Football's Rollercoaster Year | Controversies, Scandals, and Key Moments Unveiled

 Football's Rollercoaster Year | Controversies, Scandals, and Key Moments Unveiled

Preparations for Saltamami have started in the last part of the year. In the meantime, various events have started on the football stage with the best players of the year and positive events. Recently the BBC announced the Sports Personality of the Year award. However, not only the positive events that happened throughout the year. The world of football has also witnessed a lot of negative events. Some incidents have tarnished football.

Barcelona and Brazil star Dani Alves was arrested on rape charges earlier this year. Spanish football president Luis Rubiales sparked controversy by kissing Spanish footballer Heni Hermoso on the lips during the Women's World Cup final. Rubiales was finally dismissed by FIFA in this incident. Apart from this, among others, Jordan Henderson, one of the 'icons' of English football, went to Saudi Arabia, which has also given rise to controversy. This year's football is organized with some controversial people.

Dani Alvez

Dani Alves of Pumas UNAM reacts during the 1st round match between Pumas UNAM and FC Juarez as part of the Torneo Clausura 2023 Liga MX at Olimpico Universitario Stadium on January 08, 2023 in Mexico City, Mexico.(Image-Getty)

The incident started on December 30 last year. It was alleged that Brazilian football star Dani Alvez tried to rape a woman in a night club in Barcelona that day. Alvez immediately denied the allegations. But even this did not save him. Barcelona police arrested Alvez on January 20. Since then, this former Barcelona star has been in discussion throughout the year. Rumors of him getting a big punishment after saying three things in the deposition also surfaced. In the beginning, he got his wife by his side, but it did not take time to change the situation.

At one stage the wife also turned away from Alvez. Alvez's wife, Joanna Sange, announced the separation herself on social media. Since then, Alvez has been fighting to prove himself innocent. Alvez is not at all in an advantageous position in the legal battle, though. The victim's lawyer demanded that he be sentenced to 12 years in prison for sexual assault. Alvez's trial will begin in Spanish courts on February 5-7 next year. Alves will be at the top of the list of football villains of the year mainly because of the big allegations.

Luis Rubiales

Former Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales (R) arrives at Spain's National High Court on September 15, 2023 in Madrid, Spain. The former Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales has been summoned to court by an investigating judge to be heard as a defendant and respond to accusations of sexual assault after his kiss on football captain Jenni Hermoso's lips at the Women's World Cup final(Image-Getty)

Spanish football president Luis Rubiales in talks after the Women's World Cup final in Sydney on August 20. Since Rubiales kissed Hermoso on the lips on the awards stage at the end of the final, there has been a storm of controversy in world football. At the beginning with criticism, but later the process of taking legal action against him also started. Hermoso also filed a case against Rubiales over the kissing incident. He filed a complaint at the country's attorney general's office.

However, Rubiales denied all the accusations brought against him from the beginning. However, at one stage Rubiales was forced to resign due to pressure from four quarters. He stepped down not only from the position of president of the Spanish Football Federation, but also from the position of vice-president of the UEFA executive committee. FIFA also suspended him from football activities. In this incident, Rubiales also got a place in the list of the best captains of the year.

Jordan Henderson

Jordan Henderson reacts after the Saudi Pro League match between Al-Ettifaq and Al-Ittihad at Al Ettifaq Stadium on November 24, 2023 in Al Dammam, Saudi Arabia(Image-Getty)

Saudi Arabia has brought a big revolution in football this year. Starting with Cristiano Ronaldo, one star after another has moved from Europe to Saudi Arabia in the summer transfer. Where there are stars like Karim Benzema, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane. However, England's vice-captain Jordan Henderson has come under the most criticism after going to Saudi Arabia. In the past few years, Henderson has established himself as an important figure in English football with his leadership and personality not only on the field but also off the field.

Henderson was also known as a vocal voice against injustice and immorality outside of football. Henderson is also highly respected and popular among the players. When the Premier League and the PFA needed a leader on and off the field during the coronavirus pandemic, it was Henderson. That is why many people could not accept his decision to go to Saudi Arabia. Henderson has come under increasing criticism due to the deteriorating human rights situation in Saudi Arabia in particular. And because of this, the former Liverpool captain also got a place in the list of the best captain of the year.

Farooq Koza

In mid-December, after the match between Ankaragucu and Rizespor drew 1-1 in Turkey's top league, Ankaragucu president Faruk Koza gave birth to an incredible incident. Koza punched the referee on the field and threw him to the ground. After this incident, there was a storm of protest in the football world. The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) has also taken disciplinary action against Koza. Koz was banned from football for life by the TFF. Apart from this, the club was also fined 20 lakh liras. Apart from this, other officials were also given fines and warnings for various periods of time.