Jobe Bellingham joins Dortmund for initial £27m
Jobe Bellingham has joined Borussia Dortmund from Sunderland on a five-year contract until June 2030. Sunderland say the fee is a club record, believed to be 32m euros (£26.96m) plus 5m euros (£4.2m) in add-ons. The 19-year-old midfielder has played for the Black Cats since 2023, making 90 appearances, and helped them secure promotion to the Premier League last season. Bellingham began his career at Birmingham City, coming through the academy before playing two years of senior football for the club. In a statement, Bellingham said he is proud of the “strong” relationship he has with Sunderland supporters. “I will always represent Wearside in all that I strive to achieve for the rest of my career, wherever that may be,” he said. Bellingham was named Championship young player of the season for his performances during Sunderland’s promotion-winning campaign. With the deal being completed by 10 June, Bellingham can play for Dortmund at the Club World Cup, which begins on Sunday. Dortmund’s opening group game is against Brazilian side Fluminense on 17 June at 17:00 BST. Bellingham has been named in the England squad for the European Under-21 Championship, to be held in Slovakia from 11-28 June. But head coach Lee Carsley has said he will release players so they can compete at the Club World Cup in the United States. Bellingham is following in the footsteps of older brother Jude by moving to the Bundesliga, as the England midfielder – who also came through the Birmingham City youth system – spent three years with Dortmund before joining Real Madrid in 2023. He added in his farewell to Sunderland fans: “I hope that I have made you proud along the way, and in return, you have made me the player that has reached the heights I find myself at today. “I will love and remember you fondly for the rest of my life.” Dortmund, who have won eight German league titles, secured Champions League qualification by finishing fourth in the Bundesliga last season.
Manchester City have signed Wolves left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri for £31m
The 24-year-old Algeria defender has signed a contract until 2030 and is available for the group stage of the Club World Cup. City begin their campaign in the newly-expanded tournament against Moroccan club Wydad AC on 18 June. Algeria international Ait-Nouri joined Wolves in a £14.9m deal from Angers in 2021, having spent the previous season on loan, and made 41 appearances in all competitions last term as the club avoided relegation, scoring five goals and adding seven assists. He is Wolves’ second high-profile departure of the summer, with Manchester United having agreed to sign Brazil striker Matheus Cunha for £62.5m. City have already agreed a £46.3m deal to sign AC Milan’s Netherlands midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, adding to the £200m spent in the January transfer window. Ait-Nouri said: “City are one of the biggest clubs in the world and the chance to play for the club is a dream come true. “I am excited about working with and learning from Pep Guardiola and his coaching team and getting to train and play alongside such a world class group of players.”
Deo Kasozi has stepped down from his position as Kitara FC President
After three impactful years at the helm of Uganda Premier League side Kitara FC, Deo Kasozi has stepped down from his role as club president. Kasozi’s future had been uncertain since he hinted at stepping aside at the start of last season. On Monday, there was optimism within the club that he might serve the optional fourth year allowed under the club’s constitution. However, he later confirmed his decision to leave. “I’ll be leaving my position with immediate effect and would like to thank all the stakeholders who have enabled me to perform my role beyond expectations,” Kasozi said. “The main reason I’m retiring is because of the club’s constitution. It states that the president governs for four years, but when I took over, I requested to serve only three. I’ve fulfilled that and feel it’s time to move on.” Kasozi revealed he will now focus on a private sports project in Central Uganda, expected to launch in either 2027 or 2028. Appointed ahead of the 2022/23 season, Kasozi’s tenure is widely regarded as the most successful in Kitara’s history. Under his leadership Kitara won the FUFA Big League and earned promotion to the Uganda Premier League. They challenged for the UPL title in their debut season, finishing fourth. In 2023/24, Kitara won the Uganda Cup after defeating fellow debutants NEC FC at Wankulukuku, securing qualification for the CAF Confederation Cup. Although Kitara exited the Confederation Cup at the preliminary stage, losing 6-4 on aggregate to Al Hilal Benghazi of Libya, their performance won admirers. Kasozi’s final season began with struggles as the club flirted with relegation. He made decisive changes, sacking Brian Ssenyondo and appointing Wasswa Bbosa, who guided the team to a 7th-place finish with 44 points. His leadership earned admiration across Ugandan football, and his impact at Kitara will be remembered. As the club prepares for a new era, ASP Gilbert Nyaika has been named interim president.
Inter milan appoint Parma boss Chivu as manager
Champions League runners-up Inter Milan have appointed Parma boss Cristian Chivu as manager. The 44-year-old, a former defender and youth team coach at Inter, leaves Parma after only 13 games in charge and replaces Simone Inzaghi. The former Romania international was appointed by Parma in February – his first senior coaching role – winning three games as he steered Parma to Serie A safety. Inzaghi left Inter after the 5-0 Champions League final defeat by Paris St-Germain on 31 May and has taken charge of Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal. Chivu, who has signed a contract until 2027, won three league titles during seven years as an Inter player. Inter said, external he has “gone through experiences and challenges of enormous importance, events that have shaped him as a man and a professional, binding him inextricably to the black and blue colours”. Chivu will take charge of Inter during the Club World Cup. They begin their campaign against Mexican side Monterrey on 17 June.
SCOTT CARSON TO LEAVE MANCHESTER CITY THIS SUMMER
Scott Carson will leave Manchester City when his contract expires this summer. The 39-year-old has been at the Club since 2019, acting as a valued part of the goalkeeping unit. He originally arrived on loan before completing a free transfer in the summer of 2021. The experienced goalkeeper’s debut for City came in the May 2021 victory at Newcastle United before a second appearance in the Champions League round of 16 second leg with Sporting CP in 2021/22. Having made his maiden senior appearance for Leeds United all the way back in January 2004, Carson has now spent an incredible 21 years as a professional. During his time at City, Carson has been praised by goalkeeping coach Xabi Mancisidor and peers Ederson and Stefan Ortega Moreno for his work ethic and the effect of his positive attitude amongst the group. He has been part of a squad that has lifted 12 major honours over the last six seasons during what has been a historic period of success for Pep Guardiola’s team.
Masaza Cup Record Champions Gomba unveil Squad for 2025 Tournament
Five time Buganda Masaza Cup winners Gomba have unveiled their 30-man squad for the forthcoming prestigious tournament. Gomba confirmed their squad on Sunday, 8th June at the event that was graced by Oweek. Kitunzi Mugabi Fredrick William and Rt.Rev Bishop Michael Lubowa (Central Buganda Diocese) at Kabulasoke Playground. They also beat two time Masaza Cup champions Ssingo 2-0 in the friendly match with new signings Michael Abura and Robert Ssewanyana on target. 27 of the players unveiled at Gomba are new recruits including Abura, Ssewanyana and Joseph Ssewaali who will be seeking for their sixth crown this term under last year’s winning coach Simon Ddungu alias Dunga. Dunga also won the prestigious competition with Gomba in 2017 and will work with Simon Ggita as his first assistant, Ssuubi William is the fitness coach while Magaasi Jamaada is the goalkeeping coach. Gomba are previous winners in 2004, 2009, 2014, 2017 and 2020, they will kickoff their campaign with holders Buddu on Saturday 21st June at Kitovu Sports Arena. The other opponents in Gomba’s Bulange group are Busiro, Busujju Ssese and Buluuli. Gomba Lions Squad for 2025 Masaza Cup Goalkeepers Kafeero WilliamsSsenyonjo JuliusKyazze Musa Defenders Apenyo IsaacTabbu FrankMumbere RazakNsubuga Hassan PensoOnen HerbertFungalo RonaldMutamba MeddieMutebi Alex Midfielders Kirabira NicolasMasembe DirisaKakande LawrenceMudulu PetersonYiga SsandeAbura MichealKanyike Bosco Forwards Lwanyaga RichardSsewaali JosephOtim CalvinSsewanyana RobertOkwi Simon PeterAlvin KitiibwaSulundu IbrahimKkonde DenisMulwana IbraJeremiah Rwotho JabiraThomas TebasiimaWabuziba Eric 2025 Masaza Cup Groups Bulange BudduBusujjuBuluuliBusiroGomba Ssese Muganzirwazza KyaggweSsingoKabulaButambalaKkookiMawogola Masengere BuweekulaKyaddondoMawokotaBugerereBuvumaBulemeezi Masaza previous Winners: 2024- Buddu2023- Bulemeezi2022 –Busiro2021 –Buddu2020 –Gomba2019 –Bulemeezi2018 –Buddu2017 –Gomba2016 –Buddu2015 –Ssingo2014 –Gomba2013 –Mawokota2012–Bulemeezi2011–Buluuli2010–Not Held2009–Gomba2008–Kyaddondo2007–Mawokota2006–Kkooki2005-Mawokota2004- Gomba
First black Premier League referee Rennie dies aged 65
Uriah Rennie, the Premier League’s first black referee, has died aged 65. Rennie officiated more than 300 games between 1997 and 2008, including 175 Premier League matches. Sheffield & Hallamshire County Football Association, external described their former chair as a “trailblazing referee” who “broke down barriers, shaped our football community and inspired generations to come.” Rennie recently revealed he was learning to walk again after a rare condition left him paralysed from the waist down. Born in Jamaica, he moved to Sheffield as a child and grew up in the Wybourn area of the city. He started refereeing in local football in 1979 before making history in 1997 when he oversaw a top-flight match between Derby County and Wimbledon. “Incredibly sad news about the passing of Uriah Rennie. A Black pioneering referee and leader in the game,” said Leon Mann, co-founder of the Football Black List. “We owe so much to those who push open the doors. Uriah should never, ever be forgotten. Thoughts and prayers with Uriah’s family and close friends.” Former Nottingham Forest, Liverpool and Aston Villa striker Stan Collymore said he was “incredibly sad” to hear of Rennie’s death, adding he was a “pioneer” and a “trailblazer”. Ex-Crystal Palace forward Mark Bright posted on X: “A trailblazer, a good referee and thoroughly decent person when ever I bumped into him off the pitch.” Rennie had been a magistrate in Sheffield since 1996 and campaigned on issues including improving equality and inclusion in sport, mental health and tackling deprivation. He had a master’s degree in business administration and law and, in November 2023, was awarded an honorary doctorate by Sheffield Hallam University for his distinguished contributions to sport and his work with South Yorkshire communities. In May, Rennie was installed as the new chancellor of the university.
Gian Piero Gasperini replaces Claudio Ranieri as Roma manager
Roma have appointed former Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini as their new manager on a three-year contract. Gasperini, who guided Atalanta to third in Italy’s Serie A and qualification for the Champions League this season, replaces Claudio Ranieri. The ex-Leicester City and Chelsea boss stepped down as manager after leading Roma to fifth in Serie A and a Europa League spot. Ranieri came out of retirement last November to take over as Roma boss following the sacking of Ivan Juric, and the 73-year-old has now taken on an executive role at the club. Gasperini, 67, spent nine years in charge of Atalanta and won the Europa League with them in 2023-24 when they beat Bayer Leverkusen in the final. “Gasperini’s career is defined by its creative tactics, dedication to hard work, and exceptional player development,” Roma said. “Both ownership and Claudio Ranieri believe Gasperini is the right man for the mission.”
Postecoglou sacked by Spurs after Europa League win
Ange Postecoglou has been sacked as Tottenham manager 16 days after leading them to victory in the Europa League final. A 1-0 win over Manchester United in Bilbaobrought Spurs a first major trophy for 17 years. However, it came towards the end of their worst Premier League season, with the London club finishing 17th after losing 22 of their 38 matches. The Australian told fans “season three is better than season two” as they gathered at a victory parade to mark European success in his second campaign. But the 59-year-old’s time in north London has ended two years to the day after Spurs announced he would join them from Celtic on a four-year contract. Brentford boss Thomas Frank has been tipped as a leading contender to replace Postecoglou. Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola, Fulham’s Marco Silva, Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner and former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino – now managing the United States – are among the other candidates to have been considered. Spurs said in a statement Postecoglou would be remembered for delivering “one of the club’s greatest moments” in becoming only the third manager to win them a European trophy. But they added they could not base their decision on “emotions aligned to this triumph” and felt a change was necessary after a “review of performances”. Tottenham finished fifth in Postecoglou’s first season in charge before he kept his promise to provide silverware in his second year. “The opportunity to lead one of England’s historic football clubs and bring back the glory it deserves will live with me for a lifetime,” he said in a statement. “That night in Bilbao was the culmination of two years of hard work, dedication and unwavering belief in a dream. “There were many challenges to overcome and plenty of noise that comes with trying to accomplish what many said was not possible.” Of managers with 100 or more games in charge of the club, Postecoglou ranks with a 46.5% win percentage from 101 matches in all competitions (47 wins, 15 draws and 39 losses). Postecoglou pays price for slide in form Tottenham’s decision to sack the man who guided them to a first trophy since 2008 will divide opinion across their fanbase. He becomes the fourth Spurs manager – after Jose Mourinho, Nuno Espirito Santo and Antonio Conte – to lose his job since Pochettino was sacked in November 2019, less than four months after taking them to the Champions League final. Former Australia boss Postecoglou’s reign began in spectacular fashion, despite the exit of the club’s all-time leading scorer Harry Kane to Bayern Munich. Spurs set the pace in the early stages of the 2023-24 Premier League season by taking 26 points from their first 10 games, with Postecoglou winning three consecutive manager of the month awards. But five defeats in their final seven matches cost them a spot in the Champions League 12 months ago, and things continued to unravel in 2024-25 after a slow start to the season. Postecoglou, who was initially praised for the attacking style he implemented, was forced to defend himself from criticism for sticking to his principles and had to contend with a catalogue of injuries to key players. Aside from their run to the Carabao Cup semi-finals, where they were thrashed 4-0 by Liverpool after taking a slender one-goal lead to Anfield, they have struggled in domestic competition. Since 6 November 2023, Spurs have collected 78 points from 66 top-flight games – the 16th best record in the Premier League over that time. While Tottenham scored 64 goals in the season just gone – as many as fourth-placed Chelsea and more than Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest in sixth and seventh – they conceded 65 with only Wolves and the relegated trio of Leicester City, Ipswich Town and Southampton conceding more. What did Postecoglou say? Postecoglou’s unwavering belief in himself and his forthright – sometimes blunt – approach has been a feature of his spell at Tottenham. He accused a reporter of discounting the impact of injuries on his side’s results after a 6-3 home defeat by Liverpool, and repeatedly insisted he would not alter his style. Postecoglou also publicly described Timo Werner’s performance as “not acceptable” after replacing him at half-time during a 1-1 Europa League draw at Rangers. There were elements of that abrasiveness in the statement his representatives released after his sacking, which read: “When I reflect on my time as manager of Tottenham Hotspur my overriding emotion is one of pride. “The opportunity to lead one of England’s historic football clubs and bring back the glory it deserves will live with me for a lifetime. “Sharing that experience with all those who truly love this club and seeing the impact it had on them is something I will never forget. “That night in Bilbao was the culmination of two years of hard work, dedication and unwavering belief in a dream. There were many challenges to overcome and plenty of noise that comes with trying to accomplish what many said was not possible. “We have also laid foundations that mean this club should not have to wait 17 more years for their next success. I have enormous faith in this group of players and know there is much more potential and growth in them. “I sincerely want to thank those who are the lifeblood of the club, the supporters. I know there were some difficult times but I always felt that they wanted me to succeed and that gave me all the motivation I needed to push on. “It’s important to acknowledge the hard working people at Spurs who gave me encouragement on a daily basis. “And finally, I want to thank those who were with me every day for the last two years. A fantastic group of young men who are now legends of this football club and the brilliant coaches who never once doubted we could do something special. “We are forever connected. Audere est Facere. Ange.” What did Tottenham say? Tottenham’s statement read: “Following a review of performances and
Kiyimba Denis Mulangira Appointed Busiro Head Coach
Busiro Ssaaza football team has officially unveiled Denis Kiyimba ‘Mulangira’ as their head coach for the upcoming 2025 Masaza Cup tournament. The appointment signals a fresh chapter for the team as they aim to bounce back from their disappointing group stage exit in the 2024 edition. Kiyimba brings a wealth of experience to the Busiro dugout. A holder of the CAF C coaching licence, he has vast experience in grass root football having previously worked alongside veteran coach Richard Makumbi at Mbarara City during the 2017 FUFA Big League season and again at Nyamityobora in 2020. His familiarity with the dynamics of the Masaza Cup is also notable, having managed Buwekula Saza between 2016 and 2017 and guiding them to Luwangula Cup glory in 2016. To bolster their 2025 campaign, Kiyimba will work with a well-rounded and strategically structured technical team. Former Uganda Cranes midfielder Hassan Wasswa Mawanda steps in as the first assistant coach, adding his rich playing experience and leadership to the bench. Kimuli Robert has been appointed the second assistant coach, while Lukyamuzi Richard takes charge as the trainer. The goalkeeping department will be under the expert guidance of Bukenya Grace, and the team’s medical needs will be handled by Dr. Batenda Ramadhan. Busiro is aiming to clinch their second Masaza Cup trophy, a task that demands both tactical discipline and consistent performance from the newly appointed technical team despite facing significant challenges to restore the county’s pride after their 2024 campaign fell short. Full Coaching Staff – Busiro Saza (2025 Masaza Cup) 1. Head Coach – Kiyimba Denis Mulangira 2. First Assistant Coach – Hassan Wasswa Mawanda 3. Second Assistant Coach – Kimuli Robert 4. Goalkeeping Coach – Bukenya Grace 5. Trainer – Lukyamuzi Richard 6. Team Doctor – Batenda Ramadhan