Sports
Silvio Berlusconi, former AC Milan owner, dies aged 86
The former Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi and AC Milan owner has died aged 86.
The media tycoon, who led three governments between 1994 and 2011 and whose Forza Italia party is a junior partner in Italy’s ruling coalition, had been diagnosed with leukaemia some time ago.
Berlusconi was one of Italy’s most flamboyant politicians, making a comeback in 2017 despite a career tainted by sex scandals, allegations of corruption and a tax fraud conviction.
He died at the San Raffaele hospital in Milan, where he had spent six weeks this spring undergoing treatment for a lung infection linked to a chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia before being readmitted.
Born in Milan in 1936 to a middle-class family, Berlusconi began his business career in property development before going on to found Mediaset, Italy’s largest commercial broadcaster. He also owned AC Milan football club between 1986 and 2017.
Forza Italia was founded in 1993. A year later, Berlusconi was the first prime minister to be elected without previously having held a government office. His second term in office, between 2001 and 2006, was the longest served by any Italian leader since the second world war. He returned to power in 2008 but was forced to resign in 2011 amid an acute debt crisis.
Berlusconi was convicted of tax fraud in late 2012, for which he served his year-long sentence doing part-time community service at a residential home in Milan. His ban on running for office was lifted in time for the general elections in 2018, when Forza Italia ran in coalition with the League and Brothers of Italy but fell short of the 40% required to govern.
In 2019, Berlusconi won a seat in the European parliament, and in general elections in October 2022 his party returned to power in a coalition led by Giorgia Meloni’s Brothers of Italy. Berlusconi was also elected as a senator.
Meloni said on Monday: “Silvio Berlusconi was above all a fighter. He was a man who was never afraid to stand up for his convictions, and it was exactly that courage and determination that made him one of the most influential men in the history of Italy.”
The two had recently disagreed over the war in Ukraine, with Berlusconi announcing that the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, had sent him bottles of vodka for his birthday. On Monday, the Russian embassy in Rome described Berlusconi as a great statesman and visionary, while Putin said he was a “dear person, a true friend”.
Matteo Salvini, the deputy prime minister, described Berlusconi as “a great friend and a great Italian man”.
Silvio Berlusconi with the AC Milan players Frank Rijkaard, Ruud Gullit and Marco van Basten in 1990 with the European Cup. Photograph: Imago/Shutterstock
Nicknamed Il Cavaliere (the knight), Berlusconi was often considered the “kingmaker” in Italian politics. In 2016, he had surgery to replace a faulty aortic valve, and was admitted to hospital with Covid in September 2020. He had lingering complications related to the virus, an experience he described as “the worst of my life”.
He married twice, and was in a relationship with Francesca Pascale, 37, for seven years before a relationship with 33-year-old Marta Fascina, an MP with Forza Italia with whom he had a “symbolic marriage” in March 2022. He is survived by five children.
Italy’s defence minister, Guido Crosetto, described Berlusconi’s death as “a great, enormous pain”. “He leaves a huge void because he was great. An era is over, an era is closing. I loved him very much. Goodbye Silvio.”
His rivals, too, united in paying tribute. One of the first to react was the former European Commission president Romano Prodi, perhaps Berlusconi’s bitterest political foe.
“We represented different and opposing worlds, but our rivalry never turned into sentiments of animosity on a personal level, and the debate remained within the sphere of mutual respect,” Prodi said.
The secretary of the centre-left Democratic party, Elly Schlein, expressed her party’s “deepest condolences”.
“Everything has divided us and divides us from his political vision, but the human respect to a person who was a protagonist of our country’s history remains,” she said. “Deepest condolences from the Democratic party.’’
Italy’s former prime minister Matteo Renzi described Berlusconi as a history-maker. “Many loved him, many hated him; today everyone must recognise that his impact on political life but also on economic, sporting and television life was unprecedented.”
The world of sport also paid tribute. “I have lost my brilliant friend,” said the former football coach Arrigo Sacchi, whose Milan team won the Champions League in consecutive years.
Berlusconi left AC Milan ownership in 2017 and bought the Monza football club, taking it from Italy’s second division to the top flight. A statement from Monza said: “Forever with us. A void that can never be filled. Thanks for everything, president.”
Berlusconi’s body would be transferred to his home at Villa San Martino in Arcore, north of Milan, sources said. His funeral is likely to take place at Milan Cathedral.
Additional reports from www.theguardian.com
The President of Lekki Astro Sports Club, Haliru Momodu is a football enthusiastic with more than two decades experience as banker who had passion and skill of staging big football occasion like Lekki Astro League. The Director of Opulentlive speaks on how the league cup will enhance sports development in Lagos State.
How do you feel staging another football fitness league as 2024 Astro League Cup set to begin?
First of all, I want to thank you for the opportunity to discuss the 3rd Edition of the LEKKI Astro League, which is coming up on October 20, 2024. My club and I see this league cup as an annual ritual and a way to reach out to our community, bond, fraternize, and network amongst members and other businesses. I’m really looking forward to this edition, as it promises a lot of exciting developments.
Last season’s edition did not receive as much publicity as this year. Does that indicate the competition is taking another direction?
We faced challenges with planning due to lack of training facilities. Once we secured our current home, we were able to plan more effectively. While last year’s tournament was a great success, as a growth-driven association, we feel it’s essential to give this year’s competition the publicity it deserves, and we promise to do even better in future.
Onyekachi Okonkwo
What challenges and opportunities might arise from having a league exclusively for players aged 35 and above in terms of fostering future sports talent in the country?
Lekki Astro League Cup, designed for players aged 35 and above, brings a fun and social aspect to sports development in the country. While it might shift focus away from younger players, it creates an exciting environment where seasoned athletes can come together for the love of the game. Beyond the competition, it offers a relaxed space for veterans to mentor younger athletes, sharing their experience and knowledge in a more casual setting. Lekki Astro league Cup could also spark renewed interest in sports by showing that staying active and fit is possible at any age. Ultimately, the success of the league will depend on how well it fosters camaraderie and enjoyment while promoting a lifelong commitment to fitness.
The league is called the LEKKI Astro League Cup. Does that mean other parts of Nigeria are not considered?
We do play games outside of Lagos annually, but as a sports club, the league cup is primarily an internal competition. Our members sponsor four different teams, and the tournament is structured in a league format, with the highest points determining the winner. While we may consider hosting teams from other states in the future, for now, it is focused on our community.
Last season, some ex-Super Eagles players participated. Can you explain how league membership is organized?
Yes, we have ex-Super Eagles players like Onyekachi Okonkwo and Ogbonna Kanu among our members, along with some professionals still active in Europe. Participation is strictly for members, with teams owned by them. If anyone is interested in joining us, they are welcome to reach out, and we’ll explain what it takes to become a member (laughs).
The league is commencing with individual sponsorship. What are your targets in securing deals ahead of the 2025 season?
This Edition is being sponsored by Nigerian Breweries Plc’s through one of its Brand, Goldberg larger. When we refer to individual sponsors, we mean our members who are buying slots to own teams to market their brands, which also promotes their businesses. Companies will sponsor the tournament without owning a team. I believe next year’s edition will be even greater, as this is part of our ongoing efforts.
What makes Lekki an ideal location for hosting the Lekki Astro league cup in 2024?”
Lekki is an ideal location for hosting the league cup in 2024 due to its vibrant sports culture and community engagement. The area is known for its enthusiastic sports fans, which will create an energetic atmosphere during the event. Moreover, Holden Park School, our home ground, offers excellent facilities that are well-suited for sporting events, featuring quality playing fields and necessary amenities for players and fans alike. This familiar setting will help foster a sense of community and support among participants. By hosting the league cup in Holden Park School, we aim to bring together sports enthusiasts, local businesses, and families to celebrate the spirit of competition and camaraderie. We encourage anyone interested in being part of the cup celebration to join us at Holden Park School or contact us through our website at www.lekkiastrosportsclub.com. All these factors combine to create an exciting and supportive atmosphere for the league cup, making Lekki the perfect choice for this event.
In a move to build its brand awareness among Nigerian football fans, Lekki Astro Sports Club League is seeking national and international sponsorship deals to boost an exhilarating season of action, star-studded matchups, and unforgettable moments.
The Lekki Astro League is a fast-growing all-star sports club league in the Lekki Axis of Lagos, with over 100 quality multi-ethnic and diaspora members from various walks of life, aged between (35-60) years. It has members including some ex-Super Eagles players and prominent ex-European-based professional players.
The league kicks off in October 2024 and ends towards the end of the year with awards and a gala night takes place in December 2024.
A press release by the league management reads:
“LASC League has a long-standing connection with football globally and we look forward to developing annually. It is an annual tournament, which aims to promote peace, love, and unity through football to keep fit while challenging ourselves further through competition. The league will bring Nigerians and other part of Africa together with the motive of unity irrespective of ethnic and religious differences.”
“The Lekki Astro League is purely Nigerian, as all members are Nigerians even though some members reside abroad. All materials and equipment for the league are sourced locally.”
“Our objective is to have sponsors partner with us as we kick-start our 2024 league cup in October 2024 and wrap up our annual End of the year/awards night coming up in December 2024.
According to the statement, Lekki Astro League is an intra-football tournament comprised of four football teams while the kick-off stretches across six weeks with 12 matches to be played in a regular league format. The four teams participating in this season are Team Harrison Group, Team Smart FC, Team Success, and Team Las Pinas Luxury.
The statement continues: “The 3rd edition of the LASC league promises to be bigger and better than the previous editions, as we gradually continue to improve on the template that was established from the inaugural edition. This is the first time we will be having entirely different sponsors from the initial editions.
This year’s edition promises to be more exciting as our membership increases annually with competent individuals who are competent on the field of play,” it concluded.
LASC league is delighted to announce the individual sponsorship of Chief Harrison Okorie, Mr. Smart Ibe, Mr Chima Njoku, and Mr. Chigozie Igwebuike to commence the “incredible season”
Jude Bellingham has worn Real Madrid’s number five shirt since joining the club in 2023.
The English all-rounder chose the number which was formerly worn by one of Madrid’s greatest-ever players.
Antonio Rudiger was in possession of the shirt number which Bellingham originally wanted before settling for five.
Jude Bellingham has quickly become an iconic name at Real Madrid. Since moving to the Spanish capital in the summer of 2023, he has been a key cog in the system for Carlo Ancelotti’s side, most notably scoring a stunning winner away to bitter rivals Barcelona.
Kids across the city idolise him, buying his name and shirt number on the back of their jerseys. When Bellingham moved to Real Madrid, he chose to become the club’s number five. Traditionally, the number is used for defensive-minded players, but the Birmingham City prodigy is an exception.
He was unable to wear his beloved number 22, so he struck a compromise. Inspired by one of the greatest Real Madrid players of all time – Zinedine Zidane – we have outlined everything you need to know about the background story surrounding Bellingham’s kit number.
Why Bellingham is Real Madrid’s Number 5
His father used to have a Zidane shirt when he was younger
Bellingham wears the number five shirt to pay homage to Zidane. The legendary Frenchman made 227 appearances for the Galacticos, registering 49 goals and 67 assists. Most notably, he scored one of the greatest Champions League goals of all time in the 2002 final against Bayer Leverkusen.
Zidane also returned to Madrid as manager and won the Champions League three times in a row. A legend in every aspect, it makes sense that Bellingham wanted to honour his legacy in the Spanish capital, even if it was not his first choice. “There wasn’t much else left,” the midfielder said at the 2023 Ballon d’Or ceremony as he explained his decision.
“It adds a little bit of pressure, but I wanted to pay homage to one of my idols.”
However, there is also personal significance to Bellingham wearing the number five shirt. When he was growing up, his father – Mark Bellingham – had a Zidane shirt. “My father always wore a Real Madrid shirt around the house with ‘Zidane’ on the back, which is funny because, in a way, it has come full circle. He gave it to me when I arrived here in the summer,” Bellingham said via Talksport.
“He always wore it and I always told him: ‘Who is this guy you have on your shirt?’ And he always answered: ‘When you’re older, we’ll see him on YouTube.’ Now that I’m wearing number five, it has ended up being a pretty significant story. Really significant to me.”
Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi scored twice in a 3-2 win against Columbus Crew to help the club to win the MLS Supporters’ Shield for the first time.
The Argentina playmaker opened the scoring with a close-range finish and doubled the away side’s lead in first-half stoppage time with a sublime free-kick.
Crew winger Diego Rossi halved the deficit in Ohio before former Liverpool striker Luis Suarez restored Inter Miami’s two-goal lead and they held on after Cucho Hernandez’s penalty.
Miami’s victory means the club will finish top of the table and have won the Supporters’ Shield – which is given to the MLS club with the best regular season record – for the first time since they debuted in 2020.
Atletico Madrid have been sanctioned with a partial stadium closure and fine after crowd trouble in Sunday’s derby game against local rivals Real Madrid.
The La Liga match was halted for about 20 minutes in the second half after Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois complained to officials that home fans behind his goal were throwing objects on to the field.
Appeals were made over the stadium loudspeakers for fans to stop throwing objects but they were ignored, prompting the suspension of the game.
The Spanish football federation’s disciplinary committee has now ruled Atletico must close the lower south section of the Metropolitano Stadium, where the trouble occurred, for the next three games.
The club have also been fined 45,000 euros (£37,460) for what the body called “very serious” and “totally unacceptable” offences.
The match finished 1-1 after Atletico’s Angel Correa scored a stoppage-time equaliser to cancel out Eder Militao’s opener.
Atletico have said they have already identified and banned one supporter over the matter.
Ademola Lookman starred as Atalanta claimed a comfortable Champions League win over Shakhtar Donetsk at the Arena AufSchalke in Gelsenkirchen, Germany.
The Italians have now taken four points from their two Champions League fixtures this term after beginning their campaign with a goalless draw against Arsenal.
And this result never looked in doubt from the moment former Charlton and Everton forward Lookman created their 21st-minute opener with a curling delivery from the left that was flicked home by Albania captain Berat Djimsiti.
Having already rattled the Shakhtar crossbar, Lookman then doubled Atalanta’s lead a minute before the interval, with a placed effort into the bottom corner from Sead Kolasinac’s pass.
Gian Piero Gasperini’s side put the contest beyond doubt three minutes after the restart when Raoul Bellanova capitalised on some hesitant defending to nod in Davide Zappacosta’s cross at the back post.
Shakhtar, who are playing their home matches at Schalke’s ground due to Ukraine’s ongoing conflict with Russia, struggled to trouble the visiting defence and have one point from two games.
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