FIFA vice president Prince Ali Bin Al-Hussein has criticized FIFA for banning Iraq from hosting home internationals and called upon the organization to do more for supporters in the Middle East. He feels Iraq, although a war torn nation should still be able to host friendly matches. “I would like to emphasise that Iraq should be able to host friendly matches, whether in the south or the north,” Prince Ali, also the president of the West Asian Football Federation (WAFF), said in a statement on Tuesday. “There are other countries facing similar issues but are given the green light, there is no reason to exclude Iraq at this point.” He also stated “Allow me to stress that it is crucial for FIFA, which comprises more than 200 richly diverse members, to be mindful and respectful of cultural sensitivities. Respect of other cultures is indeed one of the core values of our beautiful game”. I do agree with Prince Ali on criticizing FIFA for banning Iraq especially if other war torn countries are given the green light but also we have to keep in mind safety comes first. If the region is unstable and had two suicide bombers killed 60 people this past weekend it makes sense as to why there was a ban to begin with. Would do you think? Any thoughts?
The Blues boss and his assistant are accused of misconduct while the Brazilian midfielder may miss the rest of the Premier League season for appearing to strike Sebastian Larsson. The Football Association has confirmed that it has charged Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho along with assistant Rui Faria and midfielder Ramires following the Blues’ 2-1 defeat to Sunderland on Saturday. Mourinho has been charged with misconduct for his comments regarding refereeing, and congratulating match official Mike Dean and referees chief Mike Riley in his post game press conference. He said “Congratulations to Mike Dean because he made a fantastic performance,” the Portuguese sarcastically told the press, “and congratulations to Mike Riley because what they did during the season was fantastic for the way the championship is going.” Well, this doesn’t come to any surprise as Mourinho is known for his arrogance and sarcasm. It was about time FA decided to charge Mourinho for his misconduct.
Barcelona was cleared Wednesday to sign new players during the offseason after FIFA froze the Spanish soccer club’s one-year transfer embargo pending an appeal. Soccer’s world governing body said its appeal panel “considered that the appeal lodged by the club is to be granted suspensive effect.” Chairman Larry Mussenden made the decision because the case was unlikely to be resolved before the July 1st opening of the next transfer window, FIFA said. Barcelona can plan a transfer strategy in July and August to help protect the club against a potential ban on signing players throughout 2015.
FIFA’s disciplinary committee banned Barcelona from registering new players as punishment for signing youth players from overseas in breach of rules designed to prevent child trafficking. Barcelona’s temporary legal victory on Wednesday follows a pattern in similar cases where the appeal process is ongoing. Chelsea had a somewhat similar ban in 2009 during its dispute with FIFA over midfielder Gael Kakuta from French club Lens. But that case was eventually resolved by the clubs before a CAS panel could reach a verdict.
Cameroon and Chelsea Football Club of England’s striker, Samuel Eto’o was named the richest footballer from the African continent. Eto’o’s earning is estimated at €85m (£70m), the highest among African stars. The Cameroonian is at number three in the world’s top earners in football behind only Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi who occupied the first and second positions respectively. Eto’o was able to man the enviable position, thanks largely to the millions he earned at Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala before heading for Chelsea last summer. Not only is he the richest football player in the African continent but he is the 3rd highest paid footballer in soccer according to Goal’s experts. Could he possibly earn more or move up the ladder within the next few years if he continues to score well?
FIFA President Sepp Blatter refused to comment on allegations linking Qatar’s winning 2022 World Cup bid to payments received by voters. Blatter said at a news conference on Friday “I have not even the right” to discuss claims published this week by the Daily Telegraph. And he insisted he will not comment “until they have finished their work.” Refusing to comment seems to be a popularity among FIFA officials such as Jack Warner who is being investigated for accepting Bin Hammam’s bribery, as he also refused to comment since his resignation in 2011. Now, that the bribery claims is officially going under investigation what is going to happen to the Qatar world cup in 2022? Will there be another bidding or will the World Cup still be held in Qatar? If not, how are football officials and the ethic committees going to monitor the next bidding?
Bruno Fernandes was a professional soccer goalie for Flamengo, one of Brazil’s successful football club until he became a convicted felon. Fernandes is convicted of kidnapping and brutally killing his girlfriend Eliza. It was reported that the two were fighting after she allegedly refused to get an abortion and gave birth to their son. The jury determined that Fernandes had ordered men to lure Eliza to have her killed, chopped into pieces and then fed to a group of rottweilers. He was sentenced to 22 years and three months in prison. But after serving 3 years behind bars Fernandes is getting a second chance at a professional soccer career. He signed a five-year contract with Montes Claros of the Campeonato Mineiro. The club’s president, Ville Mocellin says “We want to give an opportunity to the man Bruno, for him, it is a chance to return to play. To the club, he is an athlete who can strengthen the team and a way to invest in the social side.” As shocking as this sounds should athletes have a pass if they have great talent no matter what they are convicted of? Do you think it’s fair for Fernandes only to serve 3 years for killing his girlfriend and be able to return to his career? Was there corruption or bribery involved?
Kelly Youga was born in Central African Republic he left in 2004 to join the French club Olympique Lyon, and has played two international matches for his country. As tension between Christian and Muslim militias in the Central African Republic continues, Youga has pleaded for calm. Now for those who don’t know the current situation in CAR, there’s been an ethnic cleansing of the minority Muslims since the conflict began in 2012. Youga believes there needs to be unity among the different religions in CAR and that there needs to better role models for the next generation. He says “Football is like the opium of the people. When we play at home there’s no division – Muslim, Christian, different tribes they are all together to support the team”…And even the national team, we all come from different ethnic groups and we are all together, we are all brothers. Between us there is no division, we are all walking on the same path. And I really do think that football can help bring peace to the country”. I find this really intriguing as it relates with my previous article about the West Bank. As a professional soccer player and coming from a country with conflict Youga believes soccer can bring peace. In my last article i asked if soccer can bring peace not only in the West Bank but in other countries as well and Youga believes so. But the question is how would soccer be implemented in a country in a middle of a conflict?
Palestinian farmer Yousef Abu Hammad created enough boys for a soccer team. Over the years, his 12 sons have formed the core of what is now the top-ranked team in the West Bank. The players of Wadi al-Nees consistently defeat richer clubs and believe their strong family bonds are a secret to their success. Wadi al-Nees heads the West Bank’s top league which has 12 teams.
Soccer serves as a release from the pressures of their restricted lives, high youth unemployment clouds their futures and Israel’s military occupation adds further constraints. It seems like soccer plays as a distraction as well as a stress reliever to young Palestinians taking their frustrations out on the field, in turn i think it made them a top ranked team in the West Bank. Could soccer be the answer of conflicts in other countries? Could this also distract or relieve stress among the youth in countries like Egypt or South Sudan from conflict/uprising?
In a country with a small population Mongolia has not established a professional league in football. But Murun Altankhuyag didn’t let that stop him and is now one of the country’s promising young rising stars, he as a two-year contract with Krabi FC at the start of this year, making him the first professional footballer from the emerging Asian nation. The 24-year-old striker, who previously played with university side Central Methodist Eagles in the U.S., didn’t conceal his excitement when speaking to FIFA in an exclusive interview.
While living in the U.S he juggled school and work with training, although it was difficult he got though it and his dreams of being a pro soccer player became true. Now that he is pretty much a football ambassador for Mongolia there will be a lot of pressure put on him, as he represents his nation. I’m just a little curious that now that he is pro, if his team qualifies for the World Cup would he be able to play? Or does he need to be more experienced ?
The Colombian striker Falcao damaged his knee in a French cup match last week. It is confirmed that he will need surgery and it is unknown if he can recover in time for the World cup. Along with Falcao there are players who suffering injuries who may not recover in time for the World cup: Theo Walcott who also damagaed his knee, Guiseppe Rossi who has just fought back from nearly two years on the sidelines after tearing his ligament in his right knee, was injured by a bad tackle against Livorno earlier this month. Another player Sami Khedira tore both his anterior cruciate ligament, Robbie Kruse and Bruma are also victims of knee injuries, and Humberto Suazo is suffering a shoulder injury. Unfortunately all of these great players are suffering damaging injuries which may or may not heal in time. But only time will tell for these anticipating players.