分类： sports

Amid escalating geopolitical tensions between the United States and Venezuela, Jamaica Olympic Association President Christopher Samuda has issued a compelling appeal to international sporting federations, urging them to shield American athletes from potential sanctions resulting from political conflicts.

The diplomatic crisis emerged following US military operations in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of President Nicolas Maduro, who subsequently appeared in New York courts pleading not guilty to unspecified charges. President Trump’s administration has since extended military threats toward multiple nations including Colombia, Mexico, Iran, and Greenland, drawing comparisons to Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

This geopolitical landscape raises concerns about potential repercussions in the sporting world. Russia’s ongoing conflict with Ukraine prompted indefinite bans from international competitions including the Olympic Games, FIFA, and World Athletics. Historical precedents show that nations like South Africa, Iraq, Belarus, and Libya have faced similar sporting sanctions during periods of military aggression.

Samuda articulated a principled stance emphasizing that athletes should never bear consequences for political actions beyond their control. “Athletes are not architects of war; they do not make war and therefore should never be considered as pawns in any political matrix of war,” he stated emphatically.

The JOA president further emphasized the professional and personal dimensions of athletic careers, noting that competition represents both livelihood and national duty for competitors. “We must be sensitive to athletes who have families and responsibilities while representing their countries,” Samuda added, highlighting the human impact of potential sporting sanctions.

Calling for stronger mechanisms to insulate sports from political interference, Samuda warned that increasing political intrusion requires developed frameworks at both national and global levels. His comments come as the United States prepares to host two premier international sporting events: the upcoming FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

The sporting world now faces critical questions about maintaining the separation between athletic competition and geopolitical conflicts, with Samuda’s intervention adding weight to the ongoing debate about protecting athletes from political fallout.

In a display of racing excellence, the seven-year-old chestnut gelding Tapit Good captured his fourth career victory on Thursday, January 1, 2026, demonstrating that perseverance yields rewards. Competing in the sixth race at the track, the David Powell-conditioned horse ended a streak of three consecutive runner-up finishes with a commanding performance.

Tapit Good dominated Division II of the three-year-old and upward Optional Claiming event ($500,000-$400,000), specifically for six-year-olds and upward non-winners of four races and native-bred five-year-olds non-winners of three. Under jockey Shaheem Gordon, the veteran competitor covered the five-furlong straight course with authority, ultimately crossing the finish line four lengths clear of his nearest rival.

The race began with an evenly matched break, seeing Tapit Good initially contend with challengers including Golden Syrup (ridden by Richie Shakes), Princess Ifiyah (Shavon Townsend), Radam (Tyrese Anderson), Jaguar (Christopher Mamdeen), and Magical Mood (Emelio McLean). However, as the field passed the dummy rails, Tapit Good asserted his superiority, seizing control of the pace and steadily increasing his lead. The gelding maintained his advantage effortlessly, cruising to a comfortable victory without pressure in the final stages.

Papa Gray, piloted by Phillip Parchment, secured second position, while First Offense, with Dane Dawkins aboard, completed the top three. This win marks a significant milestone for Tapit Good, who now boasts four wins from 45 lifetime starts, highlighting his consistency and competitive spirit in high-level claiming events.

LONDON, England — Manchester United has terminated the contract of manager Ruben Amorim in a sudden Monday dismissal that has sent shockwaves through English football. The Portuguese coach’s departure comes after a mere 14 months at the helm, with the club languishing in sixth position in the Premier League standings.

The decisive action followed a series of disappointing results, including a recent draw against Leeds United and a particularly damning 1-1 stalemate with last-place Wolverhampton Wanderers at Old Trafford. Statistical analysis reveals Amorim exits with the poorest win record (31.9%) among all seven managers who have attempted to fill the void since legendary Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure in 2013.

The dismissal culminates escalating tensions between Amorim and club management, particularly Director of Football Jason Wilcox. The situation reached a boiling point during a remarkable post-match press conference after the Leeds game, where Amorim pointedly differentiated himself as “the manager” rather than “just the coach,” and publicly challenged the scouting department and Wilcox to “do their job.”

Prominent football pundit and former United defender Gary Neville expressed astonishment at the timing of the decision, stating: “I am surprised it’s happened this morning. I didn’t realise it would happen so quickly. The Wolves game seems to me to be the killer game—it was a bad one.” Neville characterized managerial dismissals as “a poor reflection on everybody” that ultimately leaves all parties worse off.

Echoing this sentiment, former England striker Gary Lineker described Manchester United as a “basket case” organization on his podcast, suggesting Amorim was fundamentally mismatched to the role. “It didn’t seem to be the right fit and he was a bit stubborn about the way he wanted to play,” Lineker analyzed, adding that club leadership failed to provide adequate support in player recruitment.

Despite the contentious departure, United defender Harry Maguire struck a conciliatory tone on Instagram, posting a photograph with the former manager alongside the message: “Thank you for everything boss. I wish you all the best in the future.”

LONDON, United Kingdom — Nottingham Forest dramatically overturned a deficit to claim a critical 2-1 Premier League victory over West Ham United on Tuesday, a result that intensifies the relegation fears at the London Stadium. The match, defined by contentious Video Assistant Referee (VAR) interventions, saw Morgan Gibbs-White convert a late penalty to secure three massive points for the visitors.

The encounter began favorably for the hosts when Nottingham Forest defender Murillo inadvertently directed a header into his own net from a West Ham corner in the 13th minute. The Hammers believed they had solidified their lead early in the second half through Crysencio Summerville, but the goal was disallowed following a VAR review that identified a marginal offside in the attacking sequence.

Capitalizing on the reprieve, Forest mounted a spirited comeback. Midfielder Nicolas Dominguez drew the sides level in the 55th minute with a precise header from a corner, exposing West Ham’s persistent vulnerability on set-pieces. The match’s decisive moment arrived in the 89th minute when West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola collided with Gibbs-White while attempting to punch clear a aerial ball. After a lengthy VAR review, a penalty was awarded, which Gibbs-White calmly dispatched.

The result propels Forest seven points clear of the relegation zone, placing significant pressure on a West Ham side now mired in a dire run of form. The Hammers have failed to secure a victory in their last ten league matches, accumulating a mere point from the last available eighteen. This dismal streak has plunged the club into 18th position, raising serious concerns about their top-flight status.

Under intense scrutiny, West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo lamented the fine margins that decided the match but insisted the fight for survival is not over. Conversely, Forest boss Sean Dyche praised his team’s resilience and mentality in securing a win that halts a four-game losing streak and provides crucial momentum in their battle to avoid the drop.

In a dramatic night of Africa Cup of Nations knockout football, two continental giants secured their passage to the quarter-finals with vastly different performances. Egypt’s Pharaohs, led by captain Mohamed Salah, endured a nerve-shredding extra-time battle against Benin, while Nigeria’s Super Eagles delivered a commanding display to eliminate Mozambique.

The Egyptian squad faced a formidable challenge from underdogs Benin in Agadir. Despite taking the lead through Marwan Attia’s superb 69th-minute strike, Egypt conceded a late equalizer when Jodel Dossou capitalized on a defensive lapse in the 83rd minute. The match extended into extra time, where Yasser Ibrahim’s header restored Egypt’s advantage before Salah sealed the 3-1 victory with a breakaway goal in the 124th minute—his third of the tournament.

Egyptian coach Hossam Hassan acknowledged the challenge: ‘Before the game, I said there are no easy teams, and Benin were tough opponents. Egypt are a great team and I want to make my people happy.’ The seven-time champions now await the winner between title-holders Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso.

Meanwhile, Nigeria produced a masterclass in Fes, overwhelming Mozambique 4-0 in a rain-soaked encounter. African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen netted twice, ending his AFCON scoring drought with his first goals in ten tournament appearances. Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman orchestrated the victory with a remarkable performance, contributing to all four goals while earning man-of-the-match honors.

The scoring opened with Lookman’s 20th-minute finish, followed by Osimhen’s brace—the first from a Lookman cross and the second shortly after halftime. Sevilla forward Akor Adams completed the rout with a powerful strike in the 75th minute, marking Nigeria’s largest knockout-stage victory since 2010.

Despite elimination, Mozambique celebrated a historic achievement, having reached the knockout phase for the first time in their AFCON history. Nigeria advances to face either Algeria or DR Congo, with potential for redemption against the latter after November’s World Cup qualifying defeat.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — World Athletics President Lord Sebastian Coe has committed to prioritizing the restoration of Jamaica’s storm-ravaged athletic infrastructure following Hurricane Melissa’s devastation. Arriving on the island nation Sunday, the Olympic legend emphasized the critical role of school-level sports programs in nurturing Jamaica’s world-dominant track and field talent.

During his third official visit to Jamaica since 2017, Lord Coe held high-level discussions with Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Sports Minister Olivia Grange. The meetings focused on recovery strategies for athletic facilities damaged by recent hurricane impacts, particularly school venues that serve as foundational training grounds for future champions.

Coe specifically highlighted Jamaica’s prestigious High School Athletics Championship (known as ‘Champs’) as the unparalleled incubator of athletic excellence. ‘I’m always conscious that there is no coincidence between what goes on at the very highest level on the podium and the vibrancy and quality and health of your schools programme,’ Coe stated during a welcoming ceremony at Jamaica Pegasus Hotel Monday evening.

The athletics president scheduled firsthand inspections of damaged facilities, including Tuesday’s visit to Montego Bay Sports Complex. His itinerary also included assessing reconstruction efforts at secondary schools whose athletic programs have been disrupted by hurricane damage.

Coe expressed particular appreciation for coaches working at grassroots levels, acknowledging their indispensable role in maintaining Jamaica’s extraordinary pipeline of world-class athletes. His visit underscores international athletics’ commitment to preserving the developmental systems that have produced Jamaica’s remarkable succession of Olympic and World Championship medalists.

Jamaican football strategist MERRON Gordon has formally assumed the role of Technical Director at Spanish Town Police FC, leveraging his extensive national team experience to guide the club through its precarious position in the Wray & Nephew Jamaica Premier League (JPL). The appointment, confirmed this past weekend, marks a strategic shift for Gordon following his four-year tenure as assistant coach for the Reggae Boyz and previous consultancy work with Old Harbour United.

The transition occurred following Old Harbour’s acquisition of the JPL club, with owner Jabarie Baker persuading Gordon to join the restructured organization. Despite concurrent commitments as a full-time educator and new business owner, Gordon found alignment with the club’s developmental philosophy. “The vision aligns with my philosophy,” Gordon explained to the Jamaica Observer, emphasizing objectives to “develop a youthful team, sell players to international opportunities, and build a competitive local core.”

Gordon brings a decade of multifaceted coaching experience, including work with the Reggae Girlz, national U-17 and U-23 teams, alongside club engagements with Humble Lion, Sporting Central Academy, and Garvey Maceo in schoolboy football. His immediate focus centers on implementing structural reforms within both the club administration and technical departments. “I’ve learned from top coaches locally and abroad,” Gordon noted, citing mentorship from Vin Blaine and Roy Simpson in both technical and administrative domains.

Spanish Town Police currently anchors the JPL table with merely eight points from 14 matches, trailing safety by five points. Historical context underscores their challenge: since the league expanded to 14 teams in 2022-23, only Phoenix Chapelton Maroons have avoided relegation as a promoted club. Despite this, Gordon identifies strategic optimism in recent performances, including two victories within the last three games and an unexpected training window created by a waterlogged pitch cancellation.

The technical director outlined a pragmatic survival strategy: “We’re not trying to win the league but maintain our spot. We’ll concentrate on the bottom six teams while treating any points from top sides as bonuses.” The club faces immediate tests against playoff contenders Tivoli Gardens and title-chasing Portmore United, matches that will critically impact their relegation battle.