Tuesday, April 14, 2026

Mbappé Escalates Legal Battle with PSG, Seeks ~€240 Million

By
Kazeem Busari
-
Mbappe

Kylian Mbappé has renewed his legal offensive against his former club Paris Saint-Germain, demanding approximately £230 million (around €240 million) in a labor dispute that has reignited tensions just months after his move to Real Madrid. The claim comes as part of a broader campaign in which Mbappé argues he was unfairly treated — and underpaid — during his final season in Paris.

At the heart of Mbappé’s suit is a demand for €55 million in alleged unpaid wages and bonuses from PSG. His legal team accuses the club of “moral harassment,” saying that after he declined to extend his contract, he was isolated from the first-team environment — a practice known in France as “lofting.”

In April of this year, Mbappé’s representatives took decisive action by freezing €55 million in PSG accounts through a court-ordered seizure.

The move underscored the seriousness of the dispute and cemented a legal stand-off between the two sides.

Beyond the financial claim, Mbappé had filed criminal complaints in May, accusing PSG of harassment, defamation, and attempted extortion.

However, in a somewhat surprising turn, he withdrew the complaint for moral harassment and extortion in July, signaling a partial de-escalation on the criminal front.

Despite that, he is continuing to pursue his case in the French labor courts (the “prud’hommes”), insisting on both the unpaid wages and a reclassification of his PSG contract.

PSG, for its part, strongly disputes Mbappé’s version of events. The club contends that some of the payments he claims as unpaid were subject to a verbal agreement, which they say negates his case for a formal claim.

In internal documents and legal filings, PSG argues that Mbappé’s narrative is “fantasy” and insists that its decision to sideline him was based on standard contractual and sporting considerations, not harassment.

The financial and legal stakes are high. If Mbappé succeeds in having his contract reclassified as a permanent (open-ended) contract, as his team requests, it could dramatically raise the amount he’s owed — and could have major implications for how top-tier players’ contracts are treated under French labor law. His claim also draws on precedents, like that of Adrien Rabiot, who previously won compensation after a similar dispute with PSG.

The case is now being closely watched not just by sports and legal communities, but also by football authorities. Mbappé’s team has appealed to the French Sports Minister and UEFA to highlight PSG’s alleged financial mismanagement, suggesting the dispute could raise broader regulatory and financial fair play questions.

Video: Gen-Z Movement Shakes Mexico: Protests Turn Violent Nationwide

By
Kazeem Busari
-

A new youth-led movement, calling itself Generation Z Mexico, has sparked nationwide protests in Mexico, with thousands taking to the streets this weekend to demand action against rising violence, corruption and impunity. The unrest gripped more than 50 cities across the country, reflecting deep frustration among younger generations at the state of public security.

The immediate trigger for the protests was the assassination of Uruapan Mayor Carlos Manzo on November 1. Manzo, known for his outspoken stand against cartel violence, was gunned down during a Day of the Dead celebration, a killing that fuelled widespread anger among protesters.

In Mexico City, thousands marched from the Ángel de la Independencia monument toward the Zócalo. What began largely as a peaceful demonstration turned tense when a faction of hooded youth — reportedly part of a “black bloc” — dismantled barriers at the National Palace. Riot police responded with tear gas and force.

Authorities confirmed that around 120 people were injured during the clashes, including 100 policemen, some of whom required hospitalization.

UPI reported that among the injured officers, 60 were treated on-site, while 40 others were taken to hospital, four in need of specialized care. At least 20 protesters were arrested, according to city officials.

The protesters’ demands go beyond the mood of anger: their manifesto, circulated widely on social media, calls for a mechanism to recall public officials, independent oversight of institutions, justice reform, and a deep crackdown on corruption and impunity.

They describe themselves as non-partisan, rejecting alignment with any established political party.

But the government has pushed back, accusing parts of the movement of being orchestrated by right-wing actors, foreign-backed influencers, and political opponents. Officials have raised suspicions about a coordinated digital campaign — involving bots, automation, and outside financing — with alleged involvement from prominent figures and institutions.

President Claudia Sheinbaum, whose party Morena is in power, condemned the violence and called for peaceful protest. “Violence must never be used for change; always peacefully,” she said, even as she questioned the authenticity of the movement and its backers.

Among the symbols adopted by the protesters was the One Piece pirate flag, a cultural icon from Japanese manga that has been embraced globally by Gen-Z protest movements.

The movement appears to be tapping into a broader global trend, combining digital native activism with traditional street protest.

But the escalation has also raised fears: recent protests reportedly descended into antisemitic graffiti and hate speech, with messages scrawled on Mexico’s top court accusing President Sheinbaum — the country’s first Jewish leader — of corruption.

Dangote Slams ‘Misleading’ Reports on Tariff Suspension

By
Kazeem Busari
-

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has dismissed reports suggesting that recent pump price reductions by oil marketers were triggered by the Federal Government’s decision to suspend the 15 per cent fuel import tariff, insisting that the claims are “false, misleading and inconsistent with market realities.”

In a statement, the refinery clarified that the downward review of petrol pump prices across filling stations was directly influenced by Dangote’s own reduction of PMS gantry and coastal prices on November 6, not by any tariff reversal.

According to the company, its gantry price for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) was reduced from ₦877 to ₦828 per litre, a 5.6 per cent drop, while its coastal price declined from ₦854 to ₦806 per litre. These adjustments, it said, were widely reported across major media platforms and took effect well before marketers altered their retail prices.

“It is inaccurate to attribute the pump price reduction to the suspension of the 15 per cent import tariff,” the company stated, noting that the tariff had already received President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval for immediate implementation on October 21, even though it had not been enforced at the time Dangote lowered its prices.

The refinery emphasised that its decision to cut prices was purely in line with its commitment to ensuring Nigerians benefit from domestic refining. Since commencing operations, Dangote said it has reduced prices more than seven times, absorbed logistics costs to maintain nationwide uniform pricing during festive periods, and helped eliminate the chronic fuel scarcity typically associated with year-end months.

Dangote also criticised the importation of what it described as “substandard products,” warning that such practices amount to dumping—an economic threat that previously contributed to the collapse of Nigeria’s once-thriving textile industry. It maintained that imported fuels are often sold at higher pump prices than its own premium-grade products.

Despite recent market speculation, the refinery stressed that it remains focused on long-term energy security and market stability, backed by an investment exceeding $20 billion. The company said it is “unfazed by temporary policy shifts” and is committed to supplying high-quality petroleum products benchmarked against international standards.

“We urge media organisations and stakeholders to rely on verified information. Dangote Petroleum Refinery will continue to operate with integrity, transparency and a firm commitment to Nigeria’s energy needs,” the statement added.

NNPC Ltd Unveils Health Insurance Scheme for Over 7,000 Fuel Station Attendants

By
Kazeem Busari
-
Credit: NNPC Ltd / X

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has introduced a comprehensive health insurance scheme for thousands of service attendants working across its retail fuel stations nationwide, marking a major step forward in employee welfare and service improvement.

The initiative, known as the Attendants’ Health Insurance Scheme, was launched by NNPC Retail Limited in partnership with NNPC HMO. The scheme will onboard more than 7,000 station attendants onto the NNPC HMO platform, granting them access to quality healthcare services in hospitals across the country.

Speaking at the launch held at the NNPC Mega Station in Abuja, the Executive Director, Retail Operations and Mobility, Baba-Shettima Kukawa, who represented the Managing Director of NNPC Retail Limited, described the scheme as a major milestone in the company’s commitment to improving customer service.

Credit: NNPC Ltd / X

He stated that service attendants are the corporation’s frontline ambassadors and that their wellbeing directly influences customer experience and service quality.

“We have developed a comprehensive package known as the ‘Attendant Framework’, which focuses on enhancing their overall welfare. As part of this initiative, we are pleased to announce the rollout of HMO coverage effective this month,” Kukawa said. “Our goal is to elevate service delivery, ensuring that every customer interaction reflects care, professionalism, and excellence.”

Kukawa added that the health insurance initiative goes beyond staff welfare and is aimed at strengthening operational efficiency, improving productivity and supporting long-term business growth. He noted that NNPC Retail was “going beyond the pump” to reinforce its commitment to both staff and customers.

Also speaking at the event, the Deputy Director of Information Technology, Ademola Adebusuyi, who represented the Managing Director of NNPC HMO, emphasised that the organisation had partnered with trusted healthcare providers to ensure attendants receive reliable medical care nationwide.

“Good health is the foundation of productivity, and we encourage you to fully utilize this opportunity,” he said. “Through this scheme, we want every attendant to feel supported, knowing that when illness strikes, they are not alone.”

A customer service attendant at the NNPC Retail Mega Station, Abuja, Dorcas Luke Onyeche, commended the management for prioritising their wellbeing. She noted that the health insurance package would boost workers’ confidence and motivate them to deliver better service to customers.

The scheme marks a significant expansion of NNPC’s welfare-driven initiatives as the company continues to evolve into a commercially driven national energy company focused on operational excellence and customer satisfaction.

Arsenal Face Major Injury Blow Ahead of North London Derby

By
Kazeem Busari
-
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta,

Arsenal have been hit by a significant fitness concern as they prepare to host Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium on 23 November 2025. According to a report from EPL Index, several key players remain unavailable, casting doubt on the Gunners’ ability to field a fully fit side for the high-stakes North London derby.

Since suffering a hamstring injury in Arsenal’s 2-0 win at Burnley on 1 November, summer signing Viktor Gyökeres has not featured in any matches — he missed both the Champions League win over Slavia Prague and the 1-1 draw at Sunderland. Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta admitted that there is still “no news” on his return as the club continues to assess the extent of the injury.

Meanwhile, defensive option Riccardo Calafiori was seen training apart from the Italy squad with a hip concern but has since resumed international duties, offering a glimmer of hope that he might be available for the Spurs clash.

Up front, both Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli are edging closer to full fitness. Havertz, who has missed nearly three months following knee surgery, has been touted by Arteta as a “huge boost” should he return in time. Martinelli has been sidelined since the win over Crystal Palace and though his presence is expected, no exact return date has been confirmed.

Captain Martin Ødegaard and winger Noni Madueke have also been working through injury issues — Ødegaard with a knee problem and Madueke following a knee scare ruled out as an ACL tear. Arteta remains cautiously optimistic that most of these key players could be available ahead of the derby.

Pep’s The Best, Dickov Insists

By
Kazeem Busari
-
Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola

Former Manchester City forward Paul Dickov has publicly declared that Pep Guardiola remains the Premier League’s top tactician, insisting his former boss still outshines Mikel Arteta in managerial prowess. Dickov’s comments come amid simmering debate over who leads the current era of English football bosses.

Speaking to Football365, Dickov praised Guardiola’s tactical masterclass in City’s recent match against Liverpool, saying the Spaniard “still got it,” and detailing how his strategic tweaks at midfield left Liverpool specialists unable to adapt.

He singled out a particular formation shift involving Rayan Cherki, Matheus Nunes, Nico O’Reilly, and Jérémy Doku, which he described as “top, top class.”

Despite circulating reports suggesting Guardiola might soon depart City, Dickov expressed confidence in his continued commitment to the club. He noted the Spaniard’s evident enthusiasm for working with City’s younger stars, and said that Guardiola “looks as fresh and as driven as he was from the first day” at the Etihad.

The endorsement from Dickov carries extra weight given his long association with Manchester City during his playing career. His comments underline the prevailing view among some former insiders that, while Arteta has made important strides at Arsenal, Guardiola’s managerial mastery remains unmatched.

Google Warns Android Users: Avoid Installing These Suspicious VPN Apps

By
Kazeem Busari
-

Tech giant Google has issued a fresh alert advising Android users to steer clear of certain apps masquerading as virtual private network (VPN) services, because they may covertly install malware, banking trojans or other harmful software, Tech Advisor reports.

According to the warning, the malicious apps often exploit demand for tools to bypass age or location verification — for example, to access adult websites or stream geo-restricted content — and are distributed via deceptive adverts or fake brands. Installed unnoticed, they can harvest sensitive data, hijack banking credentials or even encrypt a user’s files for ransom.

Google emphasised that legitimate VPN services — especially those offering paid subscriptions with robust security reputations — can typically be trusted. But it strongly advised users to avoid free or unknown VPN apps, particularly those downloaded from unofficial websites, email attachments or redirected adverts.

Suggested best practices include: installing apps only from the Google Play Store, verifying developer authenticity, checking for official “VPN badge” indicators, reviewing the permissions requested by the app, and being particularly cautious of apps touting extreme capabilities with little track record.

Security analysts say this alert swaps a spotlight on the increasing sophistication of cyber-criminals exploiting the VPN niche: “Threat actors are distributing apps that look legitimate but embed portals for data theft or remote control,” one expert noted.

For Android users, the takeaway is clear: vet apps rigorously before installation, treat free offers with suspicion, and ensure mobile security practices are up to date. The risk, Google warns, is not just unwanted ads — it could be a full compromise of your personal data or finances.

FG Delays 15% Fuel Import Duty as Market Concerns Mount

By
Kazeem Busari
-
Nigeria President Bola Tinubu

The Federal Government has announced a postponement in the implementation of a 15 per cent import duty on petrol and diesel, originally approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in October and scheduled to take effect later this year. The review comes amid fears over market readiness and the potential for further inflationary pressures.

The policy was intended as part of the administration’s broader fiscal strategy to boost non-oil revenues and support domestic refining industries, most notably the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. However, industry groups and fuel importers raised objections to the plan, warning it could raise landing costs, reduce competition, and jeopardise supply—especially with the holiday season approaching.

In a statement, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) said the duty’s implementation is “no longer in view” and affirmed that there is “adequate supply of petroleum products” in the country. The regulator also urged Nigerians to avoid hoarding or panic buying.

The knocked-back timeline signals an important shift. Initially set to begin from November 21, 2025, the duty would have added roughly ₦100 per litre to petrol prices according to industry estimates—raising fresh cost-of-living concerns amid Nigeria’s already elevated inflation environment.

Explaining the government’s position, a finance ministry memo noted the need for “market readiness,” highlighting that rolling out such a duty without guaranteeing refining capacity and stable supply could undermine the broader energy reform agenda. With local refining capacity still under expansion, authorities preferred to delay rather than risk supply disruption or public backlash.

Fuel marketers welcomed the delay, describing it as a ‘breather’ that allows time to adapt. However, some domestic refiners cautioned that further postponements may send mixed signals to investors and weaken the imperative to shift away from imported fuel.

AFCON 2025: CAF, LOC Announce Free e-Visa For Fans

By
Kazeem Busari
-

Supporters set to attend next month’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco will benefit from a free electronic visa (e-visa), the tournament organisers announced today. The decision was made by the Local Organising Committee (LOC) and the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) to ease entry for international and African fans.

Under the arrangement, travellers can apply for both their Fan ID and the visa simultaneously using the official tournament smartphone application, the YALLA App. The event runs from December 21, 2025 to January 18, 2026 and will take place in nine stadiums across six host cities in Morocco.

According to the statement on CAF website, fans must download the YALLA App from the Google Play Store, the App Store or access the web portal at yallamorocco.ma. Once registered, visitors complete a Fan ID form and, as required, submit the e-visa request — all at no cost. A dedicated help desk, available 24/7 in Arabic, English and French, has been set up to guide applicants.

The LOC said: “Electronic visas to enter Morocco … are now free of charge for supporters attending the competition.” It added that the streamlined process reflects a commitment to delivering a “world-class spectator experience for Africa’s greatest football celebration.”

CAF and the LOC emphasised that the initiative aims to reduce administrative burdens, eliminate visa fees for most visitors, and enhance convenience while maintaining robust security. The Fan ID remains mandatory for stadium access and entry to official fan zones.

Ticket sales already show a surge in demand via the tournament’s official platform, tickets.cafonline.com, as fans respond to the improved access measures. Organisers believe the visa-free initiative will boost attendance, especially by diaspora communities and regional supporters in West and Central Africa.

Former Georgian President Seeks ‘Civilian Prisoner of War’ Status

By
Kazeem Busari
-
Mikheil Saakashvili

Mikheil Saakashvili, the jailed former president of Georgia, has made a public appeal to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, asking to be included on the list of civilian prisoners of war in Ukraine’s conflict with Russia. The request, made via a Facebook post, has sparked fresh attention to his political and legal battles.

Saakashvili, who also holds Ukrainian citizenship, framed his appeal around his previous service in Ukraine — notably his time as head of the Odesa Regional State Administration and as chairman of Ukraine’s National Reform Council. He accused the Georgian government of being “pro-Russian” and said his detention in Georgia is politically motivated.

In his post, he recalled that he was recently transferred from a clinic back to Rustavi Prison in Georgia, and claimed the move forced him to return to the very prison staff he believes attempted to poison him in March 2022.

Saakashvili contended that his persecution is directly tied to the broader war: “It is absolutely clear that my persecution and my fate are linked to the war,” he wrote, urging Zelenskyy to treat him as a civilian captive under wartime legal protections.

Georgia’s Special Penitentiary Service said his return to prison followed a medical stay and claimed his health is “satisfactory,” a description Saakashvili strongly disputes.

Saakashvili has been serving a lengthy prison sentence in Georgia, where he was convicted on charges including abuse of power and illegal border crossing — convictions he and his supporters reject as politically motivated.

He had previously returned to Georgia in 2021, after years in exile, leading to his arrest upon arrival.

1...363738...47Page 37 of 47

EDITOR PICKS

Recent Posts

© 2026 Metro-Standard