Latest news with #PSL
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Man United braced for MORE fan protests amid fury over controversial new scheme charging supporters up to £4,000 for season ticket 'licence' - which doesn't even guarantee them a seat!
Manchester United fans are planning further protests against the club's ownership in the forthcoming season, Mail Sport understands. Earlier this month, it emerged that the Premier League giants were considering bringing in a controversial personal seat licence system (PSL) should they move to a new stadium, which would see fans charged up to £4,000 simply for the right to buy a season ticket. That prospect has triggered more anger among large sections of the fanbase, who have already launched a series of protests against the Glazer family and Sir Jim Ratcliffe 's Ineos group. And it can now be disclosed that they are planning further, large-scale demonstrations in a move which may come as a blow to United officials hoping to build on the optimism triggered by the arrivals of summer signings Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo and some encouraging performances from Ruben Amorim 's men on their US tours they seek to improve on last season's 15th-placed finish. Supporters' group The 1958 claim the introduction of PSLs – which United are adamant has only been explored hypothetically – would 'force out supporters who have followed the club for decades' and represent 'another step towards the Americanisation of our game'. While United would be the first Premier League club to utilise such a system they are commonplace in the NFL. They also say the fact that US-based CSL International raised the prospect with fans during a consultation over the stadium 'shows just how out of touch our club and owners have become'. A number of protests were held around United matches last season. In March, thousands joined the biggest anti-ownership demonstration since Ratcliffe took a near 30 per cent stake in the club. They hit out at ticket price rises and designs for the new stadium, which they claimed resembled a 'circus'. A spokesperson for the group said: 'The 1958 are fervently against personal ticket licenses. This will force out supporters who have followed our club for decades home and away. It will price out the youth, local communities, and generations of loyal fans. It's another step towards the Americanisation of our game which is ripping football away from its working-class roots, showing just how out of touch our club and owners have become. 'This isn't about the game or the supporters - it's about profit and greed over loyalty and tradition. 'We don't believe a word the club say. United are a sounding board for all other clubs. Their actions prove their intentions. We will be campaigning hard against this.'
TimesLIVE
5 hours ago
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
Gallants aim to use Arrows case to stay in Premiership amid City DC case
With a Premier Soccer League (PSL) disciplinary committee (DC) racing against time to conclude a case against Monde Mphambaniso, whose registration is in question, his team Marumo Gallants could be counting on a precedent from three years ago to remain in the Betway Premiership. In 2022, Lamontville Golden Arrows were found guilty of fielding a defaulter, Simo Mbhele (now known as Luthuli), but the club did not have any points deducted. Arrows had fielded Mbhele in seven league games, despite him not having an international transfer certificate (ITC). Then, PSL prosecutor Zola Majavu said docking of points 'would be inappropriate', instructing both parties to only pay for the costs of two sittings. Marumo, who finished 10th in the Premiership last season, will hope they have similar luck, even as Cape Town City won an arbitration award on Monday that the Western Cape side hope could reinstate them in the top flight at the expense of the Bloemfontein-based side. City alleged Gallants violated rule 31.8.9.3 of the NSL handbook, which requires a clearance certificate to be submitted to the league in cases where a player has previously been registered as a professional with a member club.
The National
8 hours ago
- Sport
- The National
Pakistan showed pragmatism by recalling Shaheen Afridi and resisting major changes after Bangladesh T20 defeat
Shaheen Afridi has been recalled to Pakistan's T20I squad for a three-match series against West Indies which begins in Florida on Friday. Widely seen as the country's best fast bowler over the past five years, Shaheen was struggling to find rhythm in the recent T20 Internationals. For that reason, he was either rested or dropped for Pakistan's last two T20 series (at home and away against Bangladesh). Shaheen had an alarming dip in his form in the format. Post T20 World Cup 2024 in the USA, the left-arm quick took just six wickets at an average of 49.83 and went wicketless in six of the nine T20Is. However, after his Pakistan Super League heroics, where he led his team Lahore Qalandars to a third PSL title in four years and finished as the tournament's top wicket-taker with 19 scalps at an economy rate of 7.76, it was just a matter of time before he was recalled into the side. Shaheen's knack for striking early was on display in the recent PSL as he claimed five wickets in the first over of the innings and went at just 5.58 per over. Notably, 10 of his 19 wickets came during the last four must-win matches, underlining his ability to deliver under pressure. As Shaheen is a new-ball specialist, his return has come at the expense of losing Salman Mirza, another Lahore Qalandars new-ball bowler, who in his debut T20I series against Bangladesh grabbed seven wickets in three matches with an economy of 5.21. In most teams, such squad rotations are seen as routine. But in Pakistan, where recency bias often overrides long-term thinking and emotion-driven decisions can complicate selection, this sparked a debate. In fact, reactions on social media would make one believe Pakistan had dropped a legend like Wasim Akram. Such overreactions highlight why players in Pakistan are reluctant to rest and often continue playing without their workload being managed because newcomers can get preference after performing in low-stakes series. Though Mirza's seven wickets came against a 10th ranked team and on substandard pitches, the possibility of him and Shaheen bowling together for Pakistan in the near-future cannot be ruled out, especially considering the lack of new-ball bowling options in the country. Since the start of 2024, Pakistan's opening bowlers have gone at 8.09 an over, the worst analysis for a Test playing nation in men's T20 Internationals. Pakistan's economy in powerplay during this period is also third worst (8.70), behind only West Indies (9.06) and England (9.42). A major factor behind Pakistan's poor numbers at the start of the innings is use of part-time bowlers or those who are in the team due to bowling being their secondary skill. Under the new leadership of head coach Mike Hesson and captain Salman Agha, Pakistan have played six T20Is, all of which featured the new ball being shared by bowlers selected primarily for their batting: Saim Ayub, Faheem Ashraf and Agha himself. The trio of Saim, Faheem and Agha also bowled 15 out of 36 overs in the powerplay in the recent six T20Is. Faheem accounted for 17 wickets in the recent PSL, so there can be an argument that he qualifies as a bowler, but it must not be forgotten that those 17 wickets came with an economy of 11.19, the worst among 28 bowlers in the tournament who bowled at least 20 overs. For years, Pakistan have been labeled as a conservative batting side in the powerplay. That idea is beginning to change with the introduction of aggressive batters like Saim, Sahibzada Farhan, Mohammad Haris and Hasan Nawaz. But there is a risk that, while modernising their batting, Pakistan may now become a defensive bowling side if underpowered bowlers continue to bowl in the powerplay. The hope is that the 41 per cent of overs bowled by weaker bowlers during powerplay is only an experiment rather than a long-term strategy. With a packed T20 schedule ahead, the management and the selectors do have room to try combinations. That flexibility may also explain why the batting unit wasn't overhauled despite the recent series defeat in Bangladesh. It is worth noting that some of the best sides like Australia, England and New Zealand have struggled in Bangladesh in recent years due to the slow and low pitches. Bangladesh's home conditions have faced repeated criticism for stifling batting development, which is evident from their record as the third-best home side and second-worst away team over the last four years. For once, Pakistan selectors and management deserve credit for showing restraint. They resisted the urge to make reactionary changes, stuck with the new attacking batting group and reinstated experienced bowlers like Shaheen and Haris Rauf. That patience might again be tested in Florida. In the recent edition of Major League Cricket, the average first innings total in Florida was just 147, significantly lower than the 190-plus average totals in Dallas and Oakland (San Francisco). For Pakistan, that means the upcoming series could be another tough test but also an opportunity to finalise their best squad before marquee events like the Asia Cup in the UAE and the T20 World Cup early next year.
Express Tribune
12 hours ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
HBL PSL franchises to receive Rs970 million each
Each franchise participating in the 10th season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) is expected to receive approximately Rs 970 million (Rs 97 crore) as their share from the central revenue pool. However, this amount will be subject to deductions for player fees and other operational expenses. According to details, PSL Season 10 was held this year in April and May, with Lahore Qalandars winning the trophy for the third time. Sources reveal that in a recent Finance Committee meeting, league officials informed franchises that each team is expected to receive around Rs 970 million from the central revenue pool, similar to the earnings from Season 9. However, this cannot be considered pure profit as it excludes costs such as player salaries, travel, accommodation, and other expenses. Additionally, teams generate revenue through their individual sponsorship deals, and most teams will still end up in profit. However, Multan Sultans, which pays the highest franchise fee (over Rs 1 billion), is once again expected to incur a loss. Final accounts are still being reviewed, and minor adjustments are possible. The franchise has been waiting for their 50% share, which has been due since July 5. A major issue for the PCB is the pending recovery of dues from certain stakeholders, which remains unresolved. Some franchises also submitted their final account sheets late, delaying the remaining 30% payment to players. According to the policy, 70% of player payments are made during the tournament, with the remaining 30% paid afterward. The PCB directly handles player payments. Sources state that after the tournament ends, teams send in their account sheets, specifying how much each player is owed. According to contracts, a player receives 50% of the fee if they miss matches due to injury and 20% if they remain unselected. Some teams, however, do not enforce any deductions. Similarly, some franchises follow a team-wide bonus distribution policy, where awards like Man of the Match are divided equally among all team members. Franchises also offer their own bonuses and awards. Hotel and flight arrangements may also change, making these account sheets crucial for final payments. The board expects to complete all remaining player payments within the next few days. On the other hand, PSL operations remain sluggish. The newly appointed COO Salman Naseer, currently managing with a two-person team, Salman has been engaged in Asia Cup matters. One of his temporary appointment being made permanent has surprised some franchises. Renowned for his work with players, Manager of Player Acquisition Shoaib Khalid recently resigned, creating further challenges in finding a suitable replacement for handling player contracts. Ahead of PSL Season 11, several key matters still remain pending, including sponsorship deals, media rights, franchise valuations, fee revisions, and the addition of two new franchises. As of yet, no announcement has been made regarding the new season window.
News24
20 hours ago
- Sport
- News24
Magesi goalie Chipezeze is the king of PSL KO tournaments
Elvis Chipezeze achieved his second PSL player of the tournament award in the competition, having previously won it with Baroka FC in 2018. The 35-year-old Zimbabwean keeper helped Magesi to their historic cup triumph with the Carling Knockout trophy. Chipezeze now aims to help Magesi retain their Premiership status. Mamelodi Sundowns attacking midfielder Lucas Ribeiro was the biggest winner at the PSL awards, held virtually, on Tuesday, but there was also a meaningful achievement for Magesi FC goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze. Brazilian Ribeiro won four awards: footballer of the season, player's player of the season, goal of the season and best goal scorer. Chipezeze was voted Carling Knockout player of the tournament for his outstanding performances for the eventual champions, Magesi FC. #PSLAwards25: @Magesi_FC 's Elvis Chipezeze is the #CarlingKnockout Player of the Tournament. — Official PSL (@OfficialPSL) July 29, 2025 Since he arrived in South Africa from Zimbabwe seven years ago, Chipezeze has won two PSL trophies. He achieved the feat with two Limpopo clubs. He joined Baroka FC from Zimbabwean club Chicken Inn. After four seasons with Baroka, Chipezeze moved to Magesi FC in October 2022, while the club was still campaigning in the NFD. The Carling Knockout individual award he received on Tuesday is the 35-year-old's second player of the tournament accolade in this competition. He played a leading role during his time at Baroka when Bakgaga won the tournament seven years ago when it was still called the Telkom Knockout. He led Baroka to a penalty shootout win over Orlando Pirates in the 2018 final. Chipezeze was voted as the player of the tournament. And the affable player has done it again. He played another starring role in the Carling Knockout as Magesi stunned Mamelodi Sundowns with a come-from-behind 2-1 win in the final in November last year. En route to being crowned champions, Magesi also beat Pirates, TS Galaxy and Richards Bay. After a 3-2 win over Pirates in the first round, Chipezeze kept clean sheets in the 1-0 wins over Galaxy and Bay in the quarterfinals and semifinals, respectively. I'm grateful for the support and recognition. To be named the best player of the tournament is special for me. Elvis Chipezeze 'Special mention also to my team-mates and the coaches, including the chairperson of the club.' Chipezeze hopes the cup win will motivate the Magesi squad to do well in all competitions in the new season. He added that retaining their Premiership status remains the club's primary mandate. I'm excited, but the work must continue. It will be our second season, and consistency will be key for us. Elvis Chipezeze 'Our target is to stay in the premier division. With the new group that has come in, we will need to push harder to have another successful season,' he added. The new season will kick off this weekend with the MTN8 quarter-finals. Magesi, who finished 13th last season, will get their campaign under way with a Limpopo derby against Polokwane City at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on 9 August. #PSLAwards25: @Masandawana 's Lucas Ribeiro Costa takes home the #BetwayPrem Goal of the Season award. — Official PSL (@OfficialPSL) July 29, 2025 PSL Awards winners Footballer of the season: Lucas Ribeiro (Sundowns) Premiership player's player of the season: Lucas Ribeiro (Sundowns) Premiership coach of the season: Miguel Cardoso Premiership goal of the season: Lucas Ribeiro (Sundowns) Premiership goalkeeper of the season: Sipho Chaine (Pirates) Premiership defender of the season: Nkosinathi Sibisi (Pirates) Premiership midfielder of the season: Makhehleni Makhaula (Pirates) Premiership young player of the season: Relebohile Mofokeng (Pirates) MTN8 last man standing: Relebohile Mofokeng (Pirates) Carling Knockout player of the tournament: Elvis Chipezeze (Magesi FC) Nedbank Cup most promising player: Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Pirates) Nedbank Cup player of the tournament: Pule Mmodi (Kaizer Chiefs) Motsepe Foundation Championship players' player of the season: Muzomuhle Khanyi (Hungry Lions) Motsepe Foundation Championship goalkeeper of the season: Dumsani Msibi (Durban City) Motsepe Foundation Championship young player of the season: Teboho Lekhatla (Casric Stars) DStv Diski Challenge player of the season: Tylon Smith (Stellenbosch FC) PSL assistant referee of the season: Kgara Mokoena PSL referee of the year: Masixole Bambiso PSL chairperson's award: Mamelodi Sundowns
