Enzo Maresca has urged dissenting fans to resist the urge to protest against Chelsea‘s ownership and said victory in all seven home games will be enough to secure Champions League qualification.
Chelsea travel to Aston Villa on Saturday aiming to improve on a run of just three wins from 12 games across all competitions which has seen Chelsea fall off the pace in the title race and drop to sixth place in the table. A group of supporters are planning to protest against the club’s owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital before next Tuesday’s game against Southampton at Stamford Bridge, although it is unclear how significant the movement will be.
Speaking at a news conference on Friday, Maresca called on fans to remain united and set a target of maximum points in their matches at Stamford Bridge to secure a top four finish.
“The only thing I can say is that every time the fans have been behind us, we really appreciate because we are sure that with the fans behind we can achieve soon our target,” he said. “We have, I think, 13 games to go until the end of the season, seven of them at home and I think winning the seven at home can be enough to finish top four so it is a motivation for them, it is a motivation for us and it is something that after the game inside the changing room we mention many times that when you can hear the fans pushing in behind, it is a nice feeling.
“The last two Premier League games at home against Wolves and West Ham, both we won and especially the West Ham one we were 1-0 down but with them in behind we were able to win the game so we appreciate the fans in behind us and we ask them to be with us until the end because for sure we are going to finish happy all of
Asked for his response to those comments, Maresca said: “It is nice. I really appreciate to be honest the relations with the club when we start in a better moment in terms of results and in a worse moment in terms of results as now. They always support me: the sporting director, the owner, all the club to be honest.
“I’ve been always clear since day one. I’m not here — and I said already this a few times — I’m not here to survive. I’m here to win games. I’m here to bring this club to fight for titles and I said this already many times.
“The problem is that when you win games you look humble and when you don’t win games you look like you lack ambition. Since day one I joined this club, my intention is to win games, to win titles and bring this club where this club deserves to be. I said this since day on and if you review all my press conferences, I always repeat the same.
Spanish ex-soccer boss Rubiales sentenced to pay fine over kiss without consent.
MADRID, Feb 20 (Reuters) – Spain’s High Court has found former soccer federation head Luis Rubiales guilty of sexual assault for kissing player Jenni Hermoso without her consent and fined him over 10,000 euros ($10,434) in a case which caused a nationwide furore.
It acquitted him of a charge of coercion, the court said on Thursday in a ruling seen by Reuters. Rubiales told Reuters he would appeal, saying: “I am going to keep fighting.”
Hermoso’s lawyer, Angel Chavarria, told Reuters the player will appeal too, without providing further details.
Prosecutors had sought a prison sentence for Rubiales, 47, over the incident that provoked a heated debate in Spain about sexism in women’s football and wider Spanish society and gave momentum to a “Me Too” movement in the country.
The court said it had also acquitted Rubiales’ three co-defendants who were accused of attempting to coerce Hermoso into saying the kiss, at the 2023 World Cup awards ceremony in Sydney, was consensual. The ensuing scandal overshadowed Spain’s victory in the tournament
Rubiales, who is the target of a separate corruption investigation into commissions paid over a lucrative deal to stage the Spanish Super Cup competition in Saudi Arabia, has maintained throughout this month’s trial that Hermoso had consented to be kissed amid the celebrations.
But Judge Jose Manuel Fernandez-Prieto said he believed Hermoso’s testimony that she had not.
He found Rubiales guilty of sexual assault. But he said that while this was “always reproachable”, this instance was of minor intensity as there was no violence or intimidation.
#fast sports
As it involved a kiss rather than a more serious action, Rubiales should be spared time in prison, Fernandez-Prieto said.
“The pecuniary penalty must be chosen, which is less serious than the custodial sentence,” he said in his ruling.
The ruling also banned Rubiales from going within a 200-m (218 yards) radius of Hermoso and from communicating with her for one year. He will also have to pay Hermoso 3,000 euros as compensation. The fine was set at 20 euros a day over an 18-month period.
Item 1 of 2 Soccer Football – Luis Rubiales faces examination during trial – National Court, Madrid, Spain – February 13, 2025 Luis Rubiales leaves the court REUTERS/Violeta Santos Moura/File Photo
[1/2]Soccer Football – Luis Rubiales faces examination during trial – National Court, Madrid, Spain – February 13, 2025 Luis Rubiales leaves the court REUTERS/Violeta Santos Moura/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab
Rubiales’ gross annual salary at the RFEF federation was 675,762 euros.
During the trial, Hermoso said the unsolicited kiss and the commotion that followed “tainted one of the happiest days of my life”, while her teammates testified it left her overwhelmed, crying and exhausted in the following hours and days.
The captain of Spain’s women’s team said she respected the court’s decision but that she was surprised there was no conviction regarding the charges of coercion.
“I think the conviction for sexual assault is correct. What I find somehow striking and strange is that there is no conviction for coercion,” Irene Paredes said at a press briefing ahead of a game of the national team on Friday.
Paredes, who testified during the trial, said her opinion of the ruling reflected the reaction of the players in the locker room after training on Thursday.
The overall sense of the verdict, if not the mild sentence, was hailed as a victory for women’s rights in a country where macho attitudes are still deeply ingrained in some sectors of society despite considerable progress in recent decades.
“When there is no consent there is assault and that is what the judge certifies in this sentence. The victim’s word is honoured, as the law stipulates, and should not be questioned,” Equality Minister Ana Redondo in the leftist government of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez wrote on X.
Prominent feminist politician Irene Montero, a member of the European Parliament, also said the ruling was a victory for the movement, although she lamented the “minimum fine and damages”.
“Not long ago, it was unthinkable that a court would recognise a kiss without consent as a sexual assault. Feminism is changing everything: Only ‘yes’ means ‘yes’,” she said.
The Association of Spanish Footballers (AFE), which was a private prosecutor in the case, said the ruling was “a significant step forward in the defence of women’s rights and in the fight for a sport free of abuse and inequality.”
Celebrated Ghanaian rapper and singer Amerado marks a significant milestone in his life and career by releasing his latest single, “The Last Prayer,” produced by Beatz. This deeply reflective and soul-stirring song is a heartfelt expression of gratitude to God as Amerado celebrates his 30th birthday.
“The Last Prayer” showcases a different side of Amerado, blending his signature lyrical prowess with introspection and spiritual depth. Over Beatz’s evocative production, Amerado reflects on his life journey, the challenges he’s overcome, and the blessings that have brought him to this point. The track is a celebration and a moment of solemn appreciation, inviting listeners to connect with their journeys and milestones.
Speaking about the inspiration behind the song, Amerado shared, “Turning 30 is a significant moment for me, and I wanted to use this opportunity to express my gratitude to God for how far He has brought me. ‘The Last Prayer’ is not just my story; it’s for anyone who has faced challenges and still found reasons to give thanks.”
Known for hits like “Kwaku Ananse” and “Abronoma,” Amerado has consistently pushed boundaries in the Ghanaian music scene, earning him accolades including the 2023 VGMA Best Rapper of the Year. “The Last Prayer” is a testament to his versatility and ability to connect with fans on a personal level, offering both inspiration and motivation.
The release of “The Last Prayer” marks the beginning of an exciting year for Amerado, with more projects and performances on the horizon. Fans can stream the song on all major platforms and join Amerado in celebrating this milestone
CHRIS HOY ADVICE TO MEN’S ACROSS THE WORLD TO TAKE THEIR HEALTH SO SERIOUS
Sir Chris Hoy has performed a unique role ahead of Scotland’s Six Nations clash with Ireland at Murrayfield today (Sunday, February 9). In October, the six-time Olympic cycling champion announced he had a terminal diagnosis for prostate cancer after having been told in 2023 by doctors that he had two to four years to live.
A tumour was found in his shoulder and a second scan found primary cancer in his prostate, which had metastasised to his bones. After sharing his story, he has already prompted hundreds of thousands of men across the UK to check for prostrate
Just days after announcing his own diagnosis, news emerged that his wife Sarra had also been diagnosed with an aggressive form of MS the year before. In an extract from his book, shared with the Times, Sir Chris wrote: “Another scan just before Christmas confirmed that Sarra had ‘very active and aggressive’ MS and needed urgent treatment.
“It’s the closest I’ve come to, like, you know, why me? Just, what? What’s going on here? It didn’t seem real. It was such a huge blow, when you’re already reeling. You think nothing could possibly get worse. You literally feel like you’re at rock bottom, and you find out, oh no, you’ve got further to fall. It was brutal.
Since the news emerged, Sir Chris has remained positive and has been telling his story in a bid to help others. His new venture Tour de 4 ride aims to alter the perception of those living with stage 4 cancer and raise funds for UK cancer charities. As part of that, there were emotional scenes as he delivered the match ball ahead of Sunday’s match, and he will also drove a special car ahead of Scotland’s team bus as it makes its way to Murrayfield. You can see the scene here.
Announcing the news, Scottish Rugby said in a statement: “Six-time Olympic Gold medallist and 11-times world champion Sir Chris Hoy will be back at Scottish Gas Murrayfield this Sunday delivering the match ball for the game against Ireland.
“Sir Chris Hoy will also be driving the Lead the Legends car, brought to you by Arnold Clark, at the front of the Scotland team bus arrival. Sir Chris has recently made public a terminal cancer diagnosis in an interview with the Sunday Times.
“Having recently shared his personal health news, Sir Chris has launched a charity fundraiser to help people who also have terminal cancer to see it is possible to live well and lead a happy life alongside receiving a devastating diagnosis,” the statement continued. “Sir Chris’s new Tour de 4 ride, aims to help to change the perception of people living with stage 4 cancer, while also raising vital funds for UK cancer charities.
#fast news
“He is also a proud supporter of the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation and Doddie Aid and on Sunday, the match ball he will deliver is being transported from Dublin by the champion of Doddie Aid, former Scotland captain and Doddie’s team-mate, Rob Wainwright.”
The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Hon. Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, has announced the reintroduction of the National Sanitation Day and a Cleanest City Award to promote a competitive and responsible approach to environmental sanitation in the region.
According to her, in line with the National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s “Clean Up Ghana” agenda, a Regional Sanitation Day will be observed on the last Friday of every month to improve environmental cleanliness and waste management across the region.
Speaking at an engagement with the management of the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council (GARCC) on her first day in office, the minister emphasised that waste management and sanitation would be a key performance indicator for Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs).
She stated that her administration would implement a comprehensive sanitation policy that would encourage waste segregation and the provision of garbage bags and bins in public places and homes.
She revealed plans to strengthen the capacities of sanitation and waste management departments within the MMDAs to enhance efficiency, adding that social and behavioural change campaigns would be intensified to educate and reorient citizens on proper sanitation practices.
She also announced plans to strengthen local governance by working closely with traditional authorities, religious organisations, and other stakeholders to deepen decentralisation.
She emphasised that MMDAs would be empowered to improve revenue generation for sustainable development, while sub-district structures such as zonal and area councils would be reinforced to enhance participatory governance.
On security, the Minister, who also chairs the Regional Security Council (REGSEC), assured that she would collaborate with security agencies to maintain peace and order in accordance with the Security and Intelligence Agencies Act, 2020 (Act 1030).
She also expressed her commitment to intensifying the provision and replacement of streetlights across the region to improve visibility, reduce crime, and enhance road safety.
Touching on economic development, Hon. Ocloo highlighted her intention to collaborate with MMDCEs to drive local economic development with a particular focus on supporting women entrepreneurs, adding that she would work closely with the Women’s Bank to foster innovation and promote women-owned businesses.
She also announced plans to facilitate trade fairs in collaboration with relevant institutions such as the Department of Agriculture, Ghana Tourism Authority, Ministry of Trade, and the Ghana Enterprise Agency.
She used the opportunity to call on civil society organisations, the private sector, and the media to support her administration to transform the region and reiterated that she would rely on the expertise of public servants to advance the government’s agenda.
Hon. Ocloo expressed confidence that through collective effort, Greater Accra would become a cleaner, safer, and more prosperous region for all.
The Minister for the Interior, Honourable Alhaji Mohamed-Mubarak Muntaka (MP), today, 18th February 2025, paid a working visit to the Police Headquarters in Accra.
This maiden visit, since his assumption of office as sector Minister, was aimed at engaging with the leadership of the Service, Regional Commanders, senior Police officers, and the rank-and-file stationed at the Headquarters.
In his remarks, the Minister seized the opportunity to, on behalf of the President of the Republic of Ghana, commend the efforts of the Ghana Police Service in protecting the citizenry and for doing their very best to keep the country safe, especially during the election period. He further pledged his support for the Service in its efforts to maintain law and order, protect lives and property, and ensure the safety and security of all Ghanaians.
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, assured the Minister that the Ghana Police Service is committed as an institution, mandated with the responsibility of maintaining law and order, to continue to undertake its constitutional mandate in a manner that will continue to keep this country at peace with itself.
To mark the occasion, an all-female Guard of Honour was mounted to welcome the Minister.
As part of his visit, the Minister toured key facilities, including the studios of GH Police TV, the newly built Police Shop, and the Surveillance Centre.
Minister for Works, Housing, and Water Resources, Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, has revealed the government’s zero-tolerance for stalled projects, warning contractors against delays that hinder national development.
Speaking during his first official tour of housing and sea defense projects in the Greater Accra Region, the minister reaffirmed the John Mahama administration’s commitment to ensuring timely completion of all ongoing initiatives
Having assumed office just two weeks ago, Mr. Adjei explained that stepping out of the office was necessary to assess whether the progress on the ground matched what he had reviewed in ministry files.
“So far, from what I’ve observed, some projects are behind schedule,” he noted. He assured the public that measures would be put in place to prevent delays and ensure all projects reach completion.
“We will not tolerate any delays in our projects going forward. If we provide timelines, we must adhere to them”.
“The ministry also believes that we should not have stalled projects; if we start something, we should be able to finish it.” he emphasized.
Addressing sea defense projects across the country, Mr. Adjei reiterated the government’s dedication to protecting coastal communities and safeguarding Ghana’s coastline. While acknowledging the high costs associated with these initiatives—currently financed by the Government of Ghana—he revealed plans to explore alternative funding sources to sustain and expand ongoing efforts.
Sophia Akuffo, former Chief Justice and now a member of the Council of State, has defended her right to be part of the advisory body, emphasising her qualifications and independence.
The former Chief Justice is part of 31 members of the Council of State who have Edward Doe Adjaho as their chairman.
Speaking to journalists after their swearing in by the President at the Jubilee House in Accra on Tuesday February 18, Akuffo noted that “I am a former Chief Justice. Am I not? Do I or do I not qualify?”
“I am there in my own right simply as a former Chief Justice. I am not even there representing the Judicial Service.”
She stressed the advisory role of the Council of State and her commitment to providing honest and unbiased advice.
“The Council of State is a body that is supposed to be advising the president. I am not going to be singing his master’s voice, so to speak. An adviser does not parrot.
“An adviser speaks with honesty. An adviser looks to the best interest not only of the person they are advising but of the function the person is serving,” she explained.
President John Mahama has sworn in members of the Council of State at the Jubilee House in Accra.
The ceremony took place in the evening of February 18.
According to a list of the members sighted by 3news, the representatives of North East and Ashanti regions are not named.
This is apparently due to the re-run of the election in the two regions on February 17. They are Saaka Abuba- North East Region and Yaw Owusu Obimpeh- Ashanti Region.
What is the role of the Council of State?
According to Article 89(1) of the 1992 Constitution, the Council of State is “to counsel the President in the performance of his functions.”
Who are the members of the Council of State?
The Council of State consists of:
(a) The following persons appointed by the President in consultation with Parliament—
One person who has previously held the office of Chief Justice;
One person who has previously held the office of Chief of Defense Staff of the Armed Forces of Ghana;
One person who has previously held the office of Inspector General of Police;
(b) The President of the National House of Chiefs;
(c) One representative from each region of Ghana elected, in accordance with regulations made by the Electoral Commission under article 51 of this Constitution, by an electoral college comprising representatives from each of the districts in the region nominated by the District Assemblies in the region; and
(d) Eleven other members appointed by the President.
The 2nd edition of the Ghana Dance Industry (GHADI) Awards, was held at the National Theatre on Saturday, 8th February, 2025 with several dancers picking up various awards.
Dancegod Lloyd clinched the ultimate spot, Dancer of the Year, while DWP Academywon the Street Dance Group of the Year. Afronitaaa and Abigail both picked Dance Merit Awards, for their role as Street Dance Culture Ambassadors.
The Dancer of the Year category which sparked online controversy ahead of the event date, saw a stiff competition between Dancegod Lloyd and Incredible Zigi, AfroNitaaa, Endurance Grand, Ezuntey Flex, and Bboy Lyricx. Despite the stiff competitive lineup, Dancegod’s works within the dance space earned him the ultimate dance title – Dancer of the Year.
DWP Academy took home the coveted Street Dance Group of the Year beating Millitantz Dance Family, 4Bent Dance Crew, Arenees Dance Crew, Team Hubes Dance Crew, DGL Dance Crew, Flawless Dance Studio, and I AM AZONTO Dance Crew.
Team Hubes was awarded Dance Athletes of the Year (Group), while Afrikiko Leisure Centre was named AfroLatin Dance Club of the Year. Additionally, Agoo Cultural Group won the Traditional Dance Group of the Year, and Let’s Dance Africa was recognized as the Praise Dance Group of the Year.
Team Hubes
The event, which was a hybrid of competitive and honourary awards, had 22 dance icons honoured for their remarkable contributions to the dance space including AfroNitaaa, Mr Drew, Laladzy, Abigail and Allo Maadjoa. Other international dance icons recognized are Buddy Doubara Agedah (organizer of the Nigerian Afrolatin Dance Festival hosted in Abuja and Lagos), and Prince “MIK” Ofori (organizer of the CDC festival in Germany).
In a statement by the CEO of Dancetera, also founder of the Ghana Dance Industry Awards, Roberk Klah, he emphasized the importance of celebrating dancers.
“After the 1st edition in 2021 we took a long break. But I can now say, that the Ghana Dance Industry Awards has finally arrived. It’s been a long time coming. This moment, is a moment of triumph for dancers and choreographers nationwide.
What most people don’t realize is that our dancers are not just best in Ghana or Africa, they are amongst best in the world. And they need to be celebrated at home for their local and global strides. We therefore urge all dancers to embrace the GHADI Awards, and help it serve its purpose for the common good of the ecosystem. The Ghana Dance Industry Awards is designed by us, for us, and we must ensure it is credible and relevant, year on year,” he said.
Guests were treated to an exciting array of dance performances, carefully curated across the broad spectrum of dance expressions. Performers for the night were NOYAM, UADT, Arenees, Black Illusion, Militantz, Flawless, 4bent, Ballet Ghana, Let’s Dance Africa, DWP, Flames, Gh Safari, One Ghana, Omowise & Teniola, Luumva & Mavis, Milord & Elsie, Krump Ghana, House Dance Ghana, Deaf Dancers Gh, Team Hubes, Kobi Rana and the DiAsa Queens.
In attendance were lecturers from the School of Performing Arts, University of Ghana, notably Terry Bright Ofosu (1989 National Dance Champion and Head of Dance Department), and Dr Artistedes Hargoe. The 1986 World Dance Champion, Adjetey Sowah, Lumo Bortei Doku an AfroLatin dance grand master, Mr Parker of Apex Ballroom, Nana Gazur (Chief), and Nana Dadzie of the Ghana Dance Association, amongst others, were also present.
Nana Dadzie
The Minister for Tourism, Culture & Creative Arts, Hon. Dzifa Abla Gomashie, commended the organizer for a good work done, and pledged her support to the dance community. She however expressed her displeasure at the turn out of some industry stakeholders saying “… and where are the musicians? Where are the fashion people? Everything you do, dance is there with you. So, why are you not here with us?” She added, “please, dance theatre, music, they are together. So, when we stand for you, we urge you to also stand by us.”
From left: Hon Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Robert Klah, Crystal Kwame Aryee and Jay Folie
The event saw dancers glam up for red carpet, hosted by Xclusizive Zake (Daner) and Essilfua Boris (TV Personality). Seasoned MCs Jay Foley and Chrystal Kwame-Aryee hosted the main awards ceremony, with DJ Alinko on the music deck.
The 2nd edition of the Ghana Dance Industry Awards was brought to you in association with Dancers & DanceSport Association of Ghana, with support from Rhythms Africa, Charterhouse, our media partners, broadcasting live on GBC’s Lifestyle TV and powered by Dancetera.
For more information visit Ghana Dance Industry Awards on social media (@ghadiawards).
Below is comprehensive list of awardees and honourees of the 2025 Ghana Dance Industry Awards:
COMPETITIVE AWARDS (6)
DANCER OF THE YEAR
Dancegod Lloyd – Winner
Incredible Zigi
Bboy Lyricx
Afronitaaa
Endurance Grand
Ezuntey Flex
STREET DANCE GROUP OF THE YEAR
DWP Academy – Winner
4bent Dance Crew
Arenees Dance Crew
Milltantz Dance Family
Team Hubes
I Am Azonto
DGL
Flawless Dance Studio
TRADITIONAL DANCE GROUP OF THE YEAR
Agoo Culture Group – Winner
Keno Dance Ensemble
Kake Dance Ensemble
Djoomo Dance Theatre
Ahwehwe Youth Dance Ensemble
Delali Dance Ensemble
Torday Dance Ensemble
Great Africa Heritage Dance Ensemble
PRAISE DANCE GROUP OF THE YEAR
Let’s Dance Africa – Winner
Afrostepz
Children of God
Y4C
CDS
Flames Dance Company
Dancing Champions
The Parables
AFROLATIN DANCE CLUB OF THE YEAR
Afrikiko Salsa Night (Afrikiko Leisure Centre) – Winner
Dance Code Tribe
Kizomba Connect
Salsa In The City
Kiz Infinity
Golden Dance Drive
Dance Alive International
Kizalsa
Accra Kizomba Community
DANCE ATHLETES OF THE YEAR (GROUP)
Team Hubes – Winner
Flames Dance Company
One Ghana Dance Crew
Arenees Dance Crew
AfroStepz Dance Crew
Black Illusion Dance Crew
United Kings Academy
4Bent Dance Crew
HONOURARY AWARDS (22)
(1) Yvonne Nana Afriyie Okyere aka “Laladzy”, Dance Merit Award, Contribution to Street Dance Culture
(2) NOYAM African Dance Institute, Dance Merit Award, Contribution to African Contemporary Dance
