Sports
How Football Agents Are Influencing the Beautiful Game
On 17 June 2021, it was announced in the Mirror that Italian top-flight club ACF Fiorentina had parted ways with head coach Gennaro Gattuso after just 23 days in charge.
The decision sent shockwaves through the football world; not because of the brevity of his tenure but because of the revelations of disagreements between the club and Gattuso’s agent, Jorge Mendes, regarding recruitment policy.
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The club’s hierarchy thought they were simply signing a coach but in fact, they were also linking up with an agent intent on bringing his own clients to the club.
When Gattuso revealed this to his new bosses, it became clear that this concept clashed with their own transfer policy – and budget – and relationships began to break down.
The reluctance of the club to work with Mendes ended with Gattuso leaving the club and again highlighted the growing influence agents have on the game.
Wider Effects of Agent Behaviour
Gattuso’s sudden departures came as a blow to Fiorentina fans who have not had much luck with managerial appointments in recent years.
It may have also had a knock-on effect on punters who were looking to back Fiorentina to finish in the top six or to win a trophy under Gatusso.
Backing a team so early often means better odds, but it can also mean that unknown factors such as sudden player or managerial departures are not taken into account.
A similar situation happened in 2016 when Lazio appointed Marcelo Bielsa only for the Argentine to quit two days later. Sometimes it is better to wait until the start of the season to see the bigger picture before wagering on outcomes. That’s where betting guides such as asiabet.org can be useful in helping punters decide where, when, and how to wager.
The other knock-on effect from this saga will be the financial cost to the club who will now have to begin a new recruitment process with less time available and other potential candidates now signed up elsewhere.
How an Agent Can Transform a Single Club
Jorge Mendes kick-started his career as a football agent when he began representing former Wolves manager Nuno Espirito Santo when he was still a player back in 1996. He had also been a long-time representative of Jose Mourinho who businesspost.ng recently reported had joined as the new coach of AS Roma.
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The Lisbon-born negotiator has since gone on to become one of the most powerful figures in the game. So much so, that his influence extends far beyond just brokering transfers. In 2016, he oversaw the recruitment of 12 players in six weeks to English Championship side Wolverhampton Wanderers after forming a close relationship with the club’s new owners.
He also helped bring in Espirito Santo as head coach and together the pair transformed the club, bringing in many more of Mendes’ clients and achieving promotion and then consolidation in the Premier League. During this spell, the club’s transfer record was broken more than half a dozen times. No other club in the English top-flight has ever been so influenced by a single agent.
Treading a Fine Line
Before Wolves were promoted to the Premier League, the Football League (EFL) conducted an investigation into Mendes’s involvement but the club were cleared of any wrongdoing despite claims from other clubs that Mendes was working as a de facto Director of Football.
Under league rules, agents are not permitted to hold such roles at clubs. Despite the findings, there is no doubt that so-called “super agents” such as Mendes wield immense power in the modern game.
For Wolves the outcome was positive as the club returned to the top flight and finished 7th for two straight seasons, reaching an FA Cup semi-final in 2019 and the quarter-finals of the Europa League in 2020. This was followed by a 13th-place finish in 2020/21 after which Espirito Santo left the club.
Agents’ Influence over Players
A great example of the influence and power an agent can have over a single player is the transfer of Paul Pogba from Manchester United to Juventus. Sir Alex Ferguson was one of the most powerful figures in the game but even he could not prevent Pogba’s agent Mino Raiola from convincing the player to leave for Italy.
Ferguson later used expletive terms to describe Raiola’s role in unsettling the player. As if to rub salt in the wounds, the same agent later sold Pogba back to the Red Devils for a world record fee of £89.3 million of which he pocketed a 40% commission fee.
Another super-agent, Pini Zahavi, introduced the concept of third-party ownership to the English game. The most famous example was Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano’s joint move to West Ham United in 2006. This practice, where investment groups buy and sell players’ rights like commodities, has since been banned by FIFA and the European Parliament but still exists in certain countries.
The influx of money into modern sport has made the role of the agent more crucial than ever. But there are genuine concerns about the amount of influence they hold over the players and whether they are truly acting in the best interests of their clients. In most cases, the player now has little influence over their own career paths and simply ends up signing whatever deal is most lucrative for their agent.
The innovation of online casinos has transformed how people enjoy leisure and gaming activities. From anywhere and at any time, online casinos have opened their doors to literally everyone, ensuring that the most convenient and exciting kinds of entertainment are within reach.
Whether spinning the reels in popular slot games or plotting out the next move in poker, online casinos bring a virtual get-away like none other. For a deeper understanding of strategies, tips, and insights, one can look to resources such as blog.20bet.com, which provides very valuable information to make your gaming experience even better. Now, let’s get a closer look at the fascinating world of online casinos.
Online Casino Evolution
The journey of online casinos began in the mid-1990s with the advent of the Internet. Fast forward to today, and the industry has mushroomed into a multi-billion-dollar global phenomenon. But to what can its phenomenal popularity be attributed?
Ease of Access and Convenience
One of the major reasons why online casinos have prospered is the convenience they offer. It means that with a smartphone, tablet, or computer, players can play any time, anywhere.
Multitude of Games
Unlike land-based casinos, online casinos offer a plethora of games on their roster. From classic table games like blackjack and roulette, to creative slots with engaging themes, there’s something for every gamer’s taste.
Slot Games: Entertainment for All
Slot games are the most enjoyed amusement in the world of online casinos. The simplicity of the game, combined with appealing graphics and lucrative bonuses, has made it a favorite both for amateur and professional players.
Why Slots Are a Favorite Among People
Easy to Play: Slots are the easiest casino game to play, and there is absolutely no need for experience or strategies.
Creative Themes: Starting from mythology to adventure, slot games are designed with various themes that attract players.
Jackpots: Progressive slots boast of life-altering jackpots which grow with each new spin.
Features of the Best Slots
High RTP: Games with high RTP percentages offer a very good chance of winning.
Bonus Rounds: Look out for slots offering free spins, multipliers, and more.
Mobile Compatibility: Make sure it works on your device.
Table Games: Where Strategy and Entertainment Meet
Table games will satisfy those who want to feel some strategy with their luck. In these games, players will need more engagement and are particularly rewarding when well played.
Popular Table Games
Blackjack: A game of skill and strategy, players try to outdo the dealer without going over 21. Roulette: A very exciting game of chance in which gamblers bet on where the ball will land on a spinning wheel. Poker: From Texas Hold’em to Omaha, poker is all about bluffing, strategy, and calculated risks. Tips for Table Games Success Understand the Rules: First, understand the rules and strategies of the game.
Free Games to Practice: Many sites offer free versions to hone your skills.
Bankroll Management: Set limits and stick to them to avoid overspending.
Live Casino Games: Bringing Realism to Your Screen
The introduction of live dealer games has narrowed the gap between traditional casinos and online casino games. In these games, real dealers host the games, and it is broadcast in real-time for an authentic experience right in your living room.
Advantages of Live Dealer Games
Real-Time Interaction: Chat with dealers and other players to create a social atmosphere.
High Stakes: Many live games cater to high rollers looking for more intense gaming sessions.
Variety: Enjoy games like live blackjack, baccarat, and game show-inspired titles like “Crazy Time.”
Bonuses and Promotions: Maximizing Your Experience
Online casinos often attract players with enticing bonuses and promotions. These offers can significantly enhance your gameplay if used wisely.
Common Types of Bonuses
Welcome Bonus: A reward for signing up, often including deposit matches and free spins.
No Deposit Bonus: Get a small bonus without making an initial deposit.
Loyalty Programs: Earn points with every wager and redeem them for rewards.
How to Choose the Best Bonus
Read the Terms and Conditions: Understand the wagering requirements beforehand.
Check the Validity Period: Make sure that the time given by the bonus is sufficient enough to meet its requirements.
Focus on Your Favorite Games: Some bonuses are game-specific. Choose ones that suit your interests.
Responsible Gaming: A Key Aspect of Enjoyment
While online casinos are a source of entertainment, it’s essential to practice responsible gaming to ensure a positive experience.
Tips for Responsible Gaming
Set a Budget: Decide on a spending limit before you start playing.
Take Breaks: Avoid long gaming sessions to maintain a healthy balance.
Know your Limits: Don’t chase losses; it’s better to walk away and try another day.
Tools at the Player’s Aid
Most online casinos include features for self-exclusion, setting deposit limits, and reality checks that may enable responsible gaming.
Future of Online Casinos
With technology Burke, the online casino industry is bound to reach newer heights. Following are a few trends that are going to shape its future:
Virtual Reality Casinos
Just imagine being inside a virtual casino playing games and communicating with other players, as if you were sitting across from each other. This is the reality that VR technology is bringing into being.
Cryptocurrency and Blockchain
Cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, are becoming increasingly popular. They provide quicker transactions with added security. Fairness in gaming is ensured through the transparency provided by blockchain technology.
By Dipo Olowookere
The former manager of Mali’s national football team, Mr Eric Chelle, has been appointed as the new head coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles.
The appointment of Mr Chelle was announced on Tuesday night by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
The first job of the new coach will be to guide the home-base Super Eagles team to victory at the 2024 CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) co-hosted by the trio of Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania from February 1–28, 2025.
He will work with the current Super Eagles B coaching staff, which includes Daniel Ogunmodede, Fidelis Ilechukwu, and Olatunji Baruwa, who successfully guided the team through CHAN qualifiers.
The biennial football tournament is organised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and sponsored by an oil giant, TotalEnergies.
Mr Chelle would be expected to deploy his tactics to ensure a successful outing of the home-based Super Eagles at the competition and also revive the main team, according to the president of the NFF, Mr Ibrahim Gusau.
“We want whoever takes charge of the team to begin immediately, which is why the same coach will manage the CHAN Eagles.
“This allows us to identify promising home-based players who can contribute to the senior national team,” he stated.
Business Post reports that the new coach was favoured for the new job by the Technical and Development Sub-Committee of the federation and endorsed by the executive committee.
One of his biggest tasks will be to qualify the Super Eagles for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States of America (USA).
At the moment, Nigeria occupies fifth position and will play the next qualifiers in two months’ time.
Mr Chelle led the Mali national team to quarterfinals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. He is the latest foreign coach appointed by the NFF to manage the country’s national team.
The race for the first silverware of the 2024/25 season intensifies as Premier League leaders Liverpool and second-placed Arsenal will be in Carabao Cup semifinal action this midweek.
Arsenal will host Newcastle United in the first leg at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday, while Liverpool travel to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Wednesday. Both matches will be broadcast live on GOtv Channel 65 at 9 PM.
Fresh from their impressive 2-1 victory over Tottenham on Saturday, Newcastle will aim to build on their momentum and secure a favorable result ahead of the second leg at St. James’ Park. The Magpies have already defeated Arsenal 1-0 earlier this season, and another strong performance could leave the Gunners with a steep hill to climb in the second leg.
Newcastle will be without their influential captain, Bruno Guimarāes due to suspension, while Arsenal battle with illness issues in the squad which has seen Kai Havertz miss the last two matches.
Arsenal, who haven’t lifted the Carabao Cup in 31 years, view this competition as a vital chance for silverware, especially with their league title hopes fading.
On the other side of North London, Tottenham Hotspur face defending champions Liverpool, hoping to avoid a repeat of their 6-3 thrashing by their visitors just 17 days ago. Spurs have managed just one win in their last eight matches at home in all competitions—a narrow 4-3 victory over Manchester United in the quarterfinal. Their last taste of silverware came 17 years ago when they won this competition.
Meanwhile, Liverpool, who have lost just one match all season, are chasing an ambitious quadruple. A victory over Spurs on Wednesday would put them on the brink of securing a spot in the final at Wembley.
Football fans can enjoy all Carabao Cup matches, Premier League, Serie A, Laliga and Champions League action live by reconnecting or upgrading to the GOtv Super Plus package. Simply dial *288# to renew or upgrade your subscription.
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