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published July 24, 2026

Source BBC Sport

Pep Guardiola has turned down the chance to coach the Italian national side.

Earlier this week, Italian Football Federation (FIGC) president Giovanni Malago said talks had been held with Guardiola, who left Manchester City this summer after 10 years, and that “exceptions” could be made for his salary.

On Thursday, FIGC technical director Paolo Maldini said Italy first approached their former player Carlo Ancelotti, who is currently in charge of Brazil.

Ancelotti has agreed to stay in post and now Guardiola has informed the FIGC he intends to continue with his plan to take a break from the game, which will allow him to rest, spend more time with his family and travel.

In addition to a huge salary, the FIGC is understood to have effectively told Guardiola he could shape the job as he saw fit, as they tried to tempt one of the most successful coaches in the game to take charge of a side that has failed to qualify for three World Cups in a row.

However, after taking some time to consider the situation, he has said no.

It means former Italy playmaker Andrea Pirlo, currently head coach of Dubai-based United FC, is the frontrunner to be tasked with navigating Italy through a Nations League group that includes France, Belgium and Turkey in the autumn and then try to qualify for Euro 2028.

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Published: July 22, 2026

Published at : 12: 50PM

By Saibu Terry

Former Vice President and 2024 New Patriotic Party (NPP) Presidential Candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has received a delegation of chiefs from the Dagbon Kingdom who officially informed him of the passing of Ndan Ya-Na Abukari Mahama II and the scheduled installation of the Regent.

In a statement shared on Thursday, Dr. Bawumia said the chiefs paid him a courtesy call to formally communicate the demise of the revered Dagbon overlord and the arrangements for the installation of the Regent in accordance with Dagbon tradition.

Reflecting on the late King’s legacy, Dr. Bawumia described Ndan Ya-Na Abukari Mahama II as a leader who served both Dagbon and Ghana with dignity, wisdom, and dedication.

He extended his heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family, the chiefs, and the people of Dagbon, praying for Allah’s mercy upon the late Ya-Na.

“Ndan Ya-Na served Dagbon and Ghana with dignity and wisdom. May Allah grant him Jannah and comfort the Royal Family, Chiefs and people of Dagbon,” Dr. Bawumia stated.

The passing of Ndan Ya-Na Abukari Mahama II has drawn tributes from across Ghana, with traditional authorities, political leaders, and the general public remembering his contributions to peace, unity, and the preservation of the rich cultural heritage of the Dagbon Kingdom.

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Published: July 23, 2026

Published at: 09:38am

By Saibu Terry

The Minister for Education and Member of Parliament for Tamale South, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to accelerating the development of the University for Development Studies (UDS) Yendi Campus.

The assurance was given on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, when the Minister received the newly inducted Vice-Chancellor of UDS, Professor Mohammed Muniru, for discussions on the future growth and transformation of the university.

A major highlight of the meeting was the accelerated completion of infrastructure at the UDS Yendi Campus. Hon. Haruna Iddrisu stressed that government remains committed to providing the necessary facilities to complete the campus in honour of the late Overlord of Dagbon, Ndan Ya-Na Abukari Mahama II, whose vision, advocacy and unwavering support were instrumental in the establishment and development of the campus.

The Minister noted that completing the project would not only preserve the late King’s legacy but also strengthen access to higher education and research opportunities in northern Ghana.

The discussions also focused on plans to expand the UDS Teaching Hospital to increase the training capacity for medical doctors and improve healthcare delivery across the Savannah Ecological Zone and the wider Northern Ghana region. The proposed expansion is expected to enhance clinical training while addressing the growing healthcare needs of communities in the area.

In addition, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu underscored the need to amend the recently enacted UDS Act to review the composition of the University’s Governing Council. According to the Minister, the amendment would ensure that the Council aligns with the new legal framework and promotes effective governance, accountability and the continued growth of the institution.

The meeting reflects the government’s broader commitment to strengthening tertiary education, expanding educational infrastructure and improving healthcare training to support national development