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FIFA insists Player of the Year vote not fixed

Sep 27, 2019

FIFA has denied claims that there was foul play in Lionel Messi's selection as the Best Men's Player at the FIFA Best Awards earlier this week.

It comes after the captain of the Nicaragua national team denied that he voted for the Barcelona star, even though it was reported that he did on the FIFA website. 

National team coaches and captains are part of the voting pool. 

FIFA, however, claims that the voting documents it received from the Nicaraguan FA had been signed and confirmed with an official stamp.

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Arsenal players concerned over boss' strategy

A mutiny could reportedly be underway at Arsenal, with several players said to be unhappy with the tactics employed by manager Unai Emery.

Some of them are also believed to be frustrated that Emery still struggles to get his point across to the players, due to his poor command of English.

The Gunners have had a mixed start to the season, sitting fourth in the standings, although they've drawn two and lost one of their opening six matches.

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Syakilla withdraws from national karate setup

Asian Games gold medallist Syakilla Salni Jefry has quit the national karate team. 

The National Sports Council says it received an email from the former world number one, stating her intention to withdraw from the Podium Program for elite athletes. 

It means the 27-year-old will not be selected for the upcoming SEA Games. 

It was earlier reported that Syakilla had been forced to pull out of several events after struggling to make weight.