Latest news with #JamesRobson
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
UK government ready to take Abramovich to court over Chelsea sale proceeds for Ukraine
Three years after Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich was forced to sell Premier League club Chelsea, the British government said on Tuesday it was prepared to go to court to ensure the proceeds reached war victims in Ukraine. Abramovich was sanctioned in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and sold two-time Champions League winner Chelsea to a consortium fronted by Americans Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital for 2.5 billion pounds ($3.2 billion) in May of that year. Advertisement Abramovich said before the sale that net proceeds would go to a charitable foundation 'for the benefit of all victims of the war in Ukraine.' But the money remained frozen in a bank and the British government said it was still to make its way to those in need. A joint statement by Treasury chief Rachel Reeves and Foreign Secretary David Lammy said the government was ready to mount legal action. 'The government is determined to see the proceeds from the sale of Chelsea Football Club reach humanitarian causes in Ukraine, following Russia's illegal full-scale invasion. We are deeply frustrated that it has not been possible to reach agreement on this with Mr Abramovich so far," they said. 'While the door for negotiations will remain open, we are fully prepared to pursue this through the courts if required, to ensure people suffering in Ukraine can benefit from these proceeds as soon as possible.' Advertisement Abramovich was sanctioned when the British government targeted what then-Foreign Secretary Liz Truss described as 'oligarchs and kleptocrats' with close links to Russian President Vladimir Putin and 'complicit in his aggression.' The funds from the sale, however, still belong to Abramovich even though they are frozen. They cannot be used or moved without the issue of a licence from the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation. The government insists they must be used for humanitarian purposes in Ukraine. ___ James Robson is at ___ AP soccer: James Robson, The Associated Press
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Man United coach Ruben Amorim apologizes for 'disastrous' season but sees brighter future
MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Ruben Amorim apologized to Manchester United fans on Sunday for a 'disastrous' season and vowed to bring the good times back to the fallen Premier League giant. The 20-time English champion ended the campaign in 15th — its lowest finish in the modern era and just three places above the relegation zone. A 2-0 win against Aston Villa at Old Trafford ended a run of eight games without a win and after the final whistle United coach Amorim addressed the home fans. 'I want to apologize for this season. I know you are really disappointed with me and really disappointed with the team,' he said. 'I want to say thank you. We are very grateful for your support during the season, and I know it was really hard in many games.' Amorim took charge of United in November after former coach Erik ten Hag was fired on the back of a disappointing start to the campaign. But the Portuguese coach has not been able to turn the team's fortunes around - overseeing a slew of unwanted club records including the most losses in a Premier League season and the lowest points total. A run in the Europa League provided the prospect of Champions League qualification, but United lost 1-0 to Tottenham in Wednesday's final, meaning there will be no European soccer next season. 'The good days are coming' Amorim has previously described his United team as possibly the worst team in the club's history and now faces a rebuild with likely less money to spend than if he'd secured a place in the lucrative Champions League. But he is convinced he can return the club to the summit of European soccer. 'Now we have to make a choice or we stay stuck in the past because this season is in the past. It's over. We fight each other or we stick together and move forward,' he said. "In my first three games in charge, with two victories and one draw, I said to you, 'The storm is coming.' 'Today after this disastrous season I want to tell you the good days are coming. If there is one club in the world that proved in the past that it can overcome any situation, any disaster (it is) our club. (It) is Manchester United football club." ___ James Robson is at ___ AP soccer: James Robson, The Associated Press
Fox Sports
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Man City, Chelsea and Newcastle secure Champions League spots as angry Villa misses out
Associated Press MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Manchester City, Chelsea and Newcastle secured the remaining Champions League spots on a dramatic final day of the Premier League season. Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest were the big losers on Sunday - missing out in the race for the top five. Villa was left with a sense of injustice after having a goal ruled out against Manchester United just moments before going behind and eventually losing 2-0 at Old Trafford. A draw would have been enough for Unai Emery's team on a day when Newcastle lost 1-0 at home to Everton. Chelsea beat Forest 1-0 to secure a return to the Champions League after a two-year absence. City ended the season in third place with a 2-0 win against Fulham. Arsenal was second behind champion Liverpool. ___ James Robson is at ___ AP soccer: recommended
Winnipeg Free Press
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Man City, Chelsea and Newcastle secure Champions League spots as angry Villa misses out
MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Manchester City, Chelsea and Newcastle secured the remaining Champions League spots on a dramatic final day of the Premier League season. Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest were the big losers on Sunday – missing out in the race for the top five. Villa was left with a sense of injustice after having a goal ruled out against Manchester United just moments before going behind and eventually losing 2-0 at Old Trafford. A draw would have been enough for Unai Emery's team on a day when Newcastle lost 1-0 at home to Everton. Chelsea beat Forest 1-0 to secure a return to the Champions League after a two-year absence. City ended the season in third place with a 2-0 win against Fulham. Arsenal was second behind champion Liverpool. ___ James Robson is at Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. ___ AP soccer:
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Rodri returns for Man City after recovering from ACL injury
MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Manchester City midfielder Rodri returned to action on Tuesday after eight months out with an ACL injury. The Ballon d'Or winner was initially expected to miss the rest of the season after undergoing surgery in September, but came on as substitute in City's 3-1 win against Bournemouth. His return to fitness means he is likely to be available for the Club World Cup, which kicks off in the United States next month. Rodri's last game was against Arsenal, when he was injured in 2-2 draw on Sept. 22. ACL injuries can take from six months to a year to heal. Rodri also sustained meniscus damage, but has been back in training for weeks. City's season unraveled soon after Rodri was ruled out — with the team effectively surrendering the league title before the turn of the year and ending the season without a trophy for first time since 2017 after losing Saturday's FA Cup final against Crystal Palace. But there is still the chance to lift silverware in the offseason when City takes part in the newly-expanded Club World Cup. Rodri played only three games for City this season before his injury. He was awarded the Ballon d'Or for the best male soccer player in the world in October — collecting the trophy on crutches. ___ James Robson is at ___ AP soccer: James Robson, The Associated Press
