Category Uncategorized

Manchester United have identified their top target to reinforce their midfield in 2026, and INEOS are confident they can complete a deal in the new year.

The Red Devils continued their rollercoaster form under Ruben Amorim on Sunday, following defeat against Everton with an extremely professional display to come from behind against a Crystal Palace side who had not tasted defeat in the Premier League since October.

After an abysmal display against the Toffees, the second half performance at Selhurst Park was a real show of what United are capable of, as they nullified Palace’s attacking threat and tested Dean Henderson on several occasions.

Not just Zirkzee: Man Utd star who was a "waste of time" is now undroppable

This Man Utd player starred in their 2-1 win away to Crystal Palace

1 ByJoe Nuttall Nov 30, 2025

Amorim revealed he had told his players the Eagles would struggle to maintain their first half intensity after their trip to France to face Strasbourg in Conference League on Thursday.

“I said to the players we need to be more alive and you could feel that. If you are more alive, you are in more places, near the ball more often and everyone did that, but we also need to understand that the opponent is tired,” the Portuguese said as United moved up into the top seven.

“If you see the last plays of the game, they were struggling so much to take the ball out of the box and you could feel it in the way they move that they were getting tired for the second half and we talked about that.

“And again, our pace and intensity in the first half, we cannot play like that in Premier League, so we increased that. I had the feeling and we had the feeling that if we scored one goal, this would change completely.”

Perhaps the only standout performance for the hosts was that of Adam Wharton, and reports after the game revealed United are confident of securing a deal for the Crystal Palace midfielder in the new year.

Gary Lineker heaps praise on Man Utd target Adam Wharton

Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast on Monday morning, Gary Lineker and Micah Richards discussed the England international’s performance against United, as he set up the chance that led to Jean-Philippe Mateta’s penalty with a stunning pass.

“I’ll tell you, Adam Wharton, oh my, boy, he can play,” said the former Match of the Day Host.

Adam Wharton’s performance vs Man Utd

Chances created

1

Accurate passes

23/28

XG + XA

0.18

Defensive contributions

13

Passes in the final third

9

Richards added: “I was doing all my analysis on Adam Wharton and then United go and score and you got to give United a little bit of credit.”

Wharton struggled with injuries last season, and was praised for putting in “world class” displays while awaiting surgery on a groin problem, but has proven his durability this season, starting 11 times in the league and twice in Europe.

Amorim believes the 21-year-old fits what he is looking for at Old Trafford, and despite links to fellow Premier League riser Elliot Anderson, INEOS are confident they can win the race for Wharton if they achieve their goal of European football.

Clayton Kershaw made his 2025 debut on Wednesday for the Triple-A Oklahoma City Comets during a rehab assignment while he continues to recover from offseason surgeries on his knee and toe. It was his first start since Aug. 30, 2024.

The three time NL Cy Young Award winner started for the Comets on Wednesday vs. the Tacoma Raiders at home. Kershaw pitched three scoreless innings with two strikeouts. He was originally expected to throw for just around two innings. The Raiders did hit two singles off of Kershaw.

Kershaw's performance made Dodgers fans excited to see their ace back on the mound. He will be returning to the Dodgers on a one-year contract this season for his 18th year with the Dodgers.

With the start, Kershaw will be eligible to come off the 30-day rehab window on May 17. He's eligible to return to the Los Angeles Dodgers on May 17, as long as his recovery continues to progress.

Kershaw was limited to just seven games last season, pitching 30 innings while dealing with a torn meniscus and toe injury. He missed the Dodgers' entire postseason run to their World Series win, butstill earned a ring, which was the second of his career.

عزز منتخب سويسرا من تقدمه أمام مصر، وسجل الهدف الثالث، خلال المباراة المقامة بين المنتخبين، اليوم الجمعة، في إطار منافسات بطولة كأس العالم تحت 17 عامًا، لتصبح النتيجة 3-0.

ويلعب منتخب مصر ضد سويسرا، في إطار مواجهات دور الـ32 من عمر مباريات بطولة كأس العالم للناشئين تحت 17 عامًا.

وأحرز جيل ستيل لاعب منتخب سويسرا، الهدف الثالث أمام مصر، في الدقيقة 57، بتسديدة من على حدود منطقة الجزاء. هدف سويسرا الثالث أمام مصر

شوف الهدف |
سويسرا تتقدم 3-0 على مصر .. عن طريق جيل ستيل عند الدقيقة 58 .. في كأس العالم تحت 17 عاماً#U17WC #كأس_العالم_تحت_17_سنة #قنوات_الكاس || #منصة_شوف pic.twitter.com/blMzjTzhnM — قنوات الكاس (@AlkassTVSports) November 14, 2025

طالع | الفار يلغي ركلة جزاء لـ منتخب مصر أمام سويسرا في كأس العالم للناشئين

وكان منتخب سويسرا، تقدم بالهدف الأول عند الدقيقة 16، عن طريق اللاعب نيفيو شيرار، وسجل الهدف الثاني اللاعب إيثان بروسيش، في الدقيقة 39.

Following the news of Brendan Rodgers’ resignation, Celtic have reportedly added Robbie Keane to their shortlist of managerial candidates. The former Leeds United coach joins the likes of Ange Postecoglou as the Bhoys seek a new permanent boss.

It’s been a dramatic week for those at Celtic Park. First losing 3-1 and conceding an eight-point gap to surprise Scottish Premiership leaders Heart, those in Glasgow then received Rodgers’ shock resignation – sparking a managerial search and a brutal statement from majority shareholder Dermot Desmond.

Accusing Rodgers of being “self-serving” and “divisive”, Desmond didn’t hold back. Whether the manager, himself, soon has his own say is now the big question.

In the meantime, the show must go on at Celtic, who have hired veteran manager Martin O’Neill on an interim basis. Keeping the seat warm, O’Neill will be expected to steady the ship as soon as the Old Firm derby against Rangers this week. The Bhoys meet their rivals in the Scottish League Cup semi-final.

The longer their search for a manager goes on, however, the more questions that will be asked at Celtic. So far, names such as Postecoglou and former Borussia Dortmund man Edin Terzic have both been mentioned, with the former a particularly strong candidate thanks to his previous experience in Glasgow.

The Australian could certainly do with a return to Scotland too, following a disastrous 39-day spell at Nottingham Forest. But he’s not the only one on Celtic’s shortlist, with Keane also among the reported options.

The change of style that Robbie Keane would bring to Celtic

As reported by journalist Ben Jacobs, Keane has now made the shortlist at Celtic as they search for their next manager.

The 45-year-old is currently in charge of Hungarian side Ferencvaros and has had previous experience at Maccabi Tel Aviv as well as in an assistant role at Ireland, Middlsbrough and Leeds United.

Some may question Keane’s experience, or more the lack of it, but his style of football is something to keep an eye on. The former Liverpool and Celtic attacker told reporters in 2020 that he likes to play energetic, pressing football, which could finally unlock the Bhoys’ free-scoring talents once again.

Revealed: Scott Brown's chances of replacing Brendan Rodgers at Celtic

The Bhoys are looking for their next manager.

ByTom Cunningham Oct 28, 2025

Daizen Maeda would arguably benefit the most from the change in style from Rodgers’ slower, possession-based approach. The forward scored 33 goals in all competitions last season, before struggling with just three in 13 in the current campaign.

What’s more, the fact that O’Neill already knows Keane well from his playing days could help his case. The current interim boss once even praised his former forward as “terrific” during his time on the pitch.

Celtic linked with manager who nearly joined Rangers

Leeds United are back in the big time. They are playing in the Premier League under Daniel Farke and are looking to avoid relegation at the first time of asking.

They are on one of the biggest stages at club level in Europe, playing some of the best teams in the world, and this means that the club, the manager, and the players have a big platform to showcase themselves.

Whilst some may view that in a negative sense of players looking to audition themselves to bigger clubs in the future, which does happen, there are other ways to look at it.

For example, playing in the Premier League means that the players are testing themselves against the best, and that can attract attention from their country’s international managers, opening the door to potential call-ups.

Kalvin Phillips is a prime example of that. He emerged as a regular for England under Gareth Southgate after impressing in the Premier League with Marcelo Bielsa at Leeds in the 2020/21 campaign.

Although his initial call-up came before his top-flight debut, it was during his time at the top level that saw him fully establish himself and play in a European Championship final for England.

The Leeds players who are playing for an England call-up

Farke has a clutch of English players who will be hoping that their performances in the Premier League for Leeds this season will enhance their chances of making the England squad for the World Cup next summer.

As aforementioned, the club’s promotion to the division means that their players have the platform they need to show Thomas Tuchel that they have what it takes to make the squad.

Only two players in the current Leeds team have been capped by England at senior level, James Justin and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, but there are other players who may hope that their form this season can earn them a maiden call-up before the trip to America.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin

28

11

James Justin

27

1

Sam Byram

32

0

Alex Cairns

32

0

Jack Harrison

28

0

Sean Longstaff

27

0

Jayden Bogle

25

0

Sean Longstaff, for example, has yet to be capped by England but he has produced some impressive performances for the Whites, including a goal and an assist in the 2-2 draw with Bournemouth.

Jayden Bogle has also nailed down the right-back position at Elland Road and may hope that his performances can earn him a call-up. Competition from Djed Spence, Reece James, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kyle Walker, and Tino Livramento, though, means that it will be difficult.

Jack Harrison, Alex Cairns, James Justin, and Sam Byram, meanwhile, are all 28 or older and are currently back-up options in West Yorkshire, which does not suggest that they will be forcing their way into England contention any time soon.

However, one thing that we have seen with England in recent years is that young players can very quickly burst onto the scene and emerge as key players for the Three Lions.

Jude Bellingham made his England debut at 17. Myles Lewis-Skelly made his at 18. Bukayo Saka, who scored against Wales last week, made his debut at 19.

In The Pipeline

Football FanCast’s In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.

Because of the platform that the Premier League provides, a young player can very quickly go from making their debut to being in England conversations, as Saka did at Arsenal after making his debut at the age of 17. The winger has since scored 13 goals in 46 caps for his country.

Leeds, therefore, could unearth their own Saka-type player by unleashing Harry Gray in the first-team this season, as he has the potential to be a future star for club and country.

Why Harry Gray could be a Bukayo Saka-type player

The teenage striker, who is the brother of Archie Gray, has been in fantastic form for the club at youth level, and could be in line for more first-team involvement in the near future.

Farke handed him a senior debut against Stoke City in the Championship as a 16-year-old last season, whilst the manager also placed him on the bench against Wolves in the Premier League this term as a 17-year-old, which is the same age that Saka made his top-flight bow.

Gray has scored seven goals in six matches for the U21s this season, with four goals in four Premier League 2 outings (Transfermarkt), and a hat-trick in one of his two England National League Cup appearances against Scunthorpe United.

To date, the teenage sensation has scored eight goals in 11 games for the U18s and seven goals in 13 appearances for the U21s in the Leeds academy, which shows that he has been a prolific scorer for both age groups.

Analyst Ben Mattinson claimed that he can see the striker breaking into the first-team this season because he is a “very well-rounded striker profile and one of England’s best prospects in his generation”, which is certainly high praise.

Gray, who was described as “Leeds United’s newest wonderkid” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, will have to oust Calvert-Lewin from the team if he wants to emerge as a regular starter for the Whites in the Premier League.

Appearances

26

5

xG

6.75

1.34

Goals

3

1

Big chances missed

16

5

Minutes per goal

543

357

As you can see in the table above, Calvert-Lewin’s wastefulness in front of goal for Everton last season has carried over into the start of his career at Elland Road.

These statistics suggest that there could be an opening for Gray to fill if the 11-cap England international fails to turn his form around and prove that he can be a reliable striker for the Whites.

Therefore, there is a world in which the 17-year-old striker makes his breakthrough and becomes a starter for Leeds in the Premier League this season, if he can translate his prolific form at youth level over to the first-team.

Whether that would be enough to immediately put him in contention to make the England squad, that is up to Tuchel, but playing in the top-flight provides him with the potential to become the next Saka-type star to emerge as a teenage sensation for the Three Lions.

Leeds have signed an "explosive" star who looks like the new Summerville

Daniel Farke could have his next Crysencio Summerville-like star in this unplayable Leeds United ace.

ByKelan Sarson Oct 15, 2025

First, though, it is down to Farke to provide Gray with an opportunity to showcase his quality in the Premier League if Calvert-Lewin continues to struggle in front of goal.

Tottenham could sign a highly-rated player in the winter window, knowing that he was once keen on a move to N17.

The recent board restructure, which resulted in ex-chair Daniel Levy resigning and CEO Vinai Vinkatesham taking a more prominent role alongside members of the Lewis family, has prompted some optimism over their future recruitment plans.

Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol recently mooted the possibility of further squad investment from ENIC, who may now be willing to spend more on both wages and transfers overall to hand Thomas Frank the best chance of on-pitch success.

The Lilywhites are already one of world football’s highest revenue-generating clubs, according to the Deloitte Money League, and Levy’s success in turning the club into a financial powerhouse cannot be understated.

World Football’s highest revenue-generating clubs — 2025	Value
Real Madrid	£1.2 billion
Man City	£727 million
PSG	£700 million
Man United	£668 million
Bayern Munich	£664 million
FC Barcelona	£659.5 million
Arsenal	£621.5 million
Liverpool	£620 million
Tottenham Hotspur	£533 million
Chelsea	£474 million

However, Levy’s reputation for underspending compared to rivals was a key complaint of his tenure, and arguably contributed towards Tottenham’s lack of silverware during the 24 years he was chairman.

Now, Spurs insist a “new era” has begun with the swathe of recent boardroom changes, and it will be very intriguing to see how the north Londoners tackle their first transfer market post-Levy.

Frank has overseen an excellent start to 2025/2026, and worked wonders to tempt Xavi Simons with a move to Tottenham, according to super agent Ali Barat.

Reports over the summer claimed that Frank was also really pushing to sign Man City forward Savinho, and the Dane apparently believed that he could do ‘big things’ in north London, as per the reliable Fabrizio Romano.

Pep Guardiola was publicly clear that he wanted to keep the Brazil international and a potential Spurs move ultimately fell through, with City rejecting two bids, including an offer just under £61 million (Fabrizio Romano).

Savinho transfer to Tottenham alive for January after previous Levy plan

As per journalist Dean Jones, speaking to TEAMtalk, Levy was prepared to pay up to £65m for Savinho in the summer, and Tottenham know the winger wanted to join them before deadline day on September 1.

Spurs are still keeping an eye on Savinho, and it is believed they could move in January if Frank’s side get enough encouragement.

Savinho has played just 37 minutes in all competitions so far.

This is partly down to injury, but if the ex-Girona star continues to be on the fringes of Guardiola’s plans, a January move could well tempt him.

Savinho faces a battle to get into the starting eleven on a regular basis amid Jeremy Doku’s sensational start to the season, and with the 2026 World Cup looming, the 21-year-old may fancy a move elsewhere as Frank’s side maintain a serious interest.

His best-ever campaign yielded 11 goals and 10 assists in 41 appearances for title-chasing Girona in 23/24, and Guardiola has called Savinho an “exceptional” player.

MatériaMais Notícias

Não há outro opção para o palmeirense que não seja um cenário de classificação nesta noite diante do Atlético-MG, no Allianz Parque, em jogo que vale a nossa vaga para as quartas de finais da Libertadores 2023.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasPalmeiras vai com força máxima e time 100% para buscar classificação na LibertadoresPalmeiras09/08/2023PalmeirasVocê lembra? Veiga castigou o Galo no Allianz Parque no dia em que Abel Ferreira chegou ao PalmeirasPalmeiras08/08/2023Atlético MineiroApós quebra de jejum, Atlético-MG precisa vencer o Palmeiras para avançar na LibertadoresAtlético Mineiro08/08/2023

+ Veja tabela da Libertadores-2023 clicando aqui

Sem a Copa do Brasil que já ficou pelo caminho e o Brasileirão que está muito longe de ser reconquistado, o time de Abel Ferreira joga praticamente a sua vida nesta temporada logo diante de Luiz Felipe Scolari.

A classificação significará mais paz e confiança para um elenco que ganhou tudo e mais um pouco nos últimos anos, mas que pode provar que ainda tem sede de mais história pelo continente ainda neste ano.

continua após a publicidade

Uma vitória ou até o empate, também pode fazer bem para a equipe que terá mais tranquilidade para seguir pontuando no Brasileiro longe dos protestos da torcida, que segue magoada com a direção que não se reforçou na última janela de transferências.

Chegou a hora da gente se unir, parar de brigar por narrativas fúteis (e algumas inúteis) e jogar junto de quem nos deu tanto nos últimos anos.

continua após a publicidade

Chegou a hora de transformar o entorno do Allianz Parque naquela atmosfera de apoio e energia positiva que a gente sabe que carrega o Palmeiras em dias fáceis e difíceis.

Chegou a hora de cada um dos 40 mil pagantes entender o seu papel e de como a sua voz é importante para o resultado em campo. Não é dia de silêncio em canto algum da nossa casa.

É dia de barulho, sinalizador, apoio, vaia (ao adversário), palma e qualquer ato que se faça importante para quem está em campo.

Se a gente tá com receio de perder a vaga, o visitante tem que estar com 10 vezes mais.

Não importa quem jogue. Muito menos quem comande ou quem mande. Por essa camisa em campo numa noite de Copa a gente se entrega até não se aguentar mais.

+ Veiga castigou o Galo no Allianz Parque no dia que Abel Ferreira chegou no Brasil!

Jogaremos juntos e seremos juntos. Sempre.

Até mais tarde, Palmeiras.

Two spectators ejected from venue after reportedly chanting anti-Pakistan slogans

Danyal Rasool05-Apr-2025An altercation between Pakistan cricketer Khushdil Shah and spectators during the third ODI between New Zealand and Pakistan in Mount Maunganui led to the ejection of two spectators from the venue.According to a statement released by the PCB, the spectators were Afghanistan nationals shouting anti-Pakistan slogans. The incident came to light with a photograph that showed Khushdil – who wasn’t playing the game – trying to go over the boundary rope after the end of the game to confront someone who wasn’t pictured in the frame. He looked agitated, while security held him back, purportedly avoiding a more direct confrontation.Related

Pakistan penalised for slow over-rate for fourth time in five ODIs

A statement from the PCB management said it condemned “the abusive language of foreign fans”. It said two Afghan spectators attempted to fight Khushdil after swearing at him in Pushto, a language spoken by people of Pakhtun heritage in both Pakistan and Afghanistan. The PCB said it had made a complaint, following which the spectators were ejected. The incident comes amid heightened political tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, whose recent cricketing contests have been laced with acrimony and spectator trouble.A statement from New Zealand Cricket confirmed to ESPNcricinfo that two spectators had been ejected “following an altercation” with Khushdil. “The incident, which occurred after the game had finished, involved alleged abuse of Pakistan players in a foreign language, thought to be Pushto, and an angry reaction from Khushdil – who responded by confronting the pair,” the statement said. “Ground security prevented the incident escalating further and removed the offending spectators from the premises.”Pakistan did not have a much happier time on-field, either, losing the third ODI by 43 runs to succumb to a 3-0 series defeat. It was Pakistan’s sixth consecutive ODI defeat to New Zealand over the last two months, and caps a miserable tour of New Zealand following a disastrous Champions Trophy at home. New Zealand also won the preceding T20I series 4-1.

He ripped through Tasmania on the second day in Hobart as the home side were forced to follow-on

AAP07-Mar-2025Michael Neser, the forgotten man of the Australian Test pace attack, reminded everyone of his capabilities at Tasmania’s expense.He ripped through the home team’s top order in their Sheffield Shield match on Friday, taking the first six wickets of the Tasmania first innings in a devastating nine-over spell after lunch – all the wickets coming in the space of 39 balls.Related

Khawaja's century gives Queensland edge on opening day

O'Neill, Boland share nine as McSweeney shines in Junction arm wrestle

Replying to Queensland’s first innings of 425 for 9 declared, Tasmania collapsed after lunch from 86 without loss and were dismissed for 161 at Bellerive Oval. Tasmania followed on and were still 194 runs behind with two days left.While Queensland and Tasmania started this penultimate round as the bottom two teams, a big win would keep one of them in the hunt to make the final against SA.Following Usman Khawaja’s century on Thursday, Neser’s command performance confirmed Queensland have the game by the throat.He snared 6 for 37 from 15 overs. It is his third Shield game back after a hamstring injury in November while playing for Australia A cruelled his hopes of a Test return this summer.The 34-year-old has played only two Tests, most recently against the West Indies in late 2022. Neser has had to bide his time, stuck in Australia’s pace-bowling queue behind Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Scott Boland.He was faultless on Friday, always looking dangerous even when Tasmanian openers Nivethan Radhakrishnan and Jake Weatherald built their solid stand.Neser bowled Weatherald for a top score of 55 and took a wicket in each of his next three overs. When he trapped Radhakrishnan lbw for 39 and bowled Beau Webster, Tasmania were 122 for 6 and Queensland were in the box seat.Mark Steketee had Radhakrishnan caught behind for 24 late on day two, with Weatherald unbeaten on 39.Gabe Bell and Webster took three wickets apiece in Queensland’s first innings.

MatériaMais Notícias

A divulgação de um esquema de manipulação de resultados em apostas esportivas levou a Federação Paraibana de Futebol (FPF) a tomar medidas mais drásticas. A presidente da Federação Paraibana de Futebol (FPF), Michelle Ramalho, se reuniu na quinta-feira (18) com Romualdo Tadeu deAraújo, presidente do Núcleo do Desporto e Defesa do Torcedor (Nudetor), ligado ao MP-PB, e definiu meios e instrumentos legais para coibir as manipulações no estado. Além da Federação e do Nudetor, a mobilização tem o apoio maciço dos clubes locais e projeta ações drásticas.

RelacionadasFora de CampoJornalista revela reação inusitada de Galvão sobre Neymar: ‘Tenho que pedir desculpa?’Fora de Campo18/05/2023Fora de CampoKey Alves revela um dos motivos que culminaram no término com Gustavo após o BBBFora de Campo18/05/2023

O LANCE! apurou que a Federação Paraibana se comprometeu a incluir em sua esfera de atribuição punições a quem estiver envolvido com esquema de manipulações de resultados. O planejamento acontece após a Operação Penalidade Máxima trazer entre os arquivos uma troca de mensagens que menciona uma partida do Campeonato Paraibano. De acordo com “O Estado de São Paulo”, o filho de Marcelinho Paraíba apareceu em conversas com Bruno Lopez, que é apontado como articulador da quadrilha, combinando manipulações na semifinal entre Treze e São Paulo Crystal..

+ ‘Temos um jogador do Flamengo’, afirma apostador durante conversa com atleta que confessou ter participado de manipulação

+ Todos os jogos do Brasileirão você encontra no Prime Video. Assine já e acompanhe o seu time do coração!

Entre as propostas acordadas na reunião foram estabelecidas:

1 – Engajamento dos clubes, Federação e órgãos de controle no combate no sentido de criar canal de denúncias, mediante Termo de Cooperação Técnica.

2 – Implementação de campanhas educativas através de palestras, seminários, simpósios e outros similares, tendo como público alvo clubes, jogadores, dirigentes, comissões técnicas, demais servidores, bem como todo o público que, direta ou indiretamente, esteja envolvido com as partidas de futebol em campeonatos patrocinados pela Federação.

3 – Adoção de regras específicas no regulamento de competição, prevendo punições a clubes, jogadores ou dirigentes envolvidos com a prática de manipulação de resultados.

4 – Inserir nos Contratos de Trabalho dos Jogadores de Futebol Profissionais informações explícitas sobre condutas ilícitas e respectivas penalidades.

Na reunião que sacramentou a força-tarefa contra esquemas de apostas, foram definidos outros rumos. Ficou previsto um termo de cooperação técnica entre o MP e a entidade. O Nudetor terá acesso a relatórios encaminhados à empresa Sportradar, empresa integrante do Sistema Universal de Detecção de Fraudes (UFDS), com o intuito de planejar atuações diante dos cenários concretos das empresas de apostas no estado. .

Também serão fornecidas ao Núcleo do Desporto e Defesa do Torcedor informações atualizadas dos dados cadastrais de todos os jogadores profissionais credenciados e árbitros que possuam vínculo com a Federação Paraibana de Futebol (FPF). O combate à manipulação de resultados pretende promover medidas enérgicas. Em uma ação que reunirá clubes, Federação e Órgãos de Controle, também há a previsão de que seja criado um Disk Denúncia. Caberá à FPF e aos dirigentes dos clubes enviarem indícios de irregularidas ou de eventos específicos que, no decorrer das partidas, possam influenciar apostas.

A Federação Paraibana de Futebol (FPF) se comprometeu a adotar regras específicas no regulamento para punir clubes, jogadores ou dirigentes que estejam envolvidos com o esquema de manipulação de resultados. Há também no compromisso dos contratos de trabalho de futebol informações explícitas de condutas ilícitas e respectivas penalidades.

Também há planos de que sejam promovidas campanhas educativas, com palestras, seminários e simpósios para expor o quanto estas atitudes violam a integridade das competições e a boa fé dos apostadores, mas também configuram uma irregularidade.

Como os jogos têm transmissão da Sportradar há três anos, há preocupação intensa da FPF com a lisura das partidas estaduais.

ENTENDA A OPERAÇÃO PENALIDADE MÁXIMA

A investigação sobre suspeita de manipulação de resultados teve início em novembro do ano passado. O mandatário do Vila Nova, Jorge Hugo Bravo, descobriu que jogadores do clube vinham sendo aliciados por um grupo de apostadores antes da partida contra o Sport pela Série B. O dirigente juntou provas da tentativa de manipulação e procurou os promotores que combatem o crime organizado no estado.

Oficial da Polícia Militar, Jorge Hugo Bravo descobriu que o atleta Marcos Vinícius Alves Barreira, apelidado de Romário, tinha sido aliciado. Como o jogador não foi escalado, tentou induzir algum companheiro de time a levar um cartão vermelho ou cometer um pênalti no seu lugar. O valor combinado, segundo depoimento de Romário, era de R$ 150 mil, com uma “entrada” de R$ 10 mil, conforme vídeo de seu depoimento divulgado no programa dominical “Fantástico”, da Rede Globo. Entre os vídeos,há ameaças de um integrante do esquema ao zagueiro Eduardo Bauermann, do Santos.

A investigação apontou que houve manipulações em jogos das Séries A e B do Brasileirão de 2022 e em partidas de Estaduais. O grupo pagava para que jogadores fizessem determinadas ações, como receber cartões amarelo e vermelho ou cometer pênaltis. Em paralelo, os integrantes apostavam em sites do ramo que esses lances ocorreriam durante os jogos e conseguiam lucros.

Há estimativas de que o grupo “investiu” R$ 8430,00 e somou ganhos de R$ 730.616,00. O MP-GO continuará a apurar o caso e não descarta que ocorreram manipulações de resultados em outros jogos de futebol. A Operação Penalidade Máxima está em sua segunda fase.

Ao todo, o MP-GO denunciou 15 atletas de diversos clubes por participação no esquema. Quatro deles fizeram acordo. Outros 30 atletas foram citados na investigação, alguns foram afastados ou dispensados pelos seus clubes, mas não respondem juridicamente, nem no STJD (Superior Tribunal de Justiça Desportiva), que anunciou a suspensão preventivamente os atletas denunciados.