Asian football chief Mohamed Bin Hammam has been banned for life by FIFA after being found guilty of corruption allegations.Bin Hammam, the president of the Asian Football Confederation since 2002, had been accused of trying to bribe Caribbean football officials ahead of last month’s FIFA presidential election.
The ban was announced on Saturday by Petrus Damaseb, deputy chairman of FIFA’s ethics committee, after a two-day hearing in Switzerland.
Damaseb told reporters: “Bin Hammam is hereby banned from taking part in any kind of football-related activity at national and international level for life.”
The 62-year-old Bin Hammam, who did not attend the hearing, has pledged his innocence since being suspended from football-related activities on May 29.
He said through a statement on Friday that he expected a guilty verdict and that he would appeal.
Following the verdict, a spokesman of the Qatari said: “He (Bin Hammam) maintains his innocence. He will continue to fight his case through the legal routes that are open to him.”
West Brom manager Steve Clarke believes his side can dream of European qualification following their 2-1 victory over Chelsea.
The result moved the Baggies up to fourth position in the Premier League, just a single point behind the current European champions.
Clarke believes that his side can now think of qualification for continental competition, but conceded they must work hard to keep up their form:
“At the moment, we are in the right position to think about Europe – but we go from game to game.” He told SkySports.
“That is boring I know, but I think this weekend we’ll let the supporters dream a little bit.
“The team are certainly in a very good moment, but within the camp we’ll keep our feet on the ground.
“I think people have been taking notice of us for quite a few weeks now. We are aware of that, they can take notice if they want, but we work from game to game.”
Since taking the hot-seat at the Hawthorns from Roy Hodgson, Clarke has instilled a more attacking philosophy.
The ex-Liverpool assistant is happy with the results of his style:
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“I wanted to try and make supporters go home happy at the weekend after watching a team who have played attractive football and tried to play football the right way and get positive results.
“We’ll go chasing three points and, if we keep doing what we are doing, it can be a good season for us.
“We closed the gap on Chelsea and managed to put a few more points between some teams that are below us.”
Swansea manager Michael Laudrup has ruled out a January move for Barcelona striker David Villa.
A number of Premier League clubs have been linked with the Spanish star in recent weeks, amid speculation that he may be able to leave the Nou Camp on loan to regain match fitness.
The Swans are one of the parties to have been mentioned, with some speculating that their style of play may suit the former Valencia hit-man.
With star performer Michu suffering a bad ankle injury in their draw with Reading, the South Wales outfit are rather short on goal scoring options, which has furthered rumours of the club delving into the transfer market.
However, Laudrup confessed that a move for Villa is unlikely, and that he has not been in contact with the player or Barca:
“There have been a lot of rumours, but the only Villa coming to Swansea is Aston Villa.” He is quote by the Daily Mail.
“He is a fantastic player, but unfortunately I don’t think he will be coming to Swansea.
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“In fact, although I haven’t spoken to (Andoni) Zubizarreta or (Tito) Vilanova, I think he will stay at Barcelona.”
Villa has also bee linked with Arsenal and Liverpool in recent weeks, with both sides keen to bolster their attacking options in January.
After last weeks demolition of Hartlepool I for one was left wondering what might be for Coventry City.
We faced a Colchester side who are struggling for form themselves just days later. It was one of those games that Coventry would typically lose off the back of the great result but not this time.
The players seemed to have actually taken confidence from the 5-0 win and were allowed once again to express themselves in a way which was effective. In the end the game was won quite comfortably despite late pressure from Colchester as we defended resolutely and fought for every ball. The players looked like they wanted to win and with the amazing away support behind them they kept Colchester at bay.
As the game went into its final stages Coventry countered and scored the third goal which killed the match as a contest. This late goal to finish off the game is something that I can’t remember the last time I experienced as a Coventry fan we are always left biting our nails to the very end and it was strange to know the game was won before the final whistle.
To have that ability to counter and finish the game off has always eluded us and has been a major factor in us letting leads slip in the past. Was this finally time to start believing again, believing we could be successful once more?
With two really good away wins under their belt City went into Saturday’s game against Portsmouth brimming with confidence. It was obvious from the start that the players had the belief that they could win the match and there were plenty of chances created along with good possession of the ball in the first half. The pressure that City built eventually told and a fantastic pass from Bailey allowed McSheffery to finally get on the score sheet, which has been a long time coming.
City took their foot off the gas a little but with the score still at 1-0 Coventry suffered a real bit of bad luck. Once again McGoldrick put the ball in the net only for the linesman’s flag to go up despite McGoldrick looking at least a couple of yards onside.
It was in this moment that the game changed.
Yes we should have finished other chances that we created but this gave Portsmouth belief and as the match continued to progress they piled the pressure on. The inevitable finally happened in the third minute of stoppage time as Coventry once again allowed a slender lead to slip right at the death. A defensive mix up allowed Portsmouth’s Izale McLeod to level the score at 1-1 as all involved were left gutted with their heads in their hands. It was heartbreak for City after a gutsy performance and despite Portsmouth’s dominance in the latter stages I still felt City were worthy of a win.
A point is a point though and it is another game where we have not been beaten. This has to be looked at positively as Coventry’s slow improvement continues under the guidance of Mark Robins. I am really beginning to buy into what he is trying to do here and just maybe we have finally found the man to bring some good times back to the club. Now I don’t want to get ahead of myself as there is a long way too go and plenty more twists and turns to come but things are looking like they are changing.
Not only are results improving but I am finding myself being entertained by the football on show. I’m not saying it is of the highest quality but the way we are playing is making for some entertaining games with chances being created for both teams. Saturday afternoons are finally becoming something I look forward to again instead of wondering how I can justify spending my hard earned money to be bored for two hours and be left disappointed week in week out.
The Portsmouth game was the first of four consecutive home games including an FA cup tie as well as an JPT tie. These games are a chance to improve upon our stuttering home form and if we can get results out of the next three then that puts us in real good stead for the rest of the campaign. The more wins we get and the further we get up the table, the more likely it is that key players will remain at the club with the obvious one being McGoldrick.
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We have witnessed in the last few games that whilst McGoldrick is clearly important to what we do, we do have a squad of players who are very capable at this level and I for one have liked what I have seen. One thing that is for sure is there have been more positives than negatives in the last few games and that is a clear sign of progression for this squad. They are not only working hard, they are believing in themselves again and long may that continue.
It’s time for UEFA to tackle racism properly once and for all and after another ugly incident overshadowed England under 21’s victory in Serbia.
A series of pitiful fines and inept warnings have meant a minority of fans in some nations have got away with metaphoric murder at the expense of innocent footballers. A footballer should be able to step out onto a pitch to do his job without being subjected to racist chants and having missiles launched in his direction. Jordan Henderson said, “There was a lot of racist abuse out there from the stands and a lot going on after the game.
“There were also stones, coins and seats getting thrown at us,” (BBC). This brutal incident of fan trouble is not the first incident involving unruly Serbian fans. In 2007 Serbian fans singled out Nedum Onouha for racial chants during an England under 21 fixture and received a mere £16,000 fine. With this not the first incident involving Serbian troublemakers it is time to send a real message out, ban them. If Serbia are withdrawn from international competition then maybe those who do cause trouble will think twice before next acting in such a vile way, or maybe those who remain silent around them will act more vigilantly in stopping these despicable acts.
UEFA’s punishment of racism has been farcical and now is the time for change, Porto were fined a mere £16,400 for racially abusing Mario Balotelli in a Europa League clash. The same governing body then charged Nicklas Bendtner £80,000 for having Paddy Power written on his boxers. If Serbia were banned from all international fixtures for at least a tournament it would send a strong message across the globe that racism is not tolerated in football. Banning one of Europe’s stronger nation’s from all international competition would send a strong message out to fans from other countries who England have had deal with poisonous chants before. If Serbia are made an example of the minority who have tarnished Bulgaria vs. England and Spain vs. England matches in the past might get the message.
This unfortunate volatile fixture can hopefully act as the catalyst to new tougher regulations from football’s governing body, as enough is enough, this can’t go on.
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Some people may be sceptical about Manchester United’s motives in signing Shinji Kagawa, but one thing the Japanese superstar is certain to bring (apart from shirt sales) is a bit more glamour.
Shinji Kagawa’s girlfiend is adult entertainment sensation Ameri Ichinose, and there’s no doubt that she’d provide something a bit different to the Old Trafford players and families lounge alongside the likes of Coleen Rooney.
He’s been in Europe for just two years, having signed for Borussia Dortmund from Cerezo Osaka in 2010, but it was only after finding fame with his dazzling Bundesliga displays that he became romantically involved with gorgeous Ichinose, who has also worked under the names Ayaka Misora and Erika Kurisu.
Sir Alex Ferguson will be hoping that Kagawa doesn’t get too distracted from his game – or worse, injured – by his lady’s more adventurous desires. According to the Daily Star Sunday the 24-year-old Kanagawa-born babe is very open about her love for sex – “the nastier the better”. We’ll, erm, let you do your own research into that…
Click on the lucky Shinji Kagawa to see the full gallery
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Athletic Bilbao striker Fernando Llorente has revealed that a January switch to the Premier League could tempt him.
The Spaniard has been heavily linked with Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham recently, with the trio keen to bolster their attacking options.
Llorente looks set to leave his current club in the New Year, with his contract due to expire at the end of the season.
His refusal to sign a new agreement with the Basque outfit has led to criticism supporters, which hints that his spell with the club is coming to an end.
Athletic will be aware that a January move would benefit them, as he could potentially depart the Estadio San Mames for free during the summer.
Juventus were thought to be in pole position to secure his signature, but the 27-year-old revealed that he would be open to a move to England:
“Relax Athletic, I have not signed for any other team. January 1st could change things, we will see,” Llorente told restless fans according to talkSPORT.
“There is no agreement with Juventus.
“The Premier League? I like it.”
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At 6ft. 5”, the frontman would appear to be ideally suited to the Premier League’s physical nature, and has the technical ability to be a genuine star.
English teams will be free to discuss a pre-contract deal with Llorente in the New Year, but could attempt to draft him in a discounted rate instead of waiting.
Draw specialists Stoke and Sunderland played out a dull goalless draw at the Britannia Stadium that did nothing to improve either clubs league position.
The Potters have now drawn six of their nine matches this season, the same number as Martin O’Neill’s side who have played a game less, and remain entrenched in the mid-section of the table.
Goalkeeper Simon Mignolet made a number of crucial saves to ensure the Black Cats return to Wearside with a point but they have won just once in 16 games, a run stretching back to last season.
A stunning double stop from Mignolet was the highlight of the first half, as he did brilliantly to turn Charlie Adam’s free kick onto the bar before diving to keep out Ryan Shawcross’ followup.
Opposite number Asmir Begovic enjoyed a trouble free afternoon in the home goal as Sunderland continued their struggles on the road, with their last away success coming at the Britannia on 4 February.
The Bosnian did have to be on his toes to cut out Craig Gardner’s low cross before Jack Colback could make contact but rarely had to exert himself. Play was held up for five minutes after the break as Marc Wilson recieved treatment for a shin injury before being stretchered off and replaced by Andy Wilkinson.
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The visitors threatened towards the end through and thought they should have been awarded a penalty after Steven Fletcher’s shot struck Robert Huth on the arm, but referee Mark Halsey was having none of it.
Huth then drew another fabulous save from Mignolet before Michael Kightly squandered a good opportunity to snatch victory for Stoke deep into injury time.
According to Sky Sports, Liverpool defender Daniel Agger believes that the Liverpool supporters cannot afford to lose faith in the club after suffering their worst start to a Premier League season in half a century.
Defeats away to West Bromwich Albion and at home to Arsenal have left Brendan Rodgers’ side with just a solitary point (picked up against the champions Manchester City) going into the international break.
However, Agger, who was linked with a move to Manchester City in the summer, believes that the players are simply taking their time to adjust to the attractive style of football that manager Rodgers wants them to play: “Nothing is easy to fix- not in football and not in life – but we are working on the manager’s ideas everyday, so hopefully we can get better and better during the course of the season.”
To add to the discontent at Anfield, the Liverpool manager allowed £35 million striker Andy Carroll to leave the club on a season long loan to West Ham United, subsequently leaving the Reds bereft of strikers after failing to replace the 23-year-old.
Agger admits that the lack of squad members at Liverpool isn’t ideal but still remains positive. “We are trying everything we can and we have to get the best out of the squad we have,” he said.
The two frontline strikers Liverpool do have at the club – Fabio Borini and Luis Suarez – have come in for some criticism following their inability to convert some clear-cut chances in their first three Premier League games.
Although Agger argued that the onus should not always be on Borini and Suarez to net Liverpool’s goals this season, he admitted that the chances were there and him and his team mates “all need to start taking them.”
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The fixture generator hasn’t been exactly kind to Rodgers and his Liverpool side at the beginning of this campaign. After the international break the Merseyside club travel to the Stadium of Light to face an improved Sunderland outfit, followed by the visit of fierce rivals Manchester United at Anfield.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes his are becoming genuine title contenders following an impressive 1-1 draw away at Manchester City yesterday, according to The Sun.
The Gunners maintained their unbeaten start to the campaign with a hard-fought point at the Etihad thanks to an 82nd minute equaliser by Frenchman Laurent Koscielny.
Wenger reckons that yesterday’s result can give the players hope that they can compete with the league’s elite, “We believe it but it’s down to consistency. What happened here should strengthen our belief. “
However, the Arsenal boss accepts that there is a lot of work still to be done if his side are to take the title of Manchester City this season, “We are not the perfect team yet, we have room for improvement. If we focus on that, we have a chance.”
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Arsenal have surprised most critics with an impressive brand of football this season despite the departures of Robin van Persie to Manchester United and Alex Song to Barcelona – two players who were so instrumental for the north London club last season. Wenger believes that the draw at City should spur them on and make them realise their credentials, “Overall I hope the game reassured us about our potential in this league.”