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Joan Laporta: Barcelona President Will Not Resign Over Disputed Payments To Referees’ Chief

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Barcelona president Joan Laporta, right, has rejected a call to resign by La Liga’s president

Barcelona’s Joan Laporta says he will not give La Liga chief executive Javier Tebas “what he’d like by stepping down” as president of the club.

On Monday, Tebas said Laporta should resign if he was unable to explain payments Barcelona made to Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira, a former vice-president of Spain’s referees’ committee.

“That is for the club’s members to decide,” said Laporta on Tuesday, who was elected by a large majority of club members in March 2021. “Anyone who tries to tarnish the history and image of Barcelona will receive a strong response.”

Laporta also claimed Tebas was “obsessed” with his club.

The scandal around the payments escalated on Tuesday, with 18 of the 20 La Liga clubs issuing a statement to express “deep concern” over the situation.

Last Wednesday, it emerged Barca had made payments to a company owned by Negreira totalling a reported 1.4m euros (£1.2m) between 2016 and 2018.

It was later revealed the club had paid 77-year-old Negreira about 7m euros between 2001 and 2018, the year he left his role with the referees’ committee.

Barcelona are racing towards their first La Liga title in four years after taking an eight-point lead over Real Madrid, but the situation has cast a cloud over their season.

“The majority of La Liga clubs expressed their deep concern about this case, which they consider to be of the utmost seriousness,” read the statement issued by La Liga on behalf of the 18 clubs and all those from the second division.

“The proposal for a joint statement received the unanimous support of all [second division] clubs and all La Liga clubs except for two, who objected to this joint statement for different reasons.

“La Liga and the clubs’ executive committee reject and condemn the facts, and are deeply concerned and actively working to clarify any irregularities that may have occurred around the Negreira case, whether of a sporting or any other nature.”

How did we get here?

The payments, first revealed by radio station Ser Catalunya, came to light following an investigation by tax authorities into Negreira’s company Dasnil 95.

Barcelona acknowledged the club had paid the company, which it described as “an external technical consultant” to compile video reports related to professional referees “with the aim of complementing the information required by the coaching staff”.

It added that contracting the reports was “a habitual practice among professional clubs”.

The club also criticised the timing of the revelations, saying it “regrets that this information has appeared just while the team is enjoying its best moment of the season”.

Barcelona coach Xavi, who won eight La Liga titles with them as a player between 1998 and 2015, said he had no knowledge of the payments and never had the feeling his team had any advantage.

“I always wanted to win, but fairly. If I thought we were cheating I’d have gone home,” he said after Barca’s 2-2 draw with Manchester United in the Europa League.

Laporta fights back

Laporta said on Tuesday the club would launch an internal investigation into the payments.

But he also rounded on Tebas in the latest chapter of an escalating rift between the pair.

Since Laporta returned to the club, he and Tebas have had numerous disagreements, beginning with Barcelona’s role in the bid to launch the European Super League.

Laporta has also opposed the league’s financial controls, which led to Barca parting ways with Lionel Messi in 2021.

Barcelona, along with Real Madrid and Athletic Bilbao, also declined to agree to the league’s deal with private equity firm CVC in 2021.

“Some had already warned us that it seemed Tebas was pushing a reputational campaign against Barca and against me,” Laporta added.

“The mask has come off. He continues with his obsession with Barca, with his fear of our club.

“His intention is to control Barca from a distance, which is what he has been doing in recent years.”

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YTJ Announces New Single “JO,”

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Rising Afro-fusion artist builds on the momentum of “Closer” with an energetic new release made for dance floors worldwide
Recoup Records announces the forthcoming release of “JO,” the new single from rising Afro-fusion artist YTJ, arriving on all major digital streaming platforms September 10, 2026.
The release follows the growing international success of YTJ’s previous single, “Closer,” which has generated more than 4 million combined YouTube views and surpassed 3 million audio streams within two months of release. The record has also received airplay across more than 70 radio stations and 30 television channels worldwide, while reaching No. 63 on YouTube Music in Nairobi, Kenya.
With “JO,” YTJ enters the next phase of his sound and creative direction.
Driven by infectious rhythm, vibrant production and an unmistakable celebratory energy, “JO” is an Afro-fusion record built for movement. The single pairs YTJ’s melodic approach with a polished, high-energy production designed to connect across clubs, parties, festivals and playlists globally.
The visual world surrounding the release reflects that same energy. Built around a striking red-lit aesthetic, the “JO” campaign presents a confident and elevated side of YTJ as he continues to expand his presence beyond his home market and reach new audiences internationally.
“My intention with ‘Closer’ was simply to make something that would connect with people, and the response went beyond what I imagined,” says YTJ. “With ‘JO,’ I wanted to take that energy somewhere new. This record is a celebration — and we’re just getting started.”»
“JO” arrives at a pivotal moment for YTJ. Following the momentum established by “Closer,” the new single signals an artist increasingly focused on creating music that bridges cultures while remaining rooted in the rhythm, melody and energy of contemporary African music.
For Recoup Records, the release represents another step in the label’s commitment to developing YTJ’s international profile and introducing his music to a broader global audience.
“JO” by YTJ is available across all major digital streaming platforms HERE

ABOUT YTJ
YTJ is an emerging Afro-fusion artist whose music blends contemporary African rhythms, melody and global influences. With a growing international audience and millions of streams and views across digital platforms, YTJ is building a sound and identity designed to travel beyond borders.
Following the international response to “Closer,” YTJ continues his next chapter with “JO,” expanding his creative vision while establishing himself as an emerging voice in the new generation of African music.
ABOUT RECOUP RECORDS
Recoup Records is an independent music company focused on artist development, music distribution and building globally competitive African talent. Through strategic releases, media partnerships and international promotion, the label works to connect its artists and music with audiences around the world.
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Josh2Funny’s Album Has Fans Talking — But Should He Stick To Music Or Skits?

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Josh2Funny’s Album Has Fans Talking — But Should He Stick To Music Or Skits? 😂🎶

 

 

Nigerian comedian and content creator Josh2Funny has taken his comedy game into music, and Nigerians are definitely having something to say about it.

The comedian released his 15-track album, “On Behalf of Josh,” on July 10, 2026, but instead of fading away after release, the project has continued to generate conversations on X.

And the big question now is:

Should Josh2Funny continue with music or go back to skits? 😂

Fans have been divided. While some listeners openly criticized the album and told him to return to comedy, others found songs they genuinely enjoyed.

One X user joked:

“Josh2Funny stopped doing skits and started music, Everybody wan chop this music money 😂”

Another simply said:

“This Josh2Funny Album no enter make he just go back skit abeg 😂”

But then came “Lembe.” 🔥

The track caught fire on X and eventually became a trending topic in Nigeria. The #LembeChallenge also gained momentum as creators began jumping on the song.

Josh2Funny later announced ₦1 million for winners of the challenge, giving the song another major push.

And it didn’t stop there.

‘INTERNATIONAL’ FT. ICE PRINCE ALSO TRENDED

On another day, “International” featuring Ice Prince generated its own buzz on X.

One fan even called it their favourite song from the album, while praising the collaboration. The post itself pulled thousands of views, showing that people weren’t only talking about Lembe.

From album criticism to trending songs and challenges, “On Behalf of Josh” has kept Josh2Funny’s name in the conversation.

Whether you love the album or think he should return to skits, one thing is clear:

Josh2Funny has succeeded in getting Nigerians talking. 😂🔥

So, let’s settle this once and for all:

Should Josh2Funny continue with MUSIC 🎶 or return to SKITS 😂?

Music or Skits? Drop your answer! 👇

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Obeena Delivers Show-Stopping Performance at Igbotic Game Night in East London

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East Ham, East London — 8 August 2026: The vibrant Igbo community in the UK came together for an unforgettable evening of entertainment, culture and social connection at Igbotic Game Night, one of the biggest social gatherings celebrating the Igbo community in the United Kingdom.

Among the night’s standout moments was an electrifying performance by Afrobeats artist Obeena, who took the stage and immediately captured the attention of the crowd.

Obeena delivered performances of two of his hit songs, “Wara Wara” and “Banging,” bringing his energetic sound and distinctive stage presence to the event. From the opening moments of his set, fans responded with excitement, singing along, dancing and enthusiastically supporting the artist.

His performance of “Wara Wara” created an instant connection with the audience, while “Banging” took the energy to another level. Obeena’s ability to engage the crowd transformed his set into one of the most memorable entertainment moments of the evening.

Held in East Ham, East London, on 8 August 2026, Igbotic Game Night provided a unique platform for members of the Igbo community to celebrate their heritage while enjoying music, games and social interaction. Events such as this continue to play an important role in bringing together Nigerians and the wider African diaspora in the UK.

For Obeena, the performance was another opportunity to showcase his growing artistry and connect directly with fans. His energetic delivery, stage confidence and ability to command the audience demonstrated why his live performances continue to attract attention.

By the end of his set, Obeena had left the crowd amazed and added another memorable chapter to his journey as an Afrobeats artist. His appearance at Igbotic Game Night was not simply a performance—it was a celebration of Nigerian music, culture and community.

 

With performances like this, Obeena continues to demonstrate his ambition to take his sound beyond the studio and onto major stages, connecting with audiences through music, energy and an unmistakable African identity.

Igbotic Game Night brought the Igbo community together. Obeena gave them a performance to remember.

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