Three members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have filed a suit, challenging the interim leadership of the party led by a former Senate President, David Mark, before a Federal High Court in Abuja.
In the suit filed on July 4, the plaintiffs, Adeyemi Emmanuel, Ayodeji Tolu, and Haruna Ismaila, are asking the court to determine the legality of the interim leadership of the ADC.
They hold that Nwosu lacks the right to convene either a National Working Committee (NWC) or National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting or any other since his tenure as national chairman has expired.
The plaintiffs also stated that interim executives “cannot and should not act” in a leadership capacity, noting that they were appointed by an illegal meeting organised by a former national chairman.
Among several reliefs sought, the plaintiffs are asking the court to declare the appointment of Mark, Aregbesola, and Abdullahi as “unconstitutional, unlawful, null, and void”.
They also prayed the court for an order restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) “from recognising the fourth, fifth, and sixth defendants as the interim national chairman, national secretary, and national publicity secretary of the first defendant (ADC)”.
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Opposition politicians unveiled the ADC on July 2nd as the platform to rally votes against President Bola Tinubu in the next elections.
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, a former minister of transportation, Rotimi Amaechi; the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi; and Nasir el-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna, are at the forefront of the opposition campaign.
The coalition appointed Mark and an ex-governor of Osun state, Rauf Aregbesola, as interim national chairman and secretary, respectively.
Bolaji Abdullahi, a former minister of sports, was appointed as the party’s spokesperson.
Players must acknowledge that they are a “biological female” and “have a greater risk of injury when playing against adult biological men,” according to the updated requirements from the Football Association.
Following the UK Supreme Court’s ruling on April 16 that the legal definition of a woman is based on biological sex, the FA changed its rules earlier this year.
Trans men are still permitted to play in men’s matches despite the FA-affiliated competitions’ ban on transgender women since June 1st.
A player declaration section on the form, which must be completed by all trans men who want to compete in FA competitions in the 2025-26 season, states that they are a biological female who wants to enter open age competitions and events that are reserved for men.
Players must also agree that “adult biological females and adult biological males have physiological and performance differences,” according to the declaration.
Adult biological females play more dangerously when playing against adult biological males than when playing against adult biological females, and my treatment does not fully negate these differences and lead to higher safety risks.
Additionally, testosterone levels must be between 7.7 and 29.4 nanomoles per litre of blood, which is considered to be in the normal adult male range.
The FA’s updated transgender policy, which was written in collaboration with the organization’s legal team, was informed to the BBC that any changes to language were a result of the Supreme Court’s decision.
The FA stated in May that the policy change was necessary in response to the ruling, not as a result of ideological bias.
Before, the FA used a different form with different languages to allow trans players to register to play football in their preferred gender category.
Prior to the Supreme Court’s decision, the previous policy stated that players would “agree and accept the potential increased injury risk associated with female-to-male transgender individuals” and that they would be playing alongside those who “are statistically most likely to be stronger, faster, and heavier.”
One transgender footballer who has played men’s football at amateur level detested the language used by the FA in the new guidelines.
The player, who requested anonymity, told BBC Sport, “I am not a biological woman, I am a man.”
It seems like a ban on the sly because I have a hard time believing that many trans men would agree to sign documents that contain that language.
The FA confirmed that trans men could only play male football if the statement was signed by the player and a qualified medical professional following a thorough evaluation and consultation.
Only biological females (i.e. those with ovaries) may participate in open age competitions and matches that are not open to women, according to the report.
Additionally, they assert that they will “keep the policy under review in accordance with any relevant legal, scientific, or other developments.”
Following the Supreme Court’s decision in April 2025, an FA spokesperson told the BBC: “We published our updated transgender policy last month to make sure both the FA and our local County FA network could operate within this new legal framework.”
To allow transgender players to continue playing football, we continue to support transgender players who meet the requirements of our new policy.
The FA contacted all trans players who were impacted by the change in policy after it was made public and provided talking therapy through the Sporting Chance clinic.
They added that they planned to start creating mixed gender leagues by the 2026-27 season and that those who can’t play should continue to play as coaches and referees.
Amal Clooney, a lawyer for human rights, lives with her husband George, an actor in Hollywood, and their eight-year-old twins Alexander and Ella in a palatial pile in the English countryside.
George Clooney’s wife, Amal, has revealed the strict rule her guests must stick to(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images)
George Clooney’s wife, Amal, has revealed the strict rule her guests must stick to when they are visiting the couple’s home. The human rights lawyer, 47, and Hollywood A-lister, 64, live in a sprawling mansion in the English countryside with their twins Alexander and Ella, eight.
The couple keep their children firmly out of the spotlight and are only seen themselves if they’re attending an event. And now Amal who married George at a lavish bash in Venice in 2014, surrounded by their celebrity pals, has revealed that she has banned anyone from using their phones when they are in her home to protect her family’s privacy.
Amal Clooney, lives in a palatial pile in the English countryside with her Hollywood A-lister husband, George, and their twins Alexander and Ella, eight(Image: Getty Images for Tony Awards Pro)
She said, “Creating private moments and spaces is becoming increasingly challenging,” when talking to Glamour about living her life as one of the most famous couples in the showbiz industry. But that’s also the reason we frequently entertain guests at home. I now “use a phone basket to take everyone’s phones away”!
“It’s crucial to strike a balance between having time with your family and your friends so that they can have a safe and open conversation.”
“And I would say that having a parent makes you more troubled by some of the intrusions.
“So we try our best to keep our children at a minimum.”
We never post our children’s photos online, nor do we do that.
George, the actor of acclaim who has a string of big blockbusters under his belt since taking the stage in E. R., frequently discusses the need to maintain privacy.
Brad Pitt and another A-lister, Brad Pitt, shared an interview with GQ magazine that revealed that six prominent Hollywood celebrities are immediately targeted by the paparazzi when they leave their homes.
He said that he and Amal “do not want pictures of their kids out there,” adding that many people – even those with a respectable amount of fame – manage to kind of lead normal lives, walk around the streets of New York without being followed, and other similar things.
“And there are five or six of us, I don’t know, where it’s never subsided. And there has never been a time when someone says, “Hey, let’s take a walk through Central Park without getting hammered.” Simply put, it hasn’t yet occurred. It will, of course. However, it hasn’t yet taken place.
Continue reading the article.
I don’t want pictures of my kids because I have a protection goal.
We deal with very serious issues, and we don’t want to see any of our children’s photos online.
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If Owen Farrell intended to make a comeback to the international stage with his country, England captain Maro Itoje claims it would be “amazing.”
Before taking a break from England duty following the 2023 Rugby World Cup, Farrell, 33, won 112 caps for his nation.
After leaving French club Racing 92 and making his Saracens debut for the next season, Farrell is now eligible again. He captained England from 2018 to 2023.
Itoje, a team-mate of Farrell with the touring team in Australia and once more with the Saracens, said, “I want to see him happy.”
Why not, if he wants to represent England? If that were to be a part of his plans and dreams, that would be amazing.
One of the best England players we’ve ever seen is Owen, he says. Any team that is fit will benefit from Owen Farrell. Why not, if that’s what he wants to achieve?
Farrell started his first full training session with the Lions on Tuesday after being replaced by Elliot Daly last week.
Itjoe, who replaced Jamie George as England’s captain before the 2016 Six Nations, said he is excited about what the now four-time Lions traveler can bring to Australia.
On Saturday in Adelaide, Farrell will most likely play against the AU-NZ Invitational side because of his ability to provide cover at fly-half and inside center.
He has had a concussion with his former club Racing and hasn’t played a game in ten weeks.
Itoje expressed excitement as to what he might be able to bring to us.
“Owen and I actually attended the same university. He and I were actually friends when we were in Year 7 and he was in Year 10; we have known each other since we were 11 years old.
He said, “But he didn’t start talking to me until maybe I was 12 or so.” The Year 7s were not really conversant with the Year 10s. He started talking when I reached Year 8.
“I’m in a very good relationship with him,” he said. And he only wants the team to perform well. He’s now, without a doubt, back at Saracens, which is fantastic.
Itoje was also questioned about the way people react to Farrell, who will start against the Brumbies on Wednesday.
He responded, “It’s quite remarkable, really,” to be exact. In either case, he does elicit fairly strong responses. It’s incredibly bizarre.
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Henry Moeran
BBC cricket correspondent
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Lauren Filer, England’s Lauren Filer, wants to demonstrate that women can bowl at such a fast.
In Friday’s five-run T20 victory over India, Filer took the wicket of star opener Smriti Mandhana. She also took the wicket of three of the fastest 10 overs a woman has ever recorded.
“It’s actually showing women can reach that milestone, and hopefully others can follow as well,” Filer said. “It’s not necessarily a personal milestone for myself.
We want lots of women to be able to bowl at that speed, not just one or two people, according to the president.
The potential of inspiring a new generation of fast bowlers serves as inspiration, according to Filer, who has never officially documented the feat in a women’s international match.
According to Filer, 24, “I think people are probably talking about it more than they were, and hopefully if I can hit it [80mph] that will encourage others to try to make the game even more exciting than it already is,” said Filer, 24.
“Obviously, the women’s game has grown so popular over the past few years, and I am aware that many people are ecstatic to watch the bowling.”
In addition to the excitement surrounding pace, Filer claims that Friday’s victory, which they lost nine wickets for just 31 runs, fosters confidence in a team that is frequently criticized for coping with pressure.
We felt there was a mental shift, Filer said, even as players.
When good things happened and bad things did, we stayed level,” according to the mindset we had going forward and into that game. And I believe that’s where we want to be in these difficult circumstances and demonstrate that we can compete with the best in the world.
England needs a win at Old Trafford on Wednesday to keep the T20 contest alive as India’s five-match series is currently 2-1, before three one-day internationals complete India’s tour.
Filer is a member of the ODI squad, which will be looking to improve ahead of a busy autumn, including the Women’s World Cup in India.
What: Semifinal 2, FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Where: MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, United States When: Wednesday, July 9 at 3pm local time (19:00 GMT)
How to follow: We’ll have all the build-up on Al Jazeera Sport from noon (16: 00 GMT) in advance of our live text commentary stream.
The last two winners of the UEFA Champions League clash for the remaining spot in the final of the FIFA Club World Cup (CWC) when Real Madrid play Paris Saint-Germain in an epic face-off at the 82, 500-seat MetLife Stadium, just outside New York.
Real are hoping to add a record sixth CWC crown to their collection while PSG need to win this trophy to complete a rare quintuple of major titles in a single season.
The contest has some extra spice thrown in with superstar Kylian Mbappe, an ex-PSG player, lining up against his old club for the first time since signing with Real Madrid last year.
Here is all to know before the second CWC semifinal:
How did Real Madrid reach the semifinals?
Los Blancos finished atop Group H with two wins and one draw.
Real opened their CWC campaign with a 1-1 draw against Al Hilal in Miami, before thumping Mexican side Pachuca 3-1 in a rematch of their FIFA Intercontinental final last December. The Spaniards ensured a smooth passage into the knockout rounds with a 3-0 demolition of RB Salzburg in the final group fixture on June 27.
In the round of 16, Real played out a tough 1-0 win against timeless rivals Juventus at Hard Rock Stadium. They then prevailed in a five-goal thriller to eliminate Borussia Dortmund 3-2 in a 2024 Champions League final rematch, capped off by Mbappe’s spectacular match-winning bicycle strike in the 94th minute.
Mbappe’s bicycle strike against Borussia Dortmund in stoppage time put Real Madrid through to the semifinals]File: Vincent Carchietta/Imagn Images via Reuters]
How did PSG reach the semifinals?
PSG finished atop Group B with two wins and one loss.
They opened their Club World Cup with a dominant 4-0 victory against Atletico Madrid at the famous Rose Bowl in Los Angeles.
In their second group fixture, the European champions suffered a shock 1-0 defeat to Botafogo after a first-half goal from Igor Jesus proved to be the match-winner for the Brazilian side.
PSG bounced back in their final group match to defeat hosts Seattle 2-0 at Lumen Field to comfortably qualify for the knockout stage.
In the last 16, the French side demolished Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami 4-0 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
In the quarterfinal, they hit top gear, crushing the challenge of German champions Bayern Munich to win 2-0 and cruise into the last four of the tournament.
Mbappe vs Dembele: The battle of the high-scoring forwards
Real Madrid have netted 11 goals in the Club World Cup so far, while PSG have 12, both teams have been boosted by the return of their injured star strikers, with Ousmane Dembele and Mbappe scoring in the quarterfinals.
The two forwards, who were teammates at PSG until Mbappe’s move to Real Madrid in June 2024 and play together for the France national team, enjoyed incredible offensive statistics in the 2024-25 season.
Mbappe’s superb goal against Dortmund on Saturday was his 44th for Real Madrid in 58 appearances this season.
Dembele, meanwhile, blossomed after Mbappe’s departure from the Paris club, switching from the wing to the attacking talisman role in coach Luis Enrique’s system, scoring 34 goals in 51 appearances across all competitions in 2024-25, and carrying PSG to domestic and European titles.
“I’m feeling really good. It’s the best season of my career”, Dembele told PSG’s official website. “I signed for PSG to have moments like this. It’s been an exceptional year, for me personally and for the team as a whole. It’s magnificent. But we want more. Once you’ve tasted it]championships], you want more”.
Once teammates, now rivals. Dembele, left, and Mbappe celebrate PSG’s French Cup Final victory over Olympique Lyonnais at Stade Pierre Mauroy, Decathlon Arena on May 25, 2024, in Villeneuve d’Ascq, France]Jean Catuffe/Getty Images]
Head-to-head
The last time these two sides met was in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 in 2022 when Mbappe still played for PSG.
Real Madrid won the knockout match 3-2 on aggregate before going on to lift their 14th European title – but PSG were a very different team then, and that was before Enrique took charge of the French side.
How many Club World Cup titles have Real Madrid won?
Real Madrid have won the FIFA Club World Cup a record five times. Their last victory was in 2023 when they beat Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal 5-3.
They also won the trophy in 2015 and 2017, 2018 and 2019.
They also hold the most tournament wins (12) and the most total goals scored in the competition (40).
Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr scores the match-winning fifth goal against Al Hilal in the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup final on February 11, 2023, in Rabat, Morocco]Michael Steele/Getty Images]
What titles have PSG already won this season?
PSG achieved their best season in club history in the 2024-25 campaign, winning a perfect four-out-of-four titles: Ligue 1, Coupe de France, Trophee des Champions and the UEFA Champions League trophy.
In doing so, PSG became the first French side to win a continental treble and also a continental quadruple.
If they win the FIFA Club World Cup, they can add a fifth trophy to their spectacular season, completing a rare quintuple of titles in one season.
Manchester City, in 2023, were the last club side to win five titles in a single season: Premier League, FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup.
Team news: Real Madrid
Gonzalo Garcia, who has led the Real Madrid attack in Mbappe’s absence and scored four goals in five appearances, will likely hand back the starting job to the French superstar against PSG. Earlier in the tournament, Mbappe was hospitalised with gastroenteritis but is now believed to be ready to lead the line from the opening whistle.
“He is still not perfect, not 100 percent, but he is getting better every day”, Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso said of Mbappe after their quarterfinal victory over Dortmund.
Centre back Dean Huijsen, who picked up a late red card against Borussia Dortmund in the quarterfinal, will not play due to suspension.
Real continue to be without the injured trio of David Alaba, Eduardo Camavinga and Endrick.
Team news: PSG
Enrique will be without suspended defenders William Pacho and Lucas Hernandez after both were sent off in PSG’s 2-0 quarterfinal win over Bayern Munich. Lucas Beraldo is expected to be named Pacho’s replacement in the starting XI.
Up front, Dembele is a strong probability to make his first start of the tournament after coming on as a substitute against Munich, with Bradley Barcola moving to the bench.
PSG remain relatively injury-free with only Nordi Mukiele unavailable.
Dembele, left, started in the quarterfinals against Bayern Munich after being injured in the group stage of the Club World Cup. He is now aiming for the semifinal against Real Madrid.
lineups that might exist:
Real Madrid: Courtois, Alexander-Arnold, Asencio, Rudiger, F Garcia, Valverde, Tchouameni, Guler, Bellingham, Mbappe, Vinicius Jr.
Real coach Xabi Alonso said, “The tactical clash with Luis Enrique will be a significant test for us. Following today’s [quarterfinal] victory, we will be ready for the upcoming game [PSG] in a positive way.
No matter who we play in the semifinals, PSG coach Luis Enrique said. It’s just that we’re there and that we want to reach the final, really.
Real defender Antonio Rudiger told FIFA, “PSG are a very, very tough team to play against.” It will be a difficult match because they have shown they are one of Europe’s top teams. However, Real Madrid recognizes that we are up to the challenge.
In the Club World Cup semifinal against PSG in MetLife Stadium on Wednesday, Xabi Alonso, center, will face the biggest test of his young managerial career.
