sports

Which countries should host the World Cup?

2010-12-01T08:59:00.000-08:00

In the last few days, I have been asked several times who I think FIFA is going to pick to host the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.

My answer has always been the same. I have no clue. For 2018 it is tough to pick between the growing economic powerhouse of Russia, who have never hosted before, the "home of football" England who have not welcomed or won the event since 1966, the Iberian flair of Portugal and Spain or the pragmatic approach of Holland and Belgium.

For 2022 the selection is also complex. The U.S. you would think has a strong case after it's inaugural hosting in 1994, but winning the vote is all about making friends and the fallout of the Wikileaks releases may have soured a few key relations at the wrong time.

Both Korea and Japan have been relatively recent hosts (as joint organizers in 2002) while Qatar's climate would surely make playing games in June a tough proposition despite the desire take the game to an important new region. Australia are famed for their love of sport, but are they passionate enough about football to give the event the buzz of the Sydney Olympics?

The options are tough enough but it is impossible to predict how the executive committee is going to vote because there is so much politics involved.

What I know for sure is that the World Cup decision should not come down to a roomful of executives. There should be a much larger electorate and it should feature a wider range of people of more ages and backgrounds.

The current committee is like an exclusive, "old boys" club. Most of these gentlemen are in their 50s and 60s, if not older, and have been part of the hierarchy for over 10 years.

They have built such intertwined personal relationships that in many ways they are as familiar as a family. But does this mean they have lost the ability to to be objective when it comes to dealing with the many people they know well connected to the countries that are bidding to host the tournament?

I am not going to comment on the allegations of corruption surfacing from a Sunday Times sting operation or a BBC program. Money never actually changed hands when the newspaper approached the executive committee members in question, and the officials implicated in the television report were cleared in court a few years back.

However, the revelations will no doubt impact the thoughts of the chosen few bestowed with the power to vote on who should host future tournaments. They are a family after all and any such knock to the collective reputation, accurate or otherwise, will have hurt collective feelings; no doubt about it.

As far as the World Cup vote is concerned, let's take a look at how it should change. In my mind, the hosts should be decided in the following manner:

- Every one of FIFA's 208 member associations should have an internally elected representative who would take part in the vote.

- These elected representatives would have terms of four to six years, so they would never vote on more than one World Cup host ballot.

- All members would gather in Zurich and vote until an absolute majority winner is found.

These measures would surely help to freshen up the image of FIFA and in my view they would represent a more balanced and fair reflection of what the football world thinks and feels.

And surely, with each voter having less power, the chances they would be approached with bribes would surely diminish? Either way, it will be as much a surprise to me as to the millions of fans tuning in around the world, when the host are finally announced. But maybe you know something I don't?

Can La Liga steal Premier League's Asian thunder?

2010-11-30T06:23:00.000-08:00

Like countless football fans around the world, the highlight of my Monday was watching the Clasico: Barcelona versus Real Madrid, two of the biggest clubs in world football going head to head.

Unlike countless fans, I had to wait until 4 a.m. for kick-off ... because I live in Hong Kong. But it was worth it to see a thrilling match in which Barca crushed their Spanish title rivals 5-0.

I am the reason Real Madrid president Florentino Perez signs players like Zidane, Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo: I'm an Asian fan passionate about European football, eager to support a club in a far-off town as if it were my own, and happy to spend my money on all the shirts, shorts, balls and related merchandise that clubs mass-produce.

There's just one problem for Mr. Perez. My heart belongs to the English Premier League's Liverpool, and I'm not alone.

The EPL is the world's most-watched league. And it pulls in the most revenue by some distance. This despite the defection of its brightest star Ronaldo to La Liga in 2009, despite last season's faltering performances by English clubs in Europe and despite England's woeful showing at this year's World Cup – a tournament, you may remember, won by Spain.

There are plenty of other reasons for the Premier League's popularity over La Liga. I've heard arguments as varied as a greater parity of teams in the Premier League to the proliferation of English expatriates in Asia serving as walking advocates for their local clubs. But it's difficult to see past the simple fact that it is harder to watch Spanish football in Asia than its English rival.

English matches generally kick off at either 10 p.m. or 11 p.m. in Hong Kong, which is late but not too troublesome in a society geared towards late nights like this one. There's also at least two fixtures each week that can begin as early as 7:30 p.m. - and last week's early kick-offs were matches involving Arsenal and Chelsea.

Compare that to La Liga, where Real Madrid and Barcelona are almost always assigned to the late matches, and rarely begin before 3 a.m. This is Perez's problem. What's the point in parading the world's best (and most marketable) players when a vast audience cannot watch them live?

There are plans to change that. Atletico Madrid have reportedly become the first Spanish club to request early kick-offs with the intention of grabbing an Asian audience. This would be a remarkable change for a country famous for the afternoon siesta, and an interesting turning point in globalization - the point where the demands of a potentially massive foreign audience trump the tastes of the loyal locals.

Whether that will be enough to wrest Asian eyeballs and dollars away from the English Premier League and to La Liga remains to be seen. But as I face the prospect of another bleary-eyed day at the office tomorrow, it's a change that I would certainly welcome.

Ravi Hiranand produces News Stream with Kristie Lu Stout (CNN.com/NewsStream), airing weekdays at 1300 GMT on CNN International.

Barca v Real 2010: The greatest of all Clasicos?

2010-11-28T14:34:00.000-08:00

The best Clasico of all time? The upcoming clash between arch rivals Barcelona and Real Madrid comes at a time when both teams are at the top of their game and beating all sorts of records in Spain. We should be in for a treat!

I watched my first Clasico when I was seven or eight years old. I distinctly remember Diego Maradona running around with his small shorts and big mop of hair. Throughout the last three decades there have been so many great players to shine in this contest, which is more than a game between rivals, it is a battle between regions.

Monday’s match at the Camp Nou will see the top two footballers on the planet going head to head. Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal has 15 goals in 12 league games, the most scored by a Real Madrid player at this stage of the season since 1937. Not only is he scoring goals, he is making them. Just ask "El Pipita," Gonzalo Higuain. Most of his seven goals have come from the boots of CR7.

If Cristiano has been phenomenal, then Leo Messi has been exceptional. The little Argentine also has 13 goals to his name and has been at the center of everything Barcelona have done this season. With Xavi struggling for fitness and for form, the reigning World Player of the Year has taken on more responsibility to start and finish attacking moves. Leo has just scored his 100th goal for Barca, which at 23 years of age is a formidable feat.

Of course this season’s first Clasico will be about much more than two players. It will be a clash between two teams who are playing the best collective football on the planet right now.

If you have watched Barcelona in the last three years, then you know how they play. Short, quick passes, from side to side, until they find a hole to penetrate. When they do, they are deadly.

Invariably it’s Messi, Pedro or David Villa who is at the end of their well crafted moves. Even the former Valencia man has started to find his feet and that has led Barcelona to become even more dangerous. Just ask Almeria. They were thrashed 8-0 at home this past weekend.

Real Madrid’s brand of football has been just as effective, if not as spectacular. Jose Mourinho’s priority when he arrived was to create a solid unit who could win on a short-term basis. In the first few matches, Los Blancos struggled to impose themselves on their opponents. They netted only six goals in their first five games. Since then, however, it has been a different story. They have put together a seven-match winning streak in which they have scored a whopping 27 goals. An average of nearly four goals per game.

So what game can we expect at the Camp Nou on Monday? I believe we will see an open, entertaining affair, with two teams going right at each other’s throats. The title may not be decided in these 90 minutes, but the unofficial crown of best team in the world will certainly be.

And we all know that sometimes, bragging rights are more important than trophies.

As the countdown to this contest continues, why not send me your predictions on the score and your thoughts on whether this will be the greatest Clasico of all time?

Chelsea fail to regain top spot in England after draw at Newcastle

2010-11-28T14:29:00.000-08:00

Chelsea's poor Premier League run continued on Sunday as the English champions dropped points for the third match in a row and failed to return to the top of the table.

The Londoners were deposed at the summit after Manchester United's 7-1 thrashing of Blackburn on Saturday, but could have returned on goal difference with victory away to mid-table Newcastle

However, Carlo Ancelotti's team could only draw 1-1 as Salomon Kalou earned a point with an equalizer on the stroke of halftime following Andy Carroll's early opener for Newcastle.

That gave United a two-point lead after 15 rounds, leaving Chelsea in second place above London rivals Arsenal on goal difference.

Berbatov scores five as Man Utd run riot

The match was cleared to go ahead despite the snow that has blanketed the north of Britain in the past few days, with Newcastle's suspension-depleted line-up boosted by the presence of veteran former England defender Sol Campbell for the first time in the league since joining the promoted club in pre-season.

The home team -- beaten 5-1 by Bolton last weekend -- took the lead in the sixth minute when recent England debutant Carroll took advantage of a mistake by Brazil defender Alex to score his ninth league goal this season.

Alex had a header cleared off the line by Jose Enrique in the 26th minute, and the equalizer finally came as Ivory Coast international Kalou collected a clever pass and twisted his way into the penalty area before firing in a deflected shot.

Chelsea piled on the pressure in the second half but the closest they came to scoring was when striker Didier Drogba turned and volleyed in off the post in the 77th minute -- but it was ruled out for a blatant handball by the Ivorian.

Ancelotti said Chelsea hope to welcome back England internationals John Terry and Frank Lampard from injuries ahead of next weekend's clash with Everton, while Ghana midfielder Michael Essien returns from suspension.

"Next week for Terry and Lampard will be an important week, they will start to train with the team. We have all week to control their condition and I hope that both, maybe more John Terry than Lampard, will be able to play against Everton," the Italian told the Chelsea website.

"They are very important, not just as technical players but they have personality, character -- and at this moment we need this kind of player."

Tottenham moved into fifth place above Bolton with a last-gasp 2-1 victory at home to Liverpool as Aaron Lennon scored a stoppage-time winner in the later kickoff.

In the second minute of five added on, the England winger beat Liverpool defender Paul Konchesky to Peter Crouch's flick-on and fired past goalkeeper Pepe Reina to put the London club within a point of Manchester City.

Liverpool remained on 19 points in 10th place, behind Newcastle on goal difference.

Roy Hodgson's team had the best of the first half and took the lead through Martin Skrtel in the 42nd minute when the central defender responded quickest after his header hit the back of teammate David Ngog.

Ngog conceded a penalty on the hour mark when he handled Gareth Bale's free-kick, but substitute Jermain Defoe -- who replace the injured Rafael van der Vaart early on -- was wide of the target as the home side missed a fourth spot-kick this season.

Five minutes later Skrtel put through his own net to give Tottenham hope, with the Slovakian attempting to deny the lurking Crouch the chance to convert Luka Modric's teasing low cross.

England striker Defoe had the ball in the net in the 89th minute, but was in an offside position before volleying in Lennon's header.

A LAST EFFORT | AC Milan

2010-11-26T10:08:00.000-08:00

Massimiliano Allegri held his usual pre-game press conference this afternoon. The Milan coach talked about how the Rossoneri are doing in this busy period, set to come to an end with the upcoming match against Domenico Di Carlo’s Sampdoria.

MILANELLO – Below is what Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri had to say in his press conference ahead of the Rossoneri’s match against Sampdoria:

ON THE MATCH TOMORROW:“The match tomorrow evening is quite delicate, because we’re coming off of a physically and mentally exhausting period, as we’ve had to play every three days. It's taken a lot out of us. But this busy period is coming to an end on Saturday, so it will be very important to do well.”
ON SAMPDORIA:“On one hand, it’s good that they will be without Cassano, because he’s a great player, but on the other hand it’s worse, because teams without their best players become more compact and those who play give their all. Teams like that are dangerous. So it will be a difficult game even without Cassano.”
ON MILAN’S FORM:“We always have to be patient, because games last 95 minutes. There’s no hurry to decide them early on, also because at the moment we’re a bit tired mentally. But from a physical point of view we’re doing well and we’re ready to play a great game”. “Some players definitely will be tired, I’ll make the decisions on the formation after today’s training session accordingly. Unfortunately, Pirlo is not available for selection, even if I counted on him. I don’t believe that Antonini will be available, either, but we’ll see how he’s doing this afternoon. The rest of the team is fine. Now we have to make a last big effort and then we’ll have a whole week to recover.”
ON THE MARGINS FOR IMPROVEMENT:“When you win and obtain great results it’s difficult to spot flaws, but in certain moments of our games we have to play better. A lot of work needs to be done in order to make these improvements, but fortunately now we’ll have more time to train. We need to improve our offensive manoeuvres in the last 30 metres. As long as we play in a certain way we make the right moves, but then we tend to play the wrong way, thus failing to take advantage of the characteristics of our players. Anyway, I have to say that it’s a problem that rarely emerges and I’m satisfied with how the team is playing.”
ON THE ROLE OF THE PLAYMAKER“Nesta and Thiago are doing well also as playmakers, however, Pirlo can give more in that role. He can make all kind of plays, he’s very gifted, because of this he’s fundamental for us. In any case, in the last five games we found a way to play well even without him, mainly thanks to Ambrosini, who despite being a different kind of player, is doing very well in Pirlo’s position.”
ON HIS WORK AT MILAN“It’s not Allegri’s Milan. We’re working on laying the foundation of a winning team, but for winning the players have to be very motivated, which is the case here at Milan. Then we all know the individual qualities of my players, and when the team plays well they really can emerge“. “It’s normal that people were a bit sceptical about me at the beginning and doubted if I was up to the task of coaching Milan. But my objective has always been to reach the highest level professionally and I was fortunate enough to join Milan after only two seasons in Serie A. Now I’m satisfied, but we can and have to improve even further and for this we need to work a lot.”
ON RONALDINHO:“I prefer not to have players who are satisfied when out of the team, also because those coming off the bench need to have the right mentality and have to help their teammates on the field. Dinho did well against Auxerre, as did Boateng and everyone who came off the bench. This makes me satisfied. I haven’t decided yet if Ronaldinho would play tomorrow, but it’s a possibility.”

Progress with authority (0-3)

2010-11-25T03:02:00.000-08:00

FC Barcelona ensured that they progressed to the next round of the Champions League as group winners after a convincing victory against Panathinaikos on Wednesday thanks to two goals from Pedro and another from Lionel Messi.

The Blaugrana took their league form into Europe once again and the competition's famous tune before kick-off lifted the players and they produced another strong performance. Mixing a serious approach with moments of flair and excitement Pep Guardiola's side avoided a Greek tragedy in Athens and found the net when it mattered to see off the threat from their hosts. Panathinaikos needed something from the game in order to keep their hopes of remaining in Europe alive, but the loss means that they cannot lift themselves out of fourth spot in the last match.

Crowd calming
Before the game there was talk of the atmosphere that Barça would face in the Olympic Stadium and the home fans put on a show, but that did not affect the visitors. Instead, long periods of possession by the away team silenced the supporters while the Panathinaikos side sat back and tried to keep their opponents out. Occasionally, the hosts did push forward on the counter-attack and Cissé did have a one-against-one with Víctor Valdés and the keeper was forced to produce a good save with 20 minutes on the clock. That did prove to be Pana's best chance of the evening.

First goal
Adriano then went close after being named in the team late on, but Alexandro Tzorvas denied him. In minute 27 the deadlock was broken as Dani Alves pushed the ball through as crowd of players and Pedro ran onto to before beating the keeper. Barça looked to build on the lead, but chances were few and far between and the team had to be precise when they came. David Villa had an opportunity and Pedro another before the break but a second goal would not come.

Same again
The game continued in a similar manner after the break as Barça employed a mixture of patience and pragmatism and began to find more and more space. Adriano again tested the hosts' keeper with an almost identical chance to his first effort. Panathinaikos did not heed the warning though and just after the hour mark Andrés Iniseta combined with Adriano before finding Messi, who scored his sixth Champions League goal of the season.

Clàsico focus
Within seven minutes Barça had a three-goal cushion as Alves was again involved as he found Iniesta on the left of the area and Pedro met his cross to convert for his second of the evening. With the result put beyond doubt the home fans put on a show but that did not help their side as they bowed out of the competition and missed out on a place in the Europa League. For Barça the focus now turns to el clàsico as Real Madrid are next up in Camp Nou and the team's confidence remains high after this latest European triumph.

Dutch Speed and Skill on the Wing

2010-11-16T01:30:00.000-08:00

Dutch Speed and Skill on the Wing

Ibrahim Afellay, 24, is a skilful and fast winger who has been thrilling the PSV crowds for quite a few years now and has won everything in Holland thanks to his straight forward attacking approach and his good shooting.

Born on 2 April 1986 in Utrecht. Afellay, who is of Moroccan origin, learnt his trade at USV Elinwijk and is generally recognised as one of Holland’s top young talents. He has been one of PSV’S biggest stars in recent years and as a winger can boast many virtues, including pace and skill. His crossing is very accurate from either wing and his skill allows him to easily move inside.

He has a great long distance shot with either foot and has scored a number of spectacular long range efforts in the Dutch league.

Honours in Holland

Although he is only 24, Afellay has plenty of experience and has played more than 23 games in each of his last five seasons at PSV. He made his debut seven seasons ago when he was just 17 and since then has won winners medals in the Dutch Cup and Super Cup, as well as four League titles and well as figuring in the Champions League and Europa Cup.

International experience

Afellay, whose contract with PSV finishes in June 2011, has also played for the full Dutch international team, being part of the squads for the 2008 European Championships and 2010 World Cup, although he has still to really make his mark for Holland.

Springbok duo shocked by drug woe

2010-11-15T12:57:00.000-08:00

Springbok duo shocked by drug woe

South Africa coach Peter de Villiers says Bjorn Basson and Chiliboy Ralepelle were "shocked and disappointed" after testing positive for a banned substance.

Basson, a 23-year-old winger and Ralepelle, a 24-year-old hooker, were randomly tested after the 23-21 win over Ireland on November 6, with the results delivered on Sunday night showing traces of methylhexaneamine. The two players have been provisionally suspended from all rugby with immediate effect but are entitled to request that their 'B' samples are tested.

De Villiers told www.supersport.com: "We have done quite a bit already, we are busy sending stuff for testing. Obviously we have to look at what might have caused this and we don't want to put the players at risk. If there is something that we are taking as a squad that might have caused this then we must find that out now."

He added: "When I informed the two players that they had been tested positive they were both extremely shocked and disappointed. The rest of the team were also gutted when they heard. I was informed of this at 2am this morning, and now we must follow the correct processes as laid down by the International Rugby Board."

A statement from South Africa Rugby Union came on Monday afternoon and read: "Six Nations Rugby Ltd - who administer the November internationals - informed the South African Rugby Union of the positive Tests on Sunday evening.

"As a result the pair are provisionally suspended from all rugby and will return to South Africa on Monday. Basson injured an ankle in Saturday's win over Wales and was due to return anyway.

"The players were randomly drawn for testing by anti-doping officials following the Test at the Aviva Stadium. The players have the right to request that their 'B' sample be tested.

"The pair returned an adverse analytical finding for methylhexaneamine, a "non-specified stimulant" on the prohibited substances list of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). It is scheduled to be re-classified as a "specified stimulant" from 1 January 2011."

Team doctor Craig Roberts, who confirmed to Supersport that the two players were on medication for flu symptoms, shared De Villiers' desire to get to the root of the problem.

He said: "The substance could come from many different sources, like the caffeine substances. What we are doing now is going through the process of looking at all the possibilities and exhausting them one by one. Obviously we need to get to the bottom of this as quickly as possible."

Unstoppable! 3-1

2010-11-13T19:44:00.000-08:00

Unstoppable! (3-1)

Barça overcame Villarreal in a thrilling game at the Nou Camp. Villa rounded off a furious Barça start with a goal on 21 minutes, but the visitors hit back 5 minutes later, following a controversial off side decision which had denied Barça a second.

Barça’s courage and good football saw them through against the in-form Villarreal in a game with three clear phases: first a marvellous 25 minute period at the start of the game crowned by Villa’s goal, next Villarreal fought back and got the draw and then for the rest of the match, a monologue of football from the champions with two Messi strikes.

Whirlwind start
It was a whirlwind start from Guardiola’s team whose pace and passing were superb as they pinned Villarreal back in their box and it needed a great save from Diego Alves on 13 minutes from a point blank Messi shot to keep the visitors in the game. On 21 minutes though, Villa gave Barça the lead as he brilliantly rounded off a lethal counter attack to fire past the keeper.

From 2-0 to 1-1
Barça should have been two up soon after when Messi and Pedro sprung the offside trap only for the linesman to inexplicably flag them off and deny them the goal. In the very next phase of play and with a number of Barça players clearly still amazed at the ref’s previous decision, Nilmar waltzed through the Barça defence and brought Villarreal back into the match. The goal seemed to have shaken Barça and their followed a few minutes of danger from the visitors.

Xavi and Pedro set up Messi
The players soon put their grumbles about the ref behind them though and the half time saw them again dominating before the teams went off to a display of disapproving hanky waving for the match officials from the crowd. Barça came out after the break in the same way they had the first and they got a deserved second when a quick free kick from Xavi was sent to Messi who played a lovely one-two with Pedro before chipping past Diego Lopez.

Crowd get plenty to celebrate
The crowd were celebrating their team’s great football now as Busquets, Iniesta and Xavi dictated play from midfield. Keita came on for Villa to give a bit more muscle in the last 15 minutes and the defence snuffed out any hint of a Villarreal comeback. With six minutes left on the clock, Messi again met a Pedro cross and made it 3-1 to do justice to an all round performance of the highest calibre from Guardiola’s team who go top with the win with Madrid not playing till tomorrow.

Barça-Madrid game fixed for 29th November

2010-11-11T05:18:00.000-08:00

Barça-Madrid game fixed for 29th November

The Lliga de Futbol Professional (LFP) has confirmed that the game between Barça and Real Madrid at the Nou Camp this month will be played on Monday 29th November at 21.00.

Following considerable speculation as to the exact date of the game, the LFP announced this morning that the game will be played on Monday 29th November and will kick off at 21.00.

This means that the game will not coincide with the elections for the Catalan Parliament which are to be held on Sunday 28th .

Four days to prepare
Barça will go into the game after facing Panathinaikos in the Champions League on Wednesday November 24th and will therefore give Guardiola and his men four days to prepare for the big game.

One year on
Curiously enough, the game will be played exactly one year after the two last met in Barcelona. On that occasion, Sunday November 29th 2009, Barça won 1-0 thanks to a goal from Ibrahimovic.

Five star Barça progress (5-1)

2010-11-10T22:16:00.000-08:00

Five star Barça progress (5-1)

FC Barcelona eased into the next round of the Copa del Rey with a 5-1 triumph over Ceuta in their second leg encounter on Wednesday evening thanks to goals from Nolito, Gaby Milito, Pedro, Bojan Krkic and Lionel Messi.

After winning the opening encounter by two goals the Blaugrana progressed 7-1 won aggregate and they rewarded the 38,971 who braved a chilly midweek evening to cheer them on with a goalfest and a game of great intensity. Having won the first meeting between the teams coach Pep Guardiola chose to name B team starlets Marc Bartra, Thiago Alcantára and Nolito in the starting line-up and the choice paid dividends as they showed that they could cope comfortably with the step up once again.

Spectacular start
Barça began the game clearly proving that they were keen to put the outcome of the tie beyond doubt and it was Nolito that broke the deadlock after just two minutes as he showed great skill to score. The same player then went close four minutes later as he shone and showed just why Guardiola is keen to give him a chance at the highest level. It was Nolito then turned provider as his corner was met by Milito and he beat the keeper before wheeling away to celebrate.

Red and penalty
The level of play did not drop despite the four-goal cushion across the two legs and Gilson looked to restore some pride for the visitors as he sent a shot goalwards only for it to cannon back off the crossbar. Moments later and the drama was at the other end as Bojan drew Vítor Moreno and he was shown a red card after giving away a penalty. The Blaugrana forward chose to take the spot-kick himself, but he then saw his effort hit the woodwork and bounce away. Ceuta did indeed step up their game and actually managed to find a way through the Barça rearguard when Guzmán found the net.

Milito was then reduced to tears as he suffered an injury that meant he to make an early withdrawal and Éric Abidal was sent on to replace him.

Pedro and Bojan
After the break Barça stepped up another gear and Pedro made it 3-1 with a fine effort from the right just five minutes into the second period. Bojan made up for his penalty miss in the 65 minute as he was set up by Messi, who had entered the fray in place of Pedro. The Argentinian then added to his incredible goal tally for Barça with the home team's fifth of the night in the 67th minute.

Sergi Roberto
Sergi Roberto was given a chance to show what he can do as he replaced Maxwell and the youngster made his mark on his first-team debut in midfield. With Guardiola keen to promote from within and all the homegrown talent did well and will have gained great experience from their appearance alongside the first-team regulars.

FC Barcelona 5 - Ceuta 1

2010-11-10T20:07:00.000-08:00

FC Barcelona eased into the next round of the Copa del Rey with a 5-1 triumph over Ceuta in their second leg encounter on Wednesday evening thanks to goals from Nolito, Milito, Pedro, Bojan Krkic and Lionel Messi. Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain 10/11/10

Chelsea v Fulham preview

2010-11-10T04:47:00.000-08:00

Champions Chelsea host King's Road rivals Fulham on Wednesday looking to bounce back from their loss at Liverpool.

The Blues are now just two points clear at the top of the Premier League table and could, in theory, be deposed from the summit for the first time this season.

Chelsea suffered only their second defeat of the season at Anfield at the weekend, but they still have a perfect 100 per cent record at Stamford Bridge.

Fulham go into the game having won just twice all season, but they have also only lost twice this term - but the record books are against them as they have one only ever won once at Stamford Bridge in the top-flight - some 46 years ago.

Team news

Chelsea go into the derby clash ready to make changes to their side with Carlo Ancelotti confirming Didier Drogba would be recalled to his starting line-up.

It was revealed earlier this week that Drogba was suffering with malaria, but he is now recovered and after coming off the bench at Liverpool will start against Fulham with Salomon Kalou likely to make way for his compatriot.

However, Kalou could get a reprieve if Nicolas Anelka fails to overcome a back problem.

Alex is also a doubt for the match with a knee injury, but Ancelotti will decide on him just before kick-off.

Michael Essien should return to the midfield following a toe injury which kept him out of the Liverpool clash.

Frank Lampard is close to returning for the first time since August, but he will not be risked on Wednesday.

For Fulham, they are without Mexican defender Carlos Salcido after he suffered ankle ligament damage.

Chris Baird is also missing after he suffered a thigh problem.

Possible starting XIs:

Chelsea: Cech, Terry, Alex, Cole, Bosingwa, Malouda, Mikel, Essien, Ramires, Drogba, Anelka.

Fulham: Schwarzer, Hangeland, Kelly, Hughes, Duff, Murphy, Gera, Greening, Dempsey, Davies, Dembele.

2010-11-10T04:42:00.000-08:00

France head coach Laurent Blanc has confirmed he would be interested in succeeding Sir Alex Ferguson as Manchester United manager.

The 44-year-old former France international spent two years playing at Old Trafford until 2003 before hanging up his playing boots following an illustrious career.

Blanc is now in charge of France after leaving Bordeaux over the summer to replace Raymond Domenech following the nation's dismal showing at the World Cup finals in South Africa.

The ex-Barcelona, Marseille and Inter Milan defender has been tipped as a potential successor to Ferguson once he eventually retires and the Frenchman is not ruling himself out of the running.

However, for now, Blanc is focusing all of his efforts on helping France to qualify for the Euro 2012 finals in Poland and Ukraine in two years' time and is not being sidetracked by club football.

Attraction

"I could be attracted," Blanc told Reuters.

"It would be a very exciting challenge, very difficult, but conceivable if he presides at the process of his own succession.

"I would like it very much, but it would be difficult to find him a successor. He is at the helm for 24 years.

"Anyway, I am not concerned by that project so far. I have another challenge!"

Liverpool's owners appoint Damien Comolli to oversee transfer policy

2010-11-03T08:31:00.000-07:00

Liverpool's owners appoint Damien Comolli to oversee transfer policy

Tottenham Hotspur's former director of football Damien Comolli – the man who signed Gareth Bale from Southampton in 2007 – has joined Liverpool's staff to oversee player recruitment.

Comolli, whose job title for the club will be Director of Football Strategy, has left St Etienne to work alongside manager Roy Hodgson to "identify exciting young footballing talent", according to the club's new owner John Henry.

Henry told the club's website: "Today's announcement is just the first step in creating a leadership group and structure designed to develop, enhance and implement our long-term philosophy of scouting, recruitment, player development and all of the other aspects necessary to build and sustain a club able to consistently compete at the highest level in European football."

Hodgson welcomed Comolli's appointment, saying: "I am looking forward to working with Damien whom I have known for many years. We are engaged in an exciting project here and he will bring a lot to the table.

"We all want to see moves to strengthen the squad and support player development over the next few years. John Henry and I are totally united in delivering on that ambition."

Comolli, who scouted Bale as a 17-year-old before Spurs signed him for £5m, also spoke today about Bale's performances against Internazionale, suggesting Tottenham face a battle to hold on to him.

Comolli said: "When I watched him for the first time I was gobsmacked. He was already showing the strength, the technical ability, the confidence to take people on, the pace, the quality left foot, the work-rate. He had it all.

"I remember coming back from scouting him and thinking 'I've seen the new Paolo Maldini'.

"Spurs are desperate to hold on to Gareth but I know last summer there were big, big clubs sniffing around. If they are ambitious and want to do well in the future they have to keep hold of him and Champions League football should help them do that."

Manchester United will not be buying anyone in January - Sir Alex Ferguson

2010-10-30T22:55:00.000-07:00

Manchester United will not be buying anyone in January - Sir Alex Ferguson

Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that Manchester United will not be buying players in january, despite having the funds to do so.

UK had previously revealed that the Scot would have £50 million made available to him in addition to any money he makes by selling players. And this had been pivotal to Wayne Rooney committing to a new five-year contract at Old Trafford.

But the 68-year-old has no intention of making a move on any player during the winter transfer window, insisting that the return of Owen Hargreaves and Antonio Valencia should be enough.

"We won't be buying in January, definitely not," Ferguson said, according to the Daily Mail.

"You are limited because there are hundreds of players cup-tied for European football.

"There will be five months of the season left and we will be getting a new player back in February with Antonio Valencia returning from injury, and maybe another in Owen Hargreaves. With the squad I've got, I don't see any reason for us to buy anyone.

"There has always been money to spend but it doesn't necessarily mean there will be more transfer activity than normal in the summer. We will buy what we need to buy. We know what we need.

"There is always this issue if [Edwin] van der Sar, [Paul] Scholes, [Ryan] Giggs or [Gary] Neville were to retire but we've been aware of that for two or three years and we are well ahead of that. We know exactly what we have to do."

Ferguson also insisted that Rooney will take over a month to make a return from his ankle injury, after previously admitting that the 25-year-old's return could be delayed.

This effectively rules the forward out of the Manchester derby on November 10.

"It may be five weeks before Rooney's comeback because he will have to pick up his fitness again," Ferguson said. "I would think five weeks would be about right.

"There is no chance of the Manchester City game on November 10 coming into the equation. You want any player who has been out a few weeks to be 100 per cent and not breaking down. That is what happened to Ryan Giggs a couple of weeks ago."

Fifa retains World Cup vote date

2010-10-29T06:44:00.000-07:00

Fifa retains World Cup vote date

Fifa president Sepp Blatter haeded an executive meeting on Friday

Fifa president Sepp Blatter says that the vote to decide who will host the 2018 and 2022 World Cup tournaments will still take place on 2 December.

Fifa has made the decision, despite two of its executive members being suspended for alleged vote selling.

"We are five weeks from the final decision so there was never a question of changing anything," said Blatter.

"So on 2 December the Fifa executive committee will decide in a secret ballot the hosts for 2018 and 2022."

The two Fifa executive members who have been suspended are Nigerian Amos Adamu and Tahiti's Reynald Temarii and they are under investigation as part of the organisation's ethics panel.

Blatter confirmed that a ruling on the mater is expected on 17 November and, if the two are not reinstated, then only 22 Fifa executive members will cast a vote instead of the full 24.

In a campaign process dogged by controversy, the Fifa ethics committee is also looking into claims of collusion between the joint Spain and Portugal bid with that of Qatar, although all parties have denied all allegations of unfair practice.

Spain and Portugal are vying with England, Russia as well as the joint bid of Netherlands and Belgium to stage the 2018 World Cup.

In the race to host the 2022 competition, Australia, Qatar, Japan/South Korea and the United States are in the running.

Tevez to miss Wolves trip

2010-10-28T11:26:00.000-07:00

Manchester City captain Carlos Tevez has been ruled out of Saturday's Premier League match at Wolves with a thigh problem

Tevez: Thigh injury

Tevez suffered a dead leg during the loss to Arsenal at the weekend and was forced off early in the second half.
Manager Roberto Mancini had hoped the striker would be fit for the trip to Molineux but the game will come too soon.
The injury is not thought to be too serious and Tevez is expected to be back in training next week.
City have also given Tevez permission to travel to Argentina to visit his family, although he will report back on Monday.
Mancini had previously called on Argentina to use the 26-year-old less frequently as travelling such long distances leaves him little time to get ready for club games.