HOT GOSSIP:
Marquinhos, 20, is still Manchester United's target despite the French club's reluctance to part with
the Brazilian.
Schalke 04 are interested in signing Liverpool and Manchester United target Sami Khedira, 27. He has 3 months left on his contract.
Valencia are preparing to offer Arsenal and Manchester United
target Jose Luis Gaya, 19, a new contract after being impressed with the left-back this season.
Chelsea midfielder Eden Hazard, 24, has paid tribute to Blues manager Jose Mourinho and claims the pair have a "special
relationship" together.
Chelsea skipper John Terry, 34, has told Spurs striker Harry Kane, 21, he still has a long way to go if he is to be regarded as a top striker despite scoring 24 goals so far this season.
Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea, 24, rubbishes rumours saying that his relationship with club manager Van Gaal is frosty.
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers insists they remain on target for qualification for the Champions League despite their elimination from the Europa League this week.
28 February 2015
TODAY: ENGLISH PREMIERSHIP FIXTURES
Kick-offs are at 15:00 GMT unless stated:
West Ham v Crystal Palace (12:45 GMT)
Burnley v Swansea
Man Utd v Sunderland
Newcastle v Aston Villa
Stoke v Hull
West Brom v Southampton
GERMANY: FC BAYERN CELEBRATES 115TH ANNIVERSARY
FC Bayern celebrated their 115th anniversary on Friday night with a comfortable 4-1 win over FC Koln.
Bayern are now 11 points clear at the top of the Bundesliga table above 2nd place VfL Wolfsburg.
Goals from Bastian Schweinsteiger, Franck Ribéry, Arjen Robben and Robert Lewandowski secured their 3 points despite Anthony Ujah's consolation.
UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE STATISTICS
TOP SCORER
9 GOALS
Luiz Adriano
Shakhtar Donetsk
ON TARGET
20
Ronaldo
Real Madrid
TOP SCORER
18
Real Madrid
POSSESSION DIFFERENCE
48
APOEL 0 - 4 Barcelona
27 February 2015
China must train babies into Football - Chinese President
China qualified for its first ever World Cup appearance at the 2002 finals, which were held in Japan and South Korea. China loss all
three group games, without scoring a goal.
President Xi, a football fan, has three wishes for China thus to qualify for another World Cup, to host one and to win one.
EUROPA LEAGUE LAST -16 DRAW
Europa league last 16 draw
Everton v Dynamo Kiev
Zenit Petersburg v Torino
Villarreal v Sevilla
Club Brugge v Besiktas
Dnipro v Ajax
Wolfsburg v Inter Milan
Napoli v Dynamo Moscow
Fiorentina v Roma
EUROPE: WEEKEND FIXTURES
Fixtures this weekend
SATURDAY:
Spanish Primera División
9:45 PM - Espanyol vs Cordoba
German Bundesliga
9:30 PM -
Bayern vs FC Cologne
French Ligue 1
9:30 PM -
Marseille vs Caen
Portuguese Liga
10:30 PM -
Guimaraes vs Maritimo
28 Feb 2015
Barclays Premier League
2:45 PM -
West Ham vs Crystal Palace
5:00 PM -
Burnley vs Swansea City
5:00 PM -
Man United vs Sunderland
5:00 PM -
Newcastle vs Aston Villa
5:00 PM -
Stoke City vs Hull City
5:00 PM -
West Brom vs Southampton
Spanish Primera División
5:00 PM -
Granada vs Barcelona
7:00 PM -
Rayo Vallecano vs Levante
9:00 PM -
Almeria vs Deportivo La Coruña
11:00 PM -
Malaga vs Getafe
German Bundesliga
4:30 PM -
Bayer Lev vs SC Freiburg
4:30 PM -
Dortmund vs Schalke
4:30 PM -
Hannover 96 vs Stuttgart
4:30 PM -
Hertha Berlin vs FC Augsburg
4:30 PM -
TSG Hoffenheim vs Mainz
7:30 PM -
Frankfurt vs Hamburg SV
Italian Serie A
9:45 PM -
Chievo Verona vs AC Milan
French Ligue 1
5:00 PM -
Lille vs Lyon
9:00 PM -
Bordeaux vs Stade de Reims
9:00 PM -
Lens vs Stade Rennes
9:00 PM -
Lorient vs Bastia
9:00 PM -
Metz vs Evian Thonon Gaillard
9:00 PM -
Toulouse vs St Etienne
Portuguese Liga
6:00 PM - CD Nacional de Madeira vs Vitoria Setubal
6:00 PM - Gil Vicente vs Boavista
7:00 PM - Benfica vs Estoril
10:15 PM - Rio Ave vs Braga
South African Premiership
3:30 PM - Pretoria Univ vs Mpumalanga Black Aces
6:00 PM - Orlando Pirates vs Bay United
8:15 PM - Maritzburg Utd vs Free State Stars
01 Mar 2015
Capital One Cup Final:
6:00 PM -
Chelsea vs Tottenham Hotspur
Barclays Premier League
2:00 PM -
Liverpool vs Man City
4:05 PM -
Arsenal vs Everton
Spanish Primera División
1:00 PM - Valencia vs Real Sociedad
6:00 PM - Eibar vs Athletic Bilbao
8:00 PM - Sevilla FC vs Atletico Madrid
10:00 PM - Real Madrid vs Villarreal
German Bundesliga
4:30 PM - Borussia Monchengladbach vs Paderborn 07
6:30 PM - Werder Bremen vs VfL Wolfsburg
Italian Serie A
1:30 PM - Cagliari vs Hellas Verona
4:00 PM - Atalanta vs Sampdoria
4:00 PM - Cesena vs Udinese
4:00 PM - Genoa vs Parma
4:00 PM - Palermo vs Empoli
4:00 PM - Sassuolo vs Lazio
7:00 PM - Internazionale vs Fiorentina
9:45 PM - Torino vs Napoli
French Ligue 1
3:00 PM - Nantes vs Guingamp
6:00 PM - Montpellier vs Nice
10:00 PM - AS Monaco vs PSG
Portuguese Liga
6:00 PM - Academica de Coimbra vs Arouca
6:00 PM - FC Penafiel vs Moreirense
9:15 PM - FC Porto vs Sporting Lisbon
02 Mar 2015
Spanish Primera División
9:45 PM - Celta Vigo vs Elche
Italian Serie A
9:45 PM - AS Roma vs Juventus
Portuguese Liga
10:00 PM - Belenenses vs Paços de Ferreira.
FOOTBALL: TRANSFER NEWS
Chelsea are set to challenge Manchester United for the signature
of Southampton and England right-back Nathaniel Clyne, 23.
Manchester United will listen to offers at the end of the season for defender Rafael, 24, as manager Louis van Gaal prepares a
clearout.
Ivory Coast midfielder Cheick Tiote, 28, has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury.
Watford are considering signing former Bolton defender Zat Knight, 34, after taking him on trial.
ALSO
Manchester United striker Robin van Persie, 31, will be out for a month with ankle injury he suffered during last Saturday's defeat at Swansea.
Christian Benteke, 24, has been staying behind at training for extra shooting practice to try to improve his season's goal tally of three.
Manchester City are starting negotiations with midfielder Yaya Toure, 31, about a new contract with his current deal running until 2017.
Arsene Wenger will be allowed to spend £50m this summer and he is expected to improve his performance significantly.
Out-of-favour Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, 24, is set to lose his place in the Poland side to Artur Boruc if he continues to be an understudy at the Emirates to David Ospina.
Chelsea striker Diego Costa, 26, says he will not change the way he plays despite a recent three match ban imposed on him.
Liverpool are ready to give Jordon Ibe, 19, a five-year contract that will earn him more than quadruple of his current pay to around £25,000 a week.
of Southampton and England right-back Nathaniel Clyne, 23.
Manchester United will listen to offers at the end of the season for defender Rafael, 24, as manager Louis van Gaal prepares a
clearout.
Ivory Coast midfielder Cheick Tiote, 28, has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury.
Watford are considering signing former Bolton defender Zat Knight, 34, after taking him on trial.
ALSO
Manchester United striker Robin van Persie, 31, will be out for a month with ankle injury he suffered during last Saturday's defeat at Swansea.
Christian Benteke, 24, has been staying behind at training for extra shooting practice to try to improve his season's goal tally of three.
Manchester City are starting negotiations with midfielder Yaya Toure, 31, about a new contract with his current deal running until 2017.
Arsene Wenger will be allowed to spend £50m this summer and he is expected to improve his performance significantly.
Out-of-favour Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, 24, is set to lose his place in the Poland side to Artur Boruc if he continues to be an understudy at the Emirates to David Ospina.
Chelsea striker Diego Costa, 26, says he will not change the way he plays despite a recent three match ban imposed on him.
Liverpool are ready to give Jordon Ibe, 19, a five-year contract that will earn him more than quadruple of his current pay to around £25,000 a week.
26 February 2015
World Champion Fabio Cannavaro jailed
2006 World Player Of The Year Fabio Cannavaro, who captained Italy to the 2006 World Cup title, has been handed a 10-month jail sentence after breaking a police seal to enter his former home for a swim.
The 41-year-old, who played for Parma, Internazionale, Juventus and Real Madrid, and captained Italy to their 2006 World Cup triumph, has been under investigation for tax evasion.
Authorities in Naples seized almost €1m of goods linked to Cannavaro and his wife, as well as a €180,000 yacht in October.
Now the coach of Chinese side Guangzhou Evergrande – being handed a 10- month sentence. His wife, Daniela Arenoso, and his brother Paolo, who plays in Serie A for Sassuolo, were also given custodial sentences.
The 41-year-old, who played for Parma, Internazionale, Juventus and Real Madrid, and captained Italy to their 2006 World Cup triumph, has been under investigation for tax evasion.
Authorities in Naples seized almost €1m of goods linked to Cannavaro and his wife, as well as a €180,000 yacht in October.
Now the coach of Chinese side Guangzhou Evergrande – being handed a 10- month sentence. His wife, Daniela Arenoso, and his brother Paolo, who plays in Serie A for Sassuolo, were also given custodial sentences.
Transfer News And Gossip
TRANSFER GOSSIP
Former Chelsea winger Kevin De Bruyne, 23, says he would consider a Premier League return, with Manchester United mulling over a £30m bid for the former Chelsea player.
Liverpool and Manchester United are interested to learn that Brazil defender Danilo, 23, rejected a new Porto deal.
Tottenham want to sign Tunisia defender Abdennour, 25, and the Monaco player says he would consider a move.
Manchester United's Andreas Pereira, 19, could be set for a move to Juventus after the Brazilian attacking midfielder turned down a new contract.
18-year-old striker Robert Lipovac has been handed a trial with West Ham United. He currently plays for BK Hacken in Sweden.
Tottenham winger Aaron Lennon, 27, is keen to seal a permanent switch to Everton following his loan move - but the club could be put off by his £7m price tag.
OTHERS:
2006 World player of the year Fabio Cannavaro, who captained Italy to the 2006 World Cup title, has been handed a 10-month jail sentence after breaking a police seal to enter his former home for a swim.
Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea has not spoken to manager Louis van Gaal for months and is stalling on signing a new contract at Old Trafford.
Liverpool forward Raheem Sterling, 20, has hinted he is already prepared for a new deal at Anfield having been in negotiations over a new contract since the start of the season.
Chelsea's Eden Hazard has told Tottenham's players that kicking him in Sunday's final will not put him off his game.
Former Chelsea winger Kevin De Bruyne, 23, says he would consider a Premier League return, with Manchester United mulling over a £30m bid for the former Chelsea player.
Liverpool and Manchester United are interested to learn that Brazil defender Danilo, 23, rejected a new Porto deal.
Tottenham want to sign Tunisia defender Abdennour, 25, and the Monaco player says he would consider a move.
Manchester United's Andreas Pereira, 19, could be set for a move to Juventus after the Brazilian attacking midfielder turned down a new contract.
18-year-old striker Robert Lipovac has been handed a trial with West Ham United. He currently plays for BK Hacken in Sweden.
Tottenham winger Aaron Lennon, 27, is keen to seal a permanent switch to Everton following his loan move - but the club could be put off by his £7m price tag.
OTHERS:
2006 World player of the year Fabio Cannavaro, who captained Italy to the 2006 World Cup title, has been handed a 10-month jail sentence after breaking a police seal to enter his former home for a swim.
Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea has not spoken to manager Louis van Gaal for months and is stalling on signing a new contract at Old Trafford.
Liverpool forward Raheem Sterling, 20, has hinted he is already prepared for a new deal at Anfield having been in negotiations over a new contract since the start of the season.
Chelsea's Eden Hazard has told Tottenham's players that kicking him in Sunday's final will not put him off his game.
Tonight: UEFA EUROPA LEAGUE
Round of 32 second leg:
Zenit V PSV
Dinamo Moskva V Anderlecht
Dynamo Kyiv V Guingamp
Mönchengladbach V Sevilla
Legia V Ajax
Salzburg V Villarreal
Fiorentina V Tottenham
Internazionale V Celtic
Beşiktaş V Liverpool
Everton V Young Boys
Sporting CP V Wolfsburg
Athletic V Torino
Napoli V Trabzonspor
Feyenoord V Roma
Olympiacos V Dnipro
Club Brugge V AaB
Arsenal Boss slams his defense
After being humiliated last night by French side AS Monaco, Arsenal boss Arsène Wenger has slammed his defense and criticised them of being nervous and suicidal.
"We missed chances and were suicidal defensively." Arsenal Wenger. "It is just not right to give goals away the way we did."
Arsenal must now score 3 unanswered goals to progress to the next stage of the competition.
The last time Arsenal loss on a 2 goal margin were to FC Bayern and they finally went out on away goals.
Ajax are the only team to progress in either the European Cup or Champions league despite trailing at home on a 2 goal margin in 1969.
Bomb found in Dortmund's Signal Iduna
A yet to be exploded Second World War bomb has been discovered close to Borussia Dortmund's Signal Iduna Park ground.
The 550lb device, reported as being of British origin, was found on Thursday.
It was discovered just hours before
Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp was about to give a news conference ahead of their crucial derby against Schalke on Saturday.
The 80,720-capacity stadium and the surrounding area was emptied.
"It is not yet known how long the stadium area will remain off limits," Dortmund, who shut their Fan World space and club
museum, said in a brief statement.
The bomb was found at a parking area to the west of the Signal Iduna Park and was discovered after viewing aerial photographs.
Unexploded World War II ordnance is a relatively common occurrence in Germany where several million tonnes of bombs were dropped during the war by Allied and Soviet forces.
The city of Dortmund suffered most extensive destruction during the
bombing raids.
25 February 2015
UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: Leverkusen with a slender lead
UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
Bayer Leverkusen V Atl Madrid
FT 90' +4
1:0
Calhanoglu 57'
Tiago 76'(red)
Match details
▪Leverkusen win first CL knockout match in eight attempts
▪Hakan Calhanoglu scores ninth goal of the season
▪Leverkusen made almost twice as many passes as Atletico
▪Atletico concede first goal in six CL games
Lars Bender was back in the Bayer Leverkusen side after recovering from a
knee injury
Leverkusen goalkeeper Bernd Leno kept the scores level on the stroke of half-time with some superb saves
Ex Hamburg man Hakan Calhanoglu scored his second Champions League goal this season
Tiago was sent off with 14 minutes to play
UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: Arsenal Outclassed By Stunning Monaco
Champions League
Arsenal V Monaco
FT 90' +5
Kondogbia 38'
Berbatov 53'
Chamberlain 90' +1
Carrasco 90' +4
Match details
▪ Arsenal being the favourite for this tie had only loss once in their last 17 games.
▪ Arsenal's hopes of reaching the last 8 of the Champions League for the first time since 2010 suffered a stunning blow as they slumped to a shocking 3-1 home defeat by AS Monaco.
▪ Monaco had the best defense in the competition prior to this game. As they had conceded just 2 goals before and scored 4.
▪ Yannick Ferreira Carrasco, 21, scored his first Champions League goal in stoppage to break the hearts of Arsenal.
▪ Geoffrey Kondogbia gained possession 13 times in the match, more often than
any other player on the pitch
Uefa champions league: #Leverkusen V #Atletico
Form guide (all competitions)
Leverkusen: DLLWDD
Atlético: WLWWLW
• Leverkusen coach Roger Schmidt says his side need "two perfect
days to go through"
• Schmidt: "We must play on another level than in the Bundesliga"
• Diego Simeone: "If we concentrate, we get a good result"
• Leverkusen defender Ömer Toprak serves a one-game ban
• The Werkself have lost their last four two-legged ties against Spanish opposition
Possible lineups
Leverkusen : Leno; Castro, Spahić, Papadopoulos, Wendell; Reinartz,
Rolfes; Bellarabi, Çalhanoğlu, Son; Drmić.
Atlético : Moyà; Juanfran, Godín, Miranda, Siqueira; Saúl, Gabi,
Tiago, Raúl García; Griezmann, Mandžukić.
Uefa champions league #Arsenal V #Monaco
FORM GUIDE(all competitions)
Arsenal: WWWLWW
Monaco: WWLDDW
• Arsenal and Monaco meet for the first time in UEFA competition
• Arsène Wenger faces the club he coached for seven years until 1994
• Wenger says he will be "always grateful" for his time at Monaco
• Monaco have conceded only three goals in 14 games since matchday six
• Monaco coach Leonardo Jardim urges his side to put faith in their defensive quality
• Monaco scored four goals and conceded one in their group stages
Possible lineups
Arsenal : Ospina; Chambers, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal;
Coquelin, Cazorla; Welbeck, Özil, Sánchez; Giroud.
Monaco: ubašić; Fabinho, Abdennour, Wallace, Kurzawa; Dirar, João
Moutinho, Kondogbia, Bernardo Silva, Ferreira-Carrasco; Berbatov.
Football Suspended In Greece
Greek football has already been suspended twice this season due to violent behaviours.
Professional football in Greece has been suspended indefinitely following the violence in a game between arch rivals Olympiakos and Panathinaikos and a grudge between club officials at a
board meeting on Tuesday.
The violence at the Olympiakos and Panathinaikos games heated up as a result of fans hurling flares, rocks and bottles at officials during Panathinaikos's 2-1 victory over Super League leaders Olympiakos on Sunday.
All the top 3 divisions in Greece have been affected by the recent suspension.
"What we have been informed is that the Super League and the Football League have been suspended indefinitely," Super League President Giorgos Borovilos.
No Compensation For European Clubs
Fifa says it will not pay compensation to clubs and leagues unhappy about plans to play the 2022 Qatar World Cup in
November and December particularly European Clubs.
"There will be no compensation," said Fifa secretary general Jerome Valcke. He also added, "There are seven years to reorganise."
Valcke also suggested that a 2022 World Cup final on 23 December was looking increasingly likely.
"European governing body Uefa and other
confederations are keen on Friday, 23 December, although 18 December is also a possibility." - Jerome Valcke
Fifa's executive committee will meet in Zurich next month to approve
the taskforce's recommendation.
Valcke also confirmed the 2022 World Cup will be four days shorter as a "concession" to leagues and clubs - 28 days instead of the usual 31 or 32 and the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations will be moved to June from January.
He admitted "It's not perfect, we know that".
FOOTBALL NEWS AROUND THE GLOBE.
Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore feels Uefa didn't stand up for European club football over the plan to move the 2022 World Cup in Qatar to winter.
The Premier League would consider a legal action against Fifa over the decision to play the World Cup in the middle of the English domestic season.
But Fifa could respond by putting pressure on Uefa to ban English
clubs from European competitions.
Barcelona forward Neymar was involved in a row with a City fan after being substituted during his side's
Champions League round of 16 first-leg victory away at the Etihad Stadium
Barca defender Thomas Vermaelen, 29, has suffered an injury setback in his bid to make his Barcelona debut before the
end of the season.
Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero, after his side slipped to defeat by Barcelona in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie, wrote this on Twitter: "It's not the result we wanted but the tie is still unfinished. And as usual we'll fight 'til the end. C'mon, City!"
AND FINALLY,
The referee in charge of the FA Cup fifth-round game between Preston and Manchester United, Phil Dowd has admitted he was wrong to give Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney, 29, a penalty during their 3-1 on 16 February.
The Premier League would consider a legal action against Fifa over the decision to play the World Cup in the middle of the English domestic season.
But Fifa could respond by putting pressure on Uefa to ban English
clubs from European competitions.
Barcelona forward Neymar was involved in a row with a City fan after being substituted during his side's
Champions League round of 16 first-leg victory away at the Etihad Stadium
Barca defender Thomas Vermaelen, 29, has suffered an injury setback in his bid to make his Barcelona debut before the
end of the season.
Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero, after his side slipped to defeat by Barcelona in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie, wrote this on Twitter: "It's not the result we wanted but the tie is still unfinished. And as usual we'll fight 'til the end. C'mon, City!"
AND FINALLY,
The referee in charge of the FA Cup fifth-round game between Preston and Manchester United, Phil Dowd has admitted he was wrong to give Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney, 29, a penalty during their 3-1 on 16 February.
TRANSFER GOSSIP
#TRANSFER GOSSIP
Burnley youngster Danny Ings, 22, has turned down a move to David Moyes's Real Sociedad but interested in joining Liverpool instead.
Moyes wants to buy another Premier League player, with Everton midfielder Bryan Oviedo, 25, a reported summer target for the Real Sociedad boss.
Arsenal and Manchester City are watching the progress of Cagliari midfielder Godfred Donsah, 18, after Spurs monitored the player earlier this season.
Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea, 24, is closing in on a new long-term Old Trafford contract after Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti appeared to cool his interest in the Spaniard.
Ex Brazilian Striker and ballon d'Or winner, Ronaldo, 38, has confirmed he will come out of retirement with the Fort Lauderdale Strikers in the USA's second tier.
Crystal Palace striker Glenn Murray, 31, has been told he will not be leaving the club on loan despite reported interest from Championship promotion-chasers Bournemouth.
Burnley youngster Danny Ings, 22, has turned down a move to David Moyes's Real Sociedad but interested in joining Liverpool instead.
Moyes wants to buy another Premier League player, with Everton midfielder Bryan Oviedo, 25, a reported summer target for the Real Sociedad boss.
Arsenal and Manchester City are watching the progress of Cagliari midfielder Godfred Donsah, 18, after Spurs monitored the player earlier this season.
Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea, 24, is closing in on a new long-term Old Trafford contract after Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti appeared to cool his interest in the Spaniard.
Ex Brazilian Striker and ballon d'Or winner, Ronaldo, 38, has confirmed he will come out of retirement with the Fort Lauderdale Strikers in the USA's second tier.
Crystal Palace striker Glenn Murray, 31, has been told he will not be leaving the club on loan despite reported interest from Championship promotion-chasers Bournemouth.
24 February 2015
Match Details: Man City loss again To Barca
full time result
Man City 1:2 Barca
16' Suárez
30' Suárez
Aguero 69'
Clichy 74' ■
Match details
Luiz Suárez scored a brace on his return to England which leaves City on the verge of a last 16 elimination.
Suárez now has 4 goals in 4 champions league games for barca.
Joe Hart saved a last minute Messi penalty which gives City a little bit of hope upon their return to the camp Nou.
Gael Clichy was sent off after picking up his 2nd yellow card
Match Details: UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE #JuvDor
Juventus 2:1 Dortmund
Tevez 13'
18' Reus
Morata 42'
match details
Juventus after wasting lots of glorious chances had to settle for a thin win against German side Dortmund.
Tevéz gave the Italians an early lead before Reus cancelled it out 5 minutes later.
Alvaro Morata restored their lead 3 mins before halftime.
Juventus has to travel to Germany in the return leg of the last 16.
Dortmund with an away goal hopes they can secure a quarter final place in the 2nd leg
Tonight: Juventus V Dortmund (preview)
Form guide (all competitions)
Juventus: WDWDWW
Dortmund: WWWLDL
Possible lineups
Juventus:
Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Pogba, Pirlo, Marchisio; Vidal; Tevéz, Morata.
• Out: Marrone (thigh)
• Doubtful: Barzagli (ankle), Matri (thigh)
Dortmund :
Weidenfeller; Piszczek, Sokratis, Hummels, Schmelzer;
Bender, Gündoğan; Błaszczykowski, Kagawa, Reus; Aubameyang.
• Out: Grosskreutz (thigh)
• Doubtful: Kehl (shoulder), Durm (flu), Kampl (undisclosed muscle
problem)
Juventus: WDWDWW
Dortmund: WWWLDL
Possible lineups
Juventus:
Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Pogba, Pirlo, Marchisio; Vidal; Tevéz, Morata.
• Out: Marrone (thigh)
• Doubtful: Barzagli (ankle), Matri (thigh)
Dortmund :
Weidenfeller; Piszczek, Sokratis, Hummels, Schmelzer;
Bender, Gündoğan; Błaszczykowski, Kagawa, Reus; Aubameyang.
• Out: Grosskreutz (thigh)
• Doubtful: Kehl (shoulder), Durm (flu), Kampl (undisclosed muscle
problem)
 |
| Road to Berlin |
TONIGHT:Manchester City Vs Barcelona(preview)
Uefa champions league preview:
Possible lineups
Manchester City: Hart; Zabaleta, Mangala, Kompany, Clichy;
Fernandinho, Fernando; Nasri, Silva, Milner; Aguero.
• Out: Touré (suspended)
Barcelona : Bravo; Alba, Mascherano, Piqué, Alves; Iniesta,
Busquets, Rakitić; Neymar, Messi, Suárez.
• Out: Douglas (hamstring), Vermaelen (hamstring)
See Who Henry Chose Between Messi And Ronaldo
Well, I played with Leo, so you can guess my answer. I have huge respect for Cristiano who has managed to remain at the highest level for many years—and by that I mean at an extraordinarily high level.
It’s one thing to have to have a single great season, but to maintain it for so many years is something else.
I don’t think we fully realise just what these guys are achieving. So, while huge respect goes to Ronaldo, having played with Messi and shared extraordinary moments with him, both in victory and defeat, it has to be Leo.
GOSSIP!
Messi 27, may be tempted to leave Barcelona for a new challenge with PSG in sight says ex Barca man Eric Abidal.
Southampton star Morgan Schneiderlin 25, on Barca's radar.
Arsenal are set to make an £80m bid for Juventus playmaker Paul Pogba 21, who is tipped by many as the next Patrick Vieira.
Manchester City manager, Manuel Pellegrini hopes to thwart Manchester United and Chelsea's plans to sign Atlético Madrid midfielder, Koke, 23.
I am closed to agreeing a new deal at Anfield - Raheem Sterling, 20.
Luis Van Gaal puts fear into his own team says Ronald Koeman. Koeman was Van Gaal's assistant at Barcelona after the 1998 world cup.
UEFA CLUB RANKING FEBRUARY 2015
1 Real Madrid CF ESP 164.714
2 FC Barcelona ESP 148.714
3 FC Bayern München GER 146.340
4 Chelsea FC ENG 140.878
5 SL Benfica POR 118.076
6 Club Atlético de Madrid ESP 115.714
7 FC Schalke 04 GER 109.340
8 Arsenal FC ENG 107.878
9 FC Porto POR 106.076
10 Manchester United FC ENG 102.878
11 Borussia Dortmund GER 99.340
12 Valencia CF ESP 98.714
13 Paris Saint-Germain FRA 98.283
14 Manchester City FC ENG 86.878
15 FC Shakhtar Donetsk UKR 85.433
16 Bayer 04 Leverkusen GER 85.340
17 FC Basel 1893 SUI 84.875
18 Tottenham Hotspur FC ENG 83.878
19 FC Zenit RUS 83.799
20 AC Milan ITA 81.668
21 Juventus ITA 80.668
22 FC Internazionale Milano 73.668
23 Olympique Lyonnais FRA 72.783
24 SSC Napoli 71.668
25 AFC Ajax NED 62.062
26 Olympiacos FC GRE 61.340
27 Sevilla FC ESP 61.214
28 FC Dynamo Kyiv UKR 58.433
29 PSV Eindhoven NED 58.062
30 FC Rubin Kazan RUS 56.799
31 Athletic Club ESP 55.714
32 Villarreal CF ESP 55.714
33 PFC CSKA Moskva RUS 55.299
34 Olympique de Marseille FRA 55.283
35 Sporting Clube de Portugal POR 55.076
36 SC Braga POR 51.576
37 Galatasaray AŞ TUR 49.940
38 SS Lazio ITA 47.668
39 RSC Anderlecht BEL 47.120
40 Liverpool FC ENG 46.878
41 AZ Alkmaar NED 46.562
42 FC Metalist Kharkiv UKR 46.433
43 FC Twente NED 43.562
44 FC Salzburg AUT 43.135
45 FC Viktoria Plzeň CZE 41.825
46 Hannover 96 GER 41.340
47 FC København DEN 40.960
48 PAOK FC GRE 40.840
49 Málaga CF ESP 40.714
50 FC Steaua Bucureşti ROU 40.259
51 FC Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk UKR 39.433
52 AS Roma ITA 39.168
53 Celtic FC SCO 39.080
54 ACF Fiorentina ITA 37.668
55 FC Spartak Moskva RUS 36.799
56 KRC Genk BEL 36.620
57 Trabzonspor AŞ TUR 36.440
58 LOSC Lille FRA 36.283
59 VfB Stuttgart GER 35.840
60 APOEL FC CYP 2.125 20.825 2.300 4.550 5.660 35.460
61 FC BATE Borisov BLR 10.175 6.625 9.900 1.350 7.100 35.150
62 Beşiktaş JK TUR 9.920 11.020 2.040 1.340 10.120 34.440
63 VfL Borussia
Mönchengladbach GER 3.133 3.050 12.585 2.942 11.628 33.340
64 Club Brugge KV BEL 3.920 10.020 4.300 2.280 12.600 33.120
65 Levante UD ESP 3.642 4.171 16.542 4.600 2.757 31.714
66 BSC Young Boys SUI 9.180 2.700 8.675 1.440 9.380 31.375
67 Newcastle United FC ENG 30.878
68 AC Sparta Praha CZE 30.825
69 FC Anji Makhachkala RUS 30.799
70 Real Betis Balompié ESP 30.714
71 Fenerbahçe SK TUR 29.940
72 Udinese Calcio ITA 29.168
73 Eintracht Frankfurt GER 27.340
74 AS Monaco FC FRA 27.283
75 Everton FC ENG 25.878
76 PFC Ludogorets Razgrad BUL 25.350
77 Real Sociedad de Fútbol ESP 25.214
78 R. Standard de Liège BEL 25.120
79 Legia Warszawa POL 24.800
80 GNK Dinamo Zagreb CRO 24.700
81 VfL Wolfsburg GER 24.340
82 FC Dinamo Moskva RUS 24.299
83 FC Girondins de Bordeaux FRA 24.283
84 CFR 1907 Cluj ROU 24.259
85 Stoke City FC ENG 23.878
86 Getafe CF ESP 23.714
87 SV Werder Bremen GER 23.340
88 Swansea City AFC ENG 22.878
89 Birmingham City FC ENG 22.878
90 FC Lokomotiv Moskva RUS 22.799
91 NK Maribor SVN 22.225
92 Fulham FC ENG 21.878
93 Hapoel Tel-Aviv FC ISR 21.700
94 Torino FC ITA 21.668
95 Feyenoord NED 21.562
96 FK Austria Wien AUT 20.635
97 SC Freiburg GER 20.340
98 Wigan Athletic FC ENG 19.878
99 Panathinaikos FC GRE 19.840
100 EA Guingamp FRA 19.283
101 Estoril Praia POR 19.076
102 US Città di Palermo ITA 18.668
103 CS Marítimo POR 18.576
104 Maccabi Tel-Aviv FC ISR 18.200
105 Vitória SC POR 17.576
106 FC Chornomorets Odesa UKR 17.433
107 Hull City AFC ENG 17.378
108 Aston Villa FC ENG 17.378
109 1. FSV Mainz 05 GER 17.340
110 KKS Lech Poznań POL 17.300
111 Montpellier Hérault SC FRA 17.283
112 Rangers FC SCO 17.080
113 FC Zürich SUI 16.875
114 AS Saint-Étienne FRA 16.783
119 Bursaspor TUR 5.920
127 FK Partizan SRB 14.775
132 FC Utrecht NED 13.562
138 Maccabi Haifa FC ISR 13.200
139 SV Zulte Waregem BEL 13.120
140 KAA Gent BEL 13.120
141 FC Nordsjælland DEN 12.960
142 Malmö FF SWE 12.545
143 FC Karpaty Lviv UKR 11.933
144 Rosenborg BK NOR 11.875
145 OGC Nice FRA 11.783
164 PFC Levski Sofia BUL 10.100
165 Vitesse NED 10.062
HOW UEFA CLUB RANKINGS ARE MADE
results of clubs competing in the five previous
seasons of the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League. The rankings determine the seeding of each club in all UEFA competition draws.
UEFA Champions League points system
First qualifying round elimination – 0.5 points
Second qualifying round elimination – 1 point
Group stage participation – 4 points
Group stage win – 2 points
Group stage draw – 1 point
Round of 16 participation – 4 points
Since 2009/10 clubs have been awarded an
additional point if they reach the round of 16,
quarter-finals, semi-finals or final.
NB Points are not awarded for elimination in the
third qualifying round or play-offs, since those clubs
move to the UEFA Europa League and are awarded
points for participation in that competition.
UEFA Europa League points system
First qualifying round elimination – 0.25 points
Second qualifying round elimination – 0.5 points
Third qualifying round elimination – 1 point
Play-off elimination – 1.5 points
Group stage win – 2 points
Group stage draw – 1 point
Since 2009/10, clubs have been guaranteed a
minimum of two points if they reach the group stage
and are awarded an additional point if they get to the quarter-finals, semi-finals or final.
*Penalty shoot-outs do not affect the calculation
system.
Coefficient calculation
Clubs' coefficients are determined by the sum of all points won in the previous five years, plus 20% of the association coefficient over the same period (33% before 2009).
These rankings will be updated after each round of
UEFA club competition matches.
TRENDING: #UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE UPDATES
Manchester City V Barcelona
19:45
Manuel Pellegrini says Manchester City FC have learned from last
year's loss to FC Barcelona as they prepare for a rematch that pits
together two of the world's top-five players.
Juventus V Dortmund
19:45
Dortmund are on a 3 game unbeaten streak.
Juventus boss cautious of Dortmund recent run of form.
The 2 teams meet for the first time in the competition since meeting in the 1997 final.
23 February 2015
Former Kings Of Europe Can't Even Pay for Hot Water
Parma's home game against Udinese was called off due to the club's inability to pay its stewards. Italian authorities have set a bankruptcy hearing for March 19.
The players are prepared to cater for their transport to Sunday's Serie A match at Genoa if the club cannot afford a bus, says
Lucarelli. Parma has had 4 different presidents this season with none of them seeming not able to help them out from their current financial crisis.
Former Argentine and Parma striker Hernan Crespo now in charge of their youth team said "players have cold shower after every match because the club can't afford hot water"
Transfer News: Monday Biggest Transfer Gossips
.jpg)
Arsenal will look to sign striker Jackson Martinez, 28, at the end of the season after Porto admitted they are ready to sell.
England and Manchester City midfield Dynamo James Milner 29, is ready to become a free agent in the summer by not signing a new Manchester City contract.
Rademel Falcao 29, who might not be at Manchester United next season is Real Madrid's target.
Other stories
Portuguese Manchester United loanee Luis Nani broke down into tears after scoring a 30 yarder for Sporting Lisbon. He said the goal was for his family and a troubled year for him.
Roberto Martinez, Everton boss has accused Chelsea of influencing referees at Stamford Bridge.
Joey Barton could be sent on an anger management after receiving his ninth red card of his footballing career.
Ronald Koeman, Southampton manager believes that referees should be given more assistance on big decisions after claiming Kevin Friend
turned down three penalties in Southampton's 2-0 defeat at home to Liverpool on Sunday.
Vincent Kompany - Teams like Stoke are difficult to play than playing Barca.
According to Wayne Rooney, the Swansea loss is a big blow to their Champions league ambitions.
We Don't Fear Barca - Vincent Kompany
Man City were eliminated from the same stage last season when they were beaten on aggregate 4-1
City defender Martin Demichelis was sent off for conceding a penalty at the start of the second half.
Both teams currently lie 2nd in their respective leagues.
City come into this game with an impressive display against Newcastle United winning them by 5 goals to nothing. Barca on the other hand loss to Malaga by a lone goal in the camp Nou.
21 February 2015
EPL Fixtures
Aston Villa v Stoke 15:00
Chelsea v Burnley 15:00
- Crystal Palace v Arsenal 15:00
Hull v QPR 15:00
Sunderland v West Brom 15:00
Swansea v Man Utd 15:00
Man City v Newcastle 17:30
20 February 2015
Disrespectful Mario - Steven Gerrard
Liverpool hours ago took on Turkish side Besiktas in a classic UEFA Europa league last 32 tie at Anfield.
With less than 10 minutes to go, Liverpool youngster Ibe was brought down inside the box and the referee didn't delay in awarding Liverpool a penalty.
Captain of Liverpool side Jordan Henderson grabbed the ball and walked towards the spot.
Balotelli took the ball from Henderson in a much impolite way to take the penalty himself. This resulted in a little misunderstanding with Jordan Henderson and Daniel Sturridge.
Mario Balotelli scored from the spot and celebrated with teammates. Henderson went over to congratulate him by tapping on his shoulder and Mario pulled him back to hug him.
Henderson after the match said he wanted to take the penalty.
Club captain Steven Gerrard who is injured currently worked as a pundit for the game on ITV. He went on to say Mario was a bit mischievous after taking the ball from Henderson who was ready to take the penalty.
19 February 2015
Livescore: Europa League Results
UEFA EUROPA LEAGUE:
Aalborg BK 1 Club Brugge 3
BSC Young Boys 1 Everton 4
Dnipro 2 Olympiakos 0
PSV 0 Zenit 1
Roma 1 Feyenoord 1
Torino 2 Ath Bilbao 2
Trabzonspor 0 Napoli 4
VfL Wolfsburg 2 Sporting 0
Ajax 1 Legia Warsaw 0
Celtic 3 Inter Milan 3
Guingamp 2 Dynamo Kiev 1
Liverpool 1 Besiktas 0
Anderlecht 0 Dinamo 0
Sevilla 1 Mönchengladbach
0
Tottenham 1 Fiorentina 1
Villarreal 2 FC Red Bull Salzburg 1
Luis Figo Releases His Manifesto - He wants the World Cup teams Increased.
Luis Figo, one of three candidates in the running to become FIFA President. He forms part of three candidates challenging the reigning president Sepp Blatter.
42 year old former ballon d'Or winner in reading his manifesto stated he would like to expand the number of teams playing in the world cup to 40 or even 48.
He further explained, the current format could be increased to 40 teams or FIFA organising a 24 team competition that would be staged on 2 different Continents simultaneously then a knockout phase in one nations.
These options are feasible with an extra three to four days of tournament play. If this expansion were to take place I believe that additional teams should come from non-European nations.
He also emphasised on FIFA spending significant revenues on the development of the game globally.
Luis Figo promised to bring back the old Offside rule where when a player is directly or indirectly interfering a play is rules offside.
I Felt Sorry For Chelsea - Chris Ramsey
New QPR manager Chris Ramsey felt sorry for chelsea when their name was tarnished this week.
Chris Ramsey is the only black coach in the English premier league. He further went on to say "I don't believe they are either Chelsea or football fans. I believe that they are acting in a way we all thought was a thing of the past,but I won't blame Chelsea football club for that.
Chelsea is a big club and has been doing many community work, he added.
The spotlight is on Chelsea football club after the John Terry incident with Anton Ferdinand.
Chris Ramsey is the only black coach in the English premier league. He further went on to say "I don't believe they are either Chelsea or football fans. I believe that they are acting in a way we all thought was a thing of the past,but I won't blame Chelsea football club for that.
Chelsea is a big club and has been doing many community work, he added.
The spotlight is on Chelsea football club after the John Terry incident with Anton Ferdinand.
John Terry ready to join Hazard as he seeks a new 12 months contract extention!
Chelsea and ex England captain John Terry wants one year extention on his contract. John Terry has made 656 appearances in 16 years for the Premier League leaders.
His contract runs out at the end of the season but the Chelsea captain is optimistic about his one year contract extention. The 34 year old said he will be happy to get one year and see how things go.
Terry made his first team debut for the club in October 1998 and became their captain at the start of the 2004/2005 campaign after replacing former club captain Marcel Desailly.
He is the most successful captain in the club's history, having led Chelsea to three Premier League titles, a Champions League success, four FA Cups and two League Cups.
His contract runs out at the end of the season but the Chelsea captain is optimistic about his one year contract extention. The 34 year old said he will be happy to get one year and see how things go.
Terry made his first team debut for the club in October 1998 and became their captain at the start of the 2004/2005 campaign after replacing former club captain Marcel Desailly.
He is the most successful captain in the club's history, having led Chelsea to three Premier League titles, a Champions League success, four FA Cups and two League Cups.
2022 fifa world cup will be moved to November - December
 |
| One of the stadia in Doha |
Grant Wahl of SI.com is reporting that the 2022 World Cup in Qatar will be moved to the winter because of concerns over the extreme heat.
Multiple sources say it’s a done deal that World Cup 2022 will take place in November and December of 2022 in Qatar. A FIFA task force will meet in Doha next week and make that recommendation, and the FIFA Executive Committee is set to make the decision final at its meeting in Zurich next month.The current plan is for only one European club season to be impacted schedule-wise, which the clubs are hoping to achieve by cutting some international dates. One key question is what to do about Confederations Cup the year before, but the big World Cup decision has been made. Set your calendars for November-December of 2022.
TODAY: Uefa Europa League Fixtures
Young Boys 19 : 00 Everton
AaB 19 : 00 Club Brugge
Torino 19 : 00 Athletic Club
Wolfsburg 19 : 00 Sporting
Dnipro 19 : 00 Olympiakos
Trabzonspor 19 : 00 Napoli
Roma 19 : 00 Feyenoord
PSV 19 : 00 Zenit
Sevilla 21 : 05 M'gladbach
Ajax 21 : 05 Legia Warszawa
Anderlecht 21 : 05 Dinamo
Guingamp 21 : 05 Dynamo kyiv
Villarreal 21 : 05 Salzburg
Liverpool 21 : 05 Beşiktaş
Tottenham21 : 05 Fiorentina
Celtic 21 : 05 Internazion
Transfer News
TRANSFER GOSSIP
Chelsea captain John Terry, 34, is willing to accept a one-year
contract at Stamford Bridge but negotiations have not yet started.
Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo, 35, has told team-mate Paul
Pogba, 21, to resist the lure of a Premier League return and stick
with the Italian side.
Schalke defender Benedikt Howedes, 26, who is a target for both
Manchester United and Arsenal admits his "goal" is to play in
England.
United are also interested in signing Tottenham defender Kyle
Walker, 24, in the summer with the England international expected
to cost at least £20m. (Daily Mail)
Liverpool striker Rickie Lambert, 33, has revealed he agreed terms
over a two-and-a-half year deal to move to Aston Villa but needed
more time to make his decision. (The Sun)
Manchester United and Arsenal target Aymeric Laporte, 22, has
played down the chances of him leaving Athletic Bilbao this
summer. (Talksport)
Marseille have lined up Fernando Llorente, 29, to replace striker
Andre-Pierre Gignac, 29, who is wanted by both Liverpool and
Manchester United. (Daily Express)
Chelsea captain John Terry, 34, is willing to accept a one-year
contract at Stamford Bridge but negotiations have not yet started.
Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo, 35, has told team-mate Paul
Pogba, 21, to resist the lure of a Premier League return and stick
with the Italian side.
Schalke defender Benedikt Howedes, 26, who is a target for both
Manchester United and Arsenal admits his "goal" is to play in
England.
United are also interested in signing Tottenham defender Kyle
Walker, 24, in the summer with the England international expected
to cost at least £20m. (Daily Mail)
Liverpool striker Rickie Lambert, 33, has revealed he agreed terms
over a two-and-a-half year deal to move to Aston Villa but needed
more time to make his decision. (The Sun)
Manchester United and Arsenal target Aymeric Laporte, 22, has
played down the chances of him leaving Athletic Bilbao this
summer. (Talksport)
Marseille have lined up Fernando Llorente, 29, to replace striker
Andre-Pierre Gignac, 29, who is wanted by both Liverpool and
Manchester United. (Daily Express)
18 February 2015
Ronaldo ends 3 game goal drought.
Schalke 04 V Real Madrid
0 2
Ronaldo 26'
Marcelo 79'
Cristiano Ronaldo ended a three-game goal drought as Real Madrid
took control of their Champions League last-16 tie with Schalke in
Gelsenkirchen.
The forward's form was questioned before kick-off but he headed
in Dani Carvajal's cross to open the scoring.
He also created the second goal which arrived moments after
Schalke's Felix Platte had smashed against the bar.
Marcelo capitalised, driving into the top corner, and the holders will
take a healthy lead to Madrid on 10 March.
Uefa champions league results today
Fc Basel V Fc Porto
Gonzalez 11" Danilo 79"
Danilo converted to give the visitors a draw and an away goal after
Clattenburg ruled that Walter Samuel had handled the Brazilian full-
back's cross.
The English referee, who booked eight players, ruled out a goal by
Porto midfielder Casemiro controversially.
Derlis Gonzalez had given Basel a first-half lead, but went off
injured.
"We're not racists" Chelsea fan explains
Mitchell McCoy was one of around 40 or 50 Chelsea supporters on the train and he stated they were singing about Terry, who was banned for four matches and fined £220,000 by the Football Association in October 2012 for racially abusing Anton Ferdinand. In Terry's case, the regulatory commission stated that the Chelsea captain was "not a racist".
McCoy, a season-ticket holder who travelled to Paris with five friends, was named on Twitter following the publication of the video.
The 17-year-old from Fulham in London told Press Association Sport: "I'm not in the video but I'm on the carriage. We got on the train and at the station where the man was trying to get on we stopped for a couple of minutes.
"He tried to get on and a few people were pushing him off because there wasn't much space on the carriage. You couldn't move.
"People were saying it was because he was black. It's not true at all. I personally think it's because he was a PSG fan. Obviously they didn't want him anywhere with us. That guy in the video tried to force himself on, so they pushed him off."
A chant of "We're racist and that's the way we like it" is clearly audible on the video, but McCoy contended it was not about the passenger.
He added: "That song was about John Terry. The only words I know is 'he's a racist, he's a racist' and I don't know the rest."
Chelsea's first black player Paul Canoville says he feels disgusted, embarrassed and ashamed by the racism abuse by fans.
Images from the scene
McCoy, a season-ticket holder who travelled to Paris with five friends, was named on Twitter following the publication of the video.
The 17-year-old from Fulham in London told Press Association Sport: "I'm not in the video but I'm on the carriage. We got on the train and at the station where the man was trying to get on we stopped for a couple of minutes.
"He tried to get on and a few people were pushing him off because there wasn't much space on the carriage. You couldn't move.
"People were saying it was because he was black. It's not true at all. I personally think it's because he was a PSG fan. Obviously they didn't want him anywhere with us. That guy in the video tried to force himself on, so they pushed him off."
A chant of "We're racist and that's the way we like it" is clearly audible on the video, but McCoy contended it was not about the passenger.
He added: "That song was about John Terry. The only words I know is 'he's a racist, he's a racist' and I don't know the rest."
Chelsea's first black player Paul Canoville says he feels disgusted, embarrassed and ashamed by the racism abuse by fans.
 |
| Chelsea fans singing out "we're racist we're racist |
 |
| Man pushed out of the train |
CONFIRMED: Members of the blackstars team rewarded massively!
announced by the president of Ghana but his
government disassociated itself, the Jeep gift is no an exception. The Ghana Football Association and the Gov't of Ghana say a private company (Tanink Ghana) is making the donation to the Black Stars as sign of appreciation. The report say Tanink have been touched by the Black Stars sacrifice of risking their lives to play against Ebola stricken countries and making the dangerous trip to Equatorial Guinea. The gift is worth over $2 million. Meanwhile, concrete information available indicates that one of the Jeep cars was picked up by the Ministry of
Youth and Sports weeks ago and has been registered and being driven by the deputy
chief driver of the ministry. Though the donation has not been officially donè,
someone at the ministry has had his share but still, government says they know nothing about the reward.
Visit www.sportsquarters.blogspot.com for latest news on football.
Barca transfer ban is nonsense
Carles Rexach has described
Barcelona's transfer ban as "the
biggest nonsense in years" and feels
the club have not done anything
wrong.
The Catalans were banned from
signing new players for two transfer windows after they were found
guilty of breaching Fifa's rules on the transfer of players aged under
18.
The former Barca attacker has despaired at the punishment, saying
any parent would be happy to see their child educated at La Masia.
Barcelona's transfer ban as "the
biggest nonsense in years" and feels
the club have not done anything
wrong.
The Catalans were banned from
signing new players for two transfer windows after they were found
guilty of breaching Fifa's rules on the transfer of players aged under
18.
The former Barca attacker has despaired at the punishment, saying
any parent would be happy to see their child educated at La Masia.
Beckham backs Figo for the fifa presidency
 |
| Beckham and figo |
The 42-year-old former Portugal international and world footballer of the year announced last month that he would stand against
current president of Sepp Blatter.
Former England captain Beckham described his one-time Real Madrid colleague as being "passionate" and said: "Any successful organisation needs to have good people who are passionate about the game and want to do the best for fans."
RACISM in football: watch here, Chelsea fans in Paris incident
Footage has emerged which appears to show Chelsea football fans preventing a black man from boarding a Paris train.
In the amature video, the man repeatedly tries to get on the crowded Metro carriage but is pushed off.
A group of people can be heard singing: "We're racist, we're racist and that's the way we like it."
The incident took place before a Champions League match in the city. Chelsea FC said it would help police, and any fans involved
faced a ban.
FIFA PRESIDENCY HEATS UP! major European Associations backing other candidates
 |
| FIFA BOSS - SEPP BLATTER |
Blatter, who has been in the post since 1998, is opposed by Dutch federation president Michael van Praag, Jordanian Prince Ali bin Al Hussein, a FIFA vice-president, and Portuguese football great and former Ballon d'Or winner Luis Figo.
A FIFA statement said all four had passed "integrity checks" so they could be allowed into the election. At the FIFA Congress the
winner has to get the majority of the 205 FIFA members.
Blatter, who will be 79 by the time of the vote, is strong favourite to win a fifth term but faces a strong European-led opposition, largely over the controversial vote to give Qatar the 2022 World Cup and the subsequent fallout over the report into the bid.
However, the Swiss official - who revised his original pledge not to run for a fifth term - has had strong public backing from the African and Asian continental confederations. His reign has notably been tarnished by accusations of corruption stemming from the bidding process for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, the former being awarded to Russia.
The controversies have seriously eroded his support and tarnished his reputation in European strongholds like England, Germany and the Netherlands. However, the success of last summer's World Cup in Brazil, despite earlier fears over the state of the organisation, has further boosted his status.
Figo, 42, and 67-year-old van Praag both announced their candidatures a fortnight ago while Prince Ali, 39, launched his
campaign at the start of the year. All three were successful in getting the minimum of five national associations to back their bids.
Two others who had been considering standing - former France
international forward David Ginola and ex-FIFA executive official Jerome Champagne - both failed to get the necessary backing and were eliminated from the final reckoning last week.
Election for the presidency of football's
global governing body to be held on May 29.
17 February 2015
Uefa champions league fixtures
Uefa Champions League
WED 18 FEB
Basel V Porto
19:45
Schalke V Real Madrid
19:45
Basel V Porto
19:45
Schalke V Real Madrid
19:45
Okwahu United players runaway from camp
The former Premier League campaigners are in financial turmoil , leading to the resignation of the entire board members en block on Monday.
The players have followed suit and parked their bags to various destinations with their whereabouts unknown .
Players are owed salaries running into several months with
the direction of the club in a limbo .
Distressed coach Sarfo Castro finds himself in the wilderness
and reveals only THREE players are in camp to work with .
“ There are only three players in camp currently and it is a
great source of worry to me as the coach of the club ,” he told
Happy FM
“ We have a league game on Saturday and we needed to keep
our shape for the league in our bid to qualify for the Premier
Division but this development will make things extremely
difficult for us .
