A.S.I Sportswire

For Formula 1, So Much For Ke Nako

2011-06-19T06:24:00.000-07:00

“Waka Waka ehe waka waka ehe” that tune, the soundtrack of the time. The time for Africa it was said. Big things were going to go down, down South. Even bigger things expected of the continent as fortune, rather too optimistically, like a drop of ink in a glass of water diffuse its arrival announced by the din of the Vuvuzelas.

Ke Nako time for Africa. The much awaited time when the land of lions,elephants and giraffes would sit with pride, shake up the corporate world and with heads held up high cease being the problem and provide solutions to prevailing global situations. You see, the gloom in the world markets like malaria and Aids had been infectious. Spectating on from its perennial designate position- the sidelines- was Africa.

Lost to the audience catching on the on goings in the Euro zone and Americas was what the big deal was about being unemployed or having no home to rest your weary body. To some, it was just short of an ill placed joke the only amusing thing were the names being floated around Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, funny names for a bank they thought.

The pundits on the tube told us that this gloom, these social problems were born of the global economic meltdown. Problems that in the homes of the spectators were bread and butter issues. Not so though was hosting the world's most watched event, the world war without bombs: The FIFA World Cup. Thus every reason for the 800 million inhabitants of the mother Continent to sing along to Shakira's rendition of the tune they knew of so well 'Waka Waka' after all, it was Ke Nako.

Everything said it was Ke Nako. For once CNN , BBC (just to name names) spoke well of the dark continent. Nonetheless as they say, even good things come to an end. Some premature end this was as way before Barcelona,pardon me, Spain were crowned champions of the South Africa 19th edition of the FIFA World Cup, reality had reared it's ugly head disrupting the African hosted party.

The problem was not with the host as 'haters' had gone waxical about in the run up to the event, but with the caterers (multinationals from lands beyond keen to grab the marketing opportunity that big sport graciously offers) as sections of the party goers started to feel discriminated, served scrapings from the bottom of the pot or missing out on rations all together.

Forget the nonesence noise about the Vuvuzelas and the subsequent preemptive bans from European stadia , forget the ticket prices out of reach for the thousands whose homes had to make way for the multi dollar stadiums, think the young ones whose potato chips had to find their way from their grasp into dustbins just because they had been fried by the wrong brand.

All the same all taken in stride in lieu of the symbolism of the time. In South Africa, lay hope and hope is one thing hard to rubbish. Kenya started dreaming of the Olympics in a few decades just to sample some of the high of the moment. At the very least, the return of Formula 1 to South Africa. Such is the sense of family in Africa . Your brother is still your brother even if sibling rivalry best defines the relationship.

When Ghana failed to progress into the semifinals of the world cup in a fashion that typifies the African situation, the disappointment was shared from the cape of good hope all the way to Alexandria. When the 2011/12 Formula 1 calender was released just recently, the glaring miss was a difficult pill to swallow for Formula 1 enthusiasts across the continent. So much for Ke Nako

March 11-Bahrain
March 18-Australia
April 1-Malaysia
April 11-China
April 22-Korea
May 6-Turkey*
May 20-Spain
May 27-Monaco
June10Canada
June17-United States
July1-Valencia,Spain
July 15-GreatBritain
july 29-Germany
August 5-Hungary
September 2-Belgium
September 9-Italy
September 30-Singapore
October 14-Japan
October 28-India
November11-AbuDhabi
November 25-Brazil
* Subject to confirmation

**Coming Soon: Russia
***Hopefully this Africa- Kyalami circuit South Africa? Libya- rebirth of the Tripoli grand prix? Nigeria?

In the media blitz surrounding the African World Cup, a cornered Bernie Ecclestone had this to say:

"When we speak about the Formula 1 World Championship, we are aware that Africa is missing. We had talks a couple of years ago and almost reached a deal but at the moment they are so wound up with the football World Cup - there was not much point in talking."

To me a dismissal rather than a note of hope “...so wound up with the football World Cup- there was not much point talking!” with all due excuse me Mr Ecclestone. Nonetheless, in a miniscule way you have a point. You see too much talking has always been the problem. Talking in conferences, capacity building workshops and the likes. Maybe it's time for a hush and then some action. Till then for Africa Formula 1 back to the reserved seats in the sidelines as is norm.

Kolo Toure Doping Saga: In His Defense A Can Of Worms

2011-05-28T06:28:00.000-07:00

Image Gunnersphere

Any parent would be proud to have two have nee two world beaters. Top athletes at the top of the game, rubbing shoulders with the best in their sport and sharing the occasional beer after a well fought out duel on the sporting arena away from the television cameras. Likewise it is a pride of a nation whenever those breed of the fruits of its soil fly the flag on the world stage. For a continent like Africa seen to be the world's basket case, it is always a joy when one of the brethren overcomes malaria, malnutrition, prejudice, poverty and its brothers and makes it.

Understandable it is therefore that Uruguayan hero Luiz Suarez draws disgust courtesy of his cheating hand that kept the goal that could made the Black Stars of Ghana the first African nation to make it to the semifinals of World Cup right here on African soil in the 2010 South African edition. What is even harder for the public to understand is how such unsporting behavior, such blatant cheating in the full light of the floodlights of Soccer City stadium could fail to draw personal liability.

Maybe it's on account of such happenings and on the back of tales passed down generations- most notably the suspect manner in how Cameroon was officiated out of another milestone way back in the 1990 Italy edition- that the six month ban imposed on former Arsenal ' The Invincibles' team member, now former Manchester City captain, Ivorian national team automatic pick Kolo Toure; after his 'B' sample failed the doping test, has been met with muted reaction in most of Africa.

Arsenal fans remember the shock when Arsene Wenger chose the Sheik's petrodollars over the dedication, handwork and 'die-for-the-badge' attitude that Kolo Toure put in week in week out for Arsenal even when it became more apparent that age was catching up with the defender. For some it was good business as Kolo Toure had without doubt done his bit for Arsenal and it would have been selfish of Wenger's to deny the Ivorian the call of a new challenge and the well known perks that come with being a Manchester City player- probably not bad boy Mario Balotelli but definitely Kolo Toure deserved all that.

When Yaya Toure was spat out by super Barcelona after years of service comparable only to his brother, to well wishers, it was a football fairy tale when the Toure brother's reunited at Manchester City. Though Yaya's move was more about the money the Ivorian would be making as a Manchester City player bringing to fore what Arsene wenger labels as financial doping in football, it is the other Toure's doping calamity that has left a stink.

In a paper “Doping in Sport: From Strychnine to Genetic Enhancement, It’s a Moving Target” Gary I. Wadler then a associate professor of clinical medicine at New York University School Of Medicine notes “ Competition, at its most basic level, appears to drive athletes to do whatever it takes to win. Perhaps the need to win at all costs is a Darwinian response, an adaptive mechanism..” As a sports fan it is often hard to forget the pressure on the shoulders of our favored athletes.

Taking the case of Yaya Toure for instance, the noise has only quieted down on account of his impressive end of season form where his contributions to Manchester City's first cup in over half a century were taken to be worthwhile paybacks for the monies that he takes home as the game's top earner. No telling the pressure on his brother's shoulders when he chose to take, as he puts it in his defense, his wife's slimming pills

Doping is as old as sports Wadler quips “Even as long ago as the 3rd century B.C., the Greeks, inventors of democracy and the Socratic method, were known to ingest hallucinogenic mushrooms to improve athletic performance. In the Roman era, gladiators used stimulants in the famed Circus Maximus (circa 600 B.C.) to overcome fatigue and injury, while other athletes experimented with caffeine, alcohol, nitroglycerine, opium and even the potent stimulant, strychnine.”

On the day that Barcelona face Manchester United at Wembley in the 2010/11 Champions league final, it is worth noting one of the star attractions-super Messi- were it not for a defined medical reason could be said to have benefited from doping.

The Messi legend goes that Barcelona acquired the services of a player who Wenger reckons that hisexploitss in the modern game could only elicit one responsee: Kneeling down- as the Catalan outfit were the only team interested in the young exceptionally gifted yet puny player (on account of a genetic deficiency in growth hormone) , who could afford the treatment that the now 21st Century god of football desperately needed.

So dicey is this doping in sports affair that even the definition of what doping is remains problematic. Others argue for the need to demonstrate intent on the athletes part which as Wadler notes is problematic as “notion that we can actually assess one’s intent, both qualitatively and quantitatively” is futile leaving room for the use of “surrogate measure, the testing of bodily fluids, especially urine, has become a marker for assessing intent.”

That said, did Kolo Toure INTEND to gain unfair advantage by taking his wife's slimming pills? Qualitatively? As one of his fans, probably not. Quantitatively? The 'B' sample says it all. Worth noting is that in the eyes of his fans, probably the qualitative measure counts more than any quantitative measure thus the n muted repose and overwhelming public opinion in his support. Nonetheless, those six months ought be enough to hit the gym.

My father oftened told me the truth is often simple. The simplest of explanations oten bear the truth. Though Kolo Toure's defense was as simplistic as they come, as Wadler notes “ It’s a struggle between the manipulators versus the investigators and each side’s armaments grow more advanced each day.”

FIFA ELECTIONS Time For Sepp Blatter To Go?

2011-04-28T13:15:00.000-07:00

On June 1st one month after the world marks Labor day; as Kenya marks 48 years of internal self-rule following her gaining of independence from the United Kingdom; on the day that Arsenal battle Manchester United at the Emirates in one of the game's most passionate rivalries, in Zurich, another contest will be decided.

FIFA Headquarters in Zurich Image: Hoogen Sport

Incumbent Sepp Blatter for the first time in 12 years has a credible challenge in the head of the Asian Football Confederation, Bin Hammam, for a post that almost became synonymous with the 74 yr old Swiss; The FIFA presidency. In this match-up, the upcoming FIFA elections are finally generating the ad o that befits the influence of the what could easily be termed to be the world's most powerful autonomous body save for the United Nations.

Being The Godfather of a game popularly thought to have originated in the English midlands thereabouts a century ago, that today is a global movement is a momentous issue. Sample this, at the mere threat of a ban from participation in FIFA sanctioned football events, otherwise larger than life Presidents tuck in their tails, tow the line lest they are made to look like mere tribal chiefs.

The appeal of football borders on religion. As it was once said, religion is the opium of the poor; football happens to be the dope of the masses. Every week thousands congregate in stadia across the globe, millions more via live television and a couple more on the Internet just for the fix.

This global popularity of the beautiful game makes that the FIFA presidency surpass simple sports management, touch on the geopolitical and even has a say on how the world revolves and rotates.
It is said that money makes the world go round. As you already know, what a ready market the football family is. Sponsorship deals, advertising and merchandise make football a multimillion industry.

Thus, a Don Corleone reference of the FIFA presidency serves especially taking note of the numerous occasions where the workings of FIFA have been too Sicilian. No doubt the appeal of football has much to do with the well oiled structures and pristine organization running from the FIFA congress headed by an elected president right down to the grassroots. In places like Nyamira; places that you and I have never heard of through branch chairmen of affiliate local national football associations of the 120+ countries FIFA member countries.

An impressive reach that FIFA has nonetheless, some say the workings of FIFA are too much of a one man show especially so as over the four term reign of the incumbent. They argue as much as the different confederations are the roots that hold up the tree, it appears that the stem, roots and branches suck the roots and not the reverse where the roots feed the top.

While local affiliates and regional groupings like UEFA bear the difficult task of running the game, bringing the masses to the games and keeping them there; when it comes to the major decisions they are just but lame ducks. Take the case of the football debate that has refused to go away- goal line technology. Going by the tones of the discussions, one may be mistaken to think that were it not for Sepp Blatter, goal line technology would have been a forgone conclusion.

Or the recent proposal by none other than Sepp Blatter to have the 2018 Qatar World Cup in winter to avoid the sweltering heat of summer in the Arabian desert. Lest you forget, loud grantles are still being heard in the football world over the decision to award the 2018 World Cup to Qatar and 2022 edition to Russia. It is such decisions that may have spurred Bin Hammam to suggest a term limit :“I genuinely believe eight years is enough for every president to focus on football....after that, he’s looking after everything else other than football.”

Understandable comments from the man hoping that the democratic fever causing dis-ease in the Middle East catches on in Zurich as the audit on the impact that spreading the game to Africa in 2010 South Africa will have on the African game turns unhealthy outcomes. While the Brazil 2016 World Cup edition forecast looks gloomy, not forgetting only trace net gains from the 2002 South Korea and Japan edition on the Asian game.

Keen to ride on the disgruntled voices from the smaller footballing nations like the 40 votes rich CONCACAF region, Bin Hammam the head of one of Sepp Blatter's nobler projects- The FIFA GOAL Beaureu project is promising to increase disbursements to member nations to as much as half a million dollars. Peanuts if you ask me considering the colossal funds FIFA has a say on.

Being of this world, FIFA is not immune to some of the evils that embarrassingly still remain a problem in the 21st Century. While the 'say no to racism' ,'fair play' campaigns and the like are pleasing to the ear, they have been noted in some quarters to be largely political slogans. Corruption is still a vermin in FIFA like in any political organization (remember the aftermath of the host awarding process of the 2018 and 2022 World Cup editions). Bin Hammam being the good politician he is, is promising to rid FIFA of corruption.

On this task and the more immediate one that takes place in Zurich on the 1st of June, I wish him luck With the immediate future of the global economy in Asia's hands, a new world will indeed open up if the 46 Asian votes in the FIFA congress manages to push their man through. Some possibility but as they say in Korea, 'You think flowers and the sun don't exist just because you don't see them?'

Li Na, China's Proud Daughter, Asia's Leading Light, A 21st Century Tennis First

2011-01-27T08:34:00.000-08:00

If she was a world beating athlete- almost invariably conditioned in the high altitude training camps that dot the western slopes of the Great Rift Valley thereabouts the equator, my current locality-she would have been received by scores of jubilant fans, proud ululating relatives, the odd placed politician keen to enrich their personal brands, a gourd of Mursik and Isikuti dancing troupe.

Li Na Celebrating her win over Venus Williams in 2008 Beijing Olympics Women's Quarter final. Image : Xinhua/Wang Yuguo via xinhuanet.com

She would be carried shoulder high, hoisted politician style on a top- of-the- range four wheeler, she would occupy herself with waving to fans as the vehicle caravan slowly snakes through city streets on the journey to her rural home

Once the long caravan- replete with Matatus full of singing folks from the village who had made the several hour journey to the airport to welcome home the world beater- nears the precincts of her home town, 'her people' would join the parade and in a slow march of jubilant dance she would be lead to the awaiting feast: A tented affair in an open field complete with a shaded raised dais for the Mheshimiwas-VIPs.

The oxygen thin air of higher altitudes would be thick with the aroma of Nyama Choma –meat roasted over open fire- courtesy of the scores of slaughtered bulls, sheep and goats. The village feasts and fetes their all achieving daughter. The bigger the feat, the bigger the feast.

Speeches. Tearful parents, proud coaches and once again the rot of a politician ridding on the moment. Bellies full with Pilau- a Swahili coastal spiced rice and meat delicacy- minds planted with dreams and hearts full of joy. A beautiful day. A historic moment shared and witnessed by all.

Highly unlikely though that the feted athlete would be a tennis star in this part of the urban global village . A middle-long distance runner perhaps. Even more unlikely that this jubilant affair- most recently accorded to 2010 IAAF Male Athlete of The Year David Rudisha following his Usain Bolt style world record breaking exploits over 800 meters in 2010- awaits Li Na in far off Wuhan, China.

Yes, China is celebrating. Asia celebrates too. Tennis celebrates even more. In Li Na, a beginning timed to perfection. With the 21st Century still in the bud, it is an exciting time as is the case every other 100 years or so. A period with an 'anything can be achieved' mentality.

A new century, a new way of doing things seems to be the overriding mantra: Just ask Pres. Obama and you will understand why just the other day, on the tails of the state visit by his Chinese counterpart Hu Jintao, Pres. Obama in his State of The Union Address bravely urged America to wake up from the slumber. To out-innovate, out-think and basically outmaneuver the likes of China lest the 21st Century is claimed and she joins the list of Fallen Kings.

In many ways, Li Na's triumph over world number 1 Carolina Wozniacki in the Australian Open women semi-final embodies the bright light that the orient east has been so far this 21st Century. The tournament-burdened by the floods that have wrecked parts of Australia affecting harvests in the worlds largest food exporters-represented some welcome news from down under.

When the man expected to bring that bit of cheer, Raphael Nadal, bowed out at the quarter final stage under the double assault of a tender hamstring and compatriot Roger Ferrer, as the Chinese say it almost got as dark as the bottom of a lamp.

Current tennis world number one, Nadal, having claimed 'The Old World Triple' in 2010: Italian Open, French Open and Wimbledon was expected to one better than tennis great Bjorn Borg by laying claim to four major tournaments at the same time.

When 28yr old took to the court in Melbourne Australia few expected the moment ahead. Especially with her loss of the first set to a confident Caroline Wozniacki, who just days earlier had spoke of her fine form, not only warning her rivals but also effectively stating it would take extraordinary effort to beat her. Only the very good had a chance if any.

What chance did Li Na have? The girl who at 9 (one more over the lucky Chinese number) made the switch to tennis from badminton. Her coach at the time advised that her aggression, power, quick reflexes and arm strength would be more lethal in the tennis court. He current coach cum husband, Jiang Shan, snores too much she tells us.

In the high of the proverbial 15 mins of fame, she does that: A dose of humor. A joke that many might find slighting . Yet I am informed, that is the Chinese way. A high A dose of humor to spice life. A people with a funny bone not troubled at laughing at thy self.

Li Na though typifying a humorous people embodied sport. Commenting on the ever evolving monster- doping- writer George Will gets to the heart of sports in the following words : “A society’s recreation is charged with moral significance. Sport - and a society that takes it seriously - would be debased if it did not strictly forbid things that blur the distinction between the triumph of character and the triumph of the chemistry”

Li Na's courage, determination and as she offers; a strong mind is the character that George Will so exalts. Li Na rescued a game that hang on one match point to claim a 3-6 7-5 6-3, victory over a grueling two and a half hours of gripping tennis action in Melbourne. Notwithstanding, the lessons learned over a injury plagued tennis career that begun in 1999, the year Li Na turned pro.

Though she is yet to win the 2011 Australian Open- thanks to the awaiting challenge of Grand Slam final experienced Kim Clijsters- in her triumph, Li Na became the first Chinese/ Oriental Asia woman to reach the finals of a major tennis tournament. A historic match that the host of Chinese and Asian talent she hopes to inspire to the highest levels of the sport should draw inspiration from.

Li Na : Tennis Career Snapshot

Highest World Ranking: : SINGLES- No. 7 as at 31st January 2011
: DOUBLES- No 54 as at 28th August 2006

1999: Turned Professional.

2000: Top player in ITF circuit with 52 wins that year-she currently holds 19 ITF single titles. Li Na capped the success with admission into WTA circuit where Li Na won her first WTA doubles title in June at Tashkent.

2002: April, Dinan, France against Zuzana Ondraskova Li Na losses in what is to be her her last match before a 25 month hiatus. It's unclear if it the two years were spent studying at university, or was occasioned by unnamed health conceern.

2004: Li Na becomes the first Chinese woman to win a WTA event when she triumphs over Martina Sucha- backed by Chinese support- in the September Guangzhou tier III tournament.

2008: Following a rib injury that kept Li Na of the tennis court for close to six months, Li Na returns to win the January 2008 Mondial Australian Women's Hardcourts, making this her second out of four career singles WTA titles.

2009: US Open quarter finals losing to the World number 1 Serena Williams 6–4, 6–7(1), 2–6. She had bowed out at the same level in the Grand Slam stage both in 2006 and 2010 at Wimbledon.

Arsenal Catches a Manchester United as Chelsea Goes Down with a Case of Malaria

2010-12-03T07:08:00.000-08:00

Fifteen games in and looking at the Barclay's English Premier league Table, you'd have to rub your eyes just to make sure it's not a mirage.

Image: socerlens.com

Nothing peculiar with Manchester United leading the table two points clear of second placed Chelsea. Or with Arsenal being third only on goal difference, +15 compared to Chelsea +19. Manchester City clinches the final Champions League spot three points behind Arsenal with Tottenham breathing down their necks just a point away goes quite according to script.

The astonishing part is the little mater that the league leading team has drawn half of its games played so far. The second and third placed teams, Chelsea and Arsenal, have an identical record having lost four games and drawn two in just 15 games. Such statistics bring forth the fact that things are not that ordinary this 2010/2011 Premier League season.

The English premier league has become somewhat an affair akin to a formula 1 race.

Depending on the track, the conditions, team decisions and luck, any of the drivers at the start of the race can win the race. Similarly, dependent on the venue, manager decisions and luck, any of teams in the top flight English division can win the match.

Looking at it, I don't think the phrase 'upset' quite applies anymore. Consider this: Is Chelsea's defeat at home to Sunderland an upset? Or are home Arsenal's defeats to West Bromwich Albion and Newcastle up sets? What of West Bromwich Albion's come back at Old Trafford to earn a draw?

Two of Arsenal's defeats came at home after seemingly having the respective match under control commanding a two goal advantage at the break. Fist it was the unlikely West Bromwich Albion resurrection then a Garth Bale inspired second half comeback which gave Tottenham their first London derby away win in 13 years.

Both matches ended with a 3-2 Arsenal loss. The manner of these defeats reminds one of Manchester United early season woes when they threw away leads most notably at Everton away and West Bromwich Albion at home.

Bizarrely, the past few seasons, Arsenal was the team among the top three that drew the most matches- part reason for their continuing seven year wait for Premier League success. Now it appears it's Manchester United's turn to suffer the draws bug.

Chelsea's woes appear to be beyond Didier Drogba's recent bout of malaria which saw a dip in his form if the observations of teammate Malouda are to be believed. If it is, then it must be of the highly virulent complicated type complete with cerebral symptoms; occasioned by the larvae of the dangerous p. falciparum species blocking low caliber cerebral vessels of the London outfit's decision making organ.

The wisdom behind the dismissal of Carlo Ancelotti's assistant is yet to dawn on the rest of us. Simply put, Ray Wilkins was the 'premiership guy' considering his wealth of experience. Why Roman Abrahamovich chose to relieve him off his services is lost to many.

The disgruntled voices coming from Chelsea Technical Director who has indicated his desire to quit at the end of his contract in the summer is another cause of concern especially in light of the intense competition for talent among European clubs and Leagues.

Competition is the rightful answer to this apparent seismic shift in power among the European football clubs. How else can one explain the changed topography of the English premier league log?

Unlike the US National Football League (NFL) where a non -performance based revenue system has enabled smaller teams be more competitive as they are availed with funds strictly earmarked for development of team quality, the different nature of the European scene sees the top performing teams retain most generated revenues, while collectively bargained revenue sources like Tv broadcasting returns are shared in hierarchical fashion.

The amount received by each team depends on the teams final position in the league.

The effect of these two systems has resulted in different scenarios. In The NFL, every team stands a chance of being competitive as the shared revenues enable them attract and retain quality players who might have otherwise been hoarded by the larger teams as sparingly used squad members.

The European leagues skewed distribution of revenues sees the emergence of elite teams, who among themselves dominate the competition year in year out. In England there is the Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool foursome. In Spain,there is the Barcelona- Madrid hegemony while in Italy, the San Siro clubs and AS Roma are the roosters in that fiefdom.

In an effort to compete, clubs in Europe have increasingly injected funds to enable them attract star players who make the difference. For instance, Barcelona in spite of trouble in its books spent 25 Million to acquire Mascherano from Liverpool in the summer. The Catalan club was ready to spend another reported 35 Million to lure Arsenal's captain Cesc Fabregas, had the London club not fought so bravely.

In another example, Manchester United's star Wayne Rooney was recently subject to speculation to a move to filthy rich neighbors Manchester City.

Moreover, smaller clubs not to be out done, are spending resources which they may not have. A look at lower tier teams shows an increasing ability of the teams to attract top talent.

For instance, one of the scorers in Sunderland's 3-0 win at the Bridge was Ghanaian star and African world cup hero Asamoah Gyan. Peter Odimwinge another experienced Nigerian international was in the squad that tormented Arsenal at the Emirates.

One of the premier league's all time stars, Robert Pires recently joined Aston Villa on a short deal, the premier league signing of the 2010/2011 season saw Dutch star Van dar Vaart make his move from Real Madrid to Totenham while decorated William Gallas made the switch from Arsenal to Tottenham.

All this not considering the wads of dollars splashed by the Sheikh at Manchester City.

The monies spent by the lower tier teams has certainly shaken up the competition a bit even though it is still the traditional power teams that harbor a realistic chance of winning the premier league.

The danger of such spending lies in the possibility of business going bad as liabilities outweigh returns, a fact that the G14 is cognizant of in it's proposal on new financial rules.

The proposal by 18 of Europe's most powerful football teams (G14) seeks to bar teams which fail to spend within their earnings from participating in elite European competitions like the Champions League. This G14 proposal aims to somewhat level the ground as teams will be allowed to spend only what they earn.

Till this proposal comes into effect, the roller-coaster league currently on show in England may just be a clone of yet to come times. Damn exciting times indeed!

Bidding For The World Cup: Media, FIFA , Branding & Power Foursome

2010-12-01T12:20:00.000-08:00

Who is The Fairest Of Them All?

The fourth estate is just one of the players making sure its weight is felt in the intense competition among countries bidding to host the next two world cups.

Bidding nations- England, Russia, Spain/Portugal and Netherlands/Belgium for 2018, and Qatar, Australia, South Korea, United States and Japan for the 2022 edition- are engaged in a mad media blitz.

Departed Paul The Octopus Choice for 2018. Image via:sport.co.uk

Most efforts are to the positive, however some like the British press spotlight on improprieties in FIFA, are curiously unsettling nerves among bearers of the decision

Bidding to host a world cup is a public relations exercise. It's a PR exercise like no other, with geopolitical implications and some significance on world trade.

The Business Of The World Cup

The 21st Century if anything, can be termed as the era of globalization.

It is in the 2000's that regions previously on the fringes of global trade such as Brazil, India, China, Nigeria, South Africa, Turkey, Indonesia, South Korea and co have become global leaders.

The world is increasingly becoming aware of itself in all matters from trade to culture in this century.

Take for instance that in 2010, for the first time in the history of the crown competition in football and following a change to a rotation policy by the game's governing body FIFA- rotation aims at taking the sport to new markets; Africa's largest economy, South Africa, successfully hosted the 19th Edition of the FIFA World Cup.

In such a world, where capital moves so freely. A world where capital moves to occupy niche environments which allow it to flourish best, by returning maximum profits, countries become much more than just political units. They become brands.

The race to the privilege of playing host to a World Cup is a full blooded marketing clash. A marketing campaign full of the usual intrigues: intense lobbying, accusations, counter accusations, allegations and obnoxious pompous self praise.

Hosting the World cup is a source of National pride. Just like hosting any large event, sporting or otherwise, it is a way of a people to announce their arrival or reaffirm their positions in the global matrix .

Many a times, hosting an event as huge as the World Cup could be the perfect fix for a sluggish economy as it implores investment in infrastructure and security. Little wonder then that countries invest colossal amounts of public resources in strategically positioning themselves globally.

Some like Spain , the reigning FIFA World Cup and Euro cup champions, the undisputed champions of the world in matters football, look to ride on their recent domination of global soccer in a joint bid for the 2018 world cup along neighbors Portugal.

Co-branding, you might call this joint bid.

Not only do the two countries boast of such great football names like Eusebio, Luis Figo, Pep Gurdiola, Jose Mourinho,Cristiano Ronaldo, Nani, David Villa, Raul Gonzales,Xavi, Deco, Iniesta, and Simao Sabrosa ; on offer in the Spain/Portugal mix is a chance for lovers of the game to enjoy the beaches and resorts along the coasts of these two countries.

The Power of Football

English premier League star, Arsenal's Russian froward Andrei Arshavin, is the image behind Russia 2018 world cup bid. If anything, Russia has positioned itself in such a way that a world cup in Russia presents an opportunity of pursuing FIFA's political goals such as abolishing racism in the modern game.

Right along Russia's 2018 bid and South Africa's successful bid for 2010, the 2022 Qatar bid carries geopolitical implications. As already seen with South Africa, hosting a world Cup in these countries provides football with a platform where for acting as a unifying force in similar fashion to the way Mahatma Gandhi utilized football in his early days of political activism against apartheid regime in South Africa.

In the midst of football, central, leftist, right-wing and other political, religious and ideological inclinations are balanced off blurring divisions.

Moreover, just like the World Cup in South Africa helped deconstruct some of the economic and social misconceptions on Africa, the Qatar 2022 and Russia 2018 bids similarly offer a chance of opening these regions to global trade.

The prospect of a Green World Cup, Growth of Football in America

Going green has been the cool and responsible thing to do in the 21st century. Though global consultations on how to reduce greenhouse gas levels, bolster sustainability efforts through a global carbon credit trading system and instituting a universally accepted way of punishing heavy polluters without choking global trade have been slow, the Netherlands/ Belgium 2018 bid could prove to be a timely shot in the arm.

Positioning itself as the greenest world cup ever, the Netherlands/Belgium 2018 bid is also not short on World cup history with legendary Dutch star Ruud Gullit leading the bid. Though both nations are great footballing nations, their joint bid is viewed as small in business terms making them lowly ranked outsiders.

If the right to host the 2018 world cup is awarded to this low momentum Netherlands/Belgium 2018 joint bid, FIFA gets to clean up its image, largely tattered thanks to British Media, by crossing a new milestone in transparency.

A strong brand history is in favor of Australia's and USA's 2022 world cup bids as both nations have in the past successfully hosted global sporting events with immense success. In the same breath as the recent 2008 Beijing Olympics, the first Olympics of the 21st century, Sydney 2000, was arguably among the best ever held.

The last world cup that took take place in the USA happened amidst supporter apathy as football was still in its infancy in America. Despite this, World Cup USA 1994 holds the record of the highest stadium attendance ever. Since then, football has grown to great proportions in America with visible success for the USA national team.

In addition, football stars like Arsenal great, ex-Juventus and Barcelona forward, Thierry Henry; ex-Manchester United, Real Madrid and England national team captain, David Beckham, currently ply their trade in Major League Sides.

A Bit of Philanthropy in Qatar's World Cup 2020 bid

However, Qatar 2022, just edges ahead of these strong USA and Australia 2022 bids as the Arab nation has leveraged it's brand through a strong social responsibility- like innovation. Some of the new stadia to be built as part of Qatar's bid are to be dismantled and relocated to needy regions of the world once the event concludes.

Japan's and South Korea's bid for rights to host the 2022 World cup are backed by strong investments in infrastructure just like England's bid. However, these Asian nations remain outsiders as the sponsoring governments have not backed the bids to FIFA's satisfaction.

Hesitant Japan and South Korea, A confident England

Hesitation on the part of the Japanese and Korean governments makes the brand convey an unclear message which scares investors. The World Cup is no different. This situation does not augur well with their World Cup bids, especially considering the bad publicity brought on by the boiling and spilling of tensions between the Koreas and Japan's sluggish economy.

On the other hand, England's bid for 2018 is backed by a strong delegation of the Kingdom's foremost gentlemen: Social icon David Beckham, Prime minister David Cameron and soon to be wed Prince William have arrived in Zurich a few hours ahead of the crucial vote to push the England bid.

The three lions as the the three English ambassadors have been dubbed, will attempt to sooth hurt egos in FIFA's decision making organ over tea and champagne. All in an attempt to temper the effects of the fiasco brought about by British media expose on corruption in FIFA.

The England 2018 bid is emerging as a challenger to Russia's strong case. The success of the English premier league and its claim to be the motherland of football work hugely in its favor.

On Thursday December 3rd 2010, two of the most important decisions concerning the world's favorite sport, football, will be made in Zurich Switzerland. The next home of the sport's premier show piece will be for all to know, thereby marking the midpoint rather than the culmination of power play, perception manipulation and a host of business deals.

Guide to Weekend Football: English Premier League Matches, Preview and Soccer Talk

2010-10-23T09:18:00.000-07:00

The big match this weekend is the Manchester City v Arsenal game at Eastlands. Chelsea look set to extend their lead at the top when they host Wolverhampton wanderers. Manchester United should abandon the draws and the Rooney saga and get their 2010/2011 campaign on the roll. Tottenham need to avoid a loss not only to prove that they have the mantle to carry out a challenge on twin fronts- especially after their loss to Inter Milan in midweek. While West bromwich Albion at home to Fulham should seek to keep their dream season going after impressive results against Arsenal and Manchester united. For a full guide to the Barclays premier league action read more:
Guide to Weekend Football: English Premier League Matches, Preview and Soccer Talk

Liverpool Sale To Boston Red Sox Owners, New England Sports Ventures, Set After Judge Ruling

2010-10-13T08:00:00.000-07:00

LONDON:
If football clubs were generals, Liverpool Football club would be the most decorated amongst the ilk competing in England. With 18 league titles and triumph in 5 European cup finals, Liverpool FC ought to be the embodiment of success.

However, as the English saying warns: ' Do not Judge the book by the cover '; on the books, Liverpool football club is in debt to a tune of some 200 million pounds owed to the Royal Bank Of Scotland. In the pitch, following its worst league start in over half a century, Liverpool lies among the top three clubs that stand to be relegated from the English top flight- in the Harry potter world scenario that the 2010-2011 season of Premier League were to somehow prematurely end now.

This is the situation as the two men from the land of soccer-not football- leave following an English courts ruling to back the decision of the Board of Liverpool Football club to sell the club to new owners, in an effort aimed at averting a case similar to the Leeds United debacle or the more recent Portsmouth FC fall into financial administration+/- relegation to the lower echelons of English Soccer.

Hicks and Gillet are the villains in this football epic. The two American billionaires took over Liverpool football club in 2007 betting on leveraged financing to help realize the Merseyside dream of a new home, more world class players to add on to the enigmatic captain Steven Gerard and a loaded trophy cabinet.

Withered Dreams: The Proposed Liverpool Stadium. Image courtesy of architecturelist.com

A global recession later and a shift in the dynamics of English football finances that saw half of the football clubs in the premier league being foreign owned, that Merseyside dream turned into drifting log to a shipwrecked sailor. Away it went, as financial trouble sucked Liverpool further into the abyss of the open sea. The lack of success in the pitch since the dramatic 2005 Istanbul triumph over Ac Milan in the UEFA champions league final just served to confound Liverpool's troubles as the much needed performance linked television revenues suffered a blow.

Sensing that they were walking alone, Hicks and Gillet sought to sell the club. After a whirlwind of claims of various parties interested in restoring the glory days of Liverpool circulated in the press, it emerged that New England Sports Ventures that is partly owned by New York Times Co and owns the Major League Baseball side Boston Red Sox had offered 300 Million pounds for Liverpool.

Boston Red Sox, an iconic sporting brand in America, much like Liverpool in English soccer, had been in a situation much akin to that facing Liverpool not long ago. New England Sporting Ventures rescued the Major Baseball league side from demise and were planning to replicate their success with Boston Red Sox in English soccer.

The Liverpool board, English premier league and by extension the British government -courtesy of their ownership of The Royal Bank Of Scotland that occurred in the wake of the 2008 global financial crisis, approved the impending deal that would see the debt settled and set plans of a new Liverpool stadium and football revival on the way. Current Liverpool co-owners, Tom Hicks and George Gillet Jr, moved to court to bar the board from selling citing the apparent undervaluation of the club and questioning the authority of the board to initiate the sale talks.

High court Judge Christopher Floyd in his ruling lifted the one stumbling block that looked set to bring some reprieve to the Anfeild faithful. With their street protests and you tube video campaigns, it appears that Liverpool fans will have to settle for half a loaf rather than the more desirable situation where they would have loved to control the club.

Once the deal is confirmed as expected, the singing shall move from the streets back to the terraces of Anfeild to create that famous suffocating atmosphere for opposition teams. The Kops have done their bit in resolving board room battles. Now its time to cheer on the reds as they battle their way up the premiership table. Hopefully, with the impending New England Sports ventures deal, it will not be a case of jumping from the frying pan into the fire nor one of the known devil being better than the unknown angel.

Chelsea Vs Arsenal Preview

2010-10-03T07:45:00.000-07:00

Ask Arsene Wenger and he will tell you that its has been the financial muscle of the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City, Manchester United that has kept the trophy cabinet at Emirates Stadium, Ashburton Groove, squeaky clean. You can say Arsenal picked a wrong time to be in transition.

Roman Abromovich stepped in from the cold of Russia and with the tactical nous of Jose Mourinho, soon later enabled Arsenal's London rivals their first premiership trophy in 55yrs. Chelsea was hot again, not only in having a sexy name but also

This solid background has seen Chelsea claim their first double ever in 2009/2010 season with their triumph in both the league and FA cup. By then Mourinho was long gone, Avram Grant and Luois felippe Scolari had stopped by, but the seeds he had sown in the shape of Didier Drogba, John Terry, Frank lampard and six time Fa Cup winner Ashley Cole were still bearing fruit.

Former AC Milan boss was in charge for the double. You can't accuse him of feeding off the fruits of the Jose Mourinho tree, as he has managed to do something that none of the host of mangers in charge of the Roman army has done: He has manged to produce a brand of soccer that someone can travel to go and watch.

If you were to ask Arsene wenger again of the state of his West London Rivals- Chelsea, he will tell you that Roman Abramovich's experiment had paid off at least in the short term. Looking at Chelsea's trophy cabinet, it is creaking under the weight of three English premier league titles, two FA cups and Two Carling cups.

Looking at the state of their accounts however, the picture is inverted in Arsenal's favour. Profits breaking sport financial records has been the norm at North London. In West London, the news has been about cutting losses. Maybe North London needed that- something to brag about- as the cups have deserted Arsenal since that FA cup win on penalties in over Manchester United in the 2004/2005 season. But things are changing

A look at Chelsea's bench today as they host Arsenal for the game of the season so far at Stanford Bridge will reveal a few names to you. Probably you might know of exciting Frenchman Gael Kakuta courtesy of the protracted transfer that saw the European Governing body UEFA fine Chelsea and even suspend them from taking part in transfer activity for a short spell a couple of years back.

The only new face in Arsenal's lineup maybe the 18yr old Jack Wilshere. The rest as Arsene Wenger points out are experienced internationals. Yes, they may be young at age, but the footballing hours under their belts make them some of the most experienced footballers anywhere on the globe.

How things have changed. Or really?

Berbatov 3 : 2 Gerrad, Manchester United Edge Out Liverpool In Thriller

2010-09-19T15:04:00.000-07:00

It is strange how fast things turn. From a drab cagey match that with every passing minute seemed to be less fun than watching paint dry, the premiership blockbuster between Manchester United and Liverpool exploded quite late on into an exciting encounter. At its culmination, Dimitri Berbatov the 30 million pound plus deadline transfer signing who had withstood much criticism since his big money move from White Hart Lane to rainy Manchester, answered his critics with a a performance that only a footballer of his genius can pull..

Sir Alex claims that there is a genius about this forgotten man of Old Trafford. It's easy to agree with the Scot man as no other footballer could have made it appear so simple as he perennially does it. From being labeled lazy, slow and sometimes wasteful; tonight and for the week to come at the very least, Dimitri Berbatov is the most loved man in the red half of the city of Manchester, in the swathes of Manchester United supporting masses in Shanghai, Seoul and other cities in the orient. Down to the religiously soccer mad faithful in sub- Saharan Africa who followed the match via a public product in some shack at a minimal fee of an equivalent of a few $US cents.

Berbatov did it three times. Twice with is head and one audacious one over his head.

Sluggish defending by Torres allowed Berbatov to wrap his head around a Ryan Giggs corner to give Manchester United a lead just before the break.. The Old Trafford faithful had to wait for slightly over 40 nins to get this piece of action to distract them from the rain was pouring. It was a half dominated by careful marking on the part of Liverpool and a cautious approach from Man United resulting in at best at a host of corners for the home team.

Nani's fierce shot from just outside the six yard box rattled the cross bar before a long ball towards the channel found him again (Nani) . His outstanding contribution bore fruit having lost his marker Koschensky, a Fulham import brought in by Roy Hodgson, Nani controlled the ball and floated it into the box over Wayne Rooney's head but some how onto the thigh of the huge Bulgarian. Berbatov in his characteristic deft touch allowed him to bring the ball under his control and looped a shot over his head, past a bemused Pepe Reina with his back all this time facing goal. This, I might add is contender for the goal of the season.

Manchester United 2-0 Liverpool

At this point Liverpool with a deep playing Steven Gerrad and a largely isolated Torres looked dead and buried.. This season Liverpool's top scorer, 21 yr old David Ngong, came off the bench and out went out a largely anonymous Maxi Rodriguez in an attempt at adding some bite upfront.

However, it was the man Ngong came to support,, the lethal Fernando Torres, who proved to be the tormentor when his ball through the legs of the shaky Evans saw the Man United young defender sliding tackle catch his legs in the area. World cup final referee Howard Webb rightly pointed to the spot for the penalty. Gerrard however did not do a " Asamoah Gyan " as Rosicky had on Saturday in Arsenal's game against Sutherland, he coolly dispatched the ball hitting the back net after sending Van der ser the wrong way.

With this kick by Stevie G, the game came alive again. as Liverpool particularly, Joe Cole, who was strumming the creative play from the center of the pack found new purpose and it was not long before Torres struck again, this time it was right back John Oshea who caught him as he chased a rather purposeful through ball. Howard Webb flashed a yellow , pointed the spot 12 yards out were the free kick was to be taken from. Steve Gerrard took over a gain the honors of taking the free kick.

Oshea was lucky to get away with a yellow but, a poor wall made by almost the entire bunch of the 11 united out field players allowed Gerrard to sneak in the second for Liverpool..

2-2 it was, a scoreline that Sir Alex Ferguson later during the post match interview described as a travesty considering how tame Liverpool's rather tame demeanor that Sunday afternoon at Old Trafford. Six minutes from time, Berbatov, again rose higher than Carrager in the box, his majestic header giving Man United the winner. Forward to the nineteenth title Manchester United Moved as the rose to tie points with second placed Arsenal one point behind Chelsea who were yet to play their fifth game of the 2010-201 Barclays premiership campaign against the newly promoted whip boys Blackpool.

For Liverpool however it was another unconvincing display, as the slid to 16 the in the table with only one win so far in the neighborhood of the Blackpool's of the a league. Quite a travesty for England's most successful club.. It appears that the Liverpool faithful will have to wait a little longer for that elusive 19th title.

Stat Attack

Berbatov became the first Manchester United player since 1947 years to score a hat trick in this fixture.

Chasing Redbull:: Vettel On Pole in Hungary As Formula One 2010 Season Reaches Halfway Mark

2010-08-01T01:46:00.000-07:00

RB6:Image credit: Red Bull Racing, Sourced from SIDEPODCAST F1.com

" We look at the on-board footage and we just laugh, Jensen and I think it's insane how fast they go....our car is the best it has ever been at this circuit. But those guys..I don't know what they are doing because it is incredible the pace they have."

The words of current 2010 formula one driver's championship leader- Lewis Hamilton, perplexed at the dominance the Red bulls have had in qualifying. Vettel's pole position in Hungary, the race that marks the end of the first half of the 2010 formula one grand prix season, makes it six consecutive times that Red Bull has occupied pole position. Mark Weber, the other half of the 2010 Red Bull driver team, admitted that he only had his team mate to beat for pole position.
Taking second spot on the starting grid, Weber underscored the dominance that the Red Bull team has had with the car that Sebastian Vettel describes as both a wonderful car and a pleasure to drive.Mark Weber ruing his failure to get the better of the inter-team rivalry, aptly summed it up,

|We knew it was going to be between the both of us and there wasn't the chance for the other other guys to have a crack at us guys today. It was going to be pretty tight between us like it was in Barcelona, so whoever did the quickest lap between us two was going to get pole|

Picks On How the Hungary Race Starting Grid lined Up

POLE: Sebastian Vettel [ Red Bull ]
   Mark Weber [ Red Bull ]
   Fernando Alonso [ Ferrari ]
           Fellipe Massa [ Ferrari ]
           Lewis Hamilton [ Mclaren Mercedes ]
           Nico Rosberg [ Mercedes ]
   Vitlay Petrov [Renault ]
   Robert Kubica [ Renault ]
           Pedro de la Rosa [ BMW Sauber ]
10th: Nico Rosberg [ Williams ]
           Jensen Button [ Mclaren Mercedes]
   Rubens Barrichello [ Williams ]
   Adrian Sutil [ Force India ]
   Micheal Schumacher [ Mercedes ]

Beyond The race

Controversy still trails Ferrari following Fernando Alonso's controversial win in Germany where Fellipe Massa slowed down to let his team mate pass for the win. The questions this time is about possible use of banned move-able aerodynamic devices. Mclaren and Mercedes have logged complaints over F10 and RB6 which appear to have front wings that have circumvented this rule. Once again, It is all about down-force.
Fellipe Massa is back to the track in which he almost lost his life following an accident in which he suffered a skull fracture.
Despite failing to achieve perfect balance with the MP4-24, Jensen Button is no stranger to climbing up the bean stalk, in his own words " I suppose you can say we have just got to be brave"

Down Memeory lane: FIFA World Cup South Africa 2010: Netherlands vs Spain

2010-07-17T02:21:00.000-07:00

Stand UP for the C.H.A.M.P.I.O.N.S. Image courtesy of thestar.blogs.com

The final match of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa, the wizardry of Spain vs the Orange of the Netherlands, should go down as one of the greatest finals.

Yes: The entire 120 Mins.

For on that day at Soccer City Johannesburg, the world was treated to a festival of what soccer/football is, can be and what it ought not be.

Yet, in those short 120 Mins, the extravaganza managed to squeeze in one of the most taxing quagmires facing Sepp Blatter and all those involved in governing the world's most watched event and most followed sport...

Should goal line technology be introduced? Does a third referee 'big brother', you might call him, have a place in the centuries old game. A game in which Sepp Blatter reckons that "human error is part of ?

These questions, still beg for answers.

All considered, little wonder then; that in spite of the Netherlands making it a hat- trick of World Cup final disappointment, the second ranked footballing nation- according to the latest FIFA world rankings, felt like, and were treated as winners by the jubilant euphoric Dutch population on their return from the finals.

Thinking about it, it is an open secret in the round world of football, the immense influence that the Dutch brand of 'Total Football' has had on the game of the winners on the night- Spain.

World Cup Quote of the day

"I bought one and went to test it, " offered former Lyon man Juninho. " The ball requires a little practice, but it is delicious, It's a poor excuse"

Brazilian Juninho lambasting those vocal about the love-to-hate Jabulani ball. Among many things including Brazil's & France's failures at the World Cup.

***Keep checking for A.S.I Sportswire's soon to be published FIFA 2010 South Africa Souvenir e-book, that will be available for FREE download on this site***

More articles on FIFA 2010 World Cup

Clash of the Titans: Netherlands vs Spain

Arsenal's All time Top scorer Henry On going MLS, " this marks an exciting new chapter in my career and life "

2010-07-14T20:33:00.000-07:00

Imagine, being feted as the greatest while still very much doing what you are being celebrated for. I am not talking about winning FIFA World player awards, being top scorer in the World's most famous league or even on numerous occasions earning the respect of fellow professionals and being awarded the PFA award.

These are, forgive me, ordinary everyday awards that gifted players are expected to pick somewhere along their career. After all they are meant to do just that:- Award the exceptionally gifted among the bunch.
What I have in mind is the coveted honor of being recognized as one, a player, who defined the history, path , essence and ideals of a football club. Among your peers are others who are long gone- the ilk of Cliff Bastin and Liam Brady.

The above image, part of Arsenal's ' Arsenalization' project carried out last year (sometime in October 2009) in an effort to make the new home of Arsenal football at Ashburton Groove have the 'feel of home' of the previous home stadium at Highbury bears testimony to this.

Thierry Henry, France's top scorer and the holder of a similar record with his 226 goals in Arsenal colors finally left Spanish side Barcelona and signed a several year deal with Major League Soccer side New York Red Bulls in a move that underlines the continual rise of American soccer, which in now boasts of stars like David Beckham and London Donovan.

For a player blessed with blistering speed, but who refused to carry the ubiquitous tag of only being 'a pacy forward', it is not hard to see why his services and experience are still needed even at the prime age of 32.

His first task? A preseason match against Champions League finalists and Arsenal's North London rivals- Tottenham Hotspurs on 22nd July 2010.

Valencia, European Grand Prix: Ferrari's Alonso Plots to stop Mclaren's Hat trick with revamped F10

2010-06-25T16:52:00.000-07:00

As the estimated Billions are delighting at the display of soccer at the FIFA 2010 World Cup in South Africa, Business leaders, prominent personalities in the fields of science, art & all that lies in between, gather in Cape Town -South Africa's 'mother city"- for the inaugural Fortune 500/ CNN/ Time Global Forum that seeks to discuss the changing role of Africa & other emerging economies in today's globalized economy.

In Valencia, the air is warmer at this time of the year, perfect conditions to enjoy the third European Formula 1 Grand Prix.


Ad2010 European Grand Prix - Friday Valencia Street Circuit, Valencia, Spain 25th June 2010. Jarno Trulli, Lotus T127 Cosworth. World Copyright: Charles Coates/LAT Photographic ref: Digital Image _26Y1547 d caption. Image courtesy of Flickr.

The star studded
Spanish team seeks to over come Chile if they are to stand any chance of progressing to the knock out stages of the ongoing 2010 World Cup.

As David Villa, the new recruit in Barcelona's equally impressive, less obnoxious and even less talked about galatico project, runs through the paces in South Africa, in an attempt to find the perfect balance between athleticism, skill and intelligence- in the hope of redoing the spectacular as he did with his wonder opening goal against Honduras-; Valencia, the city he left prior to the 2010 World Cup kick- off to join Xavi Hernandez & Co. at Barcelona, prepares to welcome back one of its favorite sons Fernando Alonso.

Formula 1 vs World Cup

Parallels can be drawn between Ferrari's double champion, Fernando Alonso's, quest to claim top honors at the European leg of the 2010 F1 championship in Valencia this weekend & Spain's national team "small" matter of qualification into the second round of FIFA 2010 World Cup finals.

European Champions, second in the FIFA world team rankings, headed by the only coach to attain success with the first galaticos project at Barcelona's nemesis Real Madrid and boasting of talent that only a few national teams can attempt to match, Spain's lukewarm jab at the 2010 World Cup has sent the team back into strategy.

Conversely, the Italian team at Ferrari, equally need to up their game following Mclaren's dominance over the two past F1 2010 circuit races in Turkey and Canada.

Maintaining tradition is a tremendous task., to appreciate this, ask Ferrari.

With their dominance as the top constructor in the F1 constructor's championship, double trouble in the form of former champions Fellipe Massa and Fernando Alonso, Ferrari's management in similar fashion to the Del Bosque headed team at the helm of Spain's World Cup team, had to improve on their product.

Fernando Alonso has somehow managed to push the F10, landing a top four finish behind the Maclaren's in both races. Lewis Hamilton leads the driver's championship with 109 points, three ahead of teammate Jenson Button in an order similar to the Mclaren 1-2 finishes at the last two races. Mark Weber's third position, three points behind the reigning F1 drivers champion, belies RedBull's strides this year at least in car design and engineering.

Rear Diffuser

With its low lying exhaust pipes, RedBull has managed to set the pace this year as this layout improves on aerodynamics as the exhaust fumes & the diffuser combine to provide maximum down force a critical factor in gaining speed.

As is with tradition, the envy of the other team's engineering departments has metamorphosed into emulation, Ferrari, Mercedes and Renault have all announced plans to unveil their own versions of this technology.
Pundits & F1 engineers have given their estimations on the speed gains of blown diffusers to range at 0.4-0.6 secs gained per lap.

Ferrari F10 Revamp

Speaking in Valencia ahead of the start of the European F1 circuit, Alonso had this to say about the improvements on this year's Ferrari car, named The F10

"We are happy with the job done, we arrive here in Valencia with a good package in our car but we remain very calm about our expectations. We know the other teams were not watching TV in the last few weeks, everyone will bring updates here and hopefully ours is a little bit better than the others."

The Canadian leg of the 2010 circuit brushed off the claims that F1 is a rather dull sport thus explaining the more global appeal of sports like soccer. Tom Cary of The Daily Telegraph couldn't have said it better.

“That is not to say the F1 is without merit as a spectacle. From humble beginnings (Bahrain) this season has got better and better; the racing more exciting, the technical nuances more intriguing, the human drama more compelling. After the race in Canada – where there were an unprecedented 60 overtaking moves thanks to the high Tyre wear and wildly differing strategies – team principals were queuing up to say how brilliant it all was.

Fernando Alonso couldn't agree more citing his impressive performance in a race that brought out the best in strategy, team management & driver capability.

"Tomorrow [Friday] we'll have a better answer, we expect to have some steps in the car top make it a little bit quicker, but as I said before, all the other teams will also bring some new parts here. The most important thing is to confirm that we are as competitive here as we were in Canada. We need to keep improving the car; this is a job we need to keep doing until Abu Dhabi. There is a long way to go."

In similar vein, in the world of soccer, a common saying quips " that it is not over until the fat lady sings".

Spain have to overcome Chile this Friday evening if Spanish ambitions of winning a World Cup is to be realized. Facing a final before the final, Del Bosque may be tempted to go for a more pragmatic approach with the aim of securing a victory, be it a less desirable one nil victory, but a victory nonetheless.

The soccer on the pitch will be less of the fluid, orchestra like game we have come to be so accustomed to from the Spanish lads. It will be a match full of tactics and counter tactics, embodied by timely execution of skill and the verve to exploit your opponents weaknesses.

Conversely, though dubbed as one of F1 true racers, Fernando Alonso will seek to break his duck at home and win the European Grand Prix.

Going by his recent form, & driven by nationalistic pride, as he attempts to ascend the Valencia leg up the F1 circuit hierarchy following its mundane showing over the last two years, his win if it happens, may be short of the spectacular.

The high octane display of Canada may lack in this Valencia race but just like in the World Cup, winning is of essence.

To borrow from another saying that has heavily done the rounds in the world of soccer, " In soccer, anything can & does happen ".

I bet after Canada, the same can be said of formula one.

Valencia Formula 1 European Grand Prix Quick pointers

About: A young circuit, it was integrated into the circuit two years ago when Fernando Alonso was World Champion.

Location: Valencia Harbor area.

Track : 57 lap race on a cuircuit 5.419 Kms long with 25 turns. Circuit runs in a clockwise direction.

Record Time: Timo Glock's 2009 1:38.683

Select Driver's comments ahead of race:

Motorsports / Formula 1: World Championship 2010, GP of Europe, 01 Jenson Button (GBR, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes), Image courtesy of Flickr DJH Morecambe.

"Even though it's a street circuit, it's got quite a different feel to other street tracks like Monte-Carlo or Singapore. For a start, it's quite a bit faster - there are some low-speed corners with some fairly unforgiving walls at the apex, but there are also some high-speed changes of direction and some long straights, so it's quite an interesting place set-up-wise. It's not as if you completely rely on down-force, there's a trade-off, and that should suit our package."

Jensen Button of Mclaren

History at stake

Lewis Hamilton attempts a hat-trick of number one finishes. Three times he has been in this position, will he be fourth time lucky?

2010 World Cup Kick's Off: African Dreams Realised, Mandela to Miss Opening Ceremony

2010-06-11T07:05:00.000-07:00

2010 World Cup Kick's Off: African Dreams Realised, Mandela to Miss Opening Ceremony

On the eve of South Africa 2010: 24 Hrs to the Start Of the World Cup.

2010-06-10T07:09:00.000-07:00

1 Day, 54 mins to the the start of The 2010 FIFA World CUP in South Africa

There will be so many words said and written about this World Cup. Already it has a stellar cast of superlatives each aimed at exhaling its uniqueness. As you might as well know, History, is at stake fellow fans.

And as with every record of history, it is fair to the Victorious side. This World Cup is no different.

To Africa, a stage to show case the strides its people have taken. To play host, literary so, to the World.

To the world, the 2010 South Africa World Cup, offers a chance to show viability. The chance to flourish even in unfamiliar
territory.

To all involved, its the hypnotizing allure of standing tall and be celebrated by the whole world that is on offer. To catch a sniff of that moment if you can. You can be what ever you want to be .... be a fan, be a hater, be a journalist, be a security guard, be a referee...After all, it is a world cup. The most watched event in Humanity. South Africa 2010 will have an estimated 40, 000, 000, 000 viewers cumulatively by the time the tournament winners are known one month from tomorrow, June 11th 2010.

As the teams prepare, coaches patch up the nitty gritty, players try to get into the right frame of mind, team psychologists make use of their science, medical staff work miracles to keep injuries away..Basically all that goes into making sure that a set of 11 capable and ready players turn up on the pitch, the twelfth player is also getting ready.

"You don't swear at them, do you?.......That's the answer to that. In this day and age I think it's important to show the referees some respect. You don't use any language because then you'll be booked and the whole team suffers. You don't want to fall into that trap.''

Steven Gerrard, advising his England teammates on matters of fair play. In particular reference to Wayne Rooney's temperament.

Kind words from the man who shoulders the responsibility of leading the England team not only out of the dug-out when they face USA in their first match at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, but also to glory replicating the success of the 1966 English World Cup side. That is, if reports emanating from South Africa are true.

Though FIFA denies its existence, it is emerging that the Brazilian referees officiating over the England- USA match, have been handed a list of swear words in English (rumored to be about 20 words), In my opinion a short list, but as referee Roberto Braatz explained,

"We can't do this in 11 different languages, but at least we have to know the swear words in English."

Earlier his colleague linesman Altemir Hausmann had note that as referees they new they had to endure a bit of the lash- back from the tension of the matches, as Wayne Rooney demonstrated on Monday sometimes action needs to be taken when certain thresholds are broken.

As you might as well know, during the England's World Cup preparation match, against a local South African side, Platinum Stars, Rooney earned a yellow for his barrage of abuses aimed at referee Jeff Selogilwe.

Talking to reporters after the match he said,

"Rooney insulted me,"..... "He said, 'F*** you' ".........."He must learn to control his temper. He could get sent off in the World Cup, especially if he uses this kind of language."......

Meanwhile....

Africa Hopes: Nigeria and Ghana Stars Bullish about their team Prospects in 2010 World Cup.

After a series of heartbreak after heart break for African supporters in this years World Cup with the sequential loss of the Chelsea trio, Ghana's Micheal Essien & John Obi Mikel of Nigeria with Didier Drogba hoping for a speedy recovery from his broken arm; two eminent footballers from the continent have spoken separately offering hope with their bullish Sentiments.

Ahead of Nigeria's first tie in the 2010 World Cup against Lionel Messi's Argentina, a recall of World Cup history is necessary. The last time Nigeria and Argentina were in the same World Cup group, 1994 USA World Cup, despite being debutant, Nigeria went on to top the group. Nwankwo Kanu. Nigeria's Olympic hero drawing from his 33yrs of experience and his 4 previous games against Argentina is expecting a tight one

"You know, it is always very close any time we play them at the top level. It is either 2-1 or 1-0. I expect that on Saturday, it would also be close, but victory will be Nigeria's."

2010 coppa Italia, Serie A & Champions league hand treble winner with Inter Milan, Ghanaian midfielder , Sulley Muntari is backing the Ghanaian team to go all the way in the 19th edition of the FIFA World Cup in South Africa. Despite the blow to Milovan Rajevac side by losing former African football player of the year in Micheal Essien, Muntari echoed the feelings of his fellow Ghanaian team mates when he recently spoke to his club website.

"After what we did in 2006, expectations are sky high, we want to get out of our group and get to the semi-finals or even further,"

Arsene Wenger in his assessment of the World Cup withheld the commonly held notion that Ghanaian team is the Brazil of Africa. Muntari seems to agree with this tag as he promises that the soccer from Ghana will not only enthrall & to cap it all off; is fit for a World Cup semi- final breath at the least if not good enough to replicate the fortunes of the under 20 side who are the current World Champions.

Fifa 2010 World Cup Watch: 32 Teams, 13 Stars Who Will Dominate Transfer News This Summer

2010-06-08T03:37:00.000-07:00

Fifa 2010 World Cup Watch: 32 Teams, 13 Stars Who Will Dominate Transfer News This Summer

2010-06-06T03:22:00.000-07:00

Formula 1

2010-06-04T11:28:00.001-07:00

Formula 1 test page

Transfers

2010-06-04T07:09:00.000-07:00

Transfers test page

Sports news

2010-05-30T18:07:00.000-07:00

Hello and welcome to A.S.I sportswire the home of athleticism , skill and intelligence. Here, your thirst for sports news will be quenched, your understanding of the game will be broadened by the depth of our analysis of sports events and notwithstanding our quest to entertain our readers.
At this moment, we would like to request for your patience as our engine is still revving up.However, being who we are: lovers of the game, addicts of the adrenaline rush and believers in honor, glory and victory , we have prepared snippets of the latest in the world of sports. Indulge....

Soccer:

Full coverage of the FIFA 2010 South Africa World cup starting with the ongoing friendly matches. Today France struggled to a 1-1 draw with Tunisia while England needed two own goals to see off a struggling Japan 3-1.

Formula 1

The Turkey Aftermath: The Redbulls appear to have the faster machine early on in the season.Probably in testament of the dominance of the Redbull car, Mark Weber claimed his sixth straight pole in Turkey. However, Mclaren seem to be the team that is getting the right balance between man, machine and management . Proof ? Starting the race behind the Redbull of Mark Weber, Lewis Hamiliton claimed his first win leading the 1-2 finish for Mclaren in Turkey. Lewis Hamilton is top of the driver's standing for now with his team mate, fellow compatriot & defending world champion, Jensen Button, pushing the Mclaren inter-team rivalry a notch higher. Meanwhile karma visited the Redbull team- another freak accident snatched the much coveted maiden, victory, from the hands of Mark Weber.Turkey wasn't bad for every one though, as all time great Micheal Schumi managed his highest finish since his return to the sport missing a podium finnish with a fourth place.

Rugby: 15's:

Twickenham; England power over Barbarians 35- 26 as they prepared for their tour of New Zealand and Australia.

Rubgy 7's

Season curtains close as Samoa win the Edinburgh league and the season as well. Samoa, the newly crowned circuit champions, who won the final match 41-14 were led by three try hero Mikaele Pesamino. Pesamino took his personal tally for the season to fifty six. Wales did a "Mclaren" on Kenya when they came from behind to claim the bowl title 26-10. Kenya the second ranked seven a side team in Africa behind South Africa, had taken the battle to Wales via two quick tries by Humphrey Khayange before wales responded in kind.