Sunday, March 31, 2013

FIFA's $4.5M Palestinian grant

A Palestinian boy carries the national flag as he makes his way through the debris of the destroyed Palestine Stadium.

(CNN) -- Against a background of conflict, strife and economic hardship, the Palestinian territories hope a $4.5 million football grant can help reshape the world's view of this troubled region.

On Thursday world soccer's governing body FIFA announced it will help promote the growth of Palestinian football by establishing a youth academy and building artificial pitches in the disputed territory with the investment.

The academy will be in Al-Bireh in the West Bank, while the new pitches will be located in Tulkarem -- also in the West Bank -- and Al-Ram on the outskirts on Jerusalem.

The grant is part of FIFA's Goal program, which aids the development of football in emerging associations.

Read: American soccer star playing for Palestine

The Goal program is already helping with the construction of Palestinian Football Association (PFA) headquarters in Al-Ram.

"Our aim is to change the world's impression of the people of Palestine, highlighting our passion for football and sports in general," PFA technical director Mazen Khatib said in a FIFA statement.

New era

In December, FIFA's finance committee approved a $200,000 investment for the reconstruction of a stadium which was destroyed in Gaza.

Gaza City's Palestine Stadium was bombed by Israeli forces on November 10 during combat operations on the Gaza strip.

The Israelis claimed rockets had been launched from the stadium, which was denied by Hamas' armed wing when contacted by CNN.

"It's quite remarkable the extent to which football has become a key tool to promote social development in Palestine," commented FIFA's director of member associations and development Thierry Regenass.

"It's our intention as FIFA to contribute to the implementation of an efficient football infrastructure, while fostering the general PFA structures and enabling Palestinian people to practice their favorite sport."

PFA president Jibril Rajoub welcomed the finanical boost at what he considers to be an exciting time for football in Palestine.

"PFA is starting a new era with the move to our new headquarters," explained Rajoub.

"We are confident that with the support from FIFA's Performance Program we will be able to properly implement our general strategy and train PFA staff accordingly."

The PFA was established in 1928 and it joined FIFA in 1929. In 2001 it entered the Asian Football Confederation.

Football in the area is set to receive a further boost in June, when Israel hosts the under-21's European Championships.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter is proud of the work his organization has done under his stewardship to develop football across the globe, having overseen the first FIFA World Cups in Asia (Japan and South Korea 2002) and Africa (South Africa 2010).


Via: FIFA's $4.5M Palestinian grant

French football's sexism row

Former striker Bernard Lacombe scored 12 goals in 38 appearances for France.

(CNN) -- Embroiled by successive racism scandals throughout much of the season, football was engulfed in a sexism storm on Wednesday after a leading ex-French international footballer advised women to look after their "pots and pans" rather than talk about the sport.

During a radio phone-in following France's 1-0 defeat to Spain in Tuesday's 2014 World Cup qualifier, Bernard Lacombe, who scored over 100 goals for Lyon between 1969 and 1978 before returning to coach the team in 1996, advise a woman caller Sonia that her place was in the kitchen rather than airing her opinions on football.

"I don't talk about football with women," said Lacombe on the RMC radio station. "It's my character, that's my way. They should look after their pots and pans, that would be better."

Pedro's Point of View: Juve Europe's dark horses?

Sonia had called the station to criticize France striker Karim Benzema, a Real Madrid star who made his name at Lyon, for his performance against Spain. He last scored for France in June 2012.

But Lacombe was quickly forced to reconsider his view of women and their right to engage in a football debate as he issued an apology via Lyon's website, explaining he had only meant to defend Benzema.

"I'm sorry if my remarks yesterday on RMC have hurt women and in particular sportswomen and female footballers," read the statement on Lyon's website.

"My only intention was to respond with a quip to the umpteenth criticism of Karim Benzema about his skills that struck me as particularly gratuitous and unacceptable.

"I would like to convey to Sonia and her partners the respect I hold for them and my admiration for their skills as footballers and for their outstanding performances."

Read: Japan forced to wait for WC berth

Benzema has failed to score in any of France's five qualifying matches and hasn't found the net for Les Bleus since a friendly win over Estonia eight months ago.

"I want to say that I would have reacted as vehemently if the criticism of Karim Benzema had come from a man, obviously with different words but certainly as colorful," continued Lacombe.

"I do not want to attack anyone, but simply to defend a player who does not deserve such treatment."

Lacombe now serves as an unofficial "special adviser" Lyon to club president Jean-Michel Aulas and his jibe is acutely embarrassing for the French club given its women's team have dominated European football in recent years

On Sunday, Lyon's women's team underlined their status as the finest in Europe with an 11-0 demolition of Soyaux in the Coupe de France.

Patrice Lair's team have won the European Champions League in each of the last two season in addition to collecting 10 French league titles.

This is not the first time a senior football figure has uttered sexist remarks.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter suggested female players should play in tighter shorts, similar to the ones worn by volleyball players.


Via: French football's sexism row

Martin O'Neill sacked by Sunderland

Martin O'Neill took over as manager of Sunderland in December 2011.

(CNN) -- English Premier League side Sunderland have sacked manager Martin O'Neill.

A statement released on the club's official website on Saturday evening said: "Sunderland AFC has announced that it has parted company with manager Martin O'Neill this evening. The club would like to place on record its thanks to Martin and wishes him well for the future."

O'Neill's departure comes off the back of a 1-0 defeat on Saturday to league leaders Manchester United and a run of eight league games which have yielded just three points. Sunderland's last league win came against fellow strugglers Wigan on January 19.

Read: Man United close in on 20th title

The club are currently lying 16th in the league with 31 points, one point above the relegation zone.

O'Neill replaced Steve Bruce as Sunderland manager in December 2011 guiding the Black Cats to 13th place last season. He is the fifth English Premier League manager to be sacked this season.

The club say an announcement on O'Neill's successor will be made "in the coming days."


Via: Martin O'Neill sacked by Sunderland

Saturday, March 30, 2013

More history for Messi as Barca draw

Lionel Messi celebrates another goal and another landmark against Celta Vigo on Saturday.

(CNN) -- Lionel Messi scored his 19th consecutive league goal on Saturday setting another La Liga record as Barcelona drew 2-2 at relegation-threatened Celta Vigo.

The Argentine's 73rd minute strike -- his 29th in 19 league matches -- makes him the first player in the history of Spanish football to score against every other league opponent in succession.

"It is a unheard of record that no one has ever achieved. This shows how great this player is," said Barcelona assistant coach Jordi Roura.

Messi's second-half strike gave the Catalans the lead for the first time in the match, after they had gone behind to a Natxo Insa goal in the 38th minute.

The visitors were back on level terms five minutes later thanks to a Cristian Tello strike and when Messi slotted home with 17 minutes remaining Barcelona looked odds-on for all three points.

But the home side had other ideas and with two minutes remaining found an equalizer through Borja Oubina.

Real Madrid failed to capitalize on their rivals slip up, drawing 1-1 at Zaragoza.

Rodri put the home side ahead after six minutes with Cristiano Ronaldo equalizing in the 38th minute, before a stalemate ensued in the second half.

The result means Barcelona remain 13 points clear at the top. Atletico Madrid will move into second ahead of Real if they beat Valencia on Sunday.

Malaga warmed up for their Champions League clash with reigning German champions Borussia Dortmund with a 3-1 away to Rayo Vallecano.

Meanwhile in Serie A, Juventus remain on course for a second consecutive league title after beating Inter Milan 2-1 at the San Siro on Saturday.

The reigning champions were ahead after three minutes when Fabio Quagliarella's shot from the edge of the area found the back of the net.

Rodrigo Palacio equalized in the 54th minute, but the scores weren't level for long as Alessandro Matri grabbed the winner six minutes later.

The win maintains their nine-point lead at the top of the table over Napoli who were 5-3 winners at Torino.

Seventh-placed Inter now trail the leaders by 21 points and with much work to do if they are secure a place in the Champions League next season.

AC Milan consolidated third place with a 1-0 win at Cheivo as fourth-place Fiorentina lost 2-1 at Cagliari.

Lazio move up to fifth after a 2-1 against Catania, while Roma slip to sixth following a 2-0 defeat at relegation-threatened Palermo.


Via: More history for Messi as Barca draw

United edge closer to 20th league title

Sunderland's Titus Bramble (left) deflects Robin van Persie's shot towards goal at the Stadium of Light.

(CNN) -- Manchester United extended their winning streak in the English Premier League to seven matches on Saturday beating Sunderland 1-0 at the Stadium of Light.

An own goal by Titus Bramble in the 27th minute -- deflecting Robin van Persie's shot past Sunderland keeper Simon Mignolet -- ensured all three points for United and maintains their 15 point-lead at the top of the table with only eight games remaining.

Read: Nelson Mandela's legacy: How soccer club fell for Africa

Manchester City made sure they didn't lose any ground on their local rivals as they dispatched Newcastle United 4-0 at the Etihad Stadium.

Carlos Tevez and David Silva struck in the first half with Vincent Kompany and an own goal by Newcastle defender James Perch completing a resounding victory for Robert Mancini's team.

Arsenal were also convincing 4-1 winners against Reading at the Emirates.

Gervinho opened the scoring for the Gunners in the 11th minute, with goals from Santi Cazorla and Olivier Giroud consolidating the lead in the second half.

Reading, watched by new coach Nigel Adkins, pulled one back in the 68th minute through Hal Robson-Kanu, but any hopes of mounting a comeback were dashed nine minutes later as Mikel Arteta slotted home from the penalty spot.

Tottenham Hotspur leapfrogged west London rivals Chelsea to move up to third in the table after a 2-1 win away to Swansea City -- first half goals from Jan Vertonghen and Gareth Bale improving Spurs' chances of Champions League football next season.

Chelsea slumped to a third league defeat in six games losing 2-1 away to Southampton.

Elsewhere, West Ham United beat West Bromwich Albion 3-1 and relegation-threatened Wigan secured a valuable three points with a 1-0 win against Norwich.


Via: United edge closer to 20th league title

Rogers' retirement could bring change

Former United States international Robbie Rogers felt it 'impossible' to come out as a footballer while still playing

(CNN) -- The body that represents England's professional footballers says it still has work to do to enable gay footballers to come out while still playing the game.

Bobby Barnes, the Deputy Chief Executive of the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA), was speaking after Robbie Rogers, who quit the sport on the day he revealed his homosexuality last month, said it was "impossible to come out" while still playing.

In his first media interview since, Rogers -- a former United States international who was playing in the English football league earlier this season -- admitted concerns about how both the dressing room and fans would react to news of an openly gay player.

Read: U.S. soccer star comes out as gay

Having played for third tier Stevenage on loan earlier this season, the 25-year-old was released by parent club Leeds United in January, days before retiring from football when coming out through his personal website on February 18.

"I think the PFA -- along with all the stakeholders -- have a responsibility to perhaps redouble our efforts if players do not feel that enough is being done," Barnes told CNN.com.

"I think football has tried hard to create an environment where there is a supportive network around a player should he decide to come out as a gay."

Nonetheless, Rogers did not feel the environment was conducive to staying in the English game after his announcement and says he would have found it hard to come out at any global club -- after being asked whether he could have done so during a 2007-2011 stint with MLS side Columbus Crew.

"No. Not at any club -- anywhere," Rogers told England's The Guardian newspaper.

Rogers is only the second footballer in England to have come out, with Justin Fashanu -- the first 1 million black player in the country's football history -- having tragically committed suicide in 1998, eight years after revealing his sexuality while still a professional.

At present, Sweden-based Anton Hysen is the only openly gay footballer although other sportsmen have come out in different disciplines, such as Puerto Rican boxer Orlando Cruz, Welsh rugby player Gareth Thomas and English cricketer Steven Davies.

In a wide-ranging interview, Rogers revealed the internal strife he went through when trying to reconcile his love of playing football for a living with his desire to be honest with those closest to him.

View: Gallery of openly gay athletes

After Columbus Crew won the MLS Cup in 2008, what should have been a night of collaborative celebration for the winger -- who won 18 caps with the U.S. while also representing his nation at the 2008 Olympic Games -- turned to individual torment instead.

"We won that trophy in Los Angeles, in front of my family, with this amazing team. Afterwards we went to a bar and I was like, 'I should be so happy now...'," Rogers recalled.

"But I left after a few drinks and sat on my own in my room, thinking, 'OK. I'm gay. But I can't come out because I love football so much. What am I going to do?'"

"The more successful you become, the harder it is to step away."

Yet that is precisely what he did, despite being at an age where he had yet to reach his peak, with most footballers performing best in their late 20's.

Barnes, who believes that Rogers' revelation received a positive response all round, with "nothing negative", feels the American may have been pleasantly surprised had he felt empowered enough to continue in the game after his announcement.

"I don't think he tested the water as such -- in that he had already made his decision to quit when the announcement was made -- but I hope he would have found a much more supportive arena," he said.

"I think the attitude now is far more: 'A player is gay, so what?' We don't see it as a major issue and I do not believe players do either.

"The big concern, I feel, is the negativity that players might receive from the terraces."

Rogers, who says he was 14-15 when he realized he was gay and who sometimes dated girls as a cover for his sexuality, did have concerns about his teammates however, in addition to those about supporters.

"Maybe a lot of fans aren't homophobic. But, in a stadium, sometimes they want to destroy you," he said.

"I was very fearful how my teammates were going to react. Was it going to change them? Even though I'd still be the same person would it change the way they acted towards me -- when we were in the dressing room or the bus?"

Even if he has yet to hear from another gay footballer in the game, Rogers has been so inundated with support from fellow players and the public that he has mixed feelings on his future.

"About a month ago I would've thought: 'I don't want to be a spokesman for gay footballers.' I have so many different things I'm interested in.

"But after thousands of emails, I'm thinking, OK, how can I help others? How can I make some positive change? How am I going to reach young Robbie and tell him to be himself?

"He might not fit the gay or football stereotype. That's one thing I definitely want to do -- break some barriers and kill some stereotypes."

And most intriguingly, a man who is weighing up a career in fashion and who co-owns a clothing label (Halsey) is finding himself being seduced by an old flame -- his former profession itself.

"Football will always be part of me. I don't know if I'm done playing yet. I might ask [the coach] Bruce Arena if I can train with LA Galaxy -- we'll see. I miss it and think about it a lot.

"But I'm so happy now I don't want to mess with that. Football was my life and maybe I'll need to go back ... or maybe I'll just be a fan. But it's an industry where there are lots of problems -- from sketchy agents to homophobic culture."


Via: Rogers' retirement could bring change

Friday, March 29, 2013

Barca boosted by Vilanova return

Tito Vilanova took over from Josep Guardiola as Barcelona coach in June 2012.

(CNN) -- Barcelona have been handed a boost ahead of next week's European Champions League quarterfinal tie against Paris Saint-Germain after the club confirmed coach Tito Vilanova is to return to Catalonia following cancer treatment.

Vilanova has been in New York for two months undergoing treatment, with assistant coach Jordi Roura assuming first team duties on a temporary basis.

A statement released by the four-time European champions said Vilanova, who was assistant to Josep Guardiola between 2008 and 2012, is heading home to Spain this week.

Read: Messi eyes milestone after Argentina success

"Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova will be returning home this week after being in New York for the last two months," read a statement on the Spanish league leader's official website.

However the statement did not specify when Vilanova would return to the dugout for the four-time European champions.

"Tito traveled to New York on January 21 for treatment and this week he will be returning home to the Catalan capital.

"Jordi Roura has been in charge of the team over the last couple of months and has been in permanent contact with Vilanova to agree on important decisions.

"But Vilanova's place on the bench has always been kept for him and this week the team will welcome their boss back. Welcome home Tito."

Read: Draw dents Spain's qualification chances

Vilanova, who was assistant to former Barca coach Josep Guardiola between 2008 and 2012, has been undergoing treatment following a recurrence of cancer of his parotid gland, which is located in the mouth.

Bounced back

The 44-year-old Vilanova initially underwent surgery to remove a tumor in November 2011.

For the first time since Guardiola took over Barca in 2008, recently the Catalan team have faced questions over their performances in the time Vilanova has been away.

Barca were beaten over two legs by Real Madrid in a Copa del Rey semifinal, including a crushing 3-1 home defeat at the Nou Camp stadium, while Jose Mourinho's side also beat the Catalans in the Spanish league

Between the two cup ties with Real, Barca were also beaten 2-0 by AC Milan in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie.

But Barca bounced back emphatically, steamrollering Milan in the second leg with a 4-0 triumph.

The first leg of Barca's last eight tie with PSG takes place in Paris on April 2, before the return fixture on April 10.


Via: Barca boosted by Vilanova return

Iraqis relish rare Baghdad international

Iraqi team players celebrate after scoring a goal during their friendly soccer match against Syria in Baghdad.

Baghdad (CNN) -- Throngs of jubilant Iraqis, some so happy they wept, gathered early Tuesday at Baghdad's al-Shaab Stadium for the country's first international soccer match in years.

"I cannot believe my eyes," exclaimed Hussein Jasim, 19. He wept and shouted "Allahu Akbar!" or "God is great!"

"I have not seen in my entire life that many Iraqis gathered in one location happy, dancing and chanting," he said. "I am not used to it. ... It's my happiest moment!"

A decade after the Iraq War began, Alaa Rahem felt something he hadn't in a long time in this country with tenuous peace -- optimism.

"I have been waiting for this moment," he said. "It is time for Iraqis to live together peacefully. Enough killings and destruction. Let's live together peacefully like we are doing now from inside this stadium. I look around me, and I see Iraqis from different sects shouting ... 'Yes! Yes for Iraq!' "

It was the first international soccer match in Baghdad since Iraq's 4-0 victory over the Palestinian team during a friendly game in July 2009 -- and the first home game inside Iraq since the international soccer governing association, FIFA, lifted a ban last week. Under that ban, Iraq was forbidden from hosting home games after security and technical issues emerged from its loss to Jordan's team in the northern Iraqi city of Irbil in September 2011.

Because Tuesday's game was "friendly," the Iraqi Football Association got to choose their opponent. And it chose Syria.

"I don't see why we should not play with Syria in a friendly game," said Iraqi fan Khalid al-Jumaili. "Syria is our neighbor, and they need our support.

"Syria opened its borders to all Iraqis over the past years," he said. "It's time for us to pay it back to them and show our support to Syrian people."

Choosing to play Syria seemed amusing to one Iraqi fan.

"I don't know why we started our friendly game with Syria," Adel Zaalan said, laughing. "I believe Iraq should have started to play a friendly game with a country that does not have internal problems. It would be much more solid start for Iraq."

"Don't get me wrong," he continued. "I am not against it at all or against Syrian people, but this could be a good propaganda for Assad regime."

There didn't appear to be any Syrian fans waving flags or holding signs with any political message at Tuesday's match.

For two years, Syria has been locked in a civil war pitting the regime of President Bashar al-Assad against rebels who are trying to oust him. The rebels and human rights organizations say al-Assad's forces have committed war crimes; al-Assad claims the violence in Syria is the work of terrorists. The United Nations says the war has claimed 70,000 lives.

It's highly unlikely Iraq chose to play Syria for political reasons, said CNN contributor James Montague, who wrote the book "When Friday Comes," a rollicking first-person adventure through the intersection of religion, war, politics and soccer in the Middle East.

Iraq needed to choose a team that was nearby, and schedules seemed to align for both teams, he said.

"And you're not going to ask a marquee team to come to Baghdad," Montague said.

They might not be Real Madrid, but the Syrian national soccer team is nothing to sniff at. The team has been enjoying a bang-up year, Montague said.

They almost qualified for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, and they made the quarterfinals of a major youth tournament last year.

Despite the irony of their team's success amid the backdrop of their country's bitter civil war, the players have avoided discussing the situation in Syria, said Montague, who reported for The New York Times on Syria's Olympics qualifying match in Jordan.

"There were a lot of interpreters with the squad who seemed to deflect questions, but I have no idea if they were with the [Syrian] regime," he said. "We'll probably never now what's going on behind the scenes until after the war."

While Syria descends deeper into conflict, Iraq is slowly recovering after a decade of war that divided the country along sectarian lines. On Tuesday, inside and outside Baghdad's al-Shaab Stadium, Iraqis of all ages and backgrounds agreed on one thing -- their "Lions of the Mesopotamia" were going to win.

Six minutes into the second half, the Iraqis scored. Captain Younis Mahmoud, nicknamed "The Ripper," drove the ball into the net.

The Lions would take it, 2-1.

Mahmoud, who sports a tattoo of Iraq on his arm, is beloved in his home country. He scored the winning goal in the Asian Football Confederation's 2007 AFC Asian Cup when the Lions beat Saudi Arabia 1-0 in a stunning victory that became a national point of pride.

Mahmoud's war story is also famous, Montague notes, having moved to Qatar to be with his family despite that he could have easily taken offers from various European teams to join them.

Many of Mahmoud's teammates went through hell, some telling of torture by Saddam Hussein's son Uday when they didn't perform well on the field.

Read: Athletes accuse Uday of torture

And then there's the specter of violence tied to matches past.

During the semifinal of the 2007 Asia Cup win, two car bombs went off in Baghdad killing scores of people.

"The match today is a sign that things are improving," said Montague. "It's also a huge test for the government. But for Iraqis, football is everything. The return of football is a return to normality."

CNN's Joe McCurdy contributed to this report.


Via: Iraqis relish rare Baghdad international

Thursday, March 28, 2013

Japan forced to wait for 2014 World Cup berth

Ahmad Ibrahim celebrates after a 2-1 victory over Japan that took Jordan from bottom of Group B to second on Tuesday.

(CNN) -- A penalty save from Jordan goalkeeper Amer Sabbah prevented Japan from becoming the first country to qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

Japan needed just a draw in Jordan to secure passage to a fifth consecutive World Cup after Australia had earlier been held by Oman.

But Alberto Zaccheroni's Asian champions trailed after Khalil Bani Ateyah and Ahmad Ibrahim scored either side of half time to give Jordan a 2-0 lead.

Manchester United playmaker Shinji Kagawa pulled one back for Japan before Yasuhito Endo of Gamba Osaka saw his spot kick turned around the post by Sabbah with 18 minutes remaining.

Read: U.S. snowstorm win stands despite protest

Japan still hold a six-point lead over Jordan, who moved from bottom to second, at the top of Asian qualifying Group B and the Blue Samurai will secure a place at next year's finals if they avoid defeat against Australia in June.

The Asian campaign sees the top two teams from each of the two five-country groups advance to the World Cup, with both third-placed teams entering a playoff.

The winner of that two-legged tie plays the fifth-placed team from the South American section to decide who goes to the tournament.

A late goal from Brett Holman helped Australia maintain their challenge for the second automatic qualification spot in Group B.

Pedro's Point of View: Juve Europe's dark horses?

Australia trailed Oman, who have won just once in six qualifiers, 2-0 before New York Red Bulls midfielder Tim Cahill halved the deficit when heading home from a Luke Wilkshere corner.

The draw left Australia in third position, level with Oman after picking up six points from five matches, and one point behind Jordan having played a game less.

Uzbekistan remain on course to reach the World Cup for the first time after a 1-0 win against Lebanon in Tashkent.

A 63rd-minute goal from captain Server Djeparov moved Uzbekistan onto 11 points at the top of Group A, with Mirjalol Qosimov's team one point ahead of South Korea having played one more game.

Substitute Song Heung-min had earlier scored a 96th-minute winner as South Korea came from 1-0 down to beat Qatar 2-1.

Lee Keunho put South Korea ahead at the Seoul World Cup Stadium before Khalfan Al Khalfan equalized for the 2022 World Cup hosts.

South Korea's last-gasp winner left Choi Kang-Hee's side three points ahead of third-placed Iran, with both teams having played five matches.

In the African qualifying zone, Egypt's bid to reach their first World Cup since 1990 received a major boost as the Pharaohs struck late to beat Zimbabwe 2-1 and go five points clear in Group G.

After midfielder Hosny Abd Rabou gave the home side the lead midway through the second half, Knowledge Musona struck from distance to bring the visitors level.

But with time running out, Mohamed Salah was tripped inside the box, allowing Mohamed Abou Trika to score from the penalty spot with just two minutes left.

The game was also significant for the entry of 10,000 fans into the stadium to watch the game, with recent Egypt matches having been played behind closed doors because of security concerns.

American coach Bob Bradley's side boast nine points from their first three matches in Group G, with only the winner going through to the third and final round of African qualifying later this year.


Via: Japan forced to wait for 2014 World Cup berth

FIFA grants Palestinian soccer $4.5m

A Palestinian boy carries the national flag as he makes his way through the debris of the destroyed Palestine Stadium.

(CNN) -- Against a background of conflict, strife and economic hardship, the Palestinian territories hope a $4.5 million football grant can help reshape the world's view of this troubled region.

On Thursday world soccer's governing body FIFA announced it will help promote the growth of Palestinian football by establishing a youth academy and building artificial pitches in the disputed territory with the investment.

The academy will be in Al-Bireh in the West Bank, while the new pitches will be located in Tulkarem -- also in the West Bank -- and Al-Ram on the outskirts on Jerusalem.

The grant is part of FIFA's Goal program, which aids the development of football in emerging associations.

Read: American soccer star playing for Palestine

The Goal program is already helping with the construction of Palestinian Football Association (PFA) headquarters in Al-Ram.

"Our aim is to change the world's impression of the people of Palestine, highlighting our passion for football and sports in general," PFA technical director Mazen Khatib said in a FIFA statement.

New era

In December, FIFA's finance committee approved a $200,000 investment for the reconstruction of a stadium which was destroyed in Gaza.

Gaza City's Palestine Stadium was bombed by Israeli forces on November 10 during combat operations on the Gaza strip.

The Israelis claimed rockets had been launched from the stadium, which was denied by Hamas' armed wing when contacted by CNN.

"It's quite remarkable the extent to which football has become a key tool to promote social development in Palestine," commented FIFA's director of member associations and development Thierry Regenass.

"It's our intention as FIFA to contribute to the implementation of an efficient football infrastructure, while fostering the general PFA structures and enabling Palestinian people to practice their favorite sport."

PFA president Jibril Rajoub welcomed the finanical boost at what he considers to be an exciting time for football in Palestine.

"PFA is starting a new era with the move to our new headquarters," explained Rajoub.

"We are confident that with the support from FIFA's Performance Program we will be able to properly implement our general strategy and train PFA staff accordingly."

The PFA was established in 1928 and it joined FIFA in 1929. In 2001 it entered the Asian Football Confederation.

Football in the area is set to receive a further boost in June, when Israel hosts the under-21's European Championships.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter is proud of the work his organization has done under his stewardship to develop football across the globe, having overseen the first FIFA World Cups in Asia (Japan and South Korea 2002) and Africa (South Africa 2010).


Via: FIFA grants Palestinian soccer $4.5m

Human traffic: Africa's lost boys

Charity Culture Foot Solidaire (CFS) works to prevent the trafficking of young African football players. As many as 700 young footballers leave Cameroon each year, but what happens to them?

(CNN) -- It has been a starting point for some of the world's top soccer players.

As youngsters, the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Andrea Pirlo, Carlos Tevez, Javier Mascherano, Thierry Henry and Nicolas Anelka all played in the Mondial Montaigu youth tournament in France.

Known as "Mondial Minimes," the 40-year-old competition is contested by under-16 national teams over Easter, with an event also held for club sides.

Leading French clubs Lorient, Bordeaux, Toulouse, Nantes, Montpellier and St Etienne are all involved this year alongside another lesser-known name -- Foot Solidaire.

Its a team that will showcase the very best of Africa's talent, but which also aims to open young African players' eyes to the risks of seeking their fortunes in Europe's top leagues.

The team has been put together by Culture Foot Solidaire (CFS) -- a Paris-based charity which campaigns against the dangers of the trafficking of young players by unscrupulous individuals; be they former players, businessmen, lawyers or unlicensed agents.

"I've heard a lot about less ethical agents bribing parents, and I have no doubt about the methods," one agent, who asked not to be identified, told CNN.

"I know of agents using the parents' ''money weapon' (promising them untold riches), kind of 'selling' the player to an agent or organization.

"How many times was I offered that option? Not only agents though. An agent cannot do anything without a club at end of the line."

Read: FIFA probes player with 'four birthdays'

The movement of African players to Europe is long established.

European clubs generally regard African players as athletically and technically gifted. Arguably just as importantly, they are relatively cheap to develop, with the added potential that clubs can make a large profit if they are sold in the future.

For the players, the idea of becoming of a professional footballer in Europe holds the promise of a better life for themselves abroad and their families back home -- if they are not discarded by clubs and left to fend for themselves.

Smuggling players

CFS's founder is Cameroonian Jean-Claude Mbvoumin, who has already helped hundreds of youngsters return home after they were left stranded in Europe.

Often they have been brought to Europe on an illegal passport, frequently taken first to eastern Europe, where it is easier to arrange a visa before moving them on to Western countries.

Mbvoumin estimates each year as many as 700 youngsters leave Cameroon alone to seek a professional career.

But if the club doesn't sign the player the youngster is left to his own devices as to how he returns to Africa.

"To bring young players to this tournament is a very good experience for them," the 39-year-old Mbvoumin, who played for a number of lower league French clubs, told CNN, as he explained the reason behind entering in the Montaigu tournament.

"Very few can become professionals and our goal is to explain how hard to become is to do so. It's important to dream, but they must realize how few players there are in the professional world."

Read: Soccer's bid to train the brain

At one stage CFS was monitoring nearly 1,000 boys dumped in France.

It believes these youngsters were taken from hundreds of football academies in Africa -- ones that don't recognize basic child protection issues -- by clubs desperate to unearth the next Yaya Toure, Michael Essien or Claude Makelele.

"When I brought players from Africa -- either for trial or on a contract -- I always faced a huge problem: visas," added the anonymous agent, referring to players over the age of 18 rather than minors, as he detailed the complexities of such transfers.

"And I am talking of a period when things were easier, that is, 10 years ago.

"I visited consulates with players trying to get a visa -- and I had to present the proper paperwork such as invitations and return tickets, etc. -- otherwise the player's application would not even be considered."

However the agent said he did once manage "to smuggle" a player out of his home country Cameroon.

"He had already gotten a visa -- the Italian consulate would only grant a tourist visit once a year -- so I had to find a way to get him out again," the agent said.

"Yaounde being a modern airport I decided to fly from Douala, where the lights at the airport were dimmer. It was an amazing experience because in order to get to the plane we passed through four security controls.

"The last one was at the plane's door -- and lights were stronger than in Yaounde -- and I had made a 'change' on his stamped visa. We managed to pass this last obstacle anyway and the player made a reasonable career."

Money, money

Foot Solidaire's team for this year's Montaigu tournament is made up from players from Cameroon. More than 500 players have been assessed since January, before their 25-man squad was selected.

Those players, who have been preparing for the tournament at a training camp in Nantes, came from as many as 100 training centers in Cameroon, which have all signed up to CFS's objectives to protect the young players who are being trained.

Its charter is designed to provide the players with the best possible training environment, and it recognizes world governing body FIFA's regulations as well as the United Nations Convention on Human Rights.

Mbvoumin estimates CFS is working with as many as 2,500 players -- this on a miniscule budget of just over $100,000.

"We don't have salaries and we rely on volunteers," he said. "We have a very important network of partners and we rely on very small donations. But we need help -- our organization has been in existence for 13 years.

"Football can just be business, business and money, money. People forget about education and the protection of young players -- football should not be above the law."

Read: Using Facebook to bounty-hunt football's 'disappeared' players

Mbvoumin recently featured in a documentary film called "Soka Afrika" that traced the journey of two African footballers -- South Africa's Kermit Romeo Erasmus and Cameroonian Julien Ndomo Sabo -- as they attempt to fulfil their dreams of playing professional football in Europe.

At the age of 18, Erasmus signed a professional contract with Dutch club Feyenoord, though he is back now in South Africa with Supersport United, where he is the team's captain.

Sabo was trafficked to Africa as teenager after he and his family were promised "riches beyond their imagination," before he was abandoned in Paris.

"Ndomo has been a bit off the radar for the last few weeks," said Sam Potter, managing director and chief executive officer of Masnomis, the production company behind the film.

"But following a series of injury setbacks he and (Spanish club) Deportivo La Coruna -- where he eventually signed in 2010 -- agreed to terminate his contract last year.

"He is still signed up with Octagon sports agency and they are hopeful of finding him another club in Europe for next season."

Potter said Mbvoumin and CFS " work tirelessly on a shoestring budget to provide support and education to vulnerable and exploited young African footballers", despite a lack of interest and funding from the wider football community.

"I have had the privilege of working with Jean-Claude in the making of Soka Afrika and I would say that he is a genuine hero -- working for little reward beyond his love of the game and, more importantly, his deep respect for the human rights of all men, women and children."


Via: Human traffic: Africa's lost boys

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Mexico held by United States

Mexico's Javier Aquino and U.S. defender DaMarcus Beasley go to head to head for ball during their 2014 World Cup qualifying football match at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City on Tuesday, March 26. The regional rivals tied 0-0.

(CNN) -- In a World Cup qualifier featuring heated regional rivals, the United States and Mexico tied 0-0 at Mexico City on Tuesday night.

The result was a huge disappointment for the Mexican team, which through the years has dominated the United States at the Azteca Stadium.

The hosts controlled the match, taking 10 shots to just 1 for the United States. Mexico also had 15 corner kicks as most of the game was played in the U.S. end.

The USA is now 1-23-2 in Mexico.

Read: Spain gain vital win in France

Panama (five points) took the lead in the CONCACAF group (for teams from North and Central America and the Caribbean), beating Honduras 2-0. Costa Rica is second, followed by the United States and Honduras. Costa Rica, the United States and Honduras each have four points, but are placed according to goal differential.

Mexico, ranked 15th in the world, is fifth in the six-team group with three points. Jamaica is last with two points.

Read: Japan forced to wait for WC berth

Fans of El Tri, as the Mexican team is known, booed as the referee blew the final whistle, displeased with their team's performance and that two times Mexico's appeal for a penalty call in the box went unrewarded.

The U.S. team had also faced scrutiny in its 1-0 win against Costa Rica during a blizzard in Colorado last week. The Costa Rican Football Federation filed a complaint with soccer's global governing body, FIFA, arguing that markings on field weren't visible, and suggesting the snow affected the "physical integrity" of the players and hampered movement of the ball.

FIFA dismissed the complaint on Tuesday, saying the game's results stand.

The World Cup will be held throughout Brazil from June 12 to July 13, 2014.


Via: Mexico held by United States

Former France striker apologizes for sexist jibe

Former striker Bernard Lacombe scored 12 goals in 38 appearances for France.

(CNN) -- Embroiled by successive racism scandals throughout much of the season, football was engulfed in a sexism storm on Wednesday after a leading ex-French international footballer advised women to look after their "pots and pans" rather than talk about the sport.

During a radio phone-in following France's 1-0 defeat to Spain in Tuesday's 2014 World Cup qualifier, Bernard Lacombe, who scored over 100 goals for Lyon between 1969 and 1978 before returning to coach the team in 1996, advise a woman caller Sonia that her place was in the kitchen rather than airing her opinions on football.

"I don't talk about football with women," said Lacombe on the RMC radio station. "It's my character, that's my way. They should look after their pots and pans, that would be better."

Pedro's Point of View: Juve Europe's dark horses?

Sonia had called the station to criticize France striker Karim Benzema, a Real Madrid star who made his name at Lyon, for his performance against Spain. He last scored for France in June 2012.

But Lacombe was quickly forced to reconsider his view of women and their right to engage in a football debate as he issued an apology via Lyon's website, explaining he had only meant to defend Benzema.

"I'm sorry if my remarks yesterday on RMC have hurt women and in particular sportswomen and female footballers," read the statement on Lyon's website.

"My only intention was to respond with a quip to the umpteenth criticism of Karim Benzema about his skills that struck me as particularly gratuitous and unacceptable.

"I would like to convey to Sonia and her partners the respect I hold for them and my admiration for their skills as footballers and for their outstanding performances."

Read: Japan forced to wait for WC berth

Benzema has failed to score in any of France's five qualifying matches and hasn't found the net for Les Bleus since a friendly win over Estonia eight months ago.

"I want to say that I would have reacted as vehemently if the criticism of Karim Benzema had come from a man, obviously with different words but certainly as colorful," continued Lacombe.

"I do not want to attack anyone, but simply to defend a player who does not deserve such treatment."

Lacombe now serves as an unofficial "special adviser" Lyon to club president Jean-Michel Aulas and his jibe is acutely embarrassing for the French club given its women's team have dominated European football in recent years

On Sunday, Lyon's women's team underlined their status as the finest in Europe with an 11-0 demolition of Soyaux in the Coupe de France.

Patrice Lair's team have won the European Champions League in each of the last two season in addition to collecting 10 French league titles.

This is not the first time a senior football figure has uttered sexist remarks.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter suggested female players should play in tighter shorts, similar to the ones worn by volleyball players.


Via: Former France striker apologizes for sexist jibe

Spain win in Paris to leapfrog France

Pedro rushes out of the goalmouth after converting Nacho Monreal's cross to give the world champions a key win in Paris.

(CNN) -- Defending champions Spain regained control of their qualifying destiny for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil when beating France 1-0 in a crucial encounter in Paris.

A home win in the Stade de France, where France lifted the 1998 World Cup, would have given coach Didier Deschamps' side a five-point margin with just three qualifiers remaining.

Such a scenario would have potentially banished Spain to the ignominy of having to qualify for Brazil via the playoffs but now it is their vanquished foes who appear set for such a fate.

In a tight encounter, both sides wasted fine openings -- with Franck Ribery at fault for the hosts while Xavi was unusually wayward for the visitors -- before Pedro bundled home after 58 minutes.

The victory takes Spain to 11 points in Group I, one more than France, with the other teams in the group -- Georgia, Belarus and Finland -- seemingly out of contention.

"I am happy because the three points put us in a good situation, but also because we stuck to our style," said Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque. "We could have won by a greater margin in the end."

Only one team automatically qualifies for the World Cup from each of the nine European groups, with the eight best runners-up going into a playoff in November.

The defeat was the first in a competitive match as French coach for Deschamps, who saw young Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba sent off for two yellow cards.

Like the French, Roy Hodgson's England also had to settle for second place on an evening when plans for group supremacy were decisively dashed.

The English had been looking to inflict a first Group H defeat for leaders Montenegro, a country of little more than 600,000 inhabitants, but the Balkan nation retained their two-point lead over the visitors when drawing 1-1.

Wayne Rooney, who was sent off on his last visit to Podgorica, thought he had atoned when heading the 1966 world champions into an early lead only for the hosts to dominate the second half and deservedly equalize through Dejan Damjanovic.

"We're still confident we can finish top of the group," said England captain Steven Gerrard, whose side could be five points adrift before they host Moldova in September.

Group rivals Poland and Ukraine, who co-hosted the 2012 European Championship, also won, beating San Marino and Moldova respectively, to close the gap on the Group H leaders.

Elsewhere, Israel -- the only country to have played World Cup qualifiers in five different continents -- boosted their chances of returning to the finals for the first time since 1970 when winning 2-0 in Northern Ireland.

The victory takes them to 11 points, level with a Portuguese side who beat 10-man Azerbaijan 2-0 in Baku, as both sides battle for second place behind Fabio Capello's Russia, who lead the group with 12 points having played two games less.

Russia, who drew 1-1 with Brazil in a friendly on Monday night in London, are one of only two European sides to boast 100% records, with Holland maintaining theirs on Tuesday as the Group D leaders thumped Romania 4-0 at home to earn their sixth straight win.

Group rivals Turkey, who finished third at the 2002 World Cup, endured a disappointing night as they were held to a 1-1 draw at home by a resurgent Hungary, with a team that reached the 1954 World Cup final continuing to suggest signs of a long-overdue revival.

Having gifted the visitors their equalizer, the Turks trail the Dutch by 11 points with only four qualifiers left.

Between them, Germany and Italy have won the World Cup on seven occasions -- and both maintained control of their groups with comfortable victories on Tuesday.

Mario Balotelli continued his recent hot streak by scoring both goals in a 2-0 win in Malta, to keep Italy -- who have a game in hand -- three points clear of second-placed Group B side Bulgaria.

The Germans -- who lead Group C by eight points -- defeated Kazakhstan 4-1 but the visitors had a moment to savour when Genrikh Shmidtgal found the back of the net after 46 minutes, only the Kazakh's second goal from their six qualifiers.

One of the most intriguing battles for automatic World Cup qualification comes in Group A where both Belgium and Croatia are tied on 16 points apiece, after their first six matches.

Heralding a special group of players including Eden Hazard, Christian Benteke, Moussa Dembele and Vincent Kompany among others, the Belgians beat Macedonia 1-0 at home as Chelsea midfielder Hazard settled the contest shortly after the hour.

The goal looked as if it could be decisive as Croatia trailed to an early Gareth Bale penalty in Wales with thirteen minutes left, before goals from Dejan Lovren and Eduardo turned the Swansea clash around and ensured Group A is likely to go all the way to the wire.


Via: Spain win in Paris to leapfrog France

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Spain's World Cup hopes dented

Spain's players show their disappointment after conceding a late equalizer at home to Finland in a World Cup qualifier in Gijon.

(CNN) -- Finland ruined Sergio Ramos' 100th appearance for Spain on Friday as the planet's 87th-ranked team held the No. 1 side and defending World Cup champion in a qualifier for next year's tournament in Brazil.

Real Madrid defender Ramos became the eighth player from his country to reach the milestone, and duly put his side ahead with a header from a corner four minutes into the second half in Gijon.

Finland's dogged defending had frustrated Spain's intricate passing game, and the visiting side scored a shock equalizer in the 79th minute as Teemu Pukki got behind the defense to slot in Alexander Ring's low cross.

The draw extended Spain's unbeaten run to 19 matches, but left Vicente del Bosque's team second in Group I behind France ahead of Tuesday's trip to Paris.

Read: Boateng - Give refs more power to stop racism

Only the top nation will automatically qualify from the five-side group, with the runner-up hoping to go into the playoffs.

"We controlled the match but it slipped away in the final minutes," Ramos told reporters.

"Doubtless we were thinking too much about France -- now we really do have to think about that one. They are a great team, but we can beat them."

The French won 3-1 at home to third-placed Georgia to go two points clear of Spain after four matches, with goals from striker Olivier Giroud and midfielders Mathieu Valbuena and Franck Ribery.

The Finns remained bottom, with two points from three games.

In Group A, Croatia all but ended the qualification hopes of neighbor Serbia with a 2-0 victory in the first clash between the two teams since they became independent nations after the war that split Yugoslavia.

With away fans banned in Zagreb due to ongoing tensions, Mario Mandzukic took advantage of a mistake by Aleksandar Kolarov to score the opening goal and fellow striker Ivica Olic sealed Croatia's fourth win in five matches.

Read: Healing the wounds of war

It put the Croats second on goal difference behind Belgium, while Wales moved above Serbia into third place with a 2-1 win over Scotland.

Belgium won 2-0 away to Macedonia, with Eden Hazard's second-half penalty adding to Kevin De Bruyne's opener.

Bulgaria consolidated second place in Group B with a 6-0 thrashing of Malta, as Aleksandar Tonev scored a hat-trick, while Denmark won 3-0 away to the Czech Republic to claim third place on goal difference -- but four points adrift of a possible playoff spot.

Germany moved five points clear at the top of Group C with a 3-0 win over Kazakhstan, while second-placed Sweden drew 0-0 at home to the Republic of Ireland.

Austria moved above the Irish into third on goal difference after thrashing bottom side the Faroe Islands 6-0.

The Netherlands marched to a fifth successive win in Group D, beating Estonia 3-0.

Hungary remained second on goal difference above Romania after conceding a late equalizer in their 2-2 draw -- a result which left both nations five points behind the Dutch.

Turkey beat bottom side Andorra to be four points further back in fourth place.

Switzerland stayed top in Group E without kicking a ball, as Albania moved up to second on goal difference above Iceland after their respective one-goal wins away to Norway and Slovenia.

Portugal's hopes of automatic qualification from Group F suffered a big blow as Cristiano Ronaldo's team needed late goals from Helder Postiga and Fabio Coentrao to draw 3-3 in Israel.

The result left Israel second above the Portuguese on goal difference, with both teams four points adrift of Russia -- whose match in Northern Ireland was postponed until Saturday due to heavy snow.

Bosnia-Herzegovina moved three points clear of Greece at the top of Group G after winning 3-1 against the previously undefeated 2004 European champions, with two goals from striker Edin Dzeko.

Third-placed Slovakia's hopes of a second successive World Cup appearance were dented by a 1-1 draw with Lithuania.

Montenegro and England set up a crunch Group H clash on Tuesday after contrasting wins.

A 1-0 victory in Moldova put Montenegro two points clear at the top, as both teams had a player sent off and striker Mirko Vucinic netted the only goal in the 79th minute.

England thrashed San Marino 8-0 as striker Jermain Defoe scored twice, while Ukraine moved up to third on goal difference above Poland with a 3-1 away victory in a match between the Euro 2012 host nations.


Via: Spain's World Cup hopes dented

Barcelona to face PSG in last eight

(CNN) -- Four-time champions Barcelona will come up against rising power Paris Saint-German in the quarterfinals of the European Champions League.

The draw for the last eight of Europe's premier club competition took place in Nyon, Switzerland on Friday, with Barca's match-up with Qatari-owned PSG the pick of the ties.

The two teams met in the quarterfinals of the competition in 1995, with the French team progressing thanks to a 3-2 aggregate win.

Nine-time winners Real Madrid have been paired with Turkey's Galatasaray, while Italian champions Juventus will play runaway German league leaders Bayern Munich.

Join the CNN Football Club!

The remaining tie pits Champions League debutants Malaga against 1997 winners Borussia Dortmund.

Barca advanced courtesy of a stunning comeback win over Italy's AC Milan.

The Catalan team trailed Milan 2-0 heading into Tuesday's second leg at the Nou Camp, but the Spanish La Liga leaders won 4-0 to reach the quarterfinals for the sixth consecutive year.

PSG's challenge will be headed by Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who will be returning to his former club.

Blog: Are English clubs in Champions League decline?

Ibrahimovic will miss the first leg in Paris through suspension after picking up a red card for violent conduct during PSG's round of 16 win over Valencia.

Real coach Jose Mourinho is aiming to lead Los Blancos to a landmark 10th triumph in the competition. If the Portuguese coach succeeds in delivering "La Decima" to the Bernabeu, he will become the first coach to win the trophy with three different teams following previous successes with Porto and Inter Milan.

Galatasaray are in the quarterfinals for the first time in 12 years. The Istanbul team have been strengthened by the arrival of Ivorian striker Didier Drogba, who scored the penalty which crowned Chelsea kings of Europe last season.

Two-time champions Juventus have not reached this stage of the competition since 2006. Antonio Conte's team face a Bayern side looking to erase the memories of last season's final defeat to Chelsea, which took place in the club's own Allianz Arena stadium.

Dortmund have been German champions in each of the last two season, with coach Jurgen Klopp earning praise for the vibrant, attacking football played by his young team.

The quarterfinals represents a step into the unknown for Malaga. Coach Manuel Pellegrini has taken Champions League debutants into the last eight for the second time, following his Villarreal team's run to the semifinals in 2006.


Via: Barcelona to face PSG in last eight

Costa Rica appeals after U.S. snow success

The U.S. flag flies high at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colorado on Friday, when Jurgen Klinsmann's team took on Costa Rica in a 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier.

(CNN) -- It's snow joke -- but the weather has become the focus of the United States' attempts to qualify for the 2014 World Cup.

Costa Rica has asked football's global governing body FIFA to replay their 2014 World Cup qualifying match against the U.S. after it was staged in a snowstorm.

Friday's contest at Colorado's Dick's Sporting Goods Park finished 1-0 to Jurgen Klinsmann's U.S. team, with Clint Dempsey's first-half goal proving the difference between the two teams.

But the contest was overshadowed by heavy snowfall, which the Costa Rican Football Federation claims affected the players' "physical integrity".

"We can confirm that FIFA has received a letter from the Costa Rica FA regarding last Friday's FIFA World Cup qualifier," read a statement sent to CNN by football's world governing body.

Read: Croatia coach calls for "love"

"FIFA will now analyze the content of the letter and next steps will be determined in due course."

The Costa Rican Federation is unhappy the lines and markings on the pitch were invisible at times during the game in Commerce City, while also claiming the movement of the ball was impeded by the snow.

Read: 85M Egyptians praying for soccer salvation

The match was briefly paused at the beginning of the second half, but officials eventually decided play should resume.

Costa Rica has also called for the match officials to be punished for allowing the match to get underway.

Read: Boateng -- give refs more power in racism fight

"It was terrible," the Costa Rican Federation's president Eduardo Li told the Zona Tecnica football show. "While the match was being played, at the same time, machines and people came onto the field to clean the lines.

"We fought -- we talked to the [match] commissioner, who totally rejected our complaint. These are embarrassing situations we should not accept."

Havoc

The win was the U.S.'s first of this qualifying campaign following a 2-1 defeat to Honduras last month.

The victory put the U.S. second on three points behind Honduras in a group from which the top three countries will go to Brazil, while the fourth-placed team will play off against the Oceania group winners New Zealand.

Costa Rica are bottom of the North, Central America and Caribbean group with just one point.

Snow also wreaked havoc across Europe, with Northern Ireland's home match with Russia, initially scheduled for Friday, twice postponed due to bad weather.

FIFA is yet to announce when the European qualification Group F fixture will take place.

The U.S. Soccer Federation was not immediately available for comment.


Via: Costa Rica appeals after U.S. snow success

Monday, March 25, 2013

Barcelona boosted by Vilanova return

Tito Vilanova took over from Josep Guardiola as Barcelona coach in June 2012.

(CNN) -- Barcelona have been handed a boost ahead of next week's European Champions League quarterfinal tie against Paris Saint-Germain after the club confirmed coach Tito Vilanova is to return to Catalonia following cancer treatment.

Vilanova has been in New York for two months undergoing treatment, with assistant coach Jordi Roura assuming first team duties on a temporary basis.

A statement released by the four-time European champions said Vilanova, who was assistant to Josep Guardiola between 2008 and 2012, is heading home to Spain this week.

Read: Messi eyes milestone after Argentina success

"Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova will be returning home this week after being in New York for the last two months," read a statement on the Spanish league leader's official website.

However the statement did not specify when Vilanova would return to the dugout for the four-time European champions.

"Tito traveled to New York on January 21 for treatment and this week he will be returning home to the Catalan capital.

"Jordi Roura has been in charge of the team over the last couple of months and has been in permanent contact with Vilanova to agree on important decisions.

"But Vilanova's place on the bench has always been kept for him and this week the team will welcome their boss back. Welcome home Tito."

Read: Draw dents Spain's qualification chances

Vilanova, who was assistant to former Barca coach Josep Guardiola between 2008 and 2012, has been undergoing treatment following a recurrence of cancer of his parotid gland, which is located in the mouth.

Bounced back

The 44-year-old Vilanova initially underwent surgery to remove a tumor in November 2011.

For the first time since Guardiola took over Barca in 2008, recently the Catalan team have faced questions over their performances in the time Vilanova has been away.

Barca were beaten over two legs by Real Madrid in a Copa del Rey semifinal, including a crushing 3-1 home defeat at the Nou Camp stadium, while Jose Mourinho's side also beat the Catalans in the Spanish league

Between the two cup ties with Real, Barca were also beaten 2-0 by AC Milan in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie.

But Barca bounced back emphatically, steamrollering Milan in the second leg with a 4-0 triumph.

The first leg of Barca's last eight tie with PSG takes place in Paris on April 2, before the return fixture on April 10.


Via: Barcelona boosted by Vilanova return

Beckham crowned top earner

David Beckham has topped the list of the world's highest-paid footballers compiled by prestigious France Football magazine. The veteran midfielder, who signed a five-month contract with French club Paris Saint-Germain in January, is set to earn $46.5 million during the 2012-13 season. Beckham is donating his salary, which is said to account for 5% of his earnings, to a children's charity.

(CNN) -- David Beckham is the highest-paid soccer player in the world, according to prestigious magazine France Football.

The former England captain, who recently joined Paris Saint-Germain on a five-month contract, attracts more cash than four-time FIFA World Player of the Year Lionel Messi and Real Madrid's Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.

Beckham, who spent five years with the Los Angeles Galaxy between 2007 and 2012, is set to earn $46.5 million (36 million) during the 2012-13 football season through his salary, endorsements and other business ventures.

The midfielder's entire PSG salary, which is estimated to make up 5% of his total earnings, will be donated to a Paris children's charity.

Second on the magazine's rich list was Barcelona's Messi, who will reportedly make $45.2 million this season, with $17 million coming from salary and bonuses.

Read: Messi's left foot -- yours for $5m

The Argentine has been in prolific form this season, scoring 42 goals in 28 Spanish First Division matches. The 25-year-old recently signed a new contract with Barca which will keep him in Catalunya until June 2018.

Real's Ronaldo has so often trailed narrowly behind Messi on the pitch, and so it is the financial stakes. The forward is set to pocket $39 million, although his salary and bonuses are slightly higher than Messi's at $17.5 million.

Ronaldo's coach and compatriot Jose Mourinho is the highest paid team boss on the planet, according to the list. The former Inter Milan and Chelsea coach will take home $18 million over the course of this season.

Carlo Ancelotti, Beckham's coach at PSG, is set to earn $15.5 million, while his fellow Italian Marcello Lippi was given $14 million to lead Guangzhou Evergrande to the Chinese Super League title.

France Football, first published in 1946, organized the Ballon d'Or award for European footballer of the year until it was merged with FIFA's world player of the year award in 2010.


Via: Beckham crowned top earner

'85M Egyptians praying for soccer salvation'

(CNN) -- A few thousand Egyptian fans will watch their national soccer team continue its bid to end a long World Cup wait on Tuesday, but coach Bob Bradley says that a population of 85 million are praying for victory.

His "Pharaohs" will take on Zimbabwe knowing that a win will put the side five points clear of second-placed Guinea and well on the way to reaching the final round of African qualification for Brazil 2014.

With the domestic league halted for a year after more than 70 fans were killed during a riot at a match last February, the American's task of lifting the continent's fallen soccer heavyweight has been fraught with problems on and off the pitch.

Al Ahly, one of the clubs at the center of the Port Said tragedy, may have qualified for the Club World Cup by winning the continent's Champions League title last year against all the odds, but Egypt failed to reach the Africa Cup of Nations -- a tournament it has won a record seven times.

The country's last World Cup finals appearance was in 1990.

Read: Fear and loathing - the fallout from Port Said

"When I accepted this mission I knew how hard the challenge was for me," former U.S. team boss Bradley told the African Football Confederation's official website.

"Egypt is a big team, a champion in a transitional period where we are rebuilding the squad. Added to that is the current situation, and then came the Port Said incident and football activities were suspended.

"This made the mission even more difficult, but I never thought of abandoning it. All this stuff made me determined even more to achieve success with this team."

Zimbabwe has just one point from two Group G games, while Egypt has six -- and Bradley's mission was made easier when Guinea could only draw 0-0 with Mozambique on Sunday.

"When we faced Mozambique in match day one of the qualifiers behind closed doors, we felt as if we were not the home team," Bradley said.

"This time we'll have a few thousands in the stands and 85 million outside praying for us to win. If it was possible most of these millions would be there in the stands. All the Egyptians want to see their national team in the World Cup finals after a 24-year absence.

"After Zimbabwe we have two more games in June and everything could happen. But I believe winning on Tuesday will open the door for us to win this group and qualify to the final qualifying round. There are no margins for error in this match."

Read: How Egypt's soccer ultras toppled Mubarak

Bradley, who won over many doubters when he took an active interest in the Egyptian people's struggles and protests following his arrival in September 2011, believes his players can overcome their recent adversity -- especially now the domestic league has resumed.

"Those players are very strong, mentally and technically. Playing in the World Cup is the ultimate dream for all of them, either the young ones like Mohamed Salah and Mohamed El Nenny, or the veterans like Mohamed Abou Treika and Wael Gomaa who want to put the cherry on the top of their career by playing in the World Cup."

Defender Ahmed Elmohamady hopes the presence of supporters will spur his team to victory.

"Recently we played either away or behind closed doors and that affected us much. Our supporters' presence will be like magic and will motivate us to win this game," he said.

"I know only 30,000 fans can attend because of security measures, but still this is better than nothing. I hope to see 30,000 ones in full voice in the stands."

Meanwhile, Ethiopia edged closer to a first World Cup finals appearance after beating Botswana 1-0 on Sunday thanks to a late goal from substitute Getaneh Kebede.

It returned Ethiopia to the top of Group A, having surrendered the position when South Africa won 2-0 against Central African Republic on Saturday.

Tunisia earned a third successive victory in Group B, beating second-placed Sierra Leone 2-1 to move five points clear.

Morocco's hopes of a fifth finals were hit by a 3-1 defeat against Tanzania, which allowed the home team to close to within a point of unbeaten Group C leader Ivory Coast after three matches.

Zambia dropped its first points in Group D, being held 1-1 in Lesotho while second-placed Ghana closed to within a point with a 4-0 win at home to Sudan.

Burkina Faso beat Niger 4-0 for its first win in Group E, where three teams all have three points but Congo leads the way with a 100% record following Saturday's 1-0 win over Gabon.

African champion Nigeria was caught at the top of Group F on Saturday after snatching a 1-1 draw with Kenya, as Malawi also moved up to five points with a 1-0 win away to Namibia.

Mali leads Group H by two points following Sunday's 2-1 win over bottom team Rwanda, while Libya's bid to overhaul Group I leader Cameroon was thwarted in a 0-0 draw away to Democratic Republic of Congo.

Liberia closed to within a point of Group J leader Senegal with a 2-0 win at home to Uganda. Senegal drew 1-1 in Angola on Saturday in a match moved to Guinea due to crowd trouble in Dakar last year.


Via: '85M Egyptians praying for soccer salvation'

Sunday, March 24, 2013

Boateng joins FIFA in racism battle

Kevin-Prince Boateng (L) and Patrick Vieira (R) with United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay

(CNN) -- FIFA wants to enlist the help of Kevin-Prince Boateng and other high-profile stars from the world of soccer to help drive racism out of football.

AC Milan's Boateng left the field in a match against Italian fourth tier side Pro Patria in January after suffering racist abuse from the crowd, sparking further debate on whether enough was being done to tackle the problem.

Football's governing body joined forces with the United Nations Thursday to explore ways of combating discrimination and they said top players like Boateng can play a vital role.

Boateng, an ex-Ghana international, is due to meet Sepp Blatter on Friday and the FIFA president penned a speech that was presented to the U.N. on International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

Read: AEK bans Katidis for fascist salute

It read: "When a player has to choose between leaving the field of play to make a statement against racism or staying on the pitch and tolerating the intolerable, we know the football community has fallen short of its obligations to protect its members.

"Despite the many victories we have won in football against discrimination and prejudice, we know we still have a problem today and we know more has to change.

"We have to step up our efforts, to keep fighting. We at FIFA supported Kevin Prince-Boateng for making that principled, brave stand. But we all know it was not a solution. It was a wake-up call. No player should have to make that choice.

"We, within the footballing community, now need a watertight commitment from grassroots to international level to better enforce FIFA's tough anti-discrimination regulations.

"And we hope to work with Kevin and other high-profile figures in the game to root out racism once and for all."

Boateng's actions drew a mixed response but it undoubtedly highlighted the issue and now he is hoping to assist FIFA in their anti-racism work.

He told the conference about his decision to leave the field: "Normally, this shouldn't be the thing to do. FIFA is pushing very hard. Generally speaking, yes, players shouldn't walk off.

"But I hope the authorities will now take concrete action in the fight against racism."

Former Arsenal and France captain Patrick Vieira was also at the U.N. conference in Geneva, Switzerland, and he told FIFA's official website the fight was moving in the right direction.

Racism continues to blight soccer with several incidents making headlines in the past calendar year, aside from Boateng's walk off.

Recently, Inter Milan was charged by European football's governing body UEFA for racist chanting towards Togolese striker Emmanuel Adebayor, who plays for English club Tottenham.

Last month, Inter was fined $65,500 by the Italian football authorities after its fans were found guilty of racially abusing former players Mario Balotelli and Sulley Muntari, who now play alongside Boateng at rivals AC Milan.

Fellow Italian club Lazio was hit with a $52,000 fine in February by UEFA for several offenses, including a fourth charge of racist behavior this season.

Serbia was ordered to play one under-21 match behind closed doors and was fined $105,000 by UEFA for racial abuse in a match with England.

Read: Inter Milan faces new racism charge

UEFA president Michel Platini has appealed the verdict of his organization in the hope of seeing stiffer punishments administered.

Chelsea and England captain John Terry was charged by UK police after allegedly making racist remarks to Queens Park Rangers defender Anton Ferdinand in October 2011. Terry was cleared of the charges in a London court in July 2012.

FIFA also moved to clarify comments made by Blatter in the Spanish media on the possibility of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar being moved from their summer to winter.

Blatter reportedly told newspaper AS that FIFA's executive committee must accept the criticism it is now receiving for their decision to choose Qatar as host, with concerns mounting over player safety due to excessive heat and humidity in the country.

FIFA said any question on moving the tournament would have to come from the Qatari organizers and as it stands the World Cup is still scheduled for June or July in 2022.

Blatter told AS: "Any request for change must come from Qatar. But they have not made this request yet, because they know that if they do so, the other bidders could say 'ah, there is a change.'"

On the question of whether the vote could be repeated he added: "I don't know, I don't know. This is a hypothetical scenario. In this moment, the organizers from Qatar have confirmed to us that they can organize the World Cup in summer."

Brazil and Italy drew 2-2 in an entertaining international friendly match in Switzerland.

Goals from Fluminese striker Fred and Chelsea midfielder Oscar had put Brazil into a 2-0 lead at halftime.

But Daniele De Rossi pulled a goal back for Italy soon after the break before AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli scored with a fine strike from range to seal a 2-2 draw.


Via: Boateng joins FIFA in racism battle

Saturday, March 23, 2013

Messi eyes another milestone

Lionel Messi was on target as Argentina defeated Venezuela 3-0 in Buenos Aires.

(CNN) -- Lionel Messi is just two goals behind Diego Maradona's international total of 34 after guiding Argentina ever closer to qualifying for next year's World Cup in Brazil.

The four-time World Player of the Year netted from the penalty spot as Argentina eased to a 3-0 win over Venezuela as it remained four points clear at the top of the South American group.

Real Madrid's Gonzalo Higuain scored twice to take him to 10 goals for the qualifying campaign, but it was Messi who stole the show once again.

Read: Magical Messi shows no sign of stopping

The 25-year-old has repeatedly vowed to win the one prize to have eluded him so far in his astonishing career- the World Cup.

Not since 1986 when Maradona led Argentina to glory has the country won the tournament -- a statistic Messi is desperate change.

After an incredible 2012 where he scored 91 goals for club and country, surpassing the previous record of 85 by Germany's Gerd Muller, Messi looks set to break new ground once again.

This season alone he has scored 61 goals in 51 matches for club and country with 55 of those coming in 43 matches for Barcelona and six in eight appearances for Argentina.

Messi still has a way to go until he passes Gabriel Batistuta, who holds Argentina's all-time record with 56 goals from 78 matches.

But his priority is success in Brazil next year -- a target which is looking eminently possible.

"We have a forward line that can be considered among the best in the world," Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella told reporters.

"Venezuela are a tough team, very compact, who know what they want. What happened was that Argentina played very well, especially in the first half and were very superior."

Messi will hope to move past Maradona on Tuesday when Argentina head to the high altitude city of La Paz to face a Bolivia side which won its last meeting between the two 6-1.

Read: 'Tiger' Falcao prowls for goals

Elsewhere, Colombia looks set to end its 16-year wait to play in a World Cup after thrashing Bolivia 5-0.

MacNelly Torres gave Colombia a first half lead with Carlos Valdez, Teofilo Guttierez, Radamel Falcao and Pablo Armero all scoring after the break.

Jose Pekerman's side is four points adrift of leader Argentina but has played a game less.

Liverpool's Luis Suarez hit his eighth goal of the qualifying campaign to help Uruguay secure a 1-1 draw against Paraguay to leave it in fourth position.

Peru, which has not played at a World Cup since 1982, remains in the hunt following a 1-0 win against Chile following Jefferson Farfan's strike.


Via: Messi eyes another milestone

Croatia coach calls for 'love' ahead of Serbia tie

Croatia coach Igor Stimac has implored his team's fans to not let history overshadow their 2014 World Cup qualifier with Serbia on Friday.

(CNN) -- When Serbia and Croatia take to the field at Zagreb's Maksimir Stadium on Friday, memories of a bloody, war-torn history between the neighboring countries will be brought sharply into focus.

The 2014 World Cup qualifying tie will be the first time the two teams have played each other since the break up of the former Yugoslavia and then the Croatian War of Independence, which raged between 1991 and 1995.

The break up of Yugoslavia in the early 1990s caused the bloodiest conflict on the European continent since World War II, with an estimated 140,000 people killed.

As the wounds of war continue to heal, Croatia coach Igor Stimac has urged fans not to use the game as an attempt to settle old scores.

"I implore the Croatian fans to back us with their love for the national team and not hatred for our opponents," Stimac, who picked up 53 caps for Croatia between 1990 and 2002, told reporters ahead of the match.

"All those who turn up should support us in the most dignified manner and if they do, they will put the much-needed wind in our sails to get the result we want in this historic match.

"This is a great chance to show everyone, including FIFA and UEFA, what we are really like. Both teams have the capacity to keep this event a football match and show the world that they are great football nations."

Cursed war

A Croatia victory on Friday would effectively end Serbia's World Cup qualification hopes.

Croatia currently sit second in the group, level on 10 points with leaders Belgium, while Serbia are on four points and would be nine points behind Stimac's side should they lose the much-anticipated game.

Like Stimac, Serbia coach Sinisa Mihajlovic wants his players to inspire passionate support from their fans. And like Stimac, Mihajlovic is keen to move away from the past.

"This game isn't a continuation of the war," the former Yugoslavia player told Italy's La Gazzetta dello Sport earlier this week.

"We've already witnessed the real, cursed and horrid war and we're still carrying the wounds and the scars.

"This is just a passionate, important football match that stirs up a lot of emotion in people: an important game for our position in the group table and for the continued development of my players.

"If we win, we'll cut the gap to three points and we're still in the running for qualification."

Both Mihajlovic and Stimac played when Croatia and Yugoslavia were drawn together in the qualifying tournament for Euro 2000.

Read: Football grapples with anti-Semitism storm

The first match in Belgrade in August 1999 was drawn 0-0, while the return fixture in Zagreb later the same year was crucial to both their hopes of reaching the championships in Holland and Belgium.

"The stadium in Zagreb was like a volcano," recalls Mihajlovic, who played in the match, while Stimac missed out. "There were police everywhere.

"There were lots of former teammates who had played alongside each other for Yugoslavia now facing each other. Now no longer on the same side.

"There was a banner there 'Vukovar 1991', the city that was so symbolic of the war," added Mihajlovic, referring to the Croatian city that was heavily damaged during a siege in the conflict.

Vukovar was the birthplace of Mihajlovic, who was the son of a Croatian mother and Serbian father.

These days about one third of Vukovar's population is made up of Serbs, though the two ethnic groups remain segregated.

"All the Serbs will be watching at home; we've had bad experiences in the past when we've tried to watch Serbia games and Croats have come and thrown stones at the cafes we're in," Djordje Macut, president of the town's Council of Serbian Minorities, told the Independent newspaper.

"Every time I went up to take a free-kick or a corner, tension was high," continued Mihajlovic, as he recalled more memories from that Zagreb game in 1990.

"I hit the woodwork twice, once the post, another time the crossbar.

"And I also played a part in the goals from (Pedrag) Mijatovic and (Dejan) Stankovic: 2-2, we qualified, Croatia were knocked out."

Bloody history

Mihajlovic and his team is likely to encounter a similarly vociferous atmosphere at the Maksimir Stadium on Friday. No away supporters will attend either of the World Cup qualifying matches between the two teams.

The Maksimir Stadium has its own bloody history. It was the scene of an infamous encounter between Croatian club Dinamo Zagreb and Serbian team Red Star Belgrade in 1990 which saw a riot break out and a number people stabbed and wounded.

Friday's game will serve as a barometer for the mood of fans, with those who remember the conflict and those too young to have witnessed the fighting being brought together.

"I've been to Zagreb and Belgrade and both cities, both countries, view this as something much bigger than football," James Montague, author of When Friday Comes: Football, War and Revolution in the Middle East, told CNN.

"In the past the game has really been the canary in the mine in terms of the political dynamics on the ground.

"It is a little different now. The older generations, of course, remember the horrors and this is an extension of that in some respects.

"But younger people are different. Few of the players, especially in Serbia, have much experience of life before 1990. For them this is a game.

"It is the people around it that have long memories and remember what was a particularly vicious civil war. Every year the hatred gets a little less."

Read: Meet Italy's proud football racists

Both Stimac and Mihajlovic called for calm ahead of the contest and will be expected to set a dignified tone on Friday, but the two coaches did not always see eye-to-eye during their playing careers.

"Stimac and Mihajlovic have a long dislike of each other, stemming from the 1991 Yugoslav Cup Final between Hajduk Split and Red Star Belgrade," explained Montague.

"It took place just as war was breaking out. They both got sent off bad mouthing each other. They have both said ridiculously nationalistic things in the past.

"But the two have buried a 20-year feud by meeting and agreeing to lead by a positive example. It's up to everyone there on Friday night to follow suit."


Via: Croatia coach calls for 'love' ahead of Serbia tie

Friday, March 22, 2013

Shock draw dents Spain's World Cup hopes

Spain's players show their disappointment after conceding a late equalizer at home to Finland in a World Cup qualifier in Gijon.

(CNN) -- Finland ruined Sergio Ramos' 100th appearance for Spain on Friday as the planet's 87th-ranked team held the No. 1 side and defending World Cup champion in a qualifier for next year's tournament in Brazil.

Real Madrid defender Ramos became the eighth player from his country to reach the milestone, and duly put his side ahead with a header from a corner four minutes into the second half in Gijon.

Finland's dogged defending had frustrated Spain's intricate passing game, and the visiting side scored a shock equalizer in the 79th minute as Teemu Pukki got behind the defense to slot in Alexander Ring's low cross.

The draw extended Spain's unbeaten run to 19 matches, but left Vicente del Bosque's team second in Group I behind France ahead of Tuesday's trip to Paris.

Read: Boateng - Give refs more power to stop racism

Only the top nation will automatically qualify from the five-side group, with the runner-up hoping to go into the playoffs.

"We controlled the match but it slipped away in the final minutes," Ramos told reporters.

"Doubtless we were thinking too much about France -- now we really do have to think about that one. They are a great team, but we can beat them."

The French won 3-1 at home to third-placed Georgia to go two points clear of Spain after four matches, with goals from striker Olivier Giroud and midfielders Mathieu Valbuena and Franck Ribery.

The Finns remained bottom, with two points from three games.

In Group A, Croatia all but ended the qualification hopes of neighbor Serbia with a 2-0 victory in the first clash between the two teams since they became independent nations after the war that split Yugoslavia.

With away fans banned in Zagreb due to ongoing tensions, Mario Mandzukic took advantage of a mistake by Aleksandar Kolarov to score the opening goal and fellow striker Ivica Olic sealed Croatia's fourth win in five matches.

Read: Healing the wounds of war

It put the Croats second on goal difference behind Belgium, while Wales moved above Serbia into third place with a 2-1 win over Scotland.

Belgium won 2-0 away to Macedonia, with Eden Hazard's second-half penalty adding to Kevin De Bruyne's opener.

Bulgaria consolidated second place in Group B with a 6-0 thrashing of Malta, as Aleksandar Tonev scored a hat-trick, while Denmark won 3-0 away to the Czech Republic to claim third place on goal difference -- but four points adrift of a possible playoff spot.

Germany moved five points clear at the top of Group C with a 3-0 win over Kazakhstan, while second-placed Sweden drew 0-0 at home to the Republic of Ireland.

Austria moved above the Irish into third on goal difference after thrashing bottom side the Faroe Islands 6-0.

The Netherlands marched to a fifth successive win in Group D, beating Estonia 3-0.

Hungary remained second on goal difference above Romania after conceding a late equalizer in their 2-2 draw -- a result which left both nations five points behind the Dutch.

Turkey beat bottom side Andorra to be four points further back in fourth place.

Switzerland stayed top in Group E without kicking a ball, as Albania moved up to second on goal difference above Iceland after their respective one-goal wins away to Norway and Slovenia.

Portugal's hopes of automatic qualification from Group F suffered a big blow as Cristiano Ronaldo's team needed late goals from Helder Postiga and Fabio Coentrao to draw 3-3 in Israel.

The result left Israel second above the Portuguese on goal difference, with both teams four points adrift of Russia -- whose match in Northern Ireland was postponed until Saturday due to heavy snow.

Bosnia-Herzegovina moved three points clear of Greece at the top of Group G after winning 3-1 against the previously undefeated 2004 European champions, with two goals from striker Edin Dzeko.

Third-placed Slovakia's hopes of a second successive World Cup appearance were dented by a 1-1 draw with Lithuania.

Montenegro and England set up a crunch Group H clash on Tuesday after contrasting wins.

A 1-0 victory in Moldova put Montenegro two points clear at the top, as both teams had a player sent off and striker Mirko Vucinic netted the only goal in the 79th minute.

England thrashed San Marino 8-0 as striker Jermain Defoe scored twice, while Ukraine moved up to third on goal difference above Poland with a 3-1 away victory in a match between the Euro 2012 host nations.


Via: Shock draw dents Spain's World Cup hopes

Boateng: Give refs more power in racism fight

(CNN) -- Kevin-Prince Boateng has urged football authorities to give referees "all the power" in the game's bid to stamp out racism on and off the pitch.

The AC Milan star started something big when he walked off during a friendly match in January in protest at racist abuse from the crowd, and he told CNN he is determined to help bring in even stronger sanctions to combat one of the game's biggest problems.

"I would give all the power to the referees," he said Friday before meeting with the head of football's governing body to discuss issues of discrimination.

"I would even go so far to say, even if you hear a little bit, and you hear it again, stop the game -- because that's the only way I think you can make these voices silent. That's the only way.

Read: Boateng vows to walk off again

"Even maybe put people in the stadium, maybe sit some people in the crowd so that they can hear and see maybe that it's racial or that it's very aggressive ... and tell (the match officials) what they heard."

After the meeting with Sepp Blatter in Zurich, FIFA announced that Boateng has been invited to become part of its task force against racism and discrimination.

The other members have yet to be named, but Boateng hopes they will be able to lay down strong guidelines to deter racist behavior.

"I hope they are going to wake up tomorrow morning and say, 'Today -- even more.' And, the next day wake up and say we fight even more against it," said Boateng, who on Thursday gave a speech at a United Nations conference in Geneva discussing racism and sport.

"In this moment now we are speaking about it, but to wake up tomorrow morning and do something about it, that's a different thing.

"Things will change, I'm very positive about that. We can see the changes already. There are going to be more sanctions -- harder -- and I think this is the right way, I'm looking forward to that."

Read: FIFA vows tougher action against racists

The 26-year-old is still coming to terms with the impact of his actions in January, when his teammates followed him off the pitch. It not only ended the match against Italian fourth division team Pro Patria, but it also sparked worldwide debate about whether it was the right thing to do.

"At the end, after not even 10 minutes, I had like 86 phone calls on my phone and I thought something had happened, but it was just an unbelievable impact. It went all around the world within the first hour," Boateng said.

"People were calling me, my agent was calling me, my family members, and I was like, what did I do? Because for me it was just a situation, I felt I needed to do that -- I was angry and a bit disappointed. But it was just unbelievable how it spread around the world."

Boateng reiterated his stance that he would do the same again, if it was a top-level European match or even the World Cup final.

"I think we should not accept and tolerate it anywhere, or any game, whether it's a friendly game or a World Cup final. If I feel this is racial abuse I would even do it in a Champions League final.

Read: Meet Italy's proud football racists

"Then of course it's a different situation, there's a lot of money involved. Would my teammates all follow me? I don't know because it's a totally different situation, but for my part I would do the same."

Boateng admitted that when he was younger he had "ignored" racist abuse, but now as a father he is determined to make a difference.

"I have a little son -- I'm taking care of these things because I want my son to grow up in a nice place and not in a place where he has to be confronted by racism," he said.

Boateng grew up in Berlin and represented Germany at youth level, but switched allegiances to Ghana -- where his father was born.

He said earlier in his career he had no faith the football authorities would take effective steps against racism, but has recently been impressed with sanctions -- such as Greek club AEK Athens banning one of its promising young players who made a fascist salute.

Read: Berlusconi's brother calls Balotelli 'little black boy'

"I thought it's never going to change, maybe they will not ever do enough to fight against it. But now the most recent example we saw of it, I think they are doing much, much better -- that players get banned for playing forever for a club or teams playing without the supporters.

"I think that is the right direction we have to move forward like that and I think then the people will understand."


Via: Boateng: Give refs more power in racism fight

LinkWithin

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...