Archive for August 2nd, 2006
… but only to play in a friendly …
The 60,000 Emirates Stadium will play host to a clash between Brazil and Argentina on September 2.
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) have confirmed that the Samba Boys will take on their fierce South American rivals in a friendly game next month.
Some of the world’s brightest stars are expected to grace Arsenal’s new 60,000-seater stadium, and are sure to be eager to impress following World Cup disappointment.
The match will be Argentina’s first since losing to Germany on penalties in the quarter finals, and their first under new boss Alfio Basile.
The two sides have not met since the Confederations Cup final in Germany last year, when Brazil ran out 4-1 winners.
—————–
It is nice to have a shiny new stadium that is finally deemed fit to hold games of this quality.
Can you say EXTRA REVENUE anyone? Well done Arsenal.
August 2nd, 2006
UEFA have announced that AC Milan will be accepted as one of the four Italian teams to compete in this season’s Champions League.
However, UEFA made it clear that they decided to admit Milan only because of legal concerns and expressed their “deep concern” at the match-fixing scandal that had jeopardised the Italian club’s participation.
The Rossoneri were one of four clubs who had been punished in Italy in the recent match-fixing affair but were the only side implicated who, following points deductions and other penalties, were still qualified for European competition in the 2006-07 campaign.
Milan will join the competition in the third qualifying round.
———————-
It’s been a topsy-turvy ride for “Rossoneri” fans – and many will think that this decision is too lenient – but I’ve got to say that the evidence that I’ve seen reported in the newspapers is pretty flimsy at best.
Expect more appeals in Italy from Juventus too – and Serie A will probably be delayed in starting – and will not kickoff until mid-September – at the earliest.
August 2nd, 2006
The English FA will look into Leeds’ claims that Chelsea poached two young Leeds players if and when they receive a formal complaint.
Leeds chairman Ken Bates has called for Chelsea to have points deducted or be banned from playing in Europe after vowing to report the Barclays Premiership champions to the FA.
Bates has accused Chelsea of making alleged illegal approaches to three former Leeds academy players, Tom Taiwo, Michael Woods and Daniel Rose last summer. Woods and Taiwo moved to Chelsea towards the end of last season, and Rose stayed with Leeds.
The former Chelsea chairman stated he would also be making an official complaint to disciplinary chiefs of both FIFA and UEFA.
————-
Of course – Chelsea have been doing this for the last two seasons and we’ve seen a number of cases where the Blues simply flash the petty cash to pay the fines and give two fingers to the rules.
Will the FA or UEFA act? Or will it be another token slap over the wrists? 🙁
August 2nd, 2006