurgen Klopp has warned Premier League rivals to brace up for a tougher season as his club aim to win the domestic league this season. Klopp who fired the warning while speaking with Skysports hinted that his squad has been improved and made formidable to challenge other teams contending for the trophy this season.