UEFA’s Club Financial Control Body, CFCB, has cleared Manchester City and Manchester United to take part in European competition next season.

Both City and LaLiga side Girona qualified for the Champions League.

There were doubts over whether both teams will be allowed to play in the competition, as they are both part of the City Football Group.

United, meanwhile, earned a Europa League ticket by winning the FA Cup along with Nice. The Ligue 1 club is also under the control of Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS group.

Two clubs under the same ownership being in one European competition creates a potential conflict with UEFA’s multi-club ownership rules, and changes had to be made at board level for all four clubs to be admitted.

UEFA confirmed on Friday that there had been “significant changes made to the ownership, governance, and financial support of the concerned clubs” which would “substantially restrict the investors’ influence and decision-making power”.

The shares held in Girona and Nice have been transferred to independent trustees “through a blind trust structure established under the supervision of the CFCB”.

The measure applies for the 2024/2025 season, after which the shares will transfer back to City Football Group and INEOS.

Arsenal have agreed terms with Bologna defender, Riccardo Calafiori.

The Gunners offered Calafiori a five-year contract, which is valid until June 2029.

The Premier League are now in discussions with Bologna over a €50 million transfer fee.

FC Basel are expected to receive 50 per cent of the sale.

Football transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, wrote on X: “Arsenal have agreed terms of Riccardo Calafiori’s contract, valid until June 2029.

“Arsenal and Bologna are discussing over fee, as request remains around €50 million.

“FC Basel would receive 50% of the sale over €4.5 million — they’re also aware of talks ongoing, nothing sealed yet.”

Chelsea have confirmed that forward Chinonso Chibueze has left the club to join Championship club Stoke City.

The Premier League West London club disclosed this in a statement on their website on Friday.

“Chinonso Chibueze has left Chelsea and completed a move to Championship club Stoke City.

“Good luck for the future, Chi Chi,” Chelsea’s statement read.

Chibueze joined Chelsea as an Under-10 from Fulham.

The 18-year-old moved through the age groups at Cobham and made his Under-18s debut during the 2021/22 season.

Ecuador have sacked their head coach, Felix Sanchez after their Copa America 2024 exit at the hands of Argentina.

Sanchez watched as Argentina defeated Ecuador 4-2 on penalty shoot-out in the Copa America 2024 quarter-final on Thursday.

The encounter ended in a 1-1 draw after 120 minutes.

Ecuador striker Enner Valencia even missed a penalty in the 62 minutes during the encounter.

However, in a statement, Ecuador’s Football Federation (FEF) said: “We thank Felix and his coaching staff for their work and professionalism and wish him success in his future endeavours.”

Midfielder Ugwuoke Ugochukwu has extended his contract with Nigeria Premier Football League champions, Rangers.

Ugochukwu signed a new deal with the Flying Antelopes.

The sensational midfielder has been certified fit to return to the pitch after a lengthy injury layoff.

“We are excited to have Ugwuoke Ugochukwu back on board for an incredible season ahead!

Welcome Canda!.” The club wrote on X.

Ugochukwu returned to the team’s training in March.

He is expected to fight for a place in the team next season.

Rivers United are looking to sign forward Promise Awosanmi from Sunshine Stars, DAILY POST reports.

Awosanmi scored five goals and registered two assists for Sunshine Stars last season.

The young hitman is one of the promising strikers in the Nigeria Premier Football League.

Sunshine Stars are expected to demand a high fee to sell the player.

Rivers United are looking to bolster their squad with quality additions following a below-par campaign last term.

The Port Harcourt club finished in a disappointing eighth position last season.

The club will be tinkered by former Super Eagles head coach, Finidi George next season.

Former Argentina international, Sergio Aguero has named three players who he feels can take up the mantle of leadership once captain Lionel Messi retires from international football.

The three players are Julian Álvarez, Alexis Mac Allister, and Enzo Fernandez.

Messi is currently 37 years old and is heading close to his retirement from international football.

The Inter Miami forward is currently with the Argentina squad at Copa America 2024.

“In my opinion, our next leaders will be Julian Álvarez, Alexis Mac Allister, and Enzo Fernandez,” Aguero said in an interview with Stake (via Daily Mail).

“Some say Emiliano Martinez, but the goalkeeper’s roles are different, they have a different type of leadership. But I think that towards the future, those are the players.”

UEFA has decided to fine England midfielder, Jude Bellingham, over his x-rated gesture after scoring in their 2-1 win over Slovakia at Euro 2024.

Bellingham has also been given a suspended ban.

The Real Madrid star made a lewd gesture after his dramatic late equaliser and insisted afterwards that it was an “inside joke”.

UEFA said in a statement on Friday, have announced that they have decided “to fine the English Football Association player Jude Bellingham €30,000 and to suspend him for a total of one UEFA competition match for which he would be otherwise eligible for violating the basic rules of decent conduct.

“Said suspension is not immediately enforced and is subject to a probationary period of one (1) year, starting from the date of the present decision.”

England play Switzerland in the quarter-final on Saturday.

Mohammed Alao has won the Kwara United’s Player of the Season award, DAILY POST reports.

Alao beat the club’s top scorer Emmanuel Ogbole to the award.

The midfielder scored six goals in 26 appearances for the Harmony Boys last season.

He was one of the top performers for the Ilorin- based club in the last campaign.

Alao was the link between the team’s defence and attack.

The player played a crucial role in Kabiru Dogo’s side escape from relegation.

Juventus are willing to offload Federico Chiesa this summer and will demand €25m for the forward.

New manager, Thiago Motta, has made it clear that Chiesa is surplus to requirements.

And football transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, wrote on X: “Juventus consider price tag around €25m with add-ons included for Federico Chiesa as current deal expires in June 2025, not being extended.

“Juventus are prepared to sell Chiesa who’s currently not part of Thiago Motta’s plans, as confirmed yesterday.”

In other developments, Vivianne Miedema has joined Manchester City after leaving Arsenal.

The 27-year-old, who is the all-time leading goalscorer in the Women’s Super League, joins as a free agent.

“The reason I chose City is because they have the same ambitions as me – they want to win the league and titles,” Miedema said.