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Adidas Halts Partnership With Russian Football Federation

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Adidas

German multinational corporation, Adidas is the latest establishment to react to Russia’s invasion of neighbouring country, Ukraine.

The Vladimir Putin-led country has been listed for a number of sanctions since it invaded Ukrain in what the president describes as a ‘special military action’ on Ukraine. The sanctions range from trading relationships to other diplomatic relationships. However, other private establishments have joined in punitive reaction to Russia’s attack.

Recent updates reveal that the German multinational corporation has suspended its 14-year partnership with the Russian Football Federation. This is coming only briefly after the world football body, Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), reacted by suspending the Russian football body.

Adidas has joined other establishments like Visa, Maersk, YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, BP, Etsy, Airbnb, Shell, Netflix, Mastercard among others.

The number of organisations taking action against Russia is growing and this is in reaction to the growing war between Russia and Ukraine. According to Forbes Middle East, the International Olympics Committee had on Monday, 28th February, requested that sports organisations around the world ban Russian and Belarusian athletes from competing in any competition both regionally and globally.

On Friday, 25th February, the Eurovision song contest banned Russia from competing in this year’s competition, disclosing that it was not in support of the country’s move to invade Ukraine. And Formula 1 also cancelled the Russian Grand Prix for 2022.

This is also coming up as the U.S. and other Western allies voted to remove some Russian banks from SWIFT over the weekend, and performed a number of sanctions on Russian financial institutions. President Vladimir Putin has also been directly served sanction with the United State of America freezing his personal assets and those of Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and other wealthy Russian oligarchs.

Adidas’s suspension of its partnership with the Russian Football Federation is coming after the two entities had only renewed partnership in 2018. It is also notable that this is coming when preparations for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar are already on the way.

The football associations of England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland have also said that they will refuse to play against Russia in any competition.

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Usyk Claims Victory Over Fury in Historic Bout, Becomes Undisputed Heavyweight Champion

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Oleksandr Usyk emerged victorious over Tyson Fury to claim the title of undisputed heavyweight champion.

The highly anticipated bout, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, showcased the remarkable skill and determination of both fighters, culminating in a split-decision victory for Usyk.

From the opening bell, the tension was palpable as Fury, the reigning WBC champion, and Usyk, the unified cruiserweight champion, squared off in the ring.

Fury, known for his towering stature and formidable punching power, sought to impose his will early on, using his reach advantage to keep Usyk at bay.

However, Usyk, undeterred by the size disparity, showcased his superior footwork and technical prowess, darting in and out of Fury’s range to land precise counterpunches.

As the rounds progressed, the momentum shifted back and forth between the two fighters, with each landing significant blows and demonstrating their resilience in the face of adversity.

Fury’s powerful punches tested Usyk’s chin, while Usyk’s speed and agility kept Fury on the defensive.

In the pivotal moments of the fight, Usyk delivered a masterful performance in the later rounds, capitalizing on Fury’s fatigue to unleash a barrage of punches that rocked the defending champion.

Despite Fury’s valiant efforts to rally back, Usyk’s relentless pressure and pinpoint accuracy earned him the judges’ favor, securing a split-decision victory and etching his name in the annals of boxing history.

With this triumph, Usyk joins the ranks of legendary heavyweight champions, becoming the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis more than two decades ago.

His victory not only cements his status as one of the sport’s elite athletes but also signals a new era in the heavyweight division, characterized by fierce competition and unparalleled skill.

As the boxing world reels from the electrifying showdown, fans and pundits alike eagerly await the prospect of a rematch between Usyk and Fury. With both fighters showcasing their championship pedigree, the stage is set for another epic clash that promises to captivate audiences worldwide.

In the aftermath of his victory, Usyk expressed gratitude to his team, his country, and his faith, attributing his success to hard work and dedication.

Meanwhile, Fury, while disappointed with the outcome, vowed to bounce back stronger and reclaim his title in the anticipated rematch.

As the boxing world celebrates Usyk’s historic achievement, his victory serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of sportsmanship and the unyielding pursuit of excellence in the noble art of boxing.

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Eni Aluko Breaks Barriers: First Black Female Football Club Owner in Italy

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Eni Aluko

Eni Aluko, former sports director for Aston Villa and Angel City, has shattered the glass ceiling by becoming the first black female football club owner in Italy.

Aluko’s journey from the pitch to the boardroom marks a monumental shift in the traditionally male-dominated realm of football ownership.

Aluko’s foray into ownership comes through her involvement with the Mercury 13 group, a consortium dedicated to revolutionizing women’s football.

This $100 million investment group, named after the 13 female pilots who passed the same rigorous testing as NASA’s original Mercury 7 astronauts, aims to elevate the status of women’s football teams across Latin America and Europe.

Their recent acquisition of a majority stake in FC Como Women, situated in northern Italy, underscores their commitment to this vision.

For Aluko, this milestone isn’t just about personal achievement; it’s about paving the way for future generations of black sports investors and female football enthusiasts.

“Representation matters,” Aluko emphasized in a recent interview. “As the first, I understand the significance of this moment. But more importantly, I see it as an opportunity to inspire others and to promote diversity and inclusivity in the beautiful game.”

Aluko’s transition from player to owner is a testament to her unwavering dedication to football.

Having retired from professional play, she has seamlessly transitioned into roles in sports broadcasting and now ownership, leveraging her extensive experience and expertise to drive meaningful change within the industry.

The significance of Aluko’s ownership stake extends far beyond the confines of FC Como Women. It serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for marginalized communities within football, signaling that barriers can be broken and dreams can be realized regardless of race or gender.

The Mercury 13 group’s investment in FC Como Women is poised to catalyze a new era for the club and women’s football in Italy as a whole.

With Aluko at the helm, there is an undeniable sense of optimism and momentum surrounding the future of the team and the broader movement for equality within the sport.

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Joshua Dominates Ngannou with Second-Round Knockout in Saudi Arabia Showdown

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Nigerian British boxer Anthony Joshua showcased his prowess by delivering a second-round knockout against UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou.

The thrilling encounter unfolded with Joshua demonstrating his technical skill and power, overwhelming Ngannou with his calculated strikes.

From the outset, Joshua asserted his dominance, landing a formidable right hand in the opening round that set the tone for the match.

Despite Ngannou’s resilience, Joshua continued to press forward, maintaining control of the bout.

As the second round commenced, Joshua unleashed another powerful right hand that visibly rocked Ngannou.

Despite his efforts, Ngannou found himself on the canvas once more, unable to withstand Joshua’s onslaught.

The referee swiftly called an end to the contest, declaring Joshua the victor by knockout.

The electrifying showdown left fans in awe as Joshua’s precision and strength proved too much for Ngannou to handle.

Although Ngannou required medical attention post-fight, Joshua’s display of sportsmanship and skill highlighted his status as a formidable force in the world of boxing.

The victory solidifies Joshua’s position as a top heavyweight contender and sets the stage for future thrilling matchups in the world of combat sports.

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