Peter Nogli, former Hamburg captain, dies at the age of 79 and other football details

The German Football Club Hamburg announced the death of Peter Nogli, the former team captain, on Thursday, at the age of 79, citing his family.

Hamburg stated on Friday that Nogli died after a long and arduous struggle with illness, describing him as “a prominent figure and an inspiring symbol,” in addition to being “beloved by the fans and one of the best defenders” in the club’s history.

Nogli played for Hamburg from 1969 to 1980, winning the German League title (Bundesliga), the German Cup, and the European Cup Winners' Cup. He played 320 matches in the “Bundesliga”, and was captain of the team in 122 matches, an achievement that was surpassed only by Uwe Seeler.

Nogli left Hamburg to move to North America, and ended his playing career in Germany in 1989.

He was one of the first to have their names placed on the Hamburg Club’s “Walk of Fame,” and fans chose him as part of the club’s “Squad of the Century.” He also served as a member of the Supervisory Board between 2014 and 2017.

Belgian Charles de Kittilari confirmed that he had held talks with French club Paris Saint-Germain about a possible transfer during the summer transfer window, revealing that his club, the Italian Atalanta, requested 50 million euros to approve the sale, adding: “In the end, they chose Ferran Torres.”

De Kittilari's name was linked to a move to Paris Saint-Germain during the summer transfer period, a move that did not take place, and now the Belgian international player has revealed some details related to his summer negotiations.

In an interview with Belgian newspaper La Dernier Heure, De Kittilari was asked if there was any truth to the rumors that Atalanta had set a price of €50 million for the player over the summer.

“Yes, I think the amount was within that number,” De Cittellari confirmed.

He continued: “But we have to find a team willing to spend this amount. There are several teams in the Premier League capable of this, but it has not happened. “I spoke with Paris Saint-Germain, but they chose Ferran Torres in the end.”

He added: “I am happy in Atalanta; I realize how important it is to play regularly as a starter after my experience with Milan, to compete for titles one day. “I have this ambition, but I am still 25 years old and I have enough time.”

Ireland midfielder Jason Knight has become the first player in his country's national team to oppose playing against Israel in the European Nations League, scheduled for Sunday, for the first round of Group Two competitions within the second level of the competition.

The match will be held in the Hungarian city of Debrecen, despite continuous calls for Ireland to boycott the match.

No tickets for the match will be offered to Irish fans, after the Irish Football Association refused to obtain its allotted share of tickets.

Knight told reporters after Ireland's 0-1 loss to Kosovo on Thursday: “I don't think the match should be held, but it will be held.” “We will talk more deeply about it and what it means.”

He added: “I have a fair amount of experience. "None of us have ever been in a situation like this, but I'd like to think that I have the experience and stamina and that I can get through most things, and that's what I'll try to do."

Icelandic Heimir Hallgrimsson, Ireland's coach, said last week that some of his players feel uncomfortable about having to play the two matches against Israel.

The two teams are scheduled to meet again on October 4, at another neutral stadium in the Serbian city of Bačka Topola.

Knight, a player for Bristol City, competing in the English second-tier Championship League, said: “I will try to focus on football as much as possible.”

He added: “It is clear that there is more media interest, but it is not focused on football itself.”

He continued: “It is very unusual, and none of us have ever faced a situation like this, so we are learning how to deal with it at the same time.”

Ireland has long been a prominent supporter of the Palestinian cause, and sympathy for the Palestinians is often linked to the country's own history under British rule.

Dublin officially recognized a Palestinian state in 2024 alongside Spain and Norway, and has repeatedly criticized Israel's behavior during the war in Gaza.