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Kashmir has world-class soccer potential: Brazilian coach

12.05.2007 More Abdul Majeed,Mehrajuddin Wadoo would be produced by Kashmir in Future. Brazilian football coach Juan Marcos Troia believes Kashmir has huge talent. In future the vally could produce more talented Footballers if they trained properly. After seeing the beautiful Polo Ground here,Mr. Marcos told that In Brazil and Argentina the children used to play on the roads and on bare land but here the children will get a fine practice ground like polo ground. He started his Coaching Camp with a hundreds of tiny footballers aging 3 -15 years today. He starts Five year’s programme of this camp today along with two assistant coach Sajid Yousuf and Hilal Rasool.which duly inaugurated by Dr Haseeb Drabu ,the Chairman of Jammu& Kashmir Bank He also told that he will try to his heart and soul to make the boys as close as international level. The famous football coach said Kashmir needed round the year coaching if a mini stadium is built where the boys could train upto the winter .. He also said local boys who will have talent they would be sent to the famous Sao Paulo football academy in Brazil.

Liverpool is going to sign Brazilian wonder boy Lukas Leiva

12.05.2007 Lukas Leiva is the captain of the Brazil Under-20 Team who won the South American Youth Football Championship 2007 by beating Columbia 2 – 0 and scored a beautiful Goal for the Team and Clinch the Title for 9th Time He also won the Golden Boot in his country last year,is going to sign for English Premier Giant Team Liverpool F.C .But A.C.Milan,Juventus,Atletico Madrid and Bordeaues wanted to sign for their team once Liverpool Coach Rafael Benitez will strong with this midfilder along with Gerrard, Mascherano, Xabi and Sissoko from the next July season. The captain of Brazilian U – 20 Team scored 4 goals in the South American Youth Football Championship January'2007. Full name: Lucas Pezzini Leiva Born: January 9, 1987.in Durados of Brazil Height:1.79m Award: Best Player of Brazilian National Championship 2006 Title: Brazilian League (2nd division): 2005 Rio Grande do Sul State League: 2006

England and Australia may host of the 2010 World Cup if South Africa Fails: Blatter

30.04.2007 FIFA president Sepp Blatter is extremely anxious about the South Africa 2010 football World Cup. South Africa is set to host the tournament in three years' time. South Africa is due to become the first African nation to stage the tournament, but there have been reports about setbacks in building new stadiums. There were reports of delays in stadium construction work which threatened hopes of the tournament being staged there. This has posed a big concern for FIFA to think of some other venues, if there are any unforeseen problems involving the standards of hospitality and stadiums. FIFA President Mr. Blatter feels that, there are many countries capable of organizing the World Cup at short notice like, USA,JAPAN,SPAIN,MEXICO etc. But he confirmed that England and Australia also having been mooted as possible hosts if South Africa fail to do the all works within the stipulated time But South African World Cup Organising Committee chief executive Danny Jordaan told after hearing this news that they are not out of track and ready to organise the Game in 2010.

AIFF Officials to inspect facilities in Srinagar for July Santosh Trophy

29.04.2007 Srinagar the Capital city of Jammu and Kashmir last hosted the 35 th Santosh in the year 1978-79 where Bengal was the champion by defeating Goa 1-0 in the final After 27 years the All India Football Federation will send a delegation in May 2007 for inspecting the facilities at Srinagar which would be the host of the next Santosh Trophy national football championship in July. Jammu Kashmir Football Association Supremo Mr.Zamir Ahmed Thakur said that to make a grand success of the tournament they are trying to their best and preparation of the same is progressing. Two grounds, one of them in the heart of the city, are being prepared for the matches, he said. Hoteliers have been approached for accommodation of players. Sounding positive, Thakur hoped visitors would enjoy their stay when they come to Srinagar for the Santosh Trophy. However, Thakur said that militants have left sports events alone in the valley,so there might not be any problem to organise the Game which will be started in July AIFF delegation will see for itself that we are prepared to stage the mega event in July,' he said.

Portugal Legendary Footballer Eusebio released from hospital after surgery

Apr 26, 2007 Portugal National Team as well former player Of Benfica, Eusebio has been released from hospital on Thursday, four days after surgery on his cartoid arteries. He was admitted on Monday The risk of the 65-year-old Eusebio having a stroke but the immediate operation by the Doctors has successfully unblocked the arteries that carry blood to the brain The surgery took place at Benfica's new hospital nearly to the Benfica's Stadium. After discharging from the Hospital he thanked all the Doctors who operated him and also the fan's who sent so many fax and call for his cure.

Cristiano Ronaldo Scoops PFA Double Award

23/04/2007

Cristiano Ronaldo Scoops PFA Double Award . Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo has been named both the Player of the Year and the Young Player of the Year by the Professional Footballers' Association. The 22-year-old Portuguese star is the first player to win both awards in the same season since Andy Gray received the double accolade in 1977. Ronaldo has bounced back in great style from the controversy he aroused during last summer's World Cup, and become a key figure in United's attempt to win three major competitions. Chelsea striker Didier Drogba came second and Ronaldo's Manchester United team- mate and fellow midfielder Paul Scholes was third in the voting for senior award. Manchester United's Ryan Giggs, last year's winner Steven Gerrard of Liverpool and 19-year-old Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas also made the shortlist. He was widely booed at the start of the season for his part in Wayne Rooney's sending off in the World Cup quarter-final between England and Portugal in Germany. But the abuse only seemed to inspire him and gone on to score 16 Premiership goals so far to help take United to the top of the table. Ronaldo said it was an honour to be singled out by his peers, the fellow professionals. He said: "It is a special night. It is amazing and a big honour for me to win trophies like this in the English Premier League. I am very proud. "My colleagues have voted for me and that is fantastic because the players know the qualities of players. "I want to keep working hard and getting better because these trophies have now given me more motivation. "This great team has helped me because when the team wins it is easier for us all to play with more confidence." In the Young Player award, Fabregas was second and Tottenham's Aaron Lennon, came third. Ronaldo's team-mate Wayne Rooney (21) was also shortlisted, along with Reading striker Kevin Doyle, 23, and 18-year-old defender Micah Richards of Manchester City. Eight Manchester United players were named in the team of the year, and manager Sir Alex Ferguson received the PFA Special Merit Award. Ferguson paid tribute to Ronaldo, who joined United from Sporting Lisbon for £12.2 million in August 2003. "At this moment in time, I think he is the best player in the world and his season has been incredible," said Ferguson. Courtesy: www.goal.com From 1974 to 2007 : The Winner of PFA Player Award Are: 1974 Norman Hunter/ Leeds United 1975 Colin Todd/ Derby County 1976 Pat Jennings /Tottenham Hotspur 1977 Andy Gray /Aston Villa 1978 Peter Shilton /Nottingham Forest 1979 Liam Brady /Arsenal 1980 Terry McDermott /Liverpool 1981 John Wark /Ipswich Town 1982 Kevin Keegan /Southampton 1983 Kenny Dalglish /Liverpool 1984 Ian Rush /Liverpool 1985 Peter Reid /Everton 1986 Gary Lineker/ Everton 1987 Clive Allen /Tottenham Hotspur 1988 John Barnes /Liverpool 1989 Mark Hughes/ Manchester United 1990 David Platt/ Aston Villa 1991 Mark Hughes/ Manchester United 1992 Gary Pallister/ Manchester United 1993 Paul McGrath/ Aston Villa 1994 Eric Cantona /Manchester United 1995 Alan Shearer/Blackburn Rovers 1996 Les Ferdinand /Newcastle United 1997 Alan Shearer /Newcastle United 1998 Dennis Bergkamp /Arsenal 1999 David Ginola /Tottenham Hotspur 2000 Roy Keane /Manchester United 2001 Teddy Sheringham /Manchester United 2002 Ruud van Nistelrooy/ Manchester United 2003 Thierry Henry/ Arsenal 2004 Thierry Henry/ Arsenal 2005 John Terry /Chelsea 2006 Steven Gerrard/ Liverpool 2007 Cristiano Ronaldo /Manchester United/Portugal

THE RICHEST SOCCER COACHES OF THE WORLD

21/04/2007

According the France Football Magazine's review Chelsea Coach Jose Mourinho named as the richest soccer coaches in the world . Below is the top rich list of soccer coaches in the world as per that Magazine 1. Jose Mourinho (Portugal/Chelsea) - 10 million Euros 2. Alex Ferguson (Scotland/Manchester United) – 6.1 million Euros 3. Fabio Capello (Italy/Real Madrid) – 5.8 million Euros 4. Sven-Goran Erikson (Sweden/ex-England National Coach) – 5.2 million Euros 5. Guus Hiddink (Holland/Russia) - 5 million Euros 6. Giovanni Trapattoni (Italy/Salzburg) – 4.6 million Euros 7. Frank Rijkaard (Holland/Barcelona) – 4.5 million Euros 8. Arsene Wenger (France/Arsenal) – 4.4 million Euros 9. Roberto Mancini (Italy/Inter Milan) – 3.4 million Euros 10. Felix Magath (Germany/ex-Bayern Munich) – 2.8 million Euros 11. Rafael Benitez (Spain/Liverpool) – 2.8 million Euros

RONALDO NOT BEST YET - PELE

19/04/2007

There has been much talk of the young Portuguese winger having become the best in the world through his much improved form this season, but Pele believes it is still a few years too early. "Cristiano Ronaldo, today, is one of the good players, he plays very good in England," Pele told Sky Sports News. "But to mention him as the best player in the world, I thnk it is very soon. "You have Kaka, who plays very well and I think he is the same level. "Some years ago - four or five years ago - we had Ronaldinho in good shape. "I think to compare Cristiano with the great players is too soon. "We have to wait a little bit. Let's see in one or two years more if he can keep the same level." Courtesy: www.goal.com

Poland and Ukraine chosen to host EURO 2012

18/04/2007

UEFA Supremo Michel Mlatini announced today that, Poland and Ukraine will be the Joint host of next UEFA EUROPEAn CHAMPIONSHIP 2012. The Governing Boly had selected Poland and Ukraine which is just ahead of Another Bidder Italy. The Poland and Ukraine bid received eight votes and Italy Got just only Italy's four . Another Jouint Bidder of the Tournament Croatia and Hungary got none. It would be the first time in the history that,either country has been chosen to host a major tournament. The Polish venues may be for the tournament include Gdansk, Poznan, Warsaw and Wroclaw while the Ukrainian cities of Kiev, Donetsk, Dnipropetrovsk and Lviv would stage Tournament. Ukraine president Viktor Yushchenko said in a statement that the decision offered a great opportunity to both countries to host an "extraordinary" sporting event. He also told that,The friendship between Poland and Ukraine has a very long history. This big tournament will be an important milestone in the history of our two Slavic nations.

PFA ANNOUNCED THEIR WORLD PLAYERS AWARD NOMINEES -2007

17.04.2007 World Professional Footballer's Association, PFA has confirmed the shortlist of this year's nomineees for the prestigious PFA Award 2007 Thierry Henry won the award in both 2003 and 2004, Chelsea's defender John Terry was the 2005 recipient, and last year belonged to Liverpool star Steven Gerrard. PFA PLAYERS' PLAYER OF THE YEAR NOMINEES Didier Drogba (Chelsea) Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal) Steven Gerrard (Liverpool) Ryan Giggs (Manchester United) Cristiano Ronaldo(Manchester United) Paul Scholes (Manchester United) Arsenal star Fabregas and Manchester United winger Ronaldo are also in line for the Young Player of the Year award PFA YOUNG PLAYER OF THE YEAR NOMINEES Kevin Doyle (Reading) Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal) Aaron Lennon (Tottenham) Micah Richards (Manchester City) CristianoRonaldo(ManchesterUnited) WayneRooney(ManchesterUnited) The awards are highly prized among all footballers due to them being voted on by their peers. The winners of the PFA awards will be announced at London's Grosvenor House Hotel on 22nd April.

SCHEDULE OF FIFA PRESIDENT AND AFC PRESIDENT'S VISIT AT KOLKATA '2007

13.04.2007 FIFA President Mr. Sepp Blatter arrives Kolkata Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport at 8.45 PM by his own chartered aircraft Union Minister and President of AIFF Mr. Priyo Ranjan Dasmunsi, Hon'ble Minister of Sports and Transport (Govt. Of West Bengal Mr. Subhash Chakrabarty) along with IFA Secretary Mr. Subrata Dutta and other Officials receives him at the Termac of the Airport. President's Convoy stops at Bagauihati, where Chairman of Rajarhart-Gopalpur Municipality Mr. Tapas chatterjee offers a colorful reception with thousands of Nursery Footballers and Children . President arrives at Hotel Taj Bengal and receives Traditional Bengali welcome at hotel. 15.04.2007 FIFA President will arrive at Mohunbagan ,East Bengal and Mohammedan Club Tent at10 AM where reception provided by the each clubs. Mohammedan S.C will welcome specially at Park Curcus Crossing. President pays his homage to Indian Legendary Footballer "GREAT WALL OF CHINA" Gostho Paul's Statu at Maidan and view a cultural porgramme organise by Bengal Olymopic Asson. 4.30 PM the President starts from the hotel to reach the Salt Lake Stadium where he will introduced with Teams and Match Officials of 11th ONGC NFL Derby match between East Bengal and Mohunbagan. In interval President comes down from his VVIP seat and get aboard in an open jeep and go round to greet spactators. 7.00 AT Hotel Taj Bengal the President arrives for Press Conference and after finishing he leavs for Oberoi Grand Hotel to join a grand dinner reception at BANQUET HALL. 16.04.2007 President leaves Kolkata for Delhi

SALIENT FEATURES OF INDIA'S FORTHCOMING PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE '2007

07.04.2007

The AIFF Executive Committee announce the proposals for the introduction of the Professional League in October 2007. AIFF president Priya Ranjan Das Munshi said, "The executive committee meeting of the AIFF discussed the issue and resolved unanimously to introduce the professional league, which will take the full and final shape by 2010." The inaugural edition of the Professional League feature 1.The Professional League will replace current NFL .It will be held from October to Next Years February each year with 10 Football Teams of the Country. Therefore 1st pro league will be started from October 2007 and will end February 2008.Two promoted teams of NFL 2nd Divition Viva Kerala and Salgaocar will join the next years pro league 2.AIFF agree to allow Indian Giants three Kolkata based Football Clubs K.F.East Bengal,Mohunbagan and Mohammedan S.C ti filed their Pro League Footballers in the famous Sahara Kolkata Premier League which would expected be started from March 2008 3. All local Football leagues having a break at the time. The local leagues will be held either before or after the Pro League ends each season . 4. For the first year, The AIFF President Mr. Priyo Ranjan Das Munsi said that the all participant Football Clubs will have to register at least 14 contracted players. Of those 4 in all squads should have a two year contract with their respective Club. 5 in each squads need to be local players while two players need to be frm the U19 age group. 5.The AIFF has also made it mandatory for every respective team coaches to have an AFC 'B' license coaching certificate (or he would have to undergo a crash course) 6. In the 2nd year the professional club Teams would be either a company or a registered society with their own regulation and statute with financial backing of sponsors. 7.In the 3rd year professional club Teams must have to arrange their own stadium,Gym, and training facilities and the number of contractual players would go up to 18 8. In the fourth year the clubs would be required to have 22 contractual players.

SHORT PROFILE OF HON'BLE FIFA PRESIDENT MR. SEPP BLATTER

07.04.2007

Full name :AKA Joseph S.(Sepp) Blatter Born: 10-Mar-1936 Birthplace: Visp, Matterhorn, Switzerland Nationality: Switzerland Occupation: Soccer Qualification :Graduated from University: St. Maurice College, Switzerland, Bachelor Degree from University: Bachelor of Business Administration and Economics, Lausanne University. Career : Head of Public Relations of the Valaisan Tourist Board in his native witzerland. General Secretary of the Swiss Ice Hockey Federation. Director of Sports Timing and Public Relations of Longines S.A. organization of the 1972 and 1976 Olympic Games. Since 1975, Blatter has been working at FIFA as Technical Director (1975-1981) . Elected FIFA President, 8-Jun-1998, succeeding Havelange from Brazil as 8th FIFA President. He was re-elected as head of FIFA in 2002, defeating Issa Hayatou in the election

FIFA PRESIDENT WILL VISIT INDIA ON 14 - 17 TH APRIL 2007

07.04.2007

"WIN IN INDIA WITH INDIA." - FIFA President Sepp Blatter’s India Visit The dream comes to be true. Hon’ble President of FIFA Mr. Sepp Blatter will visit India from April 14 - 17th.This will be the first time of a FIFA presidential Visit to India after it's Independence. A landmark in Indian Football History is going to take place, because never before any FIFA president visited India after India's Indepandence . FIFA President will visit India accompanied by the AFC President Mohammed Bin Hammam, the special delegates of the FIFA President Jerome Champagne, the AFC Vice-President Manilal Fernando and other officials of FIFA. Probable Schedule 14th APRIL 2007 : FIFA Supremo Hon'ble Sepp Blatter and his Team, supposed to land at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Dumdum, Kolkata in the evening (8.00-9.00 PM may be) where AIFF President Mr. P.R.Dasmunsi and IFA Secretary Mr. Subrata Dutta and other High officials of AIFF and IFA will welcome FIFA Supremo and his Team. On his way to Hotel Taj Bengal, the FIFA team will also get warm welcome at Airport, Ultadanga, Phoolbagan and Science city Crossing, by the football fans of Kolkata. On April 15, Mr. Blatter will garland the statue of former international football player Padma Shri Gostho Paul and visit the National Club of India, Mohun Bagan A.C then another two kolkata based big Teams of Indian Footbasll - East Bengal and Mohammedan S.C In the afternoon, FIFA Supremo will witness 11th National League Derby match between two Giant Teams of Indian Football - Mohun Bagan AC and East Bengal Club of Kolkata and will also meet former football legends and award winning players of Indian and Kolkata Football at Salt Lake Stadium. Coming back from Salt Lake, FIFA President will Meet the Press at Hotel Taj Bengal . At Night The Hon’ble President and FIFA Team will attend a Dinner Party at Hotel Grand where Singer Babul-Supriyo and Usha Uthup will entertain the visitors by singing songs.The programme will be jointly organized by IFA and AIFF and leave for Delhi After landing in Delhi on April 16 Mr. Blatter will join a lunch hosted by the Confederation of Indian Industries where he will address the representatives of the big industrial houses of India regarding development of Indian Football. In the evening, he will call on the Hon'ble President and Prime Minister of India and will then visit Rajghat to pay homage to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. Later he will attend the official banquet hosted by the AIFF and Zee Sports Limited. On the morning of April 17 Mr. Blatter will inaugurate "Football House" the Head Quarter of AIFF which has been built with help from the FIFA GOAL Project and interact with representatives of State FA's and National League clubs. To mark the 70th anniversary of the foundation of the AIFF the hon'ble President FIFA will deliver the keynote speech at a special Congress at Vigyan Bhavan In the evening.

FIFA PRESIDENT WILL VISIT PAKISTAN ON 26-27TH MARCH 2007

25.03.2007

President of the World Football Governing Body Mr.Joseph Sepp Blatter, will arrive Pakistan on a two days visit. Joseph Sepp Blatter of FIFA (Federation of International Football Association) will arrive at Islamabad Airport on Monday, 6 PM through private jet on two-days visit of Pakistan. He will get warm and colorful welcome at airport from Pakistan Football Federation (PFF)'s President Makhdoom Syed Faisal Saleh Hayat, Secretary General Lt. Col ® Ahmed Yar Khan Lodhi, AFC Vice President Manilal Fernando, Islamabad FA's President Dr. Fazalur Rehman, SVP Irfan Khan Niazi and other PFF and officials. Pakistan Football Federation has already past a glorious 60 years but this will be first-ever meeting of a FIFA President with Pakistan's Head of State in the PFF. President of the Pakistan Football Federation, Mr. Faisal Saleh Hayat,said that Mr.Blatter will naugurate Lahore’s FIFA Football House a part of the FIFA Goal Project.He also added that, the ceremony will feature speeches, a plaque unveiling, ribbon-cutting, and meeting with various academies and men/women football teams under Pakistan Football Federation . For visiting the Supremo of World Football they are very happy and also hope that "FIFA Football House" will serve as a basic institution to help promote Pakistan's football on modern lines.

Green light for further special projects in Oceania, India and the Caribbean

25.03.2007

Zurich, 25 March 2007 - India included in FIFA social responsibility program Convening for the first time in 2007 for a two-day meeting in Zurich under the chairmanship of President Joseph S Blatter, the FIFA Executive Committee decided that special projects along the lines of the 'Win in Africa with Africa' program are also to be extended to other regions and continents. As part of the Football for a Better World initiative that is being supervised by the Committee for Fair Play and Social Responsibility, the executive the principle that projects similar to the existing Win in Africa with Africa program be conceived for other continents and regions - including India in the Asian Football Confederation. Concrete proposals will be presented at the Executive Committee's next meeting at the end of May. The Committee for Fair Play and Social Responsibility submitted proposals to the FIFA Executive Committee, which in turn approved the dates for this year's FIFA Anti-Discrimination Day and FIFA Fair Play Day. The first one will be held on 14-15 July 2007 in connection with all quarter-final matches of the FIFA U-20 World Cup Canada, while the second one will take place - as has been customary since 2004 - on 21 September, during the FIFA Women's World Cup China, to coincide with the UN International Day of Peace. . Convening for the first time in 2007 for a two-day meeting in Zurich under the chairmanship of President Joseph S. Blatter, the FIFA Executive Committee decided that special projects along the lines of the 'Win in Africa with Africa' programme are also to be extended to other regions and continents. As part of the Football for a Better World initiative that is being supervised by the Committee for Fair Play and Social Responsibility, the executive approved the principle that projects similar to the existing Win in Africa with Africa programme be conceived for other continents and regions (Oceania, India and the Caribbean). Concrete proposals will be presented at the Executive Committee's next meeting at the end of May.. Created by the 2005 FIFA Congress in Marrakech and due to present its final report (focusing specifically on the areas of finance, politics and competitions) to the FIFA Congress on 31 May 2007, the Task Force 'For the Good of the Game' is set to be merged with the Strategic Studies Committee to create a new FIFA standing committee that will serve as an international football forum with representatives from all branches of the game, including clubs and players.. The executive also discussed various proposed amendments to the FIFA Statutes, which will be submitted to the FIFA Congress at the end of May. One of these amendments is intended to strengthen article 62, paragraph 3, which requires associations to insert a clause in their statutes stipulating that their clubs and members may not take a dispute to ordinary courts of law but must instead submit it to the relevant bodies of the association, the appropriate confederation or FIFA. This reinforcement of the FIFA Statutes is founded on the recent decision of the Swiss Federal Court - Switzerland's supreme legislative body - to uphold and confirm FIFA's right to impose disciplinary sanctions by means of points deductions or the relegation of a club to a lower league.. The positive financial figures for the FIFA World Cup year of 2006 and the entire 2003-2006 period were warmly welcomed. FIFA's balance sheet, income statement and its budget for 2008 now require approval from the Congress.. The committee was also satisfied with the progress of preparations for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ in South Africa and reiterated its confidence in the local organisers of the event. In all, a record 202 associations have enrolled for the qualifying competition. The preliminary draw is due to take place in Durban on 23 November 2007.. The length of the FIFA Confederations Cup 2009 in South Africa (venues: Port Elizabeth, Bloemfontein, Johannesburg (Ellis Park), Pretoria, Rustenberg) was increased by one day. It will therefore be played between 14 and 28 June, with the semi-finals now to be played on separate days.. Although the format for the six-match final tournament of this year's FIFA Club World Cup in Japan will be no different from in 2006, the executive agreed to introduce a qualifying play-off between the Oceania champions and the league champions of the host nation, with the victors then lining up alongside the champions of the five other confederations.. The schedule for the bidding procedure for the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ in South America was approved and the Executive Committee will therefore reach its decision on this matter in November 2007.. The executive agreed to allocate the TV rights in Germany for the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ to ARD/ZDF, the pair of public broadcasters who already hold these rights for the 2010 tournament. Furthermore, FIFA's partnership with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) was extended to include the 2014 FIFA World Cup. . With respect to problems facing member associations and the preservation of their autonomy, the Executive Committee ratified the Emergency Committee's decision to lift the suspension on the Kenya Football Federation on a number of defined conditions. Furthermore, the Executive Committee took note of the fact that a model of direct political intervention exists in Spain which, in the opinion of FIFA, could lead to sanctions.. Further decisions: - The affiliation of Montenegro as FIFA's 208th member will be presented to the Congress for decision.. - This year's FIFA Anti-Discrimination Day will take place on 14-15 July 2007 to coincide with the quarter-finals of the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Canada. The 2007 FIFA Fair Play Day will be held in conjunction with the United Nations' International Day of Peace on 21 September, shortly before the quarter-finals of the FIFA Women's World Cup in China.. - Originally scheduled for 28 August to 14 September, the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup 2008 in Chile was, by way of special exception, moved to 30 December 2008 to 17 January 2009 in order to allow for the best possible promotion of women's football.. - The 2008 FIFA Congress will be staged on 28-30 May in Sydney, Australia.. - Canadian club Toronto FC and Bermudan side Bermuda Hogges were given permission to participate in Major League Soccer and the United Soccer League respectively.. - The FIFA administration will continue to deal with the situation regarding Simpaul Travel.Taking over the role of FIFA vice-president for the first time at the meeting was Michel Platini (France), in his capacity as UEFA President. It was also a special occasion for Marios Lefkaritis (Cyprus), who was attending his first ever Executive Committee meeting by assuming the seat previously held by Mr Platini.. Further information from: FIFA Media Department .

Baichung may play at malaysia against Pahang F.C in AFC Cup
19.03.2007

Kolkata Football Giant Mohunbagan A.C will meet Pahang F.C of Malaysia in their away match. The match will be played on 20th March ( Expected 7.00 PM in India Time) at Malaysia. Mohunbagan Chief Coach Cheema Okorie includes Baichung Bhutia with the Team. The other members of the Team is:- Sangram Mukherjee, Shilton Paul,Deepak Mondol,Dipendu Biswas,Sanjeev Maria,Manas Das,Shushil Kumar Singh, Anit Ghosh,Lalkamal Bhowmick,Rahul Kumar,Goutam Debnath,Surojit Bose,Suman Dutta,Mehtaab Hossain, Douglas Da Silva,Lalam Puiea,Dulal Biswas Coach: Cheema Okorie, Manager : Debasish Dutta

 

 

Man United Restaurants & Bar Business ready to expand into India

13.03.2007 The Manchester United Restaurant & Bar concept is ready to start in India.To grow their Business throughout Asia-Pasific India is a stratigic Country . Manchester United Food and Beverage Asia-Pacific CEO John Lim told that they are observing that, interest in soccer is growing and they believe the country has to mature into watching other sports like soccer, Tennis and Golf. The Manchester United Restaurant & Bar CEO said also that thay are new in this businesses and want to have a footprint in the entire Asia-Pacific. So They are working in all countries, practically simultaneously. They already have a 10,000 sq feet restaurant and bar in D'Jakarta and a 3000 sq feet bar in Bandung of Indonesia and are currently negotiating with possible franchisees in Korea, India and Japan. India would contribute 30% of the total revenues of Asia - Pasific They hope. Anu Handa, India representative for Manchester United F&B told that they are looking for 3000 sq feet area in India and if they get it they will strat the business within three months .

 

 

Zinedine Zidane is absent in the line up of European XI against
Manchester United Tomorrow's Charity Match at Old Trafford

13.03.2007 The European all-star team that will play Manchester United on Tuesday a charity match at old Trafford. Manchester United: Van der Sar, Kuszczak, Gary Neville, O'Shea, Brown, Rio Ferdinand, Vidic, Heinze, Cristiano Ronaldo, Park - si - Jung, Paul Scholes, Michael Carrick, Ryan Giggs, Richardson, Wayne Rooney, Smith, Shawcross, Kieran Lee, David Gray, Michael Barnes, Fangzhou Dong, Tom Heaton. Europe XI Roster: Goalkeepers: Oliver Kahn (Bayern Munich), Gregory Coupet (Lyon), Iker Casillas (Real Madrid) Defenders: Paolo Maldini (AC Milan), Jamie Carragher (Liverpool), Eric Abidal (Olympique Lyon), Lilian Thuram (FC Barcelona), Carles Puyol (FC Barcelona), Marco Materazzi (Inter Milan), Fabio Grosso (Inter Milan), Gianluca Zambrotta (FC Barcelona) Midfielders: Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Juninho (Lyon), Florent Malouda (Lyon), Luis Miguel (Valencia), Gennaro Gattuso (AC Milan), Andrea Pirlo (AC Milan) Forwards: Ronaldinho (FC Barcelona), Ronaldo (AC Milan), Alessandro Mancini (AS Roma), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Inter Milan), Henrik Larsson (Helsingborgs) Coach:Marco Lippi(Italy)

 

 

Barca Coach Rijkaard praises Messi for his performance

12.03.2007 Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard praised Lionel Messi after the Argentinian youngster's brilliant hat-trick denied Real Madrid a memorable victory at the Nou Camp on Saturday night.Madrid took the lead three times in the match, but on each occasion Barcelona replied with a goal from Messi - including an equaliser right at the death that earned the hosts a 3-3 draw. Having played the entire second half with only 10 men ( Oleguer Presas Red Card)just before the break, Barca can be thankful to have escaped with a point, and, according to Rijkaard, the man mainly responsible for that was Messi.Losing at home to their arch-rivals would have capped a miserable week for Barca, who last weekend lost top spot in La Liga after being beaten by Sevilla, before then being knocked out of the Champions League by Liverpool. Barcelona president Joan Laporta believes the fighting sprit shown by the team against Madrid proves they still have every chance of retaining their Primera Liga title this season. "Barca are a firm candidate to win the title following the reaction we have seen from the team to the adverse circumstance in this game," Laporta said on his club's website.In post Match Conference Barca Coach Franc Rijhkaard praising Messi's outstanding performance .He said "he has saved us from defeat. When a player scores three goals it means he has had a very special game," said the coach."Morally, the draw is a good result for the team, because we have all seen that the players have shown great effort and have fought very hard".Watching the game and seeing how despite playing 10 against 11 we have been able to draw, we can read that as a success.""When we do not have the ball we are less organised, which meant our opponents could attack with ease.It is an aspect which we have to analyse and correct so that it is not repeated.For us, it is very important to maintain the distance to the other other teams which are close to us, and this gives is the strength to continue accumulating points. Rijkaard, whose side is now into the top of the League Table

 

 

Roberto Carlos will leave Real Madrid at the end of this season??

09.03.07

After Servicing 11 years (From 1996 - 2007)football career with Spanish Giant Real Madrid, Brazilian Super Star Roberto Carlos has decided to leave the club.The 33 years old Mega Star told to the press that,he is not eager to renew his contract further with the club and feel that this is the real time to leave the club. After three years without winning anything for the club he has taken this decision.He is sure that his time at Real Madrid has ended. The former Brazil international said he had not yet decided where he would continue his career.He may be back to in Brazil .Roberto Carlos joined Real Madrid from Inter Milan in 1996 during Fabio Capello's first spell as coach at the club.Since then three European Cups, three league titles and two FIFA Club World Club Championships during his time at the club.He has made more appearances for Real Madrid than any other foreign-born player and being a defender, he scored 45 goals in the league and 15 in the UEFA Champions League. He quit international soccer after Brazil's 1-0 FIFA World Cup 2006 quarter-final defeat by France . A calf injury during Real's 2-1 defeat at Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday he will be out of action for between three and four weeks.Real signed another Brazilian Marcelo to fill-up Roberto Carlos service in the January and a youth team defender Miguel Torres But he will sign an another team in another country soon.

 

 

Chelsea may face Beckham's LA Galaxy in pre-season Friendly Tour in July 2007

09.03.07

English Premier League Giant Chelsea may play against David Beckham's next new club, Los Angeles Galaxy, in a pre-season tour of the United States in July.. On July 21 a four-team tournament will held there where, the former England captain playing in a LA Galaxy shirt for the first time after his move from Real Madrid. Chelsea will be making their fourth consecutive pre-season tour in the United States for the four-match series. Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho, wishes Beckham's great success in the U.S and said that Beckham's involvemence will be very important for U.S. soccer and for the relationship between U.S. soccer and European soccer. The Four Teams are La Galaxy(USA),Cheasea(England),Tigers(Mexico)amd Suwon Bluewings(S.Korea).The matches will be played on july 14th - 21st.at California,Carson. As a part of its deal Chelsea have agreed a club-to-club relationship with the Galaxy, covering programmes and exchanges on young players, medical issues and coaching and also return in 2009 and 2011 for two-yearly series.

 

 

Brazilian Referee saves his Kits after a robbery in Rio Brazil News, March 9 - Brazilian Referee Marcelo de Lima was robbed at gunpoint with his family as he drove to the Maracana stadium of Rio De Janiro to take charge of the Flamengo v Madureira match for Carioca Championship Ist Round on Wednesday. Lima, who was with his wife and three children, said he was leaving the housing estate where he lives in the Itaborai district near Rio de Janeiro when his car was ambushed by two armed youths. The youths stopped their car by showing arms in the way and got in and forced him to drive to a deserted area before stealing the car. After the situation he puzzled for a few times and reported nearest police station about the incident and not returned to home but straight to the field. They took everything from his family including mobile phone, wallet and the car but he requested gang not to take his kit for the game and they left it Flamengo won 4-1 to win the first stage of the Carioca championship.Lima Awarded a Penalty for Flamengo Local Administration and police is going to take some action to prevent the crime like this because Rio is going to host the Pan American Games in July this year.

Olympic Football Tournament qualifiers results

Match Day 1 of the second round qualifying for the Olympic Football Tournament Beijing 2008 produced no surprises. The twelve matches played in the six groups: Group A - Bahrain beat Pakistan 8-0; Kuwait held hosts Qatar 2-2. Group B - Japan beat Hong Kong 3-0; Syria beat Malaysia 3-1. Group C - Oman beat Indonesia 3-0; Vietnam beat Lebanon 2-0. Group D - Australia held Iran for a scoreless draw; Saudi Arabia beat Jordan 1-0. Group E - Iraq beat India 3-0; North Korea beat host Thailand 1-0. Group F - South Korea beat Yemen 1-0; Uzbekistan beat UAE 2-1. Match Day 2 is on 14 March.

Dieago Maradona will visit Australia as VIP

Dieago Maradona is reportedly to have agreed to make an appearance at the MCG stadium in Melbourne, Australia when Australia host Argentina in a friendly on 6 June this year . It would be his first visit to Australia since he played the 1993 World Cup qualifier in Sydney which resulted in a 1-1 draw. Football Federation Australia has invited him to be a VIP guest for the game. An FFA spokesman said. "Obviously he's been pretty big supporting Argentina teams so we thought we should invite him."We're really hopeful he will attend,"

Chelsea Striker Didier Drogba won African Player of the Year 2006

02.03.07

Chelsea and Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba was on Thursday named African Footballer of the Year, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced it. In 2006, Drogba helped Ivory Coast reach the final of the African Nations Cup and played in the World Cup finals. The award is based on voting by Africa’s 53 national team coaches. He beat Barcelona and Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o, the winner in 2003, 2004, 2005, into second place with his Chelsea teammate, Michael Essien of Ghana, in third place. The 28-year-old Drogba scored both goals in Chelsea's League Cup final win over Arsenal last weekend. He also played in Chelsea's Premiership-winning teams of 2005 and 2006 and scored 2 goals for his team Chelsea against Arsenal to win Carling cup 2007.He scored 28 goals in this season for Chelsea upto Carling Cup. Here are the previous African Footballer of the Year award recipients 1970: Salif Keita (St Etienne, France - Mali) 1971: Ibrahim Sunday (Asante Kotoko - Ghana) 1972: Cherif Souleymane (Hafia - Guinea) 1973: Tshimen Bwanga (TP Mazembe Englebert - Zaire Republic) 1974: Paul Moukila (CARA Brazzaville - DPR Congo) 1975: Ahmed Faras (Mohammedia - Morocco) 1976: Roger Milla (Canon Yaounde - Cameroon) 1977: Tarak Dhiab (Esperance - Tunisia) 1978: Karim Abdoul Razak (Asante Kotoko - Ghana) 1979: Thomas Nkono (Canon Yaounde - Cameroon) 1980: Jean Manga Onguene (Canon Yaounde - Cameroon) 1981: Lakhdar Belloumi (GCR Mascara - Algeria) 1982: Thomas Nkono (Espanyol, Spain - Cameroon) 1983: Mahmoud Al Khatib (Al Ahli - Egypt) 1984: Theophile Abega (Toulouse, France - Cameroon) 1985: Mohamed Timoumi (Royal Armed Forces - Morocco) 1986: Badou Ezaki (Real Mallorca, Spain - Morocco) 1987: Rabah Madjer (FC Porto, Portugal - Algeria) 1988: Kalusha Bwalya (Cercle Bruges, Belgium - Zambia) 1989: George Weah (Monaco, France - Liberia) 1990: Roger Milla (St Denis, Reunion - Cameroon) 1991: Abedi Pele Ayew (Olympique Marseille, France - Ghana) 1992: Abedi Pele Ayew (Olympique Marseille, France - Ghana) 1993: Abedi Pele Ayew (Olympique Lyonnaise, France - Ghana) 1994: George Weah (Paris St Germain, France - Liberia) Emmanuel Amunike (Sporting Lisbon, Portugal - Nigeria) 1995: George Weah (AC Milan, Italy - Liberia) 1996: Nwankwo Kanu (Inter Milan, Italy - Nigeria) 1997: Victor Ikpeba (Monaco, France - Nigeria) 1998: Mustapha Hadji (Deportivo Coruna, Spain - Morocco) 1999: Nwankwo Kanu (Arsenal, England - Nigeria) 2000: Patrick Mboma (Parma, Italy - Cameroon) 2001: El Hadji Diouf (Rennes, France - Senegal) 2002: El Hadji Diouf (Liverpool, England - Senegal) 2003: Samuel Eto’o (Real Mallorca, Spain - Cameroon) 2004: Samuel Eto’o (F.C Barcelona, Spain - Cameroon) 2005: Samuel Eto’o (F.C Barcelona, Spain - Cameroon)

Fox Soccer Channel Club Rankings Feb 2007

Fox Soccer Channel Club Rankings - First 34 Clubs of the World

1= Manchester United (ENGLAND) 2= Internazionale (ITALY) 3= FC Barcelona (SPAIN) 3= Chelsea FC (ENGLAND) 5= FC Schalke 04 (GERMANY) 6= FC Sevilla (ESP) 7= Olympique Lyon (FRANCE) 8= CF Valencia (SPAIN) 9= Arsenal FC (ENGLAND) 10= Liverpool FC (ENGLAND) 11= PSV Eindhoven (HOLLLAND) 12= AS Roma (ITALY) 13= FC Porto (PORTUGAL) 14= Werder Bremen (GERMANY) 15= Real Madrid (SPAIN) 16= VfB Stuttgart (GERMANY) 17= Celtic Glasgow (SCOTLAND) 17= RC Lens (FRANCE) 19= Ajax Amsterdam (HOLLAND) 20= Internacional (BRAZIL) 21= CSKA Moscow (RUSSSIA) 22= Bayern Munich (GERMANY) 23= AC Milan (ITALY) 24= Boca Juniors (ARGENTINA) 24= Sao Paulo (BRAZIL) 25= SS Lazio (ITALY) 26= OSC Lille (FRANCE) 27= Bolton Wanderers (ENGLAND) 28= Glasgow Rangers (SCOTLAND) 29= Santos (BRAZIL) 30= US Palermo (ITALY) 31= Fenerbahce (TURKEY) 32= Tottenham Hotspur (ENGLAND) 33= Estudiantes (ARGENTINA) 34= Olympiakos (GREECE)

Bengal- Bangladesh U-19 Exhibition Soccer-Kolkata

Bengal
Against
Bangladesh

Bengal U - 19 Men Football Team Beat visiting Bangladesh U - 19 Team By 2 - 1 Series