Injuries force changes in Flying Fijians squad – FBC News
From left: Lekima Tagitagivalu, Iosefo Masi, and Ponipate Loganimasi. The Fiji Water Flying Fijians have made three changes to their travelling squad for the upcoming Autumn Nations Series after injuries ruled out key players. Lekima Tagitagivalu, Iosefo Masi, and Ponipate Loganimasi have been withdrawn from the team. They are replaced by Kitione Salawa, Joji Nasova, and Setareki Tuicuvu. Head coach Mick Byrne said while it was disappointing to lose players through injury, it also opened doors for others to step up. Article continues after advertisement “There’s a wide selection base now. It’s never an easy decision choosing players, but it’s around team balance and what’s best for the team. We’re fortunate that we have such a deep pool of players to choose from.” Byrne said the replacements were chosen carefully to maintain team balance and continue developing Fiji’s depth. “With Loganimasi coming out – it gives Joji Nasova another time, another opportunity. He showed in the PNC that he’s got a big upside to his game. And we’d like to continue growing him and giving him an opportunity to continue to grow within the team.” Nasova returns to the squad after showing promise during the Pacific Nations Cup, while Byrne said Salawa’s inclusion was based on his recent progress and potential for further growth. The Flying Fijians will depart tomorrow evening for Europe ahead of what is expected to be a challenging Autumn Nations Series campaign. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
John McGinn says Aston Villa cannot let Go Ahead Eagles loss derail league form
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more Aston Villa captain John McGinn says his side cannot allow the shock Europa League loss to Dutch minnows Go Ahead Eagles to derail their Premier League form. Emiliano Buendia missed a late spot-kick as Villa squandered an early lead to suffer a 2-1 humbling in Deventer. Evann Guessand put them on course for a sixth successive win in all competitions, but they missed a host of chances to kill the game and came unstuck as goals from Mathis Suray and Mats Deijl either side of half-time gave Go Ahead a famous victory in one of the biggest games in their history. Villa’s attention quickly turns to their domestic campaign where they welcome in-form Manchester City to Villa Park on Sunday on the back of three successive league wins. McGinn said: “We are disappointed, but we have got a huge game on Sunday, we’ve been in great form in the league, we have got to carry that on and there’s no tougher task than Man City. “We will talk about this over the next 24 hours but after that we’ll park it.” This was an unexpected blip in Villa’s quest to finish in the top eight of the league phase as Unai Emery plots a fourth Europa League title. They should still have enough to make it through the league phase of the competition, though their next match is against Maccabi Tel Aviv in what has become a hugely politicised fixture. “The disappointing goal was the first, we worked on it, we knew what they were going to do and we didn’t adapt,” McGinn said. “That goes on us as players. We can’t concede like that when we are in control of the game. “Yes, we had chances to go two or three up but we also had an opportunity to defend it better and we didn’t. “When you give a team who are really passionate, right up for it, a bit of life then you can get punished. “We gave them life from nowhere and that’s why we’ve got beat. “I am not sure it was complacency, the goal is definitely a case of sloppiness and switching off and we didn’t get the control of the game that we had back. “Overall, a really disappointing night. “We had the chance with the penalty to take a point and move on but we have five games to fix it and make sure we’re in that top eight.”
Crystal Palace: Eagles ‘needed’ defeat by Larnaca to ‘stay humble’
Crystal Palace’s first home game in a major European competition didn’t go to plan as they were beaten by AEK Larnaca, but manager Oliver Glasner said “maybe the whole environment needed it to stay humble”. Thursday was supposed to be Palace’s big night as Selhurst Park hosted a match in Europe for the first time in its 101-year history. There was an extra buzz at Selhurst station and inside the ground a sell-out crowd was chanting Glasner’s name and singing songs about last season’s FA Cup win. Right before kick-off a stunning Dad’s Army-inspired tifo plotting out Palace’s path from south London to May’s Conference League final in Leipzig was unfurled, with a banner underneath saying “we are the boys who will win your little game”. The stadium has become a fortress for Palace, who went into the game against the Cypriots unbeaten at home since February in all competitions. But the Eagles’ play never reflected the hype. Yes they created plenty of chances, 15 in total, but just one was on target. Jean-Philippe Mateta hit the crossbar with a hooked volley from close range in the first half and substitute Eddie Nketiah should have levelled in a late rally from the hosts, but completely missed a loose ball from five yards out. Does Glasner have a point? “You are always told when you play in the Premier League you win the Conference League,” said the Palace boss. “Stay humble. I don’t know if any debutant [is able] to win the competition. I don’t think so. “We will learn from it, the players will learn. It’s disappointing, a frustrating night, but maybe the whole environment needed it to stay humble.”
Friday’s briefing: Sean Dyche off to perfect start and Villa suffer shock defeat
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more Sean Dyche got his Nottingham Forest reign off to the perfect start with a 2-0 Europa League win over Porto at the City Ground. Aston Villa, though, suffered a shock 2-1 defeat away at Dutch minnows Go Ahead Eagles and new Rangers boss Danny Rohl saw his side beaten 3-0 by Brann, while Celtic came from behind to see off Sturm Graz. In the Conference League, Crystal Palace slipped to a 1-0 home loss against AEK Larnaca and Aberdeen were thrashed 6-0 defeat at AEK Athens. Sean Dyche makes instant impact Penalties from Morgan Gibbs-White and Igor Jesus sealed Nottingham Forest a first European victory in 30 years as life under Sean Dyche began with a much-needed 2-0 win against Porto.Having secured a long-awaited continental return under Nuno Espirito Santo and been led in their first two Europa League games by Ange Postecoglou, the Reds’ first win in the competition came under their third manager of the season. Dyche’s side showed promise, fight and panache on Thursday evening as spot-kicks from skipper Gibbs-White and striker Jesus ended Forest’s 10-game winless streak in all competitions as well as Porto’s unbeaten start to the season. “It’s pleasing for everyone concerned with the football club,” Dyche said. “It is a step, that’s all it is, because the Premier League we have got to do well in that as well. “We want a team that is competitive in all competitions, of course every manager does.” Villa pay the penalty Aston Villa boss Unai Emery feels his side must become more clinical from the penalty spot after slipping to a 2-1 defeat against Dutch minnows Go Ahead Eagles. Emiliano Buendia missed a late spot-kick as Villa squandered an early lead in Deventer, where Evann Guessand had put Villa on course for a sixth successive win in all competitions. After missing a host of chances to kill the game, Villa came unstuck as goals from Mathis Suray and Mats Deijl either side of half-time gave Go Ahead a famous victory. Buendia blazed over from the spot in the 77th minute, which was Villa’s sixth missed penalty in the last 12 months. “Today the responsibility was for Emiliano Buendia, and normally he has good numbers shooting penalties, but he missed,” Emery said. “Of course, something can happen, and we will try to get more clinical in the penalty shoot than the last penalties we have had.” Eagles fail to soar Cypriot side AEK Larnaca secured a memorable 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park through Riad Bajic’s goal early in the second half. The Eagles were hoping to make it two wins from their opening two European meetings after beating Dynamo Kyiv 2-0 in Poland earlier this month. Jean-Philippe Mateta had the best opportunity to open the scoring before the break, clipping the crossbar late in the first half. But Palace were left to rue plenty of missed chances when a defensive mistake led to Larnaca breaking the deadlock six minutes into the second half. Jaydee Canvot was caught playing out from the back and gave the ball away to Marcus Rohden. The Swede swiftly found Bajic, who rifled a fine finish past goalkeeper Dean Henderson from 18 yards. Danny Rohl feels sorry for Rangers fans Danny Rohl’s sobering debut as Rangers head coach ended with him apologising to travelling fans following their 3-0 Europa League defeat by Brann in Bergen. The 36-year-old German was installed as Russell Martin’s successor on Monday – but there was no quick fix to the Gers problems from their trip to Norway. Emil Kornvig opened the scoring five minutes before the break and Jacob Sorensen added a second after 55 minutes, with Noah Holm firing in a late third to leave Rangers pointless in Europe. “At first I apologised for this defeat and this performance. They travel a lot for the team, they are always there,” said Rohl, who went over to the Light Blues fans after the final whistle. “This club has a lot of patient fans and they deserve this and it is also very important to show that I understand them. “But I said as well, ‘I will work very hard to improve this group of players to step up and get results’.” Bhoys back on track Two goals in three second-half minutes got Celtic motoring in the Europa League as Brendan Rodgers’ side came from behind to beat 10-man Sturm Graz 2-1. A wonderful long-range strike from Tomi Horvat gave Graz an early lead. Celtic missed a series of chances before Liam Scales and Benjamin Nygren both scored from corners just after the hour mark. Graz had Tochi Chukwuani sent off in the 70th minute for a poor challenge on Callum McGregor as Celtic saw out the win. Aberdeen’s mini-revival, though, came to an abrupt halted with a 6-0 trashing in their Conference League tie away to AEK Athens. What’s on today? Leeds will be looking to kickstart their Premier League campaign against struggling West Ham in Friday night’s televised action at Elland Road. In the
Bula FC finalizes leadership team – FBC News
Fiji’s first professional football franchise Bula FC has confirmed its leadership team as preparations continue for its debut in the Oceania Football Confederation Professional League next year. McDonald’s Fiji managing director Marc McElrath has been appointed chairman of the club, while Anushil Kumar takes on the role of acting chief executive officer. Kumar brings with him over eight years of experience with the Fiji Football Association, having started as a media officer before moving up to general manager operations, where he managed tournament logistics and planning. Article continues after advertisement The Bula FC board will include Fiji FA president Rajesh Patel, as the association remains the club’s majority shareholder, along with businessmen Wella Pillay and Jai Singh. Meanwhile, Fiji FA vice-president Naziah Ali Krishna has been appointed acting chief commercial officer. Ali Krishna has been actively involved in promoting football, particularly women’s football in Fiji for several years. The club’s name, Bula FC, captures the essence of Fijian hospitality and unity. “Bula” represents life, welcome, and community, the values that inspire the club’s motto; One Vanua, One Team. Its official crest features traditional Fijian elements such as the ibe mat and magimagi rope, symbolising strength, heritage, and connection across all 14 provinces. The franchise is expected to move into its new office base next week. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Bula FC Launched – Fiji’s First Professional Football Club Marks a Historic Milestone
The Fiji Football Association officially launched Bula FC, the nation’s first professional football club, a historic step forward for football in Fiji and the wider Oceania region. The occasion also marked the announcement of Mr. Mark McElrath, Managing Director of McDonald’s Fiji, as the new Chairman of Bula FC. “If you see ‘Bula’, then Bula is synonymous with every person in this country,” said Fiji FA President Rajesh Patel. “The name Bula is simple, powerful and deeply Fijian — it represents life, warmth, and commitment.” Patel explained that while the club was originally registered as Bula Boys FC, it will compete as Bula FC to represent inclusivity and future growth: “We know that as the professional league gets bigger, there will be not only male players. In the future, we feel women will be there too. So instead of just Bula Boys, it will be Bula FC. This prepares us for the women’s professional league when it is added.” He said the club stands for unity, ambition, and national pride: “This launch marks a new era for professional football in Fiji. Bula FC is more than a team — it is a symbol of unity, mission, and progress for our game.” Patel added that the Fiji FA is a key investor in Bula FC, alongside private investors, ensuring that the club is professionally structured, financially sustainable, and aligned with the country’s football development goals. He also acknowledged the Saudi Tourism Authority’s USD 20 million investment into the OFC Professional League for its first four years — the competition in which Bula FC will represent Fiji from January 2026. “We are thankful for this investment, which makes professional football a reality in our region,” Patel said. “We look forward to seeing Bula FC flourish and become a source of pride for all Fijians.” Taking the podium, Chairman Mark McElrath described the launch as “a very historic day for football in Fiji.” “It is indeed an honor for me to be appointed as Chairman of Bula FC. This has been a dream of mine to see Fiji finally have a professional football club,” McElrath said. “Today presents an opportunity for every child, every teenager, every footballer in Fiji to become a professional player.” McElrath said the club will serve as a unifying force for the nation: “Bula represents welcome, it represents life, and in general, it represents all of us in this country. Bula FC is going to be a club that brings people together and brings football together in Fiji.” McElrath announced members of the interim working board: Rajesh Patel – Fiji FA President Wella Pillay Jay Singh Nazia Ali “We will ensure that the club grows sustainably, financially, and professionally and with integrity, which is the key part of it all.” He also introduced the club’s inaugural leadership team: Anishil Kumar, Acting Chief Executive Officer Nazia Ali, Acting Chief Commercial Officer Stéphane Auvray, Head Coach “We are privileged to have Stéphane join us,” McElrath said. “He brings a proven record of performance around the world and will bring a new form of excitement to professional football in Fiji.” Both Patel and McElrath reaffirmed the club’s commitment to grassroots growth and youth development. “The pathway to becoming a successful club or a professional player starts at a young age,” McElrath explained. “We will engage across all communities — from Ba to Labasa and the outer islands — to create opportunities for young Fijians to grow into professionals.” He added that fan engagement will be central to Bula FC’s philosophy: “We want to invite everyone in Fiji to join us on this journey as we celebrate the spirit of Bula through our new football club. Every match, every programme, every initiative is about building pride, community, and the Bula spirit we live every day.” The OFC Professional League officially launches on 28 October 2025 in Auckland, with Bula FC representing Fiji in the inaugural 2026 season. “Together we are laying the foundation for a stronger, more professional football ecosystem in Fiji,” Patel concluded. “This milestone reflects our collective commitment to growing the game.”
Celtic ‘not quite a Ferrari but a Range Rover Sport’
Manager Brendan Rodgers is pleased with the way his Celtic players bounced back from their defeat at Dundee, with victory over Sturm Graz.
Wayne Rooney at 40: Agent Paul Stretford hails star’s growth and inner strength
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more As boy wonder Wayne Rooney celebrates his 40th birthday, long-serving agent Paul Stretford is beyond proud of the way the “underappreciated” star has overcome his demons to become the self-assured man he is today. The forward’s jaw-dropping entrance with Everton will feel like five minutes ago to some, but Manchester United’s all-time top scorer and England’s most capped outfield men’s player enters his forties on Friday. Stretford knows Rooney as well as anyone, having worked with him throughout the journey from teenage talent to global figure, experiencing the highs and lows of a career in the spotlight along with the anger and mental-health issues the striker dealt with in the background. “Look back to that day he signed his first major professional contract with Everton and his introduction to the world and the media,” agent Stretford told PA. “Then see the person that stands there now, who is aware of his place in the world and he’s self-assured of what that place is. “I don’t think too many people gave much chance of that being the case all of those years ago. “He’s faced demons, he’s faced challenges, but each and every step along the way, whenever they’ve come along, he’s faced them full on and dealt with them and come out the other side.” Sretford’s relationship with Rooney is more of a partnership than a standard agent agreement and he takes pride in whatever small part he has played in the life of one of England’s greatest players. But for all the impressive statistics, silverware and success, there remains a nagging feeling that the former forward’s qualities are undervalued. “I think he’s been underappreciated throughout his career and it’s the misfortune of being on both ends of the paper, both the front and back pages,” Stretford said. “That undoubtedly shaped opinion in the formative stages and even to this day. “If you’re talking about the general public and the general football audience, I don’t see him as one that’s been truly recognised as to what an outstanding ability he had and, most importantly, the mental capacity and inner toughness to deal with it and come out the other end a success.” Rooney’s attitude and aptitude helped him produce 366 goals across 883 appearances for club and country, with spells at boyhood club Everton bookending his trophy-laden time at United before stints with DC United and Derby. The 120-cap England great cut his managerial teeth at the latter before coaching the MLS side, with periods at Birmingham and Plymouth following. Rooney has not managed since the end of last year and is currently enjoying time with his family as well as working in the media. “For a lot of players at 40, it’s, ‘What do I do now?’” Stretford said. “He’s enjoying being with his kids and seeing them make their way in life. Three of them are involved in professional clubs – two of them at Manchester United and one at Everton. “(Wife) Coleen has been such a rock for Wayne and the family generally, and now they can spend more time together and enjoy that aspect of their life as well as working hard to provide for their family post his playing career. “I would say at 40 he’s ended up very much in a good place, whereas a lot of us at 40 are thinking, ‘Oh, well, that’s my young days gone, it’s all downhill from here’. “Wayne is in such a situation, and opportunities that are coming to him now, because of who he is, yes, but because of his personality and an ability to describe what he sees on the pitch in an everyday-man sort of way.” Stretford believes his well-received BBC podcast is offering “a glimpse of who the real Wayne Rooney always has been” – a “people’s person” that has never forgotten his “street striker” roots. “Do you know what he’ll be doing on his birthday? He’ll be coaching kids in Dubai,” he added. “The beauty of it is he can take Coleen and the kids for half-term, but what he’s doing is he’s got his boots on, he’s on the grass, where he loves best, coaching kids.”
Hosting boxing events not an easy task – FBC News
[file photo] As excitement builds for next week’s Stratum Zeg Kings “This is Boxing” event, promoter Naroom Buksh admits that putting together the fight card has been no easy task. Buksh revealed that finances remain one of the biggest challenges, particularly when it comes to bringing in overseas fighters. However, thanks to the strong backing of sponsors, Buksh says fans can look forward to a night of high-quality matchups featuring some of the best talent in the country. Article continues after advertisement “Especially when we have overseas boxers, the airfare is usually expensive. There’s plenty other things that comes into play. The venues, organising and hiring of workers. It’s not a very easy thing to bring about.” He is encouraging fans to turn out in numbers next Saturday to witness top-tier boxing action live. The event will take place at the Vodafone Arena in Suva and will be broadcast live on VitiPlus. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Celtic motor but still long road ahead for Rodgers
Brendan Rodgers got the response he was looking for after criticising his Celtic players after their defeat at Dundee.