FIFA president Sepp Blatter has chaired a meeting of representatives of the confederations this morning to discuss the current situation at world football’s governing body. UEFA president Michel Platini was among those present. Meanwhile, Russian sports minister Vitaly Mutko has said he believes there is “no risk” of Russia losing the right to host the 2018 World Cup, despite Swiss investigators opening a criminal investigation into the bidding process.
Rafael Benitez has just told a news conference that he is “ending my experience” at Napoli, amid reports that he is to take over at Real Madrid. “It is always sad to leave a place where people treat you well right from the beginning,” he said. “Waiting for us on Sunday is a very important game and I want to finish my two years with a victory.” “Thank you Rafa for this time together,” said chairman Aurelio De Laurentiis. “We will be the only Italian team – for the sixth year in a row – that will participate in UEFA competitions.”
A ‘psychic’ penguin from the National Sea Life centre in Birmingham has predicted that Aston Villa will beat Arsenal in the FA Cup final at Wembley. Ever since Paul the Octopus gripped the world’s attention by correctly predicting 11 out of 13 results at Euro 2008, there have been a number of mimics. The gentoo penguins at the National Sea Life centre in Birmingham are among the more reliable, having correctly predicted that England would have a poor World Cup campaign last summer. Ginny has made her pick and (we wonder if there is some bias here) selected local side Aston Villa to prevail in the FA Cup final over defending champions Arsenal. “Our penguins love getting the chance to put their psychic abilities to the test, especially Ginny,” said Naomi Bird, Aquarist at the underwater themed attraction. “Anyone that follows her on Twitter will know that she’s got such a big personality and likes to make herself heard so she was determined to be at the forefront of the predictions this time around! “We put out two identical buckets for the penguins to choose from and there was no hesitation in Ginny’s decision, she’s certain that the Birmingham-based team will be the one to win.”
You believe?
Russian president Vladimir Putin has laced up his size nines and careered into the Fifa farrago. Safe to say he’s not exactly enamoured by the actions of the USA. “It looks very strange, the arrests are carried out on the request of the USA side – it’s got nothing to do with the USA,” he told Russian state television. “It’s another clear attempt by the USA to spread its jurisdiction to other states. And I have no doubt – it’s a clear attempt not to allow Mr Blatter to be re-elected as president of FIFA.” There is speculation that USA wants to hijack the 2018 world cup that had been awarded to Russia.
Sepp Blatter did not attend Thursday morning’s FIFA medical conference in Zurich as pressure grows on him to stand down. Blatter was due to address the conference 24 hours before he stands for a fifth term in a presidential election still due to go head despite Wednesday’s day of high drama on the eve of FIFA’s annual congress. The 79-year-old insists he welcomes the criminal investigations and remains fully committed to “rooting out any wrongdoing in football”. FIFA’s chief medical officer Jiri Dvorak said Blatter had sent his apologies, adding: “The president has to fulfil his duty in the management of the situation. That is probably more important than to come to us, even if medicine is very close to his heart.” UEFA wants the election postponed in the wake of revelations that two separate FIFA-related criminal investigations have been opened.
Dick Advocaat is leaving his role as Sunderland head coach after successfully guiding the club to Premier League safety this season. The 67-year-old Dutchman said he no longer wished to continue a career in club management. He joined the Black Cats until the end of the season in March, replacing the sacked Gus Poyet, with the side one point above the relegation zone. “Sunderland has been one of the highlights of my career,” he said. “At certain moments in your life you have to make a decision and I am almost 68 years old now. “A number of clubs contacted me but the decision was always Sunderland or nobody.” Sunderland chairman Ellis Short said: “Although I am extremely disappointed, I understand and absolutely respect his decision. “In his brief time here he made a real impact and lifted the club with his experience and enthusiasm. We will always be grateful to him for what he achieved.”
Super Falcons coach, Edwin Okon has released a list of the final 23 players that would represent Nigeria at the FIFA Women’s World Cup starting in Canada next month. The tournament will run from 6th June to 5th July 2015. Of course, the BBC Woman Footballer of the Year, Asisat Oshoala made the list that also includes veteran Perpetua Nkwocha and senior debutant Courtney Dike.
Sevilla won a record fourth Europa League trophy after beating Dnipro 3 – 2 in a thrilling final in Warsaw on Wednesday. The Spanish side had to come back from a goal down as Nikola Kalinic headed Ukrainians Dnipro into an early lead. Sevilla responded with two quick goals as Grzegorz Krychowiak drove in before Carlos Bacca rounded the goalkeeper. Ruslan Rotan’s clever free-kick made it 2-2, but Bacca broke through to seal victory for Sevilla and with it a place in next season’s Champions League. Unai Emery’s side are the first to retain the Europa League trophy since it was rebranded in 2009, and they have now triumphed in the competition more times than any other team, having won the UEFA Cup in 2007 and 2008.
Steven Gerrard has penned a farewell note to Liverpool fans. The Reds’ skipper, writing on the club’s website, said: “Saying goodbye hasn’t been easy. Go on to read the text from the Reds captain in full…
Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez has won the PFA Fans’ Player of the Season award in his first season in England. The Chilean scored 16 goals and provided eight assists in his maiden Premier League campaign, helping the Gunners to a third-place finish. He also assured Arsenal’s place in Saturday’s FA Cup final with two strikes against Reading in April’s semi-final. Sanchez was one of 10 players nominated for the award and triumphed over Chelsea’s Eden Hazard and Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero in a public poll that received over 200,000 votes.
Usain Bolt was an easy winner in his first race of the year in Europe, but failed to break 20 seconds in the 200m at the Golden Spike meet in Ostrava. In wet conditions, Jamaica’s six-time Olympic gold medallist clocked 20.13 seconds – well outside his 19.19 world record – to beat American Isiah Young. “You can’t be satisfied if I don’t break 20 seconds,” said Bolt, 28, who is building up to the World Championships in Beijing in August. Asafa Powell took the 100m in 10.04. The 32-year-old former world record holder was also well off his best pace in the Czech Republic, having clocked 9.84 seconds at the Jamaica International Invitational in Kingston this month. His compatriot Bolt improved on his season’s best of 20.20 for the 200m, set in April in Jamaica, but conceded he was well off where he will need to be by summer. “I just need to try to get myself into running shape,” said Bolt, who won 100m, 200m and sprint relay gold at the 2013 World Championships in Moscow. “I really wanted to [break 20 seconds] but the conditions didn’t allow. And I’m coming back from injuries, so it’s going to take time.”
Two wonder goals from Madagascar continued the giant killing on Monday at the Southern African championship, the Cosafa Cup. Their last-gasp 2-1 victory over Ghana means that there will be a new name on the trophy after Saturday’s final. Mozambique also progressed to the semi-finals by beating Malawi on penalties after a 2-2 draw. On Sunday champions Zambia lost to Namibia and hosts South Africa to Botswana, both games went to penalties. It means Thursday’s semi-finals will see Madagascar will play Namibia and Botswana against Mozambique. The losing teams all drop into the second tier plate competition where Zambia will take on Ghana and South Africa face Malawi on Wednesday. Madagascar humbled guest side Ghana thanks to an extraordinary winner in the last minute of the match at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace on Monday night.
This is a picture of the moment when Nigeria and Liverpool forward Asisat Oshoala heard she had been named as the BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year. She beat Veronica Boquete (Spain & FFC Frankfurt); Nadine Kessler (Germany & VFL Wolfsburg); Kim Little (Scotland & Seattle Reign FC) and Marta (Brazil & FC Rosengard) to the award.
We are still celebrating this o!
Six FIFA officials were arrested in Zurich on Wednesday and detained pending extradition to the United States over suspected corruption at football’s governing body FIFA, the Swiss Federal Office of Justice (FCOJ) said in a statement. The New York Times said they were high-ranking FIFA officials and were in Switzerland for the FIFA Congress where incumbent Sepp Blatter faces a challenge from Jordan’s Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein in a presidential election on Friday. “The US authorities suspect them of having received bribes totalling in the USD millions,” said the statement. “The arrest warrants were issued further to a request by the US authorities. The US Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York is investigating these individuals on suspicion of the acceptance of bribes and kick-backs between the early 1990s and the present day. “The bribery suspects — representatives of sports media and sports promotion firms — are alleged to have been involved in schemes to make payments to the football officials — delegates of FIFA and other functionaries of FIFA sub-organizations — totalling more than $100 million. “In return, it is believed that they received media, marketing, and sponsorship rights in connection with football tournaments in Latin America. “According to the US request, these crimes were agreed and prepared in the US, and payments were carried out via US banks. The statement said the detainees would be questioned by Zurich police regarded the U.S. request. “A simplified procedure will apply for wanted persons who agree to their immediate extradition. The Federal Office of Justice (FOJ) can immediately approve their extradition to the US and order its execution. “However, if a wanted person opposes their extradition, the FOJ will invite the US to submit a formal extradition request within the deadline of 40 days specified in the bilateral extradition treaty.”
Liverpool Ladies and Nigeria forward Asisat Oshoala has been named as the BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year. Fans voted for the winner and Oshoala, 20, won the award after starring at the Under-20 World Cup in Canada last summer. In addition to being the tournament’s leading scorer and voted the best player, her performances led Nigeria to the final, where they were narrowly beaten by Germany. She was also a major influence in the senior Nigeria team who won the African Women’s Championship in October. That ensured their qualification for this summer’s World Cup in Canada. To win the award, Oshoala beat the likes of Spain’s Veronica Boquete, Germany’s Nadine Kessler, Scotland’s Kim Little and Brazil’s Marta. “I would like to say thank you to the BBC, to my fans around the world and to everyone who voted,” she said. The award is the first of its kind hosted by a global broadcaster. Oshoala said the honour was a big lift for Nigeria ahead of the World Cup and would help inspire young players in her homeland. She said: “It’s a really good thing for us as a team because we now know that we have something great and now we want to go at the trophy. We can do it, we did it in 2014 we can also do it this year as well. “There is going to be a lot of motivation for women’s football in Nigeria now because of this award because there are a lot of fans out there. “Support for women’s football in Nigeria is now growing very high. “I know my Liverpool Ladies coach is going to be happy right now. Before I left the UK he called me and said to me ‘don’t worry I hope you win the award and we’re going to celebrate it when you come back’.”
Real Madrid players including Cristiano Ronaldo and James Rodriguez have paid tribute to axed manager Carlo Ancelotti. Pichichi winner Ronaldo had signalled his support for Ancelotti just a day before news came on Monday of his sacking, the Italian paying the price for a season without a major trophy. “Great coach and amazing person. Hope we work together next season,” the Portugal forward wrote on Twitter alongside a photo of the pair. After president Florentino Perez confirmed Ancelotti’s exit at a press conference, a string of players followed suit. “Thanks for everything boss,” left back Marcelo wrote on the social media network. “You are really great.” Germany midfielder Toni Kroos added: “Thank you boss. It was a pleasure to work with you. I wish you all the best for the future.” Colombian international James Rodriguez also thanked Ancelotti, saying he had “learned a great deal in a short time” from the 55-year-old. Captain Sergio Ramos soon added his tribute, posting: “One of the best coaches I’ve ever had. @MrAncelotti thanks so much. A great professional leaves, a friend stays.” Ancelotti, who leaves the Bernabeu just a year after leading Real to a historic 10th European Cup triumph, posted his own note of thanks on Twitter, writing: “I’d like to keep in mind this (sic) two fantastic years at Real Madrid. Thanks to the club, the supporters and my players.” The former Chelsea manager is widely tipped to be replaced by Napoli’s Spanish boss Rafa Benitez.
Norwich City secured an instant return to the Premier League with victory over Middlesbrough in the Championship play-off final at Wembley. In a match worth a potential £120m to the victors, Cameron Jerome took advantage of a Daniel Ayala error to put the Canaries ahead. It was 2-0 after 15 minutes when Nathan Redmond arrowed a shot into the corner. Jelle Vossen came closest for Boro when he struck the bar, but their six-year absence from the top flight continues. Victory for the Canaries in front of more than 85,000 fans is the culmination of a remarkable run of results under manager Alex Neil. The 33-year-old was unheralded in England, but presided over Hamilton’s promotion to the Scottish Premiership last season. That was enough for him to be given the chance to replace Neil Adams at Carrow Road in January, with the club seventh in the table and three points off the play-offs. Neil oversaw victory in his maiden game in charge against eventual league champions Bournemouth, the first of 17 wins in 25 games during his tenure, and will now become the youngest manager in England’s top flight, beating Swansea’s 36-year-old boss Garry Monk.
Rafael Benitez is expected to be installed as the new Real Madrid manager after his season with Italian club Napoli finishes on Sunday. The former Liverpool manager, 55, has not yet signed a contract with the 10-time European champions but negotiations are at an advanced stage. Carlo Ancelotti was sacked as Real Madrid manager on Monday after two seasons in charge at the Bernabeu. Italian Ancelotti, 55, secured Real’s 10th European Cup last season. But this year they were knocked out by Juventus in the Champions League semi-finals, while Barcelona won La Liga. Spaniard Benitez has managed in his home country before, winning two La Liga titles and the Uefa Cup with Valencia. He has been at Napoli since 2013 leading the Serie A side to the Coppa Italia last season.
West Ham United have qualified for next season’s Europa League after topping the Premier League Fair Play table. The Hammers will be one of 104 teams entering the competition at the first qualifying round stage, which begins on 2 July. Joint chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold said: “Starting in early July will bring its challenges, “But everyone at the club will be relishing the opportunity to feature on the European stage.”
Mexico striker Javier Hernandez will return to Manchester United after Real Madrid decided not to exercise an option to buy him after a loan spell. The 26-year-old joined Real last September on a season-long loan. He scored nine times in 33 appearances for the Spanish side, who finished second in La Liga, two points behind champions Barcelona. Hernandez has played 154 times for United, scoring 59 goals, and his contract is due to run until 2016.
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