Sports
St Petersburg Prepares to Hold UEFA Euro 2020 Matches
By Kester Kenn Klomegah
Saint Petersburg, Russia’s second-largest city, has prepared all the necessary infrastructure and facilities for hosting UEFA Euro 2020 matches this June and through July, according to information emerging from the office of City Governor Alexander Beglov.
The organizers assured that they would try to do everything to make the tournament as safe as possible. For those who have purchased tickets for football matches, it is enough to obtain a Fan ID. But before entering Russian territory, they will need to pass a coronavirus test. Fans who come to Russia for the European Championship will be able to stay in the country until July 12.
In addition to maintaining all the required security measures during the tournament, the City Administration also assured that the matches would be organized with strict adherence to safety measures for preventing the spread of the coronavirus. These measures worked out by the steering committee within the requirements set by the World Health Organization (WHO).
“As far as general security is concerned, our law enforcement services work very well. They will have a command centre directly at the stadium,” Alexander Beglov told local Russian media in late May. “Training is underway, and we have the understanding of what to do and how it should be done. We have the experience of hosting various tournaments.”
In and around St. Petersburg, the venue for the matches, the playing fields have been prepared. “We have the main arena, and we have prepared three more venues – the Petrovsky and Turbostroitel stadiums, and the facility in Zelenogorsk, where teams will train. There will be fan zones on Konyushennaya Square and Palace Square. Besides, another fan zone will be set up near the Yubileyny (Sports Palace),” he said,” adding that, “All the necessary infrastructure is ready.”
In March last year, UEFA announced a decision to postpone the 2020 UEFA Euro Cup for exactly one year as a preventive measure against the ongoing global spread of the novel coronavirus.
St. Petersburg was among the 12 cities initially proposed in Europe to host the European championship’s matches. It was granted the right to host three group stage matches and one of the quarterfinals of the UEFA Euro Cup. This was after Dublin (Ireland) and Bilbao (Spain) pulled out from the organization of the European football games citing anti-COVID-19 measures.
Overall, Russia’s second-largest city is scheduled to host the following matches: Belgium vs Russia (June 12), Poland vs Slovakia (June 14), Finland vs Russia (June 16), Sweden vs Slovakia (June 18), Finland vs Belgium (June 21), Sweden vs Poland (June 23) and a quarterfinal on July 2.
According to RIA Novosti report, the Head of the Government of the Russian Federation, Mikhail Mishustin, said that foreign fans would not need Russian visas to attend the European Football Championship in St. Petersburg and that corresponding order was already signed. In addition, UEFA official representatives, staff involved in the preparation and holding of the tournament, athletes and volunteers will get entry documents under the simplified procedure.
In order to attract fans as it was during the FIFA matches, Russia’s diplomatic missions abroad have started informing potential fans of the procedure for entering the Russian Federation during the Championships, specifically, how to obtain personal spectator cards or FAN IDs.
Russia’s diplomatic missions abroad have received FAN ID samples and related pamphlets for fans. FAN IDs allow their holders to enter the Russian Federation multiple times visa-free from May 29, through July 2, and to exit from the Russian Federation multiple times. The visa is provided exclusively free of charge, that is without any payment of fees, from May 29 through July 12, 2021.
The Foreign Ministry has instructed Russia’s diplomatic missions abroad to issue high-priority visas to media representatives, participants in sporting events and certain other categories of foreign citizens planning to take part in the Championships.
During the weekly media briefing, Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova discussed the situation about electronic visas to Russia. “It began with the FIFA World Cup. When football lovers, tourists and fans came to Russia despite spooky stories about Russia in Western media, they were shocked by the difference between what they had read and what they actually saw. They saw that our country is truly interesting, wonderful and spectacular,” she said at the briefing.
She, however, recalled how many people wanted to stay here longer and extended their visas and how many wanted to return. It was at that time that discussions began on the need to take relevant efforts to attract sports fans and change the negative social attitudes and image among foreigners.
The World Cup has left an indelible impression on the memory of many foreign fans who arrived in the country from all over the world. “I think the point here is not about our response to something, but about the desire to show what we really are, our country and give people an opportunity to decide for themselves,” explained Zakharova.
Significant to recall here that at the end of the last FIFA World Cup, President Vladimir Putin said: “We prepared responsibly for this major event and did our best so that fans could immerse themselves in the atmosphere of a magnificent football festival and, of course, enjoy their stay in Russia – open, hospitable, friendly Russia – and find new friends, new like-minded people.”
FIFA World Cup also ran in summer, from June 14 to July 15, in ten (10) different cities in Russia. The foreign fans who received Fan IDs and purchased tickets for the matches went to Russia without visas. After the World Cup, President Putin declared that the Fan ID holders would have the right to visit repeatedly visa-free until the end of that year.
UEFA Euro Cup is set in 11 cities, namely in London (England), Munich (Germany), Rome (Italy), Baku (Azerbaijan), Saint Petersburg (Russia), Bucharest (Romania), Amsterdam (The Netherlands), Budapest (Hungary), Glasgow (Scotland), Copenhagen (Denmark) and Seville (Spain). The European Championship 2020, for the first time, played in different countries. The tournament includes 12 cities in honour of the anniversary of the competition. The European Championship in 2020 marked 60 years.
Sports
What You’ll Find in the GameZone Platform Games Library
GameZone platform games operate within a regulated digital ecosystem that combines casino titles, slot-based formats, and Filipino card games under one structured platform.
Instead of being limited to a single developer, the system integrates multiple accredited studios alongside internally developed releases.
This setup allows the platform to expand its catalog while maintaining consistent technical and compliance standards across all titles.
Before any game becomes accessible, it undergoes a multi-layered review process. Internal checks focus on system performance, gameplay stability, and rule accuracy, ensuring that each title functions as intended.
These are followed by external compliance procedures aligned with Philippine regulations, including certified randomization systems and clearly defined mechanics.
This dual-layer validation ensures that games are not only operational but also transparent in how outcomes are generated.
The platform also emphasizes clarity in presentation. Each title includes provider information, allowing players to identify its source and review accredited partners.
This visibility supports informed decision-making and reinforces trust in the platform’s structure.
In addition to third-party contributions, GameZone develops its own titles based on Filipino play habits. These in-house games retain familiar mechanics while adapting them for digital use.
With all content following the same approval and monitoring process, the platform maintains a unified environment where different game types, whether traditional, casual, or themed, coexist without inconsistency.
Filipino Card Games as the Core of GameZone Platform Games
A central component of GameZone Platform Games is its collection of Filipino card game adaptations.
These titles are designed to reflect widely recognized formats while introducing controlled variations that adjust pacing and gameplay options.
By keeping the core mechanics intact, the platform ensures that players can easily recognize and transition into each game, even in a digital setting.
Tongits Series
Tongits Plus—A direct adaptation of traditional gameplay, focusing on drawing, discarding, and forming valid melds.
Tongits Joker—Incorporates Joker cards as wild elements, allowing expanded combinations and recovery strategies.
Tongits Quick—Uses a smaller deck and shorter rounds, making it suitable for faster sessions without removing strategic depth.
Tongits Jackpot—Retains standard mechanics while adding a pooled reward system linked to game outcomes.
Pusoy Series
The Pusoy lineup follows a similar structure, centered on arranging cards into three hands from front, middle, and back, all while maintaining proper ranking order.
Pusoy Plus—A standard format that closely mirrors traditional gameplay, requiring careful hand arrangement to avoid penalties.
Pusoy Wild—Introduces a limited adjustment phase, giving players a chance to refine their card placement before final submission.
Pusoy Jackpot—Maintains the same arrangement-based mechanics but includes a reward layer tied to round results.
These variations highlight the importance of decision-making in Pusoy, where correct sequencing and balance between hands determine the outcome.
The digital format helps minimize errors through guided systems while preserving the strategic depth of the game.
Pusoy Dos (Classic)
Another key title is Pusoy Dos (Classic), which follows a shedding format where players aim to discard all cards by beating previous combinations.
Unlike arrangement-based games, Pusoy Dos focuses on timing and card control, requiring players to decide when to release strong combinations.
Its simple objective and fast pacing translate effectively into digital play, making it accessible for both experienced and new users.
These adaptations highlight how traditional Filipino games can be preserved within a digital system. Automated rule enforcement ensures accuracy, while guided interfaces help players understand gameplay without requiring prior familiarity.
Accessible Formats and Themed Game Integration
GameZone Platform Games are not limited to complex card-based experiences.
The platform also includes simpler formats designed for quick sessions and straightforward interaction. These titles provide variety, allowing users to alternate between strategy-heavy gameplay and more immediate outcomes.
The Color Game represents this category, drawing inspiration from traditional fairground setups. Its structure remains familiar, but it incorporates certified randomness and transparent probability systems.
Each round is brief, making it a practical option for players seeking short, low-commitment gameplay sessions.
This mix of complexity levels reflects typical player behavior. Many users prefer switching between extended gameplay and quick rounds depending on time and preference.
By offering both within the same platform, GameZone maintains flexibility without fragmenting the experience.
The platform also introduces themed titles tied to recognizable figures such as Manny Pacquiao. These games extend cultural familiarity into digital formats while maintaining the same regulated structure.
Manny Punch operates as an idle-style system where players adjust difficulty levels that influence potential rewards. Higher settings increase possible returns but lower the likelihood of success.
Pacquiao Fortune follows a slot-style format, combining reel-based mechanics with themed visuals while relying on certified randomization.
Despite differences in gameplay style, all titles follow identical testing and compliance procedures, ensuring that accessibility and presentation do not compromise fairness or reliability.

System Consistency and Platform Transparency
GameZone Platform Games demonstrate how a diverse set of titles can function within a unified and structured environment.
The platform combines traditional card games, simplified formats, and themed releases while maintaining consistent standards across all categories.
Uniformity is a key principle. Each game undergoes the same internal evaluation and regulatory review process before release. This ensures that gameplay mechanics are correctly implemented and that outcomes follow certified systems.
As a result, players can move between different game types without encountering inconsistencies in how they operate.
Familiarity plays an important role in accessibility. Card games follow established rules that many players already understand, while variations provide flexibility in pacing and reward structures.
Simpler titles offer alternatives for shorter sessions, and themed games introduce recognizable elements without altering core systems.
Transparency further strengthens this structure. Provider labeling and accessible game details allow players to understand both the origin and functionality of each title. This reduces uncertainty and supports informed participation.
Rather than focusing solely on expanding its catalog, the platform prioritizes maintaining a stable and understandable system.
This ensures that growth does not affect usability or clarity. Players experience consistent mechanics, reliable performance, and transparent systems across all titles.
By aligning variety with structure, the platform creates a cohesive digital environment that supports long-term trust and ease of navigation.
FAQs
Q: What are GameZone Platform Games?
A: They are a collection of casino, slot, and Filipino games within a regulated digital platform.
Q: Are games tested before release?
A: Yes. Each title undergoes internal checks and regulatory compliance verification.
Q: What themed games are available?
A: Manny Punch and Pacquiao Fortune are included, along with possible collaborations.
Q: How do I register?
A: Sign up through the official platform using a valid ID and mobile number.
Q: Do card games follow traditional rules?
A: Yes. Core mechanics remain consistent, with optional variations for pacing and rewards.
Sports
Senegal to Appeal AFCON Title Loss at Court of Arbitration for Sport
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Senegalese Football Federation has said it would appeal against the decision of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to strip it of the 2025 AFCON trophy at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
It called the decision “an unfair, unprecedented and unacceptable decision which brings discredit to African football”.
CAF on Tuesday night declared Morocco champions, following a walkout staged by the Senegal team, but later returned to defeat Morocco 1-0.
CAF, in a statement yesterday, said “the Senegal national team is declared to have forfeited the match,” a 1-0 victory in the final, “with the result being officially recorded as 3-0” in favour of Morocco.
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) said in a statement “its action was never intended to contest the sporting performance of the teams participating in this competition, but solely to request the application of the competition regulations”.
During the final on January 18, with the scoreline 0-0, Congolese referee Jean Jacques Ndala gave a spot-kick in the eighth minute of added time.
Ndala was advised by the video assistant referee (VAR) to consult the pitchside monitor and review defender El Hadji Malick Diouf’s challenge on Diaz.
Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw, still incensed by Ndala’s decision a few moments earlier to disallow a Senegal goal from Ismaila Sarr, ushered his team off the field.
The decision follows an appeal by the Moroccan FA, which CAF said is “declared admissible in form” and was upheld.
CAF added that “through the conduct of its team”, Senegal infringed on Article 82 of the regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations, and as a result, Article 84 became applicable.
Article 82 states that if a team refuses to play or leaves the ground before the end of regulation time without the referee’s authorisation, it will be considered the loser and eliminated from the competition.
Article 84 complements this provision, stating that any team that violates Article 82 will be permanently eliminated and will lose the match 3-0.
Sports
CAF Strips Senegal of 2025 AFCON Trophy, Gives Morocco
By Dipo Olowookere
Senegal has been stripped of the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy it won on January 18, 2026.
In a statement on Tuesday night, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) said the trophy now belongs to Morocco, which hosted the tournament.
Senegal defeated Morocco by a lone goal to clinch the title in extra time after earlier leaving the pitch due to a penalty awarded to the host nation, which was later lost after a restart.
The penalty was awarded in the last minute of the match following a VAR check by Congolese referee, Jean-Jacques Ndala, after Brahim Diaz had been tugged to the ground by Senegal full back, El Hadji Malick Diouf.
The Senegalese team was not happy with the call because they had earlier been denied one against Morocco. The Teranga Lions’ coach, Pape Bouna Thiaw, ordered his players to leave the pitch in protest, but Sadio Mane persuaded them to return after a 14-minute delay, and when the spot kick was taken by Diaz, he played it into the hands of Édouard Mendy.
The game went into extra time, and in the 94th minute, Pape Gueye netted the only goal.
After the tournament, Morocco launched an appeal to void Senegal’s win, but lost as CAF said Articles 82 and 84 of the Regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations were not violated.
However, in a twist, the football governing body on the continent made a U-turn, declaring Morocco the 2025 AFCON champions.
It recorded the final match as 3–0 in favour of the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF), setting aside the earlier decision of the CAF Disciplinary Board.
CAF upheld “the appeal lodged by the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF)” and declared it “admissible,” agreeing that “Articles 82 and 84” were breached.
“The CAF Appeal Board further finds that the conduct of the Senegal team falls within the scope of Articles 82 and 84 of the Regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations,” a part of the statement read.
“In application of Article 84 of the Regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations, the Senegal team is declared to have forfeited the match, with the result recorded as 3–0 in favour of the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF),” it further announced.
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