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The Sun
13 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
It's A1 Semi-Pro League for Perak FA next season
THE Perak Football Association (Perak FA) have confirmed that they will join the A1 Semi-Pro League, which is expected to kick off this August. The announcement was made by its president Datuk Mohd Azhar Jamaluddin in a statement on Perak FA's official Facebook page today, following a meeting with Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, yesterday. He said the Bos Gaurus line-up will consist of players from the Perak Malaysia Games (SUKMA) squad as well as several senior players who previously played in the Super League. 'The Menteri Besar also expressed strong support for Perak FA's efforts to rebuild from the ground up and to provide opportunities for young local talents to shine on a bigger stage. 'He also advised us to start with a solid, well-organised foundation, centred on the development of homegrown talents,' he said. Mohd Azhar said that besides competing in the A1 Semi-Pro League, the association will also focus on rebuilding the state's youth and feeder teams, as well as grassroots-level competitions. 'This includes the restructuring of teams for the 2026 President's Cup and Youth Cup, focusing on the development of the SUKMA team, in addition to organising state-level leagues such as Liga Perak Sejahtera 2030, the State Amateur Club League, the IPTA/IPTS Perak League, and the District Integrity League (Under-17),' he said. He expressed hope that these efforts would contribute towards restoring the glory of Perak football. On May 22, Amateur Football League (AFL) chairman, Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mahadi welcomed the participation of Perak FA and Kedah Darul Aman FC (KDA FC) in the A1 League following both teams' failure to obtain a National Licence to compete in the Super League next season.
BBC News
28-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Youth captain Simpson-Pusey keeps options open
Manchester City's Premier League 2 winning captain Jahmai Simpson-Pusey has kept his options open for next season as he wants to "play first-team football".Simpson-Pusey, 19, led City to a record fourth title in the competition and also became the first defender to claim the PL2 player of the season injury crisis allowed Simpson-Pusey to break into the first team this season, making six appearances in the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and Carabao he feels he has completed his business at academy level, saying: "I feel like I've done what I've needed to do with the under-21s. I just want to play first team football."Asked if it would be at another club, Simpson-Pusey told BBC Sport: "I guess we'll see [what happens]. That's not on my mind yet. I'm definitely ready."I've not spoken to anyone about it. I'm sure some people will feel the same, especially after winning the league."City's elite development squad coach Ben Wilkinson told the Manchester Evening News:, external "He has had a great season. Who knows what is next but he probably wants to leave U21 football."The fact he can leave it having lifted the Youth Cup at the end of last year and the PL2 trophy this year means he can be really proud of his academy journey."
Barnama
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Barnama
PAFA Plan to Join A1 League Next Season
IPOH, May 26 (Bernama) -- The Perak Football Association (PAFA) are planning to compete in the A1 League organised by the Malaysia Amateur Football League (AFL) next season, taking a proactive step to ensure the state's proud football legacy lives on and grows. PAFA, in a statement posted on the official Perak FA Facebook page, said its main focus at present is to build a team around the Perak Malaysia Games (SUKMA) squad, which will form the backbone of The Bos Gaurus' domestic revival. 'Planning is actively under way to enter the AFL‑organised League as a starting point, while also making long‑term preparations for SUKMA 2026, the 2026 President's Cup and the 2026 Youth Cup. bootstrap slideshow 'We greatly appreciate the strong support of the state government led by Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, who has always been attentive and committed to helping PAFA drive football development in the state,' the statement said. On 22 May, AFL chairman Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mahadi welcomed the participation of Perak and Kedah Darul Aman FC (KDA FC) in the A1 League after both clubs failed to secure the National Licence, ending the 2018 Malaysia Cup champions' (Perak FC's) hopes of playing in next season's Super League. The two teams' failure to meet the financial criteria laid out in the Malaysian Football League Club Licensing Regulations 2024‑2025 (MFL CLR) was the main reason their national licences were rejected. PAFA said its president, Datuk Mohd Azhar Jamaluddin, has already held a series of strategic meetings with senior football leaders, including Mohd Yusoff, to discuss direction, eligibility and entry requirements for the Amateur League, President's Cup, Youth Cup, A1 League, and future national‑licence applications. As the state's governing body for football, PAFA acknowledged fans' disappointment but called for everyone to unite, rebuild and sow fresh hope. 'We do not promise miracles, but we promise extraordinary resolve and determination, a fighting spirit that never knows defeat. Stay with us — for the crest, for honour, for Perak Darul Ridzuan,' the statement said.
Extra.ie
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Extra.ie
Huge brawl erupts during youth final in Cork with Gardai and ambulance called
The Munster Football Association's Youth Cup final was marred by ugly scenes as a brawl broke out between the two teams involved in Cork. College Corinthians were up against Pike Rovers at Turners' Cross in the Munster Youth Cup decider on Sunday afternoon. The occasion was unfolding as planned until injury time, when an incident sparked unrest that saw both players and supporters involved. Footage has emerged showing troubling scenes in the aftermath of the football match. One player from each team had been sent off by the referee late on, a development which is believed to have cranked up the tension before a mass brawl broke out close to the full-time whistle. Several individuals could be seen in a recorded clip flying in and swinging punches in the large grouping. Footage has emerged showing troubling scenes in the aftermath of the football match. Gardaí were called and arrived in significant numbers soon afterwards, while one Corinthians player was taken away by ambulance to Cork University Hospital with a suspected broken jaw. The MFA's committee are due to meet this coming week to discuss the incident, while neither Corinthians nor Rovers have commented publicly on the matter. 'I can't go into anything at this stage as this is so fresh, but a fair and full investigation will take place immediately once we get the referee's report,' said Barry Cotter of the MFA. Corinthians came away with the silverware thanks to a 3-1 win.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Behind the scenes as Man City plot revenge in forgotten final as Premier League call lets them down
The celebrations were only just getting started a fortnight ago at Villa Park when a downbeat Manchester City dressing room had a sudden realisation. As Freed From Desire rang through the tunnel from the Aston Villa dressing room, City's beaten FA Youth Cup finalists were already plotting their revenge. With the young Blues wrapping up their under-18 Premier League North title a week earlier, they knew they would be in a National final to decide the best youth team in the country. At the time, it was between Villa and Southampton - and City players were in no doubt that they needed the chance to put things right against the team who just beat them moments earlier. READ MORE: Man United transfer news LIVE - Marcus Rashford twist, Jose Mourinho 'plot', Semenyo move READ MORE: Manchester United cannot afford to do the one thing Ruben Amorim wants There was initial disbelief at the way the Youth Cup final got away from City, brutally ending a 27-game winning run at the worst moment. Then a few smiles crept back into the dressing room. Then the realisation that they could meet Villa again very soon. "I am also not just a football coach," said City's U18 head coach Oliver Reiss. "I have also a heart. When I think about this [facing Villa again], then of course it would be nice to play again." Defender Stephen Mfuni, a rising star in the academy, summed up the mood in the City camp perfectly. "We want to get the score even. We're 1-0 down right now. Try to win to make it 1-1, " he told the Manchester Evening News. "We were hoping [it would be Villa], we know we can play better next time." The U18 National final takes place at Villa Park again after the drawing of lots to determine the home side. Unfortunately, however, the fixture clashes with the FA Cup final on Saturday so there is unlikely to be many City fans urging the youngsters on like they did in the Youth Cup final. That failure of the Premier League in scheduling one of their showpiece youth games is a shame for a hugely talented group - not least because the Youth Cup final saw Txiki Begiristain and Hugo Viana attend to look at the best the academy has to offer in person. The new sporting director will likely be at Wembley on Saturday instead. Viana watched the U21 play-off semi-final win over Manchester United last week and was present for the academy's annual awards night this week - and he will know that one final doesn't define a career. Mfuni says City have watched the Youth Cup final back, identifying the two set piece goals conceded in the first half, taking that into the under-21 win over United as an instant improvement. "We saw where we went wrong and tried to make sure it didn't happen again. For example their set piece goals we made sure United didn't score from any. Just take whatever we did wrong into these games." Mfuni glides between age group and first team training just like he glides from defence into midfield, and he believes he is personally better for a season that saw him go on the pre-season tour with Pep Guardiola in the summer, train regularly with the first team and play an important role in every academy competition. He will get two winners' medals for his PL2 and U18PL title wins, and will hope for two more with the last two finals of the season. "I've progressed fast, I think I've been doing well with the first team which has developed me a lot," he reflected. "As you can see on the pitch I'm stronger , faster, I think a lot and my decision-making is a lot better. It's improved me a lot. "The first team players give me tips, defending, attacking. I get used to playing different positions, making me a better player." The Youth Cup final was a disappointment from a group who instantly knew they could do better. Now they are determined to settle the score and give a better account for themselves with a swift return to Villa Park. It's just a shame the Premier League have let them down by allowing a nonsensical clash with the FA Cup final. --- Here at the Manchester Evening News, we're dedicated to bringing you the best Manchester City coverage and analysis. Make sure you don't miss out on the latest City news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe. You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day's biggest stories. And finally, if you'd rather listen to our expert analysis then make sure to check out our Talking City podcast. Our shows are available on all podcast platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and you can also watch along on YouTube.
