DUTCH REFEREE ROB DIEPERINK DIES WEEKS AFTER REMOVAL FROM WORLD CUP OFFICIATING LIST. (PHOTO).

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 Dutch referee Rob Dieperink dies weeks after removal from World Cup officiating list Dutch referee Rob Dieperink has died at the age of 38, weeks after FIFA removed him from its list of officials for the World Cup. The Dutch Football Association (KNVB) confirmed his death in a statement, saying it was “shocked and deeply saddened” by the news. His cause of death has not been disclosed. Dieperink was arrested in April by the Metropolitan Police in the United Kingdom following a report of an alleged sexual assault involving a teenage boy in London. A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said officers responded on April 9 to a report of sexual assault at an address in Croydon and arrested a man in his 30s on suspicion of the offence. Police later said that after reviewing available evidence, including CCTV footage and digital devices, the investigation had concluded that “the evidential threshold had not been met” and no further action would be taken. Following the investigation, FIFA co...

I DIDN'T SHAKE GOVERNOR'S HANDS OUT OF RESPECT- AHMED MUSA. (VIDEO/PHOTO).


 I didn’t shake gov’s hands out of respect – Ahmed Musa



Amid a social media storm surrounding a controversial video clip showing his greeting gestures, Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa has defended himself.


He described his action as a sign of cultural respect while calling for a shift in attention towards the pressing issues facing the nation.


Musa’s remarks follow a video that went viral online on Monday showing him shaking hands with the Kano State deputy governor while seemingly ignoring Governor Abba Yusuf, although he was bowing to him.


However, reacting in a statement on Tuesday, Musa said, “It has come to my attention that on a moment captured almost a month ago, has unexpectedly become the centre of attention on social media. It is disheartening to see a simple act of cultural respect blown out of proportion.”


Explaining the significance behind his gestures, the footballer emphasised the deep-rooted traditions of the Northern culture.


“In our Northern culture, the gesture of kneeling, shaking hands, etc. signifies the highest form of respect. This was my intention when I greeted the deputy governor in such a manner.


“However, when it came to greeting the governor, I chose to bow and not shake his hands, honouring him in a way that is deeply rooted in tradition,” he explained.


Ahmed Musa expressed disappointment that the incident has garnered such widespread attention, even from national media outlets, diverting focus from more pressing matters facing the country.


“It’s unfortunate that amidst all the pressing issues our nation faces – economic hardships, security challenges, religious clashes, and more – this seemingly insignificant moment has garnered so much attention,” he lamented.


The former Leicester City striker added, “What’s even more disheartening are the comments questioning my respectfulness, especially from those who don’t know me personally.”


Musa urged Nigerians to redirect their energy towards finding solutions to the nation’s problems rather than getting caught up in needless distractions.


“Let’s pause for a moment and reflect on where we choose to direct our energy. Shouldn’t it be towards finding solutions to the problems plaguing our society rather than getting caught up in needless distractions?


“I urge us all to channel our collective efforts towards addressing the real issues at hand. Let’s focus on uplifting one another, fostering unity, and working towards a better future for all,” he concluded.

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