Fifa payment was a mistake - Beckenbauer

Franz Beckenbauer has described a payment sent to FIFA while he was
head of Germany's 2006 World Cup organising committee as a mistake,
but rejected claims it was made to buy votes.
Beckenbauer – who won the World Cup as a player and coach with West
Germany – had an investigation launched against him by FIFA's Ethics
Committee last week.
The 70-year-old admitted a payment had been made by the organising
committee during the bidding process for the 2006 competition, but
insisted it was in return for a financial grant.
After a hearing with the German Football Association (DFB) Beckenbauer
released the following statement:
"Today there was [a] hearing in Munich, when I have answered all
questions from the [DFB] commission.
"It is important for me to clarify the following: There were no votes bought
in order to get the nod for the 2006 World Cup.
"[And] in order to get a subsidy from FIFA [for the organization of the
2006 World Cup] those involved went ahead with a proposal from the
FIFA finance commission that in today's eyes should have been rejected.
"I, as President of the then-organizing committee, bear the responsibility
of this mistake."

Posted by Admin

Mexican coach sacked for punching a journalist

Mexico coach Miguel Herrera has been sacked following allegations he
punched a journalist.
The incident is alleged to have happened at an airport in Philadelphia on
Monday as Herrera's side prepared to fly home from a successful
CONCACAF Gold Cup campaign.
It is claimed by Azteca's Christian Martinoli that Herrera struck him in the
neck.
The outgoing national boss has been quoted, likening the contact more to a
push.
"The Mexican fans deserve respect and upright figures," said Mexican
Football Federation president Decio de Maria. "The results cannot be above
our statutes, regulations and freedom of expression.
"We have decided to separate Miguel Herrera from the national squad. I
met with Miguel and, at the end of the day, this was the decision.
"I believe that Miguel perfectly understands the reasons for the decision.
"We will not rush [an appointment]. I cannot put a time on when we will
appoint a new national coach to achieve our objectives."
Mexico lifted the Gold Cup with a 3-1 final victory over Jamaica.

Platini to launch FIFA presidency bid

Michel Platini is expected to confirm his intention to run for the FIFA
presidency this week.
The former France and Juventus midfielder was appointed president of
UEFA in 2007, succeeding Lennart Johansson.
With current FIFA chief Sepp Blatter announcing last month that he will
step down from the role next year, speculation has been rife that Platini
will be first in line to replace the Swiss.
Reports on Tuesday emerged that Platini has gained the support of Europe,
South America (CONMEBOL), North, Central America and the Caribbean
(CONCACAF) and Asia (AFC), with the election date set for February 26.
Liberia Football Association chairman Musa Bility has also thrown his hat
into the ring for the post, claiming he is the favourite with the backing of the
African continent behind him.
Blatter, who has been in charge of the world game's governing body since
1998, opted to resign in the face of a damaging corruption scandal which
has engulfed FIFA.
No accusations of any wrongdoing have been made towards Blatter, but
the 79-year-old announced his intention to vacate the role in June, with
reports suggesting Platini could confirm his candidacy as early as
Wednesday.

Gerrard, Bradley and Keane pull out of MLS All Star game

Steven Gerrard, Robbie Keane and Michael Bradley have delivered a blow
to MLS All-Stars' chances against Tottenham by withdrawing from Pablo
Mastroeni's squad due to injury.
LA Galaxy duo Gerrard and Keane, along with Toronto FC captain
Bradley, were expected to be named in Mastroeni's starting XI for
Wednesday's match with the Premier League club in Denver.
However, MLS announced on Tuesday that the trio, plus New England
Revolution midfielder Chris Tierney, are now unavailable due to
unspecified injuries.
Along with Frank Lampard, Gerrard was named as MLS commissioner
Don Garber's pick for the All-Stars' annual friendly - but neither of the
former England team-mates will feature at Dick's Sporting Goods Park,
with Lampard suffering from a calf problem.
Reigning MLS MVP Keane spoke earlier this week of how much he was
looking forward to playing against Tottenham, for whom he scored 122
goals in 306 appearances across two spells at White Hart Lane, but he will
also not play.
Gerrard, Keane, Bradley and Tierney have been replaced in the All-Stars'
squad by Galaxy pair Juninho and Gyasi Zardes, Columbus Crew duo
Ethan Finley and Waylon Francis, and Sam Cronin of Colorado Rapids.

MLS all star 11 and formation

They share 26 European trophies between them and now Steven Gerrard
and Andrea Pirlo have joined the growing list of global stars to make the
switch to MLS, following in the footsteps of Frank Lampard, Kaka, David
Villa and Sebastian Giovinco.
With that in mind, we put together a MLS All-Star XI in a 3-5-2
formation:

GK - Bill Hamid (DC United)
The 24-year-old United States international - voted Goalkeeper of the
Year last season - has been a rock for United since debuting six years ago.
In 2015, Hamid has kept six clean sheets in 16 appearances for the Eastern
Conference leaders, conceding 12 goals in total. Those shutouts have
helped the capital club ship just 18 in 21 matches to date and only Sporting
Kansas City and San Jose Earthquakes have conceded fewer goals in MLS.

DF- Omar Gonzalez (Los Angeles Galaxy)
In a team headlined by attacking firepower, Gonzalez, another USA
international, is an unsung hero in some parts. But the 26-year-old, who
is the only centre-back to receive a Designated Player contract in MLS,
played a key role as the Galaxy emerged triumphant in 2014. This season,
Gonzalez has already amassed 19 appearances, with the defending
champions just one point off top spot in the Western Conference.

DF - Jermaine Jones (New England Revolution)
The Revolution pulled off a coup when they lured Jones to New England
and it has worked well for both parties. The former Eintracht Frankfurt,
Bayer Leverkusen and Schalke utility said he would lead the Revs to the MLS Cup final and he delivered on that promise in his first season. Now
the 33-year-old USA international wants to go one step further and you
can count on the veteran, who has not let muscle injuries affect his
performances in 2015.

DF - Chad Marshall (Seattle Sounders)
Marshall, 30, was voted Defender of the Year as the Sounders won the
Supporters' Shield in 2014, following his arrival from Columbus Crew. In
a short space of time, the defender has quickly become a mainstay for Sigi
Schmid's team, who have only conceded 18 goals to top the standings in
the West.

MF - Andrea Pirlo (New York City FC)
They say no Pirlo, no party. Well it is time to party in New York after the
35-year-old Italian completed his move to the Big Apple on Monday.
World Cup-winning midfielder Pirlo, whose trophy cabinet includes 16
club trophies - heads to New York fresh from guiding Juventus to a fourth
consecutive Serie A crown. He also played a starring role as the Italian
giants reached the UEFA Champions League final last month.

MF - Steven Gerrard (Los Angeles Galaxy)
Gerrard - the heart and soul of Liverpool - will attempt to match the on-
field impact of former Galaxy star David Beckham as he prepares for a
new challenge. The ex-England international ended a 26-year association
with his boyhood club in order to link up with Bruce Arena and Co, who
are bidding to claim back-to-back titles.

MF - Sebastian Giovinco (Toronto FC)
Giovinco is the highest-paid player in MLS, with his salary eclipsing that
of Kaka and even Gerrard. And it is has proven money well spent for
Toronto, even at such an early stage of the season. The former Juventus
forward has scored eight goals and assisted seven in 16 matches, making
an incredible start to life in MLS. At 28, the 21-time Italy international has
joined at a good time – and he is showing it.

MF - Frank Lampard (New York City FC)
A 106-time England international, Lampard was for so long the main man
at Chelsea, for whom he made over 400 Premier League appearances. He
was among the world's best midfielders – and, at times, the number one.
His 13-season stay at Chelsea was ended with a move to New York City,
and a stint on loan at Manchester City.

MF - Kaka (Orlando City)
The Brazilian showcased himself as arguably the world's best number 10 at times while at Milan, a club with whom he won the Serie A and UEFA
Champions League. Kaka spent four seasons with Real Madrid before a
return to Milan and switch to Orlando City. This season, he has scored nine
goals and contributed two assists in 18 outings.

FW - David Villa (New York City FC)
Spain's all-time leading goalscorer has, as expected, settled relatively
quickly in United States. Villa has featured 15 times for New York City and
scored eight goals while contributing three assists. He caught the spotlight
during his time at Valencia, having scored regularly for Sporting Gijon and
Real Zaragoza before that. He spent time at Barcelona and Atletico Madrid
before a guest spell in Melbourne.

FW - Robbie Keane (Los Angeles Galaxy)
The Republic of Ireland's impact on MLS has been enormous. Keane's stats
tell an incredible story, and he is a three-time MLS Cup winner with the
Galaxy. He has played 95 games and his contribution reads a total of 59
goals and 39 assists. The former Tottenham and Liverpool striker has stepped up whenever the Galaxy have needed him, and he now has Gerrard alongside him.


Courtesy: opera sports

Fiji Islands beat Micronesia 38 - 0

When Micronesia lost the opening match of the Pacific Games 30-0 to
Tahiti, they probably thought it could not get any worse than that. They
were wrong.
In a scoreline tournament organisers claim is a world record, Fiji beat them
38-0 on Sunday.
However Micronesia are likely to escape their place in the record books as
they are not affiliated to world football's governing body Fifa, and the
squads at the Pacific Games are Under-23s because it doubles as Olympic
qualifying.
Micronesia put an outfield player in goal at half-time with the score
21-0. Midfielder Dominic Gadad conceded 17 more
Antonio Tuivana scored 10 goals for Fiji; Christopher Wasasala hit seven
Fiji failed to score between 12th and 22nd minute
Micronesia's final group game is against Vanuatu, who drew with Fiji
Minnows only have 18-man squad, rather than 23
The official world record remains Australia's 31-0 win over American
Samoa in a World Cup qualifier back in 2001.
What is Micronesia?
The Federated States of Micronesia, in the western Pacific, consists of
about 600 islands grouped into four states: Kosrae, Pohnpei, Chuuk
(Truk) and Yap.
Occupying a very small total land mass, it is scattered over an ocean
expanse five times the size of France and has a population of about
100,000.
Though formally independent, in 1986 Micronesia signed a "Compact of
Free Association" with the US. Under this, Washington took on
responsibility for defence and gained the right to set up military bases and
deny other nations access to Micronesia.

Micronesia now has a total of 68 goals against on the table

Political interventions caused Qatar hosting the 2018 World Cup - Blatter

French and German presidents applied political pressure prior to the 2018
and 2022 World Cup votes, according to Fifa president Sepp Blatter.
He alleges ex-French president Nicolas Sarkozy and his German
counterpart Christian Wulff sought to influence voting before Qatar and
Russia were chosen as respective hosts in 2010.
Blatter, 79, said: "That is the reason why we now have a World Cup in
Qatar."
The voting process is now under investigation by the Swiss prosecutors.
He added: "Those who decided this should also take the responsibility."
Blatter announced on 2 June he would step down from the presidency at
world football's governing body at an extraordinary congress to be held
between December and March.
His decision followed an investigation into alleged corruption at Fifa
which has seen 18 people indicted in the United States. Blatter said he has
"nothing to fear" on a personal level.
Speaking to Germany's Welt am Sonntag newspaper, Blatter said: "Before
the World Cups were awarded to Russia and Qatar, there were two
political interventions. Messrs Sarkozy and Wulff tried to influence their
vote-makers.
Blatter also claimed that the German football association (DFB) "also
received such a recommendation that Germany should vote for Qatar due
to economic interests."
He added: "Just look at all the German companies. The Deutsche Bahn
(German railways) Hochtief (construction) and many more already had
projects in Qatar before the World Cup was awarded there.
"I act on the leadership principle. If a majority of the executive committee
wants a World Cup in Qatar then I have to accept that."
Former DFB president Theo Zwanziger had previously written that Wulff
had asked about Qatar's chances but he denied it had had any influence.
Blatter has also confirmed that he does not intend to stand for a sixth term
in office at Fifa.

United States win women's world cup against Japan(full details)

USA celebrate as they win their 3rd world cup

Women's World Cup Final, Canada
Date: Sunday, 5th July
Kick off: 11:00 GMT
Venue: BC Place

United States 5 Vrs 2 Japan

GOAL UPDATES :
USA Women
Goal
Lloyd 3'
USA Women
Goal
Lloyd 5'
USA Women
Goal
Holiday 14'
USA Women
Goal
Lloyd 16'
Japan Women
Goal
Ogimi 27'
Japan Women
Goal
Johnston 52' (og)
USA Women
Goal
Heath 54'

Facts:
▪ United States first to win 3 world cups.

Carli Lloyd scored a 13th minute hat-trick.

Defending champions Japan, won over United States in 2011 to clinch the trophy on penalties.

Match details :
Carli Lloyd scored an incredible 13-minute hat-trick as the United States
thrashed Japan to win their third Women's World Cup title.
In a repeat of the 2011 final, which Japan won on penalties, the Nadeshiko
could not live with their stronger and quicker opponents, who were 4-0
up by the time Lloyd scored an astonishing third from the half-way line.
The American midfielder put the 1991 and 1999 champions two goals up
within five minutes in a stunning start to the match.
Lauren Holiday volleyed in after Azusa Iwashimizu's woeful header and
Lloyd then caused pandemonium among the huge contingent of US
supporters inside BC Place when she lobbed Japan goalkeeper Ayumi
Kaihori.
The 2011 winners clawed their way back into the game thanks to a Yuki
Ogimi strike and a Julie Johnston own goal, but Tobin Heath made it 5-2
before 60 minutes had elapsed and despite further pressure, English coach
Jill Ellis's USA side held on.
The majority of the 53,341 fans inside BC Place erupted in joyous
celebration at the final whistle before Caf president Issa Hayatou, standing
in at the final for Fifa president Sepp Blatter, presented the World Cup
trophy to former captain Christie Rampone and veteran striker Abby
Wambach.
Chants of "U-S-A" reverberated around the ground when they lifted
trophy.
The pulsating finale to an entertaining tournament was the highest-scoring
final in the tournament's history, and matched the highest scoring men's
final, when Brazil defeated Sweden by the same scoreline in 1958.
Japan, who made it to the final after beating England courtesy of Laura
Bassett's own goal, were outclassed from the start and could not cope with
the USA's set-pieces.
But they also suffered from a familiar foe as Lloyd added to the two goals
she scored against Japan in the 2012 Olympic final between the two teams.
Her third-minute opener was the quickest goal in a Women's World Cup
final as she latched onto Megan Rapinoe's perfectly directed corner. The
32-year-old added another after Japan failed to clear a free-kick.
It got worse for Norio Sasaki's side when Iwashimizu gifted Holiday a
goal when her clearance header merely looped up in the air and the USA
midfielder took advantage.
Lloyd's wonder goal, which completed a first Women's World Cup final
hat-trick and made her the tournament's joint top scorer along with
Germany's Celia Sasic, appeared to have ended the game as a contest.
Such was the manner of Iwashimizu's display that the Japan defender she
was withdrawn after 33 minutes to be replaced by former captain Homare
Sawa, who was competing in her sixth World Cup.
Although former Chelsea forward Ogimi turned and fired in before the
break and Johnstone's second-half own goal gave Japan hope, Heath
took advantage from more poor Japanese defending to score the USA's
fifth.
Japan were determined not to give up as substitute Mana Iwabuchi caused
problems for the US defence. But they could find no way past a resolute US
side, who became the first team to win the Women's World Cup for a third
time.


Lineups
USA Women starting eleven
1
Solo
11
Krieger
19
Johnston
4
Sauerbrunn
22
Klingenberg
17
Heath (substituted for Wambach at 79 minutes')
12
Holiday
14
Brian
15
Rapinoe (substituted for O'Hara at 61 minutes')
10
Lloyd
13
Morgan (substituted for Rampone at 86 minutes')
Japan Women starting eleven
18
Kaihori
19
Ariyoshi
3
Iwashimizu (substituted for Sawa at 33 minutes'
who was booked at 82 minutes)
4
Kumagai
5
Sameshima
9
Kawasumi (substituted for Sugasawa at 39 minutes')
6
Sakaguchi
13
Utsugi
8
Miyama
11
Ohno (substituted for Iwabuchi at 60 minutes'
who was booked at 85 minutes)
17
Ogimi

United States thrash Japan in world cup final

Carli Lloyd led United States to their first Women's World Cup title in 16
years, scoring a hat-trick in a 5-2 thrashing of Japan on Sunday.
Lloyd netted a first-half hat-trick at BC Place in Vancouver as USA
clinched their third World Cup title.
It included a remarkable goal from the halfway line as Jill Ellis' team
dominated, with Lauren Holiday also scoring as they went 4-0 up inside
16 minutes.
Lloyd joined England hero Geoff Hurst (1966) as the only players to net
trebles in World Cup finals.
A Yuki Ogimi goal and Julie Johnston own gave Japan hope, but Tobin
Heath netted to seal USA's win.
Reigning world champions Japan were left to rue their defending from
set-pieces, and USA made them pay early on.
Lloyd led the way and her team were irresistible in the opening stages in
Vancouver.
They made an incredible start with four goals in the first 16 minutes,
including her hat-trick.
Lloyd struck in the third minute, meeting a Megan Rapinoe corner with a
powerful side-footed effort.
It was 2-0 moments later and again from a set-piece, this time Lloyd
scrambling in from close range.
USA's impeccable start continued when Holiday volleyed in expertly after a
poor clearance in the 14th minute.
Lloyd provided the highlight to complete her hat-trick two minutes later.
Preparing to launch a counter-attack, the midfielder instead opted to shoot
from halfway after spotting Ayumi Kaihori off her line.
The goalkeeper scrambled desperately but, as she fell, Kaihori could only
get a hand on the shot and see it go in off the post.
If Japan had any hopes of a comeback, they needed to strike at least once
before half-time.
They pulled a goal back in the 27th minute through Ogimi, who took a pass
from Nahomi Kawasumi before curling a fine effort past Hope Solo.
The comeback continued with Japan's second goal seven minutes into the
second half, as Johnston headed past her own keeper Solo to make it 4-2.
But a set-piece would prove to be Japan's undoing once more soon after.
Kaihori could only punch a corner to the back post and Morgan Brian
cutback for Heath to strike and seal the win and the title.

Dunga blocked Neymar's Coppa America suspension appeal

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has claimed national team
coach Dunga asked them not to appeal Neymar's suspension at the 2015
Copa America.
Neymar was handed a four-match ban for his involvement in a melee at
the end of Brazil's group-stage clash with Colombia, and although CBF
initially looked to appeal, they eventually accepted the penalty.
According to CBF general secretary Walter Feldman, Dunga told the
national governing body that "it was best" Neymar withdrew from the
tournament.
"These are difficult moments in which you have to make a firm decision
and only time will tell if you made the right one or not," Feldman told
Esporte Espetacular on Sunday.
"The coaching staff didn't hesitate in asking us not to appeal against the
punishment because it would be better if Neymar were to leave."
Brazil were eventually eliminated in the quarter-finals by Paraguay,
meaning Neymar still has two games left of his suspension to serve in
World Cup qualifying.
But Feldman hopes CBF can convince South America's football governing
body CONMEBOL to allow the Barcelona forward to serve the penalty in
the next Copa America.
"At this stage, we haven't got a lot of options open to us regarding an
appeal but independently of the outcome, we have the right to request that
the remainder of the sanction can be postponed," he said.

Gerrard set for LA Galaxy debut

Steven Gerrard may not put on a Los Angeles Galaxy shirt until later this
month, but he already has the club's most ardent fans on his side.
The Liverpool legend bought several cases of beer for each of the Galaxy's
three official supporters' groups ahead of Saturday night's 4-0 win over
Toronto FC, writing in an accompanying note that he wanted to provide
"some refreshments for the 4th of July."
Gerrard was introduced to the crowd at the StubHub Center during the
game and told fans: "Thank you very much for a fantastic welcome.
"Thanks for making myself and my family feel at home here in LA.
"It feels great to be here. I'm excited and I can't wait to get my boots on
and play in front of you guys.
"Hopefully, we can have some good times together and it can be a
successful future.
"Happy 4th of July, all the best."
Gerrard will begin training with the Galaxy on Tuesday. He is expected to
make his MLS debut on July 17 against San Jose Earthquakes.

I didn't want to be alive again after career ending tackle, McKinnon

Former Newcastle Knights man Alex McKinnon says he did not want to live
at times in the aftermath of the tackle that put him in a coma and ended his
career.
McKinnon landed head first following a three-man tackle involving
Jordan McLean and Australia captain Cameron Smith during an NRL
match with Melbourne Storm in March 2014.
While McKinnon ultimately left hospital, he is yet to walk independently
and spoke for the first time on Sunday about the tackle and the impact on
his life.
The 23-year-old hit out at Smith's behaviour in the immediate aftermath
of the incident and explained he did not want to be alive at times following
the tackle.
"I didn't want to be alive, I honestly didn't," he told Channel Nine's 60
Minutes programme.
"I had that many thoughts going through my head and I just felt it was
unfair for me to be alive [like that], I honestly did.
"I just kept thinking about my pop. My pop died a year before I debuted.
"Coincidentally he died just after I met [fiance] Teigan and that was just the
thoughts that were going through my head.
"I just wanted to die, I honestly didn’t want to be alive. I just felt like it
was torture ... that’s just the way I felt."
McKinnon was shown the tackle for the first time during the programme
and reserved criticism for Smith, who was heard saying "if he doesn't duck
his head, that doesn't happen" following the incident.
While Smith's club defended him, stating no-one knew the severity of the
situation at the time and that Smith requested to visit, McKinnon was
angered by the comments.
When shown the video, McKinnon stated: "He's still debating? Is he f
serious? Wouldn't you just shut up?
"That's the Australian captain there, well done. That’s f ridiculous.
"I don't know if [Smith's] tried to get in contact through the club but I'm
sure if Jordan McLean could make contact, [Smith] probably could."

Chile Vs Argentina - History beckons as Coppa America heads to final

Argentina and Chile will relish the chance to end long waits for major
international trophies on Sunday in the final of the Copa America.
Tournament hosts Chile came through a close-fought semi-final with
Peru to move within one win of their first Copa success while Argentina
thrashed Paraguay 6-1 and inched closer to their first major title since
1993.
Gerardo Martino saw Lionel Messi shine in their dismantling of Paraguay
last week with this weekend's clash offering the four-time world player of
the year the chance to seal his first international honours.
Despite winning a host of titles with Barcelona, Messi's international career
has not yet reached the same heights, although victory in Santiago would
go a long way to silencing any remaining detractors.
Sergio Aguero - another component of Martino's impressive forward line
- was on target against Paraguay and talked up the quality Argentina
possess with the likes of Carlos Tevez and Gonzalo Higuain lurking on the
bench.
"I just try to do my job. Behind me I have Carlitos and I have Pipita
[Higuain], they are very good players and that motivates you," Aguero told
La Nacion.
"It is good if your place is in demand. We [Aguero and Messi] know that
sometimes we will generate, but above all we have to aim not to fail.
"They are one of the best teams in the tournament and it will be a good
final.
"It is the second major challenge facing us after Uruguay and they will look
to impose on us."
For Chile and their Argentine coach Jorge Sampaoli, Sunday represents the
chance for a first Copa title, having again impressed with a high-energy,
pressing game that also gained praise at last year's World Cup.
Argentina have dominated the sides' recent meetings but, with Chile
looking for a repeat of their 1-0 victory in World Cup qualifying of
2008, captain Claudio Bravo is hopeful the underdog tag can serve his
side well.
"We have never been favourites in any tournament and often is good for us
to feel that, because we are full of energy and enthusiasm," he told
reporters.
"The word fear has not been referred to by anyone in the team, but we have
the utmost respect for all the teams. The headline of fear or that we were
scared was established by the press and not from us.
"I think we have to do the same thing that we did in the match in the
qualifiers for Brazil, which was a very seasoned Chile, a Chile that wanted
to play on equal terms.
"This is something we have been doing since long ago, and the truth is that
we have a great chance, playing at home, with our fans, which increases
our chances of playing a good game and brings us closer to the title."

Mayweather is the richest sportsman according to Forbes

Boxing champ and undefeated man, Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather according
to Forbes is the richest and highest paid sports man for the last 12months.
The boxer earned $300million and as to how he celebrated it? ‘Money’ took himself to the Mob Museum in Vegas and stood in front of a display of
how much he earns. He shared a photo on instagram and wrote “Forbes, I’m just getting started this year.”

Messi pay-off rumours denied by Irish FA

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has issued a strong rebuttal to
claims in an Argentinian newspaper that Republic of Ireland players were
paid $10,000 each to not injure Lionel Messi during a 2010 friendly
against Argentina.
A story in La Nacion claimed that former head of the Argentina Football
Association Julio Grondona - who died in July 2014 - suggested making
payments to the Irish players as they could not afford to stump up the
Barcelona superstar's insurance should he have picked up an injury.
It is also alleged that Argentina suggested playing the match to FIFA as a
way of alleviating Ireland's grievances over losing a World Cup play-off
to France, in which Thierry Henry famously handballed in the build-up to
William Gallas' winner.
Messi played 58 minutes of the contest in August 2010 that marked
Ireland's first international game at the Aviva Stadium, with Angel di
Maria scoring the only goal in Dublin.
The FAI deny the accusations and are considering the possibility of legal
action.
"The Football Association of Ireland completely refutes the allegations
made about the Republic of Ireland v Argentina friendly match in La
Nacion as baseless," read an FAI statement.
"The match in question was organised by Kentaro and announced by press
release prior to the World Cup play-offs in 2009.
"We are consulting our legal advisers in relation to the article, and will be
taking further steps."
Earlier this month it was revealed that the FAI was paid a €5m interest-
free loan by FIFA as compensation after they missed out on the 2010
World Cup, with the payment used to help cover the cost of the
redevelopment of the Aviva Stadium.

Player dies after suffering from injuries on field

James Ackerman played 54 Intrust Super Cup matches during his career
A rugby league player seriously injured during a Queensland Cup match in
Australia has died in hospital.
James Ackerman, 25, was playing for the Sunshine Coast Falcons when he
suffered a head injury in a tackle five minutes into a game against Norths
Devils.
The father-of-two was treated on the field at Bishop Park, before being
taken to hospital in Brisbane, and Saturday's game was then abandoned.
Queensland Rugby League (QRL) said on Monday that Ackerman had
passed away.
Australian newspaper the Courier-Mail said Francis Molo, 20, who made
the tackle on Ackerman, is "struggling to cope".
A minute's silence was held for Ackerman prior to Monday's NRL game
between St George-Illawarra Dragons and Sydney Roosters.
Both sets of players also wore black armbands.
Sunshine Coast Falcons chief executive officer Chris Flannery described
Ackerman as a "champion guy" and "one of our leaders".
He added: "He lived for rugby league. He was a tough competitor and a
fine player who in many ways was the heart and soul of our team."
QRL managing director Robert Moore said it was a "very difficult and
traumatic time".
He added: "We send our deepest condolences to James's family and
friends, and the Sunshine Coast club.
"One of the strengths of rugby league is the game's ability to rally behind
its own - and I have no doubt this will happen throughout this challenging
period."
Moore also said it was not an appropriate time to comment further on the
incident.
Ackerman's family - including wife Saraa, children Olliver and Milly,
brothers Andrew and Thomas and parents Michael and Sonya - thanked
the medical staff at both clubs, paramedics, the hospital and his current and
former team-mates for their "overwhelming" support.
Their statement read: "James loved the game of rugby league, he always
played the game with his heart on his sleeve. We will miss you."
The Falcons are a feeder team for NRL side Melbourne Storm, as are
Norths Devils for Brisbane Broncos.
NRL chief executive Dave Smith said: "This is such a tragedy and we send
our sympathies to everyone who knew and loved James."

Brazil won't appeal for Neymar's red card

Neymar has been ruled out of the Copa America tournament in Chile after
Brazil opted not to appeal the Barcelona forward's four-game ban.
The 23-year-old was shown a red card after the final whistle of Brazil's
1-0 defeat to Colombia last week.
Brazil coach Dunga had said that the Brazilian Football Confederation
(CBF) would likely appeal the card.
But Neymar was due to leave the Brazil camp on Monday after the
confederation released a statement not to appeal.
"The technical commission and the player hopes that Conmebol [the South
American Football Confederation] adopt the same rigour they used in
punishing Neymar in all their competitions," said the statement.
Neymar, who won La Liga, the Champions League and the Copa del Rey
with Barcelona in 2014-15, was banned for four matches after getting a
yellow card, a straight red and then showering the referee with abuse
during and after last Wednesday's game with Colombia.
Brazil lost the match 1-0, their first defeat in 12 games.
Neymar was in the ground on Sunday to see Brazil beat Venezuela 2-1, a
result that took them to the top of Group C and into a quarter-final tie with
Paraguay on Saturday.
The final of Copa America is on 4 July.

Pekerman expects more from Colombia

Colombia coach Jose Pekerman hopes his team can repeat the performance they produced against Brazil when they meet Peru on Sunday.
Pekerman's side are bottom of a tight Group C, which has all four teams locked on three points.
Colombia claimed a 1-0 win over Brazil and Pekerman is keen to see his team repeat that display when they face Peru in Temuco.
And Pekerman identified forwards Paolo Guerrero, Jefferson Farfan and Claudio Pizarro as players to watch out for.
"I respect a lot of the players in their hierarchy, as the players on my team
do to the rival," Pekerman told a news conference.
"They're a good team with important players and have good control of the
ball. We hope to repeat a lot of the things we did against Brazil to be able
to leave with the victory."
With all four teams in Group C on three points after the opening two
matches, qualification could go right to the wire.
Pekerman has some injury concerns heading into the game - including star
midfielder James Rodriguez - but remains hopeful his squad has sufficient
quality to secure the result they need.
"There are some players with physical problems, tomorrow we'll have a
meeting with the medical team to determine their progress," Pekerman said.
"We hope we can count on everybody because we're going to face a great
team."

Today's Fixtures
South America - Copa America
Colombia
21 : 00
Peru
Brazil
23 : 30
Venezuela

Jamaica player takes on field selfie with Leo Messi

Jamaica will head home from the Copa America having failed to score a
goal, yet Deshorn Brown made sure he hit the headlines by grabbing an
opportunistic on-pitch selfie with Lionel Messi following Saturday's 1-0
defeat to Argentina.
Winfried Schafer's men put in a spirited display in their final Group B
fixture, restricting tournament favourites Argentina to a solitary goal -
courtesy of Gonzalo Higuain - in Vina del Mar.
The contest saw Messi win his 100th cap and the Barcelona superstar was
the centre of attention at full-time as Brown seized his chance to claim a
cheeky post-match memento.
After using his phone to capture a selfie with Messi, Brown shared the
image on his Instagram account.
The accompanying message read: "Not the result we were looking for, but I
get to meet the best player in the world and it was a great feeling to play
against him!! Best of luck to Messi and Argentina in the rest [of the]
tournament!!"

Alves reactions after Neymar's red card

Dani Alves has defended Brazil and Barcelona team-mate Neymar
following his red card on Wednesday, stating referees are unable to handle
the forward's on-field personality.
Brazil captain Neymar was shown a second yellow card during the 1-0
Copa America defeat to Colombia following an injury-time melee after
appearing to kick the ball into full-back Pablo Armero before seemingly
seeking to headbutt Jeison Murillo.
Neymar later claimed he was being unfairly treated by officials - a view
shared by Alves, who suggested referees are too often keen to be the stars
of the show.
"The blame is on the referees. They know he has personality. The [second]
yellow card he received was wrong," the full-back told Globo TV.
"They have to stop thinking that they are the protagonists. They are there to
referee the game.
"This happens in every game against Brazil. You have to be strong and
calm to overcome difficult moments."
The defeat leaves Brazil with work to do to progress out of Group C -
level on points with Colombia and Venezuela, the latter facing Peru on
Thursday.
"Now they are all against Brazil but we need to be calm. Despite their
young age, this group is experienced," added Alves.