🇸🇳SenegalWest Africa
Diomansy Kamara addresses Bayern Munich's decision not to sign Nicolas Jackson
via SeneNews1 min read
Nicolas Jackson's agent, Diomansy Kamara, commented on Instagram after Bayern Munich announced their decision not to exercise the player's purchase option. Kamara stated that Jackson is having a successful season, with 10 goals in 28 matches, and has won the African and German championships, in addition to qualifying for the cup final. He emphasized that Bayern Munich's decision does not diminish Jackson's determination, noting that the player remains 100% focused on the Champions League semi-final against PSG, which is a crucial moment for him and the club. Kamara concluded by stressing the importance of winning as many trophies as possible by the end of the season, adding, "The future… who can predict it? Trust the process, anything is possible."
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Must ReadSenegal's Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko held a meeting with government members to address significant budgetary constraints, focusing on subsidies across various sectors and tax exemptions. Over the past six years, annual subsidies averaged CFAF 59 billion for trade, CFAF 470 billion for energy, CFAF 86 billion for agriculture, CFAF 131 billion for higher education, and CFAF 12 billion for national education, totaling CFAF 833.5 billion. Prime Minister Sonko expressed his belief that a substantial portion, possibly half, of these subsidies are being captured by unintended beneficiaries. He questioned his ministers on the necessity and appropriate scale of maintaining these subsidies. The discussions also covered the efficiency of public spending and the tax exemption system. A dedicated working committee has been established to further analyze these issues and propose reforms within ten days, aiming for a revised subsidy policy that aligns with Senegal's realities and capabilities. The International Monetary Fund has consistently encouraged Senegal, particularly under former President Macky Sall, to reduce or eliminate certain subsidies, especially in the energy sector, due to their impact on public finances, though such measures could lead to a general increase in prices.
Senegalese defender Nobel Mendy, on loan from Real Betis to Rayo Vallecano, is close to a permanent transfer to the Madrid club. The agreement between the two Spanish teams includes a mandatory purchase clause contingent on playing time: Mendy must play at least 45 minutes in 25 official matches. The central defender has already met this criterion in 21 matches, needing only four more to trigger his automatic transfer. Mendy has progressively integrated into Rayo Vallecano's rotation, capitalizing on his opportunities and earning his coach's trust, becoming a regular defensive option. If the clause is validated, Real Betis is expected to receive approximately three million euros, along with potential bonuses and a percentage on any future resale. After a challenging period in Seville, Nobel Mendy appears to have found a favorable environment in La Liga to revitalize his career.
The Confederation of African Football CAF has released the official schedule for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations AFCON qualifiers, with the final tournament set to take place in East Africa. The preliminary round, involving 12 lower-ranked nations, was played in March 2026 to determine the final teams for the group stage. The main qualification phase will involve 48 nations divided into twelve groups of four teams. The first two matchdays are scheduled for September 21 to October 6, 2026, followed by matchdays three and four from November 9 to 17, 2026. The decisive final two matchdays will be held from March 22 to 30, 2027. Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda are automatically qualified as co-hosts for the final tournament, which will run from June 19 to July 18, 2027. This marks the first time these three East African nations will co-host the competition.
The International Federation of Association Football FIFA is considering increasing the financial prizes and participation contributions for the 48 teams competing in the upcoming World Cup. According to "The Athletic" newspaper, FIFA has confirmed discussions with national federations regarding improved funding for teams. Official adoption of these proposals is expected at the FIFA Council meeting on April 28. Last December, FIFA announced a record prize fund of $727 million, with each participating team set to receive a minimum of $10.5 million and the winner $50 million. Discussions have continued with national federations to finalize the formula before the FIFA Congress on April 30. Media reports indicated that the Union of European Football Associations UEFA had called on FIFA to increase prize money and financial support due to significant costs for participating teams in the tournament held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, including travel, taxes, and organizational expenses. However, internal FIFA sources stated that any potential increase is not due to UEFA pressure, but rather an independent decision based on expected financial revenues from the competition exceeding $11 billion. A FIFA spokesperson confirmed ongoing discussions with national federations to increase financial support for qualified teams and boost football development budgets for the 211 member associations, with further details to be announced.