Latest news with #Brann
BBC News
22-04-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
'Toyosi Time set to end but memories will last a lifetime'
The definition of Toyosi Time: In a St Mirren shirt, the undeniable impact - be that in stoppage time or simply when most needed - of Toyosi of Toyosi Time in use:When St Mirren have held Brann to a single-goal deficit at home, in the club's largest European tie for more than three decades, and the ball is rolled into the six-yard box in search of a late, late equaliser - this is Toyosi St Mirren have been losing to Aberdeen in Paisley for a full afternoon, equalise late from the penalty spot and then break once again in search of a near-impossible 97th-minute winner - this is Toyosi St Mirren begin a campaign with their customary League Cup toil, held by Cowdenbeath deep into injury time and with reputation on the line - this is Toyosi you're winning at Ibrox against all the odds, where one goal feels like it might not be enough, and a ball is played long behind the Rangers backline - this is Toyosi years after arriving in Paisley, it seems like Toyosi Olusanya's watch has ended in Scotland. Shortly, it is expected that the likeable Londoner will be announced as an MLS import and join Houston like St Mirren have many redemption tales to pull on, unlikely heroes to celebrate and remember with fondness and drastic improvements to credit to players and their managers alike. I don't know that any of these tales will ever come close to that of Olusanya in black and white stripes.A late bloomer in professional football terms, Olusanya skipped academy football and was spotted by AFC Wimbledon at 18. Prior to Stephen Robinson taking a chance on developing a gem, the pacy forward had never reached double figures in season appearances for a single club. Indeed, he had only played four senior games at Football League cameos for the Buddies did not look likely to unsettle first teamers, and a loan to Arbroath offered limited evidence to dispute that. Then, it happened. A penny dropped, a chance was offered and taken, and Olusanya delivered two years of high endeavour, loving connection with an adoring fanbase, and a collection of important, late goals most of us can only dream at St Mirren's level, the role of a manager and scouting set-up is to identify the raw potential that others have overlooked - and then to coax that out of the player concerned. The role of the player in this equation is to work hard, give their best and contribute when it matters so, so many ways and by all concerned - mission can find Mark at Misery Hunters, external
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
CAS rules Norwegian club Brann will not pay fine over ‘UEFA Mafia' chants and banners
CAS rules Norwegian club Brann will not pay fine over 'UEFA Mafia' chants and banners The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has ruled that Norwegian club Brann will not have to pay a €5,000 ($5,480) fine for fans chanting 'UEFA Mafia' and displaying banners with the same message at a Women's Champions League match. Advertisement UEFA, European football's governing body, issued the fine to Brann for 'provocative messages of an offensive nature' during a match against St. Polten in January 2024, and rejected an appeal from the club in March last year. Brann subsequently lodged an appeal to CAS, who confirmed the ruling in a statement issued to on Monday, which read: 'The CAS Panel ruled by majority that, in view of the facts of this case, there was no breach of the UEFA regulations by the club and that the €5,000 fine issued by UEFA is annulled. 'As a consequence, the panel did not need to examine one of SK Brann's argument as to whether the disciplinary sanction was a justifiable incursion on the supporters' right of freedom of expression. Unless parties request confidentiality, a full award with grounds will be made available on the CAS website in due course.' UEFA, meanwhile, said in a statement on Sunday the fine was set aside 'only because of the truly extraordinary circumstances of the case and the thin evidentiary basis available.' Advertisement European football's governing body added they would continue to apply their policy of 'zero tolerance against inappropriate behaviour' so that matches under their jurisdiction would be free from 'violent, racist or offensive behaviours that are not fit for a sports event'. Brann chairman Aslak Sverdrup said in a statement the verdict made by CAS was 'important and correct' during a time in which he said 'freedom of expression is under pressure.' Brann said UEFA had been ordered to pay the club's legal costs, saying that cases around its usage must be taken 'in light of the context'. Jan Magne Isaksen, an attorney who represented Brann in the case, was quoted in the club's statement as saying the CAS verdict 'gives hope for an even better football future, with more openness and more democracy.' Advertisement A 'UEFA Mafia' slogan was displayed by Borussia Dortmund fans against Celtic in October, in protest against Champions League reforms. Dortmund supporters had previously displayed such banners against Newcastle United in the Champions League, while Marseille were fined for the same wording in the Conference League in 2022. This article originally appeared in The Athletic. Champions League, Soccer, International Football, Sports Business, UK Women's Football, Europa League 2025 The Athletic Media Company
New York Times
07-04-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
CAS rules Norwegian club Brann will not pay fine over ‘UEFA Mafia' chants and banners
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has ruled that Norwegian club Brann will not have to pay a €5,000 ($5,480) fine for fans chanting 'UEFA Mafia' and displaying banners with the same message at a Women's Champions League match. UEFA, European football's governing body, issued the fine to Brann for 'provocative messages of an offensive nature' during a match against St. Polten in January 2024, and rejected an appeal from the club in March last year. Advertisement Brann subsequently lodged an appeal to CAS, who confirmed the ruling in a statement issued to The Athletic on Monday, which read: 'The CAS Panel ruled by majority that, in view of the facts of this case, there was no breach of the UEFA regulations by the club and that the €5,000 fine issued by UEFA is annulled. 'As a consequence, the panel did not need to examine one of SK Brann's argument as to whether the disciplinary sanction was a justifiable incursion on the supporters' right of freedom of expression. Unless parties request confidentiality, a full award with grounds will be made available on the CAS website in due course.' UEFA, meanwhile, said in a statement on Sunday the fine was set aside 'only because of the truly extraordinary circumstances of the case and the thin evidentiary basis available.' European football's governing body added they would continue to apply their policy of 'zero tolerance against inappropriate behaviour' so that matches under their jurisdiction would be free from 'violent, racist or offensive behaviours that are not fit for a sports event'. Brann chairman Aslak Sverdrup said in a statement the verdict made by CAS was 'important and correct' during a time in which he said 'freedom of expression is under pressure.' Brann said UEFA had been ordered to pay the club's legal costs, saying that cases around its usage must be taken 'in light of the context'. Jan Magne Isaksen, an attorney who represented Brann in the case, was quoted in the club's statement as saying the CAS verdict 'gives hope for an even better football future, with more openness and more democracy.' A 'UEFA Mafia' slogan was displayed by Borussia Dortmund fans against Celtic in October, in protest against Champions League reforms. Dortmund supporters had previously displayed such banners against Newcastle United in the Champions League, while Marseille were fined for the same wording in the Conference League in 2022. (FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via Getty Images)
Daily Tribune
07-04-2025
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
Brann Win CAS Battle Over 'UEFA Mafia' Chants in Free Speech Victory
Norwegian side SK Brann have successfully overturned a UEFA fine at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), in a ruling the club hailed as a win for freedom of expression. The dispute stemmed from a Women's Champions League match in which Brann fans chanted "UEFA Mafia" and displayed banners with the same message. UEFA had fined the club €5,000 for what it described as "provocative messages of an offensive nature." An initial appeal by Brann was rejected by the governing body in March 2024. But on Sunday, Brann announced that CAS had sided with the club, ruling that they would not have to pay the fine imposed by UEFA. In a statement, the club called the outcome a "victory for free speech," expressing satisfaction that supporters' voices had been defended on a broader legal stage. The ruling could have wider implications for how fan protests and critical messaging are treated by European football authorities in future competitions.
Washington Post
06-04-2025
- Sport
- Washington Post
Soccer club wins appeal of fine for fans chanting 'UEFA Mafia' with satirical intent
BERGEN, Norway — In a legal test of freedom of expression in soccer, Norwegian club Brann said Sunday it won a ruling at sport's highest court about fans chanting 'UEFA Mafia.' Brann said its appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport was upheld to overturn a 5,000 euros ($5,500) fine imposed by European soccer body UEFA last year because of the chant at a Women's Champions League game.
