Countries
Thu, March 2nd 2006
The problem of racial abuse in Spain rumbles on:
Fifa president Sepp Blatter has described the 9,000 euros fine imposed on Real Zaragoza for the racist abuse of Samuel Eto’o as “ridiculous”.
Even though the 9,000 euros fine (US$10,000) is significantly larger than the usual $700 imposed on Spanish clubs for such offences, Blatter believes the Spanish federation must do more to punish those involved in racist behaviour.
From: BBC
Blatter has called for punishements to include loss of points or even relegation. Eto’o has suggested a 1 year ground closure.
England win their final friendly before World Cup Final squad selected
ENGLAND beat Uruguay 2-1 in their final warm-up match before this Summer’s World Cup in Germany. Goals from Crouch and Cole late in the second half helped England overcome Uruguay who led from Pouso’s fantastic first half volley.
Tue, February 28th 2006
Alex Ferguson has offered Trinidad & Tobago captain Dwight Yorke the opportunity to train with Manchester United prior to the World Cup.
Trinidad & Tobago will play England in the group stage on 15 June.
With Ferguson regularly playing two of England’s potential star players (Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney) out of position in midfield, could it be his deliberate intention to spoil England’s World Cup chances?
Barcelona striker Samuel Eto’o threatened to leave the pitch after being subjected to racial abuse by Real Zaragoza supporters on Saturday.
From: BBC
FIFA and UEFA must now put the Spanish FA under huge pressure to sort this out. Spain’s coach Luis Aragones was fined just 3,000 euros for racism remarks about Thierry Henry and Zaragoza received a paltry 600 euros fine for a similar incident last season.
Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez has resigned, to be replaced by vice-president Fernando Martín.
Despite big name (and money signings) of Zidane, Ronaldo, Beckham, Figo and Robinho (amongst others), the club have not won a major trophy since 2003 and are in danger of another barren season unless they can overturn a 1-0 deficit to Arsenal in the Champions League.
One positive for Pérez has been Real recently overtaking Manchester Utd as the richest club in the world.
From: Guardian Football
Fri, February 17th 2006
In an survey for French football website MaxiFOOT , three quarters of the voters thought that Paul Le Guen should not join Rangers at the end of the season.
Voters commented that moving to the Scottish Premier League (“a second rate league”) would be a backward step for a manager many see as being capable of taking on a top European club.
Via MaxiFOOT (in French).
Mon, February 13th 2006
Would you take the Newcastle job if you were O'Neill?
There is no doubt that the English FA were correct to state that Eriksson would be leaving after the World Cup. It ended potentially months of newspaper speculation.
However, you have to feel some sympathy with Premiership clubs caught up in the middle of the decision…
Fri, February 10th 2006
Martin O’Neill is the 13/8 favourite to become the next England manager after Premier League chairman Dave Richards was quoted as saying:
“It’s time for a British boss, somebody who understands our passion, belief and commitment. There’s no distinction between English and British.”
Richards is a member of the three-man panel that will find Eriksson’s successor.
Thu, February 9th 2006
Alex McLeish has been sacked and will leave his position as Rangers manager at the end of the season.
Rangers are claiming to already have a successor lined up—thought to be Lyon manager Paul Le Guen.
Fri, January 27th 2006
England land ‘soft’ group in Euro 2008 draw
ENGLAND, Croatia, Russia, Israel, Estonia, Macedonia, Andorra
via BBC