The Benue state government has asked three former Lobi Stars vice-chairmen to return N2.4 billion into the club’s coffer.

In a statement on Friday, Tersoo Kula, the press secretary to Hyacinth Alia, governor of Benue, said the revelation was included in a white paper report of a forensic audit investigation into Lobi’s finances inaugurated by the state government.

Alia launched a probe into the club’s funds in October 2024. The investigative committee studied the handover notes submitted by the outgoing board of the club and Lobi’s income.

The investigation report covers Lobi’s financial details from January 2020 to September 2024.

Kula said the audit report, released to the state government in November 2024, revealed that Lobi Stars generated N3,759,820,269 during the period under review.

However, he added that only N1,314,807,672 of the generated sum could be accounted for.

The statement then demanded the three immediate past vice-chairmen of Lobi Stars refund the deficit to the club’s account.

“The breakdown indicates that Mr Mike Idoko and others who worked with him are to refund the sum of two hundred and forty-three million, nine hundred and fifty-five thousand, and eighty-one naira, forty-four kobo (₦243,955,081.44) for the period of 2020-2021,” the statement reads.

“Mr. Emmanuel Taman and others who worked under him are to refund four hundred and thirty-four million, three hundred and eighteen thousand, nine hundred and sixty-four naira, twelve kobo (₦434,318,964.12) for 2021-2022.

“Mr. Dominic Iorfa and others are to refund the sum of six hundred and ninety-two million, four hundred and fifty-three thousand, nine hundred and twenty-seven naira, sixty kobo (₦692,453,927.60) for 2022-2023, and seven hundred and two million, eight hundred and seventy-five thousand naira (₦702,875,000) for 2023-2024, as well as three hundred and seventy-one million, four hundred and nine thousand, six hundred and twenty-three naira, seventy-six kobo (₦371,409,623.76) for 2024-2025.”

The committee also recommended that Lobi Stars be registered as a revenue-generating company and that funds from the club’s sponsors be deposited directly into the club’s account.

The panel also advocated for the club’s independence, stating that Benue’s sports ministry should no longer control or interfere in its day-to-day operations.

Everton have sacked Sean Dyche as the club’s manager.

The Merseyside club announced the dismissal of the 53-year-old English manager in a statement on Thursday.

Everton also dismissed Ian Woan, Steve Stone, Mark Howard and Billy Mercer — members of Dyche’s crew.

The club said Seamus Coleman, the team’s captain, will temporarily take charge of first-team affairs alongside Leighton Baines, Everton’s U-18 head coach.

“The process to appoint a new manager is under way and an update will be provided in due course,” the statement reads.

Dyche leaves his post a few hours before Everton played Peterborough in the third round of the FA Cup.

On Saturday, Everton suffered their eighth league defeat of the season following a 1-0 league loss to Bournemouth. The result left the Toffees in 16th position, just one point from relegation places as Everton fights against the drop in consecutive seasons.

Roberto Carlos, former Real Madrid defender, has refuted reports claiming he is homeless following an acrimonious split with his estranged wife.

Recently, there were reports that Carlos, now Real Madrid’s director of institutional relations, has moved into the club’s training ground at Valdebabas after leaving his private residence in Spain, where he had lived since retiring from football in 2016.

The reports claimed that the 51-year-old is sleeping at the club facility following a complicated divorce settlement between him and Mariana Lucon, his wife of 15 years.

The rumours added that the wife has staked a claim at the couple’s matrimonial residence, while her family occupies Carlos’ second property.

However, in a tweet on Wednesday, Carlos dismissed the reports as “false and damaging” and “baseless rumours” which were “designated to generate clicks”.

The Brazilian added that he lives “in a private residence, supported by members of my family”.

“In recent days, I have become aware of false and damaging stories circulating about me and my family.

“While I value privacy, I feel compelled to address the baseless rumours about my living situation. These fabricated stories are entirely false and seem designated to generate clicks.

“I remain in a private residence, supported by members of my family.

“My legal team is reviewing these claims and will take appropriate action.

The 2022 World Cup winner then asked that his privacy be respected “during this time”.

Carlos and Lucon married in June 2009 and have two daughters – Manuela and Mariana.