Traore Leaves Lyon for Aston Villa

Burkina Faso forward Bertrand Traore. Reuters file photo
Burkina Faso forward Bertrand Traore. Reuters file photo
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Traore Leaves Lyon for Aston Villa

Burkina Faso forward Bertrand Traore. Reuters file photo
Burkina Faso forward Bertrand Traore. Reuters file photo

Aston Villa has signed Burkina Faso forward Bertrand Traore from French top-flight club Lyon subject to international clearance, the Premier League club announced on Saturday.

No fee was disclosed but media reports put it at around 17 million pounds ($21.9 million).

“We’re delighted that Bertrand has chosen to come to Villa," manager Dean Smith said. “He’s a player with immense talent who will really enhance our attacking options.”

Traore began his career with Villa’s Premier League rivals Chelsea and has also had loan spells with Dutch clubs Vitesse Arnhem and Ajax Amsterdam.

The 25-year-old striker follows the arrival of Ollie Watkins from second-tier Brentford for a club record 28 million pounds fee earlier this month.

Villa launches its league campaign at home to Sheffield United on Monday.



Jordan Refuses to Play Israel over Gaza War, Forfeits Match

FIBA U19
FIBA U19
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Jordan Refuses to Play Israel over Gaza War, Forfeits Match

FIBA U19
FIBA U19

Jordan refused to play Israel at the FIBA Under-19 Basketball World Cup in Switzerland on Sunday in protest at the Gaza war, Jordanian media reported, and the international basketball federation said the game would be forfeited in favor of Israel.

The official Jordan News Agency said the local basketball federation "sent an official request to the International Federation (FIBA) not to play the match in line with its principles and steadfast positions in such circumstances."

The Jordanian federation did not reveal any further details, but Jordanian newspaper Ad-Dustour said the decision was due to the war on Gaza, reported Reuters.

Amos Frishman, president of the Israeli Basketball Federation, expressed regret at Jordan's decision.

"I strongly believe that sport is a bridge between people and cultures and not a political arena," he was quoted by local media as saying.