Archive | June 2016

Koeman agrees to become Everton boss….

Ronald kOEMAN

Everton have agreed a deal to make Ronald Koeman their new manager.  The Dutchman, 53, leaves Southampton after two years in charge, having led the south-coast club to seventh and sixth in the Premier League.  Everton have been without a manager since they sacked Roberto Martinez just before the end of the 2015-16 season.  The Toffees finished 11th in his third year at the club, with the Spaniard having promised Champions League qualification when appointed. Everton agreed a compensation package of about £5m with Southampton for Ronald Koeman. Koeman, who is on holiday, will take brother Erwin and fitness coach Jan Kluitenberg with him to Goodison Park.

Euro 2016 squads….

As we count down to the 15th edition of the UEFA European Championship tagged Euro 2016 to be held in France from from 10 June to 10 July 2016, let’s take a look at the teams the participating countries have named. Most of these teams have landed in France already and are feeling the euphoria already.

Albania (Group A)

Frederic Veseli
Goalkeepers: Etrit Berisha (Lazio), Alban Hoxha (Partizani), Orges Shehi (Skenderbeu).

Defenders: Lorik Cana (Nantes), Arlind Ajeti (Frosinone), Mergim Mavraj (Cologne), Elseid Hysaj (Napoli), Ansi Agolli (Qarabag), Frederic Veseli (Lugano), Naser Aliji (Basel).

Midfielders: Ledjan Memushaj (Pescara), Ergys Kaçe (Paok Thessaloniki), Andi Lila (Giannina), Migjen Basha (Como), Odise Roshi (Rijeka), Burim Kukeli (Zurich), Ermir Lenjani (Nantes), Taulant Xhaka (Basel), Armir Abrashi (Freiburg).

Forwards: Bekim Balaj (Rijeka), Sokol Cikalleshi (Medipol Baksasehir), Armando Sadiku (Vaduz), Shkelzen Gashi (Colorado Rapids).

Also in Group A: France, Romania, Switzerland

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Neymar fraud allegations….

neymar

Spanish prosecutors have called for Brazil and Barcelona football star Neymar to be tried for fraud. The prosecutors, from Spain’s top criminal court, allege Neymar and his father hid the true value of the player’s multi-million-euro transfer from Santos to Barcelona. A Brazilian investment fund that owned 40% of Neymar’s sports rights argues it was deprived of its full share. In previous interviews, Neymar, 24, has denied any wrongdoing. Barcelona said it paid €57m for Neymar in 2013, with the player’s parents, Neymar da Silva Santos and Nadine Goncalves da Silva Santos, receiving €40m and his former club, Santos, €17m. But investigators say the fee was closer to €83m and Barcelona concealed part of the deal. The club also denies any wrongdoing.

Pitbull’s music interrupts Chile’s anthem….

Pitbull

Chile’s players and fans had to compete with American rapper Pitbull’s music, as it was played over the final bars of their national anthem before their Copa America match against Argentina. It was the second time in two days that the country’s national anthem was subject to a mix-up at the tournament. Organisers apologised for playing the Chile anthem instead of Uruguay before their game against Mexico on Sunday. Chile went on to lose Monday’s game 2-1 to the 2014 World Cup finalists. Fans and players were still singing as the pre-recorded anthem music ended, and, according to reports, the Pitbull track was next on the tracklist at the Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

Yusupov called up by Russia after staying in same hotel as squad….

Artur Yusupov.

The Zenit St Petersburg midfielder Artur Yusupov has been called up to Russia’s Euro 2016 squad after staying in the same Monaco hotel while on holiday. “This is just the way it happened. After being on holiday for 14 days, of course I am going to be a bit out of shape,” the 26-year-old said. “I don’t really know what sort of physical condition I will be in.” Yusupov, who won the first of his two caps in November 2015, took part in Russia’s first training session in Paris in borrowed boots after the squad flew to the French capital late on Sunday. “I was supposed to fly back to Moscow today,” Yusupov said. “I didn’t even have my football boots with me and none of the clothes that I needed.” Yusupov will replace Igor Denisov who has been ruled out of the tournament due to injury. The 32-year-old Dynamo Moscow midfielder, who has 54 caps, damaged a hamstring during Russia’s 1-1 draw with Serbia in a friendly on Sunday in Monaco. Russia open their European Championship against England in Marseille on Saturday.

Lennox Lewis to carry Ali’s coffin….

lewis and Ali

Former world heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis and actor Will Smith will be pallbearers at Muhammad Ali’s funeral on Friday. London-born Lewis, 50, became undisputed world champion in 1999, while American Smith, 47, played Ali in the 2001 film of the same name. Three-time heavyweight world champion Ali died last Friday at the age of 74 in hospital in Phoenix, Arizona. His funeral will be held in his home town of Louisville, Kentucky.

Di Maria’s emotional tribute….

Angel Di Maria

There was Copa America action in the early hours of this morning as Argentina played Chile and it was an emotional game for former Manchester United winger Angel di Maria. His grandmother passed away shortly before the game, but the winger decided to play and scored the opener, celebrating the goal by holding up a shirt with the words ‘Granny, I will miss you so much’ on it. Ever Banega also scored as Argentina won 2-1, with Lionel Messi staying on the bench as he recovers from a back injury.

Di Matteo is the new Aston Villa boss….

Roberto di Matteo and Steve Clarke

Roberto di Matteo is the new Aston Villa manager and will be assisted by former Chelsea team-mate Steve Clarke.  Ex-Chelsea, West Brom and Schalke boss Di Matteo replaces Remi Garde, who was sacked in March prior to the club’s relegation from the Premier League. Italian Di Matteo, 46, and former West Brom and Reading boss Clarke, 52, have been out of management since last year. Di Matteo, who guided Chelsea to Champions League success in 2012, was always the first choice of Dr Tony Xia. The Chinesse businessman, whose takeover of Villa is currently awaiting Football League and Premier League approval, is convinced that Di Matteo will raise Villa’s profile in the Championship.

This entry was posted on June 2, 2016. 1 Comment

Hull City release Sone Aluko….

Hull Transfer News: Tigers release duo and offer new deals

Nigeria international, Forward Aluko, 27, and defender Taylor, 31, are out of contract and the newly-promoted Premier League club have decided to let them go. Midfielder Tom Huddlestone and wing-back Ahmed Elmohamady have been offered new deals while the Tigers have exercised an one-year option to keep back-up stopper Eldin Jakupovic. Vice-chairman Ehab Allam told the club’s official website: “Both Ahmed and Tom contributed hugely towards our success in the end-of-season play-offs and we are keen for both players to remain with us on our return to the Premier League. “We’re also pleased that Eldin Jakupovic will be continuing his career here. “The development he has made during his time with this club has been clear to see this season, including a quite exceptional performance and clean sheet against Arsenal in the FA Cup, and culminating in his performances in the play-offs. “I would also like to take this opportunity to thank both Sone Aluko and Ryan Taylor for their efforts and wish them both well for their future careers.” Arsenal duo Chuba Akpom and Isaac Hayden have returned to north London after spending the season on loan at the KC Stadium.

Mourinho pulls out of charity match….

Jose Mourinho

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has pulled out of Sunday’s Soccer Aid charity game at Old Trafford. He was due to manage an England side containing David Seaman and Phil Neville, plus a host of celebrities. It would have been Mourinho’s first appearance at Old Trafford since being appointed Louis van Gaal’s successor. Former Chelsea, Inter Milan and Real Madrid boss Mourinho, 53, is thought to have told organisers he had other commitments he wanted to focus on.

Aubameyang Bundesliga Player of the Year….

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Gabon and Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been voted as the German Bundesliga’s Player of the Year award. The Gabon captain finished just 0.2% ahead of Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski, who was the top scorer in the league last season. The award is voted for by the German players’ union, the VDV. “It’s a great honour to be recognised and appreciated by your fellow colleagues,” Aubameyang said.

Kaka out of Copa America….

Kaka

Brazil’s Kaka is out of the Copa America with a muscle injury and will be replaced by Paulo Henrique Ganso. The former AC Milan and Real Madrid midfielder, who now plays for Orlando City in Major League Soccer, was a late replacement for Douglas Costa. Kaka, 34, is the fifth player to withdraw from the squad and is expected to be out for about three weeks. The 100th anniversary Copa America starts in the United States on Friday, with Brazil’s first game on Saturday.

Rooney testimonial on 3 August….

Wayne Rooney

Jose Mourinho’s first match at Old Trafford as Manchester United manager is set to be Wayne Rooney’s testimonial match against Everton on Wednesday, 3 August. The game was announced last year but had not been signed off due to uncertainty over when United would enter European competition. Even after it became known United would not have a clash, the game was still not confirmed as their managerial situation had not been resolved. However, new boss Mourinho has given the green light to the game.

Stubbs appointed Rotherham boss….

Alan Stubbs

Rotherham United appointed Hibernian boss Alan Stubbs as their new manager last night on a three-year deal. The 44-year-old was given permission to speak to the Championship side on Monday but resigned from his Hibs role, according to Rotherham, to take over. He leaves Hibs less than two weeks after guiding the Easter Road side to a first Scottish Cup win in 114 years. The former Celtic and Everton defender replaces Neil Warnock at the New York Stadium. Stubbs once partnered Nigeria’s Joseph Yobo in Everton’s defence.

Messi appears in court today….

Lionel Messi

Barcelona and Argentina forward Lionel Messi takes the stand today to face questions over his tax affairs. Authorities prepared a special operation to control the many journalists, fans and onlookers at the Barcelona court. Messi, 28, and his father Jorge, who manages his financial affairs, are accused of defrauding Spain of more than €4m between 2007 and 2009.

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Comedian to compete in Rio Olympics….

Kuniaki Takizaki

A Japanese comedian will run the marathon for Cambodia at Rio 2016, reports AFP. Kuniaki Takizaki, a television star known for his cat impressions apparently, was granted Cambodian citizenship in 2011 and was barred from London 2012 because he was too recent a citizen. He was given a wildcard nomination for this summer’s Games after winning a marathon in Kep, in a time of two hours and 44 minutes.

Shola Ameobi released by Fleetwood….

Shola Ameobi

Fleetwood Town have released 14 players, including former Newcastle striker Shola Ameobi. The 34-year-old, who started the season with Championship side Bolton, scored once in 10 appearances for the League One club. Ameobi, then of Newcastle represented Nigeria at the 2014 world cup in Brazil.

Man City sign Gundogan….

Manchester City have announced the signing of midfielder Ilkay Gundogan from Borussia Dortmund on a four-year deal. He becomes the first signing made by City’s new coach Pep Guardiola. The 25-year-old midfielder made 157 appearances over the past five seasons for Dortmund and has won 16 caps for Germany. He is currently out with a knee injury so has not been selected for Euro 2016. “I’m thrilled to have signed for Manchester City,” said Gundogan. “When I learned of City’s interest my heart was set on coming here and things have moved very quickly. “Now I have a new challenge and that is to achieve great things with city. The opportunity to work with a coach like Pep Guardiola is something I am really looking forward to and I am flattered to be the first signing the Club has made this summer.”