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Crystal Palace to Play Conference League as CAS Rejects Appeal to Play Europa

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crystal palace conference league

By Adedapo Adesanya

English football club, Crystal Palace FC, will play in the third-tier Conference League after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled that the decision by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) remains.

The club, which won the 2025 Community Shield against Liverpool on Sunday, will not be able to compete in the Europa League, as Nottingham Forest will take their place.

The club went to CAS after UEFA’s Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) ruled that they must drop down to the Conference League as they had not put arrangements in place before a March 1 deadline to comply with multi-club ownership restrictions.

CAS ruled on Monday that it should stand and that Crystal Palace must go into the qualifying round for UEFA’s third-tier European competition.

A statement from CAS read: “The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has dismissed an appeal by Crystal Palace FC (CPFC) against UEFA, Nottingham Forest FC and Olympique Lyonnais (OL) concerning a decision by UEFA to remove CPFC from the UEFA Europa League 2025/2026 due to a breach of UEFA multi club ownership regulations.

“As a result, CPFC will be admitted to compete in the UEFA Conference League 2025/2026.”

The ruling is a severe financial blow to Crystal Palace and could cost the club about £20 million compared to the prize money available in the Europa League.

The issue stems from a former shareholder, Mr John Textor, who is the owner of French club, Olympique Lyonnais, who have also qualified for the Europa League, sold his stake in the English football outfit last month. The club argued that he never had any decision-making influence at the Premier League club.

UEFA’s rules do not allow any flexibility or exemption for clubs whose shareholders sell their stake after March 1 but before the start of the new season.

This may be what the CAS tribunal took into consideration as Palace had not put arrangements in place before the March 1 deadline.

In a similar case Manchester City and their Spanish sister club Girona under the ownership of City Football Group (CFG), and Manchester United and French club Nice (under Sir Jim Ratcliffe), were allowed to compete in the same European competition last season. However, this is because blind trusts were set up for Girona and Nice, with club directors linked to Manchester City and Manchester United respectively stepping down from the boards.

Adedapo Adesanya is a journalist, polymath, and connoisseur of everything art. When he is not writing, he has his nose buried in one of the many books or articles he has bookmarked or simply listening to good music with a bottle of beer or wine. He supports the greatest club in the world, Manchester United F.C.

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Easter Weekend Football Feast Takes Centre Stage on SuperSport

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Easter Weekend on SuperSport

The international break gives way to a packed Easter weekend of football across Europe, headlined by FA Cup quarter-final drama in England and high-stakes league action in Spain, Italy and France. With titles, European places and silverware all on the line, the margin for error is rapidly disappearing.

FA Cup: Heavyweights Collide in Quarter Finals

Saturday’s action is headlined by a blockbuster at 1:45 PM as Man City face Liverpool in a clash between two of England’s dominant forces. City arrive with momentum after their Carabao Cup triumph, while Liverpool will be eager to respond after a recent dip in form.

At 6:15 PM, Chelsea host Port Vale in a tie that carries enormous pressure for the Blues. Chelsea’s season has unravelled in recent weeks, while Port Vale continue to embrace their giant-killing run.

The quarter-finals continue at 8:00 PM as Southampton face Arsenal under the lights. Arsenal will be desperate to respond after their cup final disappointment, while Southampton will look to capitalise on home advantage.

Sunday rounds off the action at 5:30 PM with West Ham vs Leeds in an all-Premier League encounter, with both sides seeking momentum in an evenly matched contest.

 All FA matches air live on SS Premier League (DStv Ch. 203, GOtv Ch. 65).

La Liga: Title Race Intensifies, Madrid Derby Looms

Saturday begins at 3:15 PM with Real Madrid travelling to Mallorca, aiming to maintain pressure at the top. The headline fixture follows at 8:00 PM as Atletico Madrid host Barcelona in a crucial meeting that could shape both the title race and the battle for the top four.

Sunday’s action features Getafe vs Athletic Club at 1:00 PM and Valencia vs Celta Vigo at 3:15 PM, before Monday night sees Girona take on Villarreal at 8:00 PM, with Villarreal looking to protect their position in third.  La Liga matches air live on SS La Liga (DStv Ch. 204, GOtv Ch. 62).

Serie A: Pressure Mounts on Inter as Rivals Close In

Sunday night’s standout fixture comes at 7:45 PM as Inter host Roma, with the league leaders seeking to halt a dip in form.

Monday delivers a full schedule, beginning at 11:30 AM with Udinese vs Como, as the in-form visitors look to extend their remarkable run. Juventus face Genoa at 5:00 PM under mounting pressure, before Napoli host AC Milan at 7:45 PM in a decisive clash between Inter’s closest challengers.  Serie A fixtures will be shown on SS Africa 2 (DStv Ch. 208, GOtv Ch. 64).

Ligue 1: Title Chase Heats Up Across France

Friday night opens at 7:45 PM with PSG hosting Toulouse, as the leaders balance domestic priorities with looming European commitments.

Saturday’s headline fixture at 8:05 PM sees Lille take on Lens in a high-stakes northern derby with title implications.

Sunday features Angers vs Lyon at 2:00 PM, before Monaco host Marseille at 7:45 PM in a crucial encounter that could reshape the race for Champions League qualification.

Ligue 1 matches air on SS Football (DStv Ch. 205, GOtv Ch. 61), with selected fixtures on SS Africa 1 (DStv Ch. 207, GOtv Ch. 63).

Weekend Highlights

FA Cup

  • Man City vs Liverpool — Sat, 1:45 PM

  • Chelsea vs Port Vale — Sat, 6:15 PM

  • Southampton vs Arsenal — Sat, 8:00 PM

  • West Ham vs Leeds — Sun, 5:30 PM

La Liga

  • Mallorca vs Real Madrid — Sat, 3:15 PM

  • Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona — Sat, 8:00 PM

  • Getafe vs Athletic Club — Sun, 1:00 PM

  • Valencia vs Celta Vigo — Sun, 3:15 PM

  • Girona vs Villarreal — Mon, 8:00 PM

Serie A

  • Inter vs Roma — Sun, 7:45 PM

  • Udinese vs Como — Mon, 11:30 AM

  • Juventus vs Genoa — Mon, 5:00 PM

  • Napoli vs AC Milan — Mon, 7:45 PM

Ligue 1

  • PSG vs Toulouse — Fri, 7:45 PM

  • Lille vs Lens — Sat, 8:05 PM

  • Angers vs Lyon — Sun, 2:00 PM

  • Monaco vs Marseille — Sun, 7:45 PM

Watch Every Game

Catch all the action live on SuperSport on DStv and GOtv. Matches are also available via DStv Stream and GOtv Stream.

Manage or upgrade your subscription via the MyDStv or MyGOtv apps, visit www.dstv.com or www.gotvafrica.com, or dial *288# to stay connected.

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World Cup 2026 African Players Watchlist

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Easywin Nigeria

As anticipation builds toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup, African football continues to command global attention with a new generation of stars and established leaders ready to shine on the biggest stage. The World Cup 2026 African Players Watchlist highlights a blend of elite talent and rising influence, with key players expected to carry their nations deep into the tournament.

Leading the spotlight is Mohamed Salah, whose consistency, speed, and goal-scoring ability remain crucial for Egypt’s ambitions. Salah’s experience in high-pressure matches and his leadership role make him one of Africa’s most dependable performers heading into the tournament.

Nigeria’s hopes will heavily rely on Victor Osimhen, a striker known for his explosive pace, aerial strength, and clinical finishing. Osimhen has developed into one of Europe’s most feared forwards, and his ability to deliver in decisive moments could be key for the Super Eagles on the global stage. From Cameroon, Bryan Mbeumo brings versatility and attacking intelligence. His ability to operate across the front line, combined with his creativity and work rate, makes him a valuable asset in breaking down organized defenses.

Meanwhile, Hannibal Mejbri represents the new wave of African midfield talent. Known for his energy, technical skill, and vision, Mejbri adds dynamism and unpredictability to Tunisia’s setup, especially in high-tempo matches. These players reflect the tactical diversity and growing strength of African football. From attacking firepower to midfield creativity, their performances will shape not only their national teams’ success but also the overall competitiveness of African nations at the World Cup.

Tracking top-performing players and key moments gives you a sharper edge when breaking down fixtures and spotting winning opportunities. Easywin Nigeria makes it simple to turn that insight into real value, offering competitive odds, live match updates, fast payout systems, instant withdrawal options, cashback rewards, and a rewarding double deposit offer that keeps you in control.

Step into the excitement of World Cup 2026 with Easywin Nigeria. Stay ahead with smart predictions, explore upcoming matches, and unlock cashback benefits alongside the double deposit offer, all on a secure and seamless platform built for a winning experience. The World Cup 2026 African Players Watchlist showcases the continent’s growing influence in global football. With stars like Salah, Osimhen, Mbeumo, and Mejbri leading the charge, Africa is set to deliver excitement, quality, and unforgettable moments on football’s biggest stage.

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Roberto De Zerbi Joins Tottenham as New Head Coach

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Roberto De Zerbi

By Dipo Olowookere

Italian professional manager and former player, Roberto De Zerbi, has returned to England to serve as the new Head Coach of Tottenham Hotspur’s football team.

He will fight to ensure the London team does not play in the Championship next season, as the team currently sits one point from relegation.

The former Brighton manager is taking over from Igor Tudor, who parted ways with Tottenham a few days ago.

In a statement, Spurs said the appointment of De Zerbi is subject to a work permit.

The club’s Sporting Director, Mr Johan Lange, said, “Roberto was our number one target for the summer and we are very pleased to be able to bring him in now.

“He is one of the most creative and forward-thinking coaches in world football, and brings with him a wealth of experience at the highest level, including in the Premier League.”

Reacting to his choice for the job, De Zerbi said, “I am delighted to be joining this fantastic football club, which is one of the biggest and most prestigious in the world.

“In all my discussions with the club’s leadership, their ambition for the future has been clear – to build a team capable of reaching great achievements, and to do that playing a style of football that excites and inspires our supporters. I am here because I believe in that ambition and have signed a long-term contract to give everything to deliver it.

“Our short-term priority is to climb the Premier League table, which will be the complete focus until the final whistle of the last game of the season. I’m looking forward to getting out on the training pitch and working with these players to achieve that.”

De Zerbi earned almost 300 appearances in his playing career across 15 years. He began coaching in his native Italy and in June 2018, joined Serie A side Sassuolo, earning recognition for his exciting, attack-minded and possession-based approach.

He took charge of Shakhtar Donetsk in May 2021, leading them to the UEFA Champions League group stage and the Ukrainian Super Cup – his first piece of silverware as a coach.

Heading to East Sussex to join Brighton & Hove Albion in September 2022, De Zerbi helped secure the Seagulls’ highest-ever Premier League finish in his debut season, earning European qualification for the first time in the club’s history.

In his most recent role at Marseille, the Ligue 1 side finished as runners-up in 2024/25, earning a spot in the UEFA Champions League.

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