Al Jazeera poised to enter 2012 bidding war for Premier League broadcasting rights

Al Jazeera is poised to enter the bidding for the rights to host live Premier League TV matches, The Sweeper can disclose. The Middle East-based media giant is keen to get a foothold in the Premier League market and is prepared to enter the auction to screen games from the start of the 2013-14 season when the tender process begins early next year.

Andre Villas-Boas insists the 'player-power' days at Chelsea are over

"I don't believe in arguing and revolting to find a way of going forward. I think the common cause present in any team is its objectives, in titles and success," the 33-year-old said in quotes printed by The Daily Mirror. "Regarding the way that people take their leadership style, I'm not that kind of person. That's not to say that style doesn't get results, because it has in the past, but I don't believe in that. It's just a different style

Real Madrid, Barcelona & the other clubs that could sign Brazilian sensation Neymar

Neymar himself has been allowed to develop as a player without moving to Europe too early, which has been the end of many a talented young player from South America. At just 19, the gifted youngster has plenty of time before he makes the inevitable move across continents.
The other beneficiary has been the national team. It’s the nature of Brazil – as in Argentina – that leagues in Europe are not followed to the same extent as the domestic ones. Therefore, players who impress in the local championships are the subjects of media campaigns to get them in the national team.

Wayne Rooney suspended for the start of a major tournament

Wayne Rooney may feel alone right now, but he isn't. The Manchester United man will miss the first three games of Euro 2012 after he was sent off in England's 2-2 draw at Montenegro in the sides' Group B qualifier last week.
However, he will not be the last to miss out on the start of a major competition. And he certainly isn't the first, either. Here, Goal.com looks at Rooney's case and nine other recent examples of players who have been forced to sit it out as their national sides do battle on the biggest of stages.

I won’t let mindless insults affect me – Adebayor

Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor insists he won’t be affected by the abusive chants from Arsenal fans during Sunday’s north London derby. Adebayor has had to endure plenty of taunts from Arsenal supporters since he left the Gunners to join Manchester City in 2009, but the abuse reached a new low with songs about the gun attack on Togo’s team bus during the 2010 African Nations Cup in Angola.

Mourinho gets two – match ban for eye poke

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho will be banned for two matches for jabbing his finger into the eye of Barcelona’s assistant coach, the Spanish football federation said Wednesday. Suspension
Barcelona assistant coach Tito Vilanova was banned for one match for responding to Mourinho by slapping him during a mass brawl in the final moments of Real Madrid’s Super Cup loss to Barcelona on August 17, the federation said.

Rodwell red card cancelled – FA

Everton midfielder Jack Rodwell has successfully appealed against the red card issued to him in last weekend’s Merseyside derby with Liverpool, the FA confirmed on Tuesday.
Rodwell was controversially sent off by referee Martin Atkinson after a 23rd minute challenge on Liverpool’s Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez despite winning the ball cleanly.
Rodwell’s match tilted the game in Liverpool’s favour, with the Reds going on to win 2-0 at Goodison.
The three-match suspension against Rodwell has been scrapped in light of the successful appeal, an FA statement said

Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo aims to break La Liga goal record again

There is debate over the amount Ronaldo tucked away as Marca claim it is 41, while Spain’s Professional Football League (LFP) gave a deflected free-kick goal from last September against Real Sociedad to team-mate Pepe. In any case, having picked up the trophy from Marca, the Portugal international intends to beat his own mark. "In football nothing is impossible and every record can be broken," the Portuguese is quoted as saying by Marca.

Barca warn France not to risk Abidal

Barcelona doctors on Tuesday warned France coach Laurent Blanc not to risk injured defender Eric Abidal in two key Euro 2012 qualifying matches.
Group D leader’s France have two remaining qualifiers against Albania on Friday and the potential table-topping decider against Bosnia-Herzegovina next Tuesday.
And Abidal has been selected by Blanc despite suffering a right thigh muscle strain playing in Barcelona’s 1-0 La Liga win over Gijon on Sunday.

Real Madrid’s Jose Maria Callejon: ‘Goal against Espanyol is my most bittersweet strike’

Callejon, though, refused to celebrate his effort as he held his hands together towards the Espanyol fans in respect, and has now expressed his feelings. "I'm happy with my goal and with the victory, but I must say it is probably the most bittersweet strike I've ever scored because it was against a club that's been my home,” Callejon is quoted as saying by Madrid’s official website. “I didn't celebrate the goal out of respect. I wish Espanyol all the best." Reflecting on their victory at Cornella-El Prat, Callejon stated: "We combined passes from start to finish and scored when we needed to

World Player of the Week: Frank Lampard - Chelsea

Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has been under focus for much of this season, with pundits writing him off as past his best. At 33, the England international is not getting any younger, and the voices only grew louder when he was dropped for recent games by Blues boss Andre Villas-Boas.

However, Lampard has had a great time over the past seven or so days, exhibiting just why others rate him as one of the best players in Europe. He scored in Chelsea's 1-1 draw with Valencia at the Mestalla in the Champions League in midweek, putting in an impressive performance in the process.

Then, on Sunday afternoon, Lampard hit his stride again as he netted a hat-trick in his side's 5-1 win against Bolton Wanderers. He was absolutely sensational throughout the match.

Bin Hammam loses bid to reclaim post

A bid by ousted Asian soccer chief Mohamed bin Hammam to block the appointment of his replacement has been denied by a sports arbitration court, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) said Monday.
The 62-year-old Qatari was handed a lifetime ban from the sport in July after he was found guilty of trying to buy votes in the FIFA presidential race by offering Caribbean football officials $40,000 each. He denies the charges.

Arsene Wenger gives up on Arsenal title hopes

Arsene Wenger admits Arsenal cannot be regarded as title contenders after falling 12 points behind leaders Manchester United following their 2-1 defeat at north London rivals Tottenham.
Wenger endured another frustrating day as his side crashed to their fourth loss in seven league games at White Hart Lane.

AC Milan's Zlatan Ibrahimovic: My career is nearly over

However, the 30-year-old believes he can still play on for a little bit longer before calling it a day. "I am starting to get old, time has gone by fast, but I still want to play for another year or so," Ibrahimovic is quoted as saying by Sportbladet. "Now I feel more mature and I also have two children now. Time has flown by very quickly and I have changed many teams during my career.

AC Milan clash provides Juventus with first real acid test

More often than not, a meeting between the two sides "marks the race for the title". So proclaimed Alessandro Del Piero - in a more authoritative position than most to comment following his 18 years with the Turin giants - punctuated by a series of monumental clashes between the pair. Even if Del Piero was wary in claiming Sunday’s fixture will not be “decisive” in terms of this season’s title race, the prospect of opening up a six-point gap between the two is nevertheless an important one.JUVENTUS' SEASON SO FAR  It is a prospect of which Milan are particularly wary. Clarence Seedorf, like Del Piero the veteran of innumerable titanic tussles between the teams, has pointed to the galvanising effect the move to Juventus Stadium has had on the 27-time Scudetto winners. Juventus, it is widely acknowledged, in their new stadium finally have a place they can call home.

Napoli's clinical destruction of hamstrung Inter shows their Scudetto charge is more than just a dream

Walter Mazzarri's men made the most of the situation presented to them with a superbly professional attitude, the likes of which they have not often delivered in their 17 years of winless visits to the city of Milan. And it now throws them amongst the favourites to win the title for the first time in 22 years.

Norwich's Paul Lambert laments lack of finishing touch against Manchester United

Norwich City manager Paul Lambert expressed regrets over his team’s failure to be ruthless in front of goal following a 2-0 defeat by record-breaking Manchester United at Old Trafford. The Scot was left to rue missed chances, most notably one from winger Anthony Pilkington, before the Premier League champions took the lead through a close-range header by Brazilian midfielder Anderson before Danny Welbeck sealed victory late on. “It is a fabulous arena to play football in but if you get chances you have got to take them because if you don’t there is always a chance that will come back to bite you and that is what happened to us,” Lambert told reporters in his post-match press conference. “It is not rocket science. Man United are one of the best teams in Europe let alone Britain and the magnitude of the club is huge because of the way Sir Alex Ferguson has built it and they have fabulous players.

Inter's Claudio Ranieri accuses referee Gianluca Rocchi of 'ruining' Napoli game

After an exciting start to proceedings, controversy ensued just before half time as Napoli were awarded a penalty. Inter midfielder Joel Obi was shown a second yellow card for a challenge adjudged to be made inside the penalty area and was given his marching orders.
 His coach also suffered the same fate after protesting the decision to send off the Nigerian, and the former Roma boss was critical of the referee's overall performance on the night.

Arsene Wenger keen on 15 more years as Arsenal manager

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is targeting another 15 years in charge of the club and insists that he misses winning titles with the Gunners having gone almost six years without a trophy. Wenger was appointed manager of the north London club back in 1996 and, having received the backing of chief executive Ivan Gazidis last week, the former Monaco boss is hoping to prolong his stay at the Emirates Stadium for a good few years yet.

Eagles vs Guinea: Osaze’s form worries Coach

With less than five days to the decisive African Cup of Nations qualifier between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and the Syli Stars of Guinea, West Btom Coach, Roy Hodgson has admitted that he was troubled by the early season poor form of Osaze Odemwingie, who is set to lead Eagles attack this Saturday at the Abuja National Stadium
Nigeria need to beat Guinea with a clear two goals margin to guarantee their place at the tournament to be jointly hosted by Equatorial Guinea and Gabon. And to do that, Coach Samson Siasia, who has already lost Voctor Anichebe to injury, will need all the experience of Osaze in front of goal.
Last season, the Nigerian emerged the revelation of the year, after moving from Lokomotiv Moscow, , scoring 15 goals as West Brom finished 11th on the table. He also played a vital role in Nigeria’s run at the 2010 Nations Cup and World Cup in South Africa.

Messi targets last Barca record after levelling Kubala

In a poll carried out during Barcelona's centenary celebrations in 1999, Ladislao Kubala was voted the best player in the history of the Catalan club.

A similar survey now would produce only one name: Lionel Andres Messi. And while many young fans, as they make their way to a game with the Argentine's name proudly printed on the back of their shirts, may never have heard of the legendary Hungarian, they are soon made to realise his importance as they encounter an imposing statue of the iconic forward outside the famous old stadium.

Oxlade-Chamberlain a new star to rival Walcott

With Arsene Wenger following up his Uefa dugout suspension with a self-imposed media ban, it was left to his long-time assistant Pat Rice to deliver the verdict on Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain..

Ibra proves he is AC Milan's difference maker

An adductor injury sustained in the lead up to Milan’s visit to Camp Nou to face Barcelona on Champions League duty just over two weeks ago ruled the Swede out of four subsequent competitive fixtures, during which his side managed a solitary victory - a one-goal win against Cesena.His eagerly anticipated return came in Wednesday's 2-0 win over Czech side Viktoria Plzen. And his immediate impact supported Ancelotti’s assertion that he has been the vital agent in Milan's recent success.Ibra was in inspired form as he dropped off the frontline to pull the strings, always prompting and probing at the Czech back four. He was the fulcrum, the catalyst, the pivot - whatever you choose to call it, Ibrahimovic embodied the role.

Mikel wins AVB’s heart

Eagles’ midfielder John Obi Mikel seem to have stamped his presence in the Chelsea midfield as coach Andre Villas-Boas has opted for younger blood to push up the Blues’ engine room.
AVB as he is fondly called, prefers the trio of Mikel, Ramires and Raul Meireles dropping Frank Lampard to the bench. Before the coming of the young Portuguese coach, Lampard was an untouchable, and Mikel could only hope for a chance to start for the Blues.

Tevez could face FIFA sanction

FIFA vice-president Jim Boyce believes Manchester City forward Carlos Tevez should be banned “from taking an active part in football” if he refused to come on as a substitute during the side’s Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich on Tuesday night.
City boss Roberto Mancini said he felt Tevez could never play for the club again after claiming the player refused to go on in the second half, and the club have since suspended the Argentina striker for two weeks.
Northern Irishman Boyce, speaking in a personal capacity, told Sky Sports: “I believe FIFA should have the power to ban the player from taking an active part in football..

Barca, Arsenal, AC Milan bid to ignite Euro flame

Champions Barcelona will be bidding to get their Champions League title defence back on track Wednesday as Arsenal and AC Milan also look to keep the dream alive in the second round of elite European matches.
But English giants Chelsea, who have already got their campaign off to a winning start, are set for possibly their toughest group assignment when they meet Spanish side Valencia at the Mestalla.
Barcelona were held 2-2 by 2010 champions AC Milan at the Nou Camp in their Group H opener, but despite riding high after a 5-0 hammering of Atletico Madrid in La Liga in which Lionel Messi scored a hattrick, coach Pep Guardiola warned against complacency as the Catalans travel to Minsk to take on Belarus champions FC Bate Borisov.

Wenger prays Arsenal’s recovery from miserable start

Wenger’s side have lurched from one disaster to another for much of 2011 and the opening few weeks of the new campaign have been no different.
The departures of star midfielders Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri destabilised an already fragile squad to such an extent the Gunners briefly languished just one place above the Premier League relegation zone after their worst start for 58 years...

Messi closing in on Kubala 194-goal record

 Lionel Messi is determined to keep breaking goal-scoring records at Barcelona after his 12th career hat-trick for the European and Spanish champions took him to 192 at the club.
The 24-year-old Argentine magician hit his latest hat-trick in the 5-0 demolition of Atletico Madrid and is now just two behind Hungary’s Laszlo Kubala who scored 194 in his career at the Camp Nou in the 1950s.
Once he gets past that, the all-time club record of 235, set by Cesar Rodriguez betwen 1939 and 1955, will be easily within his sights.
“I’m pretty calm about it. I just take it a game at a time, but obviously I’m very excited about becoming top scorer,” Messi told fcbarcelona.com.
“Many years have gone by and it’s still the same player (Kubala). Hopefully I can beat his stats. I want to continue breaking records here”.

Arsenal's Jack Wilshere confirms ankle surgery to be a success

The youngster had been using a protective boot in recent weeks but it was decided by club doctors on Saturday that the midfielder would require surgical treatment, and he has now confirmed that the operation went smoothly.

Speaking via his Twitter account, Wilshere said: "Had my operation and all went well! I am feeling good will spend the night in hospital to monitor me but apart from that I am happy!"

It is thought that the injury will keep Wilshere sidelined until the end of the year, therefore ruling last season's PFA Young Player of the Year out of England's final Euro 2012 qualifier against Montenegro on October 7, as well as Arsenal's upcoming Premier League fixtures against the likes of Tottenham and Chelsea.

BARCELONA AND REAL MADRID SLAMS

Since then, however, it has looked more like a handicap, with Spain's big two hitting unexpected obstacles along the course, their stealthy stride reduced to a tentative trot. And the top two trainers, Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho, really should have seen this coming.

After their impressive starts, Barca and Madrid hit problems on the first furlong. The Catalans were pegged back after going 2-0 up at Real Sociedad, having been two up after 12 minutes, and following a return to form in the stunning 8-0 win over Osasuna, Guardiola's side drew again at Valencia on Wednesday night. On both occasions, the champions started with a three-man defence away from home..

AC MILAN HAUNTED BY PATO'S INJURY

Despite having won the Supercoppa Italiana and pocketed a shock point from their Champions League trip to Barcelona, the Rossoneri have underachieved massively so far in Serie A, and it comes as little surprise that it has been their inability to turn possession into clear-cut chances which has tripped them up so far.

Massimiliano Allegri’s side pride themselves on the use of a trequartista to stretch opponents’ massed-rank defences and unpick the lock of bolstered back fours, but that has simply not happened so far this season.

Chelsea's Fernando Torres scores and is sent off in first half against Swansea City

Chelsea striker Fernando Torres has been sent off in his side's Premier League clash with Swansea City, minutes after scoring his second goal of the season..

Robin van Persie confident that Arsenal can turn their season around

Arsenal captain Robin van Persie is hopeful that the midweek League Cup victory over League Two outfit Shrewsbury Town can kickstart his side's season.

The Gunners have made their worst start under manager Arsene Wenger, with results such as a recent defeat by Blackburn Rovers - where they conceded two own goals - and an 8-2 drubbing by Manchester United at Old Trafford.

But the Dutchman is hoping that they can use the victory in the League Cup as a stepping stone as they look to turnaround what has been an awful start by their standards - starting with the game against Bolton at the weekend.

Van Persie told reporters: "It is important that we stay positive - that can be hard because everyone is frustrated and we realise that this is our worst start in the league for a while, but we have to stay together, be strong and make sure not to hide or become introverted.

Coaches praise Airtel rising stars

Coaches participating in the Airtel Rising Stars have expressed delight with the talents the programme is unearthing.
The coaches who bemoaned the dearth of capable replacements for aging members of the senior national teams and applauded the Airtel Rising Stars initiative for its focus on developing grassroots football.
Four hundred and eighty young footballers drawn from eight zones gathered in Ibadan Tuesday for the two-day Closed Camp of the Airtel Rising Stars talent hunt. The National Finals come up this weekend at Campos Square, Lagos.

Yakubu put Eagles coach on ‘red alert’

Eagles coach Samson Siasia is watching with keen interest a resurgent Yakubu Aiyegbeni with a view of strenghtening his attack againt Guinea.
Yakubu will be testing his his new found form against Newcastle United tonight another five star performance will undoubtedly earn him a recall to the national team from which he has been estranged since 2010 after his famous World Cup miss.
Eagles assistant coach Simon Kalika hinted during the week that they are monitoring the Blackburn striker who put two against Arsenal last weekend it was his first league appearance for Blackburn since securing a loan move from Everton in August. He spent most part of last season with Leichester City where he scored 11 goals from 20 appearances.

Ribery could see out career at Bayern

France midfielder Franck Ribery said Thursday he could see out his career at Bayern Munich after insisting life is good in Bavaria under coach Jupp Heynckes.
The 28-year-old signed for Bayern from Marseille in 2007 and has a contract until 2015, but struggled with injury and poor form over the last two seasons under Dutch coach Louis van Gaal.
But he is now in form and with three goals in his first six German league games of the season, Ribery said he could follow in the path of compatriots Bixente Lizarazu and Willy Sagnol who ended their careers in Munich.
“Sure, why not?” Ribery said, who became a father for the third time last Friday.

NATIONS CUP QUALIFIER: Only goals can save Eagles, says Etim

 Former Eagles midfielder, Etim Esin has declared that the Eagles must score an early goal against Guinea in their crucial October 8 decider, otherwise they would be walking on a slippery path to the 2012 Africa Nations Cup to be jointly hosted by Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.
Etim argued that an early goal will dissuade the Guinean from carry out their match plan of frustrating the Eagles.

UEFA members back FC Sion expulsion

Members of Europe’s football governing body on Wednesday said they unanimously supported UEFA’s decision to expel FC Sion from the Europa League, after the Swiss side fielded ineligible players.
“The 53 national associations of UEFA have today unanimously declared their support for UEFA,” member associations said in a statement.
Last week FC Sion, objecting to UEFA’s decision, had taken the case to Swiss courts, which ordered the reinstatement of the club to the tournament. UEFA, however, rejected the decision.
The team then took their case to Bern, asking the Swiss finance minister to withdraw UEFA’s tax breaks.
“The European national associations call upon both FIFA and the Swiss FA to urgently take concrete steps to uphold the statutes and regulations of FIFA, as UEFA has done,” the associations said.

Inter Milan sacks Coach Gasperini

As expected Inter Milan on Wednesday sacked Gian Piero Gasperini from his coaching role following the previous day’s 3-1 Serie A defeat at newly-promoted Novara.
The club has been put in the temporary charge of assistants Giuseppe Baresi and Daniele Bernazzani.
Gasperini lasted only three months in the job, taking charge of three league games and one match in the Champions League, losing three and drawing one.
Earlier in the day Inter president Massimo Moratti had hinted that Gasperini’s time was up.
Speaking to journalists as he arrived at his offices in Milan, Moratti was asked if Gasperini would be staying but replied: “I don’t think so.

Why Siasia dropped Enyeama again!

Nigeria’s Football Federation (NFF) has again dropped goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama from the decisive 2012 Nations Cup qualifier against Guinea on October 8.
Lille goalkeeper Enyeama was left out of another crucial qualifier away in Madagascar earlier this month after he led a players’ revolt that questioned the team’s travel plans to Antananarivo.
Enyeama, first-choice goalkeeper since the 2002 World Cup, has since apologised for his role in the mutiny and coach Samson Siasia has accepted it.
However, top NFF officials said that it was agreed by the nation’s football authority to sideline the goalkeeper so as to make the point very clear that no player is indispensible.

Inter in moves to appoint Ranieri as Gasperini’s replacement

Former Chelsea and Juventus coach Claudio Ranieri is close to taking over at Inter Milan following the sacking of Gian Piero Gasperini.
Ranieri’s representative Giuseppe Bozzo was meeting with Inter vice-president Rinaldo Ghelfi on Wednesday night, Italian news agency Ansa said.
It is believed they are negotiating the final details on a coaching contract.
Earlier in the day Gasperini was relieved of his duties after four defeats and a draw in his five matches in charge, including Tuesday night’s humbling 3-1 loss at newly-promoted Novara.
Gasperini’s Inter also suffered defeats to Palermo, in the league, Trabzonspor, in the Champions League, and to arch rivals AC Milan in the Italian Supercup.

Barton reveals he held Arsenal talks

QPR captain Joey Barton claims he held talks with Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger about a move to the Emirates Stadium before signing for Neil Warnock’s team.
Barton joined QPR on a free transfer from Newcastle just before the transfer deadline but he believes he could have ended up in north London instead if he had not clashed with Gunners forward Gervinho on the opening day of the season.
The former Manchester City star provoked a clash with Gervinho that led to the Ivory Coast player being sent off during Newcastle’s 0-0 draw against Arsenal at St James’ Park.
Barton dragged Gervinho to his feet after he appeared to dive in the penalty area and the midfielder then made a theatrical fall after being pushed by the Arsenal star.

Anelka says he could still stay at Chelsea

Nicolas Anelka insists he could still sign a new contract with Chelsea despite claims from Blues boss Andre Villas-Boas that the French striker wants to leave.
Villas-Boas suggested over the weekend that Anelka had indicated to him that he wished to leave the Premier League club when his contract expires at the end of the season.
Anelka turns 33 in March and his future at Chelsea looked under threat when former boss Carlo Ancelotti was sacked at the end of last season.
But the former Arsenal and Real Madrid star has featured regularly under Villas-Boas and he made it clear he has yet to decide if it is time to leave Stamford Bridge.

SIASIA RULES OUT YAKUBUAND MARTIN'S RETURN TO SUPER EAGLE

Super Eagles’ Chief Coach, Samson Siasia, has ruled out the possible return of Yakubu Aiyegbeni and Obafemi Martins despite their outstanding showing last weekend in Europe.
 Speaking on the invitation to appear before the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) technical committee to defend his team list against Guinea, Siasia said: “I have not seen any part of the world, where senior national team coaches appear to defend team list. However, I will only appear before the committee on Tuesday, but as for the unveiling of the list, I don’t really know. Maybe, it will be after the defence,” he noted.
 He also took time to shower encomium on Nigerian players who showed blistering form in Europe last weekend, admitting that he was happy to see many of them on the scoring sheet.
 On the possibility of the return of the like Yakubu Aiyegbeni and Obafemi Martins to the Eagles fold, Siasia tactically noted that if they would return, it would not be immediate......